These 10 Countries Offer the Best Tourist Experiences

The Hidden Gems That Are About to Steal Your Heart

Picture this: you're standing in a place so breathtaking that you can't believe your eyes, but the crowd around you is thin, the prices are reasonable, and locals greet you with genuine smiles instead of tourist fatigue. That's what 2025 travel is all about – finding those incredible experiences that haven't been overrun by influencers yet.

While everyone else is fighting for the same Instagram shot in Santorini, smart travelers are discovering places that offer even more magic with half the hassle. These ten countries are quietly becoming the most sought-after destinations, and honestly, they might just ruin you for everywhere else.

Japan: Where Ancient Meets Ultra-Modern

Japan is poised for a surge in tourism in 2025 following its continued focus on modernizing travel infrastructure and promoting lesser-known regions. In 2023, the country welcomed over 20 million tourists, a number expected to grow as Japan eases visa requirements and promotes rural tourism.

But here's the thing – Japan isn't just about Tokyo's neon lights anymore. According to recent tourism reports, travelers continue to flock to iconic destinations such as Tokyo, known for its neon-lit streets, luxury shopping, and futuristic technology; Kyoto, with its 1,600 historic temples, preserved geisha districts, and scenic bamboo forests; and Hokkaido, a paradise for skiers, nature lovers, and food enthusiasts.

The real secret? Head to the countryside where hot springs bubble in remote valleys and you can stay in traditional ryokans where dinner is a fifteen-course masterpiece.

Osaka, Japan, is named No. 1 Trending Destination in the World for 2025, based on year-on-year growth of reviews. Known as 'the nation's kitchen', Osaka has a thriving food scene, as well as great shopping and nightlife.

It is also the perfect base for exploring the Kansai region, which is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Iceland: Nature's Greatest Show on Earth

Topping the Global Peace Index year after year, Iceland is a traveler's utopia. It's not just the jaw-dropping waterfalls and otherworldly landscapes that win hearts—it's the warm welcome, virtually non-existent crime rate, and deep sense of community that make travelers feel instantly at ease.

Imagine soaking in geothermal pools while snow falls around you, or watching the Northern Lights dance across a star-studded sky. Iceland ranks first on the GPI and holds a Level 1 advisory, making it the safest destination for travelers worldwide.

Known for its dramatic landscapes, low crime rates, and high social trust, Iceland offers a peaceful and enriching travel experience. The best part?

You can drive around the entire island in a week, hitting black sand beaches, glacier lagoons, and volcanic craters that look like they're from another planet. Pro tip: visit in shoulder season for better prices and smaller crowds.

Italy: Beyond the Tourist Trail

Though Italy is perennially popular, Pope Francis has proclaimed 2025 to be a Jubilee Year and the city of Rome will be unusually busy. If you want to join in the celebrations, make plans as soon as possible.

If you'd rather avoid the crowds, we suggest a trip that includes Verona. But Italy's magic goes way beyond Rome and Florence.

Italy's Sardinia is another Mediterranean jewel experiencing renewed interest. Known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and rugged interior mountains, Sardinia offers a variety of experiences from tranquil seaside resorts to vibrant local festivals.

Picture yourself in a Tuscan hill town where the biggest decision is whether to have your aperitivo overlooking vineyards or ancient olive groves. There are also the Treni Turistici Italiani (TTI) trains — often vintage — that have been reupholstered and redesigned to cater for a luxurious visitor experience.

New routes for 2025 include a cross-border summer service from Milan to Saint-Raphaël on France's Côte d'Azur, and a seasonal night train from Rome to Lecce in the sizzling southern Puglia region. The food alone will make you want to move there permanently.

Norway: Fjords, Aurora, and Pure Magic

Norway ranks 28th on the GPI and holds a Level 1 advisory, reflecting its peaceful environment and commitment to safety. Famous for its dramatic fjords, Northern Lights, and outdoor adventures, Norway is a dream destination for nature enthusiasts.

This is where Mother Nature decided to show off – carving impossible fjords between towering mountains and painting the winter sky with ribbons of green light. Whether trekking in the Lofoten Islands, cruising through fjords, or enjoying Oslo's cultural landmarks, the country offers a unique blend of tranquility and excitement.

Norway's strong focus on wilderness safety and friendly locals enhances its appeal as a top destination. Yes, it's expensive, but when you're standing on a cliff watching waterfalls cascade into emerald waters while breathing the cleanest air on Earth, you'll understand why Norwegians consistently rank among the world's happiest people.

For the best chances of dark skies and northern lights spotting, visit Scandinavia and especially its northern reaches between October and March.

Switzerland: Precision Meets Paradise

A survey conducted by the Swiss Tourism Board found that 85% of visitors cited the country's natural beauty as the primary reason for their trip. Valais, a region known for its stunning mountain scenery and world-class skiing, stands out as a prime destination.

Switzerland isn't just about luxury watches and expensive chocolate – though both are pretty amazing. For those who crave nature without sacrificing comfort, Switzerland delivers.

It's not just the breathtaking Alps and pristine lakes—it's the predictability and precision that travelers love. Transportation runs like clockwork.

Streets are spotless. Public services are top-notch.

And perhaps most importantly, Switzerland ranks among the lowest in global crime statistics, making it an ideal base for worry-free exploration in the heart of Europe. The town of Zermatt, set against the backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn, is a must-visit for skiers, mountaineers, and photographers.

Visitors can also take the Gornergrat Railway, one of the highest mountain railways in Europe, to enjoy panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. Every train runs on time, every view is postcard-perfect, and every bite of fondue is absolute perfection.

Morocco: Where Cultures Collide Beautifully

We've noticed more and more travelers wanting to fully wrap themselves in local culture, and Morocco's High Atlas Mountains are among our favorite places to do so. Amazigh people have lived here for millennia, so we'll connect you with a family who'll welcome you into their home, guide you through their favorite recipes, and share stories over mint tea.

For another perspective on traditional life in Morocco, you could visit a nomadic community during a stay in the Erg Chebbi desert. Morocco hits you with all your senses at once – the smell of tagines cooking in clay pots, the sound of calls to prayer echoing off ancient walls, the sight of endless sand dunes shifting colors with the sun.

Morocco is one of the best places to travel in 2025 and on the Best of Morocco you can carve a lap from the seaside at Essaouira to the dunes of the desert at Erfoud. Witness a spectacular sunset while surrounded by a sea of sand and save it to your bank of special memories.

From getting lost in Marrakech's souks to sleeping under desert stars, Morocco offers adventures that'll give you stories to tell for years. Just remember to bargain with a smile – it's all part of the experience.

Peru: Ancient Mysteries and Modern Marvels

The mysterious stone-topped terraces of Machu Picchu, framed by the towering peak of Huayna Picchu in the distance, is a view many visitors to Peru aspire to see. To protect this sacred city, there are limited tickets available per day — and there are even fewer private guides who'll help steer you away from the crowds, so early planning is a must.

Peru isn't just about Machu Picchu, though that ancient wonder is absolutely worth the hype. You have all of 2025 ahead of you, so why not pencil in a trip to Peru?

While here don't skip the capital Lima, which is growing in reputation for its world-class food scene. Travelers now crave slower, immersive stays—like a week learning to weave in Peru or cooking with grandmothers in an Umbrian village.

Baboo supports this with community-based tourism options that deepen impact and satisfaction. From the colorful colonial streets of Cusco to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, Peru offers a journey through time that'll leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about ancient civilizations.

France: Rediscovering the Art of Living

The most popular tourist destination in the world for more than 30 years, France offers a myriad of attractions: the Eiffel tower, countless world-class restaurants, the Musée du Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Notre-Dame cathedral, the beaches of the Côte d'Azur, and of course, Disneyland Paris. Moreover, the lushly beautiful countryside is full of storybook villages, mountains, vineyards, and the occasional castle.

One can even view prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux. Paris, France's capital, is the most visited city in Europe, receiving 38 million tourists in 2019.

But here's the secret: skip Paris in summer and head to Provence instead. Hosts of the Rugby World Cup and the Olympics, France has been showcased on the world stage.

Picture yourself cycling through lavender fields, sipping wine in medieval villages, and shopping at markets where the cheese selection alone could make you weep with joy. France knows how to live well, and spending time there teaches you the same.

The trains are fast, the food is incredible, and every region has its own personality waiting to be discovered.

New Zealand: Adventure Capital of the World

Adventurous at heart, yet reassuring in its safety, New Zealand is a haven for thrill-seekers who don't want to gamble with their wellbeing. Known for its friendliness, laid-back vibe, and strong environmental values, this island nation is perfect for those seeking epic landscapes without the anxiety.

Whether you're bungee jumping in Queenstown or wine tasting in Marlborough, New Zealand's secure environment enhances every experience. For 2026, our New Zealand specialists are well prepared to help you respectfully integrate Indigenous culture into your travels.

You might take a boat trip to Lake Taupo's intricate rock carvings, visit history-rich Kāpiti Island to look for kiwis in its Māori-protected nature reserve, or go behind the scenes at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum with a Māori guide. From geothermal wonders to glacial fjords, both islands pack more natural beauty per square mile than seems physically possible.

The best part? Kiwis are genuinely some of the friendliest people on Earth, and they'll share their secret spots if you ask nicely.

South Africa: Where Every Day Is an Adventure

What sets South Africa apart from many other countries in the region is its versatility, from city sights and coastal drives to wine tasting and whale spotting. Your trip here doesn't have to revolve around safari, if you don't want it to.

In the Cape region, you can hike up Table Mountain, take a private tour of the Winelands with a local expert, and spy penguins and whales off the coast. Plus, the thundering Victoria Falls are an easy flight away.

For those who have never been to Africa before, South Africa is the perfect choice. There is a wealth of national parks and private reserves across the country, offering perfect accommodation choices for honeymooners, solo travelers, and families alike, with the chance to see the Big Five.

Combine your safari experience with some time in the trendy cities like Cape Town and Durban, both offering sandy beaches and active excursions like hiking, cycling, snorkeling, diving, whale watching, and even shark cage diving. One day you're watching elephants at a watering hole, the next you're sipping world-class wine overlooking vineyards that stretch to the horizon.

South Africa delivers experiences that are impossible to find anywhere else, and the people's warmth and resilience will touch your heart in ways you never expected. So there you have it – ten countries that are quietly revolutionizing what it means to travel well in 2025.

Each offers something different, but they all share one thing: the power to change how you see the world. Which one called to you first?

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