Travel experts say THESE are the BEST countries to visit in 2025
Drawing partly from its Travel Check-in report and factoring in opportunities for wellness escapes, city-hopping, and slower-paced, low-intensity adventures, the list offers something for every type of traveller.
Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights, tasting wines in places you didn't expect, or exploring cultural powerhouses, these destinations are set to define this year…
1. Zimbabwe
A safari heavyweight with unbeatable wildlife viewing in parks like Hwange and Mana Pools, Zimbabwe lands at the top of the best countries list and also delivers jaw-dropping sights like Victoria Falls and rich cultural encounters. Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Image: canva
2. Lithuania
This Baltic beauty blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture with a rising food scene and tranquil lakeside escapes.
3. Sri Lanka
Known as the 'teardrop of India,' Sri Lanka's mix of lush tea plantations, golden beaches, and ancient ruins makes it a compact yet unforgettable adventure. Tangalle beach, Sri Lanka. Image: canva
4. South Korea
From the neon buzz of Seoul to serene Buddhist temples and stunning coastlines, South Korea offers a seamless blend of tradition and cutting-edge modernity.
5. Argentina
Vast landscapes, Malbec vineyards, tango-filled nights, and Patagonia's wild terrain, Argentina never stops impressing. Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate, Argentina. Image: canva
6. Morocco
A sensory overload in the best way possible, Morocco mixes medina mazes, mountain hikes, and endless desert horizons.
7. Norway
Think fjords, Arctic light shows, and some of the cleanest air on the planet. Norway is nature's luxury – travel must. Bergen, Norway. Image: canva
8. Moldova
Europe's under-the-radar wine country, Moldova, charms with monastery-dotted hillsides, quiet villages, and a slower pace of life.
9. Hong Kong
Although not a country, Hong Kong takes a spot on the best countries list for its skyscraper-studded skyline, lush hiking trails and one of the world's best street food scenes. Hong Kong, China. Image: canva
10. Denmark
Effortless style, bike-friendly cities, and 'hygge' cosiness, Denmark continues to perfect the art of living well.
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Travel experts say THESE are the BEST countries to visit in 2025
Kayak, one of the world's top travel platforms, has revealed its picks for the best countries to visit in 2025. Drawing partly from its Travel Check-in report and factoring in opportunities for wellness escapes, city-hopping, and slower-paced, low-intensity adventures, the list offers something for every type of traveller. Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights, tasting wines in places you didn't expect, or exploring cultural powerhouses, these destinations are set to define this year… 1. Zimbabwe A safari heavyweight with unbeatable wildlife viewing in parks like Hwange and Mana Pools, Zimbabwe lands at the top of the best countries list and also delivers jaw-dropping sights like Victoria Falls and rich cultural encounters. Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Image: canva 2. Lithuania This Baltic beauty blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture with a rising food scene and tranquil lakeside escapes. 3. Sri Lanka Known as the 'teardrop of India,' Sri Lanka's mix of lush tea plantations, golden beaches, and ancient ruins makes it a compact yet unforgettable adventure. Tangalle beach, Sri Lanka. Image: canva 4. South Korea From the neon buzz of Seoul to serene Buddhist temples and stunning coastlines, South Korea offers a seamless blend of tradition and cutting-edge modernity. 5. Argentina Vast landscapes, Malbec vineyards, tango-filled nights, and Patagonia's wild terrain, Argentina never stops impressing. Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate, Argentina. Image: canva 6. Morocco A sensory overload in the best way possible, Morocco mixes medina mazes, mountain hikes, and endless desert horizons. 7. Norway Think fjords, Arctic light shows, and some of the cleanest air on the planet. Norway is nature's luxury – travel must. Bergen, Norway. Image: canva 8. Moldova Europe's under-the-radar wine country, Moldova, charms with monastery-dotted hillsides, quiet villages, and a slower pace of life. 9. Hong Kong Although not a country, Hong Kong takes a spot on the best countries list for its skyscraper-studded skyline, lush hiking trails and one of the world's best street food scenes. Hong Kong, China. Image: canva 10. Denmark Effortless style, bike-friendly cities, and 'hygge' cosiness, Denmark continues to perfect the art of living well. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
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