Since the early 1970s, Travel + Leisure (then called Travel & Camera) has been a tastemaker and trendsetter on the travel scene. What started as a magazine grew into one of the most popular travel sites on the internet. And as they often do, the writers and editors have a few thoughts about your 2025 travel plans. Honestly, it's hard to disagree with them.
Travel + Leisure recently dropped their list of the 50 Best Places to Travel in 2025. As one would expect, the list is broken down into several categories so that it is more easily digestible for readers. If you're the type of person focused on cultural travel, there's a section for you. The same is true if you're looking for those calm beach vibes or something more adventurous. Whatever type of traveler you are, there's probably a focused section on the list for you. Within reason, of course.
One of the list's biggest surprises is under the "Big City Thrills" section. The first entry in that part is Detroit, Michigan, a community long associated with financial ruin and issues with crime. But decades of rebuilding have turned Detroit into a much different entity, one deserving of an updated reputation. It's good to see the Motor City appearing on lists like this, though Travel + Leisure isn't the only travel site singing the praises of Motown as a travel destination. The crew at TripSided are fans, too.
Given the number of entries and the varied categories, there are several destinations you would expect to see as well as a number of surprise names and locations. There are entries from around the world to suit almost any taste. Keeping that in mind, there is a lot more to experience on the planet than could be contained in one list. Still, it's a good place to start.