Craving somewhere new? This year’s biggest travel trends are all about the unexpected – from remote escapes to reinvented cities and surreal natural wonders. Check out these four hot trending destinations of 2025. And the best part? You’ll get bragging rights for going before everyone else.

From far-flung frontiers to culture-packed cities, the travel scene this year is all about the unexpected. Whether it’s chasing the Aurora Borealis or tucking into midnight ramen under glowing lanterns, these trending destinations offer something fresh, exciting and just the right side of cool.

GREENLAND

Long considered one of the last true wildernesses, Greenland is suddenly a lot easier to get to – and people are starting to take notice. Nuuk, the capital, now has a brand-new international airport, with two more set to open by 2026, giving this vast, icy land a new kind of accessibility. What hasn’t changed is Greenland itself – and that’s the magic. The world’s largest island still feels totally untouched. Nuuk itself is a small but colourful city that blends tradition with a growing creative scene – expect Inuit art, smart design and restaurants serving up popular musk ox, Arctic char (a common fish) and seaweed broth. But the real attraction lies beyond. From its towering icebergs and glassy fjords to its tundra plains and polar wildlife, Greenland has a front-row seat to some pretty epic landscapes. Whether you’re kayaking past blue glaciers, sailing through ice-choked bays, whale watching during the midnight sun or enjoying some of the best heli-skiing in the world, Greenland has plenty to offer the adventurous traveller. Unlike Iceland, its better-known neighbour, Greenland remains refreshingly crowd-free. It still feels like a place few have really explored – and that’s exactly why it’s trending. So go now, before the rest of the world catches on!

OSAKA, JAPAN

If you’ve been looking for a reason to book that Japan trip, this is it. Expo 2025 kicked off in Osaka this April and runs right through to October, transforming Yumeshima Island into a futuristic wonderland of ideas, tech and international culture. But even without the expo buzz, Osaka’s always been a bit of a vibe with those in the know. It’s gritty, loud and endlessly fun – the kind of place where food is practically a religion and street life never sleeps. Try takoyaki (octopus balls) hot off the grill, okonomiyaki (a savoury pancake) or deep-fried, bite-sized meats and vegetable skewers at local kushikatsu joints. Neighbourhood-wise, Dotonbori is the heart of the action with neon signs, canal views and a sense of organised chaos that somehow works, while Shinsekai’s unique streetscapes and nostalgic atmosphere give off retro-cool, old-world Showa-era charm. Here, the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower is a must-see. Fancy something quieter? The trendy streets around the bohemian neighbourhood of Nakazakicho are made for slow strolls, vintage shopping and a visit to one of the many indie stores and organic cafés. Or head to Osaka Castle Park for a breather and a bento under the trees. Day trips to Kyoto or Nara are easy, but really, many end up ditching the itinerary altogether and staying local – thanks to Osaka’s infectious energy. With Expo 2025 shining a spotlight on its creative and cultural edge, Osaka’s set to be 2025’s must-visit Japanese city. So come for the culture and stay for the midnight noodle runs (restaurants stay open late, some until early morning hours) and the people who’ll make you feel instantly at home.

TROMSØ, NORWAY

It doesn’t get more otherworldly than this! Sitting well above the Arctic Circle (and known as the Arctic Capital), this small but lively city is the place to be this year if the Northern Lights are on your bucket list – and let’s be honest, they probably are. The solar activity is meant to be especially strong through 2025 and the best time to see the lights in Tromsø in July is during the darker hours of the night, despite the midnight sun (although, the most optimal time to see the surreal green-pink light show is September to March). But there’s more to this tiny Arctic city than just chasing the Aurora Borealis. With its snow-covered peaks and icy fjords, Tromsø has a quietly cool vibe that makes it a popular destination. Explore its compact and charming city centre filled with colourful wooden houses, cool little museums and a rich food scene offering sustainably sourced treats like boknafisk (semi-dried cod) and reindeer sirloin. Don’t forget to pop into the stunningly modern Arctic Cathedral or warm up with locally roasted coffee and the famous cinnamon buns. There are plenty of ways to experience the beautiful wilderness too. You can try snowshoe hikes through silent forests, dog sledding, snowmobiling or just bundle up in a traditional Sami tent (called lavvu) with reinsdyr gryte (reindeer stew) by the fire. It’s also worth catching the views from the Fjellheisen cable car or booking a cosy cabin for some fireside stargazing. And if you’re up for a winter dip (followed by a sauna, obviously), locals will tell you it’s the best way to feel properly alive. Despite its remote location, Tromsø feels open and welcoming and is easily accessible via direct flights from Oslo.

VANUATU

If you’re after a proper island escape and looking to switch off completely, Vanuatu should be on your 2025 travel radar. It’s made Lonely Planet’s list of best places to travel in 2025 and once you land, you’ll get why. This beautiful South Pacific island nation is all unspoilt tropical forest, coral reefs and that castaway feeling (in the best way). The vibe here is refreshingly simple: think palm-fringed beaches, jungle-covered volcanoes, traditional villages and snorkelling spots, where you might be the only one in the water. On Efate, Vanuatu’s main island, you can explore blue holes at the popular Blue Lagoon, visit fresh produce markets and take in the laid-back capital, Port Vila. On Tanna, hike up to the edge of Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, and watch it spit lava into the night sky. There’s also a big focus on sustainability – communities still live by traditional customs (referred to by the pidgin word kastom) and eco-tourism is thoughtfully woven into local life in a push to keep development low-impact. Forget crowded beaches or all-inclusive buffets – Vanuatu isn’t about five-star flash, it’s about raw experience and a gentler way of life. Accommodation ranges from simple thatched bungalows to off-grid eco-lodges, where the seafood is fresh and the wi-fi optional. For travellers tired of overdone hotspots, Vanuatu is the kind of place where time slows and your biggest decision is beach or waterfall. ✤