Jane
As 2025 unfolds, the world beckons with extraordinary journeys—whether you’re craving Arctic solitude, cultural immersion, or adrenaline-fueled escapades. From witnessing Greenland’s untouched beauty to celebrating Holi in a riot of color, this year’s travel highlights promise unforgettable moments.
With new experiences on the rise, including eco-conscious cruises, historic museum reopenings, and epic train rides through stunning landscapes, there’s never been a better time to explore. Whether you’re setting off on a remote expedition or rediscovering a classic destination with fresh eyes, these 15 must-do activities worldwide will make 2025 a year to remember.
15 Must-Do Activities Worldwide
1. Take a Micro-Cruise Through the Arctic
Secret Atlas, a micro-cruising specialist, offers exclusive small-group expeditions through the Arctic, designed for an intimate and eco-conscious experience. One itinerary takes travelers deep into the unspoiled northern reaches of Svalbard, offering breathtaking wildlife encounters and remote landscapes.
Another voyage sails through the iceberg-strewn waters of Northeast Greenland, featuring a rare visit to one of the most isolated towns on the planet. With only 12 passengers per trip, these journeys provide a unique opportunity to explore the Arctic with minimal environmental impact. Prices for these once-in-a-lifetime adventures start at £15,500 (approximately AUD 30,500) for a two-week expedition.
2. Explore the Cross-Border Towns of Gorizia, Italy, and Nova Gorica, Slovenia
Designated as the European Capital of Culture for 2025, the neighboring towns of Gorizia, Italy, and Nova Gorica, Slovenia, will come alive with over 400 cultural events throughout the year. Highlights include a breathtaking piano performance on a 200-meter-high bridge, blending music with stunning panoramic views.
Food lovers can indulge in Tastes Without Borders, a festival showcasing regional culinary traditions and fine wines from both sides of the border. This year-long celebration offers a unique opportunity to experience these interconnected towns’ rich artistic and gastronomic heritage.
3. Experience Wildlife Encounters at Singapore’s Rainforest Wild Asia
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is set to unveil Rainforest Wild Asia, its fifth zoological park, designed to highlight the region’s rich tropical biodiversity. Featuring 10 distinct zones, the park will showcase 29 different animal species in carefully crafted habitats that mimic their natural environments.
Visitors can explore lush landscapes, observe rare and endangered wildlife up close, and learn about conservation efforts to protect Asia’s rainforests. This immersive experience is a must-visit attraction for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
4. Travel Through Vietnam on a Vintage Steam Train
Two exquisitely restored vintage trains from the 1960s will soon transport passengers between Da Nang and Hue, reviving a classic mode of travel through Vietnam’s central region. This scenic railway journey links the vibrant coastal city of Da Nang with the historic former royal capital, offering breathtaking views of lush mountains, winding rivers, and pristine beaches.
With their old-world charm and modern comforts, the carefully preserved carriages provide a nostalgic yet luxurious experience, making the trip as memorable as the destination.
5. Explore the Legacy of Paul Cézanne at Musée Granet
Aix-en-Provence is celebrating the legacy of Paul Cézanne, one of the most influential post-impressionist painters, with a dedicated exhibition showcasing nearly 100 of his masterpieces. This immersive tribute goes beyond the gallery walls, allowing visitors to explore Cézanne’s childhood home, his former estate, and the studio where he brought many iconic works to life. Through this comprehensive experience, art lovers can better understand the painter’s techniques, inspirations, and enduring impact on modern art.
6. Visit Harlem’s Long-Awaited Studio Museum in New York
Following a seven-year renovation, the Studio Museum in Harlem reopens this autumn, unveiling a transformed space that honors its legacy while embracing the future. Since its founding in 1968, the museum has been a cornerstone for Black artists, boasting nearly 9,000 works.
Designed by architect David Adjaye, the revitalized building features expanded galleries and enhanced programming, reaffirming its role as a hub for artistic innovation and cultural dialogue. With new exhibitions, artist residencies, and community initiatives, the museum continues to shape the narrative of Black art and creativity.
7. Take Advantage of Greenland’s New International Airport
Greenland’s long-anticipated international airport is set to open, significantly improving accessibility to this remote Arctic wonderland. With enhanced flight connections, travelers can experience the island’s breathtaking natural beauty more efficiently, from witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights to exploring vast glaciers and dramatic fjords. This development marks a significant milestone in making Greenland’s untouched landscapes and rich Inuit culture more reachable for adventurers worldwide.
8. Discover the World’s First Museum Dedicated to Migration Through Art
Opening on May 16 in Katendrecht, Rotterdam, the Fenix Museum will be the first to explore migration through art. Through compelling exhibitions, it will highlight personal stories, historical journeys, and the cultural transformations migration shapes. Visitors can expect an immersive experience that sheds light on the movement of people across borders and the lasting impact on societies worldwide.
9. Hike, Bike, or Paddle Along the Murray River in Australia
A new multisport adventure trail along Australia’s iconic Murray River will provide an exciting way to engage with the region’s stunning landscapes. Designed for cyclists, hikers, and paddlers, the trail offers a dynamic exploration of the river’s diverse terrain. Whether navigating winding waterways, trekking through scenic bushland, or cycling along riverbanks, visitors can immerse themselves in the area’s rich natural beauty while enjoying an active outdoor experience.
10. Participate in Rome’s Once-in-a-Generation Spiritual Jubilee
Rome will mark its spiritual Jubilee in 2025, a sacred Catholic celebration held once every 25 years that draws pilgrims and visitors from around the world. A key highlight of the event is the historic Seven Churches Pilgrimage, a 25-kilometer route that winds through the Eternal City’s most revered basilicas and into the surrounding countryside. This centuries-old tradition offers a profound spiritual experience, allowing participants to reflect on faith while exploring Rome’s rich religious and architectural heritage.
11. Witness Wildlife in Costa Rica
Rainforest adventures and eco-tourism offer an unforgettable way to connect with nature while supporting conservation. From trekking through the Amazon’s dense canopies to spotting orangutans in Borneo or gliding along Costa Rica’s bioluminescent rivers, these experiences immerse travelers in the world’s most diverse ecosystems.
Sustainable lodges and guided tours ensure minimal environmental impact while benefiting local communities. Activities like canopy walks, night safaris, and river expeditions provide thrilling yet educational encounters with nature. Whether you’re an adventurer, wildlife enthusiast, or eco-conscious traveler, rainforest eco-tourism offers a transformative journey into Earth’s most precious landscapes.
12. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia, Turkey
A breathtaking adventure over otherworldly rock formations reveals nature’s geological artistry. Whether soaring over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys at sunrise or trekking through Bryce Canyon’s towering hoodoos, these landscapes captivate with their surreal beauty. Rugged cliffs, winding canyons, and sculpted pillars create a mesmerizing backdrop for exploration.
Beyond the stunning views, guided tours offer insight into these formations’ history and cultural significance, from ancient cave dwellings to sacred Navajo lands. Whether hiking, climbing, or simply marveling at the scenery, these adventures connect profoundly to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
13. Dive in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Explore one of the world’s most iconic marine ecosystems, where vibrant coral reefs, clear waters, and diverse marine life create a stunning underwater paradise. Whether snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, swimming with manta rays in the Maldives, or diving into the Galápagos, these marine sanctuaries offer breathtaking encounters with oceanic wonders.
Beyond their beauty, these ecosystems are vital to global biodiversity. Many marine reserves promote conservation through eco-friendly tourism, offering sustainable diving and guided safaris. Encounters with sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish provide unforgettable experiences while highlighting the importance of preserving these fragile environments.
14. Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, UAE
A dynamic cultural hub where history, art, and innovation converge, this destination captivates with stunning architecture and world-class exhibits. Whether housed in a historic landmark or a cutting-edge museum, the venue is a masterpiece, immersing visitors in past and present narratives.
Inside, diverse exhibits celebrate art, history, and science through thought-provoking galleries, interactive installations, and curated collections. Live performances, workshops, and cultural events enrich the experience, offering an engaging way to connect with global traditions and creativity.
15. Celebrate Holi in India
Celebrate the vibrant festival of colors, where joy, tradition, and unity come alive in a dazzling spectacle. Whether it’s Holi in India or a local color fest, bursts of bright powders fill the air as music, dance, and laughter create an electrifying atmosphere.
Beyond its vivid beauty, this celebration symbolizes love, renewal, and togetherness. Toss colors, enjoy festive treats, and embrace the community spirit in an unforgettable experience that blends culture, history, and pure joy.
Travel Highlights of 2025
From breathtaking natural wonders to cultural milestones, 2025 offers incredible opportunities for adventure and discovery. Whether chasing the Northern Lights in the Arctic, exploring France’s artistic revival, or walking Rome’s historic paths, this year is packed with unforgettable experiences. With new attractions, milestone anniversaries, and eco-conscious travel on the rise, it’s the perfect time to explore.
Beyond iconic landmarks, 2025 invites travelers to immerse in local traditions, savor regional cuisines, and uncover hidden gems. This year, from vibrant festivals to remote escapes, promises moments that inspire and connect. Wherever your journey leads, 2025 is a year to embrace the extraordinary.
