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Top 10 places to visit in 2025
By Alina Dizik | December 12, 2024
Alina Dizik
Alina Dizik is a veteran lifestyle journalist, covering travel, real estate, family, work trends and dining. She lives in Chicago and has spent time living in New York, Europe and the Middle East. She spends more than two months each year traveling internationally with her husband and two school-age children and she has visited more than 50 countries. Her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Cut, The Guardian and other top publications.
With new hotels and buzzy restaurants cropping up all over the world, plus plenty of convenient flights, there’s no need to put off a visit to your dream destination, no matter where that may be. Not sure where to go? These top 10 destinations are sure to offer sparks of inspiration, whether you’re planning a local long weekend with friends or exploring farther afield with family in tow.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta makes it easy to stick your toes in the sand and never want to leave. Traveling with multiple generations? Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort offers a stress-free escape. With eight dining options, two oceanfront infinity pools and a kids’ club, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The resort also offers nightly entertainment, yoga and local tequila tastings. When you’re ready to explore, consult the concierge to plan a day of exploring Puerto Vallarta or taking a boat ride to Los Arcos de Mismaloya, a rock formation known for its stellar snorkeling spots.
Bordeaux, France
The southwest corner of France offers a well-rounded vacation that blends history, gastronomy and one of the country’s most exciting art scenes. Make the port city of Bordeaux your home base. While it continues to attract wine aficionados, it has become a serious cultural capital in recent years. Marty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton offers rooms with plenty of design cred, along with an ideal city location. Admire 18th century architecture along the Place de la Bourse or take a deep dive into the world of wine at the La Cité du Vin, an interactive museum with panoramic views from its rooftop terrace. For lunch, checkout the bustling markets with regional produce, and don’t skip the local custardy canelé for dessert!
Faroe Islands, Denmark
If your wanderlust is calling you to the edge of the world, the Faroe Islands should top your list. The unspoiled remote archipelago includes cliffside views, basalt rock formations and the mystical Sørvágsvatn, a lake that appears to hover above the ocean thanks to a natural optical illusion. Stay at Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands, located in the cultural hub of Torshavn and just five minutes from Svartafoss Waterfall, Nordic House, and the National Museum of the Faroe Islands. Located near the city center, it’s a modern yet cozy hub for an outdoor adventure. Be sure to save time for some serious birdwatching. More than 300 bird species, including puffins, grace the archipelago throughout the year with millions coming to breed in the summer months.
Cairo
Set along the Nile River, Cairo is the gateway to the iconic Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza, making it the ultimate bucket list destination. Stay at Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis, a lavish hotel perfectly located for visits to nearby landmarks with the help of a personal concierge. Spend a day examining treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb at the Egyptian Museum, haggle at the Khan el-Khalili bazaar then cool off by the hotel pool, with its chic, garden-like setting. The perfect day ends at the hotel with dinner at the Mediterranean-inspired Brasserie Ayda and a nightcap at Bar Raa, the chic onsite jazz bar. For a bit of romance, ask your concierge to book a private sunset Nile River cruise on a traditional sailboat known as a felucca.
Rome
Whether it’s a romantic weekend or a getaway with friends, Rome’s bustling streets captivate at every turn. Toss coins into the Trevi Fountain, visit the Spanish Steps and tour the Colosseum. Or go underground to tour the catacombs for a different vantage point of the ancient city. Make the trendy Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton your home away from home in the Eternal City. The former bank turned boutique hotel features a rooftop pool, a spa and a hammam, offering the ultimate retreat after days spent exploring by foot. Food is key to any Italian getaway so be sure to try the city’s thin, crispy pizza, which is best enjoyed as the Romans do: al fresco. Luckily, Aleph Rome Hotel is also home to multiple restaurants and lounges, so you won’t have to go far for a memorable meal.
Osaka, Japan
Japan’s culinary gem may not have the fame of Kyoto or Tokyo, but vibrant food-loving Osaka keeps drawing return visits from seasoned travelers. Located in the country’s western Kansai region, the city is a bustling metropolis, just a 2.5-hour train ride from Tokyo. Visitors love exploring the Dotombori District and the perfectly manicured Osaka Castle Park, but the food scene is the main draw. Save room to taste okonomiyaki, savory Japanese pancakes, or takoyaki, fried octopus balls. For landmark views and tasty bites, book a room at DoubleTree by Hilton Osaka Castle. Beyond its central location, the hotel offers prime views of Osaka Castle from its Restaurant SEN and Lounge and Bar SEN. Eager to see the cherry blossoms? Consider traveling in late March or early April to witness the city in bloom.
Los Angeles
Palm-fringed boulevards set the scene in the City of Angels, which never fails to impress. With plenty of buzz-worthy cultural attractions to choose from, consider a visit to The Getty Center. The complex includes a museum and manicured outdoor areas, making it easy to spend the day. For a photo op with the iconic Hollywood sign, head to the Griffith Observatory, which also offers breathtaking views of the city and nearby hiking trails. Kids in tow? Spend an afternoon exploring Santa Monica Pier with its Ferris wheel and sandy beach. Afterward, retreat to Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills for a truly A-list experience. With a rooftop pool and multiple fine dining restaurants, the hotel is sure to impress even the most discerning traveler. The on-site La Prairie Spa is worth a visit, too, for its indulgent facials and full-body treatments.
Edmonton, Canada
The capital of Alberta has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to leave Edmonton wanting more thanks to the city’s wealth of outdoorsy activities. Visitors can go bird-watching at Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park or explore the many trails of the River Valley. Elk Island National Park, a natural retreat with wild bison, is also less than an hour’s drive away. Meanwhile, art lovers will enjoy the Art Gallery of Alberta, a modern building known for its steel ribbon-like facade. For a stellar stay – and a hearty, free hot breakfast – unwind at Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Edmonton St. Albert. Enjoy the spacious modern rooms, on-site steakhouse and the saltwater pool after a day of exploring the area.
Pittsburgh
Without shedding its industrial image, the Steel City has managed to reinvent itself in many ways. Delve into the legacy of pop art icon Andy Warhol at a historical warehouse turned art museum dedicated to his work or explore the city’s most iconic art exhibits at the avant-garde Mattress Factory. Enjoy some fresh air and incredible city views by riding the Duquesne Incline, an impressive funicular up that takes you up Mount Washington. For accommodations, check out the buzzy Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton. The downtown location in the city’s Golden Triangle makes it the perfect homebase for exploring the sights, but the property itself is equally alluring with its EP Lounge, perfect for a nightcap or light bites, and the globally inspired Christian James restaurant.
Charleston, Souh Carolina
With some of the country’s most historic architecture and cobblestone streets, Charleston exudes plenty of southern charm for a weekend of exploring. Take a horse-drawn carriage tour around town, stroll by the pastel-hued homes along Rainbow Row or rent a bike to explore the barrier islands and their sandy beaches. Make Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown your home away from home. With spacious rooms, complimentary parking, a full-service restaurant and an outdoor pool, it’s a convenient hub for exploring must-see sights, including the nearby Charleston City Market, a four-block long complex that was first established in the 1790s. Don’t leave without trying some Low Country culinary favorites like hush puppies, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and the local she-crab soup.
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