Travel holds the remarkable ability to connect us, spark inspiration, and even change our perspectives. Standing at the edge of a thunderous waterfall in Newfoundland or climbing the jagged peaks of the Italian Dolomites reminds us of the awe-inspiring beauty the world has to offer. Yet, while travel can be a powerful force for good, the past year has shown it can also strain and damage the very places we cherish. As a result, many destinations are now enacting new measures to combat the challenges of overtourism.
In the BBC’s first-ever guide to the top travel destinations of the year, we chose to spotlight places experiencing the opposite trend. These 5 locations not only extend a warm welcome to travelers and offer unforgettable experiences, but they also harness tourism to uplift local communities, safeguard the environment, or preserve their distinct cultural traditions. The list was curated with insights from BBC Travel writers and leading voices in sustainable tourism, including the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Sustainable Travel International, the Black Travel Alliance, and the World Travel & Tourism Council.
As tourism in many areas surpasses pre-pandemic levels and the effects of climate change and extreme weather highlight the vulnerability of many iconic sites, responsible travel increasingly means thinking about how your journey can contribute to a greater cause.
Whether you’re hiking across Bolivia’s lunar-like landscapes or enjoying Arctic glamping on Greenland’s vast island, your next unforgettable adventure awaits.
1. Dominica
Have you ever dreamed of swimming alongside sperm whales? Now you can — and in a way that’s both ethical and sustainable. Dominica is leading the charge in marine conservation and regenerative tourism, becoming the first country in the world to establish a dedicated sperm whale reserve. This protected marine sanctuary is designed to safeguard the island’s resident whale population. Strictly limited permits for whale encounters allow for respectful, close-up experiences that also support scientific research and create long-term, sustainable tourism benefits for local communities.
Looking ahead to 2025, Dominica is rolling out new infrastructure to make visiting even smoother. Digital immigration forms will simplify arrival, and a new cable-car system will transport visitors from the lush Roseau Valley to the dramatic Boiling Lake, one of the world’s largest thermal springs. Getting to the island is easier than ever, too — in addition to current American Airlines flights from Miami, United Airlines will begin nonstop service from Newark on 15 February. The island’s accommodation options are expanding as well, with nearly 500 new rooms opening in 2025, including the ultra-luxurious six-star Hilton Tranquility Beach Resort and Spa in Salisbury. Or opt for an established favorite like Secret Bay, a renowned eco-luxury retreat consistently recognized for its sustainability.
2. Naoshima, Japan
Famed for hosting one of Yayoi Kusama’s signature yellow polka-dot Pumpkin sculptures, the island of Naoshima has emerged as a premier destination for lovers of contemporary art and cutting-edge architecture. Once recognized—if at all—for its environmentally harmful copper smelting industry, Naoshima has undergone a remarkable transformation. The credit largely goes to the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, which has brought world-class museums and striking site-specific installations to this serene corner of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, nestled between Honshu and Shikoku and grappling with a shrinking population.
In spring 2025, the island will welcome the Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by the acclaimed architect Tadao Ando, who has already shaped nine other architectural landmarks on Naoshima. This new museum, spotlighting works by Asian artists, will serve as a key attraction during this year’s Setouchi Triennale—Japan’s expansive art festival that spans 17 islands and coastal locations in the Seto Inland Sea. Scheduled across 100 days throughout spring, summer, and autumn, this will be the largest edition of the Triennale since its inception in 2010, offering visitors a seasonal and immersive experience of art and nature.
Be sure to reserve in advance for a visit to the Teshima Art Museum, a stunning fusion of natural landscape, architecture, and minimalist art by Rei Naito and Ryue Nishizawa. Meanwhile, on nearby Inujima, travelers can explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of a former copper refinery, now transformed into a massive, immersive art installation.
2. The Dolomites, Italy
Perennial favorite Italy rarely needs more promotion—especially with Rome bracing for an influx of visitors during the 2025 Jubilee, which is expected to intensify the capital’s already overwhelming crowds. But if a trip to Italy is still on your agenda for 2025, consider heading north to the majestic Dolomite Mountains instead.
To Italians, the Dolomites evoke images of luxury getaways and family vacations. These dramatic limestone peaks stretch across the regions of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, drawing locals year after year with their charming alpine villages, outstanding “white week” skiing, breathtaking hiking trails, and hearty mountain cuisine. Despite their appeal, this stunning region often flies under the radar for international travelers—but that’s likely to change soon.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, often dubbed the “Queen of the Dolomites,” is set to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics, and preparations will be in full swing throughout 2025. The region is undergoing major infrastructure upgrades, including expanded ski lift systems in the Dolomiti Superski area. Popular towns like Alta Badia and Val Gardena will debut modernized lifts and improved links to public transit, while new gondolas, cable cars, and ski lifts will enhance accessibility across the mountains.
While winter draws skiers, the Dolomites are equally captivating in other seasons. In spring, summer, and fall, visitors can explore pristine trails like the recently unveiled Cammino Retico (The Rhaetian Way), a 170km, weeklong trek connecting remote villages across Veneto and Trentino. And for those seeking serenity, the luxurious Aman Rosa Alpina will reopen in 2025, featuring 51 elegant rooms and suites, two presidential suites, and the exclusive Chalet Zeno.
Visit soon—before the Olympic crowds arrive.
– Eva Sandoval
4. Greenland
There is truly no place on Earth like Greenland. Spanning over two million square kilometers, this vast island—the largest in the world—is home to fewer than 57,000 people. Its pristine wilderness, massive ice cap, towering peaks, and breathtaking fjords offer not only strategic global interest but also some of the most unforgettable adventures on the planet.
In summer, Greenland offers awe-inspiring hikes and captivating whale-watching experiences, while winter brings the chance to witness the northern lights and enjoy traditional dog sledding. Long seen as a dream destination, Greenland has remained elusive for many due to its remoteness, high costs, and limited accessibility—until now.
With the launch of a brand-new international airport in the capital, Nuuk, and two more expected by 2026, Greenland is more reachable than ever. The country is inviting thoughtful, adventure-seeking travelers who are eager to explore while honoring its fragile environment and rich Inuit heritage. A national pledge toward “better tourism” and new legislation aim to ensure tourism revenue directly supports local communities.
Nuuk, a contemporary city with a charming historic harbor, insightful museums, and vibrant art galleries, also serves as the starting point for glamping trips, hiking excursions, and fishing adventures. To the north, in Ilulissat, visitors can marvel at the monumental icebergs of Disko Bay and the dramatic, Unesco-listed Icefjord. Down south, where Viking settlers once roamed, rolling green hills, serene fjords, and sheep-dotted farms create a landscape that’s both scenic and storied.
– Adrienne Murray Nielsen
5. Wales
Although Wales is just one-sixth the size of England and often overshadowed by its more renowned UK neighbors, it boasts breathtaking national parks, impressive medieval castles, and a refreshing lack of crowds—qualities that make it all the more appealing. In 2025, travelers have an extra reason to visit as Wales celebrates the Year of Croeso (“Welcome”), a year-long celebration highlighting Welsh culture, language, and attractions. Visitors are invited to “Feel the hwyl”—a uniquely Welsh term that expresses a profound joy experienced in the moment.
In recent years, Wales has emerged as a leader in sustainable and culturally conscious tourism. Travel has played a key role in revitalizing the Welsh language, and the country is currently undertaking a multi-year, £5 billion initiative aimed at making destinations more environmentally friendly through tourism investment. As part of the Year of Croeso, Wales is introducing mobility bikes to make its rugged landscapes more accessible to all. It’s also home to the Wales Coast Path—the only trail in the world that spans the entire coastline of a single country.
—Eliot Stein
