From bubblegum-pink lakes in Australia to a solar-powered safari camp in Botswana, BBC journalists have compiled a list of the top destinations to explore in 2025.
Travel has the power to connect, inspire, and transform. However, the past year has highlighted the challenges of overtourism, which can harm the very places we cherish.
BBC’s list of 25 destinations not only promises exceptional travel experiences but also focuses on supporting local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and protecting the environment.
Among these must-visit locations is Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil environment.
Pakistan, home to one of the world’s largest populations, is a hidden gem for travelers, boasting five of the planet’s 14 peaks towering over 8,000 meters, including K2, the world’s second-highest mountain.
But Gilgit-Baltistan offers much more than breathtaking mountain trails. Dubbed “heaven’s gate,” the region is a haven of lush valleys, pristine lakes, and cascading glacial waterfalls.
Highlights include the fragrant cherry blossoms and apricot orchards of Hunza Valley, the rolling Unesco-listed Deosai plains, and the stunning mirrored lakes reminiscent of a Shangri-La paradise.