Ready to start exploring? Here’s where to go in 2025. – The Boston Globe

That’s a wordy preamble to a few suggestions of where to go in 2025. In putting this list together, I tried to collect destinations that aren’t obvious or prone to over-tourism. I’m already bracing myself for the “These are doltish suggestions” or “You’ve got the intellect of an addlepated raccoon” emails, so bring on your worst! I’ve heard it all before. But if you’re looking for something different and have an open mind, read away.

Saint Andrews, Canada

Although it’s bordered by two tourist favorites, Maine and Quebec, New Brunswick tends to be forgotten by New England holidaymakers. Sure, you may say, “I’ve been to St. John,” but have you explored the rest of the province? If not, let’s start with Saint Andrews, a seaside hamlet with all the charm of “Murder She Wrote” setting Cabot Cove — minus the high homicide rate. Its main drag, Water Street, has galleries, restaurants, independent shops, plus the requisite microbrewery. A short drive away is Kingsbrae Garden, a 27-acre horticulture escape loaded with clever outdoor sculpture, plus Minister’s Island, which is only reachable during low tide (check the tides charts carefully before driving over the sand). Best of all, Canada remains a bargain for U.S. tourists.

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

There are more than 1,200 UNESCO World Heritage sites worldwide, including favorites such as the Taj Mahal, the Acropolis, and the city of Venice. Still, for every destination elbow-to-elbow with tourists, many — just as beautiful and historically significant — see a fraction of the crowds. It’s these lesser-known places you should put on your to-see list unless, of course, you enjoy the sardine tin experience of over-touristed hotspots. Bukhara, located on the ancient Silk Road, has 140 (!) important architectural sites and monuments in the city center, including numerous beautifully preserved mosques and madrasas. Take a week and explore the country’s other cities, eat more varieties of rice pilaf than you ever thought possible, or head to the Ustyurt Plateau and the Aral Sea coast for world-class stargazing.

Atlanta, Georgia

With the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, it’s an ideal time to head to Georgia and explore the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s legacy. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum features a groovy reproduction of Carter’s 1970s Oval Office, displays of the state gifts Jimmy and Roslyn Carter received from world leaders, and manicured gardens on 35 acres. There’s more Carter history to be found outside of Atlanta. In Carter’s hometown of Plains, there are ranger-led tours of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, including his boyhood home, a high school converted to a visitor center, and a train depot that now serves as a center for exploring Carter’s political career. When you’re done with presidential history, the rest of Atlanta is ready to be explored.

Wolfeboro, N.H.

For a town of under 7,000 residents, Wolfeboro has a disproportionately high number of attractions (and celebrity visitors). That’s partially due to Lake Winnipesaukee, the town beaches, and the Abenaki Ski Area, the oldest community-run ski center in the country. But beyond the outdoor beauty of it all, Wolfeboro also has the New Hampshire Boat Museum, which offers rides on two stunning 28-foot mahogany replicas of 1928 Hacker-Crafts speed boats. There’s the Wright Museum of WWII, the offbeat (and slightly kooky) Libby Museum of Natural History, plus some of the finest ice cream in New Hampshire at Bailey’s Bubble. The town also offers an unexpected splash of luxury. In 2021, readers of Travel + Leisure named Wolfeboro’s Pickering House Inn the top resort hotel in New England and the No. 3 resort hotel in the contiguous United States.

Perth, Australia

You won’t see Perth pop up on many “Where to go…” lists because it remains off-the-radar to many who visit Australia (also to many Australians). But the beauty of going out of your way to the West Coast city on the Indian Ocean is a burgeoning culinary scene, fantastic nightlife, and a string of beaches to satisfy nearly any taste. A short ride away is the Swan River Valley, where you can find some of Australia’s finest vineyards. Two hours outside of Perth is the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. This other-worldly landscape looks like a planet found in a “Star Wars” film.

Nevis

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. In a year or two, the tiny Caribbean island of Nevis (part of a dual island nation with St. Kitts) will be having a moment, and you’ll look back and say, “I wish I had gone to Nevis in 2025 before tourism skyrocketed.” The island’s airport is in the process of an expansion project that will allow large commercial aircraft to land there (currently, its single runway is too short for large planes). Once direct flights to Nevis from the U.S. begin, Nevis’s quiet beaches and livestock-lined paths will become a thing of the past. If you go now, the only inconvenience is a six-minute water taxi ride from bustling St. Kitts. Historians may know Nevis best as the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, and you can find Hamilton-related history. Still, the point of spending time in Nevis is unwinding on Pinneys Beach and enjoying an island that has yet to install streetlights.

Elba, Italy

It may be Italy’s third-largest island, but Elba is often passed over by tourists eager to see more familiar sites. It’s a shame because Elba has alluring beaches, great hiking and bike trails, and fantastic cuisine. You’ll need at least three days (preferably more) to take in all the island offers. Start with the thermal baths of San Giovanni, head to the perfect beach at Biodola, and see the elaborate villa where Napoleon was exiled in 1814. It may have been punishment for Napoleon, but the rest of us should be so lucky.

Morelia, Mexico

Those who fret over trivialities such as government travel warnings may want to forgo Morelia. The state of Michoacan, where Morelia is located, has a do-not-travel advisory in place. However, if you’re an adventurous traveler, Morelia has grand baroque buildings constructed from local pink limestone, a city historic center that’s a gorgeous blend of Spanish colonial architecture, churches, and plazas. It’s an underappreciated gem where you’ll encounter modern boutique hotels, great shopping, and millions of monarch butterflies. Situated 200 miles west of Mexico City, Morelia is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico – and unknown to many of Mexico’s international visitors. Here’s hoping travel warnings subside for this beautiful part of the country, which deserves to be enjoyed by more than the locals and the butterflies.

Madrid, Spain

I know what you’re thinking. “Why is he telling me to go to Spain when residents are protesting in the streets and telling tourists to go home?” It’s slightly more complicated than that. Spaniards are protesting against rising rental costs. They’re angry with platforms such as Airbnb for dominating the short-term rental market and the Spanish government for not addressing housing costs. If you’re concerned about being a good tourist, book a hotel rather than an Airbnb. Thankfully, Madrid has no shortage of cool hotels (such as the gorgeous Thompson Madrid or Hotel Único Madrid). JetBlue is beginning nonstop flights to Madrid in April, which will be a pleasant alternative to Iberia Airlines (sorry, Iberia). Madrid may not have an abundance of Antoni Gaudí architecture, but it does have top-notch museums and a stunning royal palace.

Christopher Muther can be reached at christopher.muther@globe.com. Follow him @Chris_Muther and Instagram @chris_muther.