Where To Go In 2025: 15 Ideas For Unforgettable, Responsible Travel

Sustainable, regenerative, conscious, eco, green: These are the adjectives of luxury travel. While parts of the world are doubling down on seven-star hotels and others are seeing locals revolt against poorly managed tourism, there are still places and people who are doing things right.

The New Tourist, a book that encouraged travelers to think about their impact, recently became the talk of the luxury travel world. Visionary hoteliers have recommitted to leaving the places where they set up shop better than they were before. And quite a few lower-profile hoteliers, travel agents and destination management specialists set about making their clients’ dreams come true while considering the consequences for the communities where they operate.

Here are “where to go” ideas recommended by some of those small business owners—many of whom live in the destinations they’re selling—who care about principles as well as profits. Some of them are up-and-coming, others are perpetually overlooked, and a few more are hidden corners, responsible alternatives within busy regions or ideas for the offseason. What they share is a commitment to the idea that travel can still be a force for good, even as it’s deeply enjoyable along the way.

The Americas

Yukon Territory, Canada

“As one of the last pristine wilderness areas on the planet, the Yukon is the perfect off-the-beaten-path destination with adventures like flightseeing over the world’s largest nonpolar ice field, hiking on the subarctic tundra and witnessing the northern lights dancing across the sky,” says Pam McGarel, the founder and CEO of Mosaic Earth Travel, a tour operator specializing in Canada’s wild west coast. It’s a 2.5-hour flight from Vancouver, she continues, adding that “the Yukon offers ease of travel, cozy cabins and lodges, with the feeling of stepping back in time and immersing in rugged, wild nature.” Her company offers multiday guided tours for small groups and custom itineraries—especially winter trips, since 2025 will be a “solar max” year when the northern lights are at their peak.

Northwest Argentina

Adentrando’s trips to rural Salta and Jujay are a “gift to the soul,” says founder Ana Ines Figueroa, because they “guide people to connect with the basics, what is important in life.” Because she designs her “colors and flavors” tours to be circular in nature—led by women for women—“travelers empower local entrepreneurs,” she says, and “the local ladies teach travelers how to connect with the land.” Most American tourists come to Patagonia and it’s crowded, she adds, but “this area is quintessential Latin America and there is a sense of undiscovered simplicity.” After years of working as the ground operator for companies like Butterfield & Robinson and GeoEx, Figueroa—the first woman to be an adventure guide in the region—has begun working directly with travelers, designing trips with a positive impact in mind.

Rupununi, Guyana

In the shadow of its bigger, more famous South American and Caribbean neighbors, Guyana is emerging as an under-the-radar alternative. “As travelers seek destinations that prioritize sustainable tourism, the Rupununi region offers a rare opportunity to experience untouched wilderness and authentic cultural connections with the indigenous communities who are the stewards of this land,” says a spokesperson for the national tourism authority. “With its vast savannas, rivers and rainforests, the Rupununi is home to some of South America’s most pristine ecosystems and diverse wildlife. Every visit directly supports local communities in preserving their unique environment and cultural heritage.”

Eastern Greenland by Micro Cruise

The expedition micro cruise operator Secret Atlas takes guests on ships with only 12 passengers on journeys around the eastern side of the island. The intimate, small-group setting that minimizes environmental impact. “As climate shifts reshape the Arctic faster than ever, Secret Atlas provides a rare chance to witness Greenland’s vast icebergs, dramatic fjords and diverse wildlife responsibly, with expert guides offering insight into the fragile ecosystems under threat,” says a spokesperson, adding that guest fees support ongoing conservation efforts. And while the icebergs and fjords tend to get all the attention, there’s also a human element. “Culturally, it’s one of the most interesting encounters with other people in my life,” says Secret Atlas cofounder Michele D’Agostino.

Europe

Serbia’s Adventurous Side

“Undiscovered Balkans’ multi-activity Serbia adventure, launched this year, offers travelers an invitation to uncover one of Europe’s last true hidden gems,” says Emma Heywood, one of the adventure travel company’. In a seven-day itinerary focused on “wild nature, centuries-old cultural heritage and activities like hiking in Tara National Park, canyoning and kayaking on the Drina River, we showcase an authentic Serbia you won’t find elsewhere.” The guides are locals who “know this landscape intimately” and aim to lead “an adventurous week that’s as offbeat as it is unforgettable.” Each booking includes a donation to support river conservation in Serbia.

The Southern French Alps—in Summer

Undiscovered Mountains is a French travel company led by local experts, with handpicked guides (including the husband of company owner Sally Guillaume) who offer custom and fixed-date adventures designed to challenge visitors while immersing them in Alpine culture. But as the region sees its weather changing, “it’s important to grow tourism beyond the ski resorts,” says Guillaume. “The southern French Alps, with their unspoiled landscapes and rich biodiversity,” are a place “where travelers can explore all four seasons: biking through wildflower-strewn valleys in spring, learning to paraglide high above the mountains in summer, and climbing and via ferrata on warm rock among the spectacular colors of autumn, all while tasting local cuisine and meeting local people.” Her aim is to support a future of Alpine tourism that thrives beyond the slopes and dilutes the effects of mass tourism in the hotspots.

Ireland’s Ancient Islands

Wilderness Ireland’s new-for-2025 Ancient Islands hiking tour spans two counties, three islands and 5,000 years of history, says the company’s managing director, Patricia Doe. “Designed for travelers seeking an easygoing pace, this hiking and island-hopping journey along Ireland’s west coast invites travelers to discover the country’s wild nature, rich culture and salt-stung beaches as they travel back in time to Neolithic cairns, Iron Age forts, medieval churches and eerie abandoned villages.” The small-group trip, which is scheduled for May, runs from Galway’s colorful streets to Connemara’s stark beauty. “In these diverse and fascinating regions, each stone, wave and whisper of wind weaves together past and present,” explains Doe. “Whether or not Ireland is in their blood, visitors will feel a deep connection to these islands.”

The Azores, Portugal

The remote Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic has been generating buzz for several years now. Tara Busch, the founder and CEO of the Conscious Travel Collective, sings the Azores’ praises as “a treasure trove for nature lovers and adventurous travelers seeking variety without overdevelopment. The dramatic landscapes, untamed nature and European charm combine with a surprising culinary scene for a captivating medley.” (Author’s note: There’s also a seriously impressive gin bar and eco-luxe hotel.) Direct flights from the North American East Coast are less than five hours, and the CTC’s local team “connects travelers with the Azorean way of life,” says Busch. “Whether you seek a restorative retreat, an eco-adventure or an immersive cultural journey, our personalized trips are designed to give you exactly what you’re looking for.”

Aix-en-Provence, France

“In 2025 Aix-en-Provence will continue to celebrate its rich connection to the legendary artist Paul Cézanne,” says Judith von Prockl, the founder and managing director of the culinary travel company Gourmet on Tour, which has been working in Provence for more than 20 years. “Cézanne’s influence remains deeply woven into the fabric of this charming Provençal town, from the landscapes that inspired his masterpieces to the places he frequented. Next year Aix-en-Provence will host exhibitions with hundreds of returning artworks, exclusive tours and art events celebrating the artist’s legacy.” Highlights include the reopening of the Atelier de Cézanne and events around Mont Sainte-Victoire, one of his favorite subjects, offering a unique way to experience the world through his eyes.

Asia

Oman

“Unjustifiably affected by a tourism avoidance due to unrelated incidents in neighboring countries, Oman couldn’t be a safer, more beautiful and enriching destination to visit right now,” says Felicia Severns, the current managing director of Odyssey World. Her company’s roots in Arabia stretch back to the mid-1980s, when the founder was one of the first UK tour operators to bring people into the country’s interior. Now it assembles bespoke tours with local drivers and guides through vast deserts, sweeping mountain ranges and charming villages. “It’s peaceful and accommodating, and the people you’ll meet will warm your heart with their generous hospitality and friendly, convivial approach to visitors,” says Severns. “The scenery is spectacular, hotels are charming, and there’s plenty to do for curious cultural and adventure seekers.”

Michinoku, Japan

Tour operator Oku Japan aims to place community sustainability at the heart of everything it does. “The company’s brand-new Michinoku: Life with the Sea guided walking trip along the Sanriku coast is an example of an off-the-beaten-path adventure that provides a deeper, more immersive experience while driving tourism dollars deeper into the communities that need it most,” says a spokesperson. The Michinoku Coastal Trail in Japan’s Tohoku region was created as part of a revitalization effort after the 2011 tsunami, and Oku Japan collaborated with local officials and the area trail club to develop its tours. “With Oku’s experienced guides, travelers will gain a deeper connection to these communities, exploring this remote area’s history with sensitivity, thoughtfulness and care.”

Africa

Maasai Mara, Kenya—Locally

Jane Behrend, the founder and president of the travel marketing company Emerging Destinations, hails the new Mara Siana camp as “one of Kenya’s most unique safari experiences.” Located in the new Ripoli Conservancy, a part of the Greater Mara ecosystem that only recently opened to tourism, the camp is the “brainchild of three renowned Maasai guides, who pooled their own money with three women investors to create a safari camp that offers a genuine East African adventure in one of the world’s renowned wildlife areas.” To put their project in context, less than 1% of camps are Maasai-run and -operated.

Zambia—on Foot

Zambia is often overshadowed by its neighbors, but it’s the birthplace of the walking safari—“an in-depth, low-impact alternative to the classic safari experience,” says a spokesperson for Wilderness Travel, which offers the slow-travel experience in the South Luangwa National Park, where no more than six guests at a time stay in comfortable “Hemingway-style” mobile camps. “Walking safaris offer a more intimate encounter with the landscape, covering less ground but engaging all the senses in ways that a vehicle can’t match,” she continues. “For more than 20 years, Wilderness Travel has partnered with local operators and guides to offer these immersive walking safaris, teaching guests the ways of the bush, explaining Zambian wildlife and engaging the senses to understand and better appreciate the country’s multifaceted beauty.”

Mandrare River, Madagascar

“Ker & Downey specializes in unique, private journeys that uncover hidden biomes and cultures,” says Elizabeth Frels, the travel company’s director of product management and development. “Madagascar has remained a favorite of both our clients and our travel designers.” The Mandrare River near Ifotaka, in particular, offers “immersive and educational tourism, unparalleled wildlife and nature encounters, authentic interactions with local communities and sustainable luxury in remote areas.” During a two-week journey, travelers can spot lemurs in the Forest of Zenavo, walk through the spiny forest filled with the ancestral tombs of the Antandroy tribe, enjoy sundowners amid the baobabs and private dinners around the campfire at the Mandrare River Camp, and visit the local market and witness the traditional dances of the indigenous people. Frels quotes a client: “We learned a great deal, not just about the flora and fauna, but about Madagascar and the resiliency and warmth of the Malagasy people.”

Oceana

Northern Territory, Australia

“Australia’s Northern Territory sets the standard for genuine ecotourism,” says Frels of Ker & Downey, which offers 15-day outback safaris or customized trips. “These are ancient lands with stories to tell for those willing to make the far-flung journey, whether amid the virgin monsoonal rainforest, the 50,000-year-old rock art galleries, the beautiful billabongs or the resident Aboriginal people, who only allow visitors onto their ancestral homeland by invitation.” In the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Kakadu National Park (the second largest national park in the world), “the Aboriginal people instill their love for the biodiversity in their wetlands.” Arnhem Land—a highly restricted and ecologically diverse 37,000-square-mile wilderness—offers “a luxury Australian outback experience that is as dazzling as it is sacred and spiritual. Sure, the barramundi fishing, bird watching, billabong cruises and wetland wildlife are spectacular, but most of Ker & Downey’s travelers come away with a profound appreciation for the Yolŋu people, who tell their stories through their ancient catacombs, burial sites and ceremony stones.”

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