Time flies when you are having fun, and believe it it not, we are already more than halfway through 2024. That means there is no time like the present to start looking ahead at destinations for next year's travels. Explore those places with the potential to start looking to enrich your soul and open your eyes to unique experiences. Look to locales where culture runs deep and is only matched by the beauty of nature. Whether you are hoping for a domestic exploration, a short trip "across the pond", or a longer haul to an exotic locale, these are the best places to visit in 2025, and all of them are sure to help you meet your travel goals.
Alaska
America's "Last Frontier" beckons, with its untamed landscapes and Klondlike Gold Rush history. The year-round appeal of the 49th state makes it the perfect destination for 2025, regardless of when you plan to travel.
In the spring and summer months, snowy peaks loom in the distance while valleys and foothills burst with colorful hues and wildlife. The far-north locations means there are plenty of daylight hours to explore. Visiting in the winter and early spring has its appeal, too, with the Northern Lights dancing across the evening sky and a true wonderland atmosphere. While riding the Alaska Railroad and enjoin authentic Alaskan experiences, like dogsledding and cruising Prince William Sound, capture the beauty that makes this wild state the last of its kind.
See the marriage of history and nature while staying in popular cities like Fairbanks, Talkeetna, and Anchorage and exploring the wild national parklands of Denali and Kenai Fjords in Alaska the Greatland. For a brand-new experience, consider visiting during the shoulder season on our Alaska Northern Lights & Winter Nights tour, which features the best of winter during the springtime.
Scotland
A Land of castles, lochs, and lore, Scotland sets a memorable backdrop for vacations in 2025. This small nation is filled with history - cities with medieval architecture and cobbled streets settlements and villages that have seen in habitants for hundreds or even thousands of years, and historic sites that speak to the nation's great heritage. That said, the vast in-between might leave the greatest impression. The beautiful Highlands are filled with colorful mountains and deep lochs, while the coastlines' drama offers another way to appreciate the country. Cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness brim with attractions and intrigue, and visiting smaller locales like those on the Inner and Outer Hebrides introduce the local flavor.
For a taster of these elements over nine action-filled days, consider the Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands itinerary, which features stays in the capital, the beautiful city of Ballachulish, and Inverness.
Switzerland
Some of the world's most impressive mountainscapes and delightful Alpine towns await in Switzerland. This nation's sky-high peaks, plunging valleys, and glacial lakes make for jaw-dropping sights at every angle and are best navigated by train, which happens to be our specialty.
Join the Glacier Express in climbing through the Swiss Alps or the Jungfrau Express in climbing to the summit of Europe's highest railway station. Climb by train to small mountain villages, like Zermatt, which are only accessible by train, or use the well-connected railway system to reach cities - such as Zürich - where modern luxuries, Swiss ingenuity, and history go hand in hand.
Next year, see how railways can provide an unmatched perspective on a Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, or to combine the journeys aboard iconic Swiss trains with stunning the undeniable romance of a river cruise, join our Wheel of Fortune-featured Glacier Express and The Majestic Rhine Cruise.
Scandinavia
Follow the travel trends to stunning fjordlands, ancient Viking settlements, and sleek modern cities against gorgeous backdrops in Scandinavia. These countries - Norway, Sweden, and Denmark - are filled with unique locales that speak to their long heritage and offer a captivating mixture of nature and amenities.
Capture "hygge" while discovering fascinating capital cities like Stockholm and Oslo and emerging culinary destinations like Trondheim. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Bryggen waterfront in Bergen, and ride through untouched landscapes on world-famous rail lines, including the Nordland Railway, the Flåm Railway, and the Ofoten Railway.
Based in popular cities and amongst the mountains and fjords, the Ultimate Norway, Sweden & the Arctic Circle itinerary offers more than two weeks of Scandinavian delights at a time of year when the days are long and the adventures abound. If it is colorful skies, Indigenous heritage, and snow-clad Arctic views you seek, our wintertime journey toward the Northern Lights and Lapland checks all the boxes for a memorable vacation in December, January, February, or March.
Japan
A world away in terms of location and cultural offerings, the serene island nation of Japan is one of the best places to travel in 2025 and a country that you will not want to miss. Japan was voted the "best country in the world" by Condé Nest Traveler in 2023, and with its ultra-modern, fast-paced cities, like Tokyo, and astounding historical destinations, including Kyoto, it is no wonder.
Each season brings its share of glory to the landscape, making every visit more beautiful than the last. The intoxicating scent of pink cherry blossoms wafts through the air in the spring, while autumn's fiery foliage complements the sacred temples and ancient architecture. Japan is a country where snow caps Mount Fuji much of the year, and culture can be captured as easily in nature, gardens, and bamboo forests as in the ancient cities, including Nara, Takayama, and Miyajima.
Discover Japan through its food while tasting regional cuisine and sipping tea. Uncover its contrasting beauty while traveling between destinations aboard the high-speed Bullet Trains, and lose yourself in the splendors of an unfamiliar culture each step along the way in the "Land of the Rising Sun."
New Zealand
Leave the familiar behind in 2025 and travel deep into the southern hemisphere to New Zealand. The "Youngest Country on Earth" is composed of two distinct yet equally enthralling islands - both of which promise myriad adventures.
The North Island is all fantastic cities, like Auckland and Wellington, and rich Māori culture. Explore the breathtaking terrain by rail, joining lines like the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and the Northern Explorer, or while cruising through the Bay of Islands. Ferry transfers connect the North Island with the South, and arriving on the South Island opens a world of jaw-dropping locations where untouched nature reigns supreme. Mountains, glaciers, and dramatic fjords sit within reach of cities like Christchurch and Queenstown, and landscapes so impressive they graced the big screen, including those of Arrowtown, which was a filming location for "Lord of the Rings," are within reach.
Set your sights on all this and more on our Grand Tour of New Zealand.
A new year and a new opportunity to see the world, 2025 is sure to leave an impact when you explore travel destinations near and far with Vacations By Rail.
