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Travel trends are evolving: after years of disruption, many tourists are seeking a balance of culture, nature, sustainability, and unique experiences. According to Tripadvisor’s 2025 “Must-Visit Destinations,” some of the most beloved spots this year include London, Bali, Dubai, Sicily, and Paris. Similarly, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list highlights up-and-coming regions and cities that combine natural beauty with cultural depth.
Let’s take a closer look at a few standout destinations – and how you might plan a trip there.
London, UK
Why go:
London continues to be a perennial favorite. Rich in history, arts, theatre, museums, and royal pageantry, it appeals to many kinds of travelers. In 2025, it has received recognition as a top global destination via travelers’ choice rankings.
What to see & do:
- The British Museum, Tate Modern, and the Victoria & Albert Museum for art and history.
- Walk along the Thames, visit Tower Bridge, and stroll through Hyde Park.
- Catch a show in the West End or explore neighborhoods like Shoreditch, Notting Hill, and Camden.
Where to stay:
London has countless hotel options, from boutique inns to large international chains. Many travelers book stays through Marriott’s site, where you can explore properties across the city and redeem or accrue loyalty points.
Staying in a Marriott property can offer consistency, amenities, and reliability in multiple city locations.
Bali, Indonesia
Why go:
Rated high on Tripadvisor’s 2025 list, Bali combines tropical landscapes, spiritual culture, and excellent hospitality.
It remains a favorite for those looking for beach time, surf, temples, rice terraces, and wellness retreats.
What to see & do:
- Ubud’s art enclaves, jungle walks, and yoga retreats.
- The rice terraces at Tegalalang, forest temples like Tirta Empul, or scenic drives to waterfalls.
- For beach life, Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu offer surf, nightlife, and seaside relaxing.
Where to stay:
Bali is well served by international hotel brands, including Marriott’s properties or affiliated resorts. Using the Marriott portal can help you compare rates, check availability, and enjoy member benefits in resorts or boutique hotels across the island.
Dubai, UAE
Why go:
Dubai is often a draw for its futuristic skyline, shopping extravagance, desert adventures, and cultural fusion. It appears frequently in “most visited” lists due to its global connections and ambition.
What to see & do:
- The Burj Khalifa (world’s tallest building) and its observation decks.
- Desert safaris, dune buggies, and overnight desert camping.
- The Dubai Mall, Dubai Creek, the Global Village exhibitions, and luxury shopping.
Where to stay:
Dubai’s hotel scene ranges from ultra-luxury to more moderate 5-star and boutique options. If you use marriott.com to search, you’ll find Marriott’s portfolio in Dubai, often offering advantages like free breakfasts, executive lounge access, or point redemptions.
Paris, France
Why go:
Paris often ranks high for romantic getaways, art, food, and history. It is also named among Tripadvisor’s favorite food destinations.
What to see & do:
- The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou for art.
- Walks along the Seine, Notre-Dame (reconstruction permitting), and Montmartre.
- Gastronomic tours—cafés, patisseries, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Where to stay:
Paris has hundreds of charming hotels in historic neighborhoods like Le Marais, Saint-Germain, or near the Eiffel Tower. Marriott brands (including more boutique or premium ones) are often present in the city, and checking marriott.com can help compare stays, loyalty perks, and packages.
Off the Beaten Path: Sarajevo & Rwanda
While the big names draw massive crowds, some destinations are gaining recognition for their authenticity and natural appeal.
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Named by National Geographic’s readers as the top destination for 2025, Sarajevo blends long, rich history with modern cultural resurgence.
Wander its old bazaars, enjoy local cuisine, and reflect on its layered past.
Rwanda
If you’re drawn to nature and wildlife, Rwanda is a rising star in eco-travel. The country is well known for mountain gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park, and also offers chimpanzee treks in Nyungwe Forest, and safaris in Akagera National Park.
These more niche spots often have fewer chain hotels, but in many cases you’ll find select lodges, boutique inns, or regional hospitality brands. If Marriott or affiliated brands have a presence nearby, you may sometimes use marriott.com to check for availability or partner lodging.
Tips for Booking & Staying Smart
- Use global hotel platforms thoughtfully
A site like marriott.com lets you browse and book a network of hotels across many destinations. Whether in London, Dubai, Bali, or beyond, this kind of platform can simplify logistics, loyalty rewards, and consistency of service. - Balance popular spots with hidden gems
It’s tempting to spend the whole trip in headline cities like London or Dubai—but allow time for nearby less-crowded towns, countryside escapes, or local culture detours. - Plan for seasonality and crowd avoidance
Many of these destinations have peak seasons (e.g. summer in Europe, dry season in Bali). Traveling during shoulder seasons (late spring, early autumn) can bring fewer crowds and better rates. - Sustainability and respect
Choose accommodations and tours that support local communities, preserve natural resources, and are eco-conscious. This gives you a more meaningful visit and helps protect the places you love to visit.
