Travel and exotic destinations hold many meanings to different people – some see it as a way to escape their busy lives, while others can see it as a way to reconnect with themselves and their environment.
But the one thing about travel that everyone can resonate with is its extraordinary ability to connect, inspire, and transform our lives. Whether it’s listening to the sounds of a gushing waterfall in Newfoundland, or rediscovering nature with the hikes and camping sites of Nuuk in Greenland, we’re constantly reminded of the world’s breathtaking beauty.
However, 2024 has shown that the travel industry faced many challenges – some of the status quo go-to destinations have struggled with overtourism – leading to new restrictions as they contended with the strain on their environments and communities.
In response, the BBC has released its inaugural guide on the Top 25 Best Places to Travel in 2025 on BBC.com and the BBC app, highlighting destinations that are not only welcoming visitors and offering incredible travel experiences, but also using tourism to support local communities, protect the environment or preserve their unique cultural heritage.
These locations have been handpicked by BBC Travel journalists and leading sustainable travel organisations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Sustainable Travel International, the Black Travel Alliance, and the World Travel & Tourism Council.
A big win for African tourism was that destinations like Botswana and Morocco featured in the top 25 locations to visit this year – with the BBC emphasising how responsible tourism can leave a lasting positive impact on these regions.
Rif Mountains, Morocco
Snow-dusted peaks, vast deserts, ancient cities, and a rich cultural heritage have cemented Morocco as one of North Africa’s crown jewels. However, the Al Haouz earthquake of September 2023 brought significant challenges to parts of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains, disrupting lives and the nation’s vital tourism sector. In the wake of this devastation, Morocco is rebuilding not just its infrastructure but also its reputation as a premier global destination. With plans to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the country aims to double its tourist arrivals by 2030.
For those seeking to venture beyond the usual hotspots, Morocco’s northern Rif Mountains offer an off-the-beaten-path experience. A road trip through this lesser-explored region unveils stunning landscapes and hidden gems far from the crowds.
The upcoming expansion of Morocco’s High-Speed Rail (HSR) network from 2025 to 2027 promises even greater accessibility, connecting Rabat to Fez, a 1,300-year-old walled city steeped in history. Fez, home to a Unesco World Heritage medina, will also play host to several Africa Cup of Nations 2025 games.
From Fez, journey 65km north to Moulay Idriss, a serene hilltop village that once welcomed only Muslim visitors. Traverse olive and almond groves and make a stop in Ouezzane, a spiritual hub for Sufism, before heading into the rugged beauty of Talassemtane National Park. Here, hikers can immerse themselves in cedar forests, explore dramatic red cliffs, and cool off in natural swimming pools.
Further north lies Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famed “Blue Pearl,” with its mesmerizing blue-painted streets and buildings. Cap off your adventure along the northern coast, where tranquil Mediterranean fishing villages like El Jebha and the charming Spanish colonial architecture of Tetouan await.
Whether you’re drawn by Morocco’s natural splendour or its cultural treasures, this resilient nation offers countless reasons to explore – and even more to return.
Botswana
Renowned as Africa’s leader in green safari tourism, Botswana has long been celebrated for its sprawling wildlife reserves and its pioneering high-income, low-impact ecotourism policies. This approach, which limits tourist numbers to protect the environment, has helped preserve the country’s pristine wilderness.
Now, as Botswana emerges from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and transitions under a new government, its tourism sector is poised for growth in 2025. With an increasing global demand for sustainable and culturally rich travel experiences, Botswana is ready to captivate more visitors than ever before.
To encourage tourism and stimulate economic growth, Botswana has extended visa-free entry to travellers from 104 countries, including the US, UK, Germany, and Canada. This has opened the door for even more adventurers to experience the country’s extraordinary natural beauty.
Highlights include Chobe National Park, aptly nicknamed the “Elephant Capital of the World,” and the Unesco-listed Okavango Delta, a sprawling oasis in the Kalahari Desert and one of the last refuges for cheetahs and black rhinoceroses.
Exciting developments are on the horizon in the Okavango Delta for 2025. The solar-powered Mbamba Camp, set to open in April, will provide an eco-luxury retreat in the northern delta, blending comfort with family-friendly wildlife encounters. In May, Monachira Camp will debut, offering visitors the chance to embark on walking safaris, glide through serene waters on mokoro canoe rides, and enjoy up-close encounters with elephants, lions, and the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl.
To make exploring Botswana even easier, Air Botswana will introduce new routes connecting Gaborone to Cape Town starting in April 2025. These routes will simplify access to Botswana’s incredible wilderness, further enhancing its reputation as a sustainable travel destination.
With its unmatched wildlife, forward-thinking conservation efforts, and renewed focus on sustainable tourism, Botswana invites travellers to discover its magical landscapes while treading lightly on the earth.
To explore more about why Botswana and Morocco are leading examples of tourism that uplifts communities and preserves culture, read the full article on BBC Travel: The 25 Best Places to Travel in 2025.
