North Wales makes global list of 25 top holiday destinations in 2025

A global travel brand has revealed its annual Where to Go list - with North Wales making the cut. The list from Afar features 25 "off-the-beaten-path" destinations to visit in 2025.

Spanning cities, regions, and whole countries, the list is the result of months of research and reporting from Afar’s cohort of correspondents and editors roaming the globe. For 2025, Afar said it is spotlighting 25 "lesser-known" regions of the world, including destinations that are typically "overlooked and crowd-free alternatives to more popular spots".

They added: "The Where to Go in 2025 list represents some of the most exciting travel opportunities for the year ahead, inviting readers to experience a coastal road trip in Maine, take in the majestic 'heart of the high country' in Boone, North Carolina, explore the beaches of the Danish Riviera, visit one of the few dark sky locations dedicated to Maori culture at the Aotea Great Barrier Island in New Zealand, and others."

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They also highlight North Wales as one of six destinations in Europe to visit in 2025 - highlighting the mountains and heritage of the region. They said: "Traverse moorlands and mountains and visit ancient churches and historic cafés on a 1,500-year-old pilgrimage."

“Putting together Afar’s annual Where to Go list always adds new destinations to my ‘must visit’ list, and this year is no different,” said Julia Cosgrove, editor in chief of Afar. “These places serve as fantastic alternatives to the typical overcrowded spots. Our writers have done an incredible job of inspiring and informing Afar’s audience of the world’s best travellers.”

Greg Sullivan, cofounder and CEO of Afar, said: “Afar’s audience is the most travelled and the most conscientious in the travel media landscape. They set the trends that will shape the experiences of more ordinary travellers for years to come, and this year’s Where to Go List is no exception.”

Here is this year’s full selection:

The Americas

1. Columbus, Ohio: Fuelled by a diverse population, the fastest-growing metro area in the United States is buzzing with history, art, and food.

2. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: With a booming film industry and dining scene, OKC has been transformed in recent years.

3. Bold Coast, Maine: A drive along this national scenic byway leads to wild blueberry farms, lobster boats, seaside cliffs, and farm-to-table restaurants.

4. Boone, North Carolina: Come for the scenic trails; stay for the Gilded Age history, flourishing creative arts scene, and river snorkeling.

5. Lititz, Pennsylvania: Amish culture and rock and roll happily collide 75 miles west of Philadelphia.

6. Prince Edward County, Canada: The picturesque island on Lake Ontario lures oenophiles and beachgoers alike.

7. Costalegre, Mexico: The “happy coast” lives up to its name thanks to pristine nature and deliberate attempts to keep it that way.

8. Patagonia Azul, Argentina: New glampsites and hiking trails have opened up a part of Argentina known mostly to wildlife.

9. Guyana: See some of the world’s rarest wildlife in the rainforests and savannahs of the fast-changing South American country.

10. St. Vincent: Long overlooked for glitzier Caribbean locales, the island entices visitors with its verdant beauty and dazzling marine life—and more flights than ever.

Europe

1. Belgrade, Serbia: The Balkan metropolis lures travellers with a thriving nightlife scene and a bevy of inventive restaurants.

2. North Wales: Traverse moorlands and mountains and visit ancient churches and historic cafés on a 1,500-year-old pilgrimage.

3. Oxfordshire, England: Go beyond the confines of the famous university to find pastoral beauty, historic inns, creative dining, and literary icons.

4. Chios, Greece: The Greek island, best known for its prized mastic trees and lush citrus orchards, is in the midst of a cultural revitalization.

5. The Danish Riviera: The country’s North Zealand coast makes an eco-friendly beach vacation best experienced on two wheels.

6. Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany: While its cobbled streets and turreted buildings look straight out of a fairy tale, the southwest German city offers a template for sustainable living.

Asia

1. Sumba, Indonesia: The tropical island promises cultural submersion and untamed natural beauty without the crowds of neighbouring Bali.

2. Toyama, Japan: Creative chefs and brewers are transforming the seaside city into a culinary hot spot that just became easier for travellers to reach.

3. Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan: New tours are giving international travellers an immersive way into the culture and adventures of “Little Tibet.”

Africa and the Middle East

1. Jordan: Replete with ancient architectural sites and diverse ecosystems, the Middle Eastern kingdom is ready for your visit.

2. Republic of Benin: The West African nation is set to become a cultural capital thanks to a slew of new museums.

3. Wild Coast, South Africa: The rugged 150-mile stretch along the Eastern Cape province delivers epic marine adventures.

Oceania

1. Aotea Great Barrier Island, New Zealand: The Pacific island is a nature lover’s paradise, where residents live off the grid and the stars shine brightly above them.

2. Western Australia: New Aboriginal-led experiences make engaging with the world’s oldest living culture easier and more enlightening than ever.

3. Palau: Conservation is part of the national DNA in this biodiverse archipelago, where visitors sign a pledge to act responsibly during their stay.