With 2025 on the horizon, Lonely Planet highlights ten best regions, each offering its own natural wonders, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. From pristine coastlines to lush valleys and rugged mountain trails, these regions promise immersive travel experiences for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike.
1. South Carolina’s Lowcountry and Coastal Georgia, USA
The Lowcountry and Coastal Georgia region in the southeastern United States is famed for its charming historic towns, lush marshlands, and stunning coastlines. Known for cities like Charleston and Savannah, the area offers a unique blend of Southern charm, history, and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore beautiful antebellum architecture, sample renowned Southern cuisine, and wander through moss-draped oak-lined streets. Coastal Georgia, with islands like Tybee and Jekyll, provides tranquil beach getaways and outdoor activities like kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing. For those looking for a mix of culture, history, and relaxation, the Lowcountry is an ideal destination.
2. The Terai, Nepal
Nepal’s Terai region, located in the southern lowlands, is known for its dense jungles, vibrant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Home to Chitwan and Bardia National Parks, the Terai offers opportunities to spot rare wildlife, including Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, and elephants. The region is also culturally diverse, with communities of Tharu, Maithil, and Bhojpuri people, each contributing unique traditions, music, and festivals. Travelers can explore traditional villages, enjoy jungle safaris, and experience the warm hospitality of local communities. The Terai provides a peaceful and culturally immersive alternative to Nepal’s mountainous regions.
3. Chiriquí, Panama
The Chiriquí province in Panama is a hidden gem, offering a mix of mountainous landscapes, lush coffee plantations, and stunning beaches. The highlands around Boquete are popular for hiking, birdwatching, and coffee tours, with views of the Baru Volcano and the Chiriquí Highlands. Meanwhile, the Pacific coast features idyllic islands like Boca Chica, perfect for snorkeling, fishing, and beach relaxation. Chiriquí’s diverse ecosystems, from cloud forests to coral reefs, make it a paradise for nature lovers. For travelers seeking adventure, natural beauty, and rich local culture, Chiriquí is a must-visit.
4. Launceston & the Tamar Valley, Australia
Located in Tasmania, Launceston and the Tamar Valley offer a unique combination of historic charm, stunning landscapes, and exceptional wine regions. Launceston, one of Australia’s oldest cities, is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and nearby Cataract Gorge. The Tamar Valley, famous for its vineyards, provides scenic wine-tasting experiences along the river. Visitors can explore lush forests, coastal inlets, and quaint villages in this picturesque region. For those seeking a blend of heritage, gastronomy, and nature, Launceston and the Tamar Valley provide an unforgettable experience.
5. Valais, Switzerland
Valais, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is a region of breathtaking mountains, glaciers, and alpine villages. Known for iconic peaks like the Matterhorn and the Aletsch Glacier, Valais is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. The region is also home to charming towns such as Zermatt and Saas-Fee, where travelers can enjoy traditional Swiss hospitality and cuisine. In summer, the vineyards of the Rhône Valley provide excellent wine tours. With its stunning natural landscapes and diverse activities, Valais captures the essence of Switzerland’s alpine beauty.
6. Giresun & Ordu, Turkey
Giresun and Ordu, located along Turkey’s Black Sea coast, are celebrated for their lush green hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages. This lesser-known region offers a peaceful escape from the crowds, with scenic hikes through forests and waterfalls, as well as charming coastal towns. Giresun, known for its hazelnut orchards, and Ordu, famous for its delicious seafood, offer authentic experiences of Black Sea culture. The Boztepe cable car in Ordu provides breathtaking views of the coast, while the surrounding countryside is ideal for exploring by foot or bike. Giresun and Ordu offer a unique blend of natural beauty and Turkish hospitality.
7. Bavaria, Germany
Bavaria, a southern region in Germany, is famous for its stunning landscapes, fairy-tale castles, and rich cultural heritage. The Bavarian Alps provide outdoor activities year-round, from skiing in winter to hiking in summer. Munich, Bavaria’s capital, is known for its traditional festivals, including the world-famous Oktoberfest, as well as historic sites like the Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace. Bavaria’s scenic Romantic Road leads travelers through picturesque towns like Rothenburg and Füssen, each with half-timbered houses and historic charm. With its stunning scenery and timeless traditions, Bavaria offers a quintessential German experience.
8. East Anglia, England
East Anglia, located on England’s eastern coast, is a region of scenic countryside, historic towns, and beautiful coastlines. Known for cities like Cambridge and Norwich, East Anglia boasts impressive cathedrals, medieval architecture, and a thriving arts scene. The Norfolk Broads, a network of rivers and lakes, provide a peaceful setting for boating, birdwatching, and riverside walks. The region’s coastline features charming seaside towns, sandy beaches, and stunning cliffs, ideal for family holidays and coastal exploration. For those seeking a blend of nature, history, and culture, East Anglia is a captivating destination.
9. Jordan Trail
The Jordan Trail is a long-distance hiking route that spans over 650 kilometers, traversing the country’s diverse landscapes and historic sites. Starting in the north at Umm Qais and ending in the Red Sea city of Aqaba, the trail passes through ancient ruins, desert valleys, and dramatic mountain ranges. Highlights along the trail include the ancient city of Petra, Wadi Rum’s stunning red sands, and the tranquil landscapes of Dana Biosphere Reserve. The Jordan Trail allows travelers to experience Jordan’s natural beauty and rich history on foot, making it a unique and immersive adventure.
10. Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, USA
The Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge region in Oregon is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including waterfalls, mountains, and lush forests. Mount Hood, an iconic peak, offers year-round outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. The Columbia River Gorge, with its scenic waterfalls and windsurfing opportunities, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Towns like Hood River provide a cozy base for exploring the region’s wineries, breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants. For travelers looking to experience the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty, Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge are top choices.
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