Finland | Cambodia | Bosnia | Toronto | Scotland

Best Bets 2025

At Travelzoo, we've been hard at work curating the top destinations you'll want on your radar for 2025. After some lively brainstorming (and a few good-natured squabbles), our travel experts have landed on five standout spots that offer top-notch experiences and fantastic value for our adventurous members. From off-the-beaten path Balkan gems to 'coolcationing' in Finland. Conservation-savvy Cambodia, secluded Scottish sands, and the warmest of Canadian welcomes. What stamps will your passport collect next year? Keep scrolling for our top travel picks for 2025.

Finland, crowned the world's happiest country for seven consecutive years, is a land where balance, nature, and tradition intertwine. It's renowned for its sustainability and unique cultural practices. Perhaps best known for its sauna culture—there are more saunas than cars here. Saunas are a daily ritual, offering relaxation and rejuvenation in homes, offices, and even parliament buildings. Beyond its snowy winters, Finland's spring, summer, and autumn offer bundles of charm. Endless days, crisp, colourful landscapes, and an abundance of outdoor activities make it the perfect alternative to Europe's hotter climes.

In summer, Finland transforms into the Land of the Midnight Sun. Lapland, the northernmost region, is a dreamscape of pristine Arctic nature, home to the indigenous Sámi people. The long summer days are perfect for hiking or cycling through vast forests, or swimming beneath bright skies. Then, autumn's crisp air ushers in the first sightings of the Northern Lights. Lakeland, Europe's largest lake district, offers tranquil cottage escapes. Many have their own sauna for an authentic Finnish retreat. Glide across serene waters by kayak, plunge into refreshing lakes, or take a sunset seal safari. Adventurers might even spot a brown bear in its natural habitat.

Endless days

For environmentally conscious travellers in 2025, Helsinki deserves to be top of the list. Recently named the world's most sustainable travel destination, the city generates an impressive 51% of its electricity from renewable sources. Plus, over 70% of its hotel rooms are sustainably certified. Set on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki blends modernity with a deep respect for its surrounding nature. This city's walkability and excellent public transport make exploring a breeze. Don't miss the seaside Löyly sauna or the Allas Sea Pool for a quintessential Finnish sauna experience paired with urban waterfront views.

Eco-friendly travel

Travelzoo's hand-picked destinations

BACK TO THE TOP

Traditional Cambodian experiences are alive and well, like the bamboo train in Battambang. Originally constructed by villagers using scrap materials after the Khmer Rouge era, this charming, jungle-trekking railroad experience allows travellers to ride on bamboo platforms through lush, green landscapes. A visit to Cambodia isn't complete without experiencing Angkor Wat, the magnificent 12th-century temple complex of the Khmer Empire, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Watching the sun set over its intricate towers is an experience you won't forget—it's the perfect way to soak up Cambodia’s beauty, history, and spirit.

Timeless traditions

Explore with purpose

Conservation is a top priority for many travellers in 2025. Cambodia is leading the way, with over 40% of its land under protection. A wealth of sustainability initiatives are emerging, such as the Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri, a non-profit sanctuary where elephants roam freely. In the Cardamom Mountains, the Chi Phat commune offers a unique, community-driven experience. Here, local residents benefit from tourism by leading trekking and riverboat tours, and giving visitors a glimpse into local life. This helps to support the community and curb wildlife trafficking. Meanwhile, Siem Reap has embraced eco-friendly hospitality, with hotels offering plastic-free amenities, reusable water bottles, and even meals served in coconut bowls.

Bang for your buck

Cambodia stands out as a destination that combines rich history, cultural traditions, pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and outstanding value. Plus, with a growing focus on eco-tourism and sustainability, Cambodia's appeal is set to rise even higher. From an affordability perspective, Cambodia is hard to beat. A 3-course meal typically costs around £12 per person, and highly-rated hotels are available for just £40–£50 per night.

Beyond the cultural and outdoor appeal, Bosnia and Herzegovina stands out as a budget-friendly alternative to traditional European destinations. For skiing enthusiasts, the Dinaric Alps offer well-maintained resorts at Bjelašnica and Jahorina, ideal for beginners and families seeking value over the crowded, pricey Alps. Even summer travellers can find a taste of coastal allure along Bosnia's short yet scenic Dalmatian coastline. Accessible with direct flights from budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air, Bosnia and Herzegovina provides a beautifully immersive experience at an affordable cost, solidifying its place as one of 2025's top travel trends.

More for your money

The great outdoors

For outdoor enthusiasts, Bosnia and Herzegovina sits on the Trans Dinarica Cycle Route. This epic trail winds through eight Balkan countries and offers 100 stages of cycling tracks for all levels. Pedal through stunning national parks, and past Medieval castle ruins and scenic UNESCO sites. Down south, don't miss the Herzegovina Wine Route, which connects around 30 wineries between Mostar and Trebinje. Mostar offers rich local varieties like Žilavka and Blatina, making it a must-visit for wine lovers. For a touch of adventure, hike around the Pliva Lakes. Take in the misty Kravica Waterfall, or explore the town of Jajce, with a striking 22-metre waterfall and historic catacombs.

Europe's hidden gem

As more travellers seek out the unexplored corners of the increasingly popular Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina is emerging as one of 2025's most captivating travel destinations. Its East-meets-West charm and gorgeous landscape cements it as one of Europe's best-kept secrets. It blends Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences, best experienced in cities like Sarajevo and Mostar. Wander Sarajevo's cobbled old town, Baščaršija, and sample the traditional dishes ćevapi and burek. Learn about the country's wartime resilience at The Tunnel of Hope. In Mostar, visit the UNESCO-listed Stari Most bridge. Probably the country’s most photographed landmark, it's renowned for the daring locals who leap from its heights into the river.

For a breath of fresh air, High Park offers a sprawling oasis by the lakeside. With walking trails, a splash pool, and even a free zoo. Every summer, the amphitheatre hosts Shakespeare in the Park under the stars, and in spring, it comes alive with cherry blossoms. Catch a ferry from downtown to the car-free Toronto Islands for the best views of the CN Tower dramatically piercing the city’s skyline. Renowned for being one of the world's friendliest cities, Toronto’s welcoming charm makes it hard to leave.

Nature in the city

A world of culture

Toronto's neighbourhoods are a colourful reflection of the city’s cultural diversity, with more than 150 languages spoken here. Visit Chinatown, Greektown, Koreatown, little Italy, or Portugal village. In Kensington Market you’ll find vintage shops and cosy cafes, while the upscale Yorkville 'mink mile' is where the city's elite shop and dine. Queen West, a hub for street art, indie music venues, and trendy brunch spots, is ideal for a more bohemian vibe. In the Distillery District, you'll find a cultural hub set within Victorian-era industrial buildings. The culture, shopping, and foodie spot hosts a popular Christmas market.

The many sides of Toronto

This trendy, diverse east coast city may not get as much air time as its American neighbours. But Toronto offers the perfect blend of urban energy, green spaces, and bohemian neighbourhoods for a perfect transatlantic city break. The Royal Ontario Museum, Canada’s largest, showcases art, history, and nature collections. Fashionistas will love the Bata Shoe museum—a unique exhibition exploring the history of lifestyle and culture. And no visit to Canada would be complete without a dose of ice hockey mania. Head to the Hockey Hall of Fame to learn about the national sport and its famous players. Film and theatre buffs should visit TIFF Bell Lightbox, the heart of the Toronto International Film Festival, or catch a show at the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre.

Best for a coolcation: Finland

Best for value: Cambodia

Best for a hidden gem: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Best for a city break: Toronto

Lorem ipsum

In collaboration with:

Your 2025 must-visit list

Kayaking in Finland

Angkor Wat

Kravika waterfall

Toronto

Hiking in Scotland

Herzegovina Wine Route

Trans Dinarica Cycle Route

Oodi library, Helsinki

Summer on the lakes in Finland

Finnish sauna

Brown bears can be spotted in Finland

Toronto's Distillery District

High Park

Toronto is known for being one of the world's friendliest cities

Royal Ontario Museum

Explore art and culture in Toronto

Best for a staycation: Scotland

Hopping back to the mainland, experience a different side to coastal life in Aberdeen next year. Preparations for the Tall Ships Races are well underway. This joyful, free event will drop anchor in the city from 19–22 July. The race features magnificent sailing ships from around the world, and this year will race from France to Denmark, with Aberdeen hosting their second stop. Aberdeen's quaysides will be buzzing with parades, live music, and art installations. The bonnie sight of dozens of towering masts along the seafront will culminate in a celebratory firework display on the final night. Don't miss this chance to see Aberdeen put on its best show of the year.

Ahoy me hearties

The Tall Ships Races will be coming to Aberdeen in 2025

Private paradise

To the northeast sit the Shetland Islands. Gaze at panoramic skyscapes on the 12-stop Sky Trail on Unst. Lucky visitors may even glimpse the northern lights on these rugged isles. At the UNESCO Global Geopark, uncover awe-inspiring rock formations dating back almost three billion years. Off the west coast sit the Inner Hebrides. Skye, the most famous, is a wildlife haven, with puffins, sea eagles, elusive otters, and breaching whales. While on Islay, distilleries craft celebrated whiskies from its fertile land and pure water. In the Outer Hebrides, marble-white sand beaches on Harris and Lewis create an almost tropical feel—until you dip a toe in the water. Often, it's just you and your footprints on these serene, dune-backed shores.

The remote Outer Hebrides

Remote isles

When dreaming of island-hopping, Scotland might not be the first place that springs to mind. But its best-kept secrets are fast gaining popularity, with beaches that often appear on lists of the world's most stunning shores. Scotland's four main archipelagos—Shetland Islands, Orkney, and the Inner and Outer Hebrides—offer breathtaking natural beauty. To the north, Orkney is a treasure trove of history. At its heart lies UNESCO-listed Skara Brae—a remarkably preserved Neolithic settlement, revealed by a storm in 1850. This ancient village still holds stone furniture, including a dresser and box beds that have survived the centuries. Another marvel is the Ring of Brodgar, a stone circle that predates both Stonehenge and the Pyramids. Set within a natural amphitheatre, it overlooks the Bay of Skaill.

The Ring of Brogdar

BACK TO THE TOP

Cambodia comobines rich history and culture

Angkor Thom

A traditional fisherman

Angkor Wat

Midnight sun in Lapland

Shetland Islands

Skara Brae

Helsinki

Kayaking in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Swap the Alps for Bosnia's excellent value skiing

Jajce waterfall

Battambang bamboo train

Elephant sanctuary in Cambodia

Beyond winter

Endless days

BACK TO THE TOP