Six underrated tourist destinations that will be popular in 2025

No matter how often you travel, it can be difficult to determine in advance which places are worth visiting. Business Insider asked several travel advisors what destinations they think will be popular in 2025.

And the specialists indicated six underestimated destinations that it would not hurt to take into account.

Some South Asian countries have a lot of potential and are worth considering, and if you want a unique European vacation, you can plan a trip to Slovenia.

Travel advisors asked by Business Insider about the lesser-known destinations their clients are asking about for 2025 pointed to six hot spots.

Sri Lanka, unforgettable destination.

More and more tourists are turning their sights to Sri Lanka, says Kimberly Denison, Virtuoso Travel Advisor and founder of Denison Travel.

The South Asian country is home to a multitude of beaches and rainforests, making it easy for travelers to explore the landscapes through engaging activities such as hiking or surfing sessions.

Sri Lanka. PHOTO Shutterstock

Istria is making a name for itself with high-quality cuisine.

Although the Dalmatian Coast is usually top of the list in Croatia, it’s worth keeping an eye on Istria, a region on a peninsula in northwestern Croatia (which also shares territory with Italy and Slovenia), says Molly Arena, luxury travel advisor.

Istria offers tourists medieval towns and beautiful beaches, but also a variety of tastes for gourmets.

“The growing interest in culinary travel is a perfect match for Istria’s offering of truffles, olive oil and wine”Molly Arena told BI.

Istria is also a nice alternative to the often crowded European regions like Tuscany in Italy and Provence in France.

Bhutan, an increasingly tempting destination

Bhutan, a small country bordering India and Tibet, offers tourists rafting, hot stone baths and spectacular hiking trails.

Bhutan. PHOTO Wiki Commons

Bhutan. PHOTO Wiki Commons

The destination is also known for its peaceful atmosphere, says Rochelle Hathaway, travel consultant.

One of the attractions of the country is the dzongs, the name given to some fortified monasteries with a complex architecture.

Some tourists heading to Indonesia skip Bali and head to Java instead

Lael Kassis, vice president of marketing innovation and development at EF Go Ahead Tours, says more and more customers are booking tours to the Indonesian island of Java.

Borobudur Temple and Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park are just a few sites that attract tourists to Java.

“Travelers are slowly discovering that there is much more to Indonesia than just Bali. The island of Java is full of culture, history and volcanoes,” the specialist told Business Insider.

Uruguay is a vibrant destination for tourists

Uruguay can be a perfect destination for those attracted to art and culture.

There are many museums and galleries to choose from in the Punta del Este, Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento regions of Uruguay, in addition to renowned art and film festivals such as Este Arte, the Montevideo Art Festival and the José Ignacio International Film Festival”, says Molly Arena.

Colonia del Sacramento’s historic district is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But the country is also known for its beautiful beaches. One of the best spas in the world is located in José Ignacio.

Slovenia, increasingly attractive for tourists passionate about outdoor activities

A relatively small but geographically diverse country, Slovenia is one of those destinations where tourists can do and see it all, and Denison anticipates a tourism boom in Slovenia in the coming year.

“With mountains, lakes, vineyards and the Adriatic Sea, all in a compact and uncrowded setting”, visitors can tick off its many landscapes in a short period of time, says Kimberly Denison.