The 10 best countries in the world for travellers in 2025 - Does your nation make the list?
Discover the 10 best countries to visit in 2025, as voted by Telegraph Travel readers. From India to New Zealand, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences.
In a time when wanderlust is guided less by glossy brochures and more by the voices of those who’ve walked the paths themselves, the modern traveller has become both explorer and storyteller. And in this era of personal narratives and digital chronicles, few opinions carry more weight than those of fellow journeyers. This year’s Telegraph Travel Awards offered a telling barometer of global sentiment—one that did not favour the usual suspects. Not Italy, with its storied piazzas and Renaissance allure. Not France, with its lattice of vineyards and village charm. Instead, readers turned their admiration elsewhere, casting their votes for places that resonate beyond beauty—destinations that offer substance, depth, and an invitation to return. From volcanic archipelagos and untamed highlands to soulful cities and slow-living sanctuaries, these ten countries emerged as the world’s most cherished in 2025. Has your homeland made the cut? Let’s take a closer look. (Image: Canva)
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10. Botswana A beacon of responsible tourism, Botswana sets the gold standard for luxury safaris. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO-listed wetland, offers water-based game viewing unlike anywhere else, while Chobe National Park boasts Africa’s largest elephant population. With its strong conservation ethos, Botswana remains a sanctuary for both wildlife and solitude seekers. (Image: Canva)
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9. Costa Rica One of the world’s foremost eco-tourism pioneers, Costa Rica is where rainforest meets reef. Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, and Tortuguero’s sea turtle nesting grounds make this Central American gem ideal for nature lovers. Add its biodiversity, thermal springs, and “pura vida” lifestyle, and it’s easy to see why it continues to rise in popularity. (Image: Canva)
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8. The Maldives A picture of barefoot luxury, the Maldives is made up of 1,200 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. Overwater villas, private atolls, and vibrant reefs offer intimate getaways perfect for honeymooners or divers. Despite its remoteness, service standards are among the highest in the world—making it the dream escape for many. (Image: Canva)
7. Peru Peru wears its history like a well-woven textile—layered and rich. The ancient city of Machu Picchu remains a global icon, but modern Lima’s gastronomic scene and the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest offer equally compelling reasons to visit. Don’t miss Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or Lake Titicaca for a full cultural immersion. (Image: Canva)
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6. Australia With its continent-spanning size, Australia offers an extraordinary diversity of experiences. Urban sophistication shines in Melbourne and Sydney, while nature stuns in the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and Tasmania’s wilderness. Whether it’s surfing, road-tripping, or bushwalking, the Land Down Under offers something for every kind of traveller. (Image: Canva)
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5. Greece A harmonious blend of antiquity and modern leisure, Greece continues to enchant. Discover the ruins of Delphi, island-hop the Cyclades, or bask in the golden sunsets of Santorini. From traditional tavernas to bustling street markets in Athens, Greece offers both depth and simplicity in every experience. (Image: Canva)
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4. South Africa South Africa is a country of contrasts—rugged coastlines, majestic mountains, and urban flair. Kruger National Park offers unforgettable wildlife sightings, while Cape Town dazzles with its dramatic setting and culinary innovation. Add the Winelands, the Garden Route, and Zulu heritage for a journey full of diversity and dynamism. (Image: Canva)
3. India India resists simple definitions. Each state unfolds like a new country, with its own cuisine, language, and rhythms. From Rajasthan’s palaces and Varanasi’s ghats to Kerala’s backwaters and Himachal’s Himalayan trails, India invites exploration with all five senses—and always rewards the curious traveller. (Image: Canva)
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2. Japan Few countries marry tradition and innovation as gracefully as Japan. The quiet Zen of Kyoto’s temples, the cherry blossom-lined avenues of Tokyo, and the snowy slopes of Hokkaido offer a variety of experiences across seasons. Add meticulous hospitality, precision infrastructure, and deep-rooted culture—and Japan becomes unforgettable. (Image: Canva)
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1. New Zealand Named the world’s best country to visit in 2025, New Zealand combines epic scenery with authentic warmth. Fiordland’s misty inlets, Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, and Queenstown’s adrenaline sports draw visitors from all over, while Māori culture adds soul to the landscape. Whether you’re hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or cruising Milford Sound, New Zealand feels like Earth as it once was—wild, welcoming, and wonderfully alive. (Image: Canva)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
