The 20 best countries in the world, voted by travelers in 2025 — your 2026 bucket list starts here

From Japan’s timeless charm to Portugal’s soulful calm, these 20 destinations capture the spirit of 2025’s travel trends — authentic, meaningful, and ready to inspire your 2026 adventures.

What makes a country truly unforgettable? Is it its landscapes, its people, or the way it makes you feel like you belong, even when you’re miles from home? The 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards reveal not just where travellers are heading, but what they value most — authenticity, culture, and connection.

The post-pandemic traveller has evolved. Experiences now matter more than bucket lists, and sustainability has quietly become the new luxury. Travellers today are showing a preference for authentic encounters over extravagance, heritage over hype, and meaningful memories over mass tourism. They’re eating where locals eat, staying in family-run guesthouses, and discovering cities at walking pace rather than rushing from one photo-op to another.

This year’s list highlights a new kind of wanderlust — one rooted in curiosity and consciousness. Countries that combine natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern comfort are rising to the top, while those resting on their reputations are being redefined by how they adapt to travellers’ changing expectations.

Interestingly, 2025’s list strikes a balance between timeless favourites — like Italy, Japan, and France — and emerging gems such as Dominica and Bhutan, which are captivating travellers with their commitment to sustainable travel and untouched beauty.

It’s also a reminder that travel today is more emotional than ever — driven by connection, culture, and curiosity. Whether it’s cooking with locals in Portugal, hiking through Canada’s wilderness, or sipping mint tea under Morocco’s desert stars, travellers are chasing moments that matter.

So if you’re already daydreaming about your next adventure, this list might just inspire your 2026 travel plans — a roadmap of destinations that blend beauty, depth, and discovery in perfect harmony.

Here’s a look at the Top 20 Countries in the World for 2025 — where culture meets comfort, and exploration finds new meaning.

1. Japan (95.36) | At the very top, Japan continues to captivate travellers with its perfect harmony of past and future. From the tranquil temples of Kyoto to Tokyo’s neon-lit modernity, the country remains a masterclass in grace, innovation, and hospitality.

2. Greece (92.31) | Sun-drenched islands, whitewashed villages, and food that speaks to the soul — Greece blends beauty with warmth. Travellers are now discovering smaller gems like Naxos and Syros, where local life still beats strong.

3. Portugal (92.08) | Portugal’s rise continues with its coastal calm, soulful music, and charming cities like Lisbon and Porto. Beyond its postcard-perfect beaches, it’s becoming Europe’s heart of sustainable, community-driven travel.

4. Italy (92.02) | Italy is timeless. Yet travellers today are exploring beyond Venice and Rome, uncovering hilltop villages, culinary trails, and vineyards that bring la dolce vita to life in quieter, more authentic ways.

5. Spain (91.96) | From tapas to flamenco, Spain’s vibrancy never fades. What’s new is a growing interest in its lesser-known regions — like Basque Country and Granada — where heritage and creativity meet.

6. Türkiye (91.91) | A country where continents meet, Türkiye enchants with contrasts — from the spice-filled bazaars of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. It’s a destination for both the adventurer and the dreamer.

7. Ireland (91.59) | The Emerald Isle wins hearts with its storytelling charm, cosy pubs, and rugged beauty. Whether it’s a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way or a city break in Dublin, Ireland feels like home.

8. Croatia (91.56) | Croatia’s Adriatic coastline continues to shine. Beyond Dubrovnik’s walls, visitors are venturing into islands like Hvar and Korčula, discovering a Mediterranean rhythm that’s both relaxed and radiant.

9. France (91.24) | More than just Paris, France seduces with its vineyards, mountain villages, and cultural depth. Travellers are embracing the slower joys of Provence, Bordeaux, and Alsace, away from the city crowds.

10. Canada (90.94) | A land of vast wilderness and diverse cities, Canada is redefining adventure. From British Columbia’s rainforests to Quebec’s cobblestone charm, it’s a destination that celebrates both nature and nuance.

11. Switzerland (90.82) | Precision meets beauty in Switzerland. Its lakes and Alps remain iconic, but travellers are also drawn to its art cities, local crafts, and commitment to clean, conscious travel.

12. Mexico (89.52) | Beyond the beaches, Mexico is a sensory feast of history, flavour, and colour. Oaxaca’s culinary magic and Mérida’s colonial charm showcase the depth of its cultural tapestry.

13. Germany (89.40) | Efficient, artistic, and green — Germany’s cities and countryside are having a renaissance. Travellers are drawn to Berlin’s creative pulse and Bavaria’s fairy-tale towns alike.

14. India (88.95) | A world within a country, India continues to amaze with its contrasts. Spiritual seekers head to Rishikesh, culture lovers to Jaipur, and modern explorers to Mumbai’s booming art and food scene.

15. Thailand (88.06) | The Land of Smiles remains a Southeast Asian favourite. While Bangkok buzzes with energy, travellers are now seeking out quieter escapes like Chiang Rai and the Andaman Islands.

16. Morocco (87.66) | A sensory delight of spices, colours, and culture, Morocco’s magic lies in its diversity — from the blue alleys of Chefchaouen to the silence of the Sahara under starlit skies.

17. Austria (86.86) | Elegant and poised, Austria blends imperial history with alpine adventure. Vienna’s coffee culture and Salzburg’s music heritage make it a haven for culture seekers.

18. Dominica (86.62) | Nicknamed the “Nature Island,” Dominica is one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. Its waterfalls, rainforests, and volcanic trails make it a paradise for eco-travellers.

19. Bhutan (86.31) | The Himalayan kingdom that measures success by Gross National Happiness continues to inspire mindful travellers. Its monasteries, mountain treks, and spiritual calm define pure travel bliss.

20. South Africa (85.08) | From the vineyards of Stellenbosch to safaris in Kruger and the vibrancy of Cape Town, South Africa offers a powerful mix of adventure, culture, and conservation.

The 2025 list is more than a ranking — it’s a glimpse into the future of travel. It’s proof that the world’s most-loved destinations are those that celebrate authenticity, sustainability, and soul.

So as you plan your 2026 travel calendar, let this list be your inspiration. Whether it’s sushi in Tokyo, sunsets in Santorini, or a soulful escape in Bhutan — these 20 countries promise journeys that go beyond sightseeing, into something far deeper: belonging.