Are you looking for your next great adventure in 2025? Are you having a hard time determining where to go, especially if you have the insatiable desire to see and go everywhere? Why not consult Trip.com and its newly launched “Global 100” list? This Trip.com 2025 top destinations list includes 100 must-see places worldwide, which include everything from the hottest European travel spots to the gorgeous cities of South America, the Far East, and more. Whether you’re looking to explore world cities like London and Beijing, laidback beach hotspots like Koh Samui, or the culturally rich Rome and Kyoto, the list includes them all – and then some. Here are some of the best places to book vacations to with Trip.com in 2025.
P.S.: We aren’t just sticking to the topmost destinations, but are including a well-rounded variety so as to help you choose your next vacation destination easily!
Istanbul
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Istanbul — there’s something absolutely magical in the name. Straddling the two continents of Asia and Europe along the Bosphorus Strait, this city (formerly Byzantium and Constantinople) was the crown jewel of three empires — Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Some of the top things to do in Istanbul include the grand museum-turned-mosque Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Hippodrome right in the heart of Sultanahmet Square. There’s also the noisy, vibrant maze that is the Grand Bazaar, the Basilica Cistern, Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, the Spice Bazaar, and the many other markets that dot the city. Walk down the famous Divan Yolu Caddesi, a major boulevard in the Old City of Eminönü, and the road that’s said to lead to Rome!
Did you know that Istanbul is surrounded by multiple interesting bodies of water? One of them is the famed Bosphorus Strait that divides Asia and Europe, and where you can take a cruise. Head to Taksim Square for a taste of Istanbul’s vibrant, multicultural present. Climb the Galata Tower for views, ride the Golden Horn ferry through historic neighborhoods, and relax in a traditional Turkish bath, or a hamam, like the 16th-century Çemberlitaş.
Istanbul is one of the world’s best cities for food, and let us warn you, the list is long! Think kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes), menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes), döner kebabs, lokum (Turkish delight), and other delights like pide, gozleme, and the staples — Turkish Çay (chai, or tea) and coffee. Spy cats on every corner (they’re deeply integrated in Turkish culture), roam the lush gardens, and head to the Princes’ Islands like Heybeliada and Buyukada for a peaceful day trip.
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Phuket
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The “Pearl of the Andaman,” Phuket, is named aptly, considering its serene setting, postcard-perfect beaches, and the sun, the sand, and the sea coming together in one mesmerizing blend. Phuket has a long list of must-try local experiences, both by day and at night! During the day, sail to tropical islands around, like Maya Bay and Koh Phi Phi, snorkel with the fish amidst colorful corals, and lounge on beaches under swaying palms, complete with cocktails in hand. Adventure seekers can surf the azure waves of the Andaman Sea, hike the Black Rock Viewpoint trail, zip-line through the island’s rainforest canopy, and race buggies and ATVs in the jungle.
On the other side of the spectrum is the lovely Phuket Old Town and its pastel-hued streets that are steeped in colonial history, also one of the top things to do in Phuket. Feast your eyes on Sino-Portuguese shophouses, museums, pretty cafes, street art, local folklore, and temples. Don’t miss captivating shows that showcase Thai history and folklore, or interacting with animals at Tiger Kingdom and the Phuket Dolphin Show. At the end of the day, recharge with a wonderful Thai massage in a tranquil spa or a beachfront pavilion.
Thailand is a vegan paradise, and Phuket is at the top of the list. Dig into mango sticky rice and satay skewers at Chillva Market’s neon stalls and savor Pad Thai at Naka Market. When night falls, head straight to Bangla Road in Patong, where DJs spin tunes and live bands mesmerize the audience even as you sip on cocktails. Or, head straight to the oceanfront lounges at Xana and Catch Beach Clubs.
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Los Angeles
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Palm-lined boulevards bursting with Hollywood glamour, with the North Pacific Ocean gleaming right behind — not for nothing is Los Angeles the absolute West Coast dream. Must-try local experiences here are an eclectic spectrum; there’s iconic movie sets at Warner Bros. Studio, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the star-power-filled Universal Studios Hollywood. On the other hand, there are a bunch of iconic, golden sand beaches, piers, ferris wheels, coastal adventures, and mesmerizing views, all buzzing with Californian coastal charm.
For culture vultures, LA has a wealth of museums and performance venues. Besides the Getty Center with Van Gogh’s works, there’s Broad’s Infinity Mirror Rooms for surreal art experiences and LACMA with its light installations. Furthermore, foodies, the City of Angels is an absolute riot, with everything from ramen, tacos, and the Californian icon “In-N-Out Animal Style burger” to Koreatown’s sizzling BBQ, food trucks, and street carts. Luxury brand shops in Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, bold street art in Melrose Avenue, and historic Japanese shops and eateries in Little Tokyo; every neighborhood in Los Angeles tells a story.
Theme park adventures in Anaheim’s Disneyland, Six Flags in Santa Clarita, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter right in the heart of the city are a testament to LA’s fun vibe. Did you know that you can also have hiking adventures, go to comedy clubs, catch a baseball game, and sip craft beer, all in this one city? Yes!
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Osaka
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While Japan’s dazzling capital city, Tokyo, occupies the 6th spot, it’s the quieter and culturally richer Osaka in the 7th place that we’re more interested in. Japan’s second-largest city is a heady mishmash of old and new, which is evident in its variety of experiences. While there’s Osaka Castle, centuries-old shrines, and arched bridges on one side, the other side of Osaka is a psychedelic experience with Dotonbori’s neon lights, Japan’s Universal Studios, and the Botanical Garden of glowing art. Foodies can sip sake at Namba’s izakayas, and culture vultures can try on kimonos and pose at one of the city’s many pagodas. Of course, who can forget the city’s culinary fare? Firstly, there’s grilled octopus, sashimi, and tuna auctions at Kuromon Market in the morning, for something different. Additionally, you can dig into eel rice at Shinsaibashi’s sushi bars and savor fried skewers, okonomiyaki, and takoyaki in Dotonburi.
Osaka is also famed for its gorgeous cherry blossoms along the Yodogawa River, where there are petal showers. There are summer festivals like Tenjin Matsuri, fireworks in August, and floats along rivers in September. Then, there’s anime merch in Namba, luxury goods in Umeda, vintage stalls in AmeMura — the city is a shopper’s delight as well. For amazing sights, head straight to the 60th floor of the Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory, the tallest skyscraper in all of Japan, for jaw-dropping sunset views over Osaka. Did we mention Umeda Sky Building’s floating garden that glows with northern lights and Minoo Park, which is one of the best places to see fall foliage in Japan? Sigh, Osaka is a visual dream.
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London
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Occupying the second spot on Trip.com’s list — and ours — is jolly ol’ London, England’s iconic, historic, and culturally rich capital. Straddling the River Thames, the city is charming in spades, with its iconic river views, red buses and telephone booths, Victorian and Elizabethan architecture, a thriving pub scene, a plethora of lush green parks and gardens, tons and tons of local gems, and modern glass-and-steel additions that offer stellar views of the city.
“London is magical, no matter how many times you visit. We stayed here for nearly 12 days, and we still want to go back for more!”
WOW Travel
Some must-try local experiences include catching a show on the famed West End and enjoying picnics in Hyde Park and St. James Park. History lovers will love seeing historic structures like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and its six bridges, including Tower Bridge and London Bridge. However, the city is a haven for museum enthusiasts, including the British Museum, V&A, Science Museum, and the Tate Modern Museums. There are modern structures like the Shard, Sky Garden at Ferrum, and the London Eye, and cultural spots like King’s Cross station, famous for its Platform 9¾’s trolley display. Finally, there’s Notting Hill for vintage stuff, Borough Market for delicious food, Afternoon Tea bus tours, Regent Street for its upscale shopping experience, and London’s famed nightlife in neighborhoods like Soho; the list goes on and on!
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Paris
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It’s not surprising that Paris occupies the top spot on Trip.com’s 2025 list. Full of sheer beauty, history, culture, and romance, the ‘City of Lights’ is one to behold. There’s something for every kind of traveler here, whether you’re a nature lover, a gourmand, a culture vulture, or an art aficionado. Some must-try local experiences and top things to do in Paris include climbing the Eiffel Tower and seeing it dazzle at night, ascending the Arc de Triomphe and Montmartre’s hill, and soaking in the skyline by strolling along the Seine River. Of course, who can forget stopping at the ever-popular Le Marais or the La Maison Rose café for iconic photos? Moreover, culture vultures, art, and history lovers will love visiting the Louvre, the Notre-Dame, and the ornate Cross Pont Alexandre III bridge.
Are you a garden lover? The city is full of lush and verdant spaces, such as the Jardin des Plantes, Coulee Verte, and the expansive Jardin des Tuileries. Plus, Paris also happens to be the gastronomical capital of the world, a world that’s all about baguettes, macarons, crêpes, croissants, wine, cheese, and charcuterie. Cobblestoned streets, theatres and live music venues, vintage boutiques and luxury stores, royal palaces, tunnels and catacombs, street art; what could be better?
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Which cities from the United States are on Trip.com’s 2025 list?
That list includes Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Orlando, Washington, DC, Chicago, San Diego, Seattle, Austin, Atlanta, Honolulu, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Houston, and, surprisingly, Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands.
How do I ensure that a hotel is safe when booking on Trip.com?
So, Trip.com has a ton of search filters to find stays with high safety standards. In the reviews, look for features such as neighborhood, in-room safes, security, 24-hour reception, etc.
Can I book a hotel without a credit card on Trip.com?
Even though many hotels require credit cards to secure bookings, Trip.com offers a wide variety of options for booking without an upfront payment. Plus, some hotels even allow paying at check-in or using alternative payment methods, such as debit cards.
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