If you’re a traveler who’s in for a real adventure, then we’ve got some places that you probably haven’t explored yet. Forget the crowds and tourist-y landmarks as we’ve scoured the globe to introduce the next wave of must-see destinations. Yup, we’re talking about remote islands that use AI to talk to whales and ancient cities. We’re taking you on a digital trip to the 11 places you must add to your bucket list.
11. Jordan
Fan of the movie Dune? It’s actually filmed in Petra, which houses one of Jordan’s must-see sights. You can now experience the Martian landscape of Wadi Rim as some parts are filmed in the ancient city. There’s also a new tourism infrastructure and events like Medaina 2025, which make it easier for tourists to explore the landscapes.
10. Montenegro
Dreaming of the Amalfi Coast without the crowd? Travel to Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor instead. It features the same fjord-like landscapes and Venetian architecture without the overwhelming crowd. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval towns and secluded bays you can visit. Explore the town of Kotor and sail the bay to discover why it’s Europe’s next big thing.
9. Bhutan
In a world suffering from climate change, there’s a kingdom located in the Himalayas that’s carbon-negative. That’s Bhutan for you, which reopened its tourism in September 2022. There’s a Sustainable Development Fee of $200 per night to help preserve their forests and ancient culture. That fee is worth it once you see their iconic sites like the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery. It’s a place for nature seekers who love to explore ancient cultures.
8. Wales
In the mood for a medieval visit? Then you might want to travel to Wales, which is home to 600 castles. It features the world’s only continuous coastal path that traces the entire shoreline. The £5 billion sustainable tourism initiative will allow you to walk the entire country’s coast. This would definitely make all those fairy tales you read as a child come true.
7. Naoshima, Japan
Ever dreamed of visiting a Japanese island that you read about in your books? Start with Naoshima, which is home to Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture and museums designed by superstar architect Tadao Ando. It’s a must-visit for tourists who love good art and architecture.
6. Rwanda
Rwanda is known for its mountain gorilla population, which was once critically endangered. Now, they’ve rebounded to over 1,000 thanks to Rwanda’s tourism. Through purchasing a $1,500 trekking permit, you get to fund the protection of these gorillas and support their local communities. You can also visit during their annual Kwita Izina ceremony, where baby gorillas get named.
5. Madagascar
There’s a place you can visit that features 90% wildlife. That’s Madagascar for you, with its iconic Avenue of the Baobabs to the species of lemurs. They were previously a hard-to-reach place, but now, they have new flight routes open from major hubs like Dubai and Paris. Experience their stone forest of Tsingy de Bemaraha and encounter the creatures you’ve never seen in your life.
4. Faroe Islands
If you’re up for a surprise vacation, then the Faroe Islands are the perfect destination. They have a unique Auto Odyssey program they launched just this July 2025, which gives you a car with a pre-programmed secret itinerary made out for you. Destinations get revealed one by one if you scan them via QR code. It has a population of just 54,000 people and over 500,000 pairs of puffins.
3. Slovenia
Slovenia’s Lake Bled was actually named the most mindful and relaxing destination in Europe for 2025. Yup, it’s a place with an island church, cliffside castle, and emerald-green waters. But the real surprise is in the island church, where when you ring it, your wish is said to come true. If you’re in the mood for Alpine adventures and coastlines all within a two-hour drive, then Slovenia is the place to be.
2. Greenland
That’s right, you can now reach Greenland as its new international airport opened in its capital city of Nuuk just last year. For the first time, they opened their direct US flights just last June. The country is home to the beautiful Ilulissat Icefjord with a population of under 57,000! Greenland is also committed to sustainable tourism to protect their local communities and fragile Arctic paradise.
1. Dominica
This is not some science fiction movie, as Dominica partnered with scientists on Project CETI. It’s where they use AI to decode the language of sperm whales. It was in 2024 when they discovered their own phonetic alphabet, and to protect these huge animals, Dominicans created the world’s first sperm whale reserve. You can also head over to the new cable car for an overview of the Boiling Lake. All of these tourism activities happened just recently, so don’t miss your chance.