Where to go in 2025, without crowds

By now, you’ve already revenge traveled. Maybe you’ve bucket-listed. You’ve braved the masses in some of the world’s most famous destinations. It’s time for something different.

 If you’re seeking destinations not overwhelmed with fellow visitors — we have several  to offer.

For this list, we asked travel industry experts for their favorite less-discovered sites and considered our own interests and travels to come up with fresh, exciting and welcoming spots.

Out Islands, Bahamas

In the Bahamian galaxy of islands and cays, 14 are Out Islands. The group sits "outside" New Providence and Grand Bahama, the heavily touristed, cruise ship parking lots. The Family Islands, as they’re called locally, share an easygoing vibe, strong community spirit and steady diet of conch. But they possess subtle differences, too.

The Exumas, known for pristine beaches and 50 shades of blue water, are "perfect for privacy and natural beauty," said Mary Jean Tully, founder and chief executive of Tully Luxury Travel. Andros is a "haven for divers, anglers and nature enthusiasts," she said. Long Island, home of one of the world’s deepest underwater sinkholes, is "ideal for those seeking a quieter escape." The People-to-People Experience pairs locals with visitors interested in such topics as cuisine or culture. Available on eight Out Islands, the program turns 50 this year.

Don’t miss: On Cat Island, ascend the highest point in the Bahamas, the 206-foot-tall Mount Alvernia. The cherry at the top: the Hermitage, a medieval-style monastery built in 1939, and sweeping 360-degree views.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Between the "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" and "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," Utah’s capital city is having an (occasionally scandalous) moment in pop culture. Former resident Laura Barlow, owner of Explore the Magic Travel, said the shows aren’t a reflection of the culture and community — "but they do a really good job of entertaining people."

Local Murielle Blanchard, a travel designer with Black Pearl Luxury Services, said the city is "booming right now," praising the arts, music and dining. Those interested in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has its global headquarters downtown, can visit the under-renovation Temple Square grounds, hear the famous Tabernacle Choir or research genealogy at the FamilySearch Library. There’s also an abundance of "dirty soda" shops that provide a coffee alternative; Barlow is a big fan of the Dr Pepper, coconut, vanilla, cream and raspberry concoction at FiiZ.

Despite rules followed by many church members, don’t be surprised by the cocktail bars, coffee shops or thriving LGBTQ+ scene. Several national parks are less than five hours from the city, but you can take shorter drives to Park City, Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Don’t miss: A day trip to the Robert Redford-founded Sundance Mountain Resort, about an hour’s drive from the city, for skiing, mountain biking, zip lining or art studio classes, depending on the season.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Tucked in the Ozark Mountains in the northwestern corner of Arkansas, Eureka Springs might be the quirkiest city in the South. Haunted hotels, "hobbit" cave lodgings, hidden hot springs and a thriving drag scene are among the many perks that make this LGBTQ-friendly "mini New Orleans" a must-visit, says Terika L. Haynes, founder and CEO of Dynamite Travel.

The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its wealth of well-preserved Victorian buildings. Haynes sends travelers to Missy’s White Rabbit Lounge for a good dive bar with live music, and the all-glass Thorncrown Chapel, designed by E. Fay Jones, who apprenticed under Frank Lloyd Wright.

Don’t miss: Getting out of town for a hike to appreciate the many springs, lakes and historic trails.

Valparaíso, Chile

Visit the urban sprawl of Santiago, and you’ll spend a lot of time looking up; the white-tipped Andes and the Gran Torre Costanera, the tallest skyscraper in South America, are never out of sight. Go west to "Valpo," and you’ll find equally impressive views peering down at the Pacific from any number of places on the steep, winding hills of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción. (Watching cargo and Navy ships float through port is particularly soothing from the terrace of Hotel Boutique Acontraluz.)

Other tourists are sure to be about, but there’s plenty of room to roam, though — cobblestone streets, stairs through parks and funicular stations. Solid pastels paint the colorful houses that aren’t covered in graffiti and murals, teasing the art galleries and workshops behind every other door. There are espresso-slinging cafés, empanada shops and sit-down restaurants for enjoying a ceviche or fried hake. If Chilean wine or craft beer doesn’t sound appealing, check out Oui Oui, a cocktail bar run by French expats, to try a riff on a pisco sour with kiwi.

Don’t miss: Ride the Metro from Valparaíso to Viña del Mar to see a "Garden City" with more beachfront and adjacent neighborhoods full of restaurants and hotels. The palms and fountain of Plaza Vergara are a warm welcome, steps from the Viña del Mar station. From there it’s a short walk to Museo Fonck, where you can come face-to-face with a moai statue from Rapa Nui.

Brisbane, Australia

It might sound odd to feel attached to a place because of cartoon dogs. But for parents across the world, Australia’s third-largest city by population comes to life — in its sun-dappled, subtropical, waterfront glory — on the hit show "Bluey." A new immersive attraction called Bluey’s World opened there last year, but you can trace the characters’ steps for real life along the South Bank river walk, in New Farm Park or at the Queen Street Mall. "It really does show some of the best of Brisbane in the show," said Sharon Tidbury, owner of the travel agency Aspire Down Under, which put together a Bluey-inspired itinerary.

To experience what she calls the city’s laid-back, "al fresco" vibes, explore restaurants and bars at Howard Smith Wharves under the Story Bridge or tool around by ferry. The city is within easy reach of mountains, rain forests and beaches on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. "You don’t even have to go very far to get a really diverse experience," said Jessica Taylor, an Australia-focused travel adviser with Audley Travel.

Don’t miss: The Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout, Brisbane’s highest point, is a few minutes’ drive from botanic gardens. "It’s just a great spot to get a whole feel of what the whole landscape looks like," Tidbury said.

Swedish Lapland

Near the top of the Scandinavian peninsula, Lapland is an arctic wilderness where you can feel tiny in the boundless nature. The biggest difference between Finnish and Swedish sides? Large-scale tourism. Finland leans toward it; Sweden veers away from it. "It feels quieter and less commercialized compared to its neighbors," said Anna Hård, a destination specialist with 50 Degrees North, a Nordic tour company.

In winter darkness or summer’s midnight light, the arctic region is always a ball of activity. Visitors can ice fish, go reindeer sledding with Indigenous Sámi guides, kayak around Bothnian Bay, hot sauna and cold plunge or sleep in a treetop UFO or the original Icehotel. For Northern Lights chasers, Graeme Richardson, a Nordic specialist with arctic Getaways, recommends Abisko National Park in September or March, when temperatures are milder. He also encourages guests to partake in a local excursion, such as foraging in the forest, cinnamon bun baking classes or learning firsthand about the Sami, the Indigenous people who have lived in Sapmi for eons.

Don’t miss: Huskies outnumber people in some areas, and the sporty dogs are always game for an adventure. Richardson, who reassures visitors of the animals’ ethical treatment, suggests bundling up for a self-drive sled ride or snowshoe trek with the burly dogs. When the snow melts, switch to a husky-drawn cart or hiking boots. The Swedish Lapland Visitors Board lists a number of operators on its site.

Trancoso, Brazil

The coastal village in Bahia State is wild, but not in the same sense as Rio de Janeiro. "It’s a destination for those who prefer nature and peace," said Fabia Fuzeti, a Brazilian travel blogger. Another lure: "The sea of Trancoso is not freezing like in Rio!"

Over the last few years, Brazilian celebrities and high-end travelers have descended on Trancoso, but Fuzeti said it has not become an internationally hyped destination. The main plaza, Quadrado, is quaint but engaging, with boutique hotels and shops, charming restaurants serving Bahian specialties, such as acarajé (fried black-eyed pea fritters), moqueca (coconut milk fish stew) or cocada (a traditional dessert), and laid-back beaches, including Praia dos Coqueiros and (a bit farther out) Praia do Espelho and Praia dos Nativos. "These beaches are more serene and secluded compared to Rio’s bustling stretches like Ipanema and Copacabana," said Tully, of Tully Luxury Travel. Of course, when in Bahia, you must try a caipirinha with a local fruit twist of cupuaçu.

Don’t miss: Kayaking or hiking in Rio do Brasil, a private nature reserve in the Atlantic Rainforest and a habitat for hundreds of species, including capuchin monkeys, giant anteaters, sloths and rare, long-billed Margaretta’s hermit hummingbirds.

New Brunswick

Wedged between Quebec and Nova Scotia, whose official languages are French and English, respectively, New Brunswick is Canada’s only official bilingual province. With 85% of its land forested, however, you might be spending a lot of your trip humming to yourself.

The beaches — considered the warmest saltwater north of Virginia — are equally subdued. "We have these beautiful, long, uncrowded beaches," said Neil Hodge, the province’s travel media representative. "It’s easy to find privacy and your little piece of heaven." The expansive nature acts like a switch, extinguishing the light pollution so the constellations can shine at four Dark Sky preserves.

Don’t miss: At the Bay of Fundy, site of the world’s highest tides, you can attend a three-course dinner party on the ocean floor on select dates from June through September at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. Once the tide rises and the dishes are cleared, go kayaking in up to 50 feet of water.