Research Shows: These Travel Destinations Will Exceed Your Expectations in 2025

Did you even visit a place without any expectations, only to be totally blown away? You unexpectedly fall in love with destinations when you least expect it. Fortunately, we’ll show you exactly how to repeat these experiences. 

Some cities are celebrated for exceeding travelers’ expectations time and time again. While a few are household names, others may surprise you with their charm and appeal.

10. Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia, is a truly unique travel destination that is suitable for all types of people and travelers. There are many activities, food and drink experiences, and cultural opportunities to partake in. That’s why 95.44% of people visiting the city only had good things to say about it.

Whether you go jet skiing, layout at one of the world-famous beaches, or visit the Sydney Opera House for a show, you will surely be thrilled with what the city has to offer.

If you need a break from city life, head west outside Sydney. The Blue Mountains are about an hour and a half from downtown Sydney by train. Hiking, biking, camping, rappelling, you name it, the activity is available! Just be careful to navigate around local wildlife, and pack bug spray! If you want to relax, check out some of their local restaurants serving locally made tea and homemade biscuits. It’s the perfect way to end an active day and support local businesses.

9. Auckland, New Zealand

Known as “The City of Sails,” Auckland is a multi-cultural city offering world-class shopping, an impressive variety of award-winning restaurants, and many incredible experiences in and around the city. Considering that, it’s no surprise Auckland has 95.45% of visitors loving the place.

In Auckland, there are dozens of things to do. Escape the city and explore Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf and Islands for experiences that cater to nature lovers, retreat seekers, and wine connoisseurs. Wander through Auckland Art Gallery and be immersed in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of over 15,000 traditional and contemporary artworks. 

In landscape, lifestyle, and experience, Waiheke is a world away. Waiheke Island, also known as the ‘Island of Wine,’ is the perfect trip, whether it be for a weekend, a night, or even for a few hours. Just a 40-minute ferry from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves, and beaches.

8. Nice, France

Nice is the French destination that will exceed your expectations in 2024. With 95.63% of visitors only having positive comments about the city, this is no destination to skip. 

Nice, France, is located on the French Riviera, offering amazing food and unique landscapes. With the European elite living there since the 19th century, there’s beautiful architecture and incredible buildings all around. 

7. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is the perfect place for food, good weather, and incredible architecture. 95.74% of travelers had only good things to say about Mexico City. 

Max Marvelous, the owner of MaxMyMoney.org, shares his experience. “I stayed in the Doctores district of the city with a native Mexican couple in their home (Airbnb). It was great learning more about how the locals of the city know all the places. I remember going to my first cantina and thinking to myself, “this is something straight out of a movie.” Loud Banda music, couples salsa dancing, and everyone laughing and having a terrific time. I chuckled when my host ordered a Budweiser and called it an “imported Cerveza.” ¡Viva México!”

6. Lisbon, Portugal

Aside from a veritable cornucopia of dining options, Portugal’s capital city offers a vibrant culture, mild climate, and vistas for every type of sightseer. With 95.74% praising the city when they visit, it’s certainly a destination that should be on your radar. 

Farah M., a general manager on Delta’s Corporate Communications team, fondly recalls the aromas greeting her as a child living in Portugal’s capital. 

“If you are a foodie, you’ll be in heaven,” Farah said. “Portuguese food is quite interesting, with influences from many parts of the world, including India. Don’t be surprised to see curry on your lunch menu. If you like seafood, good wine, and trying new foods, you’re in the right place.” 

You’ll enjoy all that and more in the company of warm, generous, and welcoming people who call Lisbon home, in a temperate climate with mild autumn and winter weather. And there’s no better way to fully immerse yourself in Lisbon’s vibrant culture than to attend a futebol match (soccer to Americans). Both the Sporting Lisboa and Benfica Lisboa football clubs play in packed stadiums of 50,000 or more. 

5. Lima, Peru

After Cairo, this sprawling metropolis is the second-driest world capital, rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs. It also charms 95.87% of its visitors, who love the city.

To enjoy Lima, travelers can climb on the wave of chaos that spans high-rise condos built alongside pre-Columbian temples and fast Pacific breakers rolling toward noisy traffic jams.

Lima is also a sophisticated city, with a civilization that dates back millennia. Stately museums display sublime pottery; galleries debut edgy art; solemn religious processions recall the 18th century, and crowded nightclubs dispense tropical beats. No visitor can miss the capital’s culinary genius, part of a gastronomic revolution more than 400 years in the making. Shrouded in history (and sometimes fog), gloriously messy, and full of aesthetic delights makes, Lima a can’t-miss destination for avid travelers.

4. Dublin, Ireland

As the familiar saying goes, when in Dublin, do as the Irish do! With 95.90% of visitors praising the city, 2024 is the perfect year to visit Dublin and experience a truly unique destination.

Rich in culture, Dublin offers incredible sights to explore for history buffs, legendary castles, iconic museums, and the Temple Bar. Be sure to visit the Guinness Brewery, The Jameson Distillery, and Trinity College, where you can see some of Ireland’s most ancient manuscripts.

Dublin is not only home to an incredible history, culture, and boisterous nightlife, but the locals are also some of the most interesting people you will ever meet. They love telling stories and never fail to put a smile on your face.

Dublin is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, for a good reason. With its rich history and vibrant culture, this dynamic city always has something new to discover.

3. Zurich, Switzerland

As a compact city, yet the biggest in Switzerland, Zurich offers something for every taste, even the most eclectic. That shows, with over 96.02% of visitors being head over heels for this travel destination.

Zurich is the perfect place to travel through time with over 2000 years of history, discover all kinds of art with the hundreds of art galleries and museums (even the birthplace of Dadaism), refresh in Zurich’s bathing areas, marvel at its sacral and profane buildings alike, party all night or go hiking, and of course shop on one of the worlds most exclusive shopping street: Bahnhofstrasse. Lastly, it is the perfect location to use as a hub for exploring the rest of Switzerland and Europe.

2. Brussels, Belgium

96.04% of people visiting Brussels, Belgium, loved the place and had their expectations exceeded. Brussels charms its visitors with its lovely bars, impressive street art, and mouthwatering food. 

You won’t get bored in Brussels, as something is always happening.

1. Budapest, Hungary

The number one destination that exceeded expectations the most is Budapest, with 96.17% of the reviews containing pleasant surprises and praise. 

Budapest isn’t synonymous with thermal baths for people unfamiliar with the Queen of the Danube. But the city has a jaw-dropping 123 thermal water springs. Visit several baths for a rejuvenating experience after your New Year’s celebrations, as their benefits vary according to their mineral composition. Alternatively, keep the party going by attending a night spa.

When you’re ready for a different water activity, hop on a river cruise. These tours range from an hour of sightseeing famous Budapest sites to a dinner cruise complete with folk dances and live Hungarian music. The highlight for many is seeing the Parliament Building. With 691 rooms, it’s easier for you—and your camera—to appreciate its size from the river.

Budapest’s land-based activities are swoon-worthy too. Walking through Fisherman’s Bastion is a must, where you’ll have among the best panoramic views of the city. Another essential is crossing the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda and Pest sides of the city. Set your alarm for an early start; you’ll be thankful to experience the bridge in a quieter state when you see its crowds later in the day.

This post is published by Spark Nomad and syndicated with permission.