Up to date

Destinations that promise to win over families in 2025

Take a look at the rising destinations for 2025 and find places that combine adventure, learning, and experiences for the whole family

By Caroline Sundfeld

Over the years, alternative destinations – those outside the common tourist circuit – have awakened the interest of families seeking authentic and enriching experiences. In 2025, tourism should value places that offer immersive cultural experiences and direct contact with nature, always respecting sustainability and promoting collective living between generations. These emerging locations provide new perspectives and expand learning.

In this scenario, an opportunity arises for families to invest in places that promote deeper connections, both with local culture and among the travelers themselves. The importance of responsible tourism and curiosity about the unknown gain strength, encouraging adults and children to experience new cultures and natural beauties while learning fundamental values for life in society.

Below, we present a selection of national and international locations that are trending for 2025 and guarantee unique experiences. Whether amid imposing natural scenery, cultural events, or astronomical observation moments, each place promises adventures, with spaces that encourage learning and fun for all ages.

Tartu, Estonia: the capital of culture and fun for all ages

The small city of Tartu, Estonia, is preparing to become a trending destination for families in 2025. Named European Capital of Culture in 2024, Tartu stands out for its diversity of cultural events, attracting families seeking learning and fun in a welcoming environment. With interactive museums and festival programming throughout the year, the city invites parents and children to discover history and science together in an engaging way.

For little ones, the Estonian National Museum offers exhibitions that include practical and interactive activities, providing a fun educational experience. The city is also known for its beautiful parks and squares, where picnics and outdoor leisure moments are possible. In 2025, Tartu promises to consolidate itself as a center of cultural innovation, with activities and spaces aimed at children and teenagers. Estonian hospitality completes the picture, ensuring that families from all parts of the world feel welcomed and safe.

Reggio Calabria, Italy: an authentic piece of Southern Italy

For those wanting to discover southern Italy authentically and peacefully, Reggio Calabria emerges as one of the bets for 2025. With a coastline of clear waters and a welcoming atmosphere, the city offers a harmonious balance between culture and rest moments. This little-explored destination, compared to more popular cities like Rome and Florence, offers immersive experiences in Italian culture and is ideal for families seeking a calmer travel pace focused on appreciating local daily life.

Reggio Calabria’s beaches are perfect for children, with calm and transparent waters, and there are various cultural activity options, such as visits to the National Museum of Magna Graecia, where the Riace Bronze statues are displayed, iconic figures of ancient Greek art. The picturesque villages and hills around the city also invite family walks, while local restaurants offer a taste of regional cuisine, enchanting even the most demanding palates. In 2025, Reggio Calabria promises to enchant with its simplicity and authenticity, offering a trip for all ages.

Valle del Elqui, Chile: astronomical tourism for young explorers

Valle del Elqui, Chile, stands out among emerging destinations for families wanting to discover the universe of astronomy and science. Located in a privileged area for sky observation, thanks to its climatic conditions and altitude, the valley attracts visitors of all ages for an astro-tourism experience. This is the ideal place for families with young explorers interested in discovering space wonders and learning more about astronomy in a practical and fun way.

In Valle del Elqui, starry nights become an outdoor classroom. There are various observatories equipped to receive the public, including children, with telescopes and specialized guides who teach about constellations, planets, and galaxies. The region is also rich in local culture, offering daytime tours through villages and vineyards that provide immersion in Chilean culture. In 2025, Valle del Elqui confirms itself as a place for those wanting to see the sky with different eyes, awakening in the youngest an interest in science and the universe.

Moab, Utah, USA: wild nature and outdoor fun

Located in Utah, United States, Moab is the perfect destination for adventurous families seeking to discover nature in its purest form. With Arches and Canyonlands National Parks nearby, Moab offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as trails, climbing, and bike rides, suitable for children, teenagers, and adults alike. The rock formations and reddish desert landscapes create scenery that impresses and entertains all types of travelers.

For families preferring a differentiated accommodation experience, ULUM Moab, a luxury camp with safari-style tents, provides a stay surrounded by nature, offering direct contact with the local environment. It’s an excellent opportunity for little ones to learn about the importance of environmental preservation, with tours that encourage respect for fauna and flora. Moab will be one of the most sought-after places for adventure tourism in 2025, being a great option for combining fun and learning amid incredible landscapes.

Nikko, Japan: a mountain refuge for the whole family

For those seeking a more tranquil destination full of culture, Nikko, Japan, is an ideal choice. Located in the mountains, the city is known for its natural landscapes and rich historical heritage. With temples, shrines, and photogenic waterfalls, Nikko offers a peaceful environment where families can walk accessible trails and learn about Japanese culture in a light and enriching way.

Nikko National Park is one of the most visited points, and its trails are ideal for walks with children, who can experience direct contact with nature. The city also houses the famous Toshogu Shrine, a temple complex decorated with details that enchant visitors of all ages. In 2025, Nikko emerges as a place that unites spirituality, culture, and nature, providing a rich experience for parents and children seeking connection and learning during travel.

Portsmouth, Dominica: natural paradise and aquatic experiences

On the small and charming island of Dominica, in the Caribbean, the city of Portsmouth emerges as an accessible destination full of aquatic adventures for families seeking contact with nature. Considered one of the region’s most preserved ecological paradises, Portsmouth offers a variety of activities ranging from diving in coral reefs to boat trips through rivers and tranquil coves. For families with children and teenagers, this is a place that blends fun and learning, enabling contact with biodiversity and local communities.

Portsmouth’s waters are ideal for snorkeling, where even little ones can safely appreciate rich marine life. The city also offers trails and camping areas, encouraging children’s explorer spirit and providing outdoor relaxation moments. In 2025, Dominica emerges as a sustainable Caribbean option, where it’s possible to combine leisure and ecology in a family trip.

Paros, Greece: the greek island for family leisure

While many Greek islands have become popular destinations full of tourists, Paros still maintains a more tranquil environment, ideal for families seeking a serene and welcoming place. Located in the Aegean Sea, Paros is known for its clear-water beaches and picturesque villages that enchant children and adults. The island is perfect for outdoor activities, such as exploring caves and light trails, allowing direct contact with Greece’s natural beauties.

Paros villages offer an authentic experience, with restaurants serving traditional dishes and residents who welcome visitors with sympathy and hospitality. For families with young travelers, the white sand beaches and calm waters are a special attraction, providing days of rest and seaside fun. In 2025, Paros establishes itself as a place for families wanting to experience Greece’s charm peacefully and safely.

Sun Valley, Idaho, USA: adventure in any season

In Idaho state, Sun Valley attracts families in all seasons, offering a range of outdoor activities and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for its mountains and resorts, the region is ideal for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding but also enchants in summer with fishing, trails, and rafting options. With a structure focused on family tourism, Sun Valley provides an experience where each family member finds activities that adjust to their profile.

Besides sports, the city offers good accommodation infrastructure, with options ranging from comfortable hotels to family chalets, ensuring comfort and practicality for parents and children. The relaxed environment and landscapes make Sun Valley a versatile destination that allows fun and rest amid nature. In 2025, Sun Valley consolidates itself as a refuge for families seeking adventure and quality moments together in any season.

Córdoba, Spain: history and culture for young travelers

Located in the Andalusia region, Córdoba is a city that impresses with its cultural and historical richness, attracting families wanting to provide their children with a dive into Spanish history and traditions. Córdoba’s historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true open-air museum, with charming streets and iconic monuments, such as the Mosque-Cathedral, one of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture in Europe.

For little ones, discovering these monuments is an engaging learning experience, allowing them to know the region’s cultural and religious influences. Additionally, Córdoba is full of squares and gardens where families can rest and enjoy tranquil outdoor moments. In 2025, the city should figure among preferred destinations for families seeking to enrich travel with history and culture, enchanting travelers of all ages.

Thiruvananthapuram, India: the essence of Indian culture

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is one of the most intriguing destinations in southern India, offering a combination of history, tropical nature, and culture. For families, this is a place that allows immersion in the essence of Indian culture, with visits to ancient temples, tranquil beaches, and nature reserves. Little ones are enchanted by the architecture and colorful rituals that mark the city’s cultural life, while parents can discover the region’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage.

Besides cultural tours, Thiruvananthapuram offers ecological tourism options, such as visits to wildlife reserves and calm beaches, ideal for children. It’s an opportunity to discover southern India’s biodiversity and learn about local environmental preservation projects. In 2025, the city stands out as a fascinating choice for families seeking to broaden children’s cultural horizons on a trip full of discoveries.

Destinations with the best cost-benefit for families in 2025

For those seeking good cost-benefit when planning a family trip in 2025, some cities have been standing out for offering a rich cultural experience and accessible prices. Sarajevo, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a rising destination, known for its historical architecture and residents’ hospitality. With a significant drop in airfare prices, the city becomes a viable option for those wanting to discover southeastern European history and culture.

Another highlight is Tirana, Albania’s capital, where families find a mixture of Balkan traditions and varied tourist attractions, from museums to nearby beaches. Sapporo, Japan, also figures among places with excellent cost-benefit, being ideal for families seeking a more accessible and less busy Japanese experience than Tokyo. These places emerge as viable and economical options, allowing more families to discover the world in 2025 without compromising experience quality.

Beyond tourism: family connections and learning

Traveling to emerging destinations offers families more than simple leisure moments; it’s an opportunity for children and teenagers to discover new cultures, learn to value diversity, and develop socio-environmental consciousness. In 2025, the rising locations presented here reflect the search for shared experiences that go beyond traditional tourism, providing meaningful connections and discoveries that last a lifetime. Whether in historic cities, natural refuges, or exotic landscapes, the world offers, once again, an invitation for adventurous families to rediscover it empathetically and transformatively.