Globe Aware volunteers will recognize several of our volunteer vacation destinations among this year’s favorites, celebrated for their rich culture, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences.

The best countries in the world: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards

Europe dominated this year’s list of the countries Traveller readers have been choosing to go – matching what you were probably seeing all over Instagram

October 7, 2025
Condé Nast Traveller

Italy is a perennial favourite in our awards – when you see its scores for food, scenery and places to stay, well, that’s amore. More of a surprise is this year’s runner-up, though it shouldn’t be: in 2024, Qatar, with its world-class restaurants, museums and activities, drew more visitors than Malta and Jamaica. Once reclusive Bhutan is having a moment, thanks to its dragon-fired culture; Japan was rated highly for things to do and its streamlined transport; and you loved Thailand for its pungent food and famous welcome – a criterion that Morocco also embraced. In that spirit, a high five for Estonia: this is the Baltic nation’s first showing in our awards, with impressive scores for its slow-burn culture and outdoor activities.

20. Chile. Score 91.71

Chile is like an entire world stitched into one long, slender strip of land. Stretching around 4,300 kilometres from north to south, landscapes range from barren deserts at the peak to the southern, wind-lashed fjords of Patagonia. Such natural wonders drew just over five million international visitors to Chile in 2024, each returning home with awe-inspiring tales of the country’s incredible scale and contrast. From the Atacama Desert, where salt flats shimmer under breathtakingly starry skies, to the Central Valley, Chile’s most prominent wine-producing region, there are enough experiences across the land to make a shoestring tour feel like several individual adventures.

19. Sri Lanka. Score 92.09

This South Asian nation packs a wallop into a single teardrop-shaped island only slightly larger than the state of West Virginia: Think high-elevation tea plantations that are eye-vibratingly green, national parks where sloth bears and endangered elephants roam, and friendly surf towns that, if you squint, might remind you of Costa Rica or Nicaragua some decades ago. Then there’s the capital city of Colombo, where you can shop for local spices, fly kites along the waterfront, or even charter a yacht. As Sri Lanka has worked in recent years to establish itself as a global tourism contender, it has faced several challenges. Now, it’s regaining the trust of visitors with its trademark hospitality and warm nature – not to mention an ever-expanding roster of new hotels and resorts.

18. Portugal. Score 92.13

This Iberian Peninsula country has spent the past decade transforming from a budget-minded underdog destination to a major player that rivals Spain and Italy. Portugal is brimming with delights that border on sensory overload: the intricate blue-and-white patterns of azulejo tiles, the intoxicating aroma of oven-fresh pastéis de nata, the mournful chords of live fado music, the bracing chill of a crisp vinho verde or the nectary sweetness of a port. With its jaunty yellow trams and hilltop São Jorge Castle, Lisbon is an easy-to-adore starting point for first-timers. Still, an increasing number of direct flights to Porto are inviting travellers to explore the second city’s contemporary cultural scene and must-try restaurants. And then? Portugal rewards repeat visitors with a choose-your-own adventure that might include the terraced hillsides of the Douro Valley, the underrated wineries and burgeoning beach towns of the Alentejo region, the surfer havens of the Algarve, and the absurdly scenic hamlets scattered throughout.

17. South Africa. Score 92.21

Stretching from the subtropical Indian Ocean coast to the stark deserts of the Karoo and the soaring peaks of the Drakensberg, South Africa delivers landscapes so varied you could mistake them for different continents stitched together. Travellers come first for the safaris, and rightly so – few experiences compare to watching lions stir at dawn or elephants crack branches underfoot while clutching piping hot coffees in the bush. But the allure goes beyond such wild landscapes and plush tented camps. Cape Town, with its natural amphitheatre of ocean and mountain, pulses with design-forward hotels, a flourishing food scene, and vineyards just a short drive away – making it a long-haul city break favourite once temperatures in the northern hemisphere tumble.

16. Estonia. Score 92.24

Tucked on the edge of the Baltic, Estonia remains one of Europe’s most underrated destinations, with cobblestoned old towns that flow into wild forests and islands that seem made for slowing down. Most travellers begin in Tallinn to wander around its enchanting UNESCO-listed Old Town, punctuated by spires that reach for the heavens and hidden courtyards where creatives swirl natural wine on summer evenings. It’s particularly magical at Christmas, thanks in part to the reasonable prices compared to most other European capitals.

15. Maldives. Score 92.30

A lot has changed in this Indian Ocean archipelago in the past 50 years. This scattered pebble-dash of a nation opened up to beach-loving tourists in the early 1970s. Since then, resorts, most of which occupy their own islands, have consistently worked to outdo themselves – and their rival neighbours – with ‘world firsts’ and head-turning improvements. What exactly do you want from your Maldives experience? Dining beside underwater residents in a submerged restaurant? Hurawalhi Maldives. Mornings gliding into the ocean from an in-room waterslide? Soneva Jani. 18,000 bottles of wine? Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – specifically The Wine Cellar. With such a range of experiences, from the sustainable to the indulgent, on offer, it’s no surprise that once travellers fall in love with these islands, they return time and time again.

14. France. Score 92.38

All eyes were on Paris last summer as the city hosted the Summer Olympics and Paralympics. It’s little surprise, then, that the tourism boost helped place France as the fourth best country in the world in last year’s Readers’ Choice Awards. While the fanfare may be a distant memory, our love affair with France is far from over, and the country sits firmly within the top 20 yet again. Paris remains a city break favourite, while less than a week had passed by this summer before another colleague or acquaintance dropped “Marseille” into conversation. Nice and the charming towns beyond are glitzy havens during the peak summer months, but we’re advocates of last-minute spring and autumn weekends seeing all it has to offer. Keep your ears to the ground – it’s only a matter of time before the Francophiles declare another corner of our European neighbour the hottest place to be for 2026.

13. Mexico. Score 92.47

Our guide to North America and Mexico’s hottest new openings earlier this year pushed our wanderlust to new extremes. Mezcal and tequila are two of the hottest tipples of the moment, with celebrities and entrepreneurs turning their hand to the spirits business in an attempt to capitalise. More importantly, Mexico City is officially home to the world’s most exceptional watering hole, with Handshake Speakeasy claiming the top spot at The World’s 50 Best Bars’ 2024. It’s one of three bars in the city, proving that the inspirations behind the city’s long-celebrated food scene are trickling into its cocktails. Secure a coveted spot at the bar ahead of your next mooch around the vibrant city and see how this historic metropolis is honouring old traditions by embracing the new.

12. Spain. Score 93.57

Suppose you’ve spent any time in Spain, especially after nightfall. In that case, you probably already know this obvious fact: the Spanish know how to party, and they love to do it in style, from the sherry and flamenco bars of Andalusia to the beach clubs of bohemian Formentera to the tapas bars of Barcelona. In an ironic twist, some of the country’s most notoriously party-hardy spots are moving in the opposite direction, shedding their reputations for debauchery to become serious cultural hubs. A new generation of creatives in Mallorca, for instance, is getting back to the land, with homey design hotels and natural wineries. Meanwhile, a host of boutique hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants in Marbella are enticing visitors to explore beyond the (admittedly gorgeous) beachfront and into the previously underrated Old Town.

11. Croatia. Score 94.10

The secret’s out: this Balkan country may have been off the beaten path a decade or so ago, but it’s rapidly gaining in popularity, thanks to increased direct flights, an influx of cruises, and especially the popularity of Game of Thrones. Croatia is feeling the growing pains of its success, with spots like Dubrovnik and Split becoming every bit as overtouristed as Venice or Amsterdam. Still, there are plenty of areas around the country that reward exploration: dining at family-farm restaurants and sampling local olive oil in Istria, zipping around by speedboat off the coastline of Trogir, road-tripping through vineyards and oyster farms on the Dalmatian Coast, or sailing among the restful Kornati Islands dotted with oak forests, centuries-old churches, and fortified villages. The result? What local Dalmatians call fjaka – that sweet feeling of doing absolutely nothing.

10. Oman. Score 94.28

Oman is a country that slips quietly under the radar, all too often overshadowed by its flashier neighbours. Until recently, that is. Set on the Arabian Peninsula, it’s a land where tradition still shapes daily life, but adventure unfolds at every turn. Oman’s capital, Muscat, is the beating heart of the country, where travellers tiptoe around spectacular religious monuments and kaleidoscopic, sweet-scented markets as the Hajar Mountains overlook the seaside hustle and bustle. But the desertscapes and glittering shores beyond keep many jetsetters hooked – and it’s about time Oman got its time in the spotlight.

9. Vietnam. Score 94.29

Vietnam’s charming rusticity sets it high on the list of gap-year adventurers year after year. The country ​​welcomed close to 18 million tourists in 2024 – a fraction of Thailand’s 35 million. Still, this figure increases each year as travellers choose to uncover the country’s secrets and experience the towns and cultures mass tourism has yet to encroach on. New services from the likes of Vietnam Airlines have opened up more of the country in recent years, transforming corners once reserved for backpackers willing to endure long train journeys into destinations that are now accessible to discerning culture vultures. In short, this is no longer ‘one to watch’ – it’s one to book.

8. New Zealand. Score 95.04

Ever since Peter Jackson cast his home country as Middle-earth in the Lord of the Rings film franchise, visitors have viewed New Zealand as a place of almost mythical beauty, from the crystalline mountains, lakes and sweeping fjords to misty rainforests and geothermal valleys. Culturally diverse Auckland remains the most popular point of entry for international travellers, but new lodges and trails are making it easier than ever before to venture far out into the country’s vast wilderness. Among the most dazzling openings in recent years is Flockhill Lodge, a 36,000-acre high-country sheep station in the Southern Alps that now doubles as an ultra-luxe retreat, while other properties are finding clever ways to honour the land (such as regenerative farming) and especially the country’s Māori heritage.

7. Greece. Score 95.22

Greece is attracting record-breaking tourist numbers, and the crystal Aegean waters are beckoning us back to some of your favourite islands in the world: postcard-perfect Santorini, mythology-steeped Mykonos, and massive Crete, with its re-emerging viticultural scene. That roster of dreamy islands is ever-expanding, with more and more visitors venturing out to under-the-radar Paros, car-free Hydra, blissfully secluded Zakynthos, beach-filled Ios, and wild, windswept Tinos. And be sure not to ignore Athens. As it rebuilt itself after a paralysing debt crisis, the ancient city leaned into a scrappy, creative energy that has yielded forward-thinking restaurants, avant-garde galleries, and hip hotels, ranking Athens among Europe’s unexpectedly coolest capitals.

6. Morocco. Score 95.43

Morocco seduces the senses from the moment you arrive with a heady concoction of colours, sounds, and scents. Stretching from the Mediterranean coast to the sweeping dunes of the Sahara, it’s a land of contrasts that’s a short enough journey from British shores to make it a winter sun favourite. What makes Morocco one of the best countries in the world is the way it offers both intensity and escape, often within the same day. Take Marrakech as an obvious example, where travellers roam spice-scented souks before lounging poolside as the midday heat takes hold – before candlelit suppers under starry skies in the desert expanses beyond the city. Then there’s Tangier, a buzzy city tucked along the Moroccan Riviera that we swear is the secret hot spot to visit during winter.

5. Thailand. Score 95.48

Thailand’s enduring appeal is primarily thanks to the diversity of its landscapes. Trains, internal flights, boats and overnight buses mean that getting from A to B is considerably easier than in neighbouring Southeast Asian countries – but that’s not to say they’re not catching on… Eat your way through Chiang Mai’s delicious night markets before understanding what all the fuss is about on Thailand’s beautiful islands. There’s no denying interest peaked (again) following the release of The White Lotus’ Thailand series, which used the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui for filming.

4. Bhutan. Score 96.19

Tucked deep in the Himalayas, Bhutan is a place where monasteries perch on cliff edges, valleys hum with the sound of prayer flags, and daily life is guided not by GDP but by Gross National Happiness. It’s a slow travel haven that’s still relatively unexplored by many Brits – its exceptionally high debut in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards is testament to the incredible time had by those lucky enough to visit. Trekking routes thread through ancient forests, high passes, and remote villages where hospitality is notoriously heartfelt. Festivals, awash with colour and masked dances, offer windows into the country’s spiritual heart, while the countryside, from terraced rice fields to snow-dusted peaks, feels untouched by time.

3. Japan. Score 96.22

Japan has been dealt a difficult hand in recent years, with its turn at the Summer Olympics coinciding with an international pandemic. And though they were much delayed, the 2021 games reminded viewers worldwide what they loved – and missed – about the island nation: its traditions, design culture, and futuristic innovation. So much so, that Japan was crowned the best country in the world in last year’s Readers’ Choice Awards. It may have dropped a few places in the 12 months since, but tourism is still booming, and you’ll still find incredible restaurants, ultra-relaxing onsens, cherry blossoms, and impeccably efficient high-speed trains, which run along some of the most scenic rail routes in the world. But there’s always something new in this whizz-bang nation of the future.

2. Qatar. Score 96.67

Qatar welcomed more than 5 million visitors in 2024, a 25 per cent increase on 2023, attributed to the momentum from the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Qatar’s ongoing tourism strategy. Futuristic skylines rise from the desert, yet centuries-old traditions continue to anchor daily life. The compact country offers visitors a taste of the Middle East that feels simultaneously cutting-edge and deeply authentic. Doha’s creative and independent buzz is louder than ever before, and a series of world-class hotel and restaurant openings in recent years have led sunseekers to shun its neighbours in favour of guaranteed vitamin D and a dose of fascinating culture.

1. Italy. Score 97.80

As Stanley Tucci’s popular CNN travelogue proved, there aren’t enough days in the year to uncover all the dolce vita that Italy has to offer. Beyond the hotspots in Florence, Venice, Milan, and Rome, the country is blessed with seemingly infinite villages and underrated cities to explore and fall in love with. Palermo’s stunningly restored Villa Igiea, for instance, brought the glitterati back to Sicily, which is still riding high off its role in HBO’s The White Lotus, while Bergamo and Brescia – two former rivals who were epicentres of the early pandemic – put aside their differences to jointly hold the title of 2023 Italian Capital of Culture (in 2024, this honour went to Pesaro, while Agrigento owns the title in 2025). Of course, one of Italy’s enduring legacies is its world-renowned cuisine, which the government has officially nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. And you don’t have to look far to see what all the fuss is about: Italy is a food lover’s paradise, where you can immerse yourself in the millennia-old Jewish cuisine of Rome, take part in a transformative cooking class in Tuscany, or try something completely new-to-you (like torta al testo) in landlocked Umbria. As your votes in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards show, our collective love affair with Italy is far from over.