If you’re pondering, Where Should I Go On Vacation in 2025, you’re in good company. The internet is awash with travel guides suggesting trendy hotels, must-see neighborhoods, and cultural hotspots. But for those of us who live for the outdoors, the question is: where can we find truly amazing adventures?
This isn’t just another generic travel list. We’ve curated a selection of destinations specifically for adventure seekers. Think camping under the stars, paddling pristine waters, surfing epic waves, conquering challenging hikes, and shredding mountain bike trails. Our criteria were simple: what’s genuinely exciting and new in the world of outdoor adventure?
The answer? An abundance of incredible options.
Top Vacation Spots for Outdoor Adventures in 2025
Woman enjoying a boat trip in Playa Viva, Mexico
Each of these destinations promises unforgettable experiences. Imagine skiing down untouched slopes, tackling newly opened thru-hiking trails, or releasing baby turtles into the ocean in Mexico. These adventures come with delicious food, breathtaking views, and rich cultural encounters. And yes, some even offer luxurious accommodations for a comfortable night’s rest.
Many of these locations are on the cusp of exciting developments, offering a sneak peek into future travel trends. Others are timeless gems, often overlooked by fleeting online trends, maintaining their authentic appeal. We’ve included both emerging and classic destinations, domestic and international, catering to both adventurous spirits and those seeking a closer-to-home escape.
Ultimately, these destinations prove that the world is brimming with outdoor adventures waiting to be discovered. So, if you’re ready for an unforgettable trip, here’s where to go on vacation in 2025.
Get More Travel Inspiration
Want more exciting travel stories from Outside? Sign up for our Destinations Newsletter
1. Epic Hiking and Trail Running Vacations
Domestic Stay: Cross Texas Trail, USA
Sunrise at Big Bend Ranch State Park on the Cross Texas Trail
For hikers and trail runners wondering where should I go on vacation domestically, Texas is stepping up its game. The Cross Texas Trail, a massive 1,500-mile thru-hike, is currently under development and promises an epic journey across the Lone Star State. Spanning from the Louisiana border to El Paso, the xTx, as it’s known, will showcase Texas’s diverse beauty: the rolling hills of Hill Country, the rugged Big Bend Ranch State Park, the refreshing Devil’s River, and Guadalupe Peak, the state’s highest point.
Designed for hikers, bikers, and equestrians, the trail is a mix of singletrack and backroads. While much of it is accessible now, the xTx nonprofit is working to secure access through private ranch lands to connect state and national park sections seamlessly. Future plans include trailheads with amenities like picnic areas and water stations, but for now, it’s a self-sufficient adventure. While it’s still developing compared to the Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trails, the Cross Texas Trail offers a unique way to experience the rugged charm of Texas.
Find Texas Airbnbs for Your Hiking Trip
International Escape: Palmilhar Portugal, Europe
Woman hiking the Palmilhar Portugal trail near Pico do Arieiro viewpoint
For international adventurers asking where should I go on vacation for hiking, Portugal is creating its own Camino de Santiago experience. Palmilhar Portugal, a 3,000-kilometer circular trail, is poised to become the world’s longest of its kind. “Walking Portugal,” as it translates, will traverse over 100 hidden gems, from Lisbon’s vineyards to northern mountain peaks.
While still largely under construction, sections opened last summer, with ongoing additions throughout 2025. Primarily a hiking trail, some parts will be open to cyclists. Palmilhar Portugal will launch an app this year, accessible via their website, offering route information, lodging, restaurants, and points of interest. This trail promises a deep dive into Portugal’s diverse landscapes and culture.
Book Portugal Airbnbs for Your Hiking Adventure
2. Mountain Biking and Fat-Tire Biking Destinations
Domestic Thrills: Killington Bike Park, Vermont, USA
Autumn foliage at Killington Bike Park in Vermont
Mountain bikers wondering where should I go on vacation in the US should look to Vermont. Killington Bike Park in the Green Mountains is undergoing exciting expansions. Acquired by local investors in 2024, Killington Resort is investing $30 million in upgrades, including expanding its already impressive bike park with 30 miles of lift-accessed trails.
Starting in 2025, a new trail, accessed by the Ramshead Express Quad, is being added, with further improvements planned. The Ramshead trail, starting construction this spring, will descend over two miles. Even without the new trail, Killington is a top-tier East Coast bike park, featuring berms, tabletops, and bridges for intermediate to advanced riders. Its signature trail, “Black Magic,” offers a technical descent, while beginner-friendly trails are also available. With upgrades underway and day passes starting at $65, Killington is set to become an even better mountain biking destination.
Find Killington Airbnbs for Your Bike Trip
International Trails: Mogo Trails Project, Australia
Mountain biker in Mount Kosciuszko National Park, Australia
For international mountain biking adventures, and answering where should I go on vacation abroad, Australia is a fantastic choice. New South Wales is investing heavily in mountain bike trails, with the Mogo Mountain Bike Trails project being a major development. Located about four hours south of Sydney near Mogo, the trail network is being built within temperate rainforests.
Mogo Trails is designed for all skill levels, offering park-style gravity trails and cross-country routes. Currently, 70km of singletrack are ready, with a planned total of 130km by 2025 and beyond. Completed trails are listed on TrailForks. For lodging, Batemans Bay, offers options like The Isla motel, with beach access from $140/night. Canberra is also within driving distance. Nearby Narooma Trails, opened in 2023, further solidify the area as an international MTB hotspot.
Book Mogo Airbnbs for Your Australian Bike Adventure
3. Skiing and Snowboarding on Fresh Powder
Domestic Slopes: Deer Valley Resort, Utah, USA
Skiers at Deer Valley Ski Resort in Utah
Skiers and snowboarders wondering where should I go on vacation for fresh powder in the US should consider Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. Deer Valley is undergoing a massive expansion, adding a new base village, 100 new trails across 2,600 acres, and over 10 new lifts, including a gondola. This expansion will double the resort size to over 5,700 acres, making it one of the largest US ski resorts.
For the 2024-2025 season, three new chairlifts and 300 acres of terrain are debuting, leading to the new East Village. The East Village will feature Deer Valley’s signature premium service, with restaurants, shops, and an ice rink. Its location on U.S. Route 40 provides convenient access, bypassing Park City traffic.
The new Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, with 381 rooms, anchors the East Village and offers amenities like a restaurant, bar, speakeasy, pool, hot tubs, and ski valet service. The “High Chocolate” experience offers a unique après-ski treat. Rooms start from $270/night.
Find Deer Valley Airbnbs for Your Ski Trip
International Snow: Andermatt Ski Area, Switzerland, Europe
Skier accessing hike-to terrain at Andermatt Ski Area, Switzerland
For international skiers seeking where should I go on vacation in Europe, Andermatt Ski Area in Switzerland is emerging as a premier destination. The combined resorts of Andermatt, Sedrun, and Disentis, south of Zurich, have seen over $2 billion in upgrades, including ten new lifts connecting all three areas, offering over 100 miles of trails.
Andermatt village has been renovated to welcome skiers, with a new shopping and dining district featuring 35 stores and 10 restaurants. The resort aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. Vail Resorts acquired majority ownership in 2022, making it part of the Epic Pass.
With abundant snowfall and diverse terrain, from beginner runs to steep couloirs, Andermatt rivals the best European resorts. With a 30-year master plan, now is the time to visit before it becomes overcrowded.
Book Andermatt Airbnbs for Your Swiss Ski Vacation
4. Beach and Coastal Getaways
Domestic Beaches: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on the North Carolina coast
Beach lovers wondering where should I go on vacation domestically should consider Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Part of the Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras is known for its expansive beaches, kiteboarding, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s also home to Edgecamp Pamlico Station, a new wellness-focused hotel on Pamlico Sound, ideal for paddling and kiting.
Opened last year, the 14-room hotel transformed a strip mall into a stylish retreat with suites by Jonathan Adler. It blends coastal charm with sophistication, focusing on outdoor recreation. Amenities include cold plunges, a sauna, and a hot tub. Located near Cape Hatteras National Seashore, it offers access to surfing, fishing, and paddleboarding in a celebrated beach destination. Rooms start at $179/night.
Find Airbnbs Near Cape Hatteras for Your Beach Trip
International Coastline: Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast, Central America
Bay of San Juan del Sur on Nicaragua's Pacific Coast
For international beach vacations, and answering where should I go on vacation for remote coastlines, Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast is a prime choice. Long considered a hidden gem in Central America, it boasts excellent surf breaks, undeveloped beaches, and tropical forests. The new Carratera Costanera Highway, or Emerald Coast Highway, will improve access along the 350-kilometer coastline.
Construction is underway, starting near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua’s surf capital. The coastline offers diverse waves, attracting surfers year-round, with summer being optimal. Improved access is driving tourism development, including the reopened Mukul Resort, a luxury eco-resort from $776/night, with direct surf break access.
While road construction progress is ongoing, and a US State Department travel advisory is in place, Nicaragua is generally safe for tourists with caution. Now is the time to experience its surf breaks before the coastline develops further.
Book San Juan del Sur Airbnbs for Your Nicaraguan Beach Getaway
5. Paddling and Canoe Adventures
Domestic Paddling: Boundary Waters, Minnesota, USA
Canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota
For paddlers wondering where should I go on vacation domestically, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota offers pristine backcountry. In 2023, mining and geothermal exploration were banned on 225,000 acres in Superior National Forest, protecting the Boundary Waters.
With potential political shifts, advocates worry about renewed mining threats. Exploring the BWCAW now highlights its unique value. Spanning over a million acres with thousands of lakes and 1,200 miles of canoe routes, it’s a paddler’s paradise. With over 2,000 campsites, mostly paddle-in only, it offers a break from modern life and a chance to support its preservation through tourism.
International Paddling: Pacuare River, Costa Rica, Central America
Rafting on the Pacuare River in Costa Rica
For international paddling adventures, and answering where should I go on vacation for river trips, the Pacuare River in Costa Rica is a top choice. East of San José, the Pacuare is a world-class tropical rafting destination and home to Pacuare Lodge, a renowned eco-luxury lodge.
Pacuare Lodge, with 20 suites, a restaurant, and spa, sets a high standard for rainforest luxury. Access is via the river itself. Guests raft class II-V rapids to reach the lodge. Suites offer luxuries like outdoor showers and plunge pools. The restaurant features fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the spa offers wellness programs. Surrounding forests are home to diverse wildlife. Activities include rainforest hikes, zip-lining, and community visits. The lodge, combined with the river entrance, offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
6. Glamping and Comfortable Camping Experiences
Domestic Glamping: Yosemite, California, USA
Night sky over Yosemite National Park, California
For comfortable camping and glamping, and answering where should I go on vacation domestically, Under Canvas Yosemite in California offers a luxurious outdoor experience. Under Canvas is expanding to an 80-acre camp near Yosemite National Park. Known for glamping resorts in iconic locations like Great Smoky Mountains and Grand Canyon, Under Canvas is now coming to California.
Under Canvas Yosemite, opening in May, will feature safari-style tents with king-size beds, private decks, and ensuite bathrooms, similar to its other 13 locations. Camp activities include live music, yoga, and campfires. The seasonal camp runs from May to October 2025, with rates from $349/night (meals not included).
Located ten minutes from Yosemite’s west entrance and near a YARTS bus stop, it provides easy, car-free park access. With summer reservations required for park entry by car, Under Canvas Yosemite offers both amenities and convenient park access.
Find Cheap Flights to Yosemite for Your Glamping Trip
International Luxury Camping: Playa Viva, Mexico, North America
Treehouses at Playa Viva in Mexico
For international luxury camping, and answering where should I go on vacation for unique stays, Playa Viva in Mexico offers an ecologically sensitive, off-grid experience. Located on a remote beach south of Zihuatanejo, Playa Viva is a wellness-focused resort with 19 open-air treehouses and casitas made from sustainable materials.
Each room offers beach views, surrounded by palm trees and the Pacific Ocean. Set on 200 acres, Playa Viva includes a turtle sanctuary, regenerative farm, and mangrove forest. The resort supports local communities and ecosystem restoration. Guests can participate in turtle releases during hatching season.
The on-site restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine. Beachside yoga and massage services are also offered. Playa Viva provides a luxurious escape in a pristine corner of Mexico. Summer rates start at $240/night.
Find Cheap Flights to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo (ZIH) for Your Playa Viva Stay
7. Wildlife Viewing and Nature Encounters
Domestic Wildlife: American Prairie Reserve, Montana, USA
Bison herd grazing at American Prairie Reserve in Montana
For wildlife enthusiasts asking where should I go on vacation domestically, American Prairie Reserve in Montana offers unparalleled nature encounters. Established in 2004, American Prairie Reserve aims to create a massive 3-million-acre wildlife reserve on Montana’s Northern Great Plains.
Having acquired over half a million acres, the reserve now supports bison, elk, and pronghorn herds. It features remote landscapes, from plains to hills, for wildlife viewing. The APR’s National Discovery Center provides exhibits and information on hiking, biking, and camping.
Buffalo Camp offers camping within the reserve, with RV sites from $19/night and tent sites from $13/night. Camping here provides opportunities to see bison and pronghorn and connect with the prairie ecosystem. Visiting American Prairie Reserve is a chance to witness conservation in action.
Book Hipcamp Sites in Montana for Your Wildlife Trip
International Wildlife: Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, British Columbia, Canada
Humpback Whale Tail in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia
For international wildlife viewing, and answering where should I go on vacation for wildlife experiences, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in British Columbia, Canada, is a luxurious gateway to wildlife-rich rainforests. Located on Vancouver Island’s west coast, it offers opportunities to see black bears, eagles, whales, and otters.
The lodge’s 25 canvas tents are lavishly furnished with king-sized beds and wood stoves, blending comfort with seclusion. Rates start from $3,300/night. Meals feature local, foraged ingredients. The lodge is committed to sustainability and supports local First Nations communities.
Wildlife excursions include hiking, horseback riding, and sea kayaking, where whale, porpoise, seal, and sea lion sightings are common. Clayoquot offers an unforgettable escape into British Columbia’s wilderness with a touch of luxury.
Find Cheap Flights to British Columbia for Your Wildlife Adventure
Author Ryan Krogh in Iceland
Ryan Krogh is a writer and editor based in Austin, Texas. His 2024 travels included Iceland, England, and Mexico, but his favorite trip was fly-fishing on the Texas Coast. In 2025, he hopes to visit Nicaragua and Portugal, featured in this article, and explore the “Gulf of America” coast. He has recently written about top airports with outdoor spaces, carry-on luggage guides, and dog-friendly beaches in the U.S.
