Where to Travel in 2025: Florida, Jasper, New York City, Wales, Japan, Maui, Detroit, Santa Monica + More

The travel boom continues for most of the world, and 2025 is shaping up to be a great year. But where to go?

Well, that depends on what you like and what you want to pay and how tolerant of crowds you are. If you like Europe, please go. But don’t visit in summer when it’s packed with tourists. Instead, go in spring or mid-to-late fall. If you want to go to a place where the Canadian dollar is relatively strong, try Australia, Japan, or New Zealand. Of course, flights there can be expensive, so you have to take that into consideration.

It’s also, I think, good to go somewhere where you’ll be welcomed, and where your visit will do some good. There are a few of those places not far from most of my readers.

With all that in mind, here are a few places I think you should consider for a trip in 2025.

FLORIDA

There was some hurricane damage in St. Petersburg in the fall, as well as in Bradenton and Sarasota. But it wasn’t bad, and almost all hotels and attractions on this section of the Gulf Coast are open. If you visit soon, you’ll be helping locals recover from the storm by boosting the vital tourism economy. St. Pete has fabulous beaches and a vibrant downtown with good restaurants, fine hotels and excellent museums, including the Dali Museum. The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort debuted this year and is the largest development on Longboat Key (near Sarasota) in 50 years. Universal Orlando Resort next year will unveil its next gamechanger for theme park entertainment with the debut of its most ambitious theme park yet: Universal Epic Universe. Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched. The opening is scheduled for May 22. In Naples, the beloved Naples Pier is slated to re-open in late 2025. The newest renderings include a revamped design built to withstand any potential future storms with structural improvements, but also leisure features such as two shaded areas for concession stands, benches for optimal Gulf viewing, and enhanced ADA accessibility. Dusk at the Naples Pier is a cherished Florida tradition.

JASPER, ALBERTA

The heavenly town of Jasper, Alberta was badly damaged by wildfires last summer and will be eager to welcome visitors next year.

“This summer’s wildfires across Western Canada were devastating to communities like Jasper that depend on tourism to drive their economy,” Federal Tourism Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada said in a news release in October. “I know that through concerted efforts with partners like Destination Canada and Travel Alberta, the municipality and region will bounce back, ready to once again host world-calibre events and welcome visitors from near and far.”

JAPAN

It seems like everyone is heading to Japan these days, in part because the Japanese yen is pretty low against both the U.S. and Canadian dollars. Tokyo is insanely busy and huge, but there’s something very special about the way people make it work. And the food is exquisite. Kyoto is prettier and more relaxed. There’s also an endless coastline, rugged mountains, and islands that feel like the South Pacific. Osaka will be hosting the World Expo next year.

GRENADA

Airlines are adding more flights from Canada to this lovely Caribbean island, which is famous for its spices, untouched nature and welcoming locals. I haven’t visited, but hope to go soon! 

TORONTO

I’m biased because I live here, but the new Nobu Hotel in downtown Toronto promises to set a new standard for the city. I haven’t been to the Nobu restaurant in Toronto, but I was at the one in Singapore earlier this year and thought it was remarkable.

NEW YORK CITY

If you want to splurge, the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in midtown Manhattan has undergone a massive renovation and is set to open this spring. The hotel has been closed for major renovations since 2017 and has, according to stories I’ve seen, been redone from top to bottom. It was closed in 2017 for a complete, top-to-bottom renovation that’s tabbed at a reported $1 billion USD or even more. Which is pretty insane, but also helps explain why Forbes says rooms start at $1,500 (also USD) per night. Mind you, it is ridiculously glamorous, and most rooms are 575 square feet or larger. “Waldorf Astoria New York has always been the place to be in New York City and whether you are a visitor or a New Yorker, we know so many around the globe have their own fond stories with our hotel,” said Luigi Romaniello, managing director, Waldorf Astoria New York. “Visitors returning to the property will notice many of the historical elements, from the Grand Ballroom to the lobby with the famous Waldorf Astoria clock, have been restored to bring back the original grandeur, while thoughtful enhancements were incorporated for today’s traveller.”

WALES

I was there maybe 15 years ago for a golf trip, and really enjoyed it. The scenery and golf are magnificent, and the people are super friendly. They say the coastal hiking route (1,400 km’s, or 870 miles) is outstanding. I’m hoping to go back later this year.

MAUI

The island is still recovering from the incredible wildfires that destroyed most of Lahaina in August, 2023. The city is pretty much still closed off, but there are pockets to the north and south of town that are still open and would your business. On the northern edge of Lahaina, not far from the beach resorts of Ka’anapali, you’ll find several excellent restaurants. Those include Mala Ocean Tavern, Star Noodle, Aloha Mixed Plate and a new spot called Coco Deck Lahaina Kitchen + Bar. If you’re south of town near Olowalu, check out the delicious offerings at Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. As they have been for more than a year, all resorts in Ka’anapali, Napili, Kahana and Kapalua are fully open. Occupancy was only around 59% last month, so you might find some deals; especially in the off-season (late spring and early fall).

DETROIT

The Motor City went through many a rough decade, but it has emerged as a strong and vibrant destination. The downtown is buzzing with great restaurants and cool hotels, including the Shinola and, coming soon, a luxury Edition hotel. Businesses are moving back to the downtown core, and new condos are being built. Detroit also is well known for its marvelous museums, including the Henry Ford Museum of Innovation and the Detroit Institute for the Arts.

SANTA MONICA

This California city is best known for the famous Santa Monica Pier and for being the western terminus of Route 66, but now there are tons of great new hotels to check out. Forbes.com reports the luxurious Regent Santa Monica Beach recently debuted with chef Michael Mina’s Egyptian-Mediterranean restaurant Orla and Guerlain’s first West Coast spa. It’s also home to a Sweet July cafe, run by Toronto’s Ayesha Curry, who doubles as the wife of Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. The new Sandbourne Santa Monica, Autograph Collection brings chic design and complimentary ceramics classes. And downtown Santa Monica now has its first tasting room, the family-owned AJA Vineyards, which has a winery along the Malibu Coast.