Aurora borealis with silhouette love romantic couple on the mountain
February 7, 2025

The Best Places to Travel in 2025 (and How CLEAR Makes Getting There Easier)

With 2025 underway, travelers are seeking destinations filled with charm, adventure, and rich cultural experiences. Whether it’s a city escape or a nature retreat, our list offers something for every traveler—especially with this year’s exciting events. And with CLEAR Plus as your airport fast pass, your journey will be frictionless—so you can start your adventure stress-free.

Photo of Rome, Italy. Showcasing the Papal Basilica Of St. Peter In The Vatican and the Aelian Bridge.

1. Rome, Italy

In 2025, Rome takes center stage as the Jubilee Year draws millions of travelers to the Vatican. To mark the occasion, travelers can walk through the Holy Doors at the city’s major basilicas, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Spend your mornings walking through the Roman Forum, standing in the shadow of the Colosseum, and marveling at the Pantheon. For an authentic taste of Roman cuisine, Trastevere’s cobbled streets offer some of the city's best dining. Grab a plate of cacio e pepe at Da Enzo al 29, then unwind with an aperitivo at Piazza Navona as the city lights up at dusk. And no visit is complete without a stop at the Trevi Fountain—follow tradition and toss in a coin to ensure your return.

Photo of Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia.

2. Savannah, Georgia

With its cobblestone streets, historic mansions, and thriving arts scene, Savannah offers a seamless blend of past and present. Strolling through Forsyth Park under the shade of Spanish moss-draped oaks is the perfect way to take in the city’s landscape. The Mercer-Williams House provides a glimpse into Savannah’s storied past, while the revitalized Plant Riverside District has turned the waterfront into a destination for upscale dining, rooftop cocktails, and live music. Savannah is also a rising star in the art world—visit award-winning art galleries, like The SCAD Museum of Art, showcasing contemporary work from emerging artists. And when the sun sets, Savannah leans into its haunted reputation—ghost tours through its shadowy squares and centuries-old cemeteries provide a thrilling end to the night.

For travelers flying in and out of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), CLEAR Mobile offers a more predictable way through security for your trip back home. CLEAR Plus Members can download the CLEAR App to access the CLEAR Mobile Lane anytime with a QR code—no reservation or purchase required. Not a CLEAR Plus Member? Purchase a pass to get access to the CLEAR Mobile Lane for the reserved travel day.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is set to be one of the biggest travel destinations in the U.S. this year, with the Super Bowl returning this February. Flying out of New Orleans for the Super Bowl? Speed through airport security with CLEAR Plus for stress-free travel. Outside of game day, New Orleans is a year-round destination for live jazz, Creole and Cajun flavors, and centuries of history. Start your morning with a beignet at Café du Monde, then take the streetcar through the Garden District—where grand mansions line the historic avenues. Frenchmen Street remains the heart of New Orleans’ live music scene with intimate venues showcasing the best jazz in the country. If you’re visiting in March for Mardi Gras, be sure to catch a parade from Uptown for a more local experience. 

Photo ofsSunrise above amazing glass igloo village at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

4. Rovaniemi, Finland

For those chasing the Northern Lights, 2025 is the time to visit Rovaniemi, located in Finnish Lapland. With solar activity peaking, Finland’s Arctic skies will light up with the most vibrant auroras in decades. Beyond the lights, visitors can explore the official hometown of Santa Claus, stay in a glass igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, and enjoy winter activities like dog sledding and snowshoeing. 

Need help creating your itinerary? Discover how interactive tools and decision support systems can simplify trip planning and provide data-driven insights to help travelers make more informed decisions.

Photo of Anchorage Alaska State Park.

5. Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is more than just a starting point for exploring Alaska—it’s a destination filled with adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. A domestic alternative to Finland, winter visitors can catch the Northern Lights from Flattop Mountain, Point Woronzof, or just outside the city for even clearer skies. In the summer, take advantage of the Midnight Sun with a scenic drive along the Seward Highway for sweeping views of Turnagain Arm where beluga whales surface along the coast. For those looking for outdoor adventure, Denali National Park & Preserve offers dramatic peaks and wildlife encounters, while Kenai Fjords National Park showcases glaciers and marine life along Alaska’s rugged coastline. Before heading out, stop by the Alaska Native Heritage Center for a deeper look at the state’s Indigenous cultures and history.

Photo of Wat Arun and cruise ship in night in Bangkok City, Thailand

6. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is set to be one of 2025’s most talked-about destinations, especially with the spotlight from the filming of “The White Lotus” Season 3. This city has a buzzy, vibrant energy, from the dazzling Grand Palace to the neon-lit night markets where street food reigns supreme. A sunset visit to Wat Arun offers breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya River, where you can see the city illuminated from the water. For a taste of modern Thai cuisine, Nahm is a must-visit with a perfect blend of traditional flavors and innovative dishes. Before you leave, be sure to unwind with a traditional Thai massage at the famous Wat Pho school—the perfect way to recharge after exploring the city’s electric energy. With its blend of ancient traditions and modern attractions, Bangkok promises an unforgettable experience this year.

Photo of lake houses with reflections in Lake Junaluska

7. Asheville, North Carolina

Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is where art, music, and nature collide. The historic Biltmore Estate is a must-visit for its Gilded Age luxury and sprawling gardens. For outdoor lovers, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides some of the most scenic drives in America, with hiking trails that wind through misty mountain peaks—perfect for a colorful road trip in the fall. Asheville’s culinary and craft beer scene is thriving: Restaurants like Rhubarb serve up locally sourced meals, while breweries like Sierra Nevada and Wicked Weed keep beer lovers coming back for more. The city’s River Arts District is the perfect place to experience Asheville’s creative side, with galleries, murals, and live music filling the streets. With its eclectic charm and diverse attractions, Asheville is a destination not to be missed.

Photo of Santa Fe, New Mexico

8. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe’s unique Pueblo-style architecture and historic sites, such as the San Miguel Mission, offer a glimpse into its rich history. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, dedicated to the renowned artist’s life and works. If you’re visiting in August, the annual Santa Fe Indian Market showcases incredible Native American art, culture, and traditions—attracting visitors from around the world. Make the expansive outdoors your playground with a hike in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Bandelier National Monument. The city’s culinary scene is a fusion of flavors, with restaurants like The Shed offering traditional New Mexican dishes with the region’s famous red and green chiles. For a unique experience, visit Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return, an immersive art installation that defies description. With its blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, Santa Fe offers a vibrant and diverse experience for travelers in 2025.

Skyline photo of Orlando, Florida

9. Orlando, Florida

In May, Orlando will open Universal’s Epic Universe, bringing new attractions to the theme park capital of the world, including Super Nintendo World. Beyond the theme parks, Orlando offers hidden gems like Winter Park’s charming boutiques and the Milk District’s vibrant nightlife. Nature lovers can explore the Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical oasis, or take a kayak tour through Wekiwa Springs State Park. For an easier journey through MCO on your way home, book Ambassador Assist, our curb-to-gate service that will guide you every step of the way—now with a special limited time offer!

 

Photo of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore

10. Singapore

This year, Singapore will unveil the Mandai Nature Precinct, a massive eco-tourism project featuring the new Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild parks, offering immersive experiences in some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Singapore continues to captivate travelers with its blend of modernity and tradition. This year, the city-state unveiled the Mandai Nature Precinct, a massive eco-tourism project featuring the new Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild parks, offering immersive experiences in some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Stroll through the iconic Marina Bay Sands and explore the vibrant street food scene in Chinatown and Little India, where hawker centers serve a fusion of flavors reflecting the city’s multicultural heritage. Take a ride on the Singapore Flyer, one of the world’s largest observation wheels.

Photo of colorful banners and Santa Domingo church in Oaxaca, Mexico.

11. Oaxaca, Mexico 

For a cultural escape, Oaxaca offers vibrant festivals, colorful streets, and a world-renowned food scene. Dive into its thriving traditions and experience its rich history firsthand. Its Michelin-starred culinary experiences are a dream for foodies. Finish your trip with a visit to the Monte Albán archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for panoramic views of the Oaxaca Valley.

Photo of dusk view of Park City, Utah

12.  Park City, Utah

Just 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, Park City is known for its ski resorts and as the home of the Sundance Film Festival—perfect for both thrill-seekers and creatives. Beyond the slopes, its boutique hotels and unique shopping make it a year-round favorite. Feeling adventurous? Visit Utah Olympic Park, where you can zip line and bobsled.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with skis, you can ship luggage ahead of time and skip bag check all together with Ship&Play—CLEAR Plus Members get 50% off their first round-trip shipment.

Your journey is as joyful as the destination with CLEAR Plus, and with exclusive Member benefits and emerging travel tools, like interactive visualization platforms, planning your 2025 trip will be even easier.

Travel Smarter with CLEAR Perks

As a CLEAR Plus Member, your benefits go beyond faster, easier airport security by unlocking exclusive perks that make every trip rewarding:

  • Find the best flight deals for your next adventure with Going. CLEAR Plus Members receive 50% off the Elite Membership with code CLEAR50, so you can get flight price alerts to make your bucket list travel a reality.
  • Wondering what’s the best website to use points for flights? With point.me, you can find, compare, and book better flights for fewer points across 150+ airlines and loyalty programs. CLEAR Plus Members save $60 on point.me Premium membership so you can maximize your points.

Curious for more? Discover our summer travel hacks, ways to maximize your CLEAR Plus Membership, and more here.

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