It’s gray. It’s cold. And in a few days, it will be Blue Monday, proclaimed the most depressing day of the year. To combat the prevailing gloom, what could be better than preparing for your next vacation? No inspiration? No problem, the New York Times has just published its ranking of the best destinations to discover in 2025.
Want some sun? To change hemisphere? Or to travel across France? There is something for everyone.
Exoticism and change of scenery
In our cold and rainy winter latitudes, many will dream of sun, exoticism and turquoise waters. The second destination in the ranking may be for you: the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Ecuador in the South Pacific. The lucky ones who go will be able to dive to discover the giant Galapagos tortoises and the many endemic species. An enchanting trip which, however, will not be within the reach of all budgets: the New York Times notes that the price of a stay there has increased significantly. An increase in prices for a good cause, which should serve to protect the fragile ecosystem of the archipelago, and develop infrastructure dedicated to sustainable tourism.
History buffs can go to Amsterdam, the twenty-sixth city in the ranking, which is preparing this summer for the commemorations of the city’s 750th anniversary, with numerous events on the program, including a party organized on a route of more of 14 kilometers. It promises! Those less cautious will perhaps explore the Lofoten Islands, an archipelago in northern Norway, the thirty-fourth destination in the ranking. Depending on the season, visitors will enjoy the midnight sun and be able to discover fjords with turquoise waters in summer, or enjoy Christmas festivities and cozy chalets during winter with almost perpetual nights, and may have the chance to see some northern lights.
Romanticism and discovery
But the ranking also gives pride of place to romantic destinations. In first place in the ranking rises Jane Austen’s England, on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the birth of the famous novelist, author of the works Pride and prejudice or even Reason and feelings. A journey through the romantic English countryside.
-Thousands of kilometers away, among the destinations to discover, we find Angola in twelfth place in the ranking. Travelers will be able to discover the Kalandula Falls, explore the natural parks of the Namib Desert, before diving into the turquoise waters of the coastal beaches.
Escape to France
Cocorico! Among the 52 destinations highlighted by the New York TimesFrance occupies several places in the ranking. In seventh position, climbs from Aix-en-Provence. The city where Paul Cézanne was born has declared 2025 the year of the painter, an emblematic figure of Aix-en-Provence, where he was born and spent most of his life. After four years of renovations, tourists will be able to discover the Jas de Bouffan this summer, the family manor dating from the 18th century, his workshop or even the Sainte-Victoire mountain, which he represented on several of his paintings. Sweet tooths will take advantage of their Provençal getaway to treat themselves to Aix calissons, the local specialty.
In thirty-first place, this time we find the Basque Country, highlighted for its new avant-garde culinary scene. From Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Biarritz via Arbonne, a new generation of chefs enhances the local terroir and offers inventive, innovative cuisine. Gourmets attached to local delicacies will save room for dessert with a slice of Basque cake.
