[Exclusive] What are the best countries to visit in 2025?
From the heart of the Albanian Alps to the Pacific coast of El Salvador, our ranking of the best countries to visit in 2025 highlights destinations preserved from mass tourism, authentic and affordable. In our top 10, Albania seduces with its wild mountains, while Colombia enchants with the colours of the fortified city of Cartagena. Laos, with its Mekong shores and golden temples, invites contemplation. Surfers and bohemian travellers will find their paradise in El Salvador, while Serbia shines with its nightlife along the Danube. Saudi Arabia unveils its archaeological treasures in the desert, Kazakhstan offers unique treks in the Altai, and Bhutan fascinates with its traditional festivals. Bahrain surprises with its contrasts between ancient history and futuristic modernity, and Guatemala transports you to the heart of the mystical universe of the Mayan cities.
| Rank | Country | Score /100 | Things to do in 2025 | Best Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇦🇱 Albania | 75.8 | The preserved valley of Theth, nestled in the heart of the Albanian Alps. | May to September |
| 2 | 🇨🇴 Colombia | 72.2 | The historic centre of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. | December to March |
| 3 | 🇱🇦 Laos | 71.9 | The Mekong River at sunset between temples and karst cliffs. | November to March |
| 4 | 🇸🇻 El Salvador | 71.8 | El Tunco, a coastal village famous for its waves and bohemian atmosphere. | November to April |
| 5 | 🇷🇸 Serbia | 70.7 | The barges and floating clubs of Belgrade, on the banks of the Danube. | May to October |
| 6 | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | 70.3 | The site of Hegra (Mada’in Saleh), a major archaeological site located in the Saudi desert, often compared to Petra. | November to February |
| 7 | 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan | 69.8 | Lake Markakol in the remote region of the Kazakh Altai. | June to September |
| 8 | 🇧🇹 Bhutan | 69.2 | The Taktshang Monastery, perched on a cliffside. | March to May, October |
| 9 | 🇧🇭 Bahrain | 69.1 | The Bahrain National Museum and the “Tree of Life” in the desert. | November to March |
| 10 | 🇬🇹 Guatemala | 68.6 | The Mayan site of Tikal at sunrise in the jungle. | November to April |
| 11 | 🇲🇳 Mongolia | 68.5 | The Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar, a traditional nomadic festival. | July |
| 12 | 🇦🇲 Armenia | 68.3 | The Areni wine region and the panorama from Noravank. | May to October |
| 13 | 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico | 68.2 | Mosquito Bay bioluminescent bay on Vieques Island. | December to April |
| 14 | 🇬🇭 Ghana | 67.6 | The Cape Coast Castle, a witness to the history of slavery. | November to March |
| 15 | 🇺🇾 Uruguay | 67 | José Ignacio, a chic and private seaside resort. | December to March |
| 16 | 🇦🇩 Andorra | 67 | The slopes of Grandvalira and the thermal baths of the Caldea centre. | December to March |
| 17 | 🇹🇿 Tanzania | 66.9 | The Great Migration in Serengeti National Park. | June to October |
| 18 | 🇼🇸 Samoa | 66.8 | The To Sua Ocean Trench, a natural pool in a verdant crater. | May to October |
| 19 | 🇲🇩 Moldova | 66.5 | The underground wine cellars of Cricova, among the largest in Europe. | May to September |
| 20 | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | 66,4 | Ella Rock and its panoramic views of the tea plantations. | January to April |
| 21 | 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | 66 | The caravan cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. | April to June |
| 22 | 🇸🇮 Slovenia | 66 | Lake Bled and its island with the legendary bell tower. | May to September |
| 23 | 🇲🇹 Malta | 65,9 | The Blue Lagoon of Comino and its turquoise waters. | May to October |
| 24 | 🇶🇦 Qatar | 65,5 | The Waqif Souk and the desert dunes at the end of the day. | November to March |
| 25 | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | 65,5 | The troglodyte churches perched in the highlands of Tigray. | October to March |
| 26 | 🇷🇼 Rwanda | 65,1 | The Volcanoes National Park, refuge of the last mountain gorillas. | June to September |
| 27 | 🇲🇦 Morocco | 64,8 | The souks of Marrakech and the experience of a traditional hammam. | March to May, October |
| 28 | 🇬🇪 Georgia | 64,6 | The hiking trails of Kazbegi, between summits and monasteries. | May to October |
| 29 | 🇹🇳 Tunisia | 64,4 | The ancient ruins of Carthage and an immersion in the Sahara. | March to May, October |
| 30 | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 64,3 | The alleys of Alfama in Lisbon and the local flavors. | April to October |
On what criteria is this ranking based?
The overall score is primarily based on safety and the daily budget, in order to highlight countries that are both reliable and financially accessible. It then incorporates tourist appeal, assessed by the recent growth in international arrivals and the enthusiasm revealed by online reviews and social media engagement; this indicator distinguishes popular destinations that are not yet saturated. Finally, a composite climate index, based on ideal temperature, generous sunshine, and low rainfall during the high season, ensures that local conditions favour discoveries and varied activities. For a detailed explanation of the weighting and construction of the score, consult the complete methodology presented below.
The top 10 best countries to visit in Europe in 2025
Among the top-rated European destinations in 2025, Albania stands out with its still largely unexplored mountainous landscapes, Ionian beaches and excellent value for money. Serbia is appealing because of its vibrant cultural life, especially in Belgrade, and a renowned nightlife scene in the Balkans. Andorra attracts nature and outdoor sports enthusiasts, in both summer and winter, while Moldova remains a little-known gem for travellers seeking authentic wine and rural experiences. Slovenia, Malta, Portugal, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina complete this top 10, each offering a unique combination of pleasant climate, rich heritage and accessibility, away from the classic tourist trails.
| Rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇦🇱 Albania | 75,8 |
| 2 | 🇷🇸 Serbia | 70,7 |
| 3 | 🇦🇩 Andorra | 67 |
| 4 | 🇲🇩 Moldova | 66,5 |
| 5 | 🇸🇮 Slovenia | 66 |
| 6 | 🇲🇹 Malta | 65,9 |
| 7 | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 64,3 |
| 8 | 🇨🇾 Cyprus | 63,9 |
| 9 | 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | 63,8 |
| 10 | 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina | 63,7 |
Top 10 Best Countries to Visit in America in 2025
In Latin America and the Caribbean, South Africa is the most attractive country in 2025 thanks to the spectacular diversity of its ecosystems, from the Drakensberg mountains to the winelands of the Western Cape, and the cultural vitality of Cape Town or Johannesburg. El Salvador seduces surfers with its volcanic Pacific coast and its renewed security, while the Guatemala majestically blends Mayan sites, volcanoes and colourful markets. Puerto Rico offers a modern infrastructure combined with the colonial charms of San Juan, while Uruguay offers gentle tourism, between Atlantic beaches and gaucho culture around Montevideo. Panama, Dominican Republic, Belize, Jamaica and Paraguay complete this list by combining tropical beaches, lush forests and authentic experiences at a still reasonable travel cost.
| Rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇨🇴 Colombia | 72,2 |
| 2 | 🇸🇻 El Salvador | 71,8 |
| 3 | 🇬🇹 Guatemala | 68,6 |
| 4 | 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico | 68,2 |
| 5 | 🇺🇾 Uruguay | 67 |
| 6 | 🇵🇦 Panama | 64,2 |
| 7 | 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic | 63,4 |
| 8 | 🇧🇿 Belize | 63,4 |
| 9 | 🇯🇲 Jamaica | 63,3 |
| 10 | 🇵🇾 Paraguay | 61,5 |
Top 10 des meilleurs pays à visiter en Asie en 2025
In Asia, Laos dominates the 2025 rankings thanks to its peaceful Mekong shores, mosaic of temples and karst landscapes still preserved from mass tourism. Saudi Arabia is now revealing to the general public its Nabataean archaeological sites, the Tabuk canyons and its pristine Red Sea coast, supported by a booming tourism infrastructure. Immense and contrasting, Kazakhstan attracts lovers of treks and endless steppe, while Bhutan remains a Himalayan jewel where Buddhist festivals and "gross national happiness" shape the experience. Bahrain, Mongolia, Armenia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan and Qatar complete the top 10, each offering a captivating blend of ancient heritage, natural adventures - from the Gobi Desert to tea plantations - and local hospitality, all within a studied budget.
| Rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇱🇦 Laos | 71,9 |
| 2 | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | 70,3 |
| 3 | 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan | 69,8 |
| 4 | 🇧🇹 Bhutan | 69,2 |
| 5 | 🇧🇭 Bahrain | 69,1 |
| 6 | 🇲🇳 Mongolia | 68,5 |
| 7 | 🇦🇲 Armenia | 68,3 |
| 8 | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | 66,4 |
| 9 | 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | 66 |
| 10 | 🇶🇦 Qatar | 65,5 |
The top 10 best countries to visit in Africa in 2025
In Africa, Ghana stands out in 2025 for its rich historical heritage, Atlantic beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, especially in Accra. Tanzania, with the Serengeti and Zanzibar, continues to attract safari and paradise beach lovers, while Ethiopia seduces with its highlands, rock churches, and mystical mountains. Rwanda, known for its mountain ecosystem and gorillas, as well as South Africa, rich in souks, Atlas Mountains, and Mediterranean beaches, complete the ranking. Tunisia, Zambia, Malawi, Cape Verde and Botswana also offer a diversity of experiences, from safaris in the Okavango Delta to the volcanic beaches of the Cape Verde archipelago, while remaining affordable options for the savvy traveller.
| Rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇬🇭 Ghana | 67,6 |
| 2 | 🇹🇿 Tanzania | 66,9 |
| 3 | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | 65,5 |
| 4 | 🇷🇼 Rwanda | 65,1 |
| 5 | 🇲🇦 Morocco | 64,8 |
| 6 | 🇹🇳 Tunisia | 64,4 |
| 7 | 🇿🇲 Zambia | 63,1 |
| 8 | 🇲🇼 Malawi | 63 |
| 9 | 🇨🇻 Cape Verde | 62,3 |
| 10 | 🇧🇼 Botswana | 60,9 |
Methodology
1. Objective and General Philosophy
The study aims to identify, for the year 2025, the destinations that offer the best compromise between budget, security, climate and authentic travel experience. We favour:
- Financial accessibility (overall cost of a complete stay);
- Originality (destinations still preserved from mass tourism);
- The objective quality of the experience (favorable weather, cultural richness, variety of activities);
- Traveler endorsement (popularity and positive perception).
The ranking is dynamic: it will be updated annually to reflect changes in prices, the geopolitical context, tourist flows and socio-cultural trends.
2. Data Sources and Weighting
This study is based on the consideration of a set of objective criteria detailed below:
| Domain | Main Indicator | Source | Weighting* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | HelloSafe Safety Index | HelloSafe, 2025 | 15 % |
| Budget | Average daily traveler cost (accommodation, meals, local transport, activities) | HelloSafe Travel Budget Report 2025 | 25 % |
| Affluence | Dynamic (%) of international arrivals in the country | UNWTO database | 20 % |
| Popularity & Sentiment | a. Average TripAdvisor rating (accommodation + attractions) b. Volume & sentiment of hashtags (#Destination) on Instagram & TikTok c. Google Trends search volume (score 0‑100) | TripAdvisor API, CrowdTangle Meta, TikTok API, Google Trends | 25 % |
| Climate | Composite index (ideal average temperature 18‑30 °C, hours of sunshine, rainfall < 150 mm/month high season) | NOAA, World Bank Climate Data | 15 % |
b. Volume & sentiment of hashtags (#Destination) on Instagram & TikTok
c. Google Trends search volume (score 0‑100)
* The sum of the weightings = 100%. The coefficients have been validated by a team of data scientists.
3. Construction of the Global Index (Score 0–100)
- Normalisation : Each raw indicator is transformed into a z-score and then re-scaled between 0 and 100 to neutralise the units.
- Directionality :
- Safety, Popularity, Climate: The higher the value, the better.
- Budget, Affluence: Inverse (high cost or over-tourism are penalised). We therefore apply an inverted min-max for these indicators.
- Weighting : Multiplication of each normalised score by its weight.
- Aggregation : Weighted sum = Final Score.
- Robustness :
- Sensitivity test ±5 % on each weighting; the hierarchy remains stable on 92 % of destinations.
- Outlier detection via IQR: no excluded destination influenced the final top 30 by more than 0.6 pt.
4. Data Quality and Limitations
- HelloSafe's databases are updated Q1 2025 ; they incorporate the latest geopolitical and public health alerts.
- Climate data are 20-year averages adjusted for 2022‑2024 anomalies (NASA‑GISS method).
- Social metrics (hashtags, reviews) may be biased by marketing campaigns; to reduce the influence of artificial spikes, we apply an exponential decay favoring consistency over 12 rolling months.
- Countries receiving < 50 000 arrivals/year are eligible, but their score comes with a widened confidence interval (±3 pts).
5. Recommended Use
Each country's score is not an absolute verdict but a decision-making tool:
- For travellers: identify destinations with high quality-price potential.
- For public actors: monitor their perceived attractiveness and adjust their strategy.
- For professionals (agencies, insurers, tourism offices): calibrate offers and coverage according to the evolution of risk and flows.
6. Conclusion
By combining quantitative rigor and qualitative analysis, our methodology aims to highlight destinations that are affordable, safe, and inspiring. The ranking of the best countries to visit in 2025 showcases countries where the experience remains authentic and the tourist pressure is sustainable, while guaranteeing a pleasant climate and a rewarding range of activities. We will continue to refine this index to support, year after year, travelers in search of responsible and balanced discoveries.
HelloSafe is a leading platform for comparing financial products (insurance, loans, investments) in over 10 countries worldwide. With proprietary, unique, and powerful technology, HelloSafe provides users around the world with hundreds of free, anonymous, and instant comparison tools and calculators, as well as expert and updated content. Our platform enables everyone to make the best decisions for their money and find the right offer at the right price.
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