There are always these crazy lists of the 25 best places to visit in whatever year from whatever publication that are usually a little bit rubbish. And I mean rubbish in the sense that they more often than not suggest places that are not just very much on the tourist track, but mostly not all that interesting.

With that in mind and much like we have done with food and the like in the past we present the 25 best places to visit in 2025 from the perspective of not just Young Pioneer Tours, but from an overall adventure travel/dark tourism point of view. And while many are indeed places that we go, this is not just a list of our tours, but rather places that we feel 2025 is time to visit said place.

So, without further procrastination and very much in order we present the 25 best places to visit in 2025 for the adventure traveler!

25) Myanmar

Myanmar makes our list for 2025 because, despite the challenges, it remains a country full of incredible history, culture, and warmth. Tourist numbers have plummeted from a peak of 12 million to just 500,000, and with the recent earthquake, fears of further instability are growing. However, the best way to support the country is to visit. Tourism provides much-needed income for local communities and helps preserve the country’s rich heritage. If you want to experience Myanmar’s charm before it’s too late, now is the time to go.

24) Somalia

Somalia makes our list for the 2025 best places to visit because, while it is undeniably dangerous, the risks can be mitigated with careful planning and the right guidance. The country’s history, culture, and landscapes—such as its beautiful coastline and ancient ruins—are rarely seen by most travelers. With security concerns and ongoing conflict, it’s not a destination for the casual traveler, but for those who are willing to take the necessary precautions, Somalia offers a truly unique experience. Visiting now means seeing a country that is slowly opening up, before conditions change or become even more challenging.

23) Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea makes the list for this years best places to visit not only because it’s celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence but also because it’s rapidly becoming a more sought-after destination. The country’s unique culture, stunning landscapes, and unspoiled wilderness are increasingly drawing travelers, and with each passing year, it gets busier. Visiting now offers a chance to experience Papua New Guinea before it becomes a mainstream destination, allowing you to immerse yourself in a land of tradition and natural beauty while it’s still relatively untouched by mass tourism.

Click to read about the festivals of Papua New Guinea.

22) Kiribati

Kiribati makes it because it’s one of the most isolated and least-visited countries in the world, offering an untouched glimpse into a Pacific island nation at the brink of change. With rising sea levels threatening its existence, visiting Kiribati now means experiencing a unique culture, stunning atolls, and traditional ways of life that may soon be lost. There’s no mass tourism here, which means you’ll get to explore the islands at their most authentic, before the pressures of climate change or tourism development alter its way of life forever.

21) China

Why China in 2025? Well after kicking out most foreigners, the country feels more isolated and authentic than ever. With many Westerners now assumed to be Russian, traveling here has taken on a distinctly old-school vibe—challenging, but incredibly rewarding. While lacking Chinese language skills can make things difficult, it also makes the experience more immersive, allowing you to truly engage with the country’s rapid advances, from its modern cities to ancient traditions. It’s a chance to experience China in a way few travelers do, before China inevitably changes, for better, or worse.

20) Eritrea

Eritrea cracks the 2025 best places to visit list because it offers a rare look at one of the world’s most unique governments. With a deeply entrenched one-party system and strict control over many aspects of daily life, Eritrea remains a place where political and social structures are vastly different from the rest of the world. In an ever-changing global landscape, visiting Eritrea now offers the chance to witness a society that hasn’t evolved in the same way as its neighbors, providing a fascinating and unfiltered look at life under its highly centralized government before any potential shifts or reforms.

19) Belarus

Belarus because it’s one of Europe’s most misunderstood and underexplored countries. With political tension still simmering and the looming presence of authoritarian rule, Belarus offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience. While many are hesitant to visit due to its political climate, this presents an opportunity to witness a nation caught between East and West, where Soviet-era remnants blend with modern-day struggles. Therefore Belarus is one of THE places to visit in 2025 because you really never now when things might change.

18) Venezuela

Venezuela makes our list for 2025 because, despite its challenges, it remains one of South America’s most captivating places to visit. With its stunning landscapes—from the Angel Falls to the Andes—Venezuela offers a raw, authentic experience that few other countries can match. However, due to the ongoing political and economic crisis, it remains a place that many shy away from. Visiting now gives you a unique window into a nation in flux, where vibrant culture and resilience still shine through, but where the future remains uncertain. It’s an opportunity to see Venezuela before the world catches up.

17) Yemen

Yemen’s mainland makes our list for 2025 because, with the ongoing conflict, trips could be abruptly cut short at any point. While the country remains in turmoil, it offers an extraordinary, albeit risky, chance to witness a part of the world few will ever see. Yemen’s rich history, ancient architecture, and stunning landscapes are largely untouched by modern tourism, but the unpredictable security situation means you need to act now if you want to experience it firsthand. It’s an opportunity to visit a country on the brink of change, before the window to do so closes completely.

16) Eastern Turkey

Eastern Turkey makes the list for 2025 because it remains largely unvisited, surrounded by conflict, yet more accessible than ever before. While the region’s proximity to unstable areas like Syria and Iraq makes it a risky destination, it also offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into a part of Turkey that few tourists see. With stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and a rich cultural heritage, Eastern Turkey is becoming increasingly easier to visit, but the security situation means things could change at any time. Now is the time to experience this overlooked corner of the country before it becomes more mainstream or inaccessible.

15) Tristan Da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha is on our list for 2025 because it’s one of the most remote places on Earth, offering a truly unique travel experience. Located in the South Atlantic, this small group of islands is home to just around 250 people. Getting there is no easy feat, but that’s part of the allure. With no real tourism infrastructure and little outside influence, visiting Tristan da Cunha is like stepping into a time capsule. If you want to experience isolation at its purest, with untouched landscapes and a tight-knit community, now is the time to go—before it becomes even harder to reach.

14) Japan (Fukushima)

Japan qualifies for 2025, not only because it hosts the World Expo this year, which is an exciting event in itself, but also because you can combine it with a trip to Fukushima for a unique dark tourism experience. Fukushima, still recovering from the 2011 nuclear disaster, offers a rare opportunity to visit a place marked by tragedy and resilience. The contrast between Japan’s ultra-modern developments and the haunting remnants of Fukushima makes for an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of the most controversial chapters in recent history. Oh and due to the currency exchange it is actually quite cheap to come here.

13) Libya

Libya is on our 2025 list because it’s one of the last untouched gems of North Africa—raw, breathtaking, and rich in history. From the ancient ruins of Leptis Magna to the striking Saharan landscapes, Libya offers experiences most travelers can only dream of. But once the masses catch on, the secret will be out. Visiting now means having these incredible sites almost to yourself, experiencing authentic Libyan hospitality before tourism inevitably changes everything.

12) Nicaragua

Nicaragua slips in because its political situation remains uncertain, and the country is subject to rapid change. While it offers beautiful landscapes and unique culture, the ongoing political tensions and potential for unrest mean things could shift quickly. Visiting now provides a chance to experience the country before any major changes occur, whether that’s in terms of government policies or tourism accessibility. It’s a rare window to see Nicaragua as it is today, before it potentially becomes more difficult to visit.

11) Greenland

Greenland or as some are calling it the “51st state.” While it’s not officially part of the United States (yet), Greenland’s increasing ties to the U.S. and its strategic location in the Arctic make it a fascinating destination. With stunning glaciers, rugged landscapes, and unique Inuit culture, Greenland offers an adventure like no other. As climate change continues to impact the region, visiting now provides a rare opportunity to experience the island’s beauty before Donald J Trump annexes the whole place.

10) Tuvalu

Tuvalu makes our list for 2025 as the third least-visited country on Earth and a YPT favorite. This tiny Pacific island nation offers unparalleled isolation, stunning coral reefs, and a unique culture that is increasingly threatened by rising sea levels. With fewer tourists each year, visiting Tuvalu now means experiencing a pristine, untouched environment and witnessing a country on the frontlines of climate change. It’s a rare opportunity to see Tuvalu before it becomes harder to access, providing a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure.

9) Port Sudan

Port Sudan makes our list for 2025 because, amid Sudan’s brutal civil war, it’s the only accessible gateway to the country. With Khartoum in chaos and much of the nation off-limits, Port Sudan offers a rare, if imperfect, glimpse into a country torn apart by conflict. It’s a lifeline for those determined to visit Sudan despite the risks—an opportunity to witness resilience and daily life persisting against the odds. No one knows when the war will end, making now the time to go if you want to see Sudan at all.

8) Rojava

Rojava stands out as a must-visit destination for 2025 precisely because of its uniqueness and fragility. This autonomous region in northern Syria boasts one of the most revolutionary political structures in the world—built on direct democracy, gender equality, and multi-ethnic coexistence. Yet, with shifting alliances, external threats, and regional instability, there’s no guarantee it will survive the year unchanged. Visiting Rojava now means witnessing a bold social experiment in real-time—something that could vanish or be forcibly dismantled before the world truly understands it.

7) South Sudan

South Sudan makes our list for 2025 because it offers a rare glimpse into untouched tribal life and traditions that have survived despite constant turmoil. From the Dinka cattle camps to the Nuer villages, it’s a raw, authentic experience you won’t find anywhere else. But that same instability means things could change rapidly, making parts of the country completely off-limits. Visiting now is about embracing the unpredictable—seeing a nation both fragile and resilient before it shifts again.

6) Pitcairn Islands

The Pitcairn Islands make our list for 2025 because they are one of the world’s most remote and exclusive destinations. With only around 50 residents, this small archipelago offers a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. Visiting Pitcairn is like stepping back in time, where you can explore the island’s rich history—tied to the infamous Bounty mutineers—while enjoying breathtaking landscapes and a way of life that has remained largely untouched by the outside world. With limited access and the potential for further isolation, now is the perfect time to visit before this hidden paradise becomes harder to reach.

5) Bougainville

Bougainville ranks high on our list of must-visit destinations for 2025 because it’s on the cusp of history. With the push for independence stronger than ever, it could officially become the world’s newest nation at any moment. But with that potential comes uncertainty—negotiations could break down, tensions could flare, and the dream could spiral into conflict. Visiting Bougainville now means witnessing a people striving for self-determination, exploring untouched landscapes, and experiencing a culture that might soon be reshaped by whatever comes next.

4) Ukraine

Ukraine nears the top of our list of the best places to visit in 2025 precisely because it remains in conflict—no one knows what the future holds. The brutal reality is that things could get better, or they could get much worse. Visiting now means experiencing a nation in the raw, with cities marked by resilience, culture persisting despite hardship, and locals eager to share their stories. It’s about seeing history as it unfolds—before the world changes again.

3) South Ossetia

South Ossetia makes our list for 2025 as a unique and challenging destination. Located within Georgia but recognized by Russia, it’s a place that feels like it operates in its own world. To get there, you’ll need to pass through Chechnya—an area that almost made the list on its own due to its complex history and tensions. South Ossetia offers a rare look into a de facto independent territory with strong Russian influence, where you can explore its distinct culture and history. It’s a truly off-the-beaten-path destination, and no cake walk to get to at all.

2) Syria

Syria in 2025 is emerging from the shadows of conflict, presenting a rare and fascinating opportunity for travelers seeking raw, unfiltered experiences. With Assad’s regime no longer holding the reins, the country is embracing a new dawn—streets once scarred by war are now bustling with life, markets are thriving, and ancient ruins like Palmyra are slowly reopening to the world. Visiting Syria now means witnessing history in the making, exploring untouched sites, and meeting locals eager to share their resilient culture. The time to visit is now—before mass tourism inevitably returns.

1) North Korea

he first country YPT ever visited tops our list of the best places to visit in 2025 for one simple reason—it’s been closed for so long. With a brief opening to Rason earlier this year, it’s clear you need to seize the opportunity while you can. There’s truly nowhere like North Korea, and its five-year isolation has only amplified its allure. If you want to experience something unique and untouched by mass tourism, 2025 is

the year to visit – so jump at the opportunity as and when it arrises.

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