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The world is a very big place, and there’s no shortage of amazing places to visit.
But some of the best and most surprising trips are to places people have never heard of!
These fascinating hotspots are surging in popularity right now, but they still aren’t attracting the crowds that many of their more famous counterparts draw in.
And that means now is the perfect time to visit! So where should you go?
According to a new report from Priceline, these are the top 5 international destinations surging in popularity for 2025.
5. Queretaro, Mexico
If Queretaro isn’t already on your radar for 2025 then it definitely should be!
This is a hidden gem of a city bursting at the seams with historic and cultural attractions.
Priceline reports that it’s seen a 142% increase in searches, and although its long been popular with expats, tourists in the know are flocking to Queretaro too.
This is an amazing spot for culture vultures.
The whole of the center of Santiago de Querétaro City is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It boasts well-preserved and fascinating examples of colonial architecture. It’s also packed full of museums.
The Museum of Art of Querétaro is particularly beautiful as its housed in an old Catholic cloister.
The museum showcases the works primarily of Mexican artists, and admission is free of charge.
When you’re in the Old Town here, don’t miss the Acueducto de Querétaro. This is a visually stunning pink stone aqueduct that’s one of the largest in Mexico.
4. Penang, Malaysia
Penang is known for its beautiful beaches, and it does boast amazing beach resorts. Batu Ferringhi is considered the best beach here, and Turtle Beach is a great spot for kayaking and swimming.
But this stunning destination has so much more to offer too.
Penang has a reputation for being home to some of the best street food in Asia. Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian dishes are served side by side.
If you’re a foodie hoping to eat and explore in a bustling market environment then the best foodie night markets to try are the Batu Ferringhi Night Market, Macallum Street Night Market, and Jelutong Night Market.
When you’re done eating, head into George Town. This whole city has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and its easy to see why.
Here you can visit the tranquil Penang Botanical Gardens, the intricately carved Khoo Kngsi clan house and museum, or take the cable car to the top of Penang hill for epic views and beautiful wildlife. A return tram ticket costs RM 16 ($3.59).
3. Tbilisi, Georgia
According to Priceline there has been a 288% increase in interest in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia.
This is a city with a cool, laidback vibe and a great mix of modern and historically significant attractions.
As an added bonus, the destination is both safe and incredibly affordable too.
The city was founded over 1,500 years ago and still has a beautiful and largely intact Old Town that is well worth exploring.
The cathedral dominates the skyline here, and the city’s Meidan Bazar is a great place to shop, rub shoulders with locals, and enjoy the local coffee.
When it’s time to relax and unwind visit the Abanotubani Sulfur Baths. You can choose from either a public or private bathing experience here.
2. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve certainly can’t be considered a lesser-known destination, but its star is rising, with more and more American travelers discovering its cliff-fringed beaches.
Priceline reports a 291% increase in searches for the Algarve.
The capital of the Algarve is Faro, and this is where the region’s main airport is based.
For this reason Faro is known as the gateway to the Algarve, but most people quickly leave the city to head to the coast.
Here, you’re spoilt for choice with beaches and attractions. Some of the best beaches in the region include Praia da Falasia and Praia da Marinha. Both are wonderful stretches of sandy beach.
Don’t miss the Benagil Caves which are a huge cave structure with a gaping hole in the ceiling allowing light to flood in.
Thanks to its coastal location Algarve has a reputation for its amazing seafood. There’s no end of great seafood restaurants here but one of my favorites is Casa Corvo in Fuseta where the prawns are not only juicy they’re also bigger than my hand!
The seafood is locally caught daily, meaning the menu changes according to the catch.
1. Vanves, France
Vanves is a Paris suburb, but without the high price tag associated with staying in the heart of the city. According to Priceline there’s been a frankly incredible 407% increase in searches for the destination.
If you dream of visiting France on a tight budget then Vanves is a great choice, and there’s so much to see and do here.
The best attraction is the Vanves flea market, an outdoor flea market where the prices are low and the people are friendly.
If you want an authentic French flea market experience then this is the place to go. The market opens on Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 2pm.
Vanves also has an impressive architectural and cultural heritage. Wander around St Rémy church which was constructed during the 15th century or explore Château de Sceaux.
This has an imposing exterior and is surrounded by a vast park. Visit by bike from the city to explore as much of these grounds as possible.
And of course, you’re just a short train ride away from the heart of the City of Lights, so you can use your stay in Vanves as an opportunity to explore Paris too.
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