If the horizon is on your mind, we at Atlas Obscura believe there’s a way to get the most out of your far-away journeys. Travel is not just about escaping or seeing the sights by yourself in a vacuum. The most meaningful kind of trip involves interacting with others, breaking down barriers, and challenging our ideas of what we consider “normal.” To engage in true cultural exchanges, oftentimes it’s better to leave the crowds and comforts of popular areas.

If you’re looking to really experience different ways of life, we’ve created Where to Wander. This is our selection of 20 destinations for 2025 where we feel you’ll have more opportunities to interact with locals, where your dollars can impact surrounding communities, and where you’ll find wonders far off the beaten path.

If a place like Laos wasn't on your radar before, see why this and 19 other destinations should be.
If a place like Laos wasn’t on your radar before, see why this and 19 other destinations should be. Nobythai/Getty Images

As you go into the upcoming year, remember that the world is big enough to hold many surprises, some in the process of being created. Sometimes it’s an odd shop that sparks an idea. Sometimes it’s an unexpected encounter that will lead to a deeper understanding. Sometimes it’s the appreciation of a shared meal, a dish passed with genuine pleasure, that reminds us to celebrate our differences.

We’ve said it before: Travel is transformative not because it changes us, but because it makes connections that can change the world. We hope you find inspiration that’s global more than personal in these 20 destinations—and more to come in the year ahead.