From Colorado's growing wine scene to Crete's luxury comeback, and from Osaka's tech-forward future to the lively food scenes in San Antonio and San Diego, 2025 is set to be a year full of thrilling travel finds. This travel guide showcases new places and cool changes that are ready to inspire global travelers. Let's dive in!
So, what are the best travel spots for food and drink lovers in 2025?
1. Colorado's Western Slope, USA
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It might not be the first place you think of when you hear "wine country," but this part of Colorado is making a name for Rieslings and other cool-climate grapes. "There's definitely something there," said Ray Isle, executive wine editor at Food & Wine and author of The World in a Wineglass, which features tons of great wineries. In terms of Colorado's developing scene, which focuses on Grand Junction, there are many new wineries worth exploring like Carlson Vineyards, The Storm Cellar, and Sauvage Spectrum. Plus, while many wine regions around the globe deal with climate change challenges, Colorado's Grand Valley AVA might actually get a bit of an advantage against a warming world, sitting above 4,000 feet. And once you're done wine tasting, the hiking, mountain biking, and paddling in this part of the Rockies is top-notch.
2. Crete, Greece
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With the Cyclades getting a lot of attention recently, it's easy to forget that Greece has around 6,000 islands, over 200 of which are inhabited. With overcrowding – especially in peak season – affecting Mílos, Mykonos, and Santorini, Crete, the biggest island, is ready for its spotlight. The situation is boosted by some exciting new openings. The InterContinental Crete opened in the summer of 2024 in Agios Nikolaos, a charming beach town. Near the historic port city of Chania in the northwest, JW Marriott will launch its first Greece property in 2025: a sleek, low-rise resort covering 100 coastal acres, featuring stylish, neutral-toned rooms with views of private pools, beautiful gardens, and the Sea of Crete. Another new arrival is the Rosewood Blue Palace, to be unveiled on a beautiful and spacious part of Crete's northern coast, just an hour from Heraklion International Airport (HER). This revamped version of the cherished, family-run Blue Palace is currently being renovated and will reopen under the Hong Kong brand in 2026. These 3 newcomers will be great bases for discovering Crete's rich culture, with the Palace of Knossos and the Minoan Palace at Phaistos being the highlights. The island also boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in Greece, renowned for its mountains, gorges, and waterfalls that shine best during the quieter shoulder season.
3. Osaka, Japan
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Less than 3 hours from Tokyo by bullet train, Osaka is quickly becoming a must-see for anyone visiting Japan, thanks to its famous food scene and lively nightlife. The coming year looks even better, with Expo 2025 happening from April to October at spots all around the city. "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" is the pretty cool theme, and organizers are looking for over 28 million visitors ready to check out the latest in AI translation, flying taxis, robotics, and other tech that changes the game. Besides the Expo, which is set for Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay, the city has lots of new attractions like the new Four Seasons that opened in 2024 with 175 rooms and suites. (The top choice here is the 21 "Gensui" rooms, which give you a ryokan feel with tatami mats, a tea ceremony when you arrive, and a private lounge with a city view.) Opening in spring, right by Osaka Castle, is the first Japan location from the luxury chain Patina Hotels & Resorts. Around the same time, the city's first Waldorf Astoria is expected to open, featuring 252 rooms and 3 restaurants. Another highlight is the Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka, a historic hotel with 90 years behind it that is set to finish a big renovation by April 2025 and become the first Vignette Collection hotel in the city. And though Osaka fits nicely into a larger travel plan, it's also earning a spot as a destination: Air Canada has launched several seasonal non-stop flights from Toronto's Pearson International (YYZ) to the newly updated Kansai International Airport (KIX).
From the futuristic Expo 2025 to its vibrant food scene, Osaka is a must-visit. To make your trip even more seamless, especially if you're flying from the United States, consider booking your airport parking in advance. No matter if you need San Diego International parking, are looking for cheap airport parking San Antonio, or want to find the best airport parking deals, ParkingNearAirports.io has you covered. Our convenient and affordable off-site parking service takes the stress out of travel, letting you focus on the amazing experiences that await you in Osaka.
4. Priorat, Spain
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Recently, wine enthusiasts have been talking about the region southwest of Barcelona. With beautiful scenery, historic villages, and modern vineyard tourism, Priorat is set to be the next hotspot. Marco Palermo from Authentic Explorations calls it one of Spain's hidden gems, suggesting 2025 is a great year to visit before it gets popular. Wineries like Perinet and the family-owned Clos de l'Obac are making top-notch reds. Clos Mogador and Cellers de Scala Dei are embracing sustainable winemaking, offering organic tastings and eco-tours. "These wineries are changing what it means to explore a wine region," said Jesus Repetto of Titanium Tours. The food scene is thriving too, with places like Brots and Quatre Molins receiving Michelin stars. Gran Hotel Mas d'en Bruno features a new Vinum tasting menu, while Brichs creatively updates traditional Catalan dishes. There's even more ahead, Palermo shares, mentioning new hotels and villas on the way. "These spots will prioritize privacy, personal service, and luxury, whether it's a private suite with mountain views or a wellness SPA with stunning scenery."
5. San Antonio, Texas, USA
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The first Michelin Guide to Texas just came out, giving 15 stars across the state – proving what many food lovers already know: Texas knows how to cook. San Antonio is a great spot to explore, pushing culinary boundaries. Over the last 3 years, 9 local restaurants, bars, and breweries have been in the running for James Beard Awards. Some notable contenders include Best Quality Daughter, Curry Boys BBQ, Mixtli, and La Panadería. This bakery, run by former JBA nominee chef David Cáceres, plans to open more spots this year. In addition, chef Jason Dady will launch Mexico Ceaty in early 2025, transforming a food court into a dining hub showcasing Mexican food. This fits with the upcoming Pullman Market, a 40,000-square-foot dining venue that focuses on the farm to market approach. "Our market highlights the difference and value of truly fresh and truly local," said CEO Kevin Fink, "whether it's whole fresh fish from the Gulf of Mexico, Berkshire pigs from down the road, or butter from a herd of cows whose milk tastes of the Texas landscape." San Antonio also features exciting new hotels like Kimpton Santo, a chic hotel by the River Walk that opened in August, and the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, another recent addition under IHG Hotels & Resorts.
6. San Diego, California, USA
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Southern California isn't just sunny and beautiful, but it's also becoming super exciting with new food spots in San Diego that boost its culinary reputation. In summer 2024, Tara Monsod, Animae's chef, opened modern French steakhouse Le Coq. This year, the city got its first omakase yakitori place, Yakitori Tsuta. More cool projects are on the way: Travis Swikard of Callie is opening Fleurette in La Jolla next year, and chef Elijah Arizmendi, a former Per Se cook, will debut Lucien in 2025. These new places join great favorites like Addison, Leila, and Quixote. "There's amazing energy here – chefs are super creative and passionate," Monsod shared. "The city is buzzing to be seen as a real culinary spot."
7. Slovenia
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This Central European country has often been overlooked by U.S. travelers despite its stunning views and vibrant wine and food scene. That might change soon, as luxury travel company Black Tomato is launching new experiences in Slovenia for 2025, which is now more popular than ever. One trip from Black Tomato will take wine enthusiasts to 3 unique regions, including Primorska, which many say feels a lot like Italy, its neighbor. The journey will also explore Posavje, known for its sparkling and sweet wines, and Podravje, where white varietals shine. (Podravje also claims the title of home to the oldest grapevine in the world, said to be around 400 years old.) On the dining side, Slovenia has wowed Michelin inspectors, with 63 restaurants recognized in 2024, including the 3-star Hiša Franko and 2-star Restaurant Milka. The country has also welcomed numerous hotel renovations and openings, offering visitors more high-end options. Vila Muhr, for example, is located in the Julian Alps within a 1902 building that's now a luxury boutique hotel. Another refreshed spot is Wine Paradise Glavinić, featuring a series of cabins and villas in the Jeruzalem Hills. The new Hotel Bloom is a real gem in Ljubljana, the lively capital city where wine bars can be found almost everywhere.
8. Valle de Guadalupe, México
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Most of Mexico's wine comes from Valle de Guadalupe. This isn't new – the area has been producing wines for over 300 years, but it's finally getting the spotlight. This year, El Cielo Resort won 12 awards at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. A fresh wave of Mexican winemakers is bringing attention to the local scene. Trendy spots like Bloodlust combine wine and music, showcasing more than 60 local labels in a creative space that draws in U.S. visitors and others. Located about 90 miles south of San Diego on the Baja California peninsula, this region is often dubbed the "Napa of Baja," though it resembles Sonoma County more. It spans from coastal cliffs along Todos Santos Bay to the peaceful outskirts of Guadalupe. With over 200 wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants (like Animalón, Damiana, and Conchas de Piedra), and chic hotels leaning toward luxury, the area is booming. This year, Banyan Group launched Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe, a 30-villa resort featuring a Grenache winery. They focus on sustainable luxury, using recycled water, local plants, and biodynamic practices to reduce their environmental impact. As the valley becomes more popular, they prepare for more visitors. "With diverse wineries and an unmatched culinary scene, Valle de Guadalupe is shining bright," said Peter Hechler from Banyan Group. "We aim to offer more chances for travelers to explore the region intentionally, ensuring its lasting prosperity."
