Besides the old tried-and-true promise to exercise more, New Year’s resolutions are often about restriction: eat less, drink less, work less, stress less. It’s time to flip that around for 2025 and promise yourself more: more cultures to explore, more flavors to enjoy, more world-famous sites to see and more sand between your toes. Here are some hot-to-go destinations for each month, giving you the ideal targets for your resolutions.
JANUARY
Hobart, Tasmania
While Sydney and Melbourne attract the most attention from travelers, Hobart deserves some of that spotlight too. This gem of a city on the wild and gorgeous island of Tasmania is packed with charm, from the interesting exhibits at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) to the art on display on the Battery Point Sculpture Trail. Two must-do’s: summit 4,170-foot Mount Wellington for an amazing view and shop at the wildly popular Salamanca Market held every Saturday.
FEBRUARY
Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Located on the eastern tip of the island, Fajardo is the ideal home base to explore this tropical slice of paradise. From here, you can go waterfall hunting across El Yunque National Forest, snorkel in the clear waters over the long strips of reef of the Cordillera Nature Reserve and daytrip to nearby islands like Culebra and Vieques. The star attraction here is boating on Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay, one of only five “bio bays” in the world (three are in Puerto Rico!).
MARCH
Placencia, Belize
You can get away from it all in Placencia.Located at the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula in the southeastern corner of the country, this tranquil fishing village is flanked by a mangrove-lined lagoon on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, giving you relaxing views in all directions. In town, you can admire the colorful murals and artwork along the 4,000-foot-long pedestrian-only main street. Or leave the village to spot whale sharks while snorkeling the southern barrier reef or howler monkeys while cruising down Monkey River.
APRIL
Kyoto, Japan
Japan’s ancient imperial capital creates the impression of a centuries-old painting come to life. More than 2,000 temples and shrines can be found within its borders, along with transcendent gardens and ancient districts where geishas still walk on thick wooden sandals. Take the Philosopher’s Path to Ginkaku-ji, the luminous Temple of the Silver Pavilion, a retirement villa built by a shogun in 1482. Or head up north to view the gold-leaf covered Golden Pavilion and the famed Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji temple.
MAY
Cologne, Germany
Of Germany’s 10 “Magic Cities” — so called because they offer an enticing blend of historical appeal, cultural vibrancy and delectable cuisine — Cologne stands out. As the oldest of the country’s metropolises, it’s home to a wealth of worthy attractions, from the Cologne Cathedral to the Chocolate Museum, as well as a very active art scene and one of the world’s oldest art fairs. In fact, art is everywhere here, for Cologne is one of Germany’s hotspots for street art, which you can see in neighborhoods such as Ehrenfeld and the Belgian Quarter.
JUNE
Lima, Peru
Lima has gone through a transformation over the past few decades, turning into a thriving capital complete with a revived colonial center, eclectic neighborhoods and world-famous restaurants. Your first stop here is the Malecón de Miraflores, a cliffside boardwalk perfect for strolling, biking and, for the adventurous, paragliding. For those who wish to explore with their feet firmly on the ground, you can perfect your selfie game in the wild sculpture garden at M.A.C., the Museum of Contemporary Art, or meet llamas, alpacas and Peruvian hairless dogs during a tour of the Huaca Pucllana pyramid.
JULY
Juneau, Alaska
Exceptionally picturesque, Juneau sits in the heart of the Gastineau Channel, satisfyingly surrounded by snow-topped mountains, massive glaciers and alpine forests. This is where you come to experience the truly unforgettable, whether that’s taking a dogsled ride atop the surreally blue Mendenhall Glacier, watching humpback whales breach near your boat or hiking in Tongass National Forest, the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world and the largest national forest in the United States. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on a large bucket at Tracy’s King Crab Shack down by the water.
AUGUST
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Between July and October, over 2 million wildebeest, zebra and antelope species make their famed annual pilgrimage, known as the Great Migration. To hear the thundering hoofs of thousands of animals moving en masse from the Serengeti plains of Tanzania, across the mighty Mara River and north into Kenya, is a phenomenal spectacle unparalleled anywhere on Earth. August, in particular, is the best time to witness the dramatic river crossings into the Maasai Mara, a wildlife conservation and wilderness area that is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs and African elephants.
SEPTEMBER
Split, Croatia
The second-largest city in Croatia is second to none when it comes to beauty, history and charm. The ancient city on the Dalmatian coast was born because Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here roughly 1,700 years ago. But “palace” may not be the right term, for it’s more of a sprawling estate that sits nearly unchanged today. After your history lesson, head over to Marjan, a nearly 600-foot hill that is home to hiking and biking trails, rock-carved churches and numerous benches to rest and enjoy the breathtaking views.
OCTOBER
Kaua’i, Hawaii
As your plane descends onto Kauaʻi, the oldest and northernmost island in the state, you’ll quickly realize why it’s called the Garden Island. Draped in emerald valleys, the island is brilliantly contoured by sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs separated by forking rivers and cascading waterfalls. More than just jaw-dropping beauty, Kaua’i is home to numerous ways to enjoy its natural gifts: kayak the Wailua River, snorkel on Poʻipū Beach, hike the trails of Kōkeʻe State Park or go ziplining above Kauaʻi’s lush valleys. Whatever you do, the ocean will always call you back to relax on its shimmering white-sand beaches and feel at one with the world.
NOVEMBER
Antarctica
Antarctica — its name alone conjures up fantastical images of wind-sculpted icebergs, snow-blanketed landscapes and bustling penguin colonies. The best window to visit begins in November, when “warmer” weather (it’s still pretty cold) means the wildlife is more active, sea ice is not a problem and the sun stays out for most of the day. Modern-day adventurers prefer to visit the white continent via a fly-cruise. Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island — skipping over the turbulent Drake Passage — to begin your cruise in calmer waters.
DECEMBER
Vienna, Austria
From late November to late December, from the Middle Ages to modern times, Christmas markets have filled European streets with a festive bombardment of the senses. Vienna has embraced this tradition for centuries, culminating in the traditional Vienna Magic of Advent, which turns the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land. Here you’ll find Christmas gifts, tempting sweets and warming drinks — as well as a historic carousel — to put you in the holiday mood. Another market can be found in front of Schönbrunn Palace, giving the festivities an imperial backdrop.