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Article written by: Rebecca

Last updated:

Short on time and looking for a one-week Uganda itinerary that hits the highlights of this compact but gorgeous country? You've come to the right place!

Wild mountain gorillas, tree-climbing lions, human-like chimpanzees, the historic source of the Nile, dazzling birdlife. Add to this lush forests, thundering waterfalls and savannahs teeming with wildlife - how do you possibly fit all of these gems into a Uganda itinerary?

That's the challenge I faced when planning my recent Uganda trip, so I'm here to help you decide where to go if you only have one week for Uganda.

Regardless of what you decide to do when you visit the Pearl of Africa, you'll find the country astonishing - and with far fewer tourists than neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania. (Although I do have both a Kenya itinerary and Tanzania itinerary!)

This one-week itinerary is focused around gorilla trekking in Uganda, as that was my main reason for visiting. So, you'll notice that the week is focused on the southwest of the country. While it looks like a small country on a map, Uganda travel distances are actually quite long, so to maximise my time, I focused my travel around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where the gorilla tracking magic happens.

Let's get into the itinerary and help you plan a week in Uganda!

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda, but international flights land in nearby Entebbe, the former capital. Major airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, South African Airways, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways all fly here, with connections via Europe, Asia and the Middle East. (Make sure you pack these long haul flight essentials to make the trip more comfortable.)

I flew from Melbourne to Entebbe via Dubai with Emirates, a long 24-hour journey.

Entebbe is around 40 kilometres from Kampala. I've only listed the distance here, because the time it takes to get to Kampala from the airport could vary - the traffic is insane!
SEARCH FOR AND COMPARE FLIGHTS TO UGANDA
The best time to travel to Uganda is during the dry seasons. There are two dry seasons, from December to February and then from June to August. This is when you'll find the weather most suitable for all the best things to do in Uganda.

June to August is the peak travel season. So, most importantly, make sure to book well in advance! This applies to both gorilla tracking permits and to accommodation, as some safari companies will often book out entire lodges.

During the wet season, which lasts from around March to May, you'll find far fewer tourists, but the rains can also damage roads, making Uganda travel more difficult. It also means quite a muddy gorilla tracking experience (I had a muddy hike in February, so I can only image what the trail is like during the rainy season!).

From October to November you may encounter rain, but you'll also bump into far fewer tourists.

There are a few options for getting around when you visit Uganda: independently either using public transport or self driving, or with a guided tour, either on a group tour or with a private driver.

Before my Uganda trip I spent a lot of time researching costs and transport options. I finally landed on hiring a private driver and guide through a safari company. I travelled to Uganda solo so I felt that this was the easiest way for me to get around - and it turned out to be the best way to take a safari in East Africa, in my opinion.

After doing all that research, I then had to choose a safari company from the hundreds that operate within Uganda. Luckily, a friend of a friend (who ended up helping to organise my Tanzania itinerary) pointed me in the direction of the company I eventually landed on, Ellington Safaris.

I was thrilled with my experience with Ellington Safaris. Owner Shaun Sendyowa started the company about a decade ago, inspired by the safaris he would take with his grandfather, George, and his grandfather's friend, John Ellington, a Brit. The two friends served together during World War II, and later John Ellington would come to Uganda where he would go on safari with his old friend George.

Shaun would join George and John on these safaris and that's where his love of the African safari adventure came about. His wife Jenny also runs the business.

What I loved most about travelling with Ellington Safaris - other than Shaun's encyclopedic knowledge about Ugandan wildlife, history and culture - was the fact that I didn't have to organise anything.

I simply talked with Shaun and Jenny about what I wanted out of the trip and they arranged everything: the itinerary, transport, accommodation, gorilla permits, everything. It was perfect, because when I started researching, I was completely overwhelmed. With Ellington Safaris, I simply turned up and hopped in the car.

If you're travelling in a group, hiring a private driver/guide can be an affordable and easy way to travel around Uganda.

A group tour is a great way to meet other people and save money, especially if you're travelling solo.

The major tour companies run regular group tours throughout East Africa, including Uganda tours, as do many other international and local companies. Check to compare options.

Self-drive holidays in Uganda are also an option. While I was in Uganda I saw a few cars from Self Drive Uganda and Road Trip Uganda. Car hire starts from US$40 a day and some cars come with rooftop tents.

The self-drive companies can usually book accommodation and gorilla permits as well.

One of the downsides of self driving is that you don't have the benefit of an experienced guide who can find and point out wildlife in the national parks. However, you can hire a driver guide, or often a ranger from the national park to show you around.

If you're backpacking Uganda, then public transport is an option. Buses are plentiful and tickets are affordable.

Keep in mind, however, that road conditions outside the major highways are generally poor, buses break down regularly and it's impossible to get to and into the national parks on regular public transport. You can however, use public transport to get to your destination and then have your accommodation arrange tours around national parks.

If you were to travel around Uganda for longer than a week or two, this could be an option for those on a budget, but make sure you create a flexible schedule.

With only a week in Uganda, I didn't want to risk relying on public transport to get around.

This is my entire Uganda itinerary, laid out day-by-day. I have, however, made a few suggested amendments to make this itinerary even better, which I'll point out.

Later on in this post, I've also made some recommendations for other places to visit in Uganda, because honestly, a week in Uganda was just not enough!

Here's what to do in Uganda in a week:

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe

Day 2: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 3: Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 4: Drive to Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 5: Transfer to Kisoro

Day 6: Gorilla tracking

Day 7: Rest day by Lake Mutanda

Day 8: Return to Entebbe and depart Uganda

This map shows all the places to visit on this Uganda travel itinerary.

If you're flying into Uganda, you'll arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Depending on what time you land and whether you want to stay in Entebbe or go to Kampala, you can schedule a few activities for the day.

Entebbe is incredibly relaxed. A few things to do in Entebbe:

Relax by Lake Victoria at one of the many bars and restaurants

Visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, filled with monkeys and birds

Take a sunset boat trip on Lake Victoria

Watch chimpanzee feedings at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

If you want to go into Kampala, there are even more things to do:

Where to stay in Entebbe

I spent a night at 2 Friends Beach Hotel, a short drive from the airport. The hotel is on Lake Victoria and it's one of the few hotels in the area that has its own private beach.

Rooms are spacious and tiled, so they're cool even without AC. All rooms have a mini bar and tea and coffee facilities. Some rooms have lake views (the upstairs rooms also have air-conditioning). The reception is in a tall hut overlooking the swimming pool which is the perfect spot for a cocktail or a beer.

Across the road, right on the lake, is the hotel's beach restaurant. Grab a drink or dinner here at sunset - the views are spectacular. I had a delicious tilapia dish, steamed in banana leaf with lemongrass and served with rice and vegetables.
Check rates online for 2 Friends Beach Hotel at Expedia

Where to stay in Kampala

Ellington Safaris has a self-catering, three-bedroom apartment in Kampala. The apartment is in the Kansanga neighbourhood, which has a wide range of international and local restaurants. You can book online by enquiring directly with Shaun and Jenny at Ellington Safaris.

If you'd prefer to stay in a hotel, then try the chic boutique Villa Kololo. It's located in a great neighbourhood known for its restaurants and nightlife. Check rates for Villa Kololo online with Booking.com

It's a long drive from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda's south, so stay here for two nights to make the most of your time.

There are a few routes from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We took the Fort Portal road (highway A109) which heads west from Kampala and then south from Fort Portal. The other option is the Mbarara-Kasese road heading directly southwest.

The picturesque 6- to 8-hour journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park winds through tea plantations, villages and the outskirts of the Kibale Forest National Park, which is famous for its primates.

Even though you won't venture inside the forest on this trip, you'll likely see a few colobus monkeys in the treetops beside the road, along with plenty of colourful birds. Along the drive you'll definitely see how lush and green the country is - even when it's not the rainy season.

The highway we took also passes a small sign marking the Equator. This isn't the big monument that's close to Kampala, but it's still fun to jump from the northern to the southern hemisphere.

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park was renamed in 1954 after a visit from the newly inaugurated Queen Elizabeth.

It's Uganda's most visited national park and the top destination for Uganda safaris. Across its 1,978 square kilometres there are more than 90 species of mammals, five primate species, the Big Five (except for rhinos), and around 500 species of birds.

When you arrive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the animal sightings come quickly; in my first half hour in the park I saw hippos, warthogs, Ugandan kobs, buffaloes and waterbucks. The landscape here also changes dramatically, from thick, lush forests to dry savannah.

An evening game drive is a great way to spot the big cats who may emerge as the sun and the temperature go down. We were lucky to see three lions sleeping near a thicket. We waited for a long time, but they barely moved except to roll over now and then. They looked quite full, perhaps from a big lunch!

Early morning game drives are when you'll see hyenas heading back to their dens, warthogs rooting about for food, hippos wallowing about in waterholes and a lot of colourful birds. I'm not a birdwatcher but I was dazzled by the birds in Uganda! If you're a twitcher, Ellington Safaris can arrange a driver guide with specialist bird knowledge.

Kazinga Channel boat tour

The Kazinga Channel is a 32-kilometre waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. Boat trips along the channel are popular with visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

I have never seen so many elephants and hippos in one place! Not to mention the buffalo, waterbuck, Nile crocodiles, baboons and warthogs, and the thousands of birds flying overhead and nesting in and around.
Top tip for this Uganda travel guide: Get a seat on the left-hand side of the boat on the top deck for the best wildlife viewing!

Uganda Carnivore Program

Predators like lions and leopards are what draw visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park. But over the years their populations have been declining rapidly. As humans and wildlife increasingly come into contact, habitats have been lost and the big cats poisoned after livestock attacks.

The Uganda Carnivore Program is a nonprofit that focuses on monitoring, research and conservation of predators in Uganda, primarily in the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

One of their fundraising activities is a lion-tracking program. Visitors can join researchers on daily research expeditions. Trackers use radio collars that have been affixed to some lions within the park. During the lion tracking experience, drivers are allowed to go off-road, which means more chance of getting up close to the lions.

Bookings can be made through the Mweya Visitor Information Centre or through a tour operator.

This was something Shaun told me about but I didn't have a chance to join - it sounds like a fantastic opportunity to see predators up close and to support their ongoing protection.

Explosion Crater Drive

A series of violent volcano explosions led to the formation of a number of craters in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which now form a stunning drive. The Explosion Crater Drive passes over the ridges of various craters, some filled with water, some dry.

There's not a lot of wildlife along the bumpy drive, but you may see herds of elephants and single male buffaloes.

After leaving the Kazinga Channel, Shaun and I took a drive through the crater drive and stumbled upon a herd of elephants, including a few babies. Watching them break off branches with their strong trunks was absolutely mesmerising.

Where to stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kasenyi Safari Camp was my first experience of the classic African safari lodge. My room was an enormous tent with a huge four-poster bed and a bathroom big enough for a dance party. The back door led out to a massive balcony overlooking Lake Bunyampaka.

The eight tents at this luxury lodge are made from locally-sourced materials. Tents are named after porters or other people known to the lodge.

The lodge runs on solar power, with a back-up generator. Because of this, there are no outlets in the rooms, and electronics can only be charged in the main room. Wifi is available in the main room.

There's complimentary laundry if you're staying for more than one night.

Meals are served in the large, open main room. The high thatched roof makes this room cool, even when it's blistering hot outside. Dinner is a five-course affair using mostly locally-sourced ingredients from the nearby communities.

The lodge has no fences, so it's not uncommon for staff to see the odd lion, leopard or buffalo on the grounds. For this reason, all guests need a guard to escort them to and from their room between 6pm and 7am.

Kasenyi Safari Camp puts a lot of effort into relationships with the local communities, including paying for school tuition, supporting a community boat to help with marketing of locally-grown products, and employing and training people.

The lodge can arrange guided nature walks and visits to the nearby salt lake, or set up a gorgeous bush breakfast or bush dinner across the other side of Lake Bunyampaka.

On day 4, drive to the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ishasha is one of the more remote places to visit in Uganda, but here you'll see a slightly different landscape and other wildlife.

The drive is only around two hours, but it's bumpy, so be prepared for an "African massage"!

Game drive looking for famous tree-climbing lions

The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is most famous for its tree-climbing lions. While it's not exactly clear why these lions like getting up into the branches, some guess that it's to escape the heat of the day and avoid biting insects.

There are, however, only a few dozen lions remaining in Ishasha, so spotting these tree-climbing cats can be tricky. Check with the rangers first whether they've been spotted recently.

Unfortunately, I didn't spot these lions while we were in Ishasha; they hadn't actually been seen for the past three days. But you never know your luck!

What you will definitely spot here are plenty of elephants, the beautiful reddish-brown topi (a type of antelope) and, if you're very lucky (like I was!), leopards.

Drive to the DRC border

The Ishasha River divides the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda in this part of the country. You can drive to the river and see just how close the DRC is, only a few metres across the muddy waters. But be warned, if you try to cross, there are plenty of hippos standing in for border security!

Enjoy a sundowner

There's nothing quite like sipping a gin and tonic overlooking the Ugandan savannah as the sun sinks below the horizon. Many lodges will set up a small bar and seats in a private spot for the evening show. These are sundowners and they're the perfect way to end the day.

For my final night in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha Wilderness Camp set up a gorgeous spot on an escarpment. After an incredible afternoon where I spotted a leopard, Shaun and I pulled up and I was greeted with a refreshing towel. The staff served me gin and tonics and a range of delicious snacks, including freshly made samosas. I then simply sat as the sun went down, watching warthogs and hyena down below, as the staff brought me another drink.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp's sundowner even included a washroom - with a fabulous view!

Community tour

Ishasha Wilderness Camp can also arrange a visit to a local village, led by Agartha, a leader in the community. Agartha shares stories of her tribe, the Bakiga, as well as helps visitors prepare and taste a local dish.

The tour is a fantastic way to learn more about and support the local community.

Where to stay in Ishasha

The only lodge inside of the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha Wilderness Camp has been careful to respect and co-exist with its unique surroundings.

The ten safari tents overlook the Ntungwe River, home to hippos, and the drinking ground of elephants and buffaloes. Like other safari lodges in Uganda, wild animals may roam through the grounds, so an escort is required after daylight if you move around the camp.

Each tent has an enormous bed (you could fit four people in it!) with a comfortable, firm mattress, a mosquito net, an open wardrobe with colourful dressing gowns, and a desk. Here, you can charge your electronics in the room. A nice touch is the universal charging station, which means you don't need to pull out your travel adapter to charge your tech gear (I wish more hotels would do this!).

Wifi is only available in the rooms, not in the main area. Given the remote surroundings, the wifi unsurprisingly isn't very strong - but you're not here to check your Instagram, are you?

Bathrooms are spacious, with a flushable toilet and running water in the sink. A "bush shower" provides hot water on demand - someone will bring a bucket of hot water to your room on request which is hooked up to the shower. Despite the fact that the shower doesn't have modern plumbing, the shower pressure is strong and I had a lovely shower to wash off the dust of the day.

There's a complimentary laundry service, and even though I was staying only one night, the staff managed to wash a few items of mine and leave them smelling wonderful.

Drums call people to dinner. If the weather's nice, tables are set up on the grass outside the main building. Lamps dot the ground between tables, providing lovely ambient light.

At night, there is a turndown service and on my bed was a cute, quirky story about Henry the Hippo, the resident hippo. I didn't see him on my visit, but apparently he likes to hang out around near tent number 10.

Day 5 is another big day of driving. It's about a 5-hour drive from Ishasha to the town of Kisoro in southwestern Uganda.

The drive winds through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and this is the first chance to see just why it's called that. Thick forest blankets the hills, broken here and there by villages, tea plantations and small plots of farmland.

Kisoro is a base for gorilla tracking for those who are trekking in the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The main focus for the rest of today is to prepare for tomorrow's exciting adventure!

Where to stay in Kisoro

Travellers Rest Hotel has a few famous past guests: Dian Fossey used to stay here frequently on her research trips.

The rooms are simple but comfortable and clean. The gardens are a little oasis. Make sure you step through the gate at the back for a stunning view of the Virunga Mountains at sunset.

Dinner is served each night buffet-style for the bargain price of US$15. Order a generous packed breakfast for the early morning the next day (the banana pancakes are really good!).
Check the latest rates for Travellers Rest Hotel on Expedia

Today is the day you've been waiting for: the chance to see mountain gorillas in the wild.

There are only three countries where you can see wild mountain gorillas: Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda is the ideal place to see gorillas, as it's home to more than half of the remaining population.

I have a full guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda, but here's some information about the amazing experience:

Book your permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda well in advance. This is one of the major Uganda tourism attractions, and there are limited permits. This will be done through your tour operator, but if you're travelling independently, you'll need to visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority office in Kampala to arrange permits.

The day starts early. We set off at 6am and were the first to arrive at the park entrance to sign in.

Only 8 people can visit each family each day, and only for 60 minutes.

The hike to reach your gorilla family could be 10 minutes or it could be 8 hours.

During the hike, you won't be on flat ground. You could be trekking through mud, up and down hills, and through dense forest. There are flies, biting ants and stinging plants. I'm not saying this to discourage you, just to prepare you for what you may face! (But the reward is worth it!)

If you're sick, you cannot go on the trek. Gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases and one sneeze could wipe out a family. Be responsible and tell your guide if you're not feeling well.

You can hire a porter to carry your backpack. This is a great way not only to save your energy but to provide local employment. The minimum payment for a porter is US$15 and they work hard. They'll carry your backpack and help you through tricky areas of the hike.

Armed guards accompany every gorilla trekking group to protect people against elephants or buffaloes (which are surprisingly aggressive animals).

Don't forget to tip your guide and the guards, too!

Here's also a handy gorilla trekking packing list so you know what to wear and what to put in your backpack on the big day!

I was assigned to the Mucunguzi family, a family of one silverback, five females (one pregnant at the time) and three babies. Mucunguzi means "peace", and the silverback that now heads the family was named this after the previous silverback fell from a tree and died.

Our group of 8 people had to drive to our starting point, and from there it was a 2.5-hour hike to the gorilla family. The hike was steep at the beginning, before we cut through forest where I could barely see a path.

When we came across our trackers, I expected that we'd need to hike a bit further to the family. But one of the trackers motioned with his head. When I turned to the right, there was the huge silverback gorilla, lying on his back under a tree, looking at me nonchalantly.

After only 10 minutes, the silverback scaled a tree, followed quickly by two of the babies. When they finally came down, we followed the silverback through and over dense forest as he searched for his females. This was a tough climb that left us standing at times in ants' nests and tripping over low branches.

All the photos I've seen of other peoples' gorilla trekking experiences, it seems that the gorillas sit on a flat surface, happily having their photo taken, but from my experience that it's not always that simple!

Regardless, the effort is worth it.

Where to stay near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

As one of the most popular places to visit in Uganda, it's not surprising that there are plenty of accommodation options near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

I stayed at Mutanda Lake Resort, and instantly fell in love. The deluxe rooms are fresh and modern, with cushioned seats on a spacious balcony that overlooks the lake. The bed is huge, with a firm mattress.

With a maximum of 36 guests at any one time, the resort is intimate and the staff remember your name.

The restaurant and bar overlook the lake, which turns pink, purple and orange as the sun sets.

Mutanda Lake Resort is conscious about its impact, and provide fresh drinking water in glass jugs rather than plastic bottles. The resort works with the local community, providing employment, purchasing produce and installing a water tank that reduces the amount of time people need to walk to collect water.

Bonus: you can actually swim in Lake Mutanda (there's no bilharzia). Mutanda Lake Resort has a lovely dock you can swim from or laze about on.

Depending where your gorilla tracking starting point is, you could even stay here for two nights, before and after the gorilla track. But book well in advance - this place fills up quickly.

Day 7 is about resting. This isn't actually what I did on my Uganda trip, but I would recommend adding a day if you have it. The past week has been full of busy days, and Lake Mutanda is wonderfully peaceful.

Mutanda Lake Resort can arrange plenty of activities, including hiking, boat and canoe tours, Virunga Mountains climbs, trips to visit the golden monkeys, bird watching, mountain biking and community visits.

Or, you could just chill out and enjoy the beautiful view.

The trip is over! If you're like me, you'll have realised a few days ago that a week in Uganda isn't long enough, so you'll already be planning your return trip.

On your final day, return to Entebbe. This is an 8+ hour drive, so plan your international flight home accordingly.

I highly recommend spending more time in Uganda - one week wasn't enough for me! Especially when Shaun told me about all the other amazing tourist attractions in Uganda. I plan to go back and see more of the country.

If you have more time - say, 10 days or 2 weeks in Uganda - here are some other places to visit in Uganda to extend your trip:

Murchison Falls National Park - see Uganda's largest national park and Murchison Falls where the Victoria Nile River thunders through a rock opening

Kibale Forest National Park - home to primates, this is the place for chimpanzee tracking

Jinja - the adventure capital of Africa, come here for white-water rafting at the source of the Nile

Kidepo Valley National Park - this park is remote, but worth the effort if you have the time. The reward is a stunning array of wildlife and astonishing landscapes

Rwenzori Mountains - one of the most beautiful mountain ranges on the entire African continent, you can spend days hiking through the uncrowded national park

Whatever you do choose to do if you extend your Uganda itinerary, try to mix up your days. People think they want to do game drives every day while they're on safari holidays, but it can become tiring being in a car all day.

For me, two days of game drives in a row is enough, and then I need to break it up with something else like a hike or a boat trip or a relax day. If you book with a private tour operator like Ellington Safaris they'll advise how to create the perfect itinerary.

To help with planning a trip to Uganda, here's some additional information and tips.

Travelling in East Africa generally isn't cheap, and Uganda is no exception. For a Uganda safari itinerary like the one I've outlined here, you'll need to budget around US$300 per person, per day based on 2 people sharing (plus gorilla tracking permits).

The most expensive item of a trip to Uganda is the gorilla trekking permit. Permits are currently US$700.

Uganda's currency is the shilling and you can check the latest exchange rate online at XE. U.S. dollars are widely accepted and most hotels and tour operators quote in dollars. However, when you're on the ground, it's worth having some small shilling notes for shops and restaurants.

If you bring U.S. dollars, make sure they are from 2006 or later, and have no tears, marks or stains. If you want to change U.S. dollars when you arrive in Uganda, bring larger denominations ($100 bills) to get a better exchange rate.

Tipping isn't quite clear - and it's not usually expected - but from what I gather, the rate for drivers/guides is around US$20 per day (split between your group). Make sure to tip staff at hotels. There are usually tip boxes in the reception area and management shares tips among all the staff. I tipped about US$20 per night.

For other people you meet along the way, for example, the tour guide on the Kazinga Channel and the porters, guides and rangers on the gorilla tracking hike, use your judgement and tip based on what you think is appropriate (again, use the US$20 per day as an example).

Wages are low in Uganda and people in the tourism industry work very hard, so tip when appropriate.

Uganda has a very easy online system for obtaining a tourist visa. Visit their website and apply; it costs US$50. You'll need a copy of a passport photo, a return ticket and proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Print out the letter and bring it with you for immigration to finalise on arrival, along with your passport photo and vaccination records.

If you're also visiting Rwanda and/or Kenya on your trip, consider applying for an East Africa Tourist visa which costs US$100. Just make sure that you apply for this visa via the country that you're visiting first on your trip.

You cannot obtain a Uganda visa on arrival without prior approval, so make sure you plan in advance.

I'm no doctor so make sure you visit your own before you travel to Uganda. They can advise any required vaccinations and advice specific to you.

You need proof of yellow fever vaccination to obtain a visa for Uganda.

Uganda has some malaria areas, so ask your doctor whether you need to take medication. Full disclosure: I did not take any malaria medication on my trip to East Africa. But I lived in a malaria-risk country for four years, so I'm very aware of the risks and took steps to prevent bites during my time in Uganda. Pack plenty of repellent, sleep under mosquito nets (all hotels and lodges provide these) and cover up in the evening.

I always purchase travel insurance. World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Luckily, I had no issues on this trip and didn't need to use my insurance.

I ALWAYS buy travel insurance. Travel Insurance Master is a good one-stop-shop to compare policies across various providers.
GET A QUOTE WITH TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER
Pack a good first-aid kit with any medications you need while travelling. I always pack pain-relief medication (like Nurofen or Ibuprofen), Pepto-Bismol or peptosyl for tummy troubles, Imodium, antiseptic cream, antibiotics (prescribed by a doctor) and Band-Aids.

This is not an unreasonable question to ask, especially when you consider most peoples' (unfounded) opinions about Africa and the way the media portrays the continent. When I told people I was travelling to East Africa by myself, a few were quite concerned.

I felt incredibly safe the entire time I was in Uganda. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. I had no safety concerns or anything that made me nervous. Of course, I took all the usual safety precautions that I'd take anywhere in the world: I didn't wear expensive jewellery, kept my valuables out of sight, and tucked my money into various bags and pockets.

Check your country's government warnings before travelling and make sure you notify your government of your travels. Here's a link to Australia's advice on travelling to Uganda, as well as the United Kingdom and the United States.

Wildlife can obviously be an issue, so listen to your guide to stay safe. Maintain a safe distance from animals if you're outside, ask hotel staff if there's anything to be aware of, and stay in your car when wildlife is around.

Having said that, animals are usually far more scared of you! They'll generally keep their distance.

Uganda is a special country and a must-visit if you're planning a trip to East Africa. I loved that it wasn't as touristy as other East African countries - but there's still so much wildlife, natural wonders and warm hospitality to experience.

While one week in Uganda is never enough, it is enough time to get a feel for the country and see some of the highlights. Just be ready to plan a trip back!

Yes, 1 week in Uganda can be enough to experience the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of the country. You can visit some of the most popular attractions like gorilla trekking, a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel,or explore some of Uganda's most beautiful national parks. All of this is possible within a week in Uganda if you plan your trip right. BUT you will want to come back to see more!

Uganda is home to some of Africa's most iconic animals, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and hippos. You'll also find giraffes, zebras, monkeys, chimps and antelopes in the country's national parks and game reserves. Uganda is also home to plenty of bird species.

Uganda is a safe and friendly destination for solo female travellers. Women are respected in the country, and due to the strong security forces and lack of civil unrest, it's a great choice if you're looking for a place to travel alone. In general, women are unlikely to experience any form of harassment while in Uganda - I certainly felt very safe on my solo visit.

English is the official language of Uganda. There are also more than 40 additional languages and dialects spoken throughout the country.
Need help planning your own Uganda itinerary? Drop your questions in the comments below or shoot me an email. Disclaimer: Ellington Safaris worked with some of the accommodations I stayed at during my visit to Uganda to obtain complimentary or discounted rates. Regardless, all opinions remain my own.
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Uganda Itinerary: How to Visit the Pearl of Africa in 1 Week

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No Uganda itinerary is complete without gorilla trekking, but here are plenty of other things to do in Uganda beyond primates. An action-packed week!

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What It’s Really Like to Travel with Kids

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The idea of showing your kids the world is a powerful one—but the realities of parenting, particularly for women, far from vanish once you hit the road.

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Todd Orr, 50, survived a double attack from a grizzly sow in Montana in October of 2016.

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The UN Tourism Data Dashboard | Tourism Data

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The UN Tourism Data Dashboard – provides statistics and insights on key indicators for inbound and outbound tourism at the global

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Uganda Tourism Board - Promoting Tourism Together

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Despite the growing trend of a reduction in tourism seasonality in Spain, the months of July and August saw extraordinary and record-breaking figures that deserve detailed analysis.

The summer of 2024 has solidified Spain's tourism sector as one of the key drivers of the Spanish economy, surpassing nearly all historical records. These results are attributed to the recovery of incomes in source countries, Spain's geopolitical stability, and the high international competitiveness of its tourism sector. Despite the growing trend toward less seasonality in tourism, July and August posted extraordinary figures that warrant detailed analysis.

All-time record in overnight stays

Tourist overnight stays in Spain have reached historic highs this summer. According to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), overnight stays increased by 1.9% in July and by 2.5% in August in year-on-year terms, surpassing 2019 levels by 3.2% and 1.3%, respectively. These figures not only represent an all-time record, but also significantly exceed the annual growth rates observed in 2023, which stood at 0.4% in July and 0.3% in August.

This growth has been mainly driven by international tourism, which has shown remarkable dynamism. Overnight stays by foreign visitors increased by 4.8% in July and August as a whole compared to the same period last year, exceeding 2019 levels by 2.6%. In contrast, overnight stays by domestic tourists experienced a slight contraction of 1.2% in July and August. However, despite this decline, the levels remain high, with increases of 1.7% compared to July and August 2019.

It should also be noted that the growth in overnight stays during the summer months was lower than in the first half of the year, when there was a total increase of 6.8% (1.4% for domestic tourists and 9.8% for international tourists). This relative slowdown reflects the aforementioned reduction in seasonality in tourism, which is redistributing the influx of tourists throughout the year. This reduction in seasonality is a positive development for the sector, as it helps reduce the rate of temporary employment and allows for greater utilization of the capital invested in tourism infrastructure.

International arrivals: increasing across the board

The data on international arrivals have also been a source of excellent news. According to the INE's Frontur database, in July and August foreign tourist arrivals exceeded 2019 levels by 8.9%. This growth occurred across the board and is supported in particular by excellent figures for tourists from the EU, which increased by 14.3% in July and August, and from the Americas, with increases of 30.3% in the same months.

Among the main source markets, the United Kingdom shows a somewhat sluggish performance, with declines of 3.6% in July and August compared to 2019. Although British tourists are approaching pre-pandemic levels, they have yet to fully recover. Factors such as post-Brexit economic uncertainties and fluctuations in the sterling exchange rate could be influencing this trend. On the other hand, the increase in the influx of tourists from markets further afield, such as North America and Latin America, indicates a growing interest in Spain as a long-haul tourist destination.

Substantial increase in tourist expenditure

Tourist expenditure figures are highly positive, driven by both strong real numbers and price increases during the post-pandemic period. The analysis of tourist expenditure is based on internal CaixaBank Research data on purchase transactions - duly aggregated and anonymised - carried out using international cards on CaixaBank POS terminals. The data indicate that international expenditure in July and August 2024 stood 50.4% and 46.2% above 2019 levels, respectively.

Particularly noteworthy is the growth in expenditure by tourists from North America, with increases of 86.6% in July and 89.9% in August. Expenditure by Latin American tourists also shows significant growth, with increases of 62.5% and 66.0% in the same months. These data reflect not only a greater number of visitors, but also an increase in expenditure per tourist, which has a significant economic impact on the sector.

On the other hand, tourists from Asia and Oceania show more moderate increases in their expenditure, standing 30.6% and 36.5% above 2019 in July and August, respectively. However, the year-on-year growth rates are robust, with increases of 14.6% in July and 11.6% in August. This sustained growth indicates a potential for further growth in the future as these markets continue to recover. According to UN Tourism (UNWTO), in 2030, Asia will emit 165% more tourists than in 2010, versus 64% growth in the case of Europe.1 The ability to attract tourists from these emerging markets will thus be crucial for the diversification and resilience of the sector in the long term.

Challenges and opportunities in the Asian market

The relatively muted performance of Asian tourism is mainly due to the slower recovery of tourism from China and Japan. Tourist expenditure from these countries has lagged behind and still lies below the levels recorded in 2019. In the case of tourists from China, in July and August tourist expenditure was 20.5% and 14.8% below the levels of the same months of 2019, respectively. The figures for Japan are also below those of 2019, specifically -32.6% in July and -28.4% in August.

The slow recovery of Chinese tourism is largely due to the later lifting of COVID-19 lockdowns in the country, as well as the challenges in the Chinese economy and their impact on household confidence. However, the indicators point to a significant revival, with year-on-year growth of 55.2% in July and 42.8% in August. In addition, the resumption of direct air connections, such as the Shanghai-Barcelona route in August 2024, reinforces expectations of robust growth in the short and medium term.

In the case of Japan, the weakness of the yen has negatively affected Japanese tourists' purchasing power abroad. The yen is expected to recover part of its value in the coming years, which could once again boost Japanese tourism to Spain. The improvement in economic and monetary conditions in Japan will be a determining factor in revitalising this market.

Projection for tourism GDP

In view of the strong summer season, we have revised upwards our growth forecast for the sector. We estimate that tourism GDP will grow by 6% in 2024 in real terms, placing it 12% above 2019 levels. In nominal terms, the increase reaches 32%, reflecting not only a higher volume of activity but also an increase in prices and in the added value generated by the sector. The summer of 2024 consolidates the tourism sector as a pillar of Spain's economic growth. We predict that this 6% growth in tourism GDP will contribute 0.76 pps of growth to Spain's GDP in 2024, representing 27% of the total growth this year. We also estimate that tourism GDP will account for 13% of total GDP this year.

Beyond 2024, we expect the tourism sector to continue to expand in 2025, with growth of 3.2% in real terms. The recovery of gross disposable income in the source countries, as the inflationary shock finishes dissipating, and the perception of geopolitical stability in Spain will continue to provide a boost to the sector over the coming quarters. We also expect the reduction of the sector's seasonality to continue and to see stronger growth outside the peak season. The strength of tourism makes the discussions around sustainability and the commitment to high-quality tourism even more relevant: this is the great challenge for tourism in Spain in the medium term.

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Spain's tourism sector breaks all records in summer 2024

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Despite the growing trend of a reduction in tourism seasonality in Spain, the months of July and August saw extraordinary and record-breaking figures that deserve detailed analysis.

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This holiday travel season will be busier than ever. Here's how to stay safe.
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When Paul Grattan thinks about holiday travel, he gets nervous. And for good reason.

As a retired New York Police Department sergeant - most of it spent with the city's Transit Bureau - he's seen what happens during the busy period between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

And as they say in New York - it ain't a pretty sight.

At the height of the holiday shopping season last December, grand larceny incidents rose 1.5 percent from 2022. "Law enforcement has also seen upticks in organized retail theft and the subsequent sales of stolen property online," says Grattan, who spent years supervising a plainclothes team in the NYC subway system.

In other words, you better watch your back if you're traveling this holiday season. And that's true beyond the city limits of New York.

The holidays can be the most dangerous time of the year to travel

Travel safety is a hot topic this holiday season, according to experts.

"This upcoming holiday season may differ in terms of travel safety primarily due to the anticipated increase in travelers, which could surpass pre-pandemic levels," says Tim Dodge, vice president of marketing at Arch RoamRight. "High travel periods can lead to increased incidents of loss or theft."

And that's not the only difference.

"Travelers face an increasingly complex safety landscape," explains Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection. "Several factors are poised to make this year different, including unpredictable weather, rising social unrest, and an uptick in faith-based violence and extremism. Migration challenges and refugee movements add further layers of complexity, particularly with petty crime becoming more prevalent in destinations where resources are stretched."

So how to stay safe?

Know what you're getting yourself into

Experts warn that travelers make easy targets during the holidays. Even a small amount of research should allow you to figure out ways to avoid large crowds and minimize security risks. This is particularly true if you're traveling abroad, where criminals target Western visitors. "Travelers should be mindful of political unrest or heightened security threats in specific areas," warns John Rose, chief risk and security officer for ALTOUR, a global travel management company. "Stay informed through travel advisories and be prepared for last-minute changes or restrictions on particular destinations." (Here are the State Department travel advisories.)

Keep your eye on the weather

Holiday weather is notoriously unpredictable in the Northern Hemisphere. "You can count on it being a factor this holiday season," says Jen Moyse, a vice president at TripIt and SAP Concur, a travel expense management company. "We're continuing to see storms at unpredictable scale and timing, so travelers need to be prepared for everything and pay attention to weather reports." There are ways to monitor the weather before and during your trip. For example, TripIt Risk Alerts notify you when potential disruptions like weather events may affect your trip, even before they result in a flight delay or cancellation.

Be ready for anything

Preparation is key, says Carrie Hartman, president of global corporate travel and relocation platform 3Sixty. "Make sure to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers not only weather-related delays but also medical emergencies and travel disruptions," she says. "If you're driving, pack an emergency kit with essentials like blankets, food, water, a first-aid kit, and a power bank. If you're traveling on business, check with your employer or client to make sure it has a strong duty of care in its policies that covers everything from vetted accommodations to real-time support in case of an emergency. Dodge, the Arch insurance executive, recommends travelers consider a policy that covers trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays caused by weather or other covered reasons. "This can alleviate the stress of unexpected expenses and complications," he says.

Know what you have

Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance, says people often overlook a key step when it comes to protecting their valuables. "Make a list of everything in your luggage," he recommends. "This is increasingly important if carrying valuable gifts in your luggage. If your suitcase is lost, you have a full breakdown of everything that was lost." Cronin also recommends taking a photo of everything in your suitcase laid out flat for ease of reference. This can also help if you have to file a travel insurance claim.

If you have to travel during a busy time, take extra precautions

"Stay extra alert in busy places like airports, train stations, and shopping centers since they're prime spots for theft, especially during the holidays," advises Jeff Ketelaars, co-founder of Security Guards Only. How so? Keep your valuables in a secure, hidden spot, like a money belt or a crossbody bag that's zipped up and close to your body. And always keep an eye on your belongings.

Practice better hygiene during the holidays

One of the biggest dangers may be the threat to your health. "With flu season approaching, you can follow a few tips to protect yourself and others from getting sick," advises Eugene Delaune, Allianz Partners ' senior medical consultant. "Use proper hand hygiene like soap and water or an anti-microbial alcohol-based sanitizer. Wipe down common areas like tray tables, seat backs and armrests with anti-microbial sanitizing wipes." Delaune, a former ER physician, also recommends covering your mouth when coughing and covering your nose when you sneeze. If you are coughing when you travel, wear a mask. "Avoid travel if you are ill, as you're exposing others around you to an illness or infection," he adds. In other words, be a considerate traveler.

Slow down

That's always good advice, but particularly during the hectic holidays, it can actually save your life. Driving fast on icy roads can be deadly. "Driving on bad roads is stressful enough," says Jeremy Murchland, president of Seven Corners Travel Insurance. "Build in a buffer and you can remove the worry about whether you'll reach your destination on time."

What about those pickpockets?

As to those petty criminals roaming the city during the holidays, Grattan has a few strategies.

Especially during the holidays, you should avoid displaying recently purchased items - especially high-value items or in packaging that suggests they are from high-priced retailers.

"If you see something you like, consider buying it online, or carrying it discreetly," he says.

Related tip: Consider making more significant purchases as you end your day and return directly home or to lodging. Better yet, have them shipped and won't have to lug them around town. (Here are a few more tips for keeping your valuables safe.)

"But remaining alert is a tried and true method of reducing the likelihood of becoming a victim of theft while traveling," he says. "Bad actors prefer to prey on easy, inattentive, and unsuspecting people."

Keep your personal belongings - your phone, your wallet, your handbag - close, he says. This will drastically reduce your chances of being a victim.

It's no secret that the holidays can be a chaotic time to travel, but don't let that deter you from having a safe and enjoyable journey. Whether you're navigating crowded airports or battling winter weather, preparation is important. Make sure to invest in comprehensive travel insurance, pack appropriately, and remain cautious in public spaces. With a little foresight, you can embark on your holiday adventures with confidence.

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Pro Tips For Traveling Safer During The 2024 Holidays

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Travel can be dangerous, especially if you're on the road during the busy holiday season. Here are a few pro tips for getting to your destination safe and sound.

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Trek through remote mountains, or cruise through aquamarine seas.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Determining the best places to go in 2025 was no easy task. After all, most of our readers suffer from the same affliction we do: an insatiable desire to go everywhere, see everything, and be dazzled by the world's rich and varied contours. Treating a new year as a blank slate for fresh adventures is overwhelming then, no matter how tattered our passports.

Perhaps that's why we get so excited about change-as a way of narrowing down the abundance of choices. The places that are evolving. The places that are just getting started. The destinations that are being reshaped by new openings: the standout restaurants, culture-defining museums, and boutique hotels swinging their doors open in the coming months. It is those places, imbued with a sense of a fresh start, that have a way of crawling up to the top of our must-visit lists.

In 2025 one of those places is Greenland, once a feather in only the most seasoned travelers' caps. Its rugged ice-scape will be easier to reach now that the Nuuk airport has expanded, with flights increasing throughout 2025. Also calling to us is Ho Chi Minh City, which, at 50 years since the fall of Saigon this spring, has fully come into its own as a design and dining destination. And on Queensland's Tropical Coast, the Great Barrier Reef, with aquamarine seas and a kaleidoscope of marine life, no longer stands alone in drawing travelers to this temperate coastline-a new hiking and biking trail and bold Indigenous art exhibits make the case for staying on dry land (or simply staying longer).

These are just some of the stories you'll find below. There are 25 in total. Twenty-five places that, no questions asked, our editors would jump at the opportunity to visit next year. (In many cases, we will be visiting them ourselves; stay tuned.) Twenty-five places we want you to know about, before your TikTok feed -or your kid's TikTok feed-is swimming in them. Twenty-five places that speak to our values as travelers in 2025, be it innovation in conservation, astounding creativity, or a profound sense of human connection. We hope you'll see the names not only of spots you have been waiting to visit (and consider this your sign to make it happen) but also of places you've never heard of. Because just when you think you've seen it all, we promise to shine our spotlight on intriguing new corners of the world.

These are the best places to go in 2025-on all seven continents. -Arati Menon & Megan Spurrell

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2025-find more travel inspiration here.
The Best Places to Go in 2025 Ahr Valley, Germany

In July 2021, large parts of the Ahr Valley in Rhineland-Palatinate were destroyed. The gently babbling Ahr turned into a raging river-with floods, flash floods, and tidal waves resulting in widespread tragedy. But now, visitors are welcome again, as demonstrated by the slogan "We AHR open"-even if the Ahr Valley is not yet fully rebuilt. The train that cut through the valley will run again at the end of 2025, connecting its villages with a 22-mile-long, picturesque red wine hiking trail. The trail leads through the most beautiful terraces and steep slopes of the wine-growing region and offers numerous places to stop for a Pinot Noir, which, together with Blanc de Noir, is the region's speciality. Be sure to try it at the wineries of Jean Stodden, Meyer-Näkel, and the wine-growers cooperative, Mayschoss.

Numerous wine growers, restaurateurs, and hoteliers have not only taken the reconstruction of the region into their own hands but also its further development. They have seen opportunities, invested, worked tirelessly, and developed new, modern concepts. The Sustainable Tourism Concept 2025 is the joint result of all those who have already felt the effects of climate change. Most of these projects will only be initiated in 2025-after which you can watch them develop-but some of the best examples are here already. Markus Bell, who runs the Bells Genusshof restaurant, serves local produce in a space that feels like a cool concept store. In Altenahr, Andreas Carnott has expanded his Hotel Ruland to include a spectacular wellness area with a view of the slate cliffs; he is also considered one of the best chefs in the region. At Restaurant Brogsitter, Benjamin Schöneich regained his Michelin star in the spring of 2024 after starting there in the fall of last year.

Around 80% of establishments were open again in the Ahr Valley by the summer of 2024, and the number of hotels on offer are on the rise too. New openings include the lovingly designed boutique hotel Burg Adenbach & Alter Weinbau in Ahrweiler, alongside reopenings like the grande dame of Ahr, the Steigenberger Hotel in Bad Neuenahr at the beginning of June 2024. Not only will its large indoor pool and spa reopen at the end of 2024, but concerts will take place in the event rooms again; and thermal baths will follow next year. -Lisa Riehl

Alaska, US

It'll be another 34 years before Alaska as a state turns 100 years old. But some of its best-known events and attractions are hitting that milestone in 2025, like the Serum Run, a sled dog relay that brought lifesaving diphtheria antitoxins from Nenana to Nome in 1925. The event has been celebrated annually with the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which enthralls visitors and locals who gather along its 1,000-mile course to watch top mushers and their dogs compete. To catch the start of the race, post up at the Wildbirch Hotel, Anchorage's first new major lodging in 20 years. The boutique stay, with 252 design-forward guest rooms and partnerships with local artists, will open in early 2025 and offer unobstructed views of the Iditarod start line. Also turning 100 is the unrelentingly beautiful Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (which became a national monument in 1925), filled with rugged mountains, wild coastline, and abundant wildlife. It is the ancestral land of the Huna Tlingit people, who in recent years have collaborated with the National Park Service to restore previously suppressed oral histories and cultural traditions. One endeavor was building the Xúnaa Shuká Hít tribal house, the first permanent clan house on these shores since a glacier destroyed villages more than 250 years ago.

Of the 100,000 travelers who visit Antarctica each year-most on cruise ships to the Antarctic Peninsula-fewer than one percent venture into the icy "deep-field" landscapes at the heart of the world's largest desert. White Desert was the pioneer, flying chartered aircraft into Dronning Maud Land for a hyperluxe experience on the ice, but the 2024 launch of Ultima Antarctic Expeditions has changed the game. Building on the company's 20 years of experience providing logistics for national polar research stations, Ultima offers a new fly-in experience that fosters an authentic sense of adventure and discovery, at rates that are more affordable than White Desert ($75,000 for seven days versus White Desert's starting price of $105,000).

Ultima guests fly south from Cape Town, South Africa, alongside polar scientists, meaning tourism cross-subsidizes Antarctic research. Most departures are limited to 12 travelers, and after landing at Ultima's runway, they take a short drive to reach Ultima Oasis Camp, a subtly luxurious lodge offering contemporary bedrooms, shared bathrooms, and cozy lounges that put the views front and center. Here the focus is on landscapes, not opulence, with Oasis Camp delivering dramatic views over the lakes and ice fields of the Schirmacher Oasis.

Ultima's weeklong expeditions are filled with excursions led by specialist guides, from day hikes exploring ice caves to 36-hour side excursions to the South Pole, with stunning mountain views en route. It's this opportunity to experience the enormity of the Antarctic interior that truly sets Ultima's experience apart from a visit by cruise ship.

After days on the ice, warm up in the camp's traditional banya sauna and tuck into contemporary cuisine inspired by high-end safari dining. If your budget doesn't allow for the weeklong experience, fret not. The Ultima Day Expedition offers a 24-hour taste of Antarctica with a ticket price of $10,000: Land at lunchtime for 12 hours on the ice before flying back to Cape Town. -Richard Holmes

El Impenetrable National Park, Argentina

In Gran Chaco-an over-300,000-square-mile swatch of dry forest that stretches across parts of Paraguay, Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil-the heat can rise above 100°F in the summer, and jaguars and giant anteaters pace among quebracho trees, while black caimans skim along the surface of the Bermejo River. You may have been to Patagonia or the Amazon or the Galápagos, but the Chaco, home to one of the fastest-disappearing forests, has remained far off the tourist track. It was only in 2022 that hiking trails and rustic accommodations popped up. Things have evolved quickly since and in 2025, El Impenetrable, the national park within Gran Chaco, will offer 3-day river safaris with glamping along the way, providing visitors a chance to experience this changing environment, and contribute to its preservation, with a little more comfort. Reservations for 2025 stays at the newly opened Glamping Los Palmares on the west of the park are open, and with just four luxe tents on offer, you'll want to nab yours ASAP. Spend your days kayaking these waterways, horseback riding in pursuit of tapir sightings, and getting to know the communities who live in harmony with this rugged environment. -Megan Spurrell

Emerald Coast, Nicaragua

Furrowed brows and quizzical looks usually follow any mention of the Faroe Islands. A tiny island nation between Iceland and Norway, and home to more sheep than people, it's precisely the far-flung, cold-weather locale that in-the-know travelers crave. But go quick; people are starting to catch on. Icelandair has begun direct flights from Reykjavik to Vágar five to six times weekly. Once you do touch down, visiting one of the country's more remote 18 islands via a new subsea tunnel is more straightforward than pronouncing its name. Sandoyartunnilin connects the main island with Sandoy through a six-and-a-half-mile stretch decorated with Viking-inspired art by local artist Edward Fuglø and a soundtrack you can dial into on your car radio. Other new openings include the BISK Hotel, an upcoming waterside hotel in the northern town of Klaksvik. The island's airport hotel, Hotel Vágar, has also just reopened-ideal for situating yourself before those early-morning flights. When you need a massage after chasing waterfalls and hiking cliffs, new wellness offerings range from the outdoor spa and café, Ress, at four-star Hotel Føroyar, to Havdypp, a beachside sauna and spa in nearby Leynar that also offers multiday wellness retreats. -Katie Lockhart

Greenland

This southern Vietnamese metropolis has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing tourism powerhouses, shattering pre-pandemic records by a healthy margin, and there's no better time to visit than in 2025. Exactly 50 years since the Fall of Saigon ended the Vietnam War in 1975, Ho Chi Minh City -still referred to locally as Saigon-is set to unveil a number of grand events, exhibitions, and celebrations commemorating half a century of national reunification.

Anyone who has braved seven hours in a cramped "marshrutka" (the shared taxis common in Eastern Europe and ex-Soviet republics) to journey from Bishkek to Karakol will tell you that the bumpy ride is a small price to pay. Not only is this Kyrgyz city famed for its cultural diversity, it's also the adventure capital of Central Asia.

Karakol is undeniably remote-about 93 miles from the Kyrgyzstan-China border-but the imminent reopening of Karakol International Airport is set to make it more accessible than ever. The area has traditionally been a draw for intrepid adventurists. From the rugged Tien Shan mountains to the expansive Issyk-Kul lake, hiking, horse riding, kayaking, and paragliding are just some of the activities on offer here. In addition, Karakol Ski Base is the highest ski resort in Central Asia, at an altitude of 1.8 miles. A new ski resort, Three Peaks, will debut in 2026, in partnership with French ski specialist Société des Trois-Vallées, drawing even more winter sports enthusiasts to the region.

But adventure is only part of Karakol's appeal. The city is home to Uyghur, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, Kalmak, Dungan, and Russian communities, translating to unsung cultural treasures like wooden "gingerbread" houses, cold ashlan-fu soup, and the architecturally wondrous Dungan Mosque, which reflects the Buddhist roots of the Chinese artisans who built it in 1907, with a pagoda in place of a minaret. -Samia Qaiyum

La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz is dishing up South America's most underrated food scene right now-and with the Andean country celebrating its bicentennial in 2025, it's never been a better time to tap in. There are the classics: Mercado Rodríguez, in the Centro district, is a daily stop for locals craving heritage corn cobs and wallake (steamed Lake Titicaca-caught rainbow trout soup) served out of enormous pots by caseras ( vendors) in colorful pollera skirts and bowler hats. Young chefs, freshly back after stints abroad, are interpreting traditional Altiplano dishes with a new lens. At Phayawi, Valentina Arteaga puts a sophisticated spin on sopa de maní, Bolivia's classic peanut soup, by finishing it with palillo turmeric oil like her abuela used to. Her cooking has found fans as far as DC, where Phayawi hosted its first international pop-up in October. Over at Ancestral, open-flame cooking techniques influence the menu, and La Paz's favorite late-night street food, anticucho (a beef-heart skewer), inspires its emblematic entrée: a pommes soufflée filled with chili, peanuts, and heart ham.

Long a 50 Best Restaurants darling, Gustu, in the city's desirable Calacoto neighborhood, has consistently championed the exclusive use of Bolivian products including wine and singani, a Bolivian brandy. After a decade behind its burners, chef Marsia Taha- just named Latin America's Best Female Chef-has flown solo and will open her Amazonian-driven restaurant in November 2024 in the Achumani neighborhood. Sixty-five percent of Bolivia is covered by the Amazon basin, so Taha's menu will cast a wide net to feature paiche fish and carancho (the caracara bird), while spotlighting Amazonian culinary techniques such as lampe, a traditional cassava-juice lacto-fermentation method. Once the celebratory calendar of 2025 events honoring La Paz's bicentennial is revealed, there will be even more reasons to finally book that flight. -Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Marseille, France

The considerable investment made in preparation for the Olympics and Marseille's earlier stint as the City of Culture has transformed the city's infrastructure, and this will be the first year to fully appreciate the benefits without the crowds. If events are your thing, though, Marseille is expecting a bumper line-up of musicians in 2025, ranging from Ed Sheeran to Bruce Springsteen. -Rosie Conroy

Muscat, Oman

For centuries, Muscat was known to Indian Ocean mariners as a gateway to Oman 's raw, rugged beauty, limestone massifs, formidable castles and wind-sculpted deserts-but tourists have long overlooked this charming city tucked into the wrinkles of the Hajar Mountains.

Fewer than a dozen liveaboard vessels are permitted to cruise paradisiacal Palau, a string of green jewels set in the crystalline waters of the western Pacific. The Four Seasons Explorer, a luxurious 11-room "floating resort," became one of them in 2023. From November 2024, the Explorer will expand its itinerary beyond Palau's iconic Rock Islands to include the northern reaches of Babeldaob, the country's largest island, opening up new dive sites and adding cultural excursions for guests. Construction is also underway on a 50-room Four Seasons resort in Koror, Palau's main tourism hub-and the jumping-off point for the Rock Islands-and is expected to open within two years. Until then, travelers can opt to bed down in Koror's first luxury boutique hotel, the Hotel Indigo Palau, opening in 2025 with lagoon and ocean-front views.

Every 12 years in the city of Prayagraj (previously known as Allahabad), in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, more than 100 million people gather on a strip of sand at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. The Kumbh Mela-among the most important Hindu pilgrimages-is touted as the largest human gathering in the world, and the next one falls in January 2025.

Completing its 12-year cycle, the Kumbh will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, bringing millions of devotees and curious-minded travelers from across the world to witness the power of faith. Believer or not, there is no denying the palpable spiritual energy that pervades the Kumbh: offerings of flowers and incense sticks drift across the water; the days are filled with chants and drumming; and smoke from earthen lamps curls through the air. For pilgrims, the pinnacle of the festival is a dip in the sacred waters on auspicious days-an act believed to cleanse the faithful of their sins.

To accommodate this throng of humanity, a temporary city of impossible proportions springs up on the sandbanks, featuring tented accommodation, roadways, power supplies, and medical facilities. Holy men hand out blessings, gurus dispense sermons to their disciples, and pilgrims have the chance to be in the presence of normally reclusive ascetics.

Alongside old hands such as The Ultimate Travelling Camp Sangam Nivas, a luxury tented campsite called Shivir will debut at the Kumbh in 2025. Guests can check in to chic tented suites with attached bathrooms and heating. On site, there will be multiple restaurants and meals catering to various dietary requirements (Sattvic, Jain, vegetarian), as well as activities such as guided yoga and meditation, boat cruises along the sacred rivers, walking tours of the akharas, and audiences with seers and ash-smeared holy men. -Malavika Bhattacharya

Queensland's Tropical Coast

A flurry of new flights from Bali (with AirAsia) and Hong Kong (with Cathay Pacific) are making it easier to get to the tropics; when the Cairns Airport, which is currently undergoing a major upgrade, is completed, travelers can expect even greater connectivity with the rest of Oceania. Connecting Cairns to the resort town of Port Douglas along a sublime stretch of coastline, the 58-mile mixed-use Wangetti Trail is edging closer to completion, with the 4.9-mile section between Palm Cove Jetty and Ellis Beach already open (Palm Cove is just 20 minutes north of Cairns). When fully unveiled, the trail will feature five accommodation nodes offering a choice of camping and low-impact lodging.

In 2025 space travel will hit a historic milestone as NASA aims to send humans around the moon for the first time in five decades-and no vantage point beats eastern Florida's Space Coast, the launch site for the Artemis II mission. Astrotourism fans have long flocked to this 72-mile coastline, which runs from Titusville to Palm Bay, and in 2024, this increasingly bustling space-transit hub has hosted nearly twice-weekly launches from the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. Interstellar interest may be skyrocketing in 2025, with predictions for the strongest northern lights in decades, but the Space Coast proves Earth's own marvels are worth skipping sleep for too: The Indian River Lagoon, which spans the region's length, is among the best places in the country for bioluminescence viewing. During clear-bottom kayak trips with outfitters like BK Adventure, travelers can watch pops of glowing teal bejewel the inky water-the result of millions of tiny light-producing dinoflagellates and comb jellies reacting to movement. Back on land, naturalist-led night walks spotlight the Space Coast's latest conservation win: After decades of protections and regulations, the number of sea turtle nests have not just rebounded but nearly doubled along the region's shores in 2023. So far, nest numbers look promising into 2025 as well. By late next year, a handful of new accommodations will welcome Space Coast travelers, including the 48-room Avid Hotel near Brevard Zoo and Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral-complete with a rooftop where you can watch rockets soar. -Stephanie Vermillion

Subantarctic Islands, Australia & New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand's subantarctic islands, a string of wind-caressed, ship-access-only islands scattered among the "albatross latitudes" of the Southern Ocean, see astonishingly few visitors each year, with numbers kept low to nurture breeding wildlife, and expedition vessels granted a brief window of just three months to take guests ashore-plus, all passengers must adhere to a strict minimum-impact code to help protect the integrity of the natural environment. Modes of reaching the destination are expanding as Aurora Expeditions joins small-ship pioneers Heritage Expeditions in voyaging to these under-the-radar islands, on its new, state-of-the-art small expedition ship, the Douglas Mawson, from late 2025. Until then, Heritage Expeditions-family-owned and the region's oldest expedition company-is kicking off the 2025 season by celebrating 50 years of founder Rodney Russ's conservation work with a special Birding Down Under tour, designed to continue his efforts to save the critically endangered Antipodes albatross (tōroa in Māori) from extinction. See 10 of the world's majestic albatrosses (including the tōroa) on island-hopping itineraries stopping at all six of the island groups within the archipelago. Get close to breeding penguins, seals, and seabirds on guided hiking and zodiac tours with world-renowned scientists. When cruising between the islands, look out for breaching whales and watch for the aurora australis (southern lights) as the night sky transforms into a particle-charged canvas of purple, yellow, and green. Here, on the the fringes of Antarctica, prepare to lose all sight of human habitation and turn your attention (and your camera) to the misty, gale-buffeted island homes of adorable penguin chicks, snoozing seal pups, and colorful "megaherbs," the giant wildflowers that grow only on subantarctic islands. -Jacqui Gibson

The Top End, Australia

From subtropical wetlands to vast red-rock desert, the northernmost region of the Northern Territory-or as Aussies call it, the Top End-is a wonder to witness. Unspooling across Darwin, UNESCO World Heritage Site Kakadu National Park (Australia's largest national park), remote Arnhem Land (northeast), and Katherine, it's a place to understand the First Nations culture that has been etched into this vast region.

Finally, new in 2025, Davidsons Arnhemland Safari Lodge will join forces with Kakadu Air for an all-inclusive fishing day safari, during which guests have the chance to fish in untouched billabongs and visit the world-famous Arnhem Land rock art galleries. -Monique Kawecki

Uganda

Like a certain '90s rock band, East and West Sussex have been battling it out ever since splitting up more than five centuries ago. Well, not actually tussling in a War of the Roses way; more an amiable tug-of-war on the village green before bonding over a few local ales. East Sussex has the salty attitude, of course, with Brighton its seaside star, where the Regency-style No. 124 Brighton opened in autumn 2024-the latest from the family-owned GuestHouse group-while in nearby Rottingdean, the clifftop White Horses saddled up over the summer. But it also has a reclusive side, with quiet South Downs villages such as the one that gives The Alfriston its name; the fourth in the Signet Collection ( The Mitre, Retreat at Elcot Park) lands in March, complete with a bistro and spa. West Sussex, on the other hand, is a little more artful, with brilliant shows guaranteed at Petworth's Newlands House Gallery. You can explore its coastline on the recently opened King Charles III England Coast Path from Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne, but it's inland where the action is. This autumn, the Swann Inn reopens in Fittleworth after being lovingly restored by Angus Davies, formerly of The Hollist Arms in Petworth. With 12 bedrooms and a dining room (girolles on toast, Sutton Hoo chicken, local fizz from the Ambriel estate), along with gardens by House & Garden rising star Elizabeth Tyler, it's set to be as fashionable in 2025 as it was in its 19th-century heyday when Turner and Constable were regulars. "The area is a hotbed of creatives, with designer Martin Brudnizki, florist Millie Proust, and Mumford & Sons' Ted Dwane all living nearby," says an insider. Could West Sussex take the 2025 title of the new Cotswolds? "You never know-we've certainly got plenty more vineyards." -Rick Jordan
Looking for more inspiration? Read last year's list of the Best Places to Go in 2024.

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These are the best places to go in 2025-whether you want to trek through remote mountains, or cruise through aquamarine seas.