The world is more interconnected than ever, and travelers have an array of destinations to explore. From Kazakhstan’s “Capital of Cool” to Bolivia’s upcoming bicentennial celebrations, here are some highlights from CNN Travel's curated list of 25 must-visit destinations in 2025.Almaty, Kazakhstan Nestled at the base of the Tian Shan mountains, Almaty offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban culture. Its thriving arts scene, world-class museums like the Abilkhan Kasteev State Art Museum, and “Neo Nomad cuisine” make it a standout destination. With direct flights from major cities worldwide and visa-free entry for many, Almaty is more accessible than ever.Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India This remote archipelago, now easier to reach with new international flights, promises a serene escape with pristine beaches and rich marine activities like snorkeling and kayaking. Visitors can explore India’s only active volcano on Barren Island or experience the untouched beauty of Swaraj Dweep.The sun turns everything golden at Bequia Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean. Sylvain Sonnet/The Image Bank RF/Getty ImagesBequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bequia, a gem in the Caribbean, boasts breathtaking beaches like Princess Margaret Beach and a rich cultural heritage showcased at the Bequia Heritage Museum. Despite Hurricane Beryl in 2024, the island has made a remarkable recovery, drawing visitors with its natural beauty and events like the TradeWinds yacht festival.Bolivia Marking its 200th independence anniversary in 2025, Bolivia shines as a standalone destination. From La Paz’s burgeoning culinary scene, featuring innovative dishes at Gustu, to the ethereal Salar de Uyuni salt flats, Bolivia offers diverse experiences. Luxury accommodations range from high-altitude urban hotels to Airstream campers on the salt plains.These destinations showcase a rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and experiences, making 2025 a year to explore and connect with the world in new and meaningful ways.
In Japan, Christmas takes on a uniquely romantic twist, often compared to Valentine’s Day. Couples celebrate the season with special dates, from visiting vibrant light displays and Christmas markets to dining at fancy restaurants or booking luxurious hotel stays. This tradition is not rooted in religion, as only a small percentage of Japan's population is Christian, but rather in the aesthetic and cultural adoption of Western festivities.Romantic Celebrations and Economic Shifts While older generations once splurged on champagne, limousines, and luxury hotels to impress, today's young couples are finding creative ways to celebrate amidst rising living costs. University students like Inoue Shogo and Yuhi Hasegawa prefer simpler traditions such as enjoying Christmas lights, homemade meals, or a quiet evening watching Netflix. The festive atmosphere remains a key ingredient, with light displays and themed decorations setting the stage for romance.A visitor looks at a Christmas installation with goldfish and colorful lights at Tokyo's Art Aquarium Museum. Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters/FileA Festive Yet Practical Approach Christmas in Japan is celebrated as a visually stunning, pop-cultural spectacle, blending elements like German-style Christmas markets, colorful lights, and the iconic Christmas cake. While some couples still opt for luxury, many embrace simpler, more affordable ways to spend time together, reflecting changing economic realities and cultural preferences.This romantic interpretation of Christmas may also serve a larger purpose, as Japan faces declining birth rates and a push to encourage marriages. The celebration not only adds charm to the season but also inspires meaningful connections, making it a holiday with both personal and societal significance.
To welcome the Lunar New Year, the Yilan County Government announced the 32nd annual "2025 Happy Yilan Year" event under the theme "Snake Rice Reunites," symbolizing persistence, resilience, and responsibility. On December 26, commemorative red envelopes and spring couplets inspired by Turtle Island were unveiled, inviting people nationwide to experience the rich festive atmosphere.Rich and Diverse Spring Festival Events: Tradition Meets InnovationSince its inception in 1994, "Happy Yilan Year" has showcased diverse events promoting traditional culture annually. This year’s series of activities will kick off on January 28 at the Zhongxing Cultural and Creative Park and run until the Lantern Festival. Highlights include a literary exhibition on military villages, street parades, live spring couplet calligraphy by renowned artists, festive food-sharing sessions, and a Lunar New Year's Eve reunion dinner, offering a deeply immersive holiday experience.「2025 Joyful Yilan Year」 Snake Year Commemorative Red Envelopes Now on Sale (Photo/Source: Yilan County Government Cultural Affairs Bureau Website)Year of the Snake Commemorative Red Envelopes and Spring CoupletsThis year’s special "Year of the Snake Commemorative Red Envelope Piggy Bank," designed in the shape of Turtle Island, symbolizes wealth and peace, and wishes prosperity in the coming year. The red envelopes are available for a limited time until January 24, 2025, at 40 NTD each. Bulk purchases of 100 units or more are discounted to 35 NTD each, and single orders of 500 units or more can feature custom gold lettering. Purchase points include Yilan Art Museum, Yilan County Historical Library, Lanyang Museum, Luodong Cultural Working House, Zhongxing Cultural and Creative Park service counters, and the Snake Rice Reunites official website (https://2025yilanyr.hiweb.tw/).The spring couplets for the Year of the Snake are available for free while supplies last and can be collected at the event venues.Lunar New Year’s Eve Vigil Welcomes All to Celebrate TogetherOn Lunar New Year's Eve, Zhongxing Cultural and Creative Park will host a vigil event, featuring DIY experiences for making red envelopes and spring couplets. The entire nation is invited to Yilan to welcome the New Year and immerse in the joyful and culturally rich holiday atmosphere.New Year's Eve Staying-Up Event (Photo/Source: Yilan County Government Cultural Affairs Bureau Website)Yilan County Magistrate Lin Zimiao expressed that the Spring Festival is the most important traditional holiday, aiming to foster warm connections through a series of events and encouraging the public to embrace fresh beginnings in the Year of the Snake.
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「2025 Joyful Yilan Year」Kicks Off! Limited Edition Snake Year Red Envelopes and Spring Couplets Released, Don't Miss the Festive New Year's Eve Celebration
