Idaho‘s state capital is increasingly regarded as a booming trendy hotspot in the USAbut it usually does not count among the world’s top travel destinations.
Now National Geographic has chosen Boise as one of the planet 25 must-see bucket list locations for 2025.
The mountain home to 236,000 people is achieved along with many more exotic places – from South Africa‘s Kwazulu-Natal safari area to the 200 Cenobite monasteries spread across Italy.
Nathan Lump, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, said the selection reflects a desire among travelers to get off the beaten track and visit more quirky and unusual destinations.
“There’s still so much to be excited about,” says Lump.
Idaho’s state capital, Boise, may look majestic, with its mountain backdrop, but rarely makes travel bucket lists
Boise has one of the world’s largest populations of Basque people outside of Spain, bringing character to the downtown Basque Block
He encouraged travelers to ‘go out and explore for yourself the incredible diversity of places and experiences around the world.’
Boise can look majestic against its backdrop of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
But it rarely even makes it onto travel itineraries for those just touring the Pacific Northwest.
National Geographic says that could change next year when visitors come to ‘party with the Basques.’
Boise is home to one of the largest populations of members of the Basque ethnic group outside of Spain, with as many as 15,000 living there.
A Basque block in downtown Boise features ethnic taverns, restaurants, bars and a heritage museum.
It will come alive during the Jaialdi festival in July 2025, with street parties, dancing, wood-cutting and chariot lighting.
Boise is one of only three US destinations on the list.
The other is north-central Florida’s Ocala National Forest, and a much better-known American hub: Los Angeles, California.
The Mail presents some highlights from the selection here:
Ocala National Forest, Florida
Researchers have described Ocala as a ‘green oasis’ that is home to manatees, black bears, rare plants and natural springs.
The National Forest Foundation is working hard to improve the 673 square mile expanse of pine forest, lakes and canoe trails.
That includes preserving its crystal-clear 72-degree, alkaline natural springs, says Clayton Coates, an aquatic ecologist.
“From native plants to catadromous fish species, our freshwater resources are part of the foundation for life itself here in Florida,” says Coates.
Conservationists have worked hard to protect the 673 square mile expanse of pine forest, lakes and canoe trails.
Los Angeles, California
Destination Crenshaw revitalized a downtrodden 1.3-mile stretch of LA’s Crenshaw Boulevard with more than 100 works of art by black artists.
Although Los Angeles already has a global reputation, it made it onto the list thanks to a “boost of new energy” in the form of new cultural projects, researchers said.
This includes Destination Crenshaw, a 1.3-mile landscaped stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard with more than 100 works of art by black artists.
Other boxes to check off on an LA culture tour include the revamped LA County Museum of Art and an upcoming exhibition of works collected by Star Wars creator George Lucas in Exposition Park.
Adam Burke, president of LA Tourism recently spoke about the city’s ‘vibrant, ever-evolving nature and its endless variety of activities.’
Senegal
Visitors to Senegal should try some ceebu jên, the national dish of fish, rice and vegetables.
Researchers recommend a culinary tour of the French and local Wolof influences in this West African country.
They suggest tasting ceebu jên, the national dish of fish, rice and vegetables, and soupe kanja, a Senegalese gumbo.
Senegalese-American actress and producer Issa Rae will highlight the kitchen in the upcoming National Geographic series No Taste Like Home.
She and culinary star Antoni Porowski visited the country of around 17 million people to make the show.
‘It’s such a beautifully welcoming country, you know I’m so proud of my family background,’ says Rae.
Greenland
Overlooked Greenland will open to tourists next year with its first direct flight to New York City.
From June 2025, New Yorkers will be able to fly directly to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, for the first time.
Once there, they will have access to the world’s largest island, with its colossal castles, a unique indigenous Inuit culture and beautiful ice fjords
The twice weekly flights will be operated by United Airlines, and will take a little over four hours.
With one score can the new route double the number of visitors to Greenland of the USA.
Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, says he does not want to push the numbers up so much that the island is overwhelmed by tourists.
“Like in Barcelona, you get tired of tourists because there are too many, and it pushes the locals out,” says Lauridsen.
‘It’s finding this balance of showing the love for Greenland and showing the wonderful possibilities, but not getting too much too fast.’
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada
The ‘Galápagos of the North’ is an ideal place to walk in remote rainforests and see humpbacks and dolphins.
This archipelago of about 150 misty islands off the northern Pacific coast of British Columbia is also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands.
The ancestral home of the Haida people is developing its infrastructure for tourism, following a 2023 agreement with the government for local indigenous autonomy.
It’s going to be an ideal place to hike in remote rainforests and see humpbacks and dolphins on whale watching trips.
Its abundance of green beauty has led to comparisons with an island chain other than the ‘Galápagos of the North’.
National Geographic also recommends meeting Haida artists making traditional totem poles in the village of Old Massett.
Northland, New Zealand
Wildlife watchers will enjoy warm water diving and unusual species in the Poor Knights marine reserve.
International travelers to New Zealand typically land in Auckland and head south for their adventures.
National Geographic suggests a change of route, and a trip north to the little-visited Northland region.
Wildlife watchers will enjoy warm-water diving and see mosaic moray and other unusual species in the Poor Knights Marine Reserve, they add.
On dry land, there are plenty of sightings of the national bird, thanks to the Kiwikus, a conservation project for the flightless animal.
Ngaire Sullivan, a co-ordinator for the project, promises visitors a ‘beautiful and wonderful’ experience.
“The fact that you can come here and hear kiwis screaming through the night … it’s just amazing,” she said.
To find out more about National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 list, visit Natgeo.com/BestoftheWorld
