Adventurist Picks: 5 Countries We Want to Visit in 2025 (That We’ve Never Been to Before)
2024 ended up being one of our heaviest travel years to date. We traveled to 3 new countries (Japan, Peru, and Scotland) for a total of 2 months, re-visited some favorites (like Iceland for the wedding of Matilda's brother, and a family reunion of mine in Mexico), and of course spent some time in Matilda's home country of Sweden. It was a whirlwind of travel if you ask me, but there's nothing I like better so I'll give the year an A+.
But 2024 is old news, and we've got our eyes set on the future! Here are 5 countries Matilda and I would love to visit in 2025...
Portugal
From steep cobblestone streets in Lisbon to sun-drenched beaches up and down the coastline, Portugal has long captured our imaginations as a country we feel we could really savor. Popping into old cafes for petiscos or grabbing a bag full of pastel de nata before dipping in and out of vintage shops - that’s what we envision ourselves doing in Portugal. (Not to mention, Lisbon was just awarded Best Culinary City at the World Culinary Awards this year…perfect time to jet over to Portugal in our opinion.) Boa Viagem!
Bag I'd Take On This Trip: Nomad Sling Bag
South Korea
Matilda’s aunt is from South Korea, so we’ve always heard lots of amazing things about the country which has had us aching to make the long trip over there! A blend of tradition and ultra-modernity, you can find glimpses into the past while surrounded by neon lights almost anywhere you go. Take Bukchon Hanok Village for example - a 40 minute subway ride outside of the city center in Seoul, the village is filled with historic hanok style buildings dating back to the 1300s. Pop back to Seoul on the subway for a K-pop concert that evening and we’d call that a successful day. (Ps. Don’t forget to load up on Korean BBQ.)
Bag I'd Take On This Trip: Sidekick Crossbody
Wales
Having traveled to Ireland, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland over the last few years, we feel we haven’t paid enough attention to the area’s smallest country. Wales is the land of castles, and has more per square mile than any other country in the world. Besides its cozy towns and seaside villages, Wales offers dramatic natural landscapes in places such as Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), where you can hike to your heart’s content while soaking up the gorgeous views of rolling hills, mountains, and secret waterfalls. (Wales also has a town with the longest name in the United Kingdom - so, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwy
Bag I'd Take On This Trip: Adventurist Classic
South Africa
When Matilda and I road-tripped through Scotland for a few weeks in October of 2024, we ended up visiting the small seaside village of Pittenweem where we stayed at the home of an older couple who had just moved there from Cape Town. While they were enjoying getting to know their new home, they were bittersweet in recounting to us many stories about their beautiful homeland and all it has to offer, and what they would miss most. From hiking into the bush and being able to have unobstructed views of the stars at night, to getting the chance to safari and see animals in their natural habitat that we only ever heard about as kids. Our imaginations are running wild for what a trip to South Africa could be. Hiking the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town and visiting one of the city’s famous beaches; heading north to Kruger National Park to surround ourselves with the unique flora and fauna - yes, please.
Bag I'd Take On This Trip: Carry-On Duffel
Brazil
Matilda and I have visited 5 countries in South America, but Brazil is one that has evaded our travel list so far. It’s always struck us as a country filled with vibrant energy - from the lively culture and people to the samba music and diverse landscapes. We’d love to explore the winding streets and white sand beaches of Rio de Janeiro, and venture further into the sprawling country to experience the Amazon and all of its natural beauty and incredible wildlife. Brazil is beckoning us for sure.
Bag I'd Take On This Trip: Safari
Thanks for reading this blog post - your support means the world to us! Hope you finished up 2024 with a bang, and are set to have the best new year on record. Until next time...
Kelly
Co-founder
Adventurist Backpack Co.