As the Vogue team looks back at our personal highlight reels of 2025, we’re reflecting on where the year took us (literally). Some of us ventured far and wide in our travels, while others stayed closer to home. Either way, our favorite trips left us with a kaleidoscope of memories: the perfect martini in Palm Springs, a crumbling 17th-century convent outside of Mexico City, a yurt camp in Kyrgyzstan, and more.
Some of the locales on this list are geared toward rest and relaxation; others are for those seeking adventure. You’ll find plenty of shoutouts to the best things we ate, drank, and saw while traveling, plus some details on where we stayed. Think: an agriturismo in Sardinia, a boutique hotel in Copenhagen, and an orchid-laden Florida hideout. So whether you’re looking for destinations to add to your travel wishlist for 2026, or seeking fresh takes on your tried-and-true spots, here are the 14 best places the Vogue team visited in 2025.
Mexico City, Mexico
I did a fair bit of advance research before an August trip to Mexico City. The Ex Convento del Desierto de los Leones, which is almost 10,000 feet high in the pines above the metropolis, wasn’t on any list I read, but that just made the day my husband and I spent there all the sweeter. About a 45-minute Uber ride out of town, the crumbling 17th-century convent is a photographer’s dream; there are no bad angles (which is why you may see couples posing for engagement photos on the grounds). And the Sierra Madre forest around it could keep hikers happy for days. It’s quite a trek to get above the tree line to see the sprawling city far, far below, and we never made it to the top of the one we set out on, but I’m fine with that: I have a reason to go back. — Nicole Phelps, global director, Vogue Runway
Half Moon Bay, California
My long-distance fiancé worked primarily on the West Coast this year, which meant a lot of six-hour plane rides. I was only placated knowing that NorCal’s Half Moon Bay was waiting for me. About 30 minutes outside of San Francisco, it’s a misty beach town that reminds me of Practical Magic. There was great food, incredible tide pools, and lots of long walks through the fog. The air there smells incredible (especially when you’re surrounded by the redwoods!), and it’s the perfect nature reset. — Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty and wellness editor
Islamorada, Florida Keys
My family really wanted to get off the grid and cut loose for spring break, hence the Florida Keys, though having spent some time in the Keys I was a bit apprehensive, as it can sometimes be a rather fine line between “off the grid” and “off the chain” down there. Not to worry: We made the otherworldly, orchid-laden Moorings Village—off the grid itself, in the most elegant and IYKYK way—our home base, jumping off during the early part of our days for fishing excursions and easy freshly caught lunches; we visited some friends at a nearby resort where Hunter S. Thompson used to run the dolphin show back in its wild 1970s heyday; we ate all the ice cream and cotton candy we could find.
In the afternoons we retreated to the idyllic environs of Moorings for more swimming and napping, and made friends with the iguanas who seemed to call the grounds of our cottage home. We’d have dinner nearby at some other harbor on some other key and then race back to Moorings (which has been the site of many a 1990s Vogue shoot and Ralph Lauren campaign) for yet one more swim (sometimes with Johnny Iguana) in our moonlit pool, and after everybody else was tucked in, I’d meet the resort’s dashing Côte d’Ivoire-born owner, Hubert Baudoin, at his clubhouse—which houses a significant motorcycle collection along with a sort of personal museum of souvenirs gathered from a lifetime of motorcycling, sailing, and adventuring around the world—for an immensely fun hang.
The whole thing was the most insane admixture of wild and civilized that I could ever imagine, and as for Moorings: In a lifetime of travels both far and wide, it’s surprisingly rare that I’ve found a place where every single detail—from the signed Peter Beard books randomly shelved in our cottage’s small library to thousand-plus orchids dotting the footpaths that wind through the property—telegraphs both perfection and elegant ease. — Corey Seymour, senior editor
Savannah, Georgia
After a very long winter, my girlfriends and I wanted a chance to escape and find someplace new to explore. We settled on Savannah, Georgia, best known for its Spanish moss, cobblestone streets, and vibrant nightlife. We booked a few rooms at Hotel Bardo, directly across the street from Forsyth Park—the perfect location for sightseeing. In the mornings, we’d grab a coffee and walk along the water, and by lunch, we’d settle in at the hotel’s gorgeous pool for a few drinks. Savannah has incredible architecture (and plenty of walking tours to boot). The Savannah College of Art and Design means you never know what new artist you’re going to stumble upon, and there is plenty of shopping to go around. Savannah surprised me with its uniqueness and culture. It was absolutely my favorite trip of the year. — Abby Sjoberg, global director, audience
Romania
You can probably chalk it up to my childhood obsession with vampires, but I’ve always wanted to go to Romania. (In fact, it was probably watching Nosferatu last Christmas that convinced me to finally take the plunge and book a trip in 2025.) Thankfully, it lived up to all my expectations. A stay at the recently opened Corinthia Bucharest—a fabulously restored 19th-century landmark on the edge of the picture-postcard Old Town—was the starting point for my journey, and the city’s lively gastronomic scene and excellent museums provided plenty to keep me busy before heading into the countryside. After a few hours’ drive north, I visited Matca, a breathtakingly beautiful retreat within a sprawling former farm perched overlooking the Carpathian Mountains; it’s also situated just a few miles outside Bran, where you’ll find the castle that is said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Finally, I headed a few hours north again to Bethlen Estates, an almost comically picturesque farm complex nestled in a lush valley that has been meticulously restored, and serves as the perfect base to explore the region’s famous Via Transilvanica hiking trail. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track European summer vacation that truly has it all—history, food, the great outdoors—then Romania may be the place for you. — Liam Hess, senior lifestyle editor
Fort Tilden Beach, New York
As a kid growing up in New York City, going to the beach was a small miracle to me. I would go with my friend and her family, and I couldn’t believe that we could get in their car in Manhattan and end up at a beautiful beach not too far away. We’d feast on tomato-mozzarella sandwiches and float on the waves, then return to the hot concrete chaos with sea-curled hair and a secret: I went to the beach today.
Now, as an adult, I had a goal for my summer in the city this year: Go to the beach as often as you can. Lucky for me, my friends with cars were just as into the idea, and we spent many happy afternoons at Fort Tilden beach, a semi-hidden gem in Queens, between Jacob Riis Park and Breezy Point. Quieter than other city beaches, Fort Tilden is a former military site that was built during World War I, so it doubles as a destination for history buffs and sun-seekers alike.
Today, the sand is clean and dotted by beach lovers who are dedicated enough to walk a ways from the road to access a place that feels like magic, passing trees that shimmer like silver on the way (plus protected nests for piping plover chicks). We’d bring sandwiches and snacks and play chicken in the waves, and return home in the evening with that same summer secret of years past: I went to the beach today. — Anna Grace Lee, lifestyle writer
Palm Springs, California
I’ve been to Palm Springs many times, but driving out from L.A. with my mean little dog by my side for a recent weekend and spending all my days shopping and eating (and my nights sleeping on a converted desert camper) was the perfect anecdote to post-breakup heartbreak. Not only did I remember that I can do hard things for myself—from lugging my dog’s crate from the car to making coffee using little more than a match and some hot water—but I also scored an incredible vintage pink shell necklace at Iconic Atomic, sipped a perfect martini at PaulBar, found the flamingo napkin rings of my dreams at Revivals, and returned home feeling like I’d found the perfect mix of rustic-ish glamping and thrift-lovers’ paradise. — Emma Specter, culture writer
Sardinia, Italy
When I booked my trip to the Italian island of Sardinia, I expected to have one of the best beach vacations of my life. It’s generally understood that the beaches of Sardinia are some of the world’s best, which they absolutely are (I am a big beach girl, so I don’t say this lightly). But the island has so much more to offer. It completely transformed me and the way I see the world.
I ventured into the much less-visited interior of the island after the coastal portion of my visit. I happened upon Cortis Antigas, a boutique bed and breakfast located along the cobblestone streets of a small village called Gesturi. The proprietor, Ignazio, was born and raised in the village and was working as an archaeologist when he had the idea to restore a 19th-century manor home in order to show guests the real spirit of his island.
During my visit, I learned new ways to live, consume and produce. This is ecotourism at its absolute best: practically every meal and product is “0 km,” meaning it was sourced less than one kilometer away from where you’re consuming it.
Another major highlight was a stay at Sa Mandra, an agriturismo in the stunning coastal city of Alghero. My visit left me feeling recharged personally but also deeply inspired by the generosity and ingenuity of the Sardinian people, the island’s unique culture and its unparalleled natural beauty. If you’re looking for a 2026 destination that you’ll never forget, look no further than Sardinia. — Alexandra Di Palma, senior producer, The Run-Through with Vogue
Copenhagen, Denmark
I fell for Copenhagen instantly this past summer—the city just hums when the sun comes out. We checked into the Audo Boutique Hotel, a 10-room design haven that feels less like a hotel and more like being welcomed into someone’s impossibly chic home. Inside, you’ll find curated art, soft Audo furnishings, thoughtful little touches, and a lobby café (Wulff Konstali) that’s a built-in treat for hotel guests, and still a destination in its own right for everyone else. But it’s Copenhagen in summer that truly got me: the bike culture alone is enough to convert anyone. Locals glide through the city with effortless confidence—bags balanced, pastries tucked under an arm, hair somehow still perfect—and we happily joined in, pedaling to every corner of the city.
We spent our days thrifting, eating boller med ost (buns with salted butter and cheese), hopping between saunas, and cooling off with fearless jumps into the harbor. Everything feels slower, lighter, easier in Copenhagen; the whole city seems to be outside, on two wheels, seizing the day. And the place that captured all of that best? La Banchina—a sun-soaked, waterfront hangout that feels like the beating heart of a Copenhagen summer. — Molly Barstein, associate manager, audience development
London, England
There’s something about early summer in London that just hits different. In June, my family took a trip across the pond to visit my brother, who, at the time, was working on his Master’s degree at King’s College. My parents and I stayed in Kensington, close to Earl’s Court station, with easy access to travel around the city. Though my mom and I had been to London exactly 10 years prior, exploring it as an adult was much more worthwhile–especially getting to check out all the fun bars. Gordon’s Wine Bar—London’s oldest wine bar—was one of our first stops, which was probably my favorite place we went to during our trip; maybe it was drinking a good glass of wine, in a cave, while also being semi-jet-lagged that did it for me. And although it was quite warm in the city, we still made the most of our week there, and can’t wait to go back this winter. — Kylee McGuigan, associate production manager
Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
This fall, I finally gave in to the destination that had been haunting my Reels feed for over a year. Thirty hours and two layovers later, I landed in Almaty, Kazakhstan—a place that rarely tops anyone’s list, though it should. I stayed in a tiny Airbnb inside a fading Soviet block and spent my first days wandering a city full of contrasts: Soviet boulevards backed by the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, modern cafés tucked beside traditional Kazakh shops. One night, after multiple recommendations from the locals, I ate at Ayul, a mountain restaurant serving traditional Kazakh cuisine. I ended up with an incredible plate of beshbarmak—tender meat, hand-rolled noodles, comforting in a way I didn’t expect.
After a few days in Almaty, I headed to the railway station to catch a marshrutka, one of those old Soviet minibuses that somehow still run everything, and squeezed in with a group of traders making their way toward the Kyrgyzstan border. A few hours (and a reminder that I should’ve practiced more Russian) later, I crossed into Kyrgyzstan on foot and began piecing together buses, kind strangers, and a short hitchhike to reach Kyzart, a quiet village at the start of one of the country’s major treks.
There, we “bought” horses from local villagers—yes, literally, a small transaction that felt part practical, part surreal—and with almost no riding experience set off toward Song-Kul Lake. At the end of the trek, we sold the horses back to the village, completing the cycle. By sunset in Song-Kul, we reached a yurt camp with hot stew, endless bread, a football game with local kids, and a night sky so clear it didn’t feel real. It was the kind of trip that lingers. — Ali Farooqui, manager, creative development
Champagne Region, France
There’s a certain shimmer to France’s Champagne region, where a soft, golden light glints off endless vineyards. Here, just 40 minutes from Paris by train, the pace slows, the palate sharpens, and glamour takes on a decidedly French ease. Medieval villages, limestone cellars, and storied maisons de Champagne (Veuve Clicquot, Perrier-Jouët, Moët Chandon, Ruinart, among many others) form a landscape mixing heritage and luxury—where every flute poured feels like part of a centuries-old ritual of celebration.
At the summit of this effervescent world sits the Royal Champagne Hotel Spa, a modern-meets-majestic retreat reimagined from a historic 19th-century coaching inn. Think Michelin-starred dining that elevates regional flavors and terroir into art, sweeping terraces overlooking vine-striped hills, floor-to-ceiling windows illuminating suites that are cocoons of quiet glamour, and a serene spa, boasting a partnership with the French brand Biologique Recherche, where French beauty rituals combine with cutting-edge wellness innovations (perfect if you’ve indulged a bit too much). In Champagne, every moment is a toast waiting to happen—and at Royal Champagne, it’s served with effortless style. — Lisa Wong Macabasco, research manager, senior digital line editor
Barcelona and Mallorca, Spain
After hearing countless friends rave about doing the Barcelona-Mallorca summer jaunt, I couldn’t help but do it myself this summer. In Barcelona, I saw all the usual sights—the Sagrada Familia cathedral, the Gaudi architecture tours—but really fell in love with the city’s bustling nightlife and culinary scene. The Majestic Hotel Spa, located just steps off the prime-shopping street Passeig de Gràcia, was primely-located Highlights included the extremely chic La Dama (a Mediterranean spot housed in a Gaudi building), and Dry Martini Barcelona, a buzzing spot for (you guessed it) classic martinis.
In Mallorca, meanwhile, it was all about seaside ease. The exceptional service at the Grand Hotel Son Net—secludedly located on the top of a mountain—makes one feel like you are a world-famous celebrity. The Beach Club Gran Folies—where Hailey Bieber recently hosted a Rhode pop-up—offered amazing views of Cala Llamp cove. Don’t forgo a visit to the historic downtown of Palma, where the (extremely delicious) El Camino tapas bar awaits. — Christian Allaire, fashion and style writer
Sifnos and Serifos, Greece
Growing up in Belgium, I’ve spent my fair share of summers in quaint European towns, but few were as memorable as my two weeks island hopping between Sifnos and Serifos this year. I already penned a love letter to this time in Greece, so I’ll keep it short and sweet: Between the glittering waters, the dramatic cliff drops, and the sorbet sunsets that would melt into the Aegean, it was a slice of heaven largely left unspoilt by the crowded tourists that typically flock to the more popular islands. Rent a convertible car, drive to a hidden beach, ideally one near a taverna where you can idle the afternoon away—and order the revitha, always. — Talia Abbas, shopping director