Where to go and feel good about it in 2025: Eight must-see destinations to make a difference | Canada Voices

Globe trotters are moving away from checklists and embracing genuine experiences instead. More and more travellers want to discover places where they can linger longer and meaningfully connect with a country’s heritage and culture, taking in natural wonders through the lens of the people and traditions that define them.

Enter the rise of community-based tourism (CBT), a trend that’s set to grow even further in 2025.

“Since the pandemic, people are looking for experiences that help them change the way they see the world,” says Bruce Poon Tip, founder of Canada’s G Adventures, a pioneer in community-based tourism. “CBT not only gives you fascinating insight into local lives but also ensures your travel dollars make a genuine difference to people living in these areas.”

The desire to make a positive impact is strong among younger travellers. According to Contiki’s recent “Voice of a Generation” survey, more than 90 per cent of Canadians aged 18 to 35 say sustainability is important while travelling. Almost half (47 per cent) identified leaving a “positive impact on destinations and communities” as their top priority.

“When considering different tour companies, look for explicit responsible travel and sustainability statements as a starting point and then look for actions that demonstrate their stated commitment to the local communities,” says Kelly Galaski at Planeterra, a non-profit that uses tourism to uplift communities.

“Learning more about what the company’s actions are, as well as the kinds of experiences they provide, will help you find the right one for you,” says Galaski, whose top picks for CBT-minded tour operators include ResponsibleTravel.com, Evaneos.com, G Adventures, Intrepid Travel, Goway Travel, Trafalgar Tours and Insight Vacations.

From the mountains of Pakistan to the icy fjords of Greenland, here are eight standout destinations for 2025 where tourism isn’t just a getaway but a gateway to meaningful connections and life-changing experiences.

Kenya

Warren Green is a former game ranger who, for more than 20 years, has run a niche marketing company dedicated to supporting tourism ventures that show commitment to sustainable tourism. From his base in Virginia he works with a collection of safari companies that engage closely with tribal communities and celebrate their rich heritage to give guests a deeper cultural complement to Africa’s natural wonders.

“When people choose to stay at these lodges, they go beyond the polished product and are introduced to the tribal community in a raw and humane way,” says Green of Warren Green & Associates. “In Africa, the key attraction is wildlife, but the culture and topography come second and third. Exposing travellers to marginalized communities outside wildlife parks creates profound connections.”

Maasai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya is not the largest conservation area in the country, but it is the most famous owing to the annual Great Migration, the ever-moving herds of more than a million animals across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The reserve is named after the Maasai people who traditionally inhabit the area and offers unparalleled opportunities to witness wildlife and culture intertwined.

Instinct of the Mara is a lodge in Kenya located in the southeastern section of Maasai Mara National Reserve, and takes guests into the Olderkesi Conservancy. Travellers can visit manyattas (Maasai homesteads) to share meals, take part in dances and talks with elders. Unlike staged visits, these interactions are spontaneous and a real slice of village life, with tourism dollars directly supporting the community.

Another Kenyan camp, Kipalo Hills, is on leased ranch land that lodge owner Secluded Africa rehabilitated back to its natural biome. This helps protect elephants that previously faced conflict with local farmers. Guests can visit villages and conservation projects, such as schools and clinics funded by tourism revenue. Secluded Africa lodges in Kenya include Cardamom House on Kuruwitu Beach, where chaise longues with sea views can be combined with excursions to the multicultural communities of Kenya’s coast.

When to Go: September and October typically have warm days and cooler nights. The long rains have ended, and the lush landscape makes it ideal for wildlife viewing. Low-season packages, from Toronto-based Goway Travel, including three nights each at Secluded Africa’s Mara, Kipalo Hills and Cardamom House, start at $7,800 a person, rising to $21,300 during high season.

Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

While Nepal sees about two million trekkers annually, fewer than 20,000 adventurers venture into Pakistan, despite its jaw-dropping trifecta of mountain ranges: the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush. But change is afoot – Pakistan’s foreign tourism surged by 115 per cent in 2023, thanks to relaxed visa policies for visitors from 126 countries, including Canada.

Nicknamed the “Third Pole,” (because of the abundance of ice) Gilgit-Baltistan is home to five of the world’s highest peaks. Trekkers can explore glacial streams and emerald pastures while staying at guesthouses that highlight the region’s rich hospitality and cuisine.

The historic town of Gulmit in the Hunza Valley offers immersive experiences from carpet-weaving workshops led by local women, to cooking classes featuring traditional Hunzai dishes such as molida (a buttermilk, cheese and bread mix), dawdo (noodle soup) and chaapshuro (meat-stuffed flatbread). Evenings come alive with traditional music, where you can learn local dance moves from a band of expert performers.

Trekking in this region isn’t just about the breathtaking views – it’s also an opportunity to delve into the area’s Buddhist history and meet people from diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. Whether crossing glacial streams or relaxing in mountain guesthouses, every moment feels like a step back in time.

When to Go: Trekking season for lower elevations runs from April to October, but if you’re eyeing K2, August offers your best shot at seeing the peak in all its glory. Intrepid Travel’s 10-day Trek Pakistan’s Karakoram Mountains expedition starts at $4,310.

Haida Gwaii, B.C.

Dubbed the “Galapagos of the North,” Haida Gwaii is a secluded archipelago renowned for its lush rainforests, rugged coastlines and diverse wildlife, from bald eagles to sea lions. But what makes it truly unique are its people: the Haida Nation, whose rich culture is interwoven with the islands’ natural beauty.

Visitors can explore Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, kayak along serene inlets or take a marine expedition to ancient Haida village sites. The Haida Heritage Centre – a $26-million facility – offers private tours led by Haida cultural interpreters. These guides provide insight into everything from traditional carvings to the matriarchal society’s art forms and cuisine. In Keenawaii’s Kitchen, chef Keenawaii Roberta Olson serves up authentic dishes such as sguu (dried seaweed), dried k’aaw (herring eggs on kelp) and gilgii (dried salmon).

Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities, but the heart of Haida Gwaii lies in its cultural immersion. From spiritual forest walks to visits with master carvers, every experience deepens your understanding of the Haida way of life – respect for all living things, artistic expression and a profound connection to the land.

When to Go: Visit from June to August for lush trails, calmer seas and vibrant cultural activities. Haida Tourism’s seven-night Experience Haida Gwaii package starts at $7,094 a person.

Disko Island, Greenland

Greenland’s visitor numbers remain just below 150,000 annually. But with new infrastructure and Nuuk’s international airport expansion, the tide is turning for this Arctic gem. New long-haul flights from Europe and North America will open up the country. (In June, 2025, United Airlines begins direct flights from Newark, N.J., while Canada North flights from Ottawa still include a stopover in Iqaluit.)

Disko Island, in Baffin Bay off Greenland’s west coast, is a treasure trove of volcanic landscapes, basalt mountains and vibrant Inuit culture. Here, you can go for an icy plunge at Siorasuit Black Sand Beach, unwind in a sauna and take part in a kaffemik – a Greenlandic social gathering featuring coffee and cake.

Visitors can take part in bone-carving workshops, visit bustling meat and fish markets and join community storytelling sessions. The Living Settlement Project offers a glimpse into traditional Inuit survival skills, with volunteers demonstrating everything from tool-making to drum dances.

With fjords around every corner, ice caps floating by colourful hilltop homes and polar bears occasionally spotted leaping between floes, Disko Island offers a winter wonderland unlike any other. It’s an invitation to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature and tradition.

When to Go: Seasonal flights from Canada and the U.S. make June through October ideal for visiting. Intrepid Travel’s 10-day Greenland Expedition starts at $8,540.

Anti-Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Overshadowed by the High Atlas, the Anti-Atlas Mountains remain an underexplored gem. This region dazzles with red-lava landscapes, lush palm groves and quiet villages where life moves at a slower pace.

In Ouirgane, visitors can join Amazigh families to experience their daily routines – milking cows, harvesting crops and learning to make butter and bread. At the Al Amal Women’s Co-operative in Ighrem, travellers witness the production of argan and cactus-seed oils while supporting a self-governed, women-led enterprise that’s transformed the economic prospects of local Berber women.

The Anti-Atlas Mountains are also home to countless hiking trails that wind through picturesque villages and lush oasis valleys. Along the way, visitors can engage in hands-on experiences such as bread-making, crop harvesting or learning the art of argan-oil production. These interactions highlight the resilience and hospitality of the Amazigh people, making every trek more than just a journey – it’s a cultural exchange.

When to Go: The 2023 earthquake affected many Atlas Mountain villages, making responsible tourism more important than ever. Intrepid Travel’s eight-day Southern Morocco: Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara trip starts at $2,749.

Lares Trek, Peru

The Lares Trek in Peru is an off-the-beaten-path alternative to the famous Inca Trail. Stretching 35 kilometres, it takes hikers past glacial lakes and cascading waterfalls, and into traditional Andean villages. It’s a serene escape from crowds that immerses visitors in the culture of remote highland communities.

Small Andean communities will showcase their intricately woven garments, a craft passed down for generations. You can even try your hand at weaving and learn about the symbolic patterns woven into these textiles.

Stops at the Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op, founded in 2005 by non-profit Planeterra highlights how projects like this can help empower women, give them financial autonomy (and a voice) as well as preserve ancient traditions.

Food is another highlight, and visitors can stop in at small restaurants such as Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo, where local women serve hearty Andean stews, corn-based dishes and traditional delicacies such as cuy chactado, guinea pig fried with a stone on top of it.

When to Go: April to August is the driest season, perfect for trekking. G Adventures offers a seven-day Lares Trek package starting at $1,629.

Northern Jordan

Often, travellers just tick the country’s famous archeological sites of Petra and Wadi Rum, plus the Dead Sea off their bucket lists. But northern Jordan offers a vastly different experience that’s well worth exploring. Instead of desert dunes and rugged valleys, the northern region boasts lush green forests, sprawling olive groves and some of the Middle East’s largest Roman ruins. It’s a side of Jordan few tourists see.

Begin your journey in the hilltop village of Umm Qais, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee. Here, Beit Al Baraka, a charming five-room bed-and-breakfast run by Baraka Destinations, provides a perfect base for cultural immersion. Guests can learn traditional skills from local women such as weaving with palm leaves, reeds and straw, or explore the area’s scenic countryside on guided hikes.

A short drive south brings you to Jerash, often referred to as the “Pompeii of the East.” This well-preserved Roman city is an example of Jordan’s ancient history. After exploring the colonnaded streets and grand amphitheatres, visit Beit Khairat Souf, a female-owned restaurant for traditional Arab dishes, or take cooking classes and purchase homemade jams, pickles and olive oil to bring home. This initiative not only supports local women financially but also helps preserve their culinary traditions.

Poon Tip says that bringing tour groups into the community and supporting local businesses encourages younger generations to stay in their communities instead of migrating to urban areas. “When we create opportunities like this, it strengthens the cultural fabric and helps keep traditions alive,” he says.

For hiking enthusiasts, the northern section of the 675-kilometre Jordan Trail offers a mix of breathtaking landscapes and cultural encounters, connecting 75 villages and towns along its route. It’s a fantastic way to explore Jordan’s rich heritage at a slower, more immersive pace.

When to Go: The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the weather is temperate, and the countryside is lush. G Adventures’ 10-day Ultimate Active Jordan trip, from Amman to the Dead Sea, starts at $2,949 a person.

Northern Thailand

The beaches and islands of southern Thailand are full of tourists. Expect that to increase once HBO’s White Lotus returns in the new year – Season 3 was filmed in Koh Samui and Phuket. Escape the hordes and head to northern Thailand, where travellers can discover a window into the country’s cultural heart, with its rolling mountains, verdant forests and distinct Indigenous communities.

Start your journey in Chiang Mai, the gateway to the north, and venture along the Mae Hong Son Loop, a 600-kilometre journey that introduces travellers to remote villages and scenic landscapes. For those looking to go deeper, the Mae Hong Son Hilltribe Trek is a must. This trek takes you through three unique communities: Pha Mon, Muang Pam and Jabo. Here, visitors can stay with families in traditional homes, learn bushcraft skills and practise traditional weaving techniques at a women’s textiles group.

“These agricultural communities support themselves through farming and hunting, but tourism has brought new opportunities,” says G Adventures’ Poon Tip. Initiatives like the Mae Hong Son Trek help preserve these communities’ cultures while offering travellers a unique glimpse into their ways of life.

Before leaving Chiang Mai, a visit to Yimsoo Farm in Mae Rim is a rewarding experience. Staffed by individuals with disabilities, this farm highlights Thailand’s inclusive spirit and commitment to sustainable development.

When to Go: November to February offers the mildest temperatures, ideal for trekking. G Adventures’ five-day Northern Hilltribe Trek starts at $529 a person, excluding flights.