Explore these rising destinations for a sustainable, ethical trip

The Good Trip Index is our guide to travelling sustainably, ethically and well. It's made up of 7 indices important to UK travellers – LGBTQI+ travel, press freedom, democracy, animal welfare, quality of life, women's peace and security, and sustainability. Taken together, they produce one simple list which you can refer to when picking a destination, without having to trawl through dozens of different sources when you should be taking a break.

We've had our eye on these countries, which have been steadily climbing up the rankings over the past year or so. Here are the top-rising destinations on the Good Trip Index this year.

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10. Mexico

Starting off our list is Mexico, which has seen steady growth in all the indices that make up our Good Trip Index. From the stunning beaches of Cancún and the Riviera Maya to the rich cultural heritage of cities like Mexico City and Oaxaca, relaxation, history, adventure and every kind of holiday in between is ready to welcome visitors.

If you're looking for a January getaway, Baja California is a great shout. Most of the world's population of grey whales comes here to mate around this time of year, making it arguably the best time and place to go whale watching. Or travel to the opposite corner of the country to enjoy Cancún and explore ancient ruins like Chichén Itzá.

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9. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has also risen 11 places this year, and like Mexico this winter sun favourite is an ideal place to go whale watching in January. The only difference is you're looking out for 40-tonne humpback whales here.

Last time we checked the Dominican Republic was up 1,322% in popularity on our real-time destination leaderboard. It's easy to see why – expect almost guaranteed sun and picture-perfect beach resorts. And if you can prise yourself off your sun lounger, you'll find 18 sprawling national parks to explore.

Flying back from Punta Clara? Don't miss the airport lounge – it has a pool overlooking the runway, so you can have one last dip while watching the planes take off.

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8. Mauritius

Mauritius is up 12 places this year, making it the third highest ranking African country on the Good Trip Index. One of the most peaceful countries in the continent makes for a suitably peaceful holiday – it's a tropical island paradise, so it's not exactly hard to relax.

Think pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and lush landscapes. Ideal for both relaxation and adventure, the island offers luxury resorts, vibrant coral reefs for snorkelling and diving, and scenic hikes through volcanic mountains and nature reserves. Its rich cultural blend of Indian, African, European, and Chinese influences is reflected in its delicious cuisine and colourful festivals. Whether you're seeking a romantic escape or an active holiday, Mauritius delivers a unique and unforgettable experience.

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7. Jordan

Two bucket list worthy destinations have risen 13 places, the first of which being Jordan. World-famous archaeological sites like Petra, the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea that allow you to float effortlessly, and the desert beauty of Wadi Rum truly make this a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

Star Wars fans should visit Wadi Rum for May the Fourth, which doubled up as Jedha in Rogue One and Pasaana in Episode IX. Known as the Valley of the Moon, it also appeared in a slew of other films including Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and the recent version of Dune.

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6. Thailand

It's the second year in a row that Thailand has featured as a top-rising destination on our Good Trip Index, climbing 30 places in two years. And 2025 truly is Thailand's year.

In January, they became the first country in South East Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, making Thailand one of just three countries in the whole of Asia with equal marriage. Phuket and Bangkok are way up on our real-time destination leaderboard, and the White Lotus effect will surely see an influx of even more tourists wanting to visit the gorgeous spots featured in the third season of this darkly comic mystery.

Bangkok, the Thai capital, has enough to warrant an entire holiday by itself. It's the biggest city in the country by far, home to a fascinating blend of skyscrapers, energetic markets, intricate shrines, ancient temples, and a vibrant nightlife.

But on the other side of the coin you've got the serene south of the country with its scattering of sandy, sun-kissed islands washed by crystal-clear waters. It's a proper paradise for beach lovers and backpackers alike, with a mix of hostels and high-end hotels catering to all budgets, whether you want to party into the early hours on the beach, snorkel in search of colourful sea life, or simply roll out your towel on the sand.

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5. Suriname

Next up is Suriname, which has gone up 16 places in large part thanks to improving press freedom and democracy scores. South America's smallest country boasts a fascinating blend of Dutch, African, Indigenous, and Asian influences, which is most evident in its capital. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Paramaribo is known for its colonial architecture and lively markets.

Beyond the city, visitors can explore vast untouched rainforests and spot exotic wildlife. The beaches are beautiful but hard to get to, and the lack of foot traffic makes them the perfect place for turtles to nest. That means Suriname might just be the best place in the world to see endangered turtles in the wild.

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4. Greece

If you needed yet another reason to visit Greece this is it. Much like Suriname, improvements in press freedom and democracy has seen the country rise by 16 places on our Good Trip Index, giving us yet another excuse to tell you to book flights to this UK travel favourite.

Plan your holiday to Greece carefully, as increasingly hot summers have led to uncomfortable, even dangerous conditions in some parts of the country. Shoulder seasons are your best bet – spring or autumn in the Greek Islands promise balmy but tolerable temperatures. Crete's lovely, but to avoid the crowds of British tourists we'd recommend catching the ferry from there to Karpathos, the second-largest of the Dodecanese islands. Think beautiful beaches, charming villages and scenic walking trails – it's one of our top destinations to visit in 2025 for a reason.

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3. Brazil

Not only has South America's smallest country made our list, but so has its largest. Climbing 17 places on our Good Trip Index, Brazil's a dynamic and diverse holiday destination that captivates travellers with its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and infectious energy.

From the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls and the vast Amazon rainforest, the country offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Visitors can experience the rhythm of samba in Rio de Janeiro, explore colonial towns like Salvador, and enjoy Brazil's rich culinary and cultural traditions.

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2. Azerbaijan

Georgia might be grabbing all the attention at the moment thanks to new direct flights to Tbilisi, but it's Georgia's Caucasus neighbour that makes our list. Up 19 places, Azerbaijan offers a mix of ancient history, striking modern architecture, and diverse landscapes.

Travellers can explore the vibrant capital, Baku, with its futuristic skyline and UNESCO-listed Old City, then venture into the scenic Caucasus Mountains or relax by the Caspian Sea. The country boasts more mud volcanoes than anywhere in the world, fire temples, and Silk Road heritage, all enriched by warm hospitality and a unique fusion of cuisines. For those seeking a blend of culture, nature, and intrigue, Azerbaijan offers a captivating and less-crowded alternative in the heart of the Caucasus.

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1. Colombia

Topping our list of top rising destinations for a good trip is Colombia, which has gone up a huge 22 places on our index. It's one of the highest scoring countries in South America for LGBTQI+ travel, with progressive laws protecting the community and thriving gay neighbourhoods, particularly in the big cities.

From the colourful streets of Cartagena and the historic charm of Bogotá to the lush coffee region and the stunning beaches of the Caribbean coast, the country is bursting with character and beauty. Visitors can explore colonial towns, hike in the Andes, relax on tropical islands, and experience Colombia's lively music, dance, and cuisine. With its warm hospitality and revitalised tourism scene, Colombia is a rewarding destination full of unforgettable experiences.

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