By james art 
The Idaho state capital is increasingly regarded as a booming hip hotspot in the US, but it doesn’t usually rank among the world’s top tourist destinations.
Now, National Geographic has chosen Boise as one of 25 must-see locations on the planet for 2025.
The mountain, home to 236,000 people, is rated alongside many more exotic locales, from the KwaZulu-Natal Safari Zone in South Africa to the 200 Cenobite monasteries scattered across Italy.
Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief of the magazine, said the selection reflects a desire among travelers to get off the beaten track and visit more exotic and unusual destinations.
“There’s still so much to be excited about,” says Lump.
Idaho’s state capital, Boise, may look majestic with its mountainous backdrop, but it rarely makes travel bucket lists
Boise has one of the largest Basque populations in the world outside of Spain, giving it the character of a Basque block in the center
He urged travelers to “go out and explore for themselves the incredible variety of places and experiences around the world.”
Boise can look majestic, set against the backdrop of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
But it’s rarely even included in travel itineraries for those only touring the Pacific Northwest.
National Geographic says that could change next year as visitors come and “party with the Basques.”
Boise is home to one of the largest populations of members of the Basque ethnic group outside of Spain, with around 15,000 living there.
Downtown Boise’s Basque Block includes ethnic taverns, restaurants, bars and a heritage museum.
It is expected to come alive during the Jaialdi festival in July 2025 with street parties, dancing, wood chopping and cart pulling.
Boise is one of three American destinations on the list.
The others are the Ocala National Forest in northern Florida and a much more famous American center: Los Angeles, California.
The Mail presents some highlights from the selection here:
Ocala National Forest, Florida
Researchers describe Ocala as a “green oasis” that is home to manatees, black bears, rare plants and natural springs.
The National Forest Foundation works hard to improve the 673 square miles of pine scrub, lakes and canoe trails.
That includes protecting its crystal-clear 72-degree, alkaline natural springs, says Clayton Coates, an aquatic ecologist.
“From native plants to catadromous fish species, our freshwater springs are part of the very foundation of life here in Florida,” says Coates.
Conservationists have worked hard to protect the 673 square miles of pine scrub, lakes and canoe trails.
Los Angeles, California
Destination Crenshaw revitalized a run-down 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles with more than 100 works of art by black artists.
Although Los Angeles already has a global reputation, it made the list thanks to a “burst of new energy” in the form of new cultural projects, researchers said.
This includes Destination Crenshaw, a landscaped 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard with more than 100 works of art by black artists.
Other landmarks to note on a cultural tour of Los Angeles include the revamped Los Angeles County Museum of Art and an upcoming exhibition of works collected by Star Wars creator George Lucas at Exposition Park.
Adam Burke, president of LA Tourism, recently spoke of the city’s “vibrant, ever-evolving nature and its endless array of activities.”
Senegal
Visitors to Senegal should try some ceebu jën, the national dish of fish, rice and vegetables.
Researchers recommend a culinary tour of the French and indigenous Wolof influence in this West African country.
They suggest trying ceebu jën, the national dish of fish, rice and vegetables, and soupe kanja, a Senegalese gumbo.
Senegalese-American actress and producer Issa Rae will highlight the cuisine in the upcoming National Geographic series No Taste Like Home.
She visited the country of about 17 million people with culinary star Antoni Porovski to do the show.
“It’s such a beautifully welcoming country, you know I’m so proud of my family line,” Ray says.
Greenland
Overlooked Greenland will open to tourists next year with its first direct flight to New York.
From June 2025, New Yorkers will be able to fly directly to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, for the first time.
Once there they will have access to the largest island in the world with its colossal cities, unique local Inuit culture and stunning icy fjords
The twice-weekly flights will be operated by United Airlines and will take just over four hours.
By one count, the new route could double the number of US visitors to Greenland.
Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, says he doesn’t want to increase the number so much that the island is overwhelmed by tourists.
“Like in Barcelona, the tourists get tired because there are too many and that pushes the locals out,” says Lauridsen.
“It’s finding that balance of showing the love for Greenland and showing the amazing possibilities, but not too fast.”
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada
The “Northern Galapagos” is the perfect place to hike through remote rainforests and spot humpbacks and dolphins.
This archipelago of about 150 misty islands off the North Pacific coast of British Columbia is also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands.
The homeland of the Haida people is developing its tourism infrastructure following a 2023 agreement with the government on local autonomy for indigenous peoples.
It is set to become an ideal location for touring remote rainforests and spotting humpbacks and dolphins on whale-watching excursions.
Its abundance of green beauty has led to comparisons with another island chain such as the “Galapagos of the North”.
National Geographic also recommends meeting the Haida artists who make traditional totem poles in the village of Old Massett.
Northland, New Zealand
Wildlife watchers will enjoy warm water diving and sightings of unusual species at the Poor Knights Marine Reserve.
International travelers to New Zealand usually land in Auckland and head south for their adventures.
National Geographic offers a change of route and a trip north to the little-visited region of Northland.
Wildlife watchers will enjoy warm-water diving and sightings of mosaic moray eels and other unusual species at the Poor Knights Marine Reserve, they add.
On land, sightings of the national bird are plentiful thanks to the Kiwi Coast, a conservation project for the flightless animal.
Ngaire Sullivan, project coordinator, promises visitors a “wonderful and wonderful” experience.
“The fact that you can come here and hear the kiwi screeching at night … it’s just amazing,” she said.
To learn more about National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 list, visit Natgeo.com/BestoftheWorld