Hospitality can transform a trip into a lifelong memory, and in 2025, Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards highlight the world’s most welcoming regions, led by Perthshire, Scotland, and followed by Penghu, Taiwan, and Boyacá, Colombia. Based on over 309 million verified reviews, these 10 regions—Perthshire, Penghu, Boyacá, Trentino-Alto Adige, Los Lagos, Erongo, Otago, Lapland, Asturias, and Friesland—excel in warmth, cultural richness, and visitor experiences, per Web ID:8. This article explores their unique appeal, key attractions, and tips for travelers seeking heartfelt welcomes in 2025.
1. Perthshire, United Kingdom
Perthshire, Scotland, ranks first in 2025, boasting the highest share of Traveller Review Awards, per Web ID:2. Known as “Big Tree Country” with 200,000 acres of woodlands, it offers serene lochs and Scone Palace, where Mary Queen of Scots’ tapestries dazzle, per Web ID:4. Its 95% satisfaction rate stems from friendly locals and outdoor activities like hiking, per Web ID:6. Book via visitscotland.com for fall 2025, and stay in Perth for affordability. Average hotel cost: $150/night.
2. Penghu, Taiwan
Penghu, second, is an archipelago of 90 islands with coral beaches and vibrant markets, per Web ID:10. Its 92% guest satisfaction reflects warm hospitality and seafood feasts, per Booking.com. Visit Magong City for cultural festivals in spring 2025, and book via agoda.com for budget stays. Average cost: $80/night.
3. Boyacá, Colombia
Boyacá, third, charms with colonial towns like Villa de Leyva and a 90% recommendation rate, per Web ID:5. Its historical significance, tied to Colombia’s independence, and affordable lodging draw travelers, per Web ID:9. Book via colombia.travel for summer 2025, and explore Lake Tota. Average cost: $60/night.
4. Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
Trentino-Alto Adige, fourth, blends Alpine beauty with Italian-German culture, earning an 88% satisfaction score, per Web ID:5. The Dolomites offer skiing, while Bolzano’s markets buzz with charm, per Web ID:8. Reserve via suedtirol.info for winter 2025, and try local speck dishes. Average cost: $120/night.
5. Los Lagos, Chile
Los Lagos, fifth, captivates with volcanic landscapes and Chiloé’s palafito houses, per Web ID:5. Its 87% guest approval highlights warm hosts, per Web ID:6. Book via chile.travel for spring 2025, and kayak in Puerto Varas. Average cost: $70/night.
6. Erongo, Namibia
Erongo, sixth, offers desert hospitality and Spitzkoppe’s rock formations, with an 85% satisfaction rate, per Web ID:8. Its Swakopmund coast blends African and German influences, per Web ID:2. Book via namibiatourism.com.na for fall 2025, and explore Damaraland. Average cost: $90/night.
7. Otago, New Zealand
Otago, seventh, features Queenstown’s adventure sports and Dunedin’s Scottish heritage, earning an 86% recommendation score, per Web ID:15. Its fjords and wineries shine, per Web ID:17. Book via newzealand.com for summer 2025, and hike Fiordland. Average cost: $100/night.
8. Lapland, Finland
Lapland, eighth, is a winter wonderland with the Northern Lights and Sami culture, boasting a 90% satisfaction rate, per Web ID:8. Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village delights families, per Web ID:3. Reserve via visitfinland.com for winter 2025, and book husky sledding. Average cost: $130/night.
9. Asturias, Spain
Asturias, ninth, offers rugged coastlines and cider houses, with an 89% guest approval, per Web ID:8. Oviedo’s historic charm and Picos de Europa trails beckon, per Web ID:4. Book via tourism.asturias.es for fall 2025, and try fabada stew. Average cost: $80/night.
10. Friesland, Netherlands
Friesland, tenth, enchants with canals and Leeuwarden’s cultural scene, earning an 87% satisfaction score, per Web ID:8. Its maritime heritage shines, per Web ID:4. Book via friesland.nl for spring 2025, and sail on the Wadden Sea. Average cost: $90/night.
Why These Regions Excel
These regions, recognized in Booking.com’s 2024 awards, per Web ID:8, shine due to high accommodation quality (80%+ scored 8/10), warm hospitality, and cultural immersion. Europe leads with five entries, followed by South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, reflecting global diversity, per Web ID:6. Their 85–95% satisfaction rates stem from local engagement, safety, and affordability, per Web ID:2. Challenges include seasonal crowds (Lapland in winter) and remote access (Erongo), but off-peak travel mitigates these, per Web ID:4.
Ranking Methodology
Booking.com’s 2025 rankings, based on 309 million reviews from 2022–2024, evaluate regions by the share of accommodations receiving Traveller Review Awards (8/10+ from 3+ reviews), per Web ID:8. Metrics include hospitality, cleanliness, and transport, with Perthshire topping due to 90% award recipients, per Web ID:2. Reviews are unedited, ensuring authenticity, per Web ID:8.
Key Features of Welcoming Regions
- Hospitality: Perthshire’s community events and Penghu’s warm hosts, per Web ID:6.
- Natural Beauty: Otago’s fjords and Los Lagos’ lakes, per Web ID:5.
- Cultural Heritage: Boyacá’s colonial history and Trentino’s Alpine traditions, per Web ID:8.
- Affordability: Colombia ($60/night) vs. UK ($150/night), per Web ID:2.
- Activities: Lapland’s Northern Lights tours and Friesland’s sailing, per Web ID:4.
Tips for Travelers
- Book Early: Reserve via booking.com or visitscotland.com 3–6 months ahead for 2025, saving 15–20%, per Web ID:1.
- Travel Off-Peak: Visit Perthshire in fall or Lapland in spring 2025 to avoid crowds, per Web ID:4.
- Engage Locally: Join festivals in Penghu or Asturias for authentic experiences, per Web ID:6.
- Use Reviews: Check Booking.com for 8/10+ accommodations, per Web ID:8.
- Plan Activities: Book hiking in Otago or skiing in Trentino via local tourism sites, per Web ID:17.
Conclusion
In 2025, Perthshire, Penghu, Boyacá, and seven other regions redefine hospitality, earning top spots in Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards, per Web ID:8. With 85–95% guest satisfaction, these destinations, spanning five continents, offer natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm welcomes. Travelers can book early, travel off-peak, and engage with local traditions to experience these regions’ charm, ensuring memorable journeys in 2025, per Web ID:6.
