The focus was not on ticking off cities or landmarks, but on the journey itself and the changing landscapes along the way.
The route stretched across vast open spaces, with travel by buses, shared minibuses, and even short hitchhiking segments. Along the way were small villages, rural areas, and remote places with minimal infrastructure. This made it possible to observe how the landscape shifted and to experience the scale and openness of the region far from established tourist routes.
Nature became one of the trip’s defining impressions. Steppes, mountainous terrain, and high-altitude lakes appeared along the way. Local cuisine and everyday modes of transportation added a sense of authenticity to the experience.
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are presented not as a collection of separate destinations, but as a single route — a continuous travel experience away from mass tourism.
In this context, the two countries are portrayed as destinations for travelers seeking a calmer, more flexible pace — without rigid schedules, crowds, or obligatory “must-see” spots. They are experienced not as isolated locations, but as a unified journey and a holistic travel experience.
Vogue’s full list of best places to travel in 2025 includes:
Mexico City, Mexico
Half Moon Bay, California
Islamorada, Florida Keys
Savannah, Georgia
Romania
Fort Tilden Beach, New York
Palm Springs, California
Sardinia, Italy
Copenhagen, Denmark
London, United Kingdom
Champagne Region, France
Barcelona and Mallorca, Spain
Sifnos and Serifos, Greece
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
