Check out these rising destinations for a good trip

The Good Trip index is our guide to travelling sustainably, ethically and well. Taken together, our clever index produces 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. And we thought you might be interested too…

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Sri Lanka

A tropical, teardrop-shaped island plonked in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is the biggest riser on our index for this year. That said, it's still one of the lower entries on this list.

But if the promise of dense, wildlife-filled rainforests, ancient temple ruins, golden beaches and some of the most delicious food you'll ever eat is a combination too tempting to resist, then we wouldn't blame you.

It's roughly the same size as Ireland and sits to the south-east of India. The island boasts impressive safaris, the best cup of tea you'll ever taste, 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites and warm and wonderful weather.

It's worth noting a few things before you go though. Homosexuality is illegal in Sri Lanka, and so of course is same-sex marriage, and it doesn't have a good score in press freedom either.

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India

The Golden Triangle cities of New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are a perfect introduction, giving you a heady taste of the spice, culture and history that the country has to offer.

This astoundingly diverse country is home to most of the world's wild tigers, many of them making their homes in protected national parks like Ranthambore.

Delhi is a city of two halves – Old and New – both as intoxicating and chaotic as the other. From elegant mansions to lofty tower blocks, Delhi really is a city of contrasts. This is reflected perfectly in the 17th-century Red Fort and the modern Lotus Temple – whose brilliant white walls resemble a flower blossoming in the Delhi skyline.

Meanwhile the cities of Agra and Jaipur encapsulate the country's rich history with its beautiful palaces, forts and of course, the jaw-dropping Taj Mahal.

India did score quite low for women's rights, with many facing harassment and discrimination, but female visitors are unlikely to face the same level. Things have slowly started to improve though, which goes some way to explaining why India went up 22 places this year.

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Vietnam

Vietnam is a country of breathtaking contrasts, where ancient traditions and modern life blend seamlessly – from the serene rice terraces of Sapa to the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City.

Explore the historic streets of Hanoi, where centuries-old temples stand alongside bustling markets, or sail through the impossibly vibrant waters of Ha Long Bay, with its towering limestone islands and hidden caves.

Vietnam has been steadily climbing the index for the past two years, moving up about 40 places since 2022. While it does relatively well in animal welfare, it's not the best for press freedom and human freedom.

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Thailand

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.

Thailand actually doesn't score too badly on our index having gone up 17 spaces this year. We're hoping it'll move up even higher next year after it's expected to legalise same-sex marriage by the end of 2024. That would make it the most LGBTQI+ friendly country in South East Asia. It's a rarity in this part of the world, and if the bill passes it will make Thailand only the third Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage (after Nepal and Taiwan) and the first in South East Asia.

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Cabo Verde

While there are 10 islands that make up Cabo Verde, the most popular for travellers tend to be either Sal or Boa Vista. This is because of the endless stretches of powdery sand that encircle the islands as well as the choppy Atlantic waves that lend themselves perfectly to surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling with actual turtles!

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Hong Kong

Skyscrapers rise alongside ancient temples, and bustling street markets are just steps away from luxury shopping malls. The city's skyline, one of the most iconic in the world, is best viewed from Victoria Peak, where you can take in the breathtaking panorama of the harbour and beyond. Dive into the culinary delights of dim sum and street food, or explore the tranquil outlying islands where life slows down amidst beautiful beaches and hiking trails.

Also, fun fact: Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers of any city in the world.

Press freedom is the worst scoring area for Hong Kong, with some journalists facing long stretches in prison for what they report. Still, the city is up 13 spaces since last year.

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Fiji

Fiji climbed 12 places from its position last year. Scores improved for press freedom, human freedom and women's rights, so now's as good a time as ever to visit.

This South Pacific gem offers more than just stunning scenery. Whether you're diving in vibrant coral reefs, exploring lush rainforests, or simply relaxing in a hammock with the sound of the ocean as your soundtrack, it provides the ultimate setting for relaxation and adventure. The islands are also known for their luxurious resorts and overwater bungalows, making it an ideal destination for a far-flung escape to paradise.

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