U.S. News & World Report just released its annual rankings, highlighting 16 categories of destinations to help travelers find the best place for their vacation plans.
One list stands out as the best of the top destinations worldwide, listing 30 of the best places to visit around the globe for an epic vacation this year.
The “World’s Best Places To Visit” list is geared towards every type of traveler this year, from bucket list beach trips to national parks, mountains, and popular city breaks. With choices from around the globe, an overall top list, including 30 destinations, is ranked. Readers can then vote to add certain shortlisted destinations to the list as well.
Rankings are determined by equal parts user score and editor score, looking at expert opinions, votes from readers, and overall current trends for destinations around the world.
Additional information for each place is gathered in regard to seasonality, affordability, food, culture, sights, attractions, and natural beauty to help determine which places are, in fact, the best to visit.
These Locations Are the Top 7 Best Places To Visit In The World, According to U.S. News & World Report:
Paris
The City of Light earns the top spot on this list, and as one of the most popular destinations in the world to visit, it’s not a surprise. Come for the food, the architecture, the fashion, or for the many other reasons to visit this famous city.
No matter the reason for your visit, it’s been said many times, and it forever rings true, Paris is always a good idea.
Bora Bora
If over-the-water bungalows and crystal clear water surrounded by lush mountains sounds like something you would enjoy, then the pinnacle of this kind of environment has to be French Polynesia’s Bora Bora.
Keep in mind there are things you should be aware of before visiting this tropical paradise; being prepared for things such as costs, activities, and local customs will help ensure your dream vacation while there.
Glacier National Park
The only National Park to break the top 20 of this list, this Montana gem is very much deserving of its spot.
With the melting glaciers, valleys, lakes, and meadows everywhere you look, Glacier National Park seems to have jumped right from the page of a nature photography coffee table book.
If you are lucky enough to be planning a visit to this stunning national park, be aware you will likely need a reservation before visiting. Don’t miss popular spots such as Going-To-The-Sun Road or Saint Mary Lake, or hike to more remote areas if you are seeking off-road adventure.
Rome
While Rome definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list, keep in mind that Italy is bracing for one of its biggest summers on record, and crowds could be high. With more historic sights than you could ever cover in one visit, and not to mention more food than one could possibly try, Rome will keep even the hungriest travelers satisfied.
Rome is one of the many Italian hotspots that is raising prices for tickets and working to curb over-tourism, so make sure you are prepared for any changes before your visit.
Swiss Alps
Known as one of the top skiing destinations in the world (although perhaps not this past year), the Swiss Alps offers much more to do than ride the slopes.
Come in the summer for some great hiking with epic views, and explore the more than two hundred peaks, which climb into the sky reaching higher than 3,000 meters above sea level.
Don’t forget to visit some of the many storybook villages that you can find in the region, with the cool blue lakes reflecting the beautiful scenery.
Maui
As one of Hawaii’s main tourism destinations, Maui has been known to be the perfect blend of everything Hawaii has to offer. Not too big, small, busy, or quiet, Maui is great for any first-time visitor to the Aloha State.
If a trip to Maui is in the cards this year, you are likely going to want to visit the Iao Valley Needle. Visitors should be aware that as of this year, this iconic attraction is limiting the number of visitors it allows, and reservations are required.
London
As one of the top searched-for destinations this summer, London is as popular as ever with travelers.
Come explore the various neighborhoods of this sprawling capital city, steep yourself in history and culture by seeing the sights and spending hours (or days if you can) wandering the city’s amazing museums.
Head up to the London Eye and take in the bird’s eye view, and cool off with a couple of pints and some pub grub at one of the millions of watering holes that dot the streets.
