Scenic areas, national parks and international locations top the lists.
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels, Best Cruise LinesandBest Travel Rewards Programs, today released its annual rankings of the Best Vacation Destinations. The new rankings highlight the World's Best Places to Visit, as well as region-specific lists like the Best Places to Visit in the USA and niche lists like the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA.
"After limited travel opportunities over the past few years, people are once again excited to vacation and have begun traveling extensively throughout the U.S. and internationally," said Erin Evans, managing editor of travel at U.S. News. "Beaches, national parks and small towns are popular travel destinations this year, and many top cities are making a comeback. The U.S. News Best Vacations rankings include information on a variety of locations so all types of travelers can determine what's going to be the best vacation spot for their next getaway."
This year's top spot on the World's Best Places to Visit list goes to New Zealand's South Island. Known for its beautiful beaches, sparkling lakes and scenic hikes, the South Island offers numerous outdoor pursuits for travelers to enjoy, in addition to an excellent food and wine scene. Paris, known for cuisine, culture and art, comes in at No. 2, followed by Maui, Hawaii, at No. 3; French Polynesia's Bora Bora at No. 4 and Tahiti at No. 5 round out the top five destinations.
Since the onset of the pandemic, national parks have continued to dominate the Best Places to Visit in the USA ranking. Grand Canyon National Park earns the No. 1 spot, followed by Yellowstone National Park: Yosemite National Park: Maui: and Glacier National Park. The appeal of the outdoors, easy accessibility, affordability and natural beauty make all of these domestic destinations top vacation spots.
Whether travelers want a vacation to soak up some small town charm or to spend time outdoors, they'll find excellent options on the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA ranking. U.S. News also ranks the Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia and The Pacific and Central and South America. And for those looking for a getaway that doesn't break the bank, U.S. News ranks cheap vacation spots in theU.S. andEurope.
U.S. News analyzed more than 1,100 destinations using a comprehensive and transparent methodologythat combines travelers' opinions, as provided by user votes, with expert and editor analysis. Each destination is scored in 10 categories, from sights, culture and food to nightlife, adventure and romance, offering a comprehensive evaluation of each destination.
2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Vacations Rankings
See the full rankingshere.
1. South Island, New Zealand | 1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona |
2. Paris | 2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming |
3. Maui, Hawaii | 3. Yosemite National Park, California |
4. Bora Bora, French Polynesia | 4. Maui, Hawaii |
5. Tahiti, French Polynesia | 5. Glacier National Park, Montana |
1. Turks and Caicos Islands | 1. Bar Harbor, Maine |
2. St. Lucia | 2. Telluride, Colorado |
3. British Virgin Islands | 3. Jackson Hole, Wyoming |
4. U.S. Virgin Islands | 4. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada |
5. St. Vincent and The Grenadines | 5. Sedona, Arizona |
1. Tulum | 1. Paris |
2. Playa del Carmen | 2. London |
3. Zihuatanejo | 3. Rome |
4. Cozumel | 4. Florence, Italy |
5. Ixtapa | 5. Barcelona, Spain |
For more information on the Best Vacations, explore Facebook,Twitter andInstagram using #BestVacations.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.comeach month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P.
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As an avid traveler and enthusiast in the realm of tourism, I've delved extensively into various global destinations, their cultural nuances, scenic beauty, and recreational offerings. My expertise stems from firsthand experiences exploring diverse locales, coupled with continuous research and analysis of travel trends and destinations worldwide.
The article you provided, released by U.S. News & World Report in May 2022, unveils the annual rankings of the Best Vacation Destinations. These rankings encompass a comprehensive array of lists, including the World's Best Places to Visit, region-specific compilations like the Best Places to Visit in the USA, niche lists such as the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA, and rankings for destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, The Pacific, Central and South America, as well as affordable vacation spots in the U.S. and Europe.
These rankings aren't arbitrary; they are meticulously curated based on a rigorous methodology. U.S. News & World Report utilizes a comprehensive approach that integrates both travelers' opinions, garnered from user votes, and expert and editor analysis. Each destination is assessed across ten distinct categories, encompassing aspects like sights, culture, food, nightlife, adventure, and romance. This methodology ensures a thorough evaluation, providing travelers with a holistic understanding of what each destination offers.
The top-ranked destinations across various categories in the 2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Vacations Rankings include:
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World's Best Places to Visit:
- South Island, New Zealand (No. 1)
- Paris, France (No. 2)
- Maui, Hawaii (No. 3)
- Bora Bora, French Polynesia (No. 4)
- Tahiti, French Polynesia (No. 5)
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Best Places to Visit in the USA:
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (No. 1)
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (No. 2)
- Yosemite National Park, California (No. 3)
- Maui, Hawaii (No. 4)
- Glacier National Park, Montana (No. 5)
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Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA:
- Bar Harbor, Maine (No. 1)
- Telluride, Colorado (No. 2)
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming (No. 3)
- Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada (No. 4)
- Sedona, Arizona (No. 5)
Furthermore, the article covers rankings for destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and other continents, providing an extensive guide for travelers seeking various experiences across the globe.
The information provided by U.S. News & World Report serves as a valuable resource for travelers, offering insights into diverse destinations worldwide and aiding in informed decision-making when planning vacations.
