National parks in the USA and scenic global destinations top the
lists
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report,
publisher of Best Hotels, Best Cruise Lines and Best Travel
Rewards Programs, today released its annual rankings of the Best
Vacations. The 2025 rankings highlight 16 regional destination
categories to help travelers find the best place for their
vacation.
For the first time, the Swiss Alps take the top spot on the
World's Best Places to Visit. From upscale ski resorts in winter to
flowering meadows and crystalline lakes in summer, this region in
Switzerland appeals to travelers
who want a nature-centric vacation with a touch of luxury. Coming
in at No. 2 is Bora Bora, known for
its overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons and idyllic beaches.
Ranking No. 3 is Rome, a city that
blends ancient history with modern life.
Glacier National Park ranks as
the top destination in the Best Places to Visit in the USA. The Montana park is renowned for its dramatic
peaks, pristine lakes and challenging hikes. Following at No. 2 is
Yellowstone National Park, which
offers unique landscapes and exceptional wildlife viewing
opportunities. Maui, Hawaii, comes
in at No. 3, featuring notable beaches, spectacular golf courses,
romantic sunsets and more attributes visitors expect from the Aloha
State.
For the third consecutive year, Turks and Caicos retained the
No. 1 spot for Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean thanks to the island chain's
spotless white sand beaches, easygoing tropical atmosphere and
proximity to one of the largest barrier reef systems in the world.
St. Lucia follows at No. 2,
renowned for its impressive volcanic peaks and open-air resorts.
The British Virgin Islands
complete the top three, praised for gorgeous shorelines and
abundant boating opportunities.
"As the travel industry continues its robust recovery, travelers
are increasingly attracted to one-of-a-kind landscapes and
jaw-dropping scenery, favoring destinations like Machu Picchu,
Tanzania and Mount Fuji," said
Elizabeth Von Tersch, senior travel
editor at U.S. News. "From tranquil beaches to awe-inspiring views,
the 2025 Best Vacations rankings offer a variety of destinations,
both approachable and far-flung, to cater to every traveler's
tastes."
The rankings follow a comprehensive, transparent
methodology that factors in travelers' opinions, as provided
by user votes, with expert and editor analysis. Each vacation
destination is scored in 10 categories, from sights, culture and
food to nightlife, adventure and romance, offering a complete
evaluation of each destination.
2025 Best Vacations Rankings
See the
full rankings here.
World's Best Places
to Visit
|
Best Places to Visit
in the USA
|
1. Swiss
Alps
|
1. Glacier National
Park
|
2. Bora Bora
|
2. Yellowstone National
Park
|
3. Rome
|
3. Maui,
Hawaii
|
4. Machu Picchu
|
4. Grand Canyon
National Park
|
5. Tokyo
|
5. Yosemite National
Park
|
|
|
Best Places to Visit
in the Caribbean
|
Best Places to
Visit in Mexico
|
1. Turks and
Caicos
|
1. Isla
Mujeres
|
2. St. Lucia
|
2. Guanajuato
|
3. British Virgin
Islands
|
3. Zihuatanejo
|
4. U.S. Virgin
Islands
|
4. Isla
Holbox
|
5. St. Vincent &
The Grenadines
|
5. Mérida
|
|
|
Best Places to Visit
in Canada
|
Best Places to Visit
in Europe
|
1. Banff
|
1. Swiss
Alps
|
2. Québec City
|
2. Rome
|
3. Niagara Falls
|
3. Venice
|
4. Montréal
|
4. London
|
5. Victoria &
Vancouver Island
|
5. Paris
|
|
|
Best Places to Visit
in Asia
|
Best Places to Visit
in Africa
|
1. Mount Fuji
|
1. Tanzania
|
2. Tokyo
|
2. Victoria
Falls
|
3. Palawan
|
3. Serengeti
National Park
|
4. Maldives
|
4. Masai Mara
National Reserve
|
5. Bhutan
|
5. Mauritius
|
|
|
Best Central/South
America Vacations
|
Best Cities in the
World to Visit
|
1. Machu Picchu
|
1. Rome
|
2. Iguazú Falls
|
2.
Tokyo
|
3.
Argentine Patagonia
|
3.
London
|
4. Uyuni Salt Flat
|
4. New York
City
|
5.
Chilean Patagonia
|
5.
Paris
|
|
|
Best U.S. Cities to
Visit
|
Best Small Towns to
Visit in the USA
|
1. New York City
|
1. Bar Harbor,
Maine
|
2. Washington, D.C.
|
2. Telluride,
Colorado
|
3. Boston
|
3. Jackson Hole,
Wyoming
|
4. Honolulu
|
4. Steamboat Springs,
Colorado
|
5. Chicago
|
5. Sedona,
Arizona
|
|
|
Best Cheap Vacations
in the U.S.
|
Best Cheap Caribbean
Vacations
|
1. Grand Teton
National Park
|
1. Curaçao
|
2. Moab, Utah
|
2.
Jamaica
|
3. Gulf Shores, Alabama
|
3.
Martinique
|
4. Grand Canyon
National Park
|
4. Trinidad &
Tobago
|
5. Cannon Beach, Oregon
|
5. U.S. Virgin
Islands
|
|
|
Best Cheap Mexico
Vacations
|
Best Cheap European
Vacations
|
1. Sayulita
|
1. Bratislava,
Slovakia
|
2. Mexico City
|
2.
Prague, Czechia
|
3. Tulum
|
3. Porto,
Portugal
|
4. Isla Holbox
|
4. Budapest,
Hungary
|
5. San Miguel
de Allende
|
5. Brașov,
Romania
|
The regional rankings are part of the collective vacation
rankings offerings from U.S. News, which include the best places to
visit in various seasons and months, the best places to visit for
families, the best beaches, and many best places to visit in state
and country lists. Explore them all
at travel.usnews.com/rankings.
Travelers who are exploring options for covering their vacation
expenses – and how to work travel rewards points – can check out
U.S. News' latest column on the best travel credit cards.
For more information, visit Best Vacations and use
#BestVacations on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News &
World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers
consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make
confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities.
A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings,
independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions
of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News
is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on
education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel,
automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and
services.
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SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P.