15 Must-See Vacation Destinations Around the World
PHOTO BY CATARINA BELOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK; WILLYAM BRADBERRY/SHUTTERSTOCK; ZHUKOVA VALENTYNA/SHUTTERSTOCK; PRETO PEROLA/SHUTTERSTOCK
Just in time for the summer holidays and Pride, U.S. News & World Report has released its annual rankings of the World’s Best Vacations.
This year’s exacting criteria included 16 different categories of destinations and the decision-making process was evenly balanced between readers and editors.
We’ve curated the 15 Best Vacations in the World according to U.S. News & World Report below, but you can learn more and read the entire list at travel.usnews.com.
Keep scrolling to see the 15 Best Vacations in the World according to U.S. News & World Report.
15. Banff National Park, Canada
PHOTO BY ZHUKOVA VALENTYNA/SHUTTERSTOCK
“An Alberta town full of acclaimed restaurants, breweries, boutiques and art galleries, Banff makes for an exciting vacation in every season. Vacationers can spend their days hiking, relaxing in hot springs and boating on scenic lakes.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: Banff Pride is a Celebration of LGBTQ+ Culture and the Great Outdoors
14. Tahiti, French Polynesia
PHOTO BY MARTIN VALIGURSKY/SHUTTERSTOCK
“Travel to this island – the largest in French Polynesia – if you've been dreaming of a vacation spent lazing in a lavish overwater bungalow combined with experiencing an ancient culture. Beyond the posh resorts, Tahiti boasts black sand and golden beaches, a bustling capital (Papeete), and prime snorkeling and surfing conditions.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: Tahiti: Honeymoon Capital of The World Welcomes Gay Newlyweds
13. South Island, New Zealand
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER MEDER/SHUTTERSTOCK
“New Zealand's South Island brims with majestic landscapes at every turn, from dramatic mountains to spectacular fjords. Here, you can admire the mountains of Fiordland National Park from hiking trails or a boat on Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: Air New Zealand Brings Its Internet-Breaking Nest Bunks To NYC
12. Costa Rica
PHOTO BY NICKOLAY STANEV/SHUTTERSTOCK
“From volcanic mountains and verdant rainforests to tumbling waterfalls and miles of stunning shoreline, Costa Rica is a Central American gem. Explore the beaches along the Nicoya Peninsula, hike along Arenal Volcano and spot exotic wildlife (think: river turtles, otters and howler monkeys) in remote Tortuguero National Park.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: How Costa Rica Built Sustainable Travel Around Biodiversity
11. Phucket, Thailand
PHOTO BY PRETO PEROLA/SHUTTERSTOCK
“Located in southern Thailand, the island of Phuket offers something for everyone, especially budget-minded travelers. Activities like spa treatments and boat tours come with low price tags, as do accommodations, making this a cheap tropical vacation option.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: 25+ Sizzling Shots From GCircuit Thailand
10. Tokyo, Japan
PHOTO BY PHATTANA STOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK
“Simply setting foot in Japan's frenetic capital city is an experience. Known for its bustling streets and flashing neon signs, Tokyo has an electric energy and ample top attractions to discover.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: Travel Virtually Through Queer Japan
9. Turks & Caicos
PHOTO BY BLUEORANGE STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK
“Located north of the Dominican Republic, this collection of roughly 100 islands and cays is popular with honeymooners – and for good reason. With sparkling white sand, crystal-clear water and nearly 350 miles of colorful coral reef, the Turks and Caicos Islands are truly a sight to behold.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: Colton Haynes Takes a Dip in Turks & Caicos
8. Maldives
PHOTO BY ICEMANPHOTOS/SHUTTERSTOCK
“It is not cheap or easy to reach, but this isolated Indian Ocean vacation spot located southwest of India is the personification of a dreamy tropical retreat. In this remote destination, which is made up of more than 1,000 islands, thatched-roof overwater bungalows sit above the bright aquamarine sea, providing easy water access and a romantic atmosphere.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: This Exclusive Maldives Resort was Selected as One of the Best Hotels to Book in 2023
7. London, United Kingdom
PHOTO BY PATRYK KOSMIDER/SHUTTERSTOCK
“London is a world unto itself. The eclectic neighborhoods, which are home to a blend of historical landmarks and modern-day attractions, can keep you occupied for days.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: London Calling: Your Ultimate Gay Guide To The City
6. Maui, USA
PHOTO BY WILLYAM BRADBERRY/SHUTTERSTOCK
“Whether you're driving along the Road to Hana, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of Maui's lush coastline from a helicopter, snorkeling with sea turtles or simply relaxing on white or black sand beaches, you’ll find that this Hawaiian island is unlike any other tropical destination.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: We Found Your Hawaii Honeymoon Hotel: Maui's Grand Wailea
5. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
PHOTO BY SCS STOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK
“Snow-covered mountains, charming towns, and flower-strewn meadows make the Swiss Alps a year-round fairy tale destination. Visit in the winter for world-class skiing (and après-ski fondue and drinks) in locales such as the exclusive St. Moritz and the picturesque Zermatt, home of the craggy Matterhorn.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: The Men of Bern Switzerland In 11 Elska Magazine Portraits
4. Rome, Italy
PHOTO BY CATARINA BELOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK
“When you visit Italy's capital city, prepare to cross a few must-see landmarks – including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon – off of your bucket list. Travelers can also see some of Italy's greatest treasures, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, in Vatican City.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: These Jaw-Dropping Pictures Will Make You Want to Travel to Italy
3. Glacier National Park, USA
PHOTO BY MARINA POUSHKINA/SHUTTERSTOCK
“Snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and azure lakes are just a few reasons why Glacier National Park is one of America's most striking parks. There are more than 700 miles of hiking trails in this Montana crown jewel, plus 13 designated areas for camping.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: Stay in These Eco-Friendly Tiny Homes Near Glacier National Park
2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
PHOTO BY BLUEORANGE STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK
“What this 12-square-mile French Polynesian island may lack in size it makes up for in sheer tropical beauty. Here, you’ll find picturesque beaches, lush jungles, and luxurious resorts set on surrounding islets.”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
RELATED: Bora Bora is a Pacific Paradise For Gay Honeymooners
1. Paris, France
PHOTO BY CATARINA BELOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK
“The magnetic City of Light is a perennial tourist destination, drawing visitors with an unmistakable je ne sais quoi and iconic attractions. Quaint cafes and Haussmann architecture give Paris its timeless beauty, but its best asset is that you're likely to discover something new with each trip or season (read: Paris is always a good idea).”
You can see the entire list of U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Vacations at travel.usnews.com.
