With so many places to see and so little time, the ultimate list of travel destinations seeks to address a significant issue.
Though there are a trillion places to go in the world, some manage to stand out and become the most popular. You’re bound to find at least one holiday that piques your curiosity (and probably several), from the slick skyscrapers of Dubai to the emerald-green waters of the Bora Bora lagoon.
These are the top 30 tourist destinations on earth. Which ones have you visited already? And which ones make you yearn to travel the most?
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1. Patagonia, Argentina
Glaciers, evergreen forests, deep blue lakes, and bright skies are all present in this area of the Andes. There aren’t many places on earth that are better for a journey filled with exploration and adventure.
The rocky Mount Fitz Roy, the mysterious Cave of the Hands, the Punta Tombo wildlife refuge, the Peninsula Valdes marine wildlife refuge, and the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier are all must-see destinations. Bring your camera and sense of amazement, of course.
Tips for Travelling to Argentine Patagonia
Hotel Cyan Soho Neuquen is a place to stay.
Hot tip: If you’re planning a trip, you should avoid the months of October and November because those are when springtime in the southern hemisphere happens.
Fun fact: Patagonia, Argentina, is home to the largest dinosaur remains ever discovered. They belonged to the largest titanosaur known to science, which was estimated to have weighed 83 tonnes.
2. Italy’s Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast, which is located on the Sorrentine Peninsula, is well known for its breathtaking scenery and charming seaside villages. Glamourous movie stars made it their favoured vacation destination during the height of Hollywood.
Days are spent here consuming Italian cuisine, consuming wine, and ambling around the vibrant cobblestone streets. Additionally, you can anticipate sipping copious amounts of wine while admiring the Mediterranean Sea.
Renting a car and travelling to various places each day is the ideal way to explore the coast.
What to Be Aware of Before Visiting the Amalfi Coast
Accommodations: Hotel Marina Riviera
Hot tip: Get up early if you plan to use a beach chair to work on your tan because they are typically first come, first served.
Fun fact: In Sofia Loren’s 1995 film “Scandal in Sorrento,” the Amalfi Coast can be seen.
3.Cancun, Mexico
Cancun has long been the go-to destination for East Coast Americans (especially Floridians) seeking a distant vacation but still being close to home. However, despite the large number of visitors, the region has managed to preserve its allure.
The city is mostly famous for its opulent hotels, exciting nightlife, and inviting beaches. You should enjoy in all of these things, as well as the Mexican cuisine, but you should also think about going snorkelling, exploring Mayan ruins, and swimming in cenotes. You won’t run out of things to do in Cancun, that much is certain.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Cancun
Accommodations: Hyatt Zilara Cancun
The two best of Grupo Xcaret’s six eco-tourism parks, Xcaret and Xelha, should be on your itinerary while you’re in Cancun. The Yucatan Peninsula’s ecotourism trend is credited to the Mexican-owned company, and the parks provide amazing and varied opportunities to experience the local culture.
Fun fact: The Mayan civilization’s cultural, political, and economic centres were on the Yucatan Peninsula, where Cancun is situated. The Mayan language is still spoken regularly in the region and is related to many of the inhabitants.
4.San Francisco, California
San Francisco should be visited by everyone at least once in their lifetime. Despite the fact that internet businesses currently dominate the news, it is still a down to earth, diversified, and active place.
Where do I begin? No of your preferences, you should visit the renowned Golden Gate Bridge, observe the sea lions lounging in the sun at Fisherman’s Wharf, explore the former prison Alcatraz, and unwind in one of the city’s many parks, especially Dolores Park for its amazing weekend people-watching.
What You Should Know Before Visiting San Francisco
Where to stay: Union Square’s Westin St. Francis San Francisco
Hot tip: If you’re looking for equally stunning scenery and culturally rich sights, but with (slightly) lower rates and fewer crowds, go elsewhere. Head to Oakland, which National Geographic named as one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations, which is located just across the Bay Bridge.
Fun fact: A Japanese resident of San Francisco created the fortune cookie. Random!
5. Niagara Falls
One of the biggest waterfalls in the world is Niagara Falls. Human imagination has been captured by the force with which water pours down cliffs on the U.S.-Canada border for generations.
Three breathtaking falls make up this natural marvel. A boat cruise is one of the greatest ways to see them.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Niagara Falls
Sheraton on the Falls Hotel is a place to stay.
Although there is some disagreement over which side of the falls is superior, most people agree that the Canadian side has better views. This is due to the fact that you can (ironically) see the American Falls more clearly and go closer to Horseshoe Falls.
The oldest state park in the United States is Niagara Falls State Park, which opened its doors in 1885.
6. Yellowstone National Park
America’s first national park, Yellowstone, is largely in Wyoming but is also in Montana and Idaho. It continues to be one of the most visited parks in the nation, with more than 3.8 million visitors in 2017 alone. It is simple to understand why so many visitors come here given the area’s unpredictable geysers, rainbow-colored hot springs, jagged peaks, dazzling lakes, and a variety of species, including elk, boars, and bison.
Since there are so many campsites available (over 2,000! ), the park is perfect for families and is also a good choice for travellers on a tight budget.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Yellowstone
Accommodations: Terra Nova Cabins
Hot tip: Although it’s impossible to completely avoid the crowds in this wildly popular park, your greatest chances for privacy are in April, May, September, and November.
Fun fact: Yellowstone is bigger than both Delaware and Rhode Island put together.
7.Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is home to hundreds of marine species and is the biggest reef in the world. As a result, snorkelling and scuba diving are a dream come true there.
With over 600 islands and nearly 2,900 distinct reefs, the reef system is truly enormous. One of Australia’s finest achievements, as well as a global national treasure. It is beyond words how amazing it is to witness it with your own two eyes.
Information to Consider Before Visiting the Great Barrier Reef
Accommodations: Crystalbrook Flynn
Hot tip: While visiting the reef underwater is a must, we highly advise taking a helicopter tour to appreciate it from above.
Fun fact: The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s biggest living structure, is made up of corals, organisms that live in colonies.
8. Greece’s Santorini
Santorini island is a photographer’s dream with its stunning blue-domed churches, whitewashed homes, and vibrant beaches. This is where you should go if you want to take Instagram-worthy pictures that will make everyone at home envious.
Don’t forget to see some of Santorini’s important archaeological monuments, such as Ancient Thera and Ancient Akrotiri, which are examples of antiquity preserved by volcanic ash and volcanic ash, respectively. Don’t forget to also explore the nearby smaller islands, such as Thirassia, Nea Kameni, and Palea Kameni.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Santorini
Where to stay: Santorini’s Nikki Beach Resort & Spa
Hot tip: U.S. News suggests going in September and October or April and May, when the weather is still nice but there aren’t as many other tourists milling about, to get the most of your holiday.
Fun fact: Although it’s hard to establish, locals like to claim that on this island where it barely rains (and vino abounds), there is more wine than water.
9.Italy’s Florence
Florence is a must-see city for lovers of the arts and history (as well as anyone who enjoys delectable Italian cuisine).
It is the cradle of the Renaissance and the location of some of the most famous pieces of art ever created by world-renowned artists, including Michaelangelo, Brunelleschi, and Donatello, to mention a few. Florence is home to elegant stores, small cafes, and breathtaking gardens in addition to art museums and architectural marvels.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Florence
NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa is a good place to stay.
Hot tip: U.S. News advises considering Florence if you want to enjoy a budget-friendly honeymoon in Europe.
Fun fact: It took more than 140 years to construct the city’s renowned “El Duomo” cathedral.
10. California’s Yosemite National Park
With more than 4 million visitors each year, Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in America. Its 750,000 acres of wilderness are just waiting to be discovered.
It has beautiful waterfalls like the 617-foot Bridalveil Fall and the 317-foot Vernal Fall, as well as recognisable rock structures like Half Dome and El Capitan, where some of the best rock climbers in the world often test their skills.
Unsurprisingly, the fauna in this area astounds. Yosemite is home to a wide variety of creatures, including mule deer, marmots, bobcats, and dozens of different types of butterflies. Additionally, keep an eye out for the 300–500 black bears that roam the park.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Yosemite
Accommodations: The Ahwahnee
Hot tip: If you wish to camp here during the summer, make sure to reserve a site as soon as possible. Want to avoid the usually heavy traffic in Yosemite? Use the vast, free transit system in the park instead of driving.
Fun fact: This is one of the few locations in the nation where you may see a moonbow, which is a rainbow produced by the moonlight rather than the sun.
11. Saint Lucia
Beautiful St. Lucia is an obvious winner whether you’re travelling there by cruise ship, staying at an all-inclusive resort, or simply unwinding there. From its immaculate beaches to its verdant jungles to its towering volcanic peaks, the Pitons, this Caribbean island offers visitors a variety of landscapes.
While newlyweds (and soon-to-be married couples) enjoy the romantic mix of fine dining, adults-only resorts, and exotic activities, adrenaline junkies love hiking, climbing, and zip-lining.
What You Should Know Before Visiting St. Lucia
Accommodations: Rabot Hotel via Hotel Chocolat
Hot tip: Go when it’s not too hot, which is usually around May and June.
Fun fact: St. Lucia is the only nation named after a female; Saint Lucia of Syracuse was a Christian martyr.
12.United Arab Emirates’ Dubai
In Dubai, everything is bigger and better. The city is home to one of the biggest malls in the world, the tallest tower in the world, one of the biggest man-made marinas in the world, and so on.
The United Arab Emirates’ metropolitan centre, which resembles Las Vegas, offers tourists a wide range of attractions, including beaches, waterparks, a tonne of shopping, and even an indoor ski resort. The wide desert beyond the metropolis of skyscrapers is best enjoyed by quad-biking or sandboarding.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Dubai
Accommodations: Dubai’s Five Palm Jumeirah
Hot tip: Although you’ll probably pay a hefty amount for a vacation to Dubai regardless of the time of year, you can save some money by going during the scorching summer and by making your hotel reservations two to three months in advance.
Fun fact: Enough imported sand was used to build Dubai’s artificial Palm Islands to fill 2.5 Empire State Buildings.
13.Peru’s Machu Picchu
A lot of tourists say that seeing Machu Picchu changed their lives. Why? The ruins of an old Incan city that date back more than 600 years are a miracle of archaeology. It’s understandable why this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Peru’s most popular tourist destination.
Visit important locations like Funerary Rock, where it is thought that Incan nobility were mummified, and Temple of the Condor, a rock temple that was carved to resemble the magnificent bird that bears its name.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Machu Picchu
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a place to stay.
Hot tip: If you’re thinking about taking a vacation, make sure to purchase your tickets in advance since only 2,500 people are allowed to enter Machu Picchu daily. This place is on a lot of people’s bucket lists, too.
Fun fact: There are more than 100 different staircases on the property.
14.Melbourne, Australia
Sydney is the ideal destination for a holiday if you’re seeking for a mix of culture, the arts, nightlife, and relaxation because of its famous Opera House and buzzing Bondi Beach.
At Darling Harbour, spend the day on the water before visiting the Royal Botanic Garden for even more fresh air. Do you want to explore like a local? Order a Tim Tam, a well-known chocolate-covered cookie that goes well with coffee, and purchase a ticket to a rugby game.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Sydney
Where to stay: Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel
Hot tip: Sydney’s shoulder seasons, which are normally September through November and March through May, will help you have a more reasonable trip.
Fun fact: In 2007, 1,010 bikini-clad ladies participated in the largest swimsuit picture session ever, which landed Bondi Beach a spot in the Guinness World Records book.
15. Arizona’s Grand Canyon
Since the Grand Canyon is so enormous (277 river miles long and up to 18 miles wide! ), it is easier to understand why so many people want to visit it.
With 6.4 million visitors in 2017, the Grand Canyon surpassed Great Smoky Mountain National Park as the second most visited national park in the nation. The 1919-founded park has activities for people of all skill levels, whether you want to do a strenuous trip into the canyon and spend the night there (with a backcountry permit, of course) or just want to stroll along the South Rim Trail, a short walking trail with breathtaking views.
What to Understand Before Visiting the Grand Canyon
The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon is a place to stay.
Hot tip: This is the year to visit the Grand Canyon if you’ve been wanting to for some time. There will be musical performances, lectures, film screenings, and other special events in the park to mark its 100th birthday.
Fun fact: The Grand Canyon is home to the most remote settlement in the continental United States. There are 208 people living at Supai Village, which is a part of the Havasupi Indian Reservation, near the bottom of the canyon. It is not reachable by road, and pack mules are used to transport mail. See it for yourself if you like? The community has a number of campsites that are reachable through a hiking trail.
16.Indonesia’s Bali
In recent years, Bali has developed into a well-liked expat location where teams of “digital nomads” live and travel.
But despite the increased tourism, the island hasn’t lost its original allure and is still a top travel destination. Spend some time swimming at the beach, seeing active volcanoes, going to temples, and taking in the scenery of the tier-like rice terraces.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Bali
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach is a place to stay.
Hot tip: Rain is a downside of shoulder season (January to April and October to November), which also means less tourists and lower pricing. Plenty of it. If at all feasible, we advise avoiding the wet season.
Fun fact: Balinese people celebrate Nyepi on the Saka new year. This Hindu holiday is observed as a day of silence on the island, during which no noise is permitted.
17. New York
The adage “the city that never sleeps” is true of New York City, and you won’t want to when you visit in order to see everything it has to offer.
Make time for some New York City classics, like seeing a Broadway musical or being in Times Square at night, in addition to more recent attractions like the High Line and Hudson Yards, a mega-mall along the Hudson River.
What You Should Know Before Visiting New York City
The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel is the place to stay.
Hot tip: While January and February can get chilly in this area, these months are also the greatest for securing comparatively low hotel rates. Without having to spend a lot of time in the frigid outdoors, you may enjoy the city’s restaurants, fantastic museums, and world-class theatre performances.
Fun fact: In New York City, a baby is born every 4.4 minutes, and someone dies every 9.1 minutes.
18. Canada’s Banff National Park
The little Canadian town of Banff, which is situated inside the same-named national park at 4,537 feet above sea level, is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes. The tallest town in Canada is called Banff, and the country’s first national park, Banff, was created there in 1885.
In the winter, hit the slopes at one of Banff’s three ski resorts, then return in the summer for outdoor pursuits like hiking, bicycling, fishing, and scrambling (climbing steep terrain with just your hands).
What You Should Know Before Visiting Banff
Fairmont Banff Springs is a hotel.
Hot tip: If you want to take advantage of summer and winter activities, travel between June and August and December and March.
The number of glaciers in Banff National Park exceeds 1,000.
19.Maldives
Even after viewing image after picture, a visit to the Maldives is still necessary to fully appreciate its magnificence. This is the place for you if you want vivid blue oceans, flour-like beaches, and gorgeous sunsets.
This tiny island nation southwest of Sri Lanka is rather challenging to reach, but it’s also very private and remote, making it the ideal location for a honeymoon or romantic beach trip.
Additionally, don’t worry about getting bored because you can go scuba diving or snorkelling, unwind in the spa, or explore the vibrant Male’ Fish Market.
What to Understand Before Visiting the Maldives
Accommodations: Velassaru Maldives
Hot tip: The island nation’s rainy season, which lasts from May to October, is also the greatest time to visit for less tourists and lower prices.
Fun fact: The population of the country embraced Islam in the year 1153. The Maldives are still the nation in the world with the highest percentage of Muslims.
20.Spain’s Barcelona
Is there anything Barcelona doesn’t have? Soccer, architecture, shopping, nightlife, fine dining, arts, and culture, to name a few. We honestly have no idea what it might be if there is.
Be sure to schedule tours of Antoni Gaudi’s imaginative works like Park Guell and the unfinished Church of the Sacred Family (La Sagrada Familia), which are among the breathtaking structures in this cosmopolitan Spanish metropolis.
Las Ramblas is constantly busy for nightlife and shopping; visit Museo Picasso to trace the development of renowned artist Pablo Picasso for an interesting artistic experience.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Barcelona
Accommodations: Hotel Bagues
Hot tip: Because of the high humidity levels, U.S. News advises booking your trip for May or June, before the weather really heats up.
Fun fact: To make Barceloneta Beach a destination that people would want to visit, the city airlifted sand in from as far away as Egypt in preparation for its 1992 hosting of the Olympics. The beach is still a great place for relaxing by the water, despite being mostly man-made.
21.Montana’s Glacier National Park
Every outdoor traveler’s dream destination, Glacier National Park is the jewel of lovely Montana.
Of course, the glaciers in the park, which offer breathtaking views and a number of crystal-clear lakes, are its most distinctive natural feature. Numerous trails lead up mountains, through valleys, and across some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever see.
How to Prepare for a Visit to Glacier National Park
Accommodations: Firebrand Hotel
Hot tip: Arrange to stay in the adjacent town of Whitefish for one or two days. One of the nicest tiny towns in America, and a destination unto itself, is this entryway to Glacier National Park.
Fun fact: Mountain goats, the park’s official symbols, are quite likely to be encountered during your visit.
22.Japan’s Tokyo
One of the world’s most interesting cities is the capital of Japan. Neon lights illuminate the throngs of people who are continuously rushing to their next destination in this well-known fast-paced environment.
However, Tokyo is also a city of temples, picnics under the cherry blossoms, and eating your fill of delicious food that can be found pretty much everywhere.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Tokyo
The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is a place to stay.
Hot tip: For more agreeable temps, travel between March and April or September and November. Of course, the city’s famous cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the spring.
Fun fact: With a population of more than 36 million, Tokyo is the world’s largest metropolitan area.
23.Thailand’s Phuket
Start researching for flights to Phuket right now if you’re seeking for a luxurious vacation spot that won’t break the bank.
There are many white sandy beaches on this island in southern Thailand, which is only one hour’s flight from Bangkok. The island is encircled by the Andaman Sea. If a spectacular sunset is what you’re after, make your way to Promthep Cape, the island’s southernmost point and a favourite location for photos. Climb to the top of the enormous Big Buddha statue made of alabaster for views across the island and beyond.
A visit to the Soi Dog Foundation, a cutting-edge animal shelter that fights the meat trade and cares for the thousands of stray cats and dogs in the region, can even teach you something while you’re on vacation.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Phuket
InterContinental Phuket Resort is a place to stay.
Hot tip: For the finest weather and the best circumstances for beach activities like swimming and boating, visit between November and April.
Fun fact: The island’s name is not pronounced in the manner it might seem. It should be pronounced “poo-ket” or “poo-get.”
24. Roman city
Rome’s historical importance cannot be emphasised, but this Italian city is not a time capsule. But close to famous buildings like the Pantheon (built in 120 AD) and the Colosseum (built in 80 AD) you’ll find upscale shops and opulent hotels.
Of course, there is also the city’s artistic output. One of the largest collections of frescoes, paintings, ceilings, and fountains ever created by masters like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini may be found when strolling through Rome.
Take advantage of the many possibilities to dine and drink after all that exploring, including at numerous Michelin-starred establishments. City favourites include cacio e pepe (a deceptively simple combination of al-dente pasta, pecorino romano, and fresh black pepper) and suppli (deep-fried balls of risotto, mozzarella, and ragu meat sauce).
What You Should Know Before Visiting Rome
The Radisson Blu Ghr Hotel is a place to stay.
Hot tip: Visitors converge here during the scorching summer months. Instead, travel during the months of October through April when there are fewer tourists, better deals and colder weather. Just remember to pack a lightweight jacket.
Fun fact: Every year, visitors pour into the Trevi Fountain roughly $1.5 million worth of coins. The money is given to Caritas, a Catholic nonprofit that assists organisations that deal with poverty, migration, health issues, and disaster relief.
25.England’s London
When arguing that London is among the best travel destinations in the world, U.S. News quotes English author Samual Johnson as saying: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”
London will broaden your thinking and awaken your senses with live Shakespeare performances and genuinely world-class (and free!) museums like the National Gallery. Of course, no trip would be complete without a stop at Buckingham Palace, where you can admire the 19 opulent State Rooms inside as well as the palace’s renowned stone-faced guards outside (though, however, you cannot see the queen’s personal rooms). The Tower of London, a historic castle on the north bank of the Thames, is another must-see site.
What You Should Know Before Visiting London
Accommodations: Vintry & Mercer
Hot tip: Many American cities now offer direct flights to London, so keep an eye on prices and move quickly if you notice a decrease.
Intriguing titles like The Case is Altered, The Pyrotechnists Arms, John the Unicorn, and The Job Centre make London’s pubs worth a visit only for their names.
26.French Polynesia’s Tahiti
Need we say more? Delicious French food, first-rate resorts, and warm waves. Although Tahiti can be expensive, visitors agree that it is well worth the cost.
Tahiti, the biggest of the 118 islands in French Polynesia, is divided into two main zones that are linked by a land bridge. Tahiti Iti, the smaller section, offers greater privacy and the bright white sands of La Plage de Maui, while Tahiti Nui, the bigger region, is home to the island’s capital Papeete and surfing hotspot Papenoo Beach.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Tahiti
Hilton Hotel Tahiti, where to stay
Hot tip: Go during Tahiti’s winter, between May and October, when it’s less humid and rainy.
Fun fact: There aren’t any concerns about crowding because Hawaii receives more visitors in ten days than French Polynesia does in a whole year.
27.Hawaii’s Maui
Maui is the ideal Hawaiian island to visit if you’re short on time or simply can’t decide which one to go to because it’s the perfect size—not too huge and not too small.
There are five distinct areas to discover on Maui, including the well-liked West Maui and South Maui, which are home to some of the island’s most well-known landmarks and beaches (Wailea Beach, for instance). Do not, however, ignore East Maui, where you may take the Road to Hana, or the Upcountry, where you can visit Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Maui
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is a place to stay.
Hot tip: Since we’re talking about Hawaii, your trip will be fairly expensive. Before you go to the car rental counter, make sure to research insurance and budget for any add-ons you might require (for example, hotel gym access and WiFi).
How’s this for a fun fact—or a selling point? Maui features 60 miles of beaches with red, white, and black sand, more than any other Hawaiian island.
28. In French Polynesia, at Bora Bora
The size of the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora should not be used as an excuse to disregard it. Even though it is only 6 miles long and a little over 2 miles wide, Bora Bora is packed with breathtaking natural beauty. To begin with, you won’t be able to look away from the island’s blue lagoon, which is encircled by dense jungle.
When planning your trip, think about hiking Mount Otemanu or scheduling a 4X4 tour. Mount Otemanu is a portion of an extinct volcano that rises 2,400 feet above the lagoon. In Coral Gardens, you can snorkel among the coral reef where you might see reef sharks, eels, and stingrays.
No matter where you are flying from, it will be a long journey to get to Bora Bora Airport due to its isolated location. But as soon as you see this unimaginably beautiful Polynesian paradise, you’ll forget everything.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Bora Bora
Accommodations: Conrad Boroboros Nui
Hot tip: Although visiting Bora Bora can be rather expensive, you can save money by going between December and March (albeit you should avoid the holidays), and by packing your own booze and sunscreen.
One of the nations that no longer exist is Bora Bora. The Kingdom of Bora Bora was a sovereign nation before France invaded and occupied it in 1888.
29.France’s Paris
Everything is in Paris, including world-famous landmarks, delectable cuisine, and centuries of history. These are just a few of the factors that make it the second-best destination in the world.
Even though you’ll want to spend your time visiting well-known tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Musee d’Orsay, you should also set aside time to tour other areas of Paris, like its 20 distinct arrondissements. The beautiful 18th arrondissement, which stands out from the city’s busier tourist regions with its charming squares, cafes, and bars, and boasts covered corridors and some of the hippest restaurants in the capital.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Paris
Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal is a place to stay.
Hot tip: Although the summer months in Paris are crowded, the weather is also great with highs typically in the 70s.
Fun fact: The Eiffel Tower, which was constructed for the 1889 World Fair, was almost demolished in 1909 because it was only meant to be temporary. Fortunately, local authorities recognised its worth as a radiotelegraph station, saving the potential tourism landmark for future generations.
30.New Zealand’s South Island
U.S. News chose a complete island for the coveted #1 rank rather than just one city or region. The South Island, one of the two islands that make up New Zealand, which is larger but less inhabited, was given the honour for its “breathtaking scenery, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and affordable activities.”
Also, when they spoke of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, they weren’t kidding. One of the best hikes in the world, the 33.5-mile Milford Sound journey includes stops at Lake Te Anau, suspension bridges, a mountain pass and the country’s biggest waterfall, Sutherland Falls. It can accommodate just 90 people at a time.
You may fly over the Harris Mountains on skis and leap out of a helicopter for a heart-pounding thrill. Still not content? Wander through the UNESCO-designated Fiordland National Park and discover the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, two of the world’s easiest glaciers to access.
What You Should Know Before Visiting New Zealand
Accommodations: QT Queenstown
Hot tip: Plan your trip for the autumn, when South Island is comfortable, not too busy, and has amazing rates. Bonus: This is also the time of year when the island is most beautiful.
Fun fact: The people of New Zealand, known as Kiwis, are among the friendliest people you will ever meet. He aha te mea nui o te ao is a proverb used locally. The phrase “What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata” is accurately translated. People are the problem.
