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.
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1. Swiss Alps |
1. Glacier National Park |
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2. Bora Bora |
2. Yellowstone National Park |
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3. Rome |
3. Maui, Hawaii |
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4. Machu Picchu |
4. Grand Canyon National Park |
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5. Tokyo |
5. Yosemite National Park |
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1. Turks and Caicos |
1. Isla Mujeres |
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2. St. Lucia |
2. Guanajuato |
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3. British Virgin Islands |
3. Zihuatanejo |
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4. U.S. Virgin Islands |
4. Isla Holbox |
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5. St. Vincent & The Grenadines |
5. Mérida |
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1. Banff |
1. Swiss Alps |
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2. Québec City |
2. Rome |
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3. Niagara Falls |
3. Venice |
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4. Montréal |
4. London |
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5. Victoria & Vancouver Island |
5. Paris |
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1. Mount Fuji |
1. Tanzania |
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2. Tokyo |
2. Victoria Falls |
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3. Palawan |
3. Serengeti National Park |
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4. Maldives |
4. Masai Mara National Reserve |
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5. Bhutan |
5. Mauritius |
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1. Machu Picchu |
1. Rome |
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2. Iguazú Falls |
2. Tokyo |
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3. Argentine Patagonia |
3. London |
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4. Uyuni Salt Flat |
4. New York City |
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5. Chilean Patagonia |
5. Paris |
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1. New York City |
1. Bar Harbor, Maine |
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2. Washington, D.C. |
2. Telluride, Colorado |
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3. Boston |
3. Jackson Hole, Wyoming |
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4. Honolulu |
4. Steamboat Springs, Colorado |
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5. Chicago |
5. Sedona, Arizona |
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1. Grand Teton National Park |
1. Curaçao |
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2. Moab, Utah |
2. Jamaica |
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3. Gulf Shores, Alabama |
3. Martinique |
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4. Grand Canyon National Park |
4. Trinidad & Tobago |
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5. Cannon Beach, Oregon |
5. U.S. Virgin Islands |
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1. Sayulita |
1. Bratislava, Slovakia |
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2. Mexico City |
2. Prague, Czechia |
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3. Tulum |
3. Porto, Portugal |
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4. Isla Holbox |
4. Budapest, Hungary |
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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.
SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P.