U.S. News Reveals Its 2023-2024 Best Vacations Rankings
World’s Best Places to Visit and Best Places to Visit in the United States both have a new No.1!
U.S. News & World Report has released its annual rankings of the Best Vacations. The 2023-2024 rankings highlight 16 categories of destinations to help travelers find the best place for their vacation.
For the first time, Glacier National Park in Montana takes the No. 1 spot in the Best Places to Visit in the USA ranking. According to U.S. News, the park stands out for offering some of the most majestic landscapes in the U.S. and it has several challenging hikes and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Maui, Hawaii, which moved up two spots to No. 2, offers something for everyone, from relaxing on the beach to zip lining and taking in the many sights. Rounding out the top three is Grand Canyon National Park, known for its inspiring views and scenic whitewater rafting routes.
Paris, France is new to the top spot this year in the World’s Best Places to Visit. The iconic city is well known for its architecture, museums, and cuisine. Bora Bora comes in at No. 2, thanks to its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and luxurious resorts, while Glacier National Park ranks No. 3.
The Turks and Caicos Islands hold on to the No. 1 spot for Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, offering one of the largest barrier reef systems in the world and providing maximum comfort in a tropical setting. St. Lucia remains at No. 2, known for its towering volcanic peaks and upscale resorts, while the British Virgin Islands round out the top three thanks to stunning shorelines and ample boating opportunities.
“After the recent years of uncertainty, we’re seeing a trend among travelers being ready to take those bucket list vacations to Europe and remote islands, as well as big adventure trips to African safari destinations, Patagonia and the Swiss Alps,” said Elizabeth Von Tersch, senior travel editor at U.S. News. “The 2023-2024 Best Vacations rankings offer a variety of destinations for every type of traveler, from those who want to relax on the beach to those who prefer trekking through mountains or exploring culture-filled cities.”
U.S. News ranks a variety of vacations, including Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA as well as Best Places to Visit in Mexico, Europe, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia and The Pacific, and Central and South America. And for those looking to not spend as much on a vacation, U.S. News ranks the Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S. and Europe. 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.
2023-2024 Best Vacations Rankings
| World’s Best Places to Visit | Best Places to Visit in the USA |
| 1. Paris | 1. Glacier National Park, Montana |
| 2. Bora Bora | 2. Maui, Hawaii |
| 3. Glacier National Park | 3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona |
| 4. Rome | 4. Honolulu – Oahu, Hawaii |
| 5. Swiss Alps | 5. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming |
| Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean | Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA |
| 1. Turks and Caicos Islands | 1. Bar Harbor, Maine |
| 2. St. Lucia | 2. Telluride, Colorado |
| 3. British Virgin Islands | 3. Monterey, California |
| 4. U.S. Virgin Islands | 4. Nantucket, Massachusetts |
| 5. St. Vincent & The Grenadines | 5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming |
| Best Places to Visit in Mexico | Best Places to Visit in Europe |
| 1. Zihuatanejo | 1. Paris |
| 2. Tulum | 2. Rome |
| 3. Cozumel | 3. Swiss Alps |
| 4. Ixtapa | 4. London |
| 5. Isla Mujeres | 5. Amsterdam |
