Yosemite is the ‘World’s Best U.S. National Park’ Despite Looming Wildfire
Summer is all about enjoying outdoor activities, and that includes exploring U.S. National Parks. We know that some queer folks try to stay as far away from nature as they possibly can, but for those LGBTQ+ travelers who enjoy, you’ll be happy to know that Yosemite National Park just made Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards.
T+L readers ranked Yosemite National Park as the World’s Best U.S. National Park. It was part of the magazine’s annual World’s Best list based on a reader survey. The good news couldn’t have come at a better time with the wildfire coming dangerously close to the park’s Washburn Trail and Mariposa Grove of sequoias, according to the National Park Service and California’s Interagency Management Team 13.
Firefighters have contained 22% of the Washburn Fire, and it has scorched at least 3, 221 acres, according to an update Tuesday morning on the fire management site InciWeb. In the Mariposa Grove, fire crews set up a sprinkler system to dampen the ground around the famous 209-foot-tall Grizzly Giant sequoia, a popular tourist attraction.
We hope that the fire is contained as quickly as possible without destroying other parts of the park, sequoias, or the area nearby. Check out our short list of U.S. National Parks you should consider visiting if you’re looking for other options.
Vacationer wants to keep things positive and keep you, our LGBTQ+ readers, inspired to travel with more info about the 2022 World’s Best Awards.
“As travel continues to rebound and people look for new trip ideas and inspiration, I’m thrilled to share this incredible resource of our readers’ favorite places and companies,” said Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief Jacqui Gifford. “You’ll find destinations that are transporting and offer a distinct sense of place–whether your focus is on reconnecting with nature or immersing yourself in local cultures. Congratulations to this year’s honorees for their excellence in hospitality and for creating standout experiences that appeal to all types of travelers.”
Top 10 World’s Best Cities 2022
1. Oaxaca, Mexico
2. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
3. Ubud, Indonesia
4. Florence, Italy
5. Istanbul, Turkey
6. Mexico City, Mexico
7. Chiang Mai, Thailand
8. Jaipur, India
9. Osaka, Japan
10. Udaipur, India
Top 10 U.S. Cities 2022
1. Charleston, South Carolina
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
3. Santa Fe, New Mexico
4. Savannah, Georgia
5. Honolulu, Hawaii
6. New York, New York
7. Chicago, Illinois
8. Alexandria, Virginia
9. San Antonio, Texas
10. Boston, Massachusetts
In the 27 years that the World’s Best Awards readers’ survey has been published, Singapore Airlines is the only honoree to be named a No. 1 winner in its category – World’s Best International Airline — every year. For the first time, Hawaiian Airlines wins for Best Domestic Airline, with newcomer Breeze Airways coming in at No. 2 and JetBlue Airways ranking third.
In addition to the best airlines, the list also reveals other readers’ favorites including Best Islands in the World, Best Resort Hotels in Hawaii, Best Mega-Ship Cruise Lines, and more!
Click here to check out more of the World’s Best Awards 2022 readers’ survey results.
