WASHINGTON, June 25, 2019 /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 Vacation Destinations. The new rankings highlight the World's Best Places to Visit, as well as region-specific and niche lists, including the Best Places to Visit in the USA, the Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA, the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA, the Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific and the Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean, among others. Unique to U.S. News, the rankings combine editor, traveler and expert feedback to determine the most remarkable destinations around the world.

Paris, with its world-renowned attractions, excellent cuisine and charming atmosphere, is the No. 1 Best Place to Visit in the World. New Zealand's South Island earned the No. 2 spot thanks in part to its breathtaking scenery, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and affordable activities. The list also includes Rome at No. 3, Tahiti at No. 4 and London at No. 5. Additionally, No. 12 went to New York City, No. 15 to Sydney and No. 17 to Amsterdam.

Visually appealing and naturally beautiful destinations dominate the Best Places to Visit in the USA ranking, with national parks claiming four of the top five spots on the list. Grand Canyon National Park tops the ranking, followed by Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Maui, Hawaii, and Glacier National Park. National parks offer an affordable way to escape the day-to-day grind while reconnecting with yourself or loved ones. For a city experience, New York City follows at No. 6.

The Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA list features a mix of metropolises and small towns, including the District of Columbia at No. 1, Boston at No. 2, Philadelphia at No. 3, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, at No. 4 and Williamsburg, Virginia, at No. 5.

U.S. News also ranks the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA, with Telluride, Colorado, coming in at No. 1, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, following at No. 2 and Lake Tahoe ranking No. 3. All three destinations offer the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city conveniences, with easy access to superb ski slopes, hiking trails and fun events during the summer months.

"This year we saw an unmistakable travel trend: More people are interested in spending their hard-earned vacation days outdoors," said Christine Smith, travel editor at U.S. News. "Although travel trends and the appeal of various vacation destinations are always changing, the U.S. News Best Vacations lists feature a mix of destinations so travelers can find the right vacation for them, regardless of interests and budget."

U.S. News analyzed more than 700 destinations using a methodology that combines travelers' opinions, as provided by user votes, with expert and editor analysis. Each destination is scored in 10 categories, from sights, culture and food to nightlife, adventure and romance, offering a comprehensive evaluation of each destination.

U.S. News also ranks the best destinations in Europe, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Africa and Central and South America. And for those looking for an affordable getaway, U.S. News ranks cheap vacation options in the U.S. and Europe.

2019-20 U.S. News & World Report Best Vacations Rankings
See the full rankings here.

World's Best Places to Visit                                      

1. Paris
2. South Island, New Zealand
3. Rome
4. Tahiti, French Polynesia
5. London

Best Places to Visit in the USA

1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
2. Yosemite National Park, California
3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
4. Maui, Hawaii
5. Glacier National Park, Montana

Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA                 

1. District of Columbia
2. Boston
3. Philadelphia
4. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
5. Williamsburg, Virginia

Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA

1. Telluride, Colorado
2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
3. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
4. Sedona, Arizona
5. Bar Harbor, Maine

Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific      

1. South Island, New Zealand
2. Sydney
3. Tahiti, French Polynesia
4. Great Barrier Reef
5. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean

1. British Virgin Islands
2. St. Lucia
3. U.S. Virgin Islands
4. Turks and Caicos Islands
5. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Share your destination's ranking or post about your vacation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by tagging @USNewsTravel and using #BestVacations.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. A digital news and information company focused on Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars and Civic, USNews.com provides consumer advice, rankings and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

SOURCE U.S. News & World Report

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