Wanderlust? These Vacation Spots Score High Marks

If your bucket list for 2025 includes a memorable trip to a stand-out locale, you might want to take a look at the annual Best Vacations ranking, recently released by U.S. News & World Report. The 2025 rankings highlight 16 regional destination categories to help travelers select the ideal spot for their next 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. Grand Canyon National Park and Yosemite National Park round out the top five destinations in the U.S.

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.

The rankings follow a comprehensive methodology that factors in travelers' opinions, as provided by user votes, with expert and editor analysis. Each vacation destination is scored in 10 categories, including sights, culture, food, nightlife, adventure and romance.

Consider these other top 5 rankings from the report to help plan your dream vacation:

Best U.S. cities to visit:

  1. New York City
  2. Washington, D.C.
  3. Boston
  4. Honolulu
  5. Chicago

Best small towns to visit in the USA:

  1. Bar Harbor, Maine
  2. Telluride, Colorado
  3. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
  4. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
  5. Sedona, Arizona

Best cheap vacations in the U.S.:

  1. Grand Teton National Park
  2. Moab, Utah
  3. Gulf Shores, Alabama
  4. Grand Canyon National Park
  5. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2025. All rights reserved.

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