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U.S. News has ranked more than 1,100 vacation destinations across the world. Find the best vacation for you.

vacation destination rankings

U.S. News Travel's Best Vacations rankings identify the top destinations by region and vacation type. The categories below make it easy to find the list that suits your needs.

World's Best Places to Visit for 2023-2024

• # 2 Bora Bora
• # 3 Glacier National Park
• Best Places to Visit in the USA for 2023
• # 1 Glacier National Park
• # 3 Grand Canyon National Park
• Best Places to Visit in Europe for 2023-2024
• # 3 Swiss Alps
• Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean for 2023
• # 1 Turks & Caicos
• # 2 St. Lucia
• # 3 British Virgin Islands
• Best Places to Visit in Canada for 2023
• # 2 Jasper National Park
• # 3 Vancouver, Canada
• Best Places to Visit in Mexico for 2023
• # 1 Zihuatanejo
• # 3 Cozumel

Vacations by category

Family vacations.

• Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.

• Best Family Vacations in the USA for 2024

• Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean

• Best Family Vacations in Europe

Best Spring Break Destinations for Families

• Best Family Vacations in Canada

Best Summer Family Vacations

Best Winter Family Vacations

Cheap vacations.

Top 19 Cheap Family Vacations

Best Inexpensive Spring Break Destinations

• Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S. for 2023

• Best Cheap Caribbean Vacations

• Best Cheap European Vacations for 2023-2024

Best Cheap Winter Vacations

Best Cheap Summer Vacations

• Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America

• Best Cheap Mexico Vacations

Beach Vacations

Best beaches in the world for 2024.

• # 2 Turks & Caicos
• # 3 Bahamas

More Beach Vacations

• Best Pacific Islands to Visit
• Best U.S. Beaches for 2024
• Best Beaches in Florida for 2024
• Best California Beaches for 2024
• Best New Jersey Beaches
• Best Cape Cod Beaches
• Best South Carolina Beaches
• Best North Carolina Beaches
• Best Beaches in Texas
• Best Beaches in Maryland
• Best Alabama Beaches
• Best Oregon Beaches
• Best Rhode Island Beaches

Vacations by Season

Best Spring Break Destinations

Best Places to Visit in Spring

Best Summer Vacation Spots in the World for 2024

Best Fall Vacations

Best Places to Visit in Winter

• Best Winter Vacations in Europe

Vacations by Month

Best Places to Visit in January 2024

Best Places to Visit in February 2024

Best Places to Visit in March 2024

Best Places to Visit in April 2024

Best Places to Visit in May 2024

Best Places to Visit in June 2024

Best Places to Visit in July 2024

Best Places to Visit in August 2024

Best Places to Visit in September 2024

Best Places to Visit in October 2024

Best Places to Visit in November 2024

Best Places to Visit in December 2024

Romantic & honeymoon vacations.

• Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2024
• # 1 Bora Bora

More Romantic & Honeymoon Vacations

• Best Romantic Getaways in the U.S. for 2024
• Best Beach Honeymoons
• Best Caribbean Honeymoons
• Best Honeymoons in Europe for 2024
• Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations

Best Wine Vacations

• Best Cheap Destination Wedding Locations
• Best Cheap Couples Getaways for 2024
• Best Destination Wedding Spots in the Caribbean
• Best Destination Wedding Spots in Europe
• Best Honeymoon Destinations in the USA

More Vacations

Best National Parks in the World for 2024

Best Weekend Getaways

Best Islands in the World for 2024

Best Christmas Vacations

Best Places to Hike in the USA

Best Ski Vacations in the World

• Best East Coast Vacation Spots

Best Cities in the World to Visit

Vacations by region.

• Best Relaxing Vacation Spots in the USA
• Best Adventure Vacations in the U.S.
• Best Party Cities in the U.S.
• Best Ski Trips in the U.S.
• Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA
• Best Food Cities in the U.S.
• Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
• Best U.S. National Parks for 2024
• Best Places to Visit in Arizona
• Best Places to Visit in Colorado
• Best Places to Visit in Florida in 2024
• Best Places to Visit in Texas
• Best Weekend Getaways in New England
• Best Places to Visit in California for 2024
• Which Hawaiian Island is the Best to Visit? Our 2024 Ranking
• Best Day Trips from NYC
• Best Places to Visit in New York State in 2024
• Best Places to Visit in Maine
• Best Places to Visit in Michigan
• Best Places to Visit in Oregon
• Best Places to Visit in Virginia
• Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania
• Best Places to Visit in Georgia
• Best Summer Vacations in the USA for 2024
• Best Day Trips from Seattle
• Best Day Trips from San Francisco
• Best Day Trips from Phoenix
• Best Places to Visit in Utah
• Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
• Best Places to Visit in Ohio
• Best Places to Visit in New Mexico
• Best Places to Visit in Maryland
• Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
• Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
• Best Beaches in Georgia
• Best Delaware Beaches
• Best Beaches in Connecticut
• Best Beaches in Virginia
• Best Beaches in Michigan
• Best Maine Beaches
• Best Places to Visit in New Jersey
• Best Places to Visit in Alaska
• Best U.S. Cities to Visit
• Best Places to Visit in South Carolina
• Best Places to Visit in North Carolina
• Best Beaches in Portugal
• Best Beaches in Croatia
• Best Places to Visit in France
• Best Places to Visit in Spain
• Best Places to Visit in Italy
• Best Beaches in Italy
• Which Greek Island Should You Visit? Our 2024 Top Picks
• Best Beaches in Spain
• Best Beaches in France
• Best Day Trips from London
• Best Day Trips from Florence
• Best Places to Visit in Germany
• Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
• Best Places to Visit in Ireland
• Best Eastern Europe Travel Spots

Caribbean  »

• Best Beaches in Puerto Rico
• Best Beaches in Jamaica
• 8 Best Bahamas Islands, Ranked
• Best Caribbean Beaches for 2024
• Best National Parks in Canada
• Best Mexico Beaches for 2024

Central & South America  »

• Best Places to Visit in Central and South America in 2023
• Best Beaches in Costa Rica

Africa & The Middle East  »

• Best Places to Visit in Africa in 2023

Australia & The Pacific  »

• Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific in 2023
• Best Beaches in Australia
• Best Places to Visit in Asia
• Best Beaches in Thailand
• Best Places to Visit in Japan
• Best Places to Visit in Thailand

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The Best Destinations in the World: The Gold List 2022

By CNT Editors

There are three great lists annually in  Condé Nast Traveler,  all of which have changed due to the events of the last two years: the Readers’ Choice Awards , which you, our beloved audience, select; the Hot List , which compiles the new and notable of the previous year; and this one, which is ultimately about the places and experiences our editors carry in their hearts. This year, when we say  our editors,  we mean  CNT ’s entire global crew, working in locations from California to Beijing ; we’ve also expanded the parameters of the list to include not just the hotels and cruises you’ve seen in years past, but also the destinations we treasure. The Gold List is, more than ever, made by humans for other humans—something we need more than ever in this day and age. Here, our favorite destinations in the world.

Read the complete set of Gold List winners   here .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Puebla, Mexico

I love when I can feel familiar with a new place in 48 hours. In Puebla , Mexico’s historic, fourth-largest city, all the spots you want to hit are walking distance within its center, itself a tidy sprawl of bright pink and yellow villas and small plazas. That includes food markets for a crispy cemita (a schnitzel-­style sandwich with all the fixings); the gilded Capilla del Rosario and the city’s famed talavera, or ceramic houses; I stayed for close to an hour watching the row of artisans hand-paint and hand-fire their mugs, plates, and vases at Uriarte Talavera. Before the pandemic, tourism was just starting to happen here, and the city was in that sweet spot of supporting a new breed of traveler, like with the artisanal-inspired Cartesiano hotel, but without muting any of its essence for international business. I liked that I had to use my shoddy Spanish with barkeeps and store owners. And that sitting in those plazas meant a front-row seat to daily Poblano life: vendors selling sliced cucumber spices with cayenne, old-timers playing dominos. Puebla felt like a special somewhere on the verge of discovery in a country with pockets already turned over to the masses. My guess with all that’s happened this past year is that it still does. —Erin Florio

Rio de Janeiro

If you were to hook the city of Rio de Janeiro up to a cardiogram, the needle would swing off the page. The city thrums with live samba and bossa nova at all hours of the day; the bustling streets, bookended by the dramatic rise of granite monoliths on one end and the pounding waves of the Atlantic on the other, have a pulse all their own. It's easy to feel this when you're amid throngs of colorfully clad cariocas —I feel it most swaying to the live music at Pedra do Sal on Monday nights, or when, perched in the leafy hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa, I hear people in neighborhoods below lean out their windows to cheer when Flamengo scores a goal. It's a complicated city, with plenty of issues—insecurity, corruption, inequity, to name just a few—but there's a premium on joy and celebration that isn't reserved for Carnaval . There are few places in the world where you know you couldn't possibly be anywhere else, and whenever I hear the whole of Arpoador beach break into applause as the sun sets in summer, I'm reminded that Rio is one of them. —Megan Spurrell

Alentejo, Portugal

I call the road to the sea through Portugal’s Alentejo region the place where the beatniks read Pessoa; you can imagine Kerouac breezing through its small hotels, surf camps, and villages scattered with craft shops, markets, and bohemian bars. For me it’s a place of happiness. There are boutique hotels like São Lourenço do Barrocal and Dá Licença and olive groves, cork oaks, and infinite horizons. The road ends at Vicentine Coast National Park, a wild, protected coastline in southern Europe. A paradise for surfers , it has electrifying sunsets, but the icy waters stop it from ever getting too crowded. —David Moralejo

Svalbard, Norway

Arctic Svalbard —whose capital, Longyearbyen, is the world’s northernmost town—is like nowhere else I’ve been. On the one hand, it’s a deep-nature Scandi fantasy of snowmobiles, Northern Lights, ski-touring along glacial valleys, and surprisingly smart boutiques with stacked wine cellars. But there’s also a compelling strangeness to this international settlement, where no one is born and no one dies. There are the Soviet mining towns with their Lenin busts, whether abandoned or (even weirder) still working; the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which preempts a coming apocalypse; it’s advisable to leave Longyearbyen with a shotgun, in case of polar-bear attack. As much as a destination, it’s a journey into the heart of the climate crisis, with academics from across the world doing game-changing research here. I’m itching to go again—to escape but also to think and connect, which is what happens in all the best places. —Toby Skinner

Jamie Spain

Kelsey Glennon

Megan duBois

Boone Ashworth

My first trip to Goa as a college student was wrapped in dreams of homemade chorizo and reliving moments from the cult Bollywood coming-of-age film Dil Chahta Hai . Many trips and feni cocktails later, Goa remained a respite for my city-weary bones. The state straddles its multicultural past and present, trading up ’60s hippie markets for hipster boutiques while keeping its old-world Indian and Portuguese traditions intact. Simple fish-curry plates, aunties doing an impromptu jig to fado, old-timers squabbling over their favorite Goan soccer club, and the right freshness of bread coexist with edgy global menus, alt-music gigs, and all that is artisanal and arty. The ocean changes color from one season to the next, the multi-color sunsets never repeat, and like many travelers, I continue to return and find my salve in sunshine, sea, and susegad —the quintessential Goan idea of the slow, easy, and good life. —Diya Kohl

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Plettenberg Bay is South Africa's summer playground, and I, a Capetonian, would drive the 186-mile coastal path along the scenic Garden Route each year to join the fun. The bohemian seaside town sits atop a sheltered bay, where a jumble of hipster coffee shops, seafood restaurants, and kitsch boutiques tumble down onto fynbos-covered cliffs—where a slew of new hotels like The Robberg Beach Lodge sit beside grandes dames like The Plettenberg Hotel . Pretty young things like to celebrate the end of matric student exams, where hedonism sweeps across the bay, while dolphin and whale watches come during the languid, warm winter months. Venture just outside Plett to find the luxury Tsala Treetop Lodge , a manicured Gary Player golf course, indigenous Keurbooms River Nature Reserve, the Plett Polo Club on the Kurland Estate, and a host of animal sanctuaries to meet cheetahs, elephants, and monkeys. But above all, come for the glorious golden beaches. Central Beach—dotted with bars—surfy Lookout Beach, and the eerie, mist-covered sands of Robberg Nature Reserve. Search hard enough and you might stumble on a sand dollar—the symbol of Plettenberg Bay, thought to bring eternal luck. —Isabella Sullivan

When I can’t take another minute of winter, I head to Scottsdale. As, historically, do the day-drinking spring breakers and the far less rowdy snowbirds. Recently, though, the Valley of the Sun has come into its own, claiming its stunning desert setting and Southwest culture in new ways. If I’m bringing the kids, the 1929 Frank Lloyd Wright–designed grande dame The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (on the border of Scottsdale and Phoenix), is my place. It has sprawling grounds and seven pools, one with a legitimate waterslide, and just underwent a much-needed facelift. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort , terraced into the side of its namesake adobe-hued mountain, has my favorite spa in town. Its adults-only pool on weekends and easy access to sunrise hiking give me plenty of excuses to leave the kids at home. Solo or with family, I can always bank on sunshine, a great exhibit at Phoenix’s nearby Desert Botanical Garden, and excellent Sonoran-style Mexican food. —Rebecca Misner

Val Graziosa, Italy

I am a frequent traveler to Val Graziosa, a valley near the Pisan mountains and a part of Tuscany relatively unknown and terribly beautiful. Here there is Monte Pisano—“ che i Pisan veder Lucca non ponno, ” the poet Dante said, a small group of mountains that hides Lucca from Pisa and makes it impossible for the Pisan locals to see the city of Lucca. There are olive trees everywhere, producing the best olive oil on Earth in a splendid countryside. I love to walk around the surroundings of Montemagno—please read the book Maledetti Toscani, by Curzio Malaparte, and you will understand a lot about Italians from this region. I love to go to the grocery store in Patrizia for a glass of wine (the one and only épicerie of the village) and then to Certosa di Calci, a 14th-century monastery, and one of the many secret beauties in my crazy country of Italy. —Maddalena Fosati

Chiang Mai, Thailand

When I first went to Chiang Mai, I intended to stay a couple of nights and ended up staying more than a week; for me, that trip is a reminder of travel at its most impulsive and impetuous: the freedom to move on when you feel like it. There’s no beach pressure here, and inland Thailand always feels more interesting than the obvious hits of the beachfront. And, away from the beaches, there's the sense of a modern Thai city where young creatives are carving out a contemporary aesthetic, with the energy that a large student population gives a city. —Rick Jordan

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You’ve probably got one or two of these destinations on your list of dream vacays. What can we say? People love them—and for very good reason.

The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.

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This North Carolina ‘glamping’ spot ranks No. 1 in the US. What makes it special?

A North Carolina travel destination shows off the “splendor” of the mountains — and is the No. 1 “glamping” spot in the country, new rankings show.

Sky Ridge Yurts in Bryson City tops a list of the nation’s best places for “glamping” — or glamorous camping — adventures.

“This form of campground lodging combines the minimalistic nature of camping with modern amenities and creature comforts,” USA Today’s 10Best wrote in its May 15 report of places that are “ perfect for a wild and glamorous weekend.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sky Ridge Yurts (@skyridgeyurts)

And that’s not the only national recognition that went to a North Carolina getaway spot. Here are the other locations that ranked as top places to stay in their respective categories:

• Asheville River Cabins in Arden at No. 4 in vintage trailer hotels
• Rhode’s Motor Lodge in Boone at No. 7 in roadside motels

To create the lists of readers’ choice award winners , 10Best said it first turned to travel experts and editors. They narrowed down the nation’s top-notch road trip destinations before the public could vote on their favorites up to one time per day over the course of a month.

What makes the ‘glamping’ spot special?

Sky Ridge Yurts offers cabins and circular tents called yurts. The structures are “perched high atop a mountainous ridge line with a view that will take your breath away,” according to the accommodation’s website.

10Best also gave a nod to the “glamping” spot’s setting. It’s nestled in Bryson City, near outdoor attractions in the Nantahala National Forest and a roughly 65-mile drive southwest from the popular mountain town of Asheville.

“Sky Ridge Yurts provides guests with a glimpse into the splendor of Appalachia with eight distinct structures all available for booking,” 10Best wrote. “Whether guests spring for the three-person Santeelah or six-person Fontana, each space comes equipped with cooking areas, full baths, and both heating and air conditioning.”

Weekend rates in mid-June start at about $175 per night , and add-on experiences are available . When it’s time to unwind, the property asks visitors to keep in mind that yurts are different from homes, sometimes letting in noises from the outdoors.

“If you’re really bothered by chirping crickets, the occasional distant coyote howl, or a laugh from your neighbor, you might want to consider our Stecoah House or Wayah House modern cabins instead,” Sky Ridge Yurts wrote. “You’ll get the same awesome view and the same awesome experience, just in a more predictable — and soundproof — setting.”

Though North Carolina destinations earned top spots in some of 10Best’s road trip categories, they were snubbed from other lists of top places to visit . Those include the best RV parks and wilderness lodges, results show.

In the past, 10Best has told McClatchy News it doesn’t reveal how many people vote in its contests.

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Talk about ‘hidden gems’: One of the least-visited countries wants you to check it out

As my boat slowly approached the 7-acre islet of Bokanbotin – a 15-minute ride from Majuro, capital of the Marshall Islands – it looked as if I was sailing into a desktop wallpaper. 

A small white sandy beach wraps around an Edenic jungle. Under the sun, the turquoise water around the tiny island was as clear as glass – you could easily see the baby reef sharks swim below. No one else was on the private island, a secluded oasis. 

The Pacific has no shortage of unspoiled islands like Bokanbotin to enjoy. Think Fiji or Tahiti, which are renowned as top tourist destinations for being akin to paradise. That’s not the case for fellow island nation the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). As one of the least-visited countries in the world, the RMI gets only about 6,000 visitors a year . In comparison, just in June, Fiji received more than 90,000 travelers . 

Within the last couple of years, the Marshall Islands started to explore tourism as an economic driver and as a way to promote environmental and cultural preservation. In 2018, the government established the Office of Commerce, Investment and Tourism to lead the charge with a heavy focus on sustainable tourism . 

A hidden gem in the Pacific Ocean, the country offers stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality and a rich culture to experience. RMI offers quintessential island living, with a well-known fishing culture plus pristine diving and surfing – if you know where to go. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“I think that's all we can offer the world, our culture and trying to maintain that culture, our customs, our language, that's very important,” said Carlos Domnick, CEO of the Office of Commerce, Investment and Tourism. 

More: Fodor's Travel put Maui on its 'No List' of places tourists may want to avoid in 2023. Here's why.

Why hasn’t the Marshall Islands explored tourism before? 

Most visitors to the RMI are there for business or humanitarian reasons – only about 16% are there for leisure, according to the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative. 

Unlike Hawaii, where tourism represents a quarter of the economy , in the RMI, tourism represents just 10% of the country’s total gross domestic product . With a population of about 41,000 , only about 468 Marshallese were employed in the tourism industry in 2018, according to Domnick.

For the young country with a dark past and an uncertain future, tourism hasn’t been on residents’  – or investors’ – minds. “It’s a very new concept for us,” Domnick said.

The country initially wanted to explore tourism in the late 1990s, but it wasn’t able to get the idea off the ground, he said. As the RMI notices how tourism can transform countries, a renewed effort is taking place to bring more outreach to communities and outer atolls so “they understand the value of tourism and can also join in this effort to bring more visitors to our country.”

Is tourism to the Marshall Islands sustainable?

As climate change causes rising sea levels, scientists estimate the low-lying chain of atolls could become uninhabitable as soon as the 2030s . Over the past decade, coastal flooding has worsened, flooding roads and threatening buildings, according to Reginald White, director of the RMI’s National Weather Service Office.

“It’s hard to promote tourism … not only to try to bring tourists but to bring tourism investments as well. It’s hard to bring those in when you’re telling the world you’re sinking,” Domnick said. “So we’ve got a tough job, and we’re just trying to strike that balance moving forward.” 

The past also haunts potential tourism. In the 1940s, the U.S. military used the Bikini and Enewetak atolls as nuclear testing sites , which led to displacement of residents and culture loss and rendered the islands uninhabitable. Residents around the RMI experienced a slew of health problems, including birth defects and cancer, and no one has been able to return to those atolls.  

What’s it like traveling to the Marshall Islands? 

It’s difficult and expensive for travelers to even get to the RMI, which is made up of 1,225 islands spanning more than 822,799 square miles . 

Currently, there’s only one RMI-bound flight in the U.S.: the United Airlines “island hopper,” which departs from Honolulu and stops in Majuro and then Guam. The flight is scheduled only once a day, four days out of the week. A one-way ticket will typically cost over $1,000.

To improve accessibility, the RMI is trying to increase the number of flights to Majuro. Domnick is on the country’s aviation’s task force and has been in talks with airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and Fiji Airways to add more routes.

Once people get to Majuro, accommodations are in short supply – there are only three hotels. It’s a balancing act of marketing tourism and then having enough capacity to hold the tourists, Domnick said.  

If you want to dive the RMI’s unspoiled coral reefs or surf its waves, you’ll need to find a way to get from Majuro to the outer atolls. Since the islands are so spread out, it can take days via boat or a short flight on the notoriously unreliable domestic airline Air Marshall Islands.

A 20-hour sail or 40-minute flight (that’ll cost you about $320 round trip ) from Majuro is Beran Island’s Daly’s Beran Island Surf Lodge, an all-inclusive sustainable luxury surf resort created by Australian boat captain and surfer Martin Daly. Experiencing those pristine waves won’t come cheap. The resort requires you and up to 15 of your closest friends to book the entire place for at least a week for a price tag of $50,000. 

Unlike Beran Island, many of the outer atolls are too undeveloped to support tourism. Energy grids are considered unreliable and food resources are lacking. Just last month, the entire country finally got access to clean water with the help of outdoor company Sawyer’s water filters and the women-led nonprofit Kora in Okrane . 

What does sustainable tourism look like in the RMI? 

The island of Bokanbotin was passed down through the Tibon family. Sherwood Tibon and his wife, Emma Kabua-Tibon, who own a marine supply shop in Majuro, began to outfit their private land for personal use.

In June 2022, they opened Bokanbotin up to the public as an “island getaway” for picnics and camping. Travelers can reserve the solar-powered island on Airbnb for $250 a night for four guests as of July 31. For a more glamping experience, guests can stay in a small loft or, soon, an almost finished geodesic dome with an oceanfront patio. 

Campers are told to bring their own food, but the Tibons provide tents, utensils, pots, rice cookers and an outdoor screen for movies. There’s Wi-Fi, too. The family will take all trash back to Majuro for disposal. 

So far, most of the visitors to Bokanbotin are Marshall Islands expats from Australia or the U.S. The family hopes to market to more international travelers. “It’s different from other sites in Majuro,” Tibon said. “We think it’s unique, and we try to give it the wow factor so you say, ‘This is where I want to spend my day.’” 

As for the threat of climate change, Tibon said he’s not too worried about his island because the trees that line the shoreline “act as our seawalls,” blocking damage from rising tides. 

Eco-tourism boutique startups like Bokanbotin are exactly what the Office of Commerce, Investment and Tourism wants to support. 

Because not every family has the capital to start a business, the office is “seeing how we can provide an enabling environment for locals to be able to invest in tourism,” Domnick said. In 2021, the agency launched a program called Ao Kapijuknen (My Homeland) in partnership with the International Organization for Migration to train and fund women interested in starting up their own tourism business. 

Another tourism opportunity is coming next year. For the first time, the Marshall Islands will host the 10th Micronesian Games , showcasing sports and cultural practices like coconut tree husking to beach volleyball. In Majuro, a track field is being built for the 2023 games, but construction has been delayed , pushing the event to 2024. 

Domnick said the country is encouraging Majuro-based families to open up an empty room or guest house on Airbnb for the event. 

I spent the afternoon at Bokanrotin eating lunch out on the pier before masking up and snorkeling around the protected marine area, catching glimpses of puffer fish and giant clams. Leaving the island at sunset, it’s easy to understand why the Tibon family would want to share their island home with others. 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

College Station ranks high as summer travel destination as experts predict busy travel season

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) -Memorial Day weekend, just over a week away, marks the unofficial start of summer, signaling busy roads and airports nationwide.

According to a report released this week, we could see a surge of visitors right here in the Brazos Valley.

TripAdvisor ranks College Station as the second fastest-growing domestic destination for U.S. travelers.

Tourism experts in both College Station and Bryan say we have a lot to offer, and they’re not surprised we top the list.

“We have a lot of sports camps happening at Legends, happening at the university, a lot of conferences, and we have the fire school. All of that really drives tourism in the summer, which is really exciting,” said Lina Adams, Destination Bryan’s PR & communications coordinator.

“We could not be more excited about that. I think it’s a testament to the work of a lot of people in this town who have been working tirelessly to make sure that our local economy continues to grow and expand throughout the summer,” added Jeremiah Cook, Visit College Station tourism manager.

With major events happening this summer across the area, tourism experts say they expect the trends to continue.

Experts are predicting a busy summer travel season this year, with millions expected to hit the roads and skies.

AAA says they’re expecting the highest number of Memorial Day travelers since they started tracking 24 years ago and believe the trends will continue into the summer.

“The economy is much stronger than it was a year ago, consumer sentiment is 17% higher. That is a very strong indicator for travel. Travel bookings are up, so it’s really looking to be a very strong summer for travel,” said AAA spokesperson Daniel Armbruster.

While hotspots like Las Vegas and Cancun are top destinations, College Station has emerged as number two on the list of the fastest-growing domestic destinations for U.S. travelers.

Tourism experts in both Bryan and College Station say we have a lot to offer, and they’re continuing to market the area as a must-visit destination.

“Everything from our awesome, awesome businesses that just continue to grow and thrive to our events and everything that makes this a destination to come to,” added Adams.

“The George Strait concert, the MEX Tour soccer match, and a really large track and field event coming in July are much more exciting than I would say our normal summers have been,” said Cook.

Tourism leaders say the success of the area all goes back to everyone willing to work together.

“The university, alongside our sporting facilities, alongside all of our different hotels and all of our restaurants, all coming together to put these events on, to bring these events to town. Without that collaboration and without that unity, things like this don’t happen,” Cook added.

Experts say they’ve also seen an increase in people planning bucket list trips, milestone celebrations, solo travel, and nature adventures this summer.

Copyright 2024 KBTX. All rights reserved.

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This Is the Most Expensive City Destination in the U.S.

Seattle was named the most expensive city to visit in America.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

If you've done just about anything lately – including leaving your house at all — you know that everything is really expensive right now, including heading out on a vacation. But sometimes, saving up is worth it to explore some of the world's best destinations, including the most expensive city in the U.S. And no, it's not New York. 

In 2023, GoBankingRates put together a list of the most expensive tourist destinations in the United States. It came to its conclusion by first reviewing destination rankings on travel sites to determine America's most popular tourist attractions. Next, it calculated food and drink costs, along with the average nightly rate for the three least-expensive hotels in the area (based on July 2023 stays) and the average airfare to the destination to find which one "might be the biggest blow to travelers’ bank balances." 

After looking at all the data, it named Seattle the second-most expensive destination in America, making it (technically) the most expensive city to visit in the nation. 

"Seattle is one of the most pricey cities to visit on this list — unless you learn how to travel on a budget," the findings shared. "For example, skip Uber and Lyft to take the Link light rail instead. The line between Angle Lake and the University of Washington includes an airport stop and also has stations at popular sites including Chinatown and Pioneer Square." As for what it will cost to visit, GoBankingRate said meals for a three-night stay will cost you about $600, while drinks will run you an additional $77.88. The average three-night hotel stay is $471, while airfare is a whopping $839.70.

And while Seattle is expensive, there is one destination that will cost you even more: Aspen, Colorado .

This is why we note that Seattle is technically the most expensive, as Aspen is pretty nebulous about whether it's a city or a town. Its official town site lists it as the " City of Aspen ," while its Chamber of Commerce calls it an " inviting mountain town ." And while its full-time population is fewer than 7,000 people, that still doesn't define a city vs. town debate. (But we're sure people will have feelings about whatever I call it, so I'll await your emails.)

Aspen was also named the most expensive place to visit by OptimosTravel, who recently analyzed more than 100 vacation spots in the United States. 

"Aspen tops the list as the most expensive vacation spot, with a total daily cost of $761.39 per person, leading to a whopping $5,329.72 for a 7-day trip per person," the team noted to Travel + Leisure about its findings. And sure, that's a lot of dough, but the experiences you'll have there — and in Seattle — are priceless.

See the full list of the most expensive destinations at gobankingrates.com . 

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AAA expects second-busiest Memorial Day travel weekend on record; Bend again the top regional destination

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Memorial Day 2024 is expected to be the second busiest on record, AAA said Monday. AAA projects 43.8 million Americans (13% of the population) will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend, an increase of 4% over 2023, and comes close to matching the record of 44 million travelers in 2005.

In the Pacific Region, Region (AK, CA, HI, OR, WA), 7.5 million people (14.2% of the population) are expected to travel, a 4.7% increase compared to 2023.

About 600,000 Oregonians will travel over the long weekend. The Memorial Day travel period is defined as Thursday, May 23 through Monday, May 27.

2024 will see the most travelers for Memorial Day in nearly 20 years and will exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2019. In all, nearly two million more people will travel for the unofficial start of summer compared to last year, a sign of a very busy travel season ahead,” says Doreen Loofburrow, Senior Vice President of Travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho.

“This Memorial Day will set records. Road trips will see the highest number ever for the holiday and air travel will rise to the highest volume since 2005,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Top Memorial Day Destinations

AAA booking data reveals that theme parks, beaches and larger cities are the most popular destinations domestically and abroad, based on searches and bookings by members of AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Anaheim and Orlando are top domestic destinations as Memorial Day travelers head to theme parks. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver, B.C. rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Beaches and cruise ports will also be packed. European cities dominate the list of international destinations.

AAA offers an entire library of digital resources to make your trip more enjoyable and it’s all available in one convenient spot at  AAA.com/TripCanvas .  If you are looking for maps or our Digital TourBooks, visit  AAA.com/maps . You can download entire books or print the pages you’d like to bring with you. The TripTik Travel Planner provides turn-by-turn directions to keep you on the best route. With the AAA mobile app, you can request emergency road service, book a last-minute hotel, and even find the cheapest fuel and closest EV charging stations along the way. Download it at  AAA.com/mobile  or visit the App Store or Google Play.

Travel trends for Memorial Day and the rest of summer

As travelers make plans for Memorial Day, the summer travel season, and beyond, AAA Travel is seeing these trends:

• Bucket lists: Travelers taking once-in-a-lifetime trips
• Milestones: Families booking anniversary, retirement, and family reunion trips
• Asia: More travelers interested in visiting Asia, especially Japan
• Solo trips: More people, especially women, interested in traveling by themselves
• Luxury vacations: More travelers seeking high-end cruises and tours
• Trains: Many travelers interested in rail vacations across New England, Canada, and Europe
• Adventure in nature: Travelers booking trips to Antarctica, Africa, and South Pacific

Road trips will set record

Most Memorial Day travelers – about 88% – will take a road trip. AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for the holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year and 1.9% higher than in 2019.

In Oregon, roughly 494,000 will drive to their Memorial Day destinations.

“Traveling by car is appealing for many because of the convenience and flexibility it provides, and it can be more cost effective than taking the entire family on flights,” says Dodds.

Air travel will see highest volume since 2005; airfares similar to last year

Airports are gearing up for a spike in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 air travelers over the Memorial Day weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and 9% jump compared to 2019. In all, about 8% of holiday travelers will fly to their destinations. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post 9/11.

In Oregon, more than 63,000 will fly to their Memorial Day destinations.

This Memorial Day weekend, air ticket prices are comparable to last year. AAA booking data shows a 1% to 2% increase in prices for domestic flights. The average cost for a roundtrip domestic flight is $778.

International flights are 4% more expensive compared to last year, averaging $1485 for a roundtrip ticket.

Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, passengers who book nonstop flights with seat selection and carry-on bags included will likely pay more than those who select basic economy with a layover.

Tips for those flying this Memorial Day:

• Check your airline’s website or download their app to keep up to date on your flight status, including checking one last time right before you leave for the airport. Allow push notifications so the airline can alert you of any changes.
• Check-in online for flights 24 hours ahead
• Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Security lines may be longer than usual due to the spike in travelers.
• Airport parking lots will likely be at or near capacity. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability.  https://www.flypdx.com/Parking
• Consider taking transit, using a ride sharing service or taxi, or getting a ride with a friend or family member to the airport so you don’t have to park onsite.
• Avoid checking a bag, if possible, especially if you don’t have a non-stop flight. Bring all medications in your carry-on bag, as well as a change of clothes and any other necessities. That way you’ll have provisions if your checked bag gets lost or delayed.
• Plan ahead for meals and snacks. Some airlines let you pre-order food for your flight.
• Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times. In general, early morning flights tend to have fewer delays and cancellations than flights later in the day.
• Sign up for TSA PreCheck before your trip. However, even these expedited security check-in lanes will be busier than usual.

Big boost in other modes of travel

AAA projects 1.9 million people will travel by other modes including cruise ships, buses, and trains. This is up 5.6% compared to last year.

“These modes saw significant decreases during the pandemic as cruise lines were shut down and fewer people used public transportation. Five years later, these numbers are back to pre-pandemic levels,” says Loofburrow.

Best and worst times to drive

AAA has partnered with INRIX, a global provider of transportation data and insights, to determine the best and worst times to drive over the long holiday weekend. Drivers leaving Thursday or Friday before Memorial Day should hit the road early to avoid mixing with afternoon and evening commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.

On Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings, delays on major roads could be two times longer than normal travel times as holiday travelers mix with commuters.

“Traffic volumes will be heavier than usual throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend, but knowing the best and worst times to drive can help you avoid major congestion and delays. Use traffic apps, 511 services and local traffic reports to get the latest info on how traffic is moving.

Try to avoid the peak travel times and avoid driving through urban areas when commuters are also hitting the roads to head home,” says Dodds. “Whenever you go, expect longer travel times than usual to get to your destination.”

Here are projected travel times from INRIX showing drive times out of Portland:

Gas prices similar to last year

The national and Oregon averages for regular gas are similar to Memorial Day 2023 and significantly less than 2022, when gas prices were at record highs for the holiday.

The national average is currently $3.62 and the Oregon average is $4.42 (as of May 13). Find current gas prices at  https://gasprices.aaa.com/

Pump prices saw typical spring run-ups this year and have cooled off in the last few weeks. The wildcard remains the price of crude oil, which is impacted by global unrest including the wars between Israel and Hamas, and Russia and Ukraine.

For local news releases on gas prices, visit  https://info.oregon.aaa.com/oregon-gas-prices/

Hotels similar, rental cars cost less this year

Hotels—bookings through AAA show that domestic hotels are 5% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year. The average cost for a stay (which is typically a few nights) is $500.

International hotels cost about the same as last year with the average at $660.

Car Rentals—domestic car rentals are 17% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year. The average total cost for a rental (which is typically for a few days) is $439.

International car rentals are 16% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to 2023. The average total cost for a rental (which is typically for a few days) is $617.

AAA to the rescue this Memorial Day weekend

AAA expects to rescue about 378,000 motorists nationally and 5,000 in Oregon this Memorial Day weekend, with the most common issues being dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires. 

AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP),  app  or  online —and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

Make sure your car is road-trip ready. Have your vehicle inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the more than 7,000  AAA Approved Auto Repair  facilities across North America.

Be prepared for emergencies with a mobile phone and car charger and/or charging cable, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers and pets. Share your itinerary with family or friends so that authorities know where to start looking for you if you don’t reach your destination.

Find more info on getting road-trip ready at  AAA.com/summerprep

Travel agents, travel insurance are travel essentials:

AAA recommends working with a travel agent and considering travel and medical insurance options.

“A travel agent is an expert on the places you want to go and can help you plan a trip that meets your needs and budget. Travel agents can help you get the most out of your travel dollars as they often have access to special offers and rates that aren’t always available to the general public. And if something goes wrong – from a flight cancellation to a medical emergency – or you need to make last-minute changes, your travel agent becomes your advocate,” says Loofburrow.

AAA strongly recommends you consider travel insurance and/or medical insurance to cover unexpected delays or trip interruptions, or medical care you need when away from home. Travel insurance provides a safety net should something unexpected happen ahead of or during your trip. Medical travel insurance can provide coverage for illness and injuries and that may not be included in your regular health insurance plan. Travel agents can also advise on what travel insurance or  medical insurance policy makes the most sense for your trip.

“With a record number of air travelers expected for Memorial Day, AAA recommends that you protect your investment with the peace of mind provided by a travel agent, travel insurance, and medical insurance,” says Loofburrow. “Things can go sideways on your trip and it’s good to be ready if the unexpected happens.”

“And use your AAA membership to find discounts and rewards,” adds Dodds.

Visit  AAA.com/travel  or call (800) 529-3222 to reach a AAA travel agent.

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This Arizona city was named the top dog-friendly destination in the United States

With lots of pet-friendly trails and restaurants, hundreds of vet offices, and a community that embraces four-legged visitors, Flagstaff was named the ultimate travel destination for dog owners in the United States.

A recent ranking by USA TODAY and Blueprint analyzed how the most touristy cities across the U.S. accommodate pets based on several categories including the number of dog-friendly places to stay, dog-friendly restaurants, dog-friendly bars, vet offices, and dog-friendly trails and beaches. Most of the categories were analyzed in relation to the city's population density.

So, if your idea of a perfect vacation includes your canine friend, here's a roundup of the best dog-friendly vacation destinations in the U.S.

Why was Flagstaff named the most dog-friendly city in the US?

Flagstaff is known for its stunning alpine landscape, vibrant downtown shops, popular outdoor activities and artsy charm.

Flagstaff is a four-season climate town with more than 260 days of sunshine each year, according to USA TODAY. At approximately 7,000 feet of elevation, Flagstaff's weather contrasts with the Phoenix Valley's arid year-round climate.

Flagstaff has nearly 56 dog-friendly accommodation options per 100,000 residents on average, making it the city with the highest concentration of dog-friendly accommodations, according to analysts with USA TODAY and Blueprint.

Flagstaff also has about 132 dog-friendly trails and about 39 dog-friendly restaurants per 100,000 residents for you to choose from. 

Top 10 dog-friendly vacation destinations

According to U.S. International Trade Administration data, USA TODAY and Blue Print analyzed the top 50 most visited cities by overseas tourists in 2022. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the most favorable vacation destination for dogs.

Each city’s weighted average across all metrics was calculated to determine its overall score on a scale from one to 100.

Here are the best dog-friendly vacation destinations and their scaled score, according to USA TODAY and Blueprint:

• Flagstaff: 100.00
• San Luis Obispo, California: 98.67
• Santa Barbara, California: 96.80
• Austin, Texas: 94.13
• Portland, Oregon: 85.33
• San Diego: 84.13
• Naples, Florida: 84.00
• Nashville: 81.47
• Denver: 81.07
• Key West, Florida: 80.93

If you want to explore more places for you and your pup, the table below shows how many dog-friendly features the top 20 cities in the rating have, rounded to the nearest whole number.