US News & World Report Reveals Best Vacation Rankings for 2021-22

The Best Vacation Rankings in the US and Around the World

1/21
U.S. News & World Report has recently released their 2021-22 best vacation rankings. This annual report is composed of a multitude of categories broken up by regions - including three new categories for this year. The standings are built through a combination of expert analysis and user opinions. Has your favorite destination made the list?

World's Best Places to Visit

2/21
Probably the hardest category in the whole list, the world's best places to visit is really subjective to the type of traveler you are. Each of these destinations hosts a slew of activities and one-of-a-kind experiences.

1. South Island, New Zealand

2. Paris, France

3. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

4. Maui, Hawaii

5. Tahiti, French Polynesia

Best Places to Visit in the USA

3/21
The United States is home to extraordinary geographical features from sea to shining sea. And with all but one of these being a National Park these areas offer a great escape into nature.

1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

2. Yosemite National Park, California

3. Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming

4. Maui, Hawaii

5. Glacier National Park, Montana

Best Places to Visit in Asia

4/21
From tropical paradises to major cities, each of these destinations offers visitors a unique vacation. See historic sites, relax on some of the world's best beaches, be wowed by the sheer magnitude of Tokyo, or adventure through nature at the base of Mt. Everest.

1. Maldives

2. Tokyo

3. Phuket, Thailand

4. Bali, Indonesia

5. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

Best Places to Visit in Europe

5/21
Each of these world-renowned cities is bucket-list worthy in its own right. And every one offers a different perspective and new adventure no matter how many times you visit.

1. Paris, France

2. London, England

3. Rome, Italy

4. Florence, Italy

5. Barcelona, Spain

Best Places to Visit in Canada

6/21
'From Sea to Sea' there are so many different places located in Canada to 'Keep Exploring'.

1. Banff, Alberta

2. Vancouver, British Columbia

3. Niagara Falls, Ontario

4. Jasper National Park, Alberta

5. Montreal, Quebec

Best Places to Visit in Mexico

7/21
Whether you want to learn about the ancient history of the area or enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches, Mexico is truly 'A World of Its Own'.

1. Tulum

2. Playa del Carmen

3. Cancun

4. Cozumel

5. Guanajuato

Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean

8/21
Each island in the Caribbean is very different, but all share a few things in common: tropical paradises, friendly people and exceptional cuisine. To stay up to date on all the latest Caribbean news, subscribe to the Complete Caribbean Podcast.

1. St. Lucia

2. British Virgin Islands

3. Turks and Caicos Islands

4. U.S. Virgin Islands

5. St. Vincent and The Grenadines

Best Places to Visit in Africa

9/21
Africa is home to a diverse landscape and an even wider variety of cultures. Many of these destinations are sure to top any traveler's bucket list.

1. Zanzibar

2. Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

3. Tanzania

4. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

5. Cairo, Egypt

Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific

10/21
Australia and The Pacific is a one-of-a-kind region. And with so many amazing locations, those listed below are sure to impress any visitor.

1. South Island, New Zealand

2. Tahiti, French Polynesia

3. Sydney, Australia

4. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

5. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Best Places to Visit in Central and South America

11/21
Explore some of the most breathtaking geographies on Earth or be stunned at the impressive ancient city located almost 8,000 feet up. Dance the night away in Rio de Janeiro or adventure through Costa Rica and the Galapagos.

1. Argentine Patagonia

2. Machu Picchu, Peru

3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

4. Costa Rica

5. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.

12/21
Saving money while also taking a memorable vacation can almost double your fun. At each of these destinations, you don't have to spend a lot to be rewarded with a great getaway.

1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

2. Glacier National Park, Montana

3. Olympic National Park, Washington

4. St. Augustine, Florida

5. Sequoia National Park, California

Best Cheap European Vacations

13/21
Even traveling internationally you don't have to spend a fortune to have a good time. These enchanting cities also offer the benefit of not being completely overrun with tourists, so you can experience the city in a more authentic way.

1. Porto, Portugal

2. Prague, Czech Republic

3. Valencia, Spain

4. Tallinn, Estonia

5. Zagreb, Croatia

Best Weekend Getaways in the South (New this year)

14/21
The Southern region of the United States is littered with a plethora of great getaways. And whether you enjoy the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina and Gatlinburg, Tennessee; would rather spend your time near the ocean at St. Augustine, Florida or Charleston, South Carolina; or enjoy all the thrills the Theme Park Capital of the World (Orlando, Florida), each of these cities is sure to have something for everyone.

1. Asheville, North Carolina

2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

3. Orlando, Florida

4. St. Augustine, Florida

5. Charleston, South Carolina

Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest (New this year)

15/21
Even having only a short time to explore one of these cities can make your trip well worth the visit.

1. Chicago, Illinois

2. Ann Arbor, Michigan

3. Branson, Missouri

4. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

5. Indianapolis, Indiana

Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA (New this year)

16/21
Whether you like to get away for a ski trip, hiking adventure or just enjoy to enjoy the view, these mountain towns are calling.

1. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

2. Bar Harbor, Maine

3. Telluride, Colorado

4. Breckenridge, Colorado

5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Best National Parks in the World

17/21
The United States has numerous National Parks and according to U.S. News & World Report, a number of them are among some of the best in the world.

1. Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming

2. Yosemite National Park, California

3. Glacier National Park, Montana

4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

5. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Best U.S. National Parks

18/21
Millions of people visit the U.S. National Parks each year and with good reason. These awe-inspiring untouched pieces of land can help get you back to nature and give your life the reset you need.

1. Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming

2. Yosemite National Park, California

3. Glacier National Park, Montana

4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

5. Zion National Park, Utah

Best National Parks in Canada

19/21
Canada is the second-largest country by area in the world, and it is spotted with numerous gorgeous national parks, highlighting the beauty of this Great White North.

1. Jasper National Park, Alberta

2. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador

3. Banff National Park, Alberta

4. Yoho National Park, British Columbia

5. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta

Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA

20/21
Looking for a quiet getaway without the hustle and bustle of a major metropolis? Any of these towns offer a relaxing reprieve with just enough events to keep you entertained.

1. Bar Harbor, Maine

2. Telluride, Colorado

3. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

4. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

5. Sedona, Arizona

Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA

21/21
You're never too old to learn something new, and what better way than exploring a city strewn with fun and interactive museums, buildings, and historical sites? These towns are sure to help fill up your itinerary with historical sites.

1. Washington, D.C.

2. Boston, Massachusetts

3. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

5. Williamsburg, Virginia

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Lauren Bowman

Lauren Bowman

Lauren Bowman is a travel enthusiast. She loves experiencing new cultures, trying new foods, learning about the world around her, and believe it or not, she loves hanging out in airports. Follow her on Instagram/Twitter @lbowmantravels or contact her at [email protected]

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Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

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Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me