The 100 Best Destinations, Hotels, Airlines and More

It’s time again for the Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best Awards to be revealed! 

Each year, the publication releases its readers' choices for the best of the best in categories that include the top 100 cities and islands as well as the world’s best airlines, cruise lines, hotels and more.

It’s not uncommon for exciting, newfound destinations to move into the number-one spot, and this year’s list of top 100 cities was headlined by a newcomer. 
 
Mexico’s hidden treasure, the artsy town of San Miguel de Allende, took the top spot on the list of the world’s best cities. 

“San Miguel is one of the most authentic, creative and cost-effective destinations we’ve visited,” says one T+L reader about the colonial city. 

MORE Destination & Tourism

Study Finds Many Travelers Don’t Visit Landmarks...

Zimbabwe Poised for Major Tourism Growth

10 Landmarks Where You Can Honor Memorial Day

Meanwhile, the top 100 islands provide some of the most remote escapes in the world. 

This year’s winner was Palawan, Philippines. Second place came closer to home: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Back in the Philippines, the island of Boracay was number three on the list.

When it comes to the top 100 hotels, T+L readers are trying to get out of the city. Escapism is certainly on the rise, with only 17 of the top 100 properties in urban locations. Nihi Sumba Island (formerly Nihiwatu), Indonesia was the number-one hotel in the world, according to T+L readers. It is especially beloved as an eco-friendly escape popular with surfers. 

“It is the epitome of escape, adventure, and luxury,” one fan told T+L. 

The Brando, in French Polynesia—also one of former President Barack Obama’s fave new hangouts—was second on the list. Closer to home is the Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming, at number three. 

READ MORE: 2017 Travvy Awards: Here Are The World's Best Hotels

Singapore Airlines ranked number one among carriers, according to T+L readers. Emirates was the second best followed by Qatar. 

The best domestic airline was Virgin America, despite being purchased by Alaska Airlines. However, it could be one of the last times the airline makes it to the top of the list since Alaska has announced it will retire the Virgin America brand “sometime in 2019.”

As cruising becomes even more popular with travelers—be it on rivers or oceans—cruise ships continue to diversify. T+L recognized cruising in several categories, including mega-ships, river cruises, small ship cruise lines, large-ship cruise lines and midsize. 

In the mega-ship category, Cunard was at the top of the list. “No ship will make you feel like Audrey Hepburn like the QM2,” said one reader to T+L. 

At the top of the list of river cruise lines and small ship cruise lines was Crystal Cruises. “Small, intimate, elegant, with amazing service,” was a popular sentiment among T+L readers. 

The best midsize cruise line was Paul Gauguin, offering boutique cruises in French Polynesia, Fiji and the Cook Islands. The top large-ship ocean cruise line was Viking Cruises.

“The sophisticated design offers a wide range of tranquil spaces where guests can escape,” said a T+L reader.