Tripadvisor, the world’s leading travel platform, has revealed the first category for its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Destinations, honoring the locations most cherished by travelers worldwide.
Each year, Tripadvisor reviews millions of user ratings and reviews to identify the most highly recommended destinations, helping travelers plan extraordinary trips and discover exceptional experiences. The 2026 Best of the Best Destinations cover a range of categories, including Top Destinations, Trending Destinations, Cultural Destinations, Food Destinations, Honeymoon Spots, and Solo Travel Locations.
“Tripadvisor thrives on the insights of millions of travelers worldwide,” said Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer at Tripadvisor Group. “From vibrant cities like London and Bangkok to serene beach retreats and romantic escapes in Madeira, Singapore, and Bali, the Best of the Best Destinations highlight the places that create unforgettable journeys and inspire travelers to explore with confidence.”
World’s Top Destination and U.S. Highlights For 2026, Bali, Indonesia has been named the No. 1 Top Destination in the World, celebrated for its lush scenery and pristine beaches. Visitors can enjoy unforgettable adventures, from a Mount Batur Jeep tour to snorkeling with manta rays on Nusa Penida.
Other leading global destinations include New York City, London, Dubai, Paris, Rome, and Bangkok—reflecting travelers’ continued love for iconic cities combined with rich cultural experiences.
In the U.S., New York City retains its top spot, reinforcing its status as a hub for arts, culture, dining, and entertainment. Other popular U.S. destinations feature Las Vegas, Nashville, New Orleans, Chicago, Washington D.C., and coastal favorites like O’ahu, Key West, Charleston, and Boston.
Top Destinations – World
- Bali, Indonesia
- London, U.K.
- Dubai, U.A.E.
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Paris, France
- Rome, Italy
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Crete, Croatia
- New York City, U.S.
- New York City, NY
- Las Vegas, NV
- O’ahu, HI
- Nashville, TN
- New Orleans, LA
- Chicago, IL
- Charleston, SC
- Key West, FL
- Washington, D.C.
- Boston, MA
Following Madeira, Tbilisi, Georgia continues to gain recognition for its energetic culture, picturesque streets, and growing arts scene. Other trending locations include Quy Nhon, Puerto Escondido, Milan, Glasgow, Abu Dhabi, Recife, and San Carlos de Bariloche.
Trending Destinations – World
- Madeira, Portugal
- Tbilisi, Georgia
- Chicago, U.S.
- Quy Nhon, Vietnam
- Puerto Escondido, Mexico
- Milan, Italy
- Glasgow, U.K.
- Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
- Recife, Brazil
- San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Solo Travel Destinations – World
- Dublin, Ireland
- Berlin, Germany
- London, U.K.
- Santiago, Chile
- Edinburgh, U.K.
- New York City, U.S.
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Madrid, Spain
- Bali, Indonesia
- Cape Town Central, South Africa
Culture Destinations: Singapore leads this category in 2026, followed by London and Krakow, highlighting destinations rich in arts, history, and local traditions.
Honeymoon Destinations: For couples, Bali tops the honeymoon list, joined by Mauritius, Maldives, St. Lucia, and other romantic escapes, providing idyllic settings for memorable celebrations.
Methodology The 2026 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations were determined using Tripadvisor reviews from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Rankings are based on both the quality and volume of reviews for accommodations, restaurants, and experiences in each destination.
