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Best of the Best Things to Do

Below are the 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Top Attractions—the most iconic landmarks you simply have to see to believe.

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.

Basílica de la Sagrada Familia

Anne Frank House

The Dubai Fountain

Empire State Building

Musée d'Orsay

Eiffel Tower

Trevi Fountain

Central Park

Plaza de España

Duomo di Milano

Parque del Retiro

Kilmainham Gaol Museum

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center

Iguazu Falls

Gardens by the Bay

Iolani Palace

Jardin Majorelle

Museo Nacional de Antropologia

Stanley Park

Les 7 Cascades

Protect Your Trip »

The world's 30 best places to visit in 2020-21.

Using reader input and expert analysis, U.S. News identified the latest can't-miss vacations.

(Getty Images) |

Let exploration, relaxation or a mix of the two guide you toward your next getaway.

30. Niagara Falls

29. Costa Rica

28. Argentine Patagonia

27. Rio de Janeiro

26. Amsterdam

25. San Francisco

24. Great Barrier Reef

23. St. Lucia

22. Yellowstone

21. Santorini

20. Yosemite

19. Florence

16. Machu Picchu

14. Grand Canyon

13. New York City

11. Barcelona

4. Glacier National Park

3. Bora Bora

1. South Island, New Zealand

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The World’s Greatest Places of 2021

100 extraordinary destinations to explore

Accra, Ghana

A hub for creativity and culture.

A rare sight at the South Pole

Arouca, Portugal

Bridging the gap.

A cruising renaissance

Perpetual motion

Leaning into literary roots

Action-packed metropolis

Striking a delicate balance

Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Supercharged eco-luxury.

Readying for visitors

Big Sky, Montana

The great wide open.

Bodrum, Turkey

Riviera on the rise.

Cáceres, Spain

A multitude of cultural riches.

New vantages on unique treasures

Cannes, France

Sea and be seen.

Chimanimani National Park, Mozambique

Doubling down on conservation.

Christchurch, New Zealand

Rebuilding from rubble.

Coimbra, Portugal

Fresh claims to fame.

Committed to conservation

Rocky Mountain high

Desaru Coast, Malaysia

A beach escape.

Bringing the world together

A refined reopening

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Worth the journey.

Gold Coast, Australia

Surfers’ playground.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Four centuries and counting.

Design District, London

An affordable artistic incubator.

Luxury on the water

Gyeongju, South Korea

Historic gem.

Renewed life in the Old Quarter

Giving old spaces new purpose

Ho Chi Minh City

Tastes of vietnam.

Hokkaido, Japan

Northern exposure.

Lone Star stunner

Hudson Valley, New York

Brick by brick.

Indianapolis

Bottle service.

Island of Hawaii

Volcanoes and vistas.

Jaipur, India

Astronomical haven.

Jasper, Alberta

Canada’s cabin capital.

José Ignacio, Uruguay

Relaxed getaway.

Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Leave no trace.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

On the wild side.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Artisanal escape.

La Paz, Mexico

Laid-back vibes at the seaside.

Lake Khovsgol, Mongolia

Untold depths.

Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Solar-powered exploration.

Excess and innovation

Lijiang, China

A launch point for adventure.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

A culinary capital.

Loire Valley, France

Chez leonardo.

Los Angeles

Hollywood’s next act.

Safeguarding tradition

An ever changing archipelago

Marrakech, Morocco

A place of beauty.

Expanding on a legacy

Mendoza, Argentina

Serving culinary excellence outdoors.

Napa Valley, California

Restoring wine country.

Negev Desert, Israel

Desert cultivation.

New Orleans

Big easy does it.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia

Active nature.

New York City

Back in business.

North Goa, India

Dressed up on the coast.

Northland, New Zealand

Legendary experiences.

Nuuk, Greenland

Pioneering capital.

Odense, Denmark

Fairy-tale city.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

An oasis in the wetlands.

The magic continues

Osaka, Japan

Munch to do

The royal treatment

Patagonia National Park, Chile

Sustainable investments.

Philadelphia

Artistic growth.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Idyllic paradise.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Rising design destination.

Quito, Ecuador

Heritage hub.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Abuzz with openings.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Monument to the southwest.

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

A rare pilgrimage.

São Vicente, Cape Verde

Music in the air.

Sarasota, Florida

The growing gulf coast scene.

Savannah, Georgia

Revitalized riverfronts.

Visions of the future

Siargao, Philippines

Sicily, Italy

History by the seaside.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Wildlife and wonders.

Superlative city-state

Southern Carpathian Mountains, Romania

Returning to nature.

A reinvigorated downtown

Harborside stunners

Culture and quiet

Talkeetna, Alaska

Mountain majesties.

Tallinn, Estonia

Cruising and perusing.

Gearing up for the Games

Tuscany, Italy

Uffizi on tour.

Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

Salt-flat homestays.

Venice, Italy

Future-proofing an icon.

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Respite and renewal.

Wadi Dana, Jordan

Eyes in the sky.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Reveling in art.

Culture you can bank on

Audience editors: Samantha Cooney, Annabel Gutterman, Soo Jin Kim, Kat Moon and Kimberly Tal

Copy editors: Helen Eisenbach, Mark Hokoda, Anny Kim, Megan Rutherford, Sarah Rutledge, Jennifer Schiavone 

Designers: Jennifer Panzer and Jennifer Prandato

Digital producers: Paulina Cachero and Nadia Suleman

Editors: Jennifer Duggan, Merrill Fabry, Brekke Fletcher, Dan Macsai, Cate Matthews, Brittany Robins, Lily Rothman, and Karl Vick

Photo editors: Kim Bubello and Thea Traff

Reporter-researchers:   Leslie Dickstein, Mariah Espada, Alejandro de la Garza, Nik Popli, Madeline Roache, and Simmone Shah 

Video editor: Erica Solano

18 Best Places to Visit in the World

Written by Lana Law Updated May 11, 2023

Author Lana Law has traveled the globe extensively, including two year-long world trips, the most recent one in 2022/2023.

The world is filled with such a wide variety of wonderful destinations and beautiful places to visit, it can be difficult to compile a list of the best ones. Thinking about a traveler who, for whatever reason, has never set foot outside his or her hometown, where would be the first places they might visit?

The list of the world's best places to visit has to include great cities, like New York, Paris, London, and so on, each of which is filled with a multitude of individual sites or must-see places to visit. The list also includes specific sites, monuments, and locations, each also worthy of a visit in their own right.

For more ideas on where to go and what to see, read our list of the top places to visit in the world.

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

2. the grand canyon, arizona, 3. rome, italy, 4. maui, hawaii, 5. masai mara, kenya, 6. new zealand, 7. istanbul, turkey, 8. angkor wat, cambodia, 10. london, england, 11. manhattan, new york, 12. paris, france, 13. montreal, canada, 14. san francisco, california, 15. marrakesh, morocco, 16. cartagena, columbia, 17. the canary islands, 18. hong kong, map of places to visit in the world.

Highlights : Ancient 700-year-old city with an incredible location high in the Andes

Located high in the Andes mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is now believed to have been a sacred royal retreat for the Incan rulers. Built in the 15 th century CE and abandoned less than 100 years later, the remote site continues to amaze with its perfectly joined, mortarless, intricate stonework. Huge multi-ton blocks of stone are perfectly joined with each other, without the use of mortar or cement.

The journey to Machu Picchu typically starts in the mountain city of Cusco , which was the capital city of the Inca Empire . Cusco is a fascinating place to explore-be sure to spend a few days there before or after your Machu Picchu adventure.

It's possible to hike the Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The full hike takes five days, but you can also start closer and do a one-, two- or three-day hike along the trail. Most people take the train from Cusco, which takes about three and a half hours.

Machu Picchu has taken steps to avoid over-tourism and has limited the number of visitors to the site each day. All visitors need a permit prior to visiting. They are easily available from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture reservation page up to four months in advance. Many websites, hoping to sell tours, do not share this information.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Peru

Highlights : The earth's geological history opens before your eyes in a mile-deep chasm

This incredible sight, one of the seven natural wonders of the world , is in the U.S. state of Arizona. It's one of those beautiful places for which photos or video just don't do it justice-its sheer size and scope are hard to comprehend.

With geology formed over the past two billion years, yes billion, the 277-mile-long canyon itself is believed to have been started around five to six million years ago. It was formed by the flow of the Colorado River, which still flows through it and continues to erode the geology along its course. The Grand Canyon is up to 18 miles wide in places and up to a mile deep. Imagine standing on the edge, looking down a sheer rock wall almost a mile to the river below.

Most visitors come to the area referred to as the South Rim . This is where a number of impressive hiking trails into the Grand Canyon begin and great overlooks are spread along the rim road, known as Desert View Drive. A range of accommodations is available here and nearby, from tents to a rustic luxury canyon-side resort built from logs. A few accommodations are also found on the remote North Rim .

Many visitors access the canyon via the historic Grand Canyon Railway , which runs from the town of Williams, Arizona. The 64-mile rail line provides an entertaining way to get to the canyon with food and live music onboard. For those who prefer to drive, see our articles on driving north from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon or driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon .

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

Highlights : History around every corner; the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon are must-sees

The Eternal City is more like a giant, living museum. Visitors are immersed in and surrounded by thousands of years of history. It's a relatively compact city, and a three-day itinerary gets you to the minimum number of must-see places.

These must-see sites for any visitor include the Colosseum and adjacent Roman Forum ; the Pantheon ; and Vatican City , a separate country in the middle of central Rome.

Take some time to explore the outskirts of Rome, too. Consider a hike along a tomb-lined section of the Appian Way, the ancient Roman superhighway, and a visit to one of the aqueduct ruins outside the city.

If you feel like hitting the beach after all your exploring, Rome has a wonderful assortment of beach towns just a short drive away on the Lazio Coast. Escape the heat, hustle, and bustle of the city to bathe in the cool waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rome

Highlights : A tropical paradise with stunning beaches and five-star luxury resorts

This Hawaiian island offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. You can surf, enjoy a meal on the beach at a five-star luxury resort in Wailea, ride a horse across a dormant volcano in Haleakala National Park , or hike through a rainforest in the West Maui Mountains. The natural scenery is amazing-it's truly one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

When it comes to accommodation, there is something for everyone here, from rustic hippie bungalow bed and breakfasts to five-star luxury resort hotels . Wailea has all the luxury resorts-it's like the beachfront Beverly Hills of Maui. If you're staying here, be sure to venture out and spend some time in Kihei, where the locals hang out.

• Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Maui
• Best Beaches on Maui

Highlights : Wild animals in their natural environment, luxury safari lodges

Kenya's Masai Mara is an incredible bio-diverse area and a popular safari destination. It's an opportunity to see the "big five" animals (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) all during one trip or, if you're lucky, during one afternoon.

The protected Masai Mara National Reserve park area is huge, with over 1,500 square kilometers of mainly grassland, extending all the way to the Serengeti Plain of Tanzania. The popular times to visit are during the twice-yearly migrations, the main ones being in July and August. Over a million wildebeest and other animals cross the area in huge groups to go from one feeding area to another. Most visitors fly into Nairobi , then take a small bush plane to the Mara.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kenya
• Best Game Reserves in Africa

Highlights : Amazing natural sights in one easy-to-visit country

With its striking natural beauty , friendly citizens, and recent popularity due to its use as the filming location for the Lord of the Rings films (as well as many others), this island nation is one of the world's great places to visit. The biodiversity here is amazing — it's believed New Zealand was one of the last places on Earth to have human inhabitants.

Start your visit off in Auckland , with its culture, history, and museums. Spend some time on the water and at the beach — Waitemata Harbour has beaches, along with a range of sailing and boating activities.

Visit the Rotorua area to learn about and experience Indigenous Maori culture and head to Queenstown to experience the country's wide range of outdoor extreme action sports. Remember, this is where bungee jumping was invented.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Zealand

Highlights : Shopping in the bazaars, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia are not to be missed

Turkey's capital city is another destination that offers a great mix of culture, food, and history. There are thousands of years of history here, starting with Ancient Greeks and Ancient Romans and leading up through the Ottoman Empire.

There's a mix of the new and the timeless here unlike anywhere else. You can spend the day shopping and the night at a wonderful restaurant eating great Turkish food and dancing to Turkish music, then rise (very early) in the morning to the sound of the Ezan or morning Islamic call to prayer. It echoes across the rooftops as it's broadcast from loudspeakers set atop the minarets of the city's mosques.

Istanbul has excellent public transit, which means it's easy to get around and explore all the major sites and monuments. Must-see places include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia , and Topkapi Palace.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Istanbul

Highlights : A stunning ancient jungle city with hundreds of intricately constructed temples

Located just outside the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is the largest religious site in the world. Angkor Wat is Cambodia's top tourist attraction.

It was created originally as a Hindu temple and mausoleum for the Khmer ruler in the early part of the 12 th century and was converted to a Buddhist temple at the end of the 12 th century. Just part of an enormous ancient city. Angkor Wat is the temple area, and Angor Thom was the city and palace area. There are hundreds of other ruin sites in the area, all part of the ancient capital of Angkor.

Siem Reap and its temples and ruins are now very easily accessible via daily flights from Hong Kong and other large Asian cities. Accommodations range from inexpensive guesthouses to lavish luxury resorts, with everything in between.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Siem Reap

Highlights : Tropical beaches, volcano hikes, ancient temples, and friendly people

The tropical Indonesian island of Bali is a lush, tropical destination that should not be missed. A bit of everything can be found here, from towering volcanoes and sun-kissed shores to lush jungles complete with mischievous monkeys.

Add in the cultural aspect of vibrant temples and the friendly Balinese people, it becomes very easy to spend longer here than you may have planned. Bali has a long list of interesting things to do including rice terrace tours, volcano climbs, surfing lessons, and handicraft markets.

In the evening, enjoy the delights of Balinese dining with a tasty plate of Nasi Goreng or satay followed up by the rhythmic beats of a Kecak dance performance.

Highlights : History, architecture, dining, and world-class shopping

This historic English city is another destination just filled with incredible places to visit. A trip to London is an opportunity to visit iconic places like the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace , and the Tower of London .

Take advantage of the city being a cultural center as well by seeing a West End theater show or watching a musical performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Modern London is also a city of fine dining, luxury hotels, and world-class shopping.

Don't miss the museums, the vast British Museum is free, and usually quite crowded. Make time to visit The Wallace Collection , a free museum on Oxford Street. It has one of the world's greatest collections of furniture and porcelain, along with some important Old Master paintings.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in London

Highlights : Shopping, dining, Broadway shows, museums, and the Statue of Liberty

One of the five boroughs of New York City, Manhattan is actually an island, bordered by the East River and the Hudson (and a little bit by the Harlem River). This island is a bit less than 23 square miles and is home to almost two million residents. Add in the daily influx of workers, and the island routinely holds close to four million people.

No other city in the world offers the frenetic energy of New York City. It's filled with the world's best shopping and dining, along with incredible museums .

Manhattan also has a giant green heart, Central Park . No matter the season, it provides a playground for the city's residents, offering a range of activities from museums to a zoo. There's also a lot of green space where you can play and relax, along with miles of running, biking, and skating trails. You can also enjoy plenty of things to do in winter in NYC , from skating and sipping hot chocolate, to shopping and Broadway shows.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City

Highlights : Dining, shopping, the Eiffel Tower, museums, Seine River cruises

No visit to the French capital is complete without a trip to and a trip up its most iconic structure. The 300-meter-tall Eiffel Tower was quite simply, the tallest man-made structure in the world, from its opening in 1889 for 41 years until 1930.

Use your visit as a stair workout and climb the 300 steps from ground level to the first of three levels on the tower. If you're in great shape, climb another 300 steps to the second level. Then hop on the elevator here to get to the top. Aside from the workout, you'll also skip most of the crowd who want to take the elevator the whole way.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris

Highlights : Notre Dame Cathedral, historic Old Town and waterfront, delightful dining options

As you listen to the sound of French being spoken around you and explore Old Montreal , wandering down its narrow cobblestone streets-you might think you're in France. The historic area is filled with quaint shops and cafés; this Canadian city can be a chance to experience a bit of Europe in North America.

The city also has a thriving food scene, with several popular farmers' markets, including the Atwater Market and the Jean Talon Market. It's also known for its bagels, cooked hot and fresh by several iconic must-visit bakeries.

Be sure to visit the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica and take a drive up to Mount Royal, the big hill (or low mountain) the city is named after. You'll be rewarded with some amazing views extending all the way to the port.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Montreal

Highlights : The iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, historic streetcars

San Francisco is a truly unique American city and one of the world's great vacation spots. Explore its hills, ride the cable cars that climb them, and eat some seafood at Fisherman's Wharf . Also spend some time exploring Marin County on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge , including the picturesque town of Sausalito . The giant redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument are only 30 minutes away and also well worth a side trip.

Be sure to also make time for a visit to or even better, a drive across, the Golden Gate Bridge. This monument to modern engineering genius spans the strait that connects San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The almost two-mile-long, six-lane bridge connects the Northern California city with Marin County.

Opened in 1937, the bridge has a unique, geometric beauty and can be viewed from many areas on either side of its span. Some of the best views are from the Marin Headlands, a hilly part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a national park that includes areas on either side of the bridge.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Francisco

Highlights : Old walled city, shopping in the bazaars, and a sensory overload

Start your Marrakech adventure in the Jemaa el-Fnaa , the main, open square in the Moroccan city. It's the gateway to the medina or old walled city. The square is like nowhere else in the world, presenting a constant show of humanity. There are musical performers, snake charmers, monkey trainers, amateur boxing matches, and transvestite belly dancers.

It's also a giant food market, as well as a giant antique market and swap meet. You can even get a haircut or have some dental work performed. At night, there are fire performers, and an outdoor food fair is set up in the center, with rows of food stalls fronted by counters lined with chairs.

This exotic African destination is only a short flight (usually less than four hours) from most major European cities. As a popular getaway destination, there are frequent flights available. Accommodations range from riads , traditional houses remade into luxury boutique hotels in the medina to five-star luxury resorts just outside the city in an area called La Palmeraie.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Marrakesh

Highlights : Incredible 500-year-old walled city with historic 19th-century architecture and some of Colombia's best dining

Colorful Cartagena, one of the great historical Spanish cities of the Caribbean, pulses with life along the north coast of Colombia. Founded in 1533, its old walled city has seen its fortunes rise and fall through the centuries and has more recently experienced a resurgence and revitalization.

Significant restoration of the old city has resulted in once-dilapidated 16th-century buildings springing back to life as modern, yet historical hotels, world-class restaurants, and shops. Wander through the narrow city streets to see an impressive church, an open plaza with public works of art, or an eclectic shop selling that perfect souvenir.

Be sure to wander along the ancient city walls, and as you watch the sunset over the ocean, think back to what life used to be like here nearly 500 years ago.

It's easy to get to Cartagena from the United States, with daily flights from Miami and good connections through Panama City. This is the perfect destination for an exotic long weekend getaway from almost anywhere in North America.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia

Highlights : White-sand beaches, rugged mountains, luxury resorts, island adventures

Off the coast of northwestern Africa are a delightful chain of islands that should be on every sun-seeker's to-do list. The Canary Islands are all a bit different from one another, allowing the intrepid traveler to have four or even five (or more), experiences in one trip.

The Canary Islands are especially known for their beaches. Stunning white-sand beaches washed by crystal-clear waters are among the best beaches in Spain . Many people come here to stay at the multitude of luxury resorts that line the waterfront, and rarely venture off the property.

Those that have a taste for adventure will find towering volcanoes, stunning hiking trails, towering pine forests, and authentic old towns dating back to the time of Christopher Columbus.

Some of the most popular islands are Tenerife , Gran Canaria , Lanzarote , and Fuerteventura . Each of these offers its own unique experience and landscape.

Highlights : Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor, skyscrapers, Victoria Peak views, awesome dining

Asia's largest city can feel like an Asian Manhattan, with giant skyscrapers in a compact area and a serious focus on business. But venture deeper, and you'll find the city's unique mix of ancient Chinese culture and remnants of its British Colonial history as well. Gleaming skyscrapers are built with hand-assembled bamboo scaffolding in a fusion of new and old.

The city is divided into two main sections: Hong Kong Island and Kowloon , separated by Victoria Harbour . Take the Star Ferry across the harbor, still one of the great travel bargains, given the spectacular scenery on both sides. You can also venture into the more rural areas to discover the sparsely populated Outlying Islands , hiking trails , and beautiful beaches .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hong Kong

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Great Places to Visit Around the World: If you are heading to Europe, be sure to see our guides to the best places to visit in France , Italy , and Portugal . Our lists of best places to visit in Scotland and Ireland will also point you in the right direction in these countries. For ideas on where to go in America, see our recommendations for the best places to visit in the United States .

More on Arizona

World's Most Visited Tourist Attractions, Ranked

Most visited tourist attractions.

The world’s most visited tourist attractions stretch from San Francisco to Paris to Beijing, but they might not be what you expect. For example, Alcatraz doesn’t even make the top 50. The Eiffel Tower only sees about 7 million visitors each year, meaning it doesn't land in the top 20. The Great Wall and the Louvre see a mere 9 million visitors per year, less than a quarter of the crowds the top attraction in the world pulls in. And there's a lot of theme parks.

Still, the list is full of favorites, including several you've probably been to — or at least have on your bucket list. But as anyone who's been shoved up against a throng of sweaty bystanders knows, the most popular attractions in the world aren't always the most pleasant to visit, thanks to everyone else wanting to see them at the same time as you. 

Luckily, there are ways to avoid at least some of the crowds when checking out the world's most popular sites.

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.  

50. Nagashima Spa Land — Kuwana, Japan

Annual visitors: 5.8 million

Nagashima Spa Land Resort is comprised of five sections: the 50-ride Nagashima Spa Land Amusement Park, Nabana no Sato flower park, the 200-store Mitsui Outlet Shopping Park; Joyful Water Park; and Nagashima Onsen, a hot spring complex.

The park is busy year-round, though it’s at its most crowded during the warmer months, particularly in June, July, and August when temperatures rise and locals head to the massive swimming pools at the water park. Throughout the year, weekends and holidays also see more visitors.

*Note: The annual visitor numbers listed are taken from 2018 and 2019, before the 2020 pandemic affected tourism data.

Nagashima Spa Land Tip

Shoulder season months like September, October, April and May combine pleasant weather with more manageable visitor numbers, while the coldest months (December to February) see far fewer crowds.

The park is open for reduced hours and some attractions (like the water park) aren’t open, but there are virtually no lines during this time.

Where to stay: Family Lodge Hatagoya Wangan Nagashima 

48. Palace of Versailles — Versailles, France (Tie)

Annual visitors: 5.9 million

France’s Palace of Versailles served as the royal residence of France from 1682 until the start of the French Revolution in 1789.

Located about 12 miles southwest of Paris, the opulent castle, famed for its magnificent architecture, lavish furnishing and sprawling gardens, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of the most popular attractions in Europe, the Palace is nearly always bustling, but crowds are at their densest during the busy summer travel season of late May through early September. Weekends are also busy all year round.

Palace of Versailles Tip

To stroll through the Palace like Marie Antoinette without a horde of peasants following you, visit on a weekday or go in the off-season; the colder months of November to March (excluding holidays) see far fewer crowds.

Regardless of the season, go early. The Palace gets busier in the late morning and afternoon, so plan to arrive before 10 a.m. to beat the rush.

Where to stay: Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace

48. Universal Studios Hollywood — Los Angeles, California, United States (Tie)

One of the oldest Hollywood film studios still in use, Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park, and was the first in the now large family of Universal Studios Theme Parks located around the world.

As with Universal Studios Orlando, one of its most popular attractions is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opened in 2016, and features the thrill rides Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Flight of the Hippogriff, as well as the interactive Ollivander's Wand Fitting Experience and The Three Broomsticks restaurant.

The park is at its busiest during the holidays — including long weekends like MLK Jr. Day weekend, President's Day weekend and Memorial Day weekend as well as holiday weeks like spring break, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. 

Universal Studios Hollywood Tip

The best times to visit Universal are weekdays in January and February and September through December, excluding holidays.

Weather is generally mild all year round, so when the kids are back in school, visitors can still enjoy all the perks of the park, but with far fewer people and much shorter lines.

Where to stay: Sheraton Universal Hotel 

47. Bourbon Street — New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Annual visitors: 6 million

One of the most iconic streets in the world, and the center of New Orleans’ party scene, Bourbon Street is located in the Big Easy’s oldest neighborhood, the French Quarter.

The street extends for 13 blocks and is lined with bars, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Bourbon Street Tip

One easy way to avoid the bulk of the crowds is to stick to visiting during the day when it’s relatively quiet (one major exception: during Mardi Gras, when more than 100,000 people swarm the street).

The hot and sticky months of June through September are low season, as are December, January and Lent, the seven-week period after the festivities of Mardi Gras.

Where to stay: Bourbon Orleans Hotel  

45. Museum of Modern Art — New York, New York, United States (Tie)

Annual visitors: 6.1 million

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the largest and most influential modern art museums in the world, boasting more than 200,000 examples of modern architecture, design, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, prints, film and electronic media.

But be warned: The museum can easily become jam-packed with revelers.

Museum of Modern Art Tip

MoMA is especially crowded on Fridays after 4 p.m., when admission is waived as well as during Easter week, Thanksgiving week, between Christmas and New Year’s, Spring Break, during the summer and on rainy days.

To see MoMA’s works without jostling for space, go earlier in the day (particularly on Fridays, when most visitors will wait until the free time) or on Sunday.

Where to stay: The Jewel, a Club Quarters Hotel, Opposite Rockefeller Center 

45. Universal Studios Orlando, Florida, United States (Tie)

A theme park and production studio opened in 1990, Universal Studios Florida is part of the Universal Orlando Resort, and is themed around the idea that guests can "ride the movies."

Along with thrill rides and themed attractions, it includes several live shows spread across eight lands with surround a large lagoon. With the 2014 edition of Harry Potter's Diagon Alley, the park has become even more popular, especially during peak times: summer, school holidays, spring break, Easter, and the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holiday weeks.

Universal Studios Orlando Tip

The best time to visit for lower prices and smaller crowds are January through early March (avoiding holidays), and the second half of August through December (also avoiding holidays).

As with other parks, rainy days and weekdays also see fewer crowds.

Where to stay: Universal's Loews Sapphire Falls Resort  

43. Lincoln Memorial — Washington, D.C., United States (Tie)

Annual visitors: 6.2 million

A national monument built to honor its namesake, President Abraham Lincoln, the Lincoln Memorial is located on the western end of the National Mall across from the Washington Monument.

Dedicated in 1922, the memorial, a marble sculpture of a seated Lincoln, is housed in a large Greek-style temple with an inscription of two of Lincoln's famous speeches — "The Gettysburg Address" and his Second Inaugural Address — inside.

Lincoln Memorial Tip

The memorial is at its most crowded when the city is at its busiest, including during the National Cherry Blossom Festival (late March to early April) and holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

Summer and weekends in general are busier, while the winter months and weekdays are quieter. The memorial is open every day, 24 hours a day, so a visit late at night or early morning ensures a viewing with fewer crowds.

Where to stay: The Watergate Hotel  

43. Lake Mead — Nevada, United States (Tie)

Located on the Colorado River about 24 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States.

It’s formed by the Hoover Dam, and though that engineering marvel is often what draws visitors to the lake, the water also offers its own attractions, including boating, fishing, swimming and kayaking.

Lake Mead Tip

Summer is peak season on the lake and at the Dam, and holidays like the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Memorial Day are particularly packed.

To enjoy the lake’s watery wonders without thousands of fellow tourists, aim for a weekday in May or September. If swimming weather isn’t a consideration, go in January or February when crowds decrease significantly.

Where to stay: Viera Suite with Lake Views

41. Disney Hong Kong — Hong Kong (Tie)

Annual visitors: 6.7 million

Set on 68 acres, Disney Hong Kong consists of seven themed areas, including some from its American counterparts, like Main Street, U.S.A; Fantasyland; Adventureland; Tomorrowland; and Toy Story Land. Cast members speak Cantonese, English and Mandarin, and signs are in English as well as Chinese.

With a daily capacity of just 34,000 visitors, it’s the smallest (in terms of capacity) of all the Disney parks. That doesn’t mean it’s not busy though, and during peak times, its smaller size can make it feel more overwhelmed than some of the larger parks.

Disney Hong Kong Tip

The busiest times are during the hot, humid summer tourist season, weekends and holidays like Chinese New Year. Unlike some of the other parks, attendance can actually be lower here during the Christmas season.

Other great times to visit including weekdays and from September to April, excluding holidays.

Where to stay: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel

41. British Museum — London, England (Tie)

Dedicated to human history, art and culture, the British Museum is home to a collection of more than 8 million artifacts and works of art.

Opened in 1759, it was the first national public museum in the world and, to this day, it charges no admission fee.

British Museum Tip

The museum is always busy, even more so during the opening and closing weeks of special exhibitions, on Saturdays and on rainy days when people visit in droves to avoid London’s gloom.

To beat the bulk of the crowds, visit on a weekday (Tuesdays see particularly light crowds), Sunday or Friday evening.

Where to stay: NYX Hotel London Holborn by Leonardo Hotels  

39. Lotte World, Seoul, South Korea (Tie)

Annual visitors: 6.8 million

Lotte World is a recreation complex that includes both indoor and outdoor amusement parks areas, an artificial island on a lake linked by monorail, a Korean folk museum, aquarium, hotel, mall and movie theater.

The indoor park, Lotte World Adventure, happens to be the largest indoor theme park in the world. It has 22 rides as well as parades and shows, and the outdoor park, Magic Island, has 17 thrill rides.

Lotte World Tip

Despite its massive size, it can often feel quite crowded, especially during peak times: summer, weekends and holidays. Since the park has a large indoor space, it can also be very busy on rainy days and during the winter.

To avoid some of the crowds and spend less time in line, the best times to visit are Monday through Thursday, as well as the milder months during the spring (March and April) and fall (September and October).

Where to stay: Lotte Hotel World 

39. Everland Resort — South Korea (Tie)

South Korea's largest theme park, Everland, includes a zoo, a water park, several rides and roller coasters, four gardens and multiple shows. Peak season at the park runs from the third week of July until the end of the second week of August, as well as the weeks of Christmas and New Year.

Spring or fall generally means pleasant weather, fewer crowds and lower prices; however, there are some exceptions: including the last Friday of April through May, and from late October until mid-November, as many Koreans travel to see the fall leaves change.

Everland Resort Tip

To enjoy the park with far fewer crowds, visit in the the winter low season from late-November through early March (avoiding the holidays listed above).

Visiting mid-week anytime of year will also mean reduced crowds compared to the busier weekends.

Where to stay: The Soom Forest Hotel 

36. Eiffel Tower — Paris, France (Tie)

Annual visitors: 7 million

An icon of Paris, the world-famous Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel and constructed from 1887 to 1889 for the 1889 World’s Fair. It originally received harsh criticism from many locals but has since become one of the most enduring symbols of the city.

At 1,063 feet, it’s the tallest building in Paris and provides sweeping views of the city from its top-level observation deck, located at 906 feet.

Eiffel Tower Tip

An average of 25,000 people ascend the tower every day and the lines can be interminable. Skip-the-line tickets (or reservations at one of the Tower’s two restaurants) can help you avoid some of the waits for the lift, but if you don’t plan on going up in the tower and just want to avoid some of the crowds at ground level, plan to visit closer to sundown or on a weekday in winter.

The busiest times tend to be the summer months, particularly in July and August.

Where to stay: Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel 

36. National Air and Space Museum — Washington, D.C., United States (Tie)

A Smithsonian Institution museum, the National Air and Space Museum opened in 1976 and is dedicated to the history of aeronautics, aviation, and space technology and innovation. It’s also a center for research into planetary science and terrestrial geology.

Among the nerd-out items on display are the Apollo 11 command module, Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis" and the Wright brothers' plane.

National Air and Space Museum Tip

To avoid the bulk of the aviation-loving crowd, visit in the afternoon, as the museum is at its busiest in the mornings.

Like much of D.C., it’s also more crowded during the summer, so a winter visit all but guarantees you’ll enjoy a bit more breathing room among the historic planes and aviation artifacts (while simultaneously beating DC’s oppressive summer heat).

Where to stay: Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall 

36. Victoria Peak— Hong Kong (Tie)

Annual Visitors: 7 million

A mountain on the western half of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak towers 1,811 feet above the city. As the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, it’s a popular spot to see Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour and Lamma Island from above.

It’s also home to several restaurants and two shopping malls, one of which is connected to the upper station of the Peak Tram, a funicular railway that brings passengers up from sea level to take in the staggering views from the top.

Victoria Peak Tip

Weekends and public holidays are the busiest times to visit, especially from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., when crowds head to the peak for a bird’s-eye-view of the Victoria Harbour light show.

Weekdays and mornings before 9 a.m. are the best times to go avoid some of the largest crowds.

Where to stay: Bishop Lei International House 

35. Ocean Park Hong Kong — Hong Kong

Annual visitors: 7.4 million

Opened in 1977, Ocean Park Hong Kong is an oceanarium and amusement park set on 226 acres and separated into two areas, known as the Summit and the Waterfront, which are connected by a cable car and funicular. The park features rides like roller coasters as well as animal exhibits, such as a giant panda habitat and a large aquarium.

Here, as in much of Hong Kong, crowds are unavoidable, though the hordes peak on weekends, particularly Saturdays, and during Chinese holidays such as New Year (in January or February), Dragon Boat Festival (May) and Mid Autumn Festival (October).

Ocean Park Tip

The best time to visit the park is during off-peak season (the sticky, sweaty months of May to September) and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Shoulder season, the months of September to December, brings better weather and crowds are moderate.

Any time of year, you can skip some of the time waiting in line at the park entrance by buying tickets online or at any 7-Eleven store in Hong Kong.

Where to stay: Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel 

34. Disney California Adventure Park - Anaheim, California, United States

Annual visitors: 7.7 million

Disney California Adventure Park, part of The Walt Disney Company, is a 72-acre park in Anaheim themed after the history and culture of California. Opened in 2001, it incorporates themes and characters from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, including "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Cars," "Frozen," "Toy Story" and "Monsters, Inc."

Though it’s one of the less popular Disney properties, it’s by no means unpopular, and during peak times, it can feel as crowded as any other Disney park on a busy day. It’s at its busiest in summer, on holidays and school breaks, and on weekends.

Disney California Adventure Tip

To avoid the throngs, follow the best practices for most other Disney parks: go midweek, make a beeline for the top attractions first, and aim for popular attractions during off-peak times, such as when most people are dining.

The best months to visit include the off-season months of November to February (avoiding holidays) as well as the shoulder-season months of March, April, September and October.

Where to stay: Disneyland Hotel 

33. Islands of Adventure, Universal — Orlando, Florida, United States

Annual visitors: 7.9 million

Universal's Islands of Adventure opened in 1999 as part of an expansion of Universal Studios Florida. It features eight themed lands, including the incredibly popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the newest land, Skull Island, themed around King Kong.

The busiest times at the park include New Year’s and the days after, Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, March to April (during various spring break weeks), late-May to early-August, Thanksgiving week and Christmas through New Year’s. Conversely, the best times to visit are January and February and weekdays from September through December, avoiding holidays. 

Islands of Adventure Tip

September is generally considered the most optimal time for those who don’t want to sacrifice mild weather for shorter lines. Kids have just returned to school, so fewer families are visiting, but temperatures are still warm.

Fall’s Halloween Horror Nights have made the month more popular (particularly on Friday nights), but crowds are still significantly reduced from summer highs.

Where to stay: Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites 

32. Smithsonian National Museum of History — Washington, D.C., United States

Annual visitors: 8 million

The National Museum of Natural History is part of D.C.’s Smithsonian Institution, located on the National Mall in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Opened in 1910, it has 325,000 square feet of exhibition space that houses more than 126 million specimens — including plants, animals and fossils — and more than 1,000 staff members, including 185 professional natural-history scientists.

Smithsonian Tip

The museum offers free admission and is open nearly every day of the year — and it sees large crowds nearly every day of the year as well. For a less-crowded experience, go on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, and definitely avoid Saturdays and school holidays.

It’s also busier during summer, especially from mid-May through the end of July. September and February tend to be the slowest months.

Where to stay: Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf  

31. Sydney Opera House — Sydney, Australia

Annual visitors: 8.2 million

Formally opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Though its purpose is hosting more than 1,500 performances each year, the bulk of the tourists come simply to see the exterior of one of this century’s most famous works of architecture.

In fact, while 1.2 million people attend a performance and 350,000 visitors take a guided tour of the building each year, many visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage Site never actually set foot inside it.

Sydney Opera House Tip

If a photo of the exterior framed against the harbor is all you need, head to the relatively quiet Blues Point Reserve, which offers beautiful views of both the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Otherwise, plan your visit to Sydney during Australia’s winter — from June to August.

Where to stay: Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour 

30. Pier 39 — San Francisco, California, United State

Annual visitors: 8.5 million

Located on the north edge of San Francisco, near the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 is most famous as the home of a massive group of California sea lions, who regularly (and noisily) haul themselves out of the water to laze on the adjacent dock.

Other attractions include several shops, an arcade, a large double-decker carousel and the Aquarium of the Bay.

Pier 39 Tip

Summer is peak tourist season in San Francisco, which also means lots of people convening at the Pier. However, it’s not peak season for the sea lions, who head to breeding grounds on the Channel Islands for most of June and July.

They’re back from late summer to late spring; to see them in peace, visit during the months of November through March. Crowds are also thinner earlier in the morning and around sunset.

Where to stay: Hotel Zephyr San Francisco 

28. South Street Seaport — New York, New York, United States (Tie)

Annual visitors: 9 million

A designated historic area along the East River, the South Street Seaport is home to some of the oldest buildings in downtown Manhattan as well as New York’s largest concentration of restored early-19th-century commercial buildings.

Among these are several renovated mercantile buildings and refurbished sailing ships and the former Fulton Fish Market, which opened in 1822 as one of the city’s first open-air fish markets.

South Street Seaport Tip

These days, the seaport is a commercial hub of a different kind, with a tourist mall offering several dining and shopping options. As with most of New York, the South Street Seaport sees the largest crowds during the summer months and on weekends.

To visit it with fewer tourists, go in winter or on a rainy day. Or visit early in the day or late in the evening.

Where to stay: M Social Hotel Times Square New York 

28. Great Wall of China — Beijing, China (Tie)

Built over centuries starting as early as the seventh century B.C., the Great Wall of China is a series of stone, brick, wood and earthen fortifications that stretch more than 13,000 miles from east to west across the country. The wall served as both a barrier to invaders and a border to regulate trade and immigration, and its stone towers functioned as lookouts, barracks and stations for smoke signals.

Today, the aptly named Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s recognized as one of the world’s most impressive man-made structures. It’s also incredibly crowded, especially at its easier-to-access sections, such as Badaling near Beijing. Those areas are at their most jam-packed during Golden Week (beginning of October), the Labor Day holiday (end of April to beginning of May) and the Spring Festival (40 days in February and March).

Great Wall of China Tip

Peak time in Badaling tends to be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., so going earlier or later will help you avoid some of the fray.

Another option is to visit some of the less developed spots, such as Jinshanling and Huanghua Cheng, which are only partly restored, or Jiankou and Zhuangdaokou, which are even more decrepit (and should only be visited by fit travelers up for the challenge of steep climbs and crumbling stones).

Where to stay: Commune by the Great Wall, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt 

26. Musée du Louvre — Paris, France (Tie)

Annual visitors: 9.2 million

The Louvre Museum is the world's largest art museum, housing more than 38,000 objects in its 782,910 square feet of space. Located in what was originally the 12th-century Louvre castle, it’s now most recognizable by the glass pyramid, designed by I. M. Pei,  that marks its entrance.

The Louvre has appeared in countless movies, including “The Da Vinci Code” and “Wonder Woman,” and is home to one of the world’s most iconic paintings, the “Mona Lisa.”

Lines to enter the museum regularly snake throughout its expansive inner courtyard, particularly in the peak summer months of June, July and August. Winter sees far fewer visitors. Additionally, the museum is open late (until 9:45 p.m.) on Wednesdays and Fridays, and come dinner time, the crowds tend to thin out.

Regardless of when you go, you can bypass some of the crowds by buying skip-the-line tickets in advance, or heading to one of the lesser-known entrances away from the glass pyramid (at Porte des Lions or the Galerie du Carrousel).

Where to stay: Hôtel du Louvre, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt 

26. Navy Pier — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Tie)

Originally opened to the public as the “Municipal Pier” in 1916, the 3,300-foot-long Navy Pier sits on the edge of Lake Michigan on Chicago’s North Side. In its lifetime, it’s been home to a jail and a training center for the U.S. Navy.

Today, it boasts multiple theaters, a park and indoor botanical garden, more than a dozen restaurants, a beer garden, several amusement rides and the Centennial Wheel, a 200-foot-tall Ferris Wheel that gives riders 360-degree views of the city and lake below.

Navy Pier Tip

Despite the fact that many Chicagoans wouldn’t be caught setting foot on the pier, it’s the city’s top tourist attraction, and in summer, it’s swarmed with visitors. The winter months (November to March) see far fewer tourists due to Chicago’s famously frigid temps. Other less crowded times are midweek, early in the morning or closer to sunset.

To avoid the hordes, skip a visit on July 4 or over Memorial Day or Labor Day weekends.

Where to stay: LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton  

25. Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Tennessee, United States

Annual visitors: 9.6 million

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches across the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and encompasses the Great Smoky Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, Established in 1934, the park is the most visited national park in the United States and is home to an estimated 187,000 acres of old-growth forest and the densest black bear population in the Eastern United States.

The park has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it contains five historic districts and nine buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The peak sees peak crowds during the summer (June-August) as well as in October. It’s also busier on weekends, particularly long weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend.

Great Smoky Mountains Tip

To see more of the park’s natural beauty without the crowds, visit during the off-season. Mid-September sees fewer crowds than busy October, though fall foliage isn’t yet at its peak. January to March are also much slower, though these months often see snowfall. For the best mix of good weather and low crowds, early spring (late March to mid-May) is a good compromise. 

Visiting early in the day or later in the evening can also assure fewer crowds, as can simply walking; much of the park’s natural beauty is easily accessible from the road, but those who take to the trails, will leave the crowds behind as they venture farther away from the pavement.

Where to stay:  Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown 

24. Universal Studios Japan — Osaka, Japan

Annual visitors: 9.7 million

Universal Studios Japan opened in 2014 and has 10 themed areas, including perhaps its most famous and popular attraction, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," which includes a series of shops, rides, and restaurants based on the books and movies. Other rides and shows are themed around internationally beloved characters including Sesame Street, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Spiderman, and Shrek.

As with other theme parks in Japan, and Japan in general, it’s more crowded during warmer months (May to September), during holidays, and during cherry blossom season (late March-early April). Other popular times include Golden Week (end of April to the beginning of May), Tenjin Matsuri (July 24-25), New Year's, Thanksgiving Day weekend (end of November), the Emperor’s Birthday (23rd of December) as well as school holidays (the last week of November and winter holidays, from Dec. 20 to Jan. 6) and the “Bon” festival season, the week around Aug. 15.

Universal Studios Japan Tip

Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days to visit as well as the months of January (after Jan. 6, when New Year crowds have dissipated) and February — two of the coldest months of the year.

Avoiding holidays, October through December offer the best of both worlds: milder weather and reduced crowds.

Where to stay:  The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan  

22. Disney Hollywood Studios - Bay Lake, Florida, USA (Tie)

Annual visitors: 9.9 million

At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park that opened in 1989 (originally knowns as the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park).

The 135 acre-park is dedicated to film, television, music and theater, and is divided into six themed lands with attractions based on "Star Wars," "Toy Story," "Frozen" and other classics. As with other Disney parks, particularly those based in Florida, it’s busy year-round, but crowds swell during the summer months, winter and spring breaks, and over the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Long weekends also see bigger crowds.

Hollywood Studios Tip

To make the most of your time and avoid long lines, go mid-week during the off-season or shoulder-season, such as the weeks in December or January right before/after the holidays.

September, October and February also see fewer crowds.

Where to stay:  Walt Disney World Dolphin 

22. Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Orlando, Florida, United States (Tie)

A zoological theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort, Animal Kingdom is the largest theme park in the world, covering 580 acres. Opened in 1998, it is themed around the natural environment and animal conservation, two subjects dear to Walt Disney himself.

Millions of visitors come to see the park’s exhibits, which include thousands of wild animals in recreations of their natural habitat, and like at the other parks, the bulk of those visitors come during the summer months, school breaks, holidays and weekends.

Animal Kingdom Tip

Like the other parks in the Disney empire, the Animal Kingdom offers Extra Magic Hours on select mornings to guests staying at Disney hotels. For guests who have this perk, it’s a great time to go without the crowds. If you don’t have this perk, though, it’s best to avoid these mornings because, by the time you get to your first attractions, all the Extra Magic Hour people will already be in line.

Arriving early at Animal Kingdom is recommended, as many of the animals retreat to shady spots when the afternoon heat hits. A visit in the afternoon may mean fewer crowds, but it might also mean less opportunity to see the animals.

Where to stay:  Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge 

20. Plaza de la Constitución — Mexico City, Mexico (Tie)

Annual visitors: 10 million

More commonly referred to as the Zócalo, Mexico City’s sprawling central square is the gathering place for military parades, concerts, festivals, and political and cultural events.

It’s also adjacent to other top tourist attractions in the city, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, which means it sees a lot of foot traffic even when there’s no event taking place.

Plaza de la Constitución Tip

Mexico City’s slowest tourist season is November to March.

If you visit during these months — and avoid holidays like Dia de Los Muertos (October 31 to November 2), Christmas and New Year’s — you might even have much of it to yourself.

Where to stay:  Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico 

20. Pike Place Market — Seattle, Washington, United States (Tie)

One of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United States, Pike Place Market has been bringing fresh fish, flowers, produce and other goods direct from farmers, producers and craftspeople to Seattleites since 1907. Seattle’s most popular tourist attraction, it takes up eight buildings and is home to nearly 500 vendors.

On weekends, the market hums with activity as locals do their shopping, tourists queue up at the original Starbucks, and both groups dine on delicious clam chowder, doughy Russian piroshkis and freshly cracked crab.

Pike Place Market Tip

Big crowds are all but guaranteed on weekends and during summer afternoons when cruise ship passengers flood the city.

The market is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and is at its quietest before 11 a.m. or closer to closing.

Where to stay: Inn at the Market 

19. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade - Hong Kong

Annual visitors: 10.1 million

The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is one of the busiest and most crowded spots in a busy and crowded city.

It’s home to half of the major museums in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art and Hong Kong Science Museum, as well as hundreds of shops and restaurants.

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade Tip

The promenade is also an ideal place to admire the view of the Hong Kong skyline and Victoria Harbour. There’s no avoiding crowds on the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront, but you can see it with slightly fewer people if you visit in the low season (the hot, humid and typhoon-prone months of July and August).

At all costs, avoid Golden Week, which takes place twice per year in January or February (around Chinese New Year) and October.

Where to stay:  Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers 

18. Sacre Coeur — Paris, France

Annual visitors: 10.5 million

Sacre Coeur (the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris) is in the Montmartre neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement. Set on Montmartre hill, the area is the highest point in Paris. Built between 1875 and 1914, it’s one of Paris’s younger attractions, but it holds significance as a political and cultural monument and the center of the city’s most bohemian, artistic neighborhood.

Crowds that climb the many steps (or ride the funicular) to the top of Montmartre hill not only get to see the famous basilica, they also get a spectacular view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Sacre Coeur Tip

Sacre Coeur is open from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day.

The dome closes at 7 p.m. in the summer and 6 p.m. in winter, so if you’re less concerned with climbing the 300 steps of the dome and just want to see the interior, come later at night to avoid the bulk of the crowds.

Where to stay:  Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur 

17. Epcot Park, Orlando, Florida, United States

Annual visitors: 11 million

Part of Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort Epcot Park opened in 1982 as a futuristic celebration of human achievement. Covering 305 acres, it’s more than twice the size of the adjacent Magic Kingdom and has a focus on technology and culture.

A sort of “permanent world’s fair,” its name stands for "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” and it’s comprised of two main ares, Future World and World Showcase. The latter is made up of 11 pavilions representing the food and culture of countries around the world.

While Epcot Park isn’t as popular as other Disney parks, it still sees its fair share of visitors and, like the other parks, is busiest during the summer, on weekends, and over holidays including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve and Day.

The best time to visit for fewer crowds is on a weekday in September, January or February, avoiding holiday weekends.

Epcot Park also offers Extra Magic Hours on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings, so guests staying in Disney hotels can visit before or after the park is officially closed and enjoy the attractions with fewer fellow guests.

Where to stay: Resort Lake Buena Vista Vacation Home

16. Disneyland Paris — Paris, France

Annual visitors: 11.2 million

Originally known as Euro Disney Resort when it opened in 1992, Disneyland Paris spans 140 acres and is largely modeled after the original Disney parks in Anaheim and Orlando, right down to the centerpiece fairy tale castle. Its five-themed lands house 49 attractions, including classics like Thunder Mountain.

A mid-week visit (Tuesday to Thursday), particularly during mid-January through mid-March or from mid-April through mid-May, guarantees shorter lines, but it also means some attractions may be closed.

Disneyland Paris Tip

As with other Disney resorts, it sees peak crowds on weekends, during the summer, during major holidays like Bastille Day on July 14 and when schoolchildren are on break.

If a visit in peak season is unavoidable, the same tricks apply as at other parks: aim for the big-name rides first, and get in line for the most popular attractions during off-peak hours, such as meal times.

15. Tokyo Disney Sea - Tokyo, Japan

Annual visitors: 12.6 million

Tokyo DisneySea is the second theme park within the Tokyo Disney Resort. It was also the fastest theme park to reach the milestone of 10 million guests, which it hit just 307 days after its grand opening, and the hype hasn’t dissipated. The park features seven distinct lands, each with a nautical theme, and it’s just about always busy.

As with much of Japan, it’s busier during the warmer months of May to September, during cherry blossom season in late March and early April and during national holidays. To explore the park with fewer fellow guests, go in the off-season — you’ll trade colder temperatures and more fickle weather for shorter lines — or stick to weekdays.

Tokyo Disney Sea Tip

Guests who stay overnight at one of Tokyo Disney Resort theme parks’ hotels, get Happy 15 Entry privileges, which means they can enter the park 15 minutes before regular opening time.

It’s not a huge lead, but that 15 minutes can mean getting in line for a popular attraction or obtaining a FastPass ticket (which allows you to skip the line at a selected attraction) before everyone else.

Where to stay: Tokyo Disneyland Hotel  

14. Golden Gate Park — San Francisco, California, United States

Annual visitors: 13 million

San Francisco’s largest urban park sprawls over 1,000 acres.

It’s the second most visited city park in the world and is home to several of the city’s iconic attractions and best museums, including the DeYoung Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, several windmills and lakes, a carousel and even a bison paddock.

Golden Gate Park Tip

On weekends and during popular events like the Bay to Breakers race and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and Outside Lands music festivals, the park buzzes with activity.

For a quieter experience, stick to weekdays, early mornings and the off-season (late fall through early spring).

Where to stay:  The Gables Inn - Sausalito 

13. Notre-Dame Cathedral — Paris, France

Annual visitors: 13.6 million (before April 2019)

Completed in 1345, Notre-Dame Cathedral was an icon of Paris for nearly 700 years.

Set along the banks of the Seine river, seeing its gargoyles and towers topped most tourists’ Paris bucket list.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Tip

The Notre-Dame Cathedral  burned down in April 2019. While there are plans to rebuild, that likely won't start until 2022.

But once completed, you better believe the tourists will be back in droves.

Where to stay:  Hôtel Le Notre Dame Saint Michel 

12. Tokyo Disney Resort — Tokyo, Japan

Annual visitors: 14.8 million

Opened in 1983, the 115-acre Tokyo Disney Resort was the first Disney park to be built outside the United States. The park has seven themed areas including four traditional Disney lands: (Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland) and plenty of classic Disney rides featuring beloved characters, including Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventures and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

Like other Disney parks, crowds here peak on weekends, major public holidays, during the summer high season, and during Golden Week (which usually runs from the end of April to the beginning of May) and New Year's holidays.

Tokyo Disney Resort Tip

To avoid the bulk of the crowds, visit midweek, on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, particularly in January (after Jan. 6, when New Year’s visitors have gone home) and February.

Crowd size can also vary quite a bit with the weather; rainy days mean some rides might close, but it also means fewer people to contend with if the rain stops and rides reopen.

Where to stay: Tokyo Disneyland Hotel 

11. Grand Bazaar — Istanbul, Turkey

Annual visitors: 15 million

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar more than lives up to its name. It’s one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, encompassing more than 61 covered streets and 4,000 shops selling everything from hand-painted ceramics and silk carpets to delicate jewelry and fragrant spices.

Grand Bazaar Tip

It’s easy to get lost in its labyrinth of halls, and even easier to get overwhelmed by the crowds during peak times.

Fridays are typically less crowded, as are early mornings and late afternoons when you’re more likely to encounter locals doing their shopping than throngs of cruisers and tour groups.

Where to stay: Grand Bazaar Hotel 

10. Forbidden City — Beijing, China

Annual visitors: 15.3 million

Beijing’s Ming Dynasty palace — the largest ancient palace in the world — has been standing since 1420.

Once the home of Chinese emperors, the 180-acre complex of 980 buildings is now home to the Palace Museum. Visitor numbers are limited to 80,000 per day, and during peak periods like July, August, Chinese national holidays, Spring Festival and Golden Week (held twice per year around Chinese New Year and in October), it can sell out before midday.

Forbidden City Tip

Your best bet: Go early, aim for a weekday, and visit during the low season from November through March (holidays excluded).

Where to stay: Jade Garden Hotel Beijing Forbidden City 

9. Disneyland Park — Anaheim, California, United States

Annual visitors: 15.9 million

Opened in 1966, the original 85-acre Disneyland Park consists of eight themed “lands” including favorites like Main Street, U.S.A.; Frontierland; Fantasyland; and Tomorrowland. Attracting both visitors and season-pass-holding locals, it’s consistently busy, especially on weekends, during the summer, and over school holidays, when crowds surge and the “happiest place on earth” can be anything but.

Off-season months include January through March and September through December, when kids are in school and fewer people are traveling to Southern California. Of course, within that window, Christmas, New Year's and Spring Break are busier times, while weekdays, especially those that fall a few days after a major holiday, tend to be quieter.

Disneyland Tip

During peak times, head to the most popular attractions early or during times when the bulk of the crowds are focused on other events or dining.

Where to stay: Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

8. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom — Orlando, Florida, United States

Annual visitors: 17.5 million

Opened in 1971, Disney’s second theme park surpasses the Anaheim original by nearly 2 million annual visitors. Part of the larger Walt Disney World Resort (which encompasses three other parks, four golf courses, and two dozen hotels), it’s the most popular theme park in the world.

As such, it’s pretty much always busy, but particularly so in summer and on holidays. Because it’s most popular with families, when kids are out of school, crowds surge, lines for attractions can be hours long, and it’s nearly impossible to score a seat at a table-service restaurant.

Magic Kingdom Tip

To avoid the bulk of the chaos, go January through early March or September through December, but avoid weekends, holidays and dates of special events like the Disney World Marathon. While temperatures may be cooler during these months, lines are also significantly shorter. 

If you must go during peaks times, line up for the most popular rides during the nightly parade, during meal times, or during Extra Magic Hours, which are available to guests staying in Disney hotels. The perk allows these guests to enter the park one hour prior to the official opening, or stay up to two hours after the park closes to the general public.

Where to stay: Disney's Art of Animation Resort 

7. Faneuil Hall — Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Annual visitors: 18 million

Once the scene of speeches from the likes of Samuel Adams and George Washington, Faneuil Hall is known as “the Cradle of Liberty” for its role in pre-Revolution America.

Today, it’s a bustling marketplace with more than 100 specialty shops, restaurants and food vendors — as well as Boston’s tallest Christmas tree each holiday.

Faneuil Hall Tip

The pedestrian-only streets around Faneuil Hall are always bustling, and even more so during lunchtime and during the Boston Marathon weekend.

To see it in all its historical glory without the crowds, come during off-hours (early morning or late afternoon), or brave the Boston winter when the city is relatively quiet.

Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station 

6. Grand Central Station — New York, New York, United States

Annual visitors: 21.6 million

A U.S. National Historic Landmark, Grand Central Station covers 48 acres and has 44 platforms that bring more than 750 trains in and out of the city each day. For commuters, it’s a vital transit hub, while for visitors, it’s a beautiful, historic Beaux-Arts building with a painted ceiling featuring a map of the constellations.

It’s also home to some of the city’s most iconic bars and restaurants, like the Campbell Apartment, which you might recognize from “Gossip Girl,” and the Oyster Bar, which was featured on AMC’s “Mad Men” and serves a whopping 2 million oysters per year.

Grand Central Station Tip

In general, New York is a bit less crowded during the cold months.

To see Grand Central with fewer fellow travelers, avoid rush hour and go late at night or in the wee hours of the morning.

Where to stay:  The Westin New York Grand Central 

5. Niagara Falls — United States and Canada

Annual visitors: 22.5 million

Niagara Falls (which is actually three waterfalls) sits on the border of the U.S. and Canada, and its dual citizenship seems to attract double the visitors.

At “only” 165 feet, it’s not the tallest waterfall in the world, but it is one of the most powerful, pumping 6 million cubic feet of water over its edge every minute.

Niagara Falls Tip

Niagara is at its most crowded during the warmer months (late spring to early fall) when the Maid of Mist boat sails close to the thundering falls; come in early spring or late fall instead to see slightly fewer tourists, or pack your parka and visit in winter to have the place nearly to yourself.

Avoid long weekends and holidays (both Fourth of July and Canada Day), and book your tickets in advance to cut down on your time spent in lines.

Where to stay:  Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Niagara Falls 

4. Union Station — Washington, D.C., United States

Annual visitors: 32.8 million

D.C.’s main transit station sees more than 100,000 commuters every day — plus thousands of tourists who come to see its incredible Classical, Beaux-Arts and Baroque architecture and shop at its more than 70 stores.

Union Station Tip

Designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham and completed in 1908, the station is a stop on just about every D.C. tour, including the many school group tours that swarm D.C. in the warmer months, which means spring and early summer are particularly popular times to visit.

Come in fall or winter instead, avoid rush hour, and you might just get a glimpse of what it was like back in the 1940s — when the station served just 45,000 travelers each day.

Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill 

3. Central Park — New York, New York, United States

Annual visitors: 37.5 million

New York’s most famous green space covers nearly 850 acres in the middle of Manhattan, and though it’s the most visited park in the world, it still offers a lot of space to spread out.

Central Park Tip

One easy way to avoid the crowds is to seek out the less-visited areas of the park, like the Northern Woodlands north of 86th street or The Great Hill, a grassy hilltop that’s the highest point in the park (just avoid it when there’s an event like August’s annual Great Jazz on the Great Hill concert).

Early weekday mornings can also be quieter, and if you can brave the cold, a winter trip ensures you can see one of the world’s most iconic parks without feeling like you’re elbow to elbow with all of Manhattan.

Where to stay: Arthouse Hotel New York City 

2. Times Square — New York, New York, United States

Annual visitors: 39.2 million

Once one of the seediest spots in Manhattan, Times Square is now more like a cleaned-up theme park version of New York. Though New Yorkers might turn up their noses at it for not being part of the “real” NYC, tourists and theatergoers still flock to Times Square to check out its crowded chaos, marvel at its massive billboards and see famous Broadway shows.

Unfortunately, traffic swells right before said shows start and after they end, so your best bet for seeing Times Square with slightly more breathing room is in the early morning before rush hour, mid-afternoon or late evening after the theater crowd has gone home.

Times Square Tip

Chilly February is the least busy month, with “only” about 250,000 visitors per day.

Where to stay: The Kimpton Muse Hotel, an IHG Hotel  

1. The Strip — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Annual visitors: 39.6 million

The 4-mile-long Las Vegas Strip, Sin City’s main thoroughfare, is home to more than 30 casinos as well as the famous Bellagio fountains and the High Roller, a 550-foot-tall Ferris wheel that slowly rotates over the city lights.

More than 75 percent of all visitors to Vegas stay at hotels located on The Strip and during peak times — like during the Super Bowl, March Madness, Halloween and the Consumer Electronics Show — it can feel like they’re all there at once.

Sin City Tip

The better times to visit include midweek during winter (so long as there are no big conventions happening) and during the peak of summer when the desert’s sweltering temps keep the crowds inside or at the pool.

Where to stay: Wynn Las Vegas 

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The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

From far-flung destinations to hometown favorites, 2022 is the year to get back out there and turn your dream trips into reality.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Planning new adventures as a new year approaches is always a thrill, but finding the best places to visit in 2022 is unique. After two years of border closures, cruise cancellations, and travel restrictions galore , 2022 is the year we hope to get back out there, uninhibited (albeit vaccinated and COVID tested ), return to our favorite destinations, and cross new ones off our lists.

Though the hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic, many properties used the forced downtime to renovate rooms, add new amenities, and expand outdoor spaces to offer even more once guests return. 2022 is when many travelers will venture further from home, and even overseas, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, finally reaping the benefits of these valiant efforts.

Although COVID variants remain, regulations are still evolving, and precautions must still be taken, many of the destinations we chose for 2022 offer what we believe travelers are looking for in a post-pandemic world, from hotels with private accommodations to destinations teeming with fresh-air activities . Others, like Las Vegas, are for those who are ready and raring to make up for all the social time they missed — with a few splashy headliners, including Adele and the Raiders, thrown in for good measure.

As cruising makes its comeback , we included unforgettable places to see by water, from Antarctica to the Nile, and as hard-hit destinations like Italy and Asia recover, we found the buzziest reasons to return. Of course we didn't forget about all the stateside gems we got to know while domestic travel was surging, from Alaska and California to Florida and Michigan.

Our 2022 list, organized alphabetically, doesn't hold back, with aspirational trips as far away as India, Mozambique, Qatar, and even space — but we're also including hometown favorites, like Walt Disney World and its new Star Wars hotel ; the wellness retreats of beautiful Sedona; and the simple pleasures of small-town, farm-to-table living in Franklin, Tennessee. Because no matter what type of trip you've been dreaming of, we want to help you turn 2022 into the year you get back out there and make it a reality.

— Edited by Nina Ruggiero and Scott Bay

1. Abruzzo, Italy

Stretching from the heart of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea on the peninsula's southeastern side, Abruzzo, Italy has long been one of the country's most overlooked destinations despite its unspoiled villages, picturesque Trabocchi Coast, and stunning natural escapes. Over the past few years, however, it has gone from a sleepy underdog to an ambitious harbinger of slow travel, sustainable gastronomy, and conscious hospitality. Villa Corallo , a 19th-century mansion near Civitella del Tronto was transformed into a five-star hotel in 2019. Dimore Montane , an eco-lodge opened in 2020 in Majella National Park, marries glamping with environmentally-friendly facilities with a zero waste policy. Meanwhile, restaurants like Bottega Culinaria in San Vito Chietino and Materia Prima in Castel di Sangro are redefining the region as one of Italy's most exciting food hotspots for their innovative and sustainable takes on local produce and traditional dishes (in case Niko Romito's three-Michelin-starred Reale wasn't enough). And completing construction this Spring is Via Verde dei Trabocchi: a cycling and pedestrian path along the Adriatic sea that's being built on a disused railway route. — Marianna Cerini

With many international borders closed over the last two years, many eager U.S. travelers' eyes turned to Alaska. The vast state, famous for its towering, snow-capped peaks, pristine wilderness, massive national parks, and colorful locals, made for a dynamic destination with no passport required. But as borders reopen, interest in the 49th state is showing no signs of slowing down. Alaska's tourism board said early forecasts are projecting that more than 1.57 million cruise ship passengers could visit southeast Alaska in summer 2022. That's an 18% jump from 2019, the previous record year. Many perennial favorite cruise lines , like Holland America, will be returning to full strength after a non-existent 2020 and abbreviated 2021. Others, like Windstar Cruises, UnCruise, and Hurtigruten are rolling out fresh itineraries or are launching new ships. On dry land, Alaska is set to see myriad new offerings and events. In Juneau, the Sealaska Heritage Institute will open their Arts Campus (where visitors will be able to learn about Alaska Native art and culture) and will host Celebration , one of the largest gatherings of Indigenous peoples. In Anchorage, Fur Rendezvous , Alaska's oldest and largest winter festival, will be back from Feb. 25 to March 6 (which also happens to be peak aurora season ). The event hosts activities like the Running of the Reindeer and the Outhouse Races, before culminating with the 50th running of the iconic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race . — Bailey Berg

3. Anguilla

This easy-going Caribbean gem is simpler than ever to get to with American Airlines launching the first-ever nonstop, direct flight from Miami on Dec. 11. Private charter flights by Tradewind Aviation have also resumed service to the island. And the just-opened Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club has a fleet of jets to ferry guests from key U.S. cities. The sprawling luxury resort will include a few restaurants overseen by chef Abram Bissell, formerly of Eleven Madison Park, The NoMad, and The Modern. Quintessence , a boutique luxury resort with perks like butler service and a 4:1 staff-to-guest ratio, is opening a more affordable annex of suites called Quinn that will debut in 2022 (along with a Champagne cellar tasting room and Art Bar). New Restaurant Uchu at Belmond Cap Juluca is taking inspiration from Belmond's collection of properties in Peru. Named after the Quechuan word for spice, the menu will feature contemporary Peruvian cuisine inspired by three of the country's regions: the coast, the jungle, and the highlands. — Scott Bay

4. Antarctica

The pandemic shutdown created a compelling reason to visit Antarctica in 2022: See how the whales, seals, and penguins react after nearly two years without seeing humans. New polar-class expedition ships and new ways to get to the White Continent are reasons to pack your boots too. Viking Expeditions will be in Antarctica for the first time in 2022 with new, twin 378-passenger expedition ships. Ponant's new 270-passenger Le Commandant Charcot introduces eco-friendlier sailing, as the first hybrid-electric ship fueled by liquified natural gas (rather than heavy fuel). Quark Expeditions' long-awaited 199-passenger Ultramarine delivers exciting heli-hiking adventures via two eight-seat twin-engine helicopters. Hit a craps table in between icy exploration on the luxurious new all-suite 200-passenger Crystal Endeavor . Silversea Cruises' posh, 144-passenger, all-suite Silver Explorer returns with a debut travel option: Skip the notorious (for rough water) Drake Passage and catch a private flight directly from Chile to Antarctica to board the ship. — Fran Golden

American travelers have long loved the Bahamas for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and sunshine just about 50 miles off the coast of Florida, but there are even more reasons to visit the island nation in 2022. Baha Mar on the Island of New Providence has a brand new water park equipped with everything from a lazy river to a surf simulator, and day passes are available for purchase to those who aren't resort guests. For more rest and relaxation, journey to the outer islands of the Bahamas. While charter flights will get you exactly where you need to go, Crystal Cruises is offering a Bahamas-centric cruise that brings guests to some of the quieter and more remote islands. On its mid-July cruise, guests will embark and disembark from Nassau and then be whisked away via "6-star" service to the islands of Bimini, Great Exuma, San Salvador, and Long Island. Beyond the beach, don't forget to indulge in some local food and culture. The Island archipelago is famous for its conch, stew fish, and rock lobster. From late April through early May, Carnival is celebrated in Nassau and back after a pandemic hiatus. Keep an eye out for the famous sound and dance of the junkanoo. — Jamie Aranoff

6. Barbados

Whether you want a relaxing all-inclusive stay or a vibrant vacation filled with dining and nightlife, Barbados has you covered. Nowhere is that more evident than the pedestrian-friendly South Coast, which is teeming with new resorts and restaurants. The O2 Beach Club & Spa is an all-inclusive resort set on the white sands of Dover Beach, with three pools, six dining options, seven bars, and the Acqua spa, featuring the only hammam treatment room on the island. It joins other luxurious South Coast hotels, including Sandals and Sea Breeze Beach House . If you can pull yourself away from the resort pools, head along the coast to Worthing Square Food Garden, an outdoor food hall with 20 vendors serving dishes from around the Caribbean. Or stroll down the mile-long boardwalk for easy access to ocean-front food and drinks at local favorites like Champers, Salt Café, Tiki Bar, and Chill Café & Bar. — Kevin Gray

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

A favorite of adventure travelers for its rainforests and divers who explore the Great Blue Hole and expansive barrier reef, Belize offers an abundance of casual spots and a handful of luxe resorts. The latest arrival is Alaia Belize, an Autograph Collection Hotel , in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, opened mid-2021 with plans to add to its already extensive guest room, suite, and oceanfront villa accommodations. Major airlines are also recognizing the destination's potential with nonstop flights and convenient connections from most U.S. cities. In addition to United and Delta's nonstop flights from Houston and Atlanta, respectively, Alaska Airlines added nonstop service from Los Angeles and Seattle to Belize City in November, and Frontier Airlines will start weekly nonstop flights from Denver and Orlando. — Patricia Doherty

8. Budapest, Hungary

Very few places in the world capture both old-world charm and elegant modernity like Hungary's capital city, and Budapest's latest 130-room luxury hotel, Matild Palace , is a shining example. The neo-baroque palace-turned-hotel, which opened last summer in the city's District V, is a UNESCO-protected site that once housed the city's royalty. The hotel is now home to Wolfgang Punk's famed restaurant, Spago , the first of its kind in central Europe. It also hosts the Duchess bar — a rooftop "liquor library" that mixes craft cocktails using local wines and pálinka, Hungarian fruit brandy, which can be enjoyed alongside panoramic views of the Danube river. Surrounded by 22 wine regions, Budapest is a city for oenophiles. Enjoy a glass of Kékfrankos or Kadarka in the Castle District's newly opened wine bar, Takler Borbár Buda , founded by one of the country's renowned winemaking families. Don't leave the city without visiting Marlou , a biodynamic wine bar near the Hungarian State Opera, and Portobello , an unassuming coffee and natural wine bar around the corner from Matild Palace. — Stephanie Andrews

9. Burgundy, France

The region of Burgundy is known for — you guessed it — its Burgundy wine, but French wine isn't the only reason Burgundy is a must-visit in 2022. In the spring, the region's capital city of Dijon will welcome the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin (International City of Gastronomy and Wine), an expansive complex with a cooking school, a new hotel, a handful of restaurants, and a wine cellar with over 250 by-the-glass offerings. The new project is perfectly situated at the starting point of Burgundy's famed wine route — Route des Grands Crus — which runs from Dijon to Santenay and produces some of the country's most well-regarded wines, including pinot noir, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc. — Evie Carrick

10. British Virgin Islands

Within the Caribbean, the 60 islands that comprise the British Virgin Islands have long held the reputation of luxury draped in relaxation. And now it's doubling down on that brand of island spirit with Richard Branson's second private island, the 125-acre Moskito Island that opened in October and sits right across from his first BVI paradise, Necker Island (which received a serious upgrade when it reopened last year after a two-year closure). The new destination will eventually have 10 private estates that can be rented through Virgin Limited Edition , but among the ones already available are Point Estate, starting at $17,500 a night, and Oasis Estate for $19,000. But Moskito isn't the only shiny new reason to visit BVI. Proving the area's resilience following the devastation after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Saba Rock , the private island long known for its diving, went through a complete reconstruction before reopening in October; the Bitter End Yacht Club reopened in December with BVI's first over-the-water bungalows; and Oil Nut Bay will expand in early 2022 with new villas, a watersports center, and spa. Also on tap for 2022, the solar-powered White Bay Villas and new hilltop suites at Long Bay Beach Resort . And with the Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival returning in the spring of 2022 after being canceled for two years, BVI is proving it's truly back and stronger than ever. — Rachel Chang

11. Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

You're likely to glimpse Europe's pro athlete and yachting crowds at Marriott's four hotels on the Costa Smeralda, the glitzy Italian destination known for its Caribbean-like beaches and luxury resorts. Its glamorous Hotel Cala di Volpe has gradually been unveiling room renovations alongside new dining options, including its Harrods Suite, with a roof terrace and sea-facing plunge pool, and BeefBar 's first Italian outpost. The entire area is one big " Billionaire Experience ," but Formula One and entertainment mogul Flavio Briatore snagged the term for his new dining and nightlife venue in designer shopping destination Porto Cervo. For more of a low-key, family-friendly escape, the Baglioni Resort Sardinia opened an hour south in San Teodoro in June, overlooking the stunning Tavolara Marine Reserve . — Nina Ruggiero

12. Crete, Greece

The Greek Islands have long been a perennial favorite vacation destination for discerning travelers, and Crete, the largest of the 227 islands in the archipelago, deserves a spot atop your must-see list. Yes, it's a place where you can find the white-washed buildings and blue roofs you've lusted after on Instagram for years, and a spot where you can dive into the cerulean blue waters of the Mediterranean at every turn. And of course you can dig deep into both history and mythology as humans have lived on the island since the 7th millennium B.C ., not to mention the fact that Crete is the birthplace of Zeus . It's little surprise then, with all this beauty and history, that Crete continues to harbor a rich creative community, mostly centered in the neighborhood of Chania. There, visitors can peruse works in museums like the Mediterranean Architecture Center , or seek out unique pieces in galleries like the Municipal Art Gallery or the Redd Gallery . To visit Crete, hop aboard a sailing with Silversea , which takes guests to Crete and several other stellar islands, or book a stay at the Blue Palace Elounda, a Luxury Collection Resort , named one of the Top 10 Greece Resort Hotels in Travel + Leisure 's World's Best Awards, 2021. — Stacey Leasca

13. Walt Disney World

The " World's Most Magical Celebration " — Walt Disney World's 18-month-long 50th anniversary event that kicked off on Oct. 1 — continues through 2022 with enchanting touches and highly anticipated ride and hotel openings. Star Wars : Galactic Starcruiser will begin offering its immersive, two-night adventures in a galaxy far, far away on March 1. The interactive, choose-your-own-adventure experience will have guests wielding lightsabers, sleeping on the ship, brushing shoulders with Star Wars characters, eating intergalactic cuisine, and maybe even going on a secret mission, making this a truly unique experience that you can't find anywhere else in the world. Other 2022 openings include the Guardians of the Galaxy : Cosmic Rewind indoor coaster at Epcot, slated for summer. — Elizabeth Rhodes

14. Doha, Qatar

As we ask ourselves what cities of the future should look like, we naturally look around for examples. Places like Shanghai, Tokyo, and New York City seem to fit the description on paper, but I'd argue that no city better encapsulates that definition than Doha, the capital of Qatar. There is so much to discover — from East-West/West-East , a series of four steel monoliths created by sculptor Richard Serra to the Museum of Islamic Art , the massive 560,000-square-foot gallery. Eat at Syrian comfort food spot Damasca One, Em Sherif a rooftop spot that serves up authentic regional dishes, and the lively corner restaurant Nourlaya Contemporary for Sri Lankan cuisine. Stay at the Mandarin Oriental Doha or Banyan Tree Doha . (Read Robinson's full dispatch on Doha in the July 2021 edition of Travel + Leisure) — Whitney Robinson

15. Edinburgh, Scotland

The Auld Reekie is buzzing with new energy. The highly anticipated Hotel W , designed by Jestico and Whiles in conjunction with Allan Murray Architects, is opening next winter. And several other hotels have recently opened in and around the city — Marine North Berwick , the Market Street hotel , Rusacks St. Andrews , and ship-turned-luxury-hotel Fingal . Gleneagles Townhouse , a first-ever city outpost from the famed Gleneagles estate, is opening in the spring. St James Quarter, a developing area of the city, and where Hotel W is being built, is opening next year with 85 shops, 30 restaurants, and a cinema. New in whisky is the September christening of Johnnie Walker Princes Street . And promising to shake up the scotch scene in the capital city is Leith Distillery , opening in the summer. — Scott Bay

16. Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes have bolstered their wellness and culinary offerings in recent years, carving out a name for themselves in the luxury travel realm. Inns of Aurora , comprising five historic mansions, debuted a holistic wellness facility in 2021 — set on 350 acres overlooking Cayuga Lake, complete with hydrotherapy pools, meditation areas, and a farm fresh cafe. Forty miles west of Cayuga, The Lakehouse on Canandaigua — situated on, yes, Canandaigua Lake — recently unveiled the Willowbrook Spa, which boasts lakeside barrel sauna sessions among other innovative treatments. Sandwiched between Cayuga and Canandaigua lakes is Seneca Lake, home to the largest of the Finger Lakes wine trails (this might be riesling country, but don't knock the lighter-bodied reds till you try 'em) and foodie draws like the 14-seat F.L.X. Table . Travelers visiting in the coming year will also see the Finger Lakes festival roster return in full force, including Rochester's Lilac Festival in May and International Jazz Festival in July, as well as attractions for the historically inclined road tripper, like Cayuga County's celebration of Harriet Tubman's birth through a number of walking tours and activations rolled out through 2022. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

17. Franklin, Tennessee

Despite its count of more than 80,000 year-round residents, the very walkable Franklin firmly grasps onto its small-town charms , starting with a quintessentially quaint downtown chock-full of shops and restaurants finding shelter in brick storefronts lining the sidewalks. The uninitiated might know this place for its past — Civil War museums, battleground sites, and historical markers telling the stories of a slave market, race riots, and Black soldiers in the U.S. Colored Troop division of the army all offer points of education and reflection. But the southern city has many modern-day draws as well — for starters, an exciting food and drink scene that includes the Tennessee Whiskey Trail and Arrington Vineyards , the largest winery in the region. Musical events and venues abound, too: The Pilgrimage Music Festival is one of the biggest in the state, and the 7,500-seat FirstBank Amphitheater , newly opened inside a former rock quarry, has welcomed the likes of the Jonas Brothers and Santana to its stage. There's also Leiper's Fork , a quirky-cool enclave filled with antique shops and art galleries. Even more brand-new to the scene is Southall , a 325-acre farm and inn with 62 rooms and suites and 16 cottages opening this June. The lush setting amid rolling hills makes active adventures (hiking, biking, kayaking), wellness pursuits (a spa, meditation, yoga, and two outdoor pools), and nourishing food (the restaurant uses ingredients grown, raised, and foraged on the property) easy to find. All of this and more lie just a short, 30-minute drive from bustling Nashville, making it tempting to tack onto a visit to the capital city. — Alisha Prakash

18. Galápagos Islands

The world's largest marine biosphere reserve will expand more than 20,000 square miles next year thanks to a recent presidential decree . The conservation measure seeks to combat illegal fishing by offering increased protection to the thousands of species that populate the archipelago's waters as well as a migration corridor stretching up to Costa Rica used by sharks, whales and other sea life. Come January, travelers can cruise this UNESCO-protected region on new nine-day adventures from Hurtigruten Expeditions and outfitter Metropolitan Touring aboard the 90-guest carbon-neutral MS Santa Cruz II. For a more intimate experience, passengers can book Aqua Expeditions ' seven-suite 164-foot superyacht, Aqua Mare, when it debuts in May. At the end of the year, eco-enthusiasts can sail to lesser-explored islands to spot giant tortoises, sea lions, flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and marine iguanas on Quasar Expeditions ' new sustainable yacht — the 18-passenger M/Y Conservation featuring biodegradable amenities, renewable energy and a carbon-neutral footprint. Those with timid sea legs should check into the locally owned and run Montemar in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. — Nora Walsh

19. Greater Palm Springs, California

Greater Palm Springs is kicking its signature self-care into high gear in the coming year. Taking a cue from its sister property, Sensei Lanai , the new Sensei Porcupine Creek is converting a 230-acre private estate into a luxury wellness experience in Rancho Mirage in 2022. In Palm Springs proper, Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza will celebrate Indigenous art and history alongside the new Spa at Séc-he , where visitors will soak in approximately 12,000-year-old hot springs. Nearby, Fleur Noire Hotel just opened its adults-only casitas and bungalows, with a speakeasy Champagne bar to follow. Unexpectedly, the desert has a budding surf scene — the former Wet 'n Wild waterpark is becoming Palm Springs Surf Club , with a state-of-the-art wave pool, spa, restaurant, and bar; DSRT Surf is set to open a 5.5-acre wave lagoon in Palm Desert; and Kelly Slater himself is bringing a green energy–powered wave basin to Coral Mountain , a proposed new wellness resort with a hotel and residences, set to open in La Quinta by 2023 pending city approvals. And for entertainment outside the splash zone, the $250-million Coachella Valley Arena will host hockey, concerts, and more live events by the end of the year. — Nina Ruggiero

20. Greenville, South Carolina

Once in the shadow of Charleston and Asheville, Greenville has emerged in recent years as a go-to destination in its own right — and it keeps giving travelers more reasons to visit. In 2022, the city of just over 70,000 people will welcome a luxury boutique hotel, unveil a new public gathering place, and build on its well-earned reputation as a culinary and craft beer hotspot. The long-awaited, 187-room Grand Bohemian hotel is expected to open its doors this spring, complete with a two-story restaurant and bar, art gallery, and spa. The 60-acre Unity Park will feature plenty of greenspace, an observation tower, baseball fields, playgrounds, and walking and biking trails. And recently opened restaurants, including French Laundry alum Drew Erickson's Camp , Urban Wren, Coral, and an outpost of Nashville's famous Prince's Hot Chicken located inside Yee-Haw Brewing will ensure you're well-fed while in town. — Kevin Gray

21. Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique

While South Africa and Uganda grab headlines for African wildlife, Mozambique has been quietly making strides protecting 17 percent of its land — including beaches, coral reefs, and islands — showcasing its dedication to its natural beauty both on land and underwater. Ever since the country's 16-year civil war ended in 1992, the southeastern African nation has been aiming to build back in the right ways. Case in point: the private island of Ilha Caldeira, less than seven miles off the coast as part of the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago, located within the marine-protected area with 20 percent of the country's intact living coral. It's here that the eco-luxury Banyan Tree resort chain has developed one of its most ambitious projects yet, a five-star property — accessible by jetty or helicopter — with 40 private pool villas that will be completely solar powered. Add to that a fish market restaurant with a 270-degree ocean view, the brand's trademark Banyan Tree Spa, and world-class diving, all in a too-pristine-to-believe beach setting, and this island escape is sure to draw attention away from its Indian Ocean neighbors when it opens at the end of 2022. — Rachel Chang

22. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Those wary of traveling internationally in 2022 will find solace in Jackson Hole, a mountain town with endless open space (Wyoming is the least populated state in the U.S.) and plenty to do. In the winter, life revolves around Jackson Hole Mountain Resort , home to some of the nation's best skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, plan your trip around the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Summer Festival (June 23-25) or head to the nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. For easy access to the mountain town, travelers can hop on one of Aero's high-end, seasonal flights and stay at The Cloudveil off the Town Square or the Caldera House at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. — Evie Carrick

23. Kafue National Park, Zambia

Straddling three regions of Zambia, Kafue National Park is the largest (and oldest) in the country, measuring 8,648 miles. In the wildlife-rich Busanga plains — located in the secluded northern side of the park — spend the night at newly opened Chisa Busanga Camp in their bird's nest shaped rooms. Enjoy a silent safari, thanks to e-cruisers or an e-bike safari provided by the property. See wildlife from above with a hot air balloon safari from Shumba Camp or Busanga Bush Camp . Other accommodation offerings in the park include riverfront Ila Safari Lodge and Mukambi Safari Lodge . Both properties offer fishing, walking safaris, boat cruises, and have Instagram worthy pools (perfect for a soak and the traditional safari sundowner: a gin and tonic). — Mazuba Kapambwe

24. Kaunas, Lithuania

Kaunas, Lithuania has a lofty New Year's resolution. After a century of wars, Soviet rule, and, since the 1990s, independence, this UNESCO Creative City of Design is ready to cultivate a new identity — and it's doing so as one of two European Capitals of Culture for 2022 (alongside Novi Sad, Serbia). The festivities commence in January, with thousands of concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and events throughout the year to celebrate Kaunas' history while cementing its path forward . Also this year, Kaunas will welcome the highly anticipated $30 million Science Island, Lithuania's first national science and innovation center designed by UK firm Malcolm Reading Consultants (MRC). By May, the city's former Magnus Hotel will reopen with sparkly new digs and a posh rooftop under the ibis Styles umbrella . This lively city is also a main stop on the recently unveiled 1,330-mile Forest Trail across the Baltics. And, a host of just-announced Ryanair flight routes, including Madrid to Kaunas, will make visiting this capital of culture a breeze. — Stephanie Vermillion

25. Kyushu, Japan

Kyushu may be less than two hours from Tokyo by plane, but it feels far from Honshū's well-beaten tourist circuit. The southwesternmost Japanese main island is still largely unexplored, providing those willing to venture off the beaten path with a much different Japan than the one they'll find in its cities. As a warm, subtropical island, Kyushu is home to long, golden beaches and some of Japan's best snorkeling and scuba diving. Inland, the country's most active volcano, Mt. Aso, feeds the island's myriad natural hot springs — many of which offer sea views. And while the island has accommodations that include both hot spring resorts and luxury beachfront villas , nothing tops a stay at Hirado Castle , which was recently restored and renovated to welcome visitors overnight . — Evie Carrick

26. Lanai, Hawaii

Wellness opportunities and cultural awareness are showcased along with luxury at Lanai's two Four Seasons resorts. At Sensei Lāna'i, A Four Seasons Resort , guests can now choose the Discover Sensei Experience , offering the ability to enjoy the retreat's amenities without joining the more comprehensive programs. New "Optimal Wellbeing" programs focus on improving performance in tennis and golf along with overall wellness. Four Seasons Resort Lanai is adding an observatory as part of "Love Lanai," featuring cultural experiences designed to share the island's rich heritage. The observatory program will center around the history of Pacific voyaging, native traditions, and astronomy. — Patricia Doherty

27. Las Vegas, Nevada

Never bet against the house: The pandemic may have put a damper on Las Vegas, but the ever-on-the-move city is back in a big way for 2022. A massive new development on the Strip, Resorts World Las Vegas, opened in June, has three distinct Hilton properties under one enormous roof, not to mention more than 40 restaurants and bars, plus pools (plural), and a handful of $15,000-a-night villas . Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the Cromwell , and downtown's Circa Resort & Casino are also giving visitors fresh options on where to stay. The city's pro sports teams — also now plural — are drawing in fans. And off-Strip "immersive experiences," like the Omega Mart by Meow Wolf and the Illuminarium, both at Area15 , are lending an additional layer of things to do beyond the expected. Not that there's anything wrong with splashing out on dinner and a show after the past two years. Live acts — like Adele's just-announced residency at The Colosseum — are once again hot tickets, as is a table at chic new supper club Delilah , at the Wynn Las Vegas. Some things, thankfully, never change. — Paul Brady

28. Louisville, Kentucky

Your cowboy boots were made for walking the streets of Louisville. Nicknamed "The Bourbon City," an official gateway to Kentucky's bourbon trail, the city is expanding its bourbon footprint in 2022. In October, the Urban Bourbon Trail welcomed the first and only African American–owned distillery in the state, Brough Brothers . Meanwhile, its trailmate, Angel's Envy , will wrap its $8.2-million expansion project complete with a new event space and five tasting rooms in the spring. The city is most well known for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby every spring at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack, and the Downs will open the first installment of its multi-year expansion plan, the Homestretch Club , just in time for the 2022 Derby. There, attendees will be able to enjoy the race with an all-new trackside lounge experience. — Hannah Streck

29. Malaysia

Malaysia is home to a beautiful medley of cultures (Chinese, Indian, and Malay) and a diverse smattering of terrain: bustling cities with towering buildings, verdant rain forests with incredible wildlife, and idyllic islands with dreamy beaches. But all of this and more has been closed to the world for much of the pandemic. Now that the island of Langkawi is open via a travel bubble, with the rest of the country expected to follow suit in 2022, travelers can once again experience Malaysia's many gifts. Langkawi, a beach lover's paradise, blends unspoiled nature (UNESCO-listed Kilim Karst Geoforest Park ) and unparalleled luxury ( Four Seasons Resort , Datai Langkawi ), while cosmopolitan capital Kuala Lumpur draws visitors with its gleaming Petronas Towers, delicious hawker food stalls, and shopping. Then there's Borneo, complete with wildlife-packed jungles and a rich Indigenous culture, as well as Desaru Coast, a 3,900-acre area that's home to coveted resorts like the One&Only Desaru Coast , a tropical oasis that opened in early September 2020 (the brand's first in Asia). — Alisha Prakash

30. Maldives

The Maldives' 1,000+ islands sit in the Indian Ocean like a string of turquoise pearls. The tropical nirvana has 166 accommodation options, including the new Joali Being nature retreat, which leads guests on a transformative wellness journey. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives debuts in February with 80 beach and overwater villas on the Raa Atoll. Coming to the same atoll in May, also with 80 luxury villas, is Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa on a massive lagoon primed for snorkeling. The ever-innovative Soneva Fushi has a new experience that includes zip-lining to a six-course meal 30 feet about the sand. Along with Soneva Jani, they've debuted Soneva Soul , a new spa complex melding ancient and modern techniques. Other vacation favorites are unveiling new digs like the sleek, contemporary renovation of Naladhu Private Island and the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island , debuting in February. — Katie Lockhart

31. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is considered one of the sailing capitals of the world. It is home to the largest fleet of America's Cup 12 Meter yachts , most of which are available for charter. In May, the coastal town is welcoming a Sailing Museum that is sure to solidify that title. Over the past few years, a slew of hotel openings have closed a much-needed gap for luxury accommodations, including Hammett's Hotel , Brenton Hotel , and The Wayfinder Hotel . The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection is debuting the property's highly anticipated transformation conceived by Dallas-based design collective Swoon — the lobby, dining room, and shared areas are now complete with guest rooms finishing early next year. Renowned beverage executive Maxwell Britten has joined the team as chief cocktail curator alongside an amazing chef who cooks up a selection of elevated pub-inspired dishes. And don't miss Giusto , at Hammett's Hotel, which serves up excellent Italian with a Rhode Island twist. — Scott Bay

32. Nile Cruise, Egypt

There is no trip that will convert you to a life of river cruising quite like a sail down (well, technically, up) the Nile. In fact, the world's first river cruises sailed in Egypt, a country designed around the central waterway, where it makes sense that the Nile would act as your home base. A typical Egyptian river cruise sets sail from Cairo to Luxor and then Aswan, with the occasional stop to visit an island temple along the way — complete with sights like the Pyramids, Valley of Kings and Queens, Nefertari's tomb, and the Temple of Kom Ombo. In 2022, there's more than one new river cruise to choose from, between Uniworld's newly launched S.S. Sphinx and AmaWaterways' Amadahlia , both of which sailed their inaugural voyages in fall 2021. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

In late 2021, Panama launched a tourism platform along with the coolest tagline in travel: " Live for More ." With a booming coffee scene and a renewed focus on its culture, history, and biodiversity , the Central American nation is ready for its moment in the spotlight. It's an attractive place for those looking to get out of resort mode and into a world open for exploration and adventure. Immersive environmental experiences abound here, including trekking through the rainforest on its suspended hanging bridges and walking to the top of the Volcán Barú, an active volcano with both Pacific and Atlantic Ocean views from the top. There is also abundant opportunity to learn from Panama's seven Indigenous communities, each of whom offer their own personalized experiences and are happy to share their craftsmanship and traditions. Panama offers plenty of luxury, too. In its capital city, check into the American Trade Hotel , centrally located in Panama's Casco Viejo district, a historic neighborhood which happens to also be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. — Stacey Leasca

34. Phuket, Thailand

Before the pandemic, Phuket was beautiful but crowded, full of beach bars and tourists chasing all-nighters. It's still full of energy and surrounded by the same pristine sea glass–colored water, but its luxurious side is finally getting the attention it deserves, from its high-end coffee shops to its cocktail bars. Hide from the world in paradise with a stay in one of the private pool residences at Trisara , featuring kitchens, a private chef, butler service, and breathtaking views over the sea, as well as access to the resort's PRU restaurant , which has earned both a Michelin star and a Michelin green star. Or book a stay at the brand-new V Villas Phuket , which offers a curated selection of 19 private-pool, 1-, 3-, and 4-bedroom villas. Later, party the night away in Phuket Old Town with inventive cocktails at Club No. 43 (think: rum with grilled pineapple juice and espuma), or settle in for a great dinner and a night of daring performances at the Junkyard Theatre , which just launched a weekly Saturday night show. — Alison Fox

35. Pico, Portugal

The islands of the Azores — a Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean some 900 miles west of Lisbon — are more popular than ever, and for 2022, travelers will want to fix their eyes firmly on the second-largest isle: Pico, an alluring, otherworldly locale covered with black, volcanic rocks. Conquering Portugal's highest peak, the cloud-shrouded, 7,713-foot-high Mount Pico, used to be the island's main draw, but a recent uptick in hospitality infrastructure has allowed for more opportunity to partake of Pico's most important agricultural output: wine. Renowned Portuguese winemaker Antonio Maçanita just opened a new winery that comes with bookable design-forward apartments adjacent to the island's unique vineyards. On Pico, grapes are planted on volcanic terroir that are then protected from Atlantic winds with rock walls. Maçanita's ​​ Azores Wine Company 's mineral, sometimes slightly salty wines could be the perfect celebratory drink after a grueling hike.The crashing waves around Pico are beginning to seduce surfers, too. And there are also ample opportunities to watch for marine life thanks to 20 species of dolphins and whales (including humpbacks and orcas) that can be spotted in these waters. But if you'd rather eat what's in the water: Try lapas, a local shellfish delicacy best served grilled with butter and garlic and finished with a squeeze of lemon. Thankfully, getting to experience all of this has never been easier: Starting July 1, United Airlines will for the first time connect Newark to the island of São Miguel (the Azores' largest island), and from there, it's a quick hop over to Pico. Or you could always get there via direct flights from Lisbon or Porto with Tap Air Portugal's stopover program. — Chadner Navarro

36. Quebec, Canada

After over a year of tight pandemic restrictions, Canada reopened to American tourists in 2021, so now might finally be time to plan that trip to the Great White North, starting with the province of Quebec. From the charming, French-influenced cities of Montreal and Quebec City to the region's snow-capped mountains, there's something new to explore every season. In December 2021, the first Club Med mountain resort in Canada, Club Med Quebec Charlevoix , opened, offering all-inclusive ski vacations just a short flight from several major U.S. cities. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering a foliage-packed autumn cruise from New York to Montreal in October. No matter what time of year you visit, Le Capitole Hotel in Quebec City and Humaniti Hotel Montreal are top picks for places to stay in the major cities. — Elizabeth Rhodes

37. Queensland, Australia

Australia's highly anticipated international border reopening will be well worth the wait, especially as more travelers seek nuanced cultural experiences and sustainable stays. The northeastern state has long been the gateway for visits to the rightly beloved Great Barrier Reef, and beginning in 2022, visitors can learn about conservation efforts and the ecosystem directly from the area's Traditional Land Owners and Indigenous guides during day trips from Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel . Aboriginal elders and Traditional Land Owners are also working with local operator Gudjuda Tours on a daylong excursion to tag and rescue one of the reef's most beloved creatures: sea turtles. Those who want to take a more extended trip to the Whitsunday Islands can look to Elysian Retreat , recently certified as the area's first fully solar-powered resort, or its carbon-negative sister property Pumpkin Island . Back on the mainland, within the verdant Daintree Rainforest UNESCO World Heritage Site, eco-luxury hideaway Silky Oaks Lodge will finally welcome guests back after its $15-million overhaul. — Sarah Bruning

38. Santa Ynez Valley, California

Two hours from L.A., the Santa Ynez Valley is rural, unassuming, and coming into its own. The region has grown grapes for decades and has even made a Hollywood cameo in the movie Sideways. The arrival of newer tasting rooms, restaurants, and hotels in recent years has firmly put the area on oenophiles' and travelers' radars. Start with a private olive oil tasting at Global Gardens and hard cider at Tin City Cider in Los Olivos. Follow with pizza pies at Full of Life Flatbread and vino at nearby female-owned A Tribute to Grace and Casa Dumetz . Detour to Firestone Walker 's outpost in Buellton for a few limited edition craft brews and finish with dishes such as roasted tomato and fennel risotto at the Ballard Inn's Gathering Table . Though it's technically just beyond the boundaries of the valley in Lompoc, The Hilt Estate , is too good to miss. And once it opens this year as an Auberge property, The Inn at Mattei's Tavern will make for the perfect base from which to explore it all. — Tanvi Chheda

39. São Paulo, Brazil

Known for its dynamic combination of luxury, design, and fashion influence, São Paulo is an international metropolitan hub of arts and culture. It's the largest city in South America, hosting an array of entertainment opportunities such as fabulous hotels, decadent restaurants, high-class museums, and iconic mid-century architecture. With airlines including American adding flights throughout Brazil in 2022 and a flourishing hospitality renaissance throughout the city, São Paulo is well prepared for its anticipated influx of new travelers. A must-visit destination for 2022 is the Rosewood São Paulo , located in the heart of São Paulo's Cidade Matarazzo and housed in a historic landmark building. Here, visitors will encounter 200-plus luxurious guest rooms, suites, and residences, plus six restaurants and bars and two pools. — Molly O'Brien

40. Savannah, Georgia

This coastal Georgia city is rightly famous for its atmospheric, moss-draped streets and squares, not to mention its hundreds of years of history. But lately Savannah has been boosted by creativity and innovation outside the sometimes frozen-in-amber Old Town, which means now is a particularly compelling time to visit. Make home base the brand-new Thompson Savannah , a slick 13-story tower with interiors by Studio 11 Design that anchors the still-developing Eastern Wharf neighborhood. Phase one of the 54-acre development, which aims to turn a once-industrial waterfront into a contemporary mixed-use destination, includes hundreds of apartments, fitness trails, access to the Savannah River, and multiple bars and restaurants, including Fleeting , a seasonally driven spot inside the Thompson. At the same time, Savannah's other major waterfront destination has also come into its own. The Plant Riverside District, a stone's throw from Old Town, marked its official grand opening in November 2021, putting a bow on a bustling JW Marriott hotel , countless restaurants and bars, and multiple live performance venues all along a rebuilt waterfront. Not that all the action is along the river: The ever-evolving Starland District, a short drive from Johnson Square, has its share of hangouts including Starland Yard , a food truck park that's also home to the excellent Pizzeria Vittoria Napoletana ; Two Tides Brewing Company , which pours hazy ales and delicious sours in a super-cool taproom; and Troupial , a Venezuelan cafe. You'll also want to pack Wildsam Savannah , a newly released field guide that helps visitors understand the layers of history (and the contemporary politics) that are fueling the latest renaissance in Savannah. — Paul Brady

41. Seattle, Washington

Few places offer both an urban and a natural escape in one destination — and the Emerald City might be one of the best. The city center is world-class with top hotel accommodations ( Four Seasons Hotel Seattle and Thompson Seattle ), locally focused fine dining, and countless cultural sites. Then, just minutes away from all of that is some of the most stunning outdoor recreation out there. Adding to the city's luster is the newly opened Lotte Hotel Seattle . The 189-room tower is bringing high design and refined service to the area. Charlotte , the hotel's restaurant on the 18th floor, serves up an inventive menu that is sure to become an all-time favorite dining experience. The landmark Fairmont Olympic Hotel recently completed a $25-million historic restoration of its public spaces, quickly becoming one of the most Instagrammable spots in town. Plus, its buzzy new culinary showpiece will debut in the months to come. Before leaving Seattle, don't miss a meal at celebrated pasta specialist Brian Clevenger's new restaurant, Autumn . — Scott Bay

42. Sedona, Arizona

Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure

With tourism already surging thanks to the Instagram fame of attractions like Devil's Bridge, Sedona garnered even more of a following during the pandemic among cooped-up city dwellers enthralled by the destination's red rocks and energy vortexes. In 2022, set your sights on North America's first landscape hotel, Ambiente , home to 40 standalone accommodations (called "atriums"), most with private rooftop decks perfect for stargazing. Opening in May, the sustainability-focused retreat will offer on-site trailhead access — further immersing guests in the Sedona landscape while combating traffic along the city's main highway — and reactivate an ancient waterway to populate a stream running throughout the hotel. Experience Sedona's culinary clout right on property at Ambiente's restaurant, Forty1, housed in a refurbished airstream, or venture next door to Mariposa , the city's must-visit restaurant by chef Lisa Dahl, who pioneered fine dining in this town. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

43. Singapore

Singapore reopened to vaccinated American travelers in October 2021 with the introduction of the country's Vaccinated Travel Lane . Travelers can fly from the U.S. on Singapore Airlines' vaccine-mandatory flights ; the World's Best airline 26 years running launched Vaccinated Travel Lane flights this fall, and United Airlines plans to follow suit by January 2022. Even in the early stages of reopening to foreign travelers, the city-state is already unveiling new culinary ventures. Recently, chef Julien Royer, behind three-Michelin-star Odette, opened Claudine , and Raffles Singapore unveiled Osteria BBR by Alain Ducasse, while Marina Bay Sands plans to debut chef Tetsuya Wakuda's second restaurant within the hotel in the new year. Of course, there's just as much flavor to be found at Singapore's famed hawker centers, now on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. As tourists return to Singapore, new cultural attractions follow — from the return of Singapore Art Week, beginning Jan. 14, to the recent unveiling of SkyHelix Sentosa , an open-air ride towering 300 feet above sea level, for anyone still in need of thrills after a 17-hour flight over the Pacific. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

44. Southwest Michigan

Beaches with ocean-like views were once the main draw to Michigan's southwest coast, but new high-style accommodations and hyper-local experiences are giving us more reasons to go. Where to stay with so many options? Consider the cool new motel-turned-boutique Lake Shore Resort in Saugatuck; The Fields glamping retreat with new spa tents in South Haven; the revamped, modern Harbor Grand Hotel in New Buffalo; or anywhere along the coast with high-touch Bluefish Vacation Rentals , which has killer lakefront homes now stocked with handmade local goods. Hop on the new pedestrian/bike trail in Union Pier, and definitely shop two new woman-owned standouts: the beautifully curated Haven and Ariane Prewitt's AP Cottage, scheduled to open this spring. Women are showing off the culinary scene, too, with everything from a special saison ale — winner of the 2021 Great American Beer Festival — at woman-owned Waypost Brewing Co. , to new herb-inspired cocktails at James Beard-winning chef Melissa Corey's Penny Royal Café & Provisions , to James Beard nominee Abra Beherns' Granor Farm , where dinners return this year in a new glass-enclosed barn. — Nina Kokotas Hahn

45. St. Moritz, Switzerland

If you're on the hunt for glitz, glamour, and powder for days, look no further than St. Moritz, Switzerland. The Alpine ski town has long been considered the birthplace of winter vacationing. Tourists first flocked to the mountain town in 1864 , when hotelier Johannes Badrutt took a few British travelers to the community, promising them bluebird days all winter. It wasn't long until others learned about this hidden winter oasis. Skiers and winter sports enthusiasts flocked to the mountain, which has now hosted the Winter Olympic Games not once, but twice. It's an ideal place for ski bunnies too, thanks to its luxury shopping, and its numerous Michelin-starred restaurants . This winter, head to St. Moritz for its fantastic events like White Surf (Feb. 6, 13, and 20, 2022), an international horse race that takes place across the frozen Lake St. Moritz, and the Snow Polo World Cup (Jan. 28-30, 2022), which happens to be the world's only high-goal tournament on snow. Book a stay at the Badrutt's Palace Hotel , which officially reopened on Dec. 3 for the 2021/2022 season and offers guests the chance to try their hand at high-octane winter sports like skijöring, snowkiting, tobogganing, and even private helicopter tours to the peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Palü. — Stacey Leasca

46. St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida

The beaches of St. Petersburg and nearby Clearwater are consistently ranked among the best in the U.S. and even the world , but there's more to this destination than white sand, pristine waters, and 361 days of sunshine per year. St. Pete/Clearwater offers more than 30 museums and galleries featuring world-renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso, as well as the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's work outside of Spain. One could say brewing the perfect beer is also an artform that St. Pete/Clearwater has mastered, with its trail of 35+ locally owned craft breweries. Playfully nicknamed the " Gulp Coast ," complete your experience with a digital passport that tracks your beer-sampling progress. These year-round offerings mean you can visit any time, but head over in June 2022 to revel in the 20th anniversary of St. Pete Pride , the largest Pride event in Florida, hosting events for everyone from friends and families to couples and solo travelers. — Jessica Poitevien

47. Todos Santos, Mexico

Todos Santos is one of Mexico's pueblo mágicos, or "magic towns," and locals are working to retain its history and culture while embracing the steady stream of travelers who have begun venturing an hour north of Cabo San Lucas to discover its charm. The area saw a handful of new boutique resorts pop up in 2021 that provide luxury amenities while keeping the rugged land and local flora the centerpiece. Wellness-focused Paradero describes itself as a "landscaping project" that just so happens to have luxurious suites, and El Perdido , an all-villa resort less than five miles south, provides all-terrain vehicles so visitors can get to Los Cerritos beach, the local surf break of choice. Oceanfront Rancho Pescadero 's multimillion-dollar transformation will be complete in the spring. Bookings for its oceanfront villas and penthouse rooms — some with private rooftops and plunge pools — open in January. Todos Santos has fully embraced farm-to-table dining, with Javier Plascencia's orchard-adjacent Jazamango leading the way, and Santa Terra , a cosmopolitan oyster bar meets arts and entertainment venue concept, is in the process of adding multiple bars and restaurants, plus a glamping site and amphitheater, according to its developer, "without chopping down a single tree." — Nina Ruggiero

48. Udaipur, India

After an extremely challenging 20-month closure, India reopened to vaccinated travelers on Nov. 15, 2021. Those looking toward South Asia in the new year, perhaps to see the Taj Mahal in Agra or hit the Goan beaches, should make sure Udaipur is on the itinerary. The city of lakes in southern Rajasthan is thought of as the most romantic Indian destination (even called the "Venice of the East") — but it's not just for honeymooners. From the vibrance of Hathi Pol bazaar and Shilpgram , an artisanal compound on the outskirts of the city with a festival set to return on Jan. 22, to the serenity of Lake Pichola, the artificial lake made in the 14th century, Udaipur is a city where you can fully immerse in Rajasthani culture. A hub of Indian luxury, Udaipur is now home to the country's first Raffles hotel, which opened in October. This private island hotel on Udai Sagar Lake is accessible only by boat — something of a trademark for the over-the-top hotels of Udaipur. Meant to be a flagship hotel in the Raffles portfolio, complete with brand staples (think: bars, both Long and Writers), 101 lavish suites, Rasoi cooking school, and lakeside open-air restaurant Belvedere Point. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

49. Wales, United Kingdom

The only path in the world to follow the whole of a country's coastline, the Wales Coastal Path celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2022. Walking its 870 miles would take three months, but its most spectacular stretches can be seen in one visit — and in style. St David's in Pembrokeshire, west Wales, is Britain's smallest city with a mere population of 1,600 and is home to a Medieval cathedral , a luxury hotel inside Roch Castle , some excellent pubs, and the upscale St David's Gin & Kitchen . Hiking paths with unbeatable coastal vistas are within easy reach (try the St David's Head loop ) and pass neolithic tombs and hillforts. — Jamie Carter

50. Yucatán, Mexico

Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán, has emerged as one of Mexico's most popular cities thanks to its lively restaurant scene, a busy calendar of cultural events, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Increasingly, however, travelers are venturing beyond the city to explore the state's unspoiled nature reserves, ancient Maya sites, and sprawling haciendas — a number now converted into hotels. Among the destinations that are drawing travelers to Yucatán are El Cuyo, a quiet beach town that was long a closely guarded secret of windsurfers. Now visitors can also enjoy gourmet Mexican fare at the El Chile Gordo restaurant and boho-chic lodgings at the new Casa Mate . In Espita, a charming colonial town near Valladolid, is the Casona los Cedros hotel which opened in summer 2021. Sisal, a historic port in the western part of the state, has attracted new interest since being named a Pueblo Mágico at the end of 2020. A new highway completed in April now connects Sisal to Hunucmá (and then beyond to Mérida) making it easier for beachcombers to visit, and perhaps spend the night at the cool Club de Patos . — John Newton

51. Bonus: Space

This was a monumental year for human spaceflight — not only did NASA and SpaceX achieve a regular cadence of astronaut launches for the first time since the Space Shuttle was retired in 2011, but space tourism has also lifted off in a major way, making space a top destination to visit in 2022. And it's a realistic trip, too, so long as you have the budget for it. Both Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic succeeded in taking passengers to space on short suborbital hops this year, and each company plans to ramp up those flights in 2022 — Virgin Galactic already has more than 600 bookings. The price for a quick jaunt to space? A few hundred thousand dollars . If you have an even bigger budget (say, a couple hundred million dollars), you could charter your own orbital flight in a SpaceX Dragon Capsule, as did entrepreneur Jared Issacman with his Inspiration4 mission in September. There are also tourism trips to the International Space Station in the works; Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa launches on his multi-day journey in December, courtesy of space travel agency Space Adventures and Russia's Roscosmos space agency, which plans to take even more " citizen space explorers " to the orbiting laboratory in the near future. Of course, not everyone has pockets deep enough to cover space travel, but more affordable journeys are on the horizon. Startup Space Perspective plans to launch high-altitude balloon rides to the edge of space in 2024 , for the relatively low price of $125,000. Potential dealbreaker, though — the balloons don't actually reach space, maxing out at 100,000 feet in altitude, while space is considered to begin somewhere between 264,000 feet (50 miles) and 327,360 feet ​​(62 miles). But hey, at least there's a bar on board. — Stefanie Waldek

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• Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam
• Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley
• Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region * 1
• Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
• Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe *
• Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad
• M'Zab Valley
• Tassili n'Ajjer #
• Kasbah of Algiers
• Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
• Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo

Antigua and Barbuda

• Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites
• Los Glaciares National Park #
• Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil) *
• Iguazu National Park
• Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas
• Península Valdés
• Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
• Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba
• Quebrada de Humahuaca
• Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System *
• The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement *
• Los Alerces National Park
• ESMA Museum and Site of Memory – Former Clandestine Center of Detention, Torture and Extermination
• Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin
• Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots
• Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley
• Great Barrier Reef
• Kakadu National Park
• Willandra Lakes Region
• Lord Howe Island Group
• Tasmanian Wilderness
• Gondwana Rainforests of Australia 2
• Ulu r u-Kata Tju t a National Park 3
• Wet Tropics of Queensland
• Shark Bay, Western Australia
• K’gari (Fraser Island)
• Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte)
• Heard and McDonald Islands
• Macquarie Island
• Greater Blue Mountains Area
• Purnululu National Park
• Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens
• Sydney Opera House
• Australian Convict Sites
• Ningaloo Coast
• Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
• Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
• Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
• Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape
• Semmering Railway
• City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
• Wachau Cultural Landscape
• Historic Centre of Vienna
• Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape *
• Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps *
• Frontiers of the Roman Empire – The Danube Limes (Western Segment) *
• The Great Spa Towns of Europe *
• Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower
• Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
• Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace
• Hyrcanian Forests *
• Cultural Landscape of Khinalig People and “Köç Yolu” Transhumance Route
• Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun
• Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy
• Dilmun Burial Mounds
• Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat
• Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur
• The Sundarbans
• Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
• Białowieża Forest *
• Mir Castle Complex
• Architectural, Residential and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh
• Struve Geodetic Arc *
• Flemish Béguinages
• La Grand-Place, Brussels
• The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, La Louvière and Le Roeulx (Hainaut)
• Belfries of Belgium and France * 4
• Historic Centre of Brugge
• Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels)
• Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons)
• Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai
• Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
• Stoclet House
• Major Mining Sites of Wallonia
• Colonies of Benevolence *
• Funerary and memory sites of the First World War (Western Front) *
• Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
• Royal Palaces of Abomey
• W-Arly-Pendjari Complex *
• Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba *

Bolivia (Plurinational State of)

• City of Potosí
• Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos
• Historic City of Sucre
• Fuerte de Samaipata
• Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
• Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture

Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
• Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad
• Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards *
• Okavango Delta
• Historic Town of Ouro Preto
• Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda
• Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia
• Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas
• Iguaçu National Park
• Serra da Capivara National Park
• Historic Centre of São Luís
• Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves
• Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves
• Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina
• Central Amazon Conservation Complex 5
• Pantanal Conservation Area
• Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
• Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
• Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás
• São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão
• Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
• Pampulha Modern Ensemble
• Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site
• Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
• Sítio Roberto Burle Marx
• Boyana Church
• Madara Rider
• Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
• Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
• Ancient City of Nessebar
• Pirin National Park
• Rila Monastery
• Srebarna Nature Reserve
• Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari

Burkina Faso

• Ruins of Loropéni
• Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites of Burkina Faso
• Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande
• Temple of Preah Vihear
• Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura
• Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar
• Dja Faunal Reserve
• Sangha Trinational *
• L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
• Nahanni National Park #
• Dinosaur Provincial Park
• Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek # * 6
• Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
• S G ang Gwaay
• Wood Buffalo National Park
• Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks # 7
• Historic District of Old Québec
• Gros Morne National Park
• Old Town Lunenburg
• Waterton Glacier International Peace Park *
• Miguasha National Park
• Rideau Canal
• Joggins Fossil Cliffs
• Landscape of Grand Pré
• Red Bay Basque Whaling Station
• Mistaken Point
• Pimachiowin Aki
• Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi
• Tr’ondëk-Klondike

Central African Republic

• Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park
• Lakes of Ounianga
• Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape
• Rapa Nui National Park
• Churches of Chiloé
• Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso
• Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works
• Sewell Mining Town
• Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
• Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang
• Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
• Mogao Caves
• Mount Taishan
• Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian
• The Great Wall
• Mount Huangshan
• Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
• Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
• Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
• Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains
• Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa 8
• Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde
• Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu
• Lushan National Park
• Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
• Ancient City of Ping Yao
• Classical Gardens of Suzhou
• Old Town of Lijiang
• Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
• Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing
• Dazu Rock Carvings
• Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
• Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties
• Longmen Grottoes
• Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
• Yungang Grottoes
• Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
• Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom
• Historic Centre of Macao
• Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
• Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
• South China Karst
• Fujian Tulou
• Mount Sanqingshan National Park
• Mount Wutai
• China Danxia
• Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth”
• West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou
• Chengjiang Fossil Site
• Site of Xanadu
• Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
• Xinjiang Tianshan
• Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor *
• The Grand Canal
• Hubei Shennongjia
• Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
• Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
• Qinghai Hoh Xil
• Fanjingshan
• Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
• Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase I)
• Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
• Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er
• Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
• Los Katíos National Park
• Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox
• National Archeological Park of Tierradentro
• San Agustín Archaeological Park
• Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary
• Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia
• Chiribiquete National Park – “The Maloca of the Jaguar”
• Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua
• Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park *
• Cocos Island National Park
• Area de Conservación Guanacaste
• Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres of the Diquís

Côte d'Ivoire

• Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve *
• Taï National Park
• Comoé National Park
• Historic Town of Grand-Bassam
• Sudanese style mosques in northern Côte d’Ivoire
• Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
• Old City of Dubrovnik
• Plitvice Lakes National Park #
• Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč
• Historic City of Trogir
• The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik
• Stari Grad Plain
• Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar *
• Old Havana and its Fortification System
• Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios
• San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Santiago de Cuba
• Desembarco del Granma National Park
• Viñales Valley
• Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the South-East of Cuba
• Alejandro de Humboldt National Park
• Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos
• Historic Centre of Camagüey
• Painted Churches in the Troodos Region
• Choirokoitia
• Historic Centre of Český Krumlov
• Historic Centre of Prague
• Historic Centre of Telč
• Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora
• Kutná Hora: Historical Town Centre with the Church of St Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec
• Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape
• Gardens and Castle at Kroměříž
• Holašovice Historic Village
• Litomyšl Castle
• Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc
• Tugendhat Villa in Brno
• Jewish Quarter and St Procopius' Basilica in Třebíč
• Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region *
• Landscape for Breeding and Training of Ceremonial Carriage Horses at Kladruby nad Labem
• Žatec and the Landscape of Saaz Hops

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

• Complex of Koguryo Tombs
• Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong

Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Virunga National Park #
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park
• Garamba National Park
• Salonga National Park
• Okapi Wildlife Reserve
• Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
• Roskilde Cathedral
• Kronborg Castle
• Ilulissat Icefjord
• Wadden Sea *
• Stevns Klint
• Christiansfeld, a Moravian Church Settlement
• The par force hunting landscape in North Zealand
• Kujataa Greenland: Norse and Inuit Farming at the Edge of the Ice Cap
• Aasivissuit – Nipisat. Inuit Hunting Ground between Ice and Sea
• Viking-Age Ring Fortresses
• Morne Trois Pitons National Park

Dominican Republic

• Colonial City of Santo Domingo
• City of Quito
• Galápagos Islands
• Sangay National Park #
• Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
• Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
• Historic Cairo
• Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
• Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
• Saint Catherine Area
• Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)

El Salvador

• Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
• Asmara: A Modernist African City
• Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn
• Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
• Simien National Park
• Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region
• Lower Valley of the Awash
• Lower Valley of the Omo
• Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town
• Konso Cultural Landscape
• Bale Mountains National Park
• The Gedeo Cultural Landscape
• Levuka Historical Port Town
• Fortress of Suomenlinna
• Petäjävesi Old Church
• Verla Groundwood and Board Mill
• Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki
• High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago *
• Chartres Cathedral
• Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
• Palace and Park of Versailles
• Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
• Vézelay, Church and Hill
• Amiens Cathedral
• Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
• Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay
• Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
• Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the "Triumphal Arch" of Orange
• From the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, the Production of Open-pan Salt
• Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe
• Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve #
• Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance in Nancy
• Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
• Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt
• Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Former Abbey of Saint-Rémi and Palace of Tau, Reims
• Paris, Banks of the Seine
• Bourges Cathedral
• Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge
• Canal du Midi
• Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
• Pyrénées - Mont Perdu *
• Historic Site of Lyon
• Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France
• Belfries of Belgium and France * 9
• Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion
• The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes 10
• Provins, Town of Medieval Fairs
• Le Havre, the City Rebuilt by Auguste Perret
• Bordeaux, Port of the Moon
• Fortifications of Vauban
• Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
• Episcopal City of Albi
• Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island
• The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
• Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin
• Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche
• Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars
• The Climats, terroirs of Burgundy
• Taputapuātea
• Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena
• French Austral Lands and Seas
• Cordouan Lighthouse
• Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera
• The Maison Carrée of Nîmes
• Volcanoes and Forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique
• Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda
• Ivindo National Park
• Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites
• Stone Circles of Senegambia *
• Gelati Monastery
• Historical Monuments of Mtskheta
• Upper Svaneti
• Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands
• Aachen Cathedral
• Speyer Cathedral
• Würzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square
• Pilgrimage Church of Wies
• Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl
• St Mary's Cathedral and St Michael's Church at Hildesheim
• Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier
• Frontiers of the Roman Empire * 11
• Hanseatic City of Lübeck
• Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
• Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch
• Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System #
• Maulbronn Monastery Complex
• Town of Bamberg
• Collegiate Church, Castle and Old Town of Quedlinburg
• Völklingen Ironworks
• Messel Pit Fossil Site
• Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
• Cologne Cathedral
• Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg
• Classical Weimar
• Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin
• Wartburg Castle
• Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz
• Monastic Island of Reichenau
• Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen
• Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar
• Upper Middle Rhine Valley
• Dresden Elbe Valley Delisted 2009
• Muskauer Park / Park Mużakowski *
• Town Hall and Roland on the Marketplace of Bremen
• Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof
• Berlin Modernism Housing Estates
• Fagus Factory in Alfeld
• Margravial Opera House Bayreuth
• Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe
• Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey
• Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus
• Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura
• Archaeological Border complex of Hedeby and the Danevirke
• Naumburg Cathedral
• Water Management System of Augsburg
• Frontiers of the Roman Empire – The Lower German Limes *
• Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt
• ShUM Sites of Speyer, Worms and Mainz
• Jewish-Medieval Heritage of Erfurt
• Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions
• Asante Traditional Buildings
• Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
• Acropolis, Athens
• Archaeological Site of Delphi
• Medieval City of Rhodes
• Mount Athos
• Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika
• Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
• Archaeological Site of Mystras
• Archaeological Site of Olympia
• Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios
• Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
• Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina)
• Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns
• The Historic Centre (Chorá) with the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Island of Pátmos
• Old Town of Corfu
• Archaeological Site of Philippi
• Zagori Cultural Landscape
• Antigua Guatemala
• Tikal National Park
• Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua
• National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj
• National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers
• Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura * 12
• Vatican City
• Maya Site of Copan
• Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve
• Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
• Old Village of Hollókő and its Surroundings
• Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst *
• Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment
• Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
• Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)
• Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape
• Þingvellir National Park
• Vatnajökull National Park - Dynamic Nature of Fire and Ice
• Ajanta Caves
• Ellora Caves
• Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
• Sun Temple, Konârak
• Kaziranga National Park
• Keoladeo National Park
• Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
• Churches and Convents of Goa
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Group of Monuments at Hampi
• Khajuraho Group of Monuments
• Elephanta Caves
• Great Living Chola Temples 13
• Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
• Sundarbans National Park
• Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
• Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
• Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
• Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
• Mountain Railways of India
• Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
• Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
• Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
• Red Fort Complex
• The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
• Western Ghats
• Hill Forts of Rajasthan
• Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
• Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat
• Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar
• Khangchendzonga National Park
• Historic City of Ahmadabad
• Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai
• Jaipur City, Rajasthan
• Dholavira: a Harappan City
• Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana
• Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
• Santiniketan
• Borobudur Temple Compounds
• Komodo National Park
• Prambanan Temple Compounds
• Ujung Kulon National Park
• Sangiran Early Man Site
• Lorentz National Park
• Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra
• Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy
• Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto
• The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta and its Historic Landmarks

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

• Meidan Emam, Esfahan
• Tchogha Zanbil
• Takht-e Soleyman
• Bam and its Cultural Landscape
• Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran
• Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System
• Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil
• Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
• The Persian Garden
• Gonbad-e Qābus
• Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan
• Golestan Palace
• Shahr-i Sokhta
• Cultural Landscape of Maymand
• The Persian Qanat
• Historic City of Yazd
• Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region
• Cultural Landscape of Hawraman/Uramanat
• Trans-Iranian Railway
• The Persian Caravanserai
• Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)
• Samarra Archaeological City
• Erbil Citadel
• The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities
• Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne
• Sceilg Mhichíl
• Old City of Acre
• White City of Tel-Aviv – the Modern Movement
• Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba
• Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev
• Bahá’i Holy Places in Haifa and the Western Galilee
• Sites of Human Evolution at Mount Carmel: The Nahal Me’arot / Wadi el-Mughara Caves
• Caves of Maresha and Bet-Guvrin in the Judean Lowlands as a Microcosm of the Land of the Caves
• Necropolis of Bet She’arim: A Landmark of Jewish Renewal
• Rock Drawings in Valcamonica
• Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci
• Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura * 14
• Historic Centre of Florence
• Piazza del Duomo, Pisa
• Venice and its Lagoon
• Historic Centre of San Gimignano
• The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera
• City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto
• Crespi d'Adda
• Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta 15
• Historic Centre of Naples
• Historic Centre of Siena
• Castel del Monte
• Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna
• Historic Centre of the City of Pienza
• The Trulli of Alberobello
• 18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex
• Archaeological Area of Agrigento
• Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
• Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua
• Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena
• Costiera Amalfitana
• Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
• Residences of the Royal House of Savoy
• Su Nuraxi di Barumini
• Villa Romana del Casale
• Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia
• Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
• Historic Centre of Urbino
• Villa Adriana (Tivoli)
• Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites
• City of Verona
• Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
• Villa d'Este, Tivoli
• Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily)
• Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy
• Monte San Giorgio *
• Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
• Val d'Orcia
• Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica
• Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli
• Mantua and Sabbioneta
• Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes *
• The Dolomites
• Longobards in Italy. Places of the Power (568-774 A.D.)
• Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany
• Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
• Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale
• Ivrea, industrial city of the 20th century
• Le Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene
• Padua’s fourteenth-century fresco cycles
• The Porticoes of Bologna
• Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines
• Blue and John Crow Mountains
• Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area
• Shirakami-Sanchi
• Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)
• Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
• Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
• Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
• Shrines and Temples of Nikko
• Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
• Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
• Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape
• Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land
• Ogasawara Islands
• Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration
• Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites
• Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining
• Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region
• Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region
• Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan
• Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
• Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan

Jerusalem (Site proposed by Jordan)

• Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
• Quseir Amra
• Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)
• Wadi Rum Protected Area
• Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas)
• As-Salt - The Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality
• Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
• Petroglyphs of the Archaeological Landscape of Tanbaly
• Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan
• Western Tien-Shan *
• Cold Winter Deserts of Turan *
• Lake Turkana National Parks
• Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest
• Lamu Old Town
• Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests
• Fort Jesus, Mombasa
• Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley
• Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site
• Phoenix Islands Protected Area
• Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain

Lao People's Democratic Republic

• Town of Luang Prabang
• Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape
• Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang – Plain of Jars
• Historic Centre of Riga
• Old town of Kuldīga
• Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab)
• Rachid Karami International Fair-Tripoli
• Maloti-Drakensberg Park *
• Archaeological Site of Cyrene
• Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna
• Archaeological Site of Sabratha
• Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus
• Old Town of Ghadamès
• Vilnius Historic Centre
• Curonian Spit *
• Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė)
• Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939
• City of Luxembourg: its Old Quarters and Fortifications
• Andrefana Dry Forests
• Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
• Rainforests of the Atsinanana
• Lake Malawi National Park
• Chongoni Rock-Art Area
• Gunung Mulu National Park
• Kinabalu Park
• Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
• Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley
• Old Towns of Djenné
• Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)
• Tomb of Askia
• City of Valletta
• Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
• Megalithic Temples of Malta 16

Marshall Islands

• Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
• Banc d'Arguin National Park
• Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata
• Aapravasi Ghat
• Le Morne Cultural Landscape
• Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
• Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán
• Historic Centre of Puebla
• Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
• Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
• Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines
• Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
• Historic Centre of Morelia
• El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City
• Historic Centre of Zacatecas
• Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco
• Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino
• Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl
• Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro
• Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal
• Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara
• Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
• Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan
• Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco
• Historic Fortified Town of Campeche
• Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
• Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro
• Luis Barragán House and Studio
• Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California
• Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila
• Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
• Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
• Protective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco
• Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
• Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca
• El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve
• Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System
• Archipiélago de Revillagigedo
• Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica

Micronesia (Federated States of)

• Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia
• Uvs Nuur Basin *
• Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
• Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai
• Great Burkhan Khaldun Mountain and its surrounding sacred landscape
• Landscapes of Dauria *
• Deer Stone Monuments and Related Bronze Age Sites
• Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor
• Durmitor National Park
• Medina of Fez
• Medina of Marrakesh
• Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
• Historic City of Meknes
• Archaeological Site of Volubilis
• Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin)
• Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)
• Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida)
• Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage
• Island of Mozambique
• Pyu Ancient Cities
• Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes
• Namib Sand Sea
• Kathmandu Valley
• Sagarmatha National Park
• Chitwan National Park
• Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha

Netherlands (Kingdom of the)

• Schokland and Surroundings
• Dutch Water Defence Lines
• Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao
• Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout
• Ir.D.F. Woudagemaal (D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station)
• Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)
• Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
• Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht
• Van Nellefabriek
• Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker

New Zealand

• Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand 17
• Tongariro National Park #
• New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
• Ruins of León Viejo
• León Cathedral
• Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves
• Historic Centre of Agadez
• Sukur Cultural Landscape
• Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

North Macedonia

• Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region * 18
• Urnes Stave Church
• Røros Mining Town and the Circumference
• Rock Art of Alta
• Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago
• West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord
• Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site
• Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn
• Arabian Oryx Sanctuary Delisted 2007
• Land of Frankincense
• Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman
• Ancient City of Qalhat
• Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro
• Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol
• Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore
• Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta
• Rohtas Fort
• Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
• Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo
• Darien National Park
• Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá
• Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection

Papua New Guinea

• Kuk Early Agricultural Site
• Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue
• City of Cuzco
• Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
• Chavin (Archaeological Site)
• Huascarán National Park #
• Chan Chan Archaeological Zone
• Manú National Park
• Historic Centre of Lima 19
• Río Abiseo National Park
• Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa
• Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa
• Sacred City of Caral-Supe
• Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex

Philippines

• Baroque Churches of the Philippines
• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
• Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
• Historic City of Vigan
• Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
• Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
• Historic Centre of Kraków
• Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines
• Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
• Historic Centre of Warsaw
• Old City of Zamość
• Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork
• Medieval Town of Toruń
• Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park
• Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica
• Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska
• Centennial Hall in Wrocław
• Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine *
• Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine and its Underground Water Management System
• Krzemionki Prehistoric Striped Flint Mining Region
• Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores
• Convent of Christ in Tomar
• Monastery of Batalha
• Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon
• Historic Centre of Évora
• Monastery of Alcobaça
• Cultural Landscape of Sintra
• Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
• Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde * 20
• Laurisilva of Madeira
• Alto Douro Wine Region
• Historic Centre of Guimarães and Couros Zone
• Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture
• Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications
• University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia
• Royal Building of Mafra – Palace, Basilica, Convent, Cerco Garden and Hunting Park ( Tapada )
• Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga
• Al Zubarah Archaeological Site

Republic of Korea

• Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks
• Jongmyo Shrine
• Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
• Changdeokgung Palace Complex
• Hwaseong Fortress
• Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
• Gyeongju Historic Areas
• Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
• Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
• Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
• Namhansanseong
• Baekje Historic Areas
• Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea
• Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies
• Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
• Gaya Tumuli

Republic of Moldova

• Danube Delta
• Churches of Moldavia
• Monastery of Horezu
• Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania 21
• Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains
• Historic Centre of Sighişoara
• Wooden Churches of Maramureş
• Roșia Montană Mining Landscape

Russian Federation

• Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments
• Kizhi Pogost
• Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
• Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands
• Historic Monuments of Novgorod and Surroundings
• White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal
• Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad
• Church of the Ascension, Kolomenskoye
• Virgin Komi Forests
• Lake Baikal
• Volcanoes of Kamchatka 22
• Golden Mountains of Altai
• Western Caucasus
• Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery
• Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin
• Central Sikhote-Alin
• Citadel, Ancient City and Fortress Buildings of Derbent
• Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent
• Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
• Historical Centre of the City of Yaroslavl
• Putorana Plateau
• Lena Pillars Nature Park
• Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex
• Assumption Cathedral and Monastery of the town-island of Sviyazhsk
• Churches of the Pskov School of Architecture
• Petroglyphs of Lake Onega and the White Sea
• Astronomical Observatories of Kazan Federal University
• Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero
• Nyungwe National Park

Saint Kitts and Nevis

• Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

Saint Lucia

• Pitons Management Area
• San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano

Saudi Arabia

• Hegra Archaeological Site (al-Hijr / Madā ͐ in Ṣāliḥ)
• At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah
• Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
• Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia
• Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
• Ḥimā Cultural Area
• ‘Uruq Bani Ma’arid
• Island of Gorée
• Niokolo-Koba National Park
• Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
• Island of Saint-Louis
• Saloum Delta
• Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes
• Stari Ras and Sopoćani
• Studenica Monastery
• Medieval Monuments in Kosovo
• Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius
• Aldabra Atoll
• Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
• Singapore Botanic Gardens
• Historic Town of Banská Štiavnica and the Technical Monuments in its Vicinity
• Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments
• Bardejov Town Conservation Reserve
• Wooden Churches of the Slovak part of the Carpathian Mountain Area
• Škocjan Caves #
• Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija *
• The works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana – Human Centred Urban Design

Solomon Islands

• East Rennell

South Africa

• Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Robben Island
• Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
• Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
• Vredefort Dome
• Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
• ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape
• Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains
• Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada 23
• Burgos Cathedral
• Historic Centre of Cordoba 24
• Monastery and Site of the Escurial, Madrid
• Works of Antoni Gaudí 25
• Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
• Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias 26
• Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches
• Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct
• Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)
• Garajonay National Park
• Historic City of Toledo
• Mudejar Architecture of Aragon 27
• Old Town of Cáceres
• Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
• Old City of Salamanca
• Poblet Monastery
• Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
• Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain
• Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe
• Doñana National Park
• Historic Walled Town of Cuenca
• La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
• Las Médulas
• Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona
• San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries
• Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde * 28
• Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula
• University and Historic Precinct of Alcalá de Henares
• Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
• San Cristóbal de La Laguna
• Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco
• Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
• Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí
• Palmeral of Elche
• Roman Walls of Lugo 29
• Aranjuez Cultural Landscape
• Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Úbeda and Baeza
• Vizcaya Bridge
• Teide National Park
• Tower of Hercules
• Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana
• Antequera Dolmens Site
• Caliphate City of Medina Azahara
• Risco Caido and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape
• Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences
• Prehistoric Sites of Talayotic Menorca
• Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
• Ancient City of Sigiriya
• Sacred City of Anuradhapura
• Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
• Sacred City of Kandy
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve 30
• Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
• Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

State of Palestine

• Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem
• Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir
• Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
• Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan
• Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region
• Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe
• Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park
• Central Suriname Nature Reserve
• Historic Inner City of Paramaribo
• Jodensavanne Archaeological Site: Jodensavanne Settlement and Cassipora Creek Cemetery
• Royal Domain of Drottningholm
• Birka and Hovgården
• Engelsberg Ironworks
• Rock Carvings in Tanum
• Skogskyrkogården
• Hanseatic Town of Visby
• Church Town of Gammelstad, Luleå
• Laponian Area
• Naval Port of Karlskrona
• Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland
• Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun
• Grimeton Radio Station, Varberg
• Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland

Switzerland

• Abbey of St Gall
• Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair
• Old City of Berne
• Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona
• Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch
• Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
• Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona
• La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle, Watchmaking Town Planning

Syrian Arab Republic

• Ancient City of Damascus
• Ancient City of Bosra
• Site of Palmyra
• Ancient City of Aleppo
• Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din
• Ancient Villages of Northern Syria
• Proto-urban Site of Sarazm
• Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
• Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor *
• Tugay forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve
• Historic City of Ayutthaya
• Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns
• Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
• Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
• Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex
• Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex
• The Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments
• Amphitheatre of El Jem
• Archaeological Site of Carthage
• Medina of Tunis
• Ichkeul National Park
• Punic Town of Kerkuane and its Necropolis
• Medina of Sousse
• Dougga / Thugga
• Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory
• Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
• Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği
• Historic Areas of Istanbul
• Hattusha: the Hittite Capital
• Hierapolis-Pamukkale
• Xanthos-Letoon
• City of Safranbolu
• Archaeological Site of Troy
• Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex
• Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
• Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire
• Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
• Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape
• Archaeological Site of Ani
• Aphrodisias
• Göbekli Tepe
• Arslantepe Mound
• Wooden Hypostyle Mosques of Medieval Anatolia

Turkmenistan

• State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv”
• Kunya-Urgench
• Parthian Fortresses of Nisa
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park
• Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi
• Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
• L'viv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre
• Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans
• Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora
• The Historic Centre of Odesa

United Arab Emirates

• Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas)

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

• Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd
• Durham Castle and Cathedral
• Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast
• Ironbridge Gorge
• Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
• Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey
• Blenheim Palace
• City of Bath
• Frontiers of the Roman Empire * 31
• Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
• Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
• Henderson Island
• Tower of London
• Gough and Inaccessible Islands 32
• Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
• Maritime Greenwich
• Heart of Neolithic Orkney
• Blaenavon Industrial Landscape
• Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications, Bermuda
• Derwent Valley Mills
• Dorset and East Devon Coast
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
• Liverpool – Maritime Mercantile City Delisted 2021
• Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape
• Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal
• The Forth Bridge
• Gorham's Cave Complex
• The English Lake District
• Jodrell Bank Observatory
• The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales

United Republic of Tanzania

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area 33
• Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara
• Serengeti National Park
• Selous Game Reserve
• Kilimanjaro National Park
• Stone Town of Zanzibar
• Kondoa Rock-Art Sites

United States of America

• Mesa Verde National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Everglades National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Independence Hall
• Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek # * 34
• Redwood National and State Parks
• Mammoth Cave National Park
• Olympic National Park
• Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico
• Statue of Liberty
• Yosemite National Park #
• Chaco Culture
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park #
• Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville
• Taos Pueblo
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park
• Papahānaumokuākea
• Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point
• San Antonio Missions
• The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright
• Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks
• Historic Quarter of the City of Colonia del Sacramento
• Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape
• The work of engineer Eladio Dieste: Church of Atlántida
• Itchan Kala
• Historic Centre of Bukhara
• Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz
• Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures
• Chief Roi Mata’s Domain

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

• Coro and its Port
• Canaima National Park
• Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas
• Complex of Hué Monuments
• Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
• Hoi An Ancient Town
• My Son Sanctuary
• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
• Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi
• Citadel of the Ho Dynasty
• Trang An Landscape Complex
• Old Walled City of Shibam
• Old City of Sana'a
• Historic Town of Zabid
• Socotra Archipelago
• Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib
• Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls # *
• Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas
• Great Zimbabwe National Monument
• Khami Ruins National Monument
• Matobo Hills

In 1979, the Committee decided to inscribe the Ohrid Lake on the World Heritage List under natural criteria (iii). In 1980, this property was extended to include the cultural and historical area, and cultural criteria (i)(iii)(iv) were added.

Extension of the "Australian East Coast Temperate and Subtropical Rainforest Park".

name changed 2007 from 'Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves (Australia)'

Renomination of "Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park" under cultural criteria.

The “Belfries of Flanders and Wallonia” which were previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, are part of the transnational property “The Belfries of Belgium and France”.

Extension of "Jaú National Park".

Extension of the "Glacier Bay/Wrangell/St Elias/Kluane" property.

The "Burgess Shale" property, which was previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, is part of the "Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks".

Extension of "The Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple Monastery, Lhasa" to include the Norbulingka area.

The "Chateau and Estate of Chambord", which was previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, is part of the "Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes".

The “Hadrian’s Wall” which was previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, is part of the transnational property “Frontiers of the Roman Empire”.

At the time the property was extended, cultural criterion (iv) was also found applicable.

The "Brihadisvara Temple, Tanjavur", which was previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, is part of the "Great Living Chola Temples".

At the time the property was extended, criteria (iii) and (v) were also found applicable.

The Committee decided to extend the existing cultural property, the "Temple of Ggantija", to include the five prehistoric temples situated on the islands of Malta and Gozo and to rename the property as "The Megalithic Temples of Malta".

The Westland and Mount Cook National Park and the Fiordland National Park, which were previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, are part of the "Te Wahipounamu - South West New Zealand".

The "Convent Ensemble of San Francisco de Lima", which was previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, is part of the "Historic Centre of Lima".

Extension de « Sites d'art rupestre préhistorique de la vallée de Côa », Portugal

Extension of "Biertan and its Fortified Church".

At the time the property was extended, natural criterion (iv) was also found applicable.

Extension of the "Alhambra and the Generalife, Granada", to include the Albayzin quarter.

Extension of the "Mosque of Cordoba".

The property “Parque Güell, Palacio Güell and Casa Mila in Barcelona”, previously inscribed on the World Heritage List, is part of the “Works of Antoni Gaudí”.

Extension of the "Churches of the Kingdom of the Asturias", to include monuments in the city of Oviedo.

Extension of the "Mudejar Architecture of Teruel".

Following a survey of ownership carried out in the late 1960s, ownership of the totality of the walls was vested in 1973 in the Spanish State, through the Ministry of Education and Science. It was transferred to the Xunta de Galicia by Royal Decree in 1994.

 The Spanish Constitution reserves certain rights in relation to the heritage to the central government. However, these are delegated to the competent agencies in the Autonomous Communities, in this case the Xunta de Galicia. For the Lugo walls the Xunta is in the position of both owner and competent agency. Under the Galician Heritage Law the Xunta is required to cooperate with the municipal authorities in ensuring the protection and conservation of listed monuments, and certain functions are delegated down to them. The Xunta operates through its General Directorate of Cultural Heritage (Dirección General de Patrimonio Cultural), based in Santiago de Compostela.

The Master Plan for the Conservation and Restoration of the Roman Walls of Lugo (1992) covered proposals for actions to be taken in respect of research and techniques of restoration. This was followed in 1997 by the Special Plan for the Protection and Internal Reform of the Fortified Enceinte of the Town of Lugo, which is concerned principally with the urban environment of the historic town. However, it has a direct impact on the protection afforded to the walls, in terms of traffic planning, the creation of open spaces, and regulation of building heights. Another planning instrument which affects the walls is the Special Plan for the Protection of the Miño [river], approved by the municipality at the beginning of 1998.

There is at the present time no management plan sensu stricto for the walls in operation in Lugo: work is continuing on the basis of the 1992 plan. Nor is there a technical unit specifically responsible for the conservation and restoration of the walls. It is against this background that serious consideration is being given to the creation of an independent foundation, under royal patronage and with representatives from government, academic, voluntary, and business institutions, to work with the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage of Galicia. The work plan of this body would include the development and implementation of integrated conservation, restoration, and maintenance programmes.

The WH area is managed directly by the Divisional Forest Officer from the Forest Dept. A national steering Committee co-ordinates institutions for Sinharaja as a National Wilderness Area, Biosphere Reserve (1988), and WH site. There are two management plans, prepared in 1985/86 and 1992/94, which emphasise conservation, scientific research, buffer zone management, benefit-sharing, and community participation.

Extension of "Gough Island Wildlife Reserve".

(renomination under cultural criteria)

*: transboundary property

# : As for 19 Natural and Mixed Properties inscribed for geological values before 1994, criteria numbering of this property has changed. See Decision 30.COM 8D.1

World Heritage Online Map Platform

The World Heritage Online Map Platform, supported by the Flanders UNESCO Trustfund (FUT), is a pilot online geographic information system displaying georeferenced maps of World Heritage properties and buffer zones.

Official World Heritage List in other formats

Official World Heritage List Statistics

Order World Heritage List Wall Map

A large format full-colour map is available in English, French and Spanish . The dimensions of the map are 78cm by 50cm (31 in. by 20 in.).

Best Places In The World To Visit

Here is the list of 33 best places in the world to visit, 1. paris, france - the city of lights.

Known For : Eiffel Tower The Louvre Notre Dame

Paris, the enchanting 'City of Lights', captivates with its blend of history, art, and romance. Its cobblestone streets lead to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. By night, the Seine River reflects shimmering illuminations, echoing the city's luminous spirit. An epicenter of culture and elegance, Paris remains an eternal muse for visitors from around the globe.

Best Time: June to August

58 Paris Attractions

2. London, England - London: The heritage of England

Known For : Tower of London British Museum London Eye

London, the heart of England, stands as a vibrant mosaic of history, culture, and innovation. From the regal Buckingham Palace and the echoing bells of Big Ben to the modern Shard piercing the skyline, the city embodies the nation's heritage. Cobblestone streets, iconic red buses, and the River Thames intertwining its fabric, London offers an immersive journey through centuries, celebrating the essence of English tradition while embracing the future.

Best Time: April to September

53 London Attractions

3. Pamukalle, Turkey - Pamukalle-The City of Minerals

Known For : Pamukkale Natural Park Travertines Hierapolis

Pamukkale, located in Turkey, is often referred to as the 'City of Minerals'. Famous for its terraces of gleaming white calcium deposits, these natural thermal springs look like frozen waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. The therapeutic waters, rich in minerals, have drawn visitors for centuries, seeking rejuvenation and solace. With ancient ruins of Hierapolis nearby, Pamukkale offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical depth, making it a mesmerizing destination.

Best Time: September

10 Pamukalle Attractions

4. Dubai, UAE - A Megacity That Never Stops Growing

Known For : At the Top Burj Khalifa Dubai Fountain The Dubai Mall

Dubai, a jewel in the UAE's crown, stands as a testament to ambition and innovation. Rising from desert sands, its skyline boasts architectural marvels like the Burj Khalifa, piercing the heavens. Luxury shopping malls coexist with historic souks, offering a blend of tradition and modernity. As a city that never stops evolving, Dubai dazzles with its opulence, technological feats, and a vision that ceaselessly pushes the boundaries of urban development.

Best Time: November to April

123 Dubai Attractions

5. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza, standing tall on Egypt's desert plains, are enduring symbols of ancient marvel and mystery. Built as grand tombs for pharaohs, these monumental structures have for millennia captivated imaginations with their scale and precision. The Sphinx, silent guardian of the pyramids, adds to the enigma. A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site is not just a journey through sand and stone, but a leap back in time to a civilization's zenith.

6. Maldives, Maldives - A Tropical Haven

Known For : Stay in an Overwater Bungalow Diving in Maldives Snorkelling in Maldives

The Maldives, an archipelago of over a thousand islands, emerges from the Indian Ocean as a tropical haven. Each atoll, with its aquamarine waters and powdery white sands, paints a picture of paradise. Overwater bungalows offer uninterrupted vistas of endless horizons, while vibrant coral reefs beneath the surface teem with marine life. For those seeking solitude and luxury embraced by nature's beauty, the Maldives is the quintessential retreat.

Best Time: December to April

103 Maldives Attractions

7. Bangkok, Thailand - Of street food, skyscrapers and unending nights

Known For : Grand Palace Chatuchak Market Wat Pho Bangkok

Bangkok, the pulsating heart of Thailand, is a blend of modernity and tradition. Skyscrapers tower over ancient temples, while the scent of sizzling street food fills bustling alleyways. By night, the city transforms, with markets illuminating streets and rooftop bars offering panoramic city views. From the sacred spaces of the Grand Palace to the frenzied energy of Khao San Road, Bangkok delivers a whirlwind of flavors, sights, and unending nights of revelry.

Best Time: Late November to Mid Jaunary

129 Bangkok Attractions

8. Prague, Czech-Republic - A Historical and Cultural Excursion

Known For : Prague Castle Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) The Clementinum and the National Library

Prague, the heart of the Czech Republic, offers a mesmerizing journey through time. Its cobblestone streets, lined with Gothic and Baroque masterpieces, echo with tales of emperors and artists. The iconic Charles Bridge connects centuries of history, while the astronomical clock ticks away in Old Town Square. Serving as a canvas of architectural splendor and cultural richness, Prague promises an immersive historical and cultural excursion for every wandering soul.

Best Time: April to October

50 Prague Attractions

9. Great Barrier Reef, Australia - Nature's Biggest Marvel

Known For : Green Island Heart Reef Hayman Island

The Great Barrier Reef, stretching along Australia's northeast coast, is nature's most magnificent masterpiece. As the world's largest coral reef system, it boasts a kaleidoscope of marine life and vibrant coral formations. This underwater wonder, visible even from space, offers a mesmerizing dance of colors and shapes. A sanctuary for biodiversity, the reef stands not only as an iconic symbol of Australia's natural beauty but also as the planet's most splendid marine marvel.

Best Time: June to November (Spring)

6 Barrier Reef Attractions

10. Santorini, Greece

Known For : Watch Sunset at Oia Hike from Fira to Oia Skaros Rock

Santorini, perched atop the Aegean Sea, is Greece's postcard-perfect gem. Its iconic white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches cling to steep cliffs, offering breathtaking sunsets over the caldera. The island's volcanic past has sculpted unique beaches with red and black sands, while its villages brim with history and charm. A haven for romantics, Santorini's enchanting landscapes and azure waters create an unforgettable tableau of Mediterranean beauty and allure.

Best Time: June to September

55 Santorini Attractions

11. Sydney, Australia - The complete Australian experience

Known For : Sydney Opera House Sydney Harbour Bridge Royal Botanic Gardens

Sydney, Australia's gleaming harbor city, delivers the quintessential Australian experience. Framed by the iconic Sydney Opera House and the sprawling Harbour Bridge, it's a vibrant blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty. From the golden sands of Bondi Beach to its bustling markets and cosmopolitan nightlife, Sydney encapsulates the spirit of Down Under. Offering both urban allure and natural wonders, it's a destination that captures the heart and soul of the continent.

Best Time: December to February.

44 Sydney Attractions

12. Phuket, Thailand - Where Summer Beach Fashion Truly Comes Alive

Known For : Big Buddha Bangla Road Phuket Old Town

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is the epicenter of summer beach fashion. Its golden sands and azure waters serve as a runway for sun-seekers, each flaunting vibrant swimsuits, breezy sarongs, and chic sun hats. Amidst the backdrop of swaying palms and beachfront bars, fashion truly comes alive, reflecting the island's effervescent spirit. Here, sun-kissed days are not just about relaxation; they're a stylish statement of tropical elegance and flair.

Best Time: November to February

124 Phuket Attractions

13. Florence, Italy - The City of Character

Known For : Galleria dell’Accademia The Ufizzi Gallery Ponte Vecchio

Florence, Italy's artistic heart, is often described as the 'City of Character'. Birthplace of the Renaissance, its streets and squares are adorned with masterpieces from giants like Michelangelo and Botticelli. The Duomo's iconic dome dominates the skyline, while the Uffizi Gallery holds treasures of unparalleled beauty. Beyond art, Florence offers intimate cafes, Tuscan flavors, and a timeless ambiance, making it a destination where history and passion come alive in every corner.

Best Time: Throughout the year

42 Florence Attractions

14. Barcelona, Spain - The Paris of Spain

Known For : Sagrada Familia Las Ramblas Park Guell

Barcelona, frequently hailed as 'The Paris of Spain', radiates with architectural splendor and cultural dynamism. The whimsical creations of Gaudí, from the iconic Sagrada Família to the vibrant mosaics of Park Güell, define its skyline. Narrow alleys of the Gothic Quarter, bustling markets like La Boqueria, and the sun-kissed beaches of Barceloneta collectively capture its unique spirit. Barcelona seamlessly blends ancient charm with avant-garde flair, mirroring the romantic allure of Paris in its own Iberian style.

Best Time: May to August

47 Barcelona Attractions

15. Mauritius, Mauritius - Indian Ocean's Island Paradise.

Known For : Black River Gorges National Park Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel Scuba Diving in Mauritius

Mauritius, nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, emerges as the quintessential island paradise. Its powdery white beaches merge seamlessly with cerulean waters, providing a haven for sun-worshippers and water enthusiasts alike. Verdant mountains and sugar cane fields punctuate its landscape, while a rich tapestry of cultures defines its soul. From Creole rhythms to spicy curries, Mauritius offers a delightful blend of nature and heritage, embodying the very essence of tropical allure.

Best Time: July to October (winter)

146 Mauritius Attractions

16. Hong Kong, Hongkong

Known For : Victoria Harbour A Symphony of Lights Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong, a dynamic metropolis, melds East and West in a vibrant tapestry of culture, commerce, and cuisine. Its iconic skyline, studded with futuristic skyscrapers, stands sentinel over bustling harbors and tranquil green mountains. From the aromatic alleyways of Temple Street Night Market to the serene trails of Lantau Island, Hong Kong offers a rich blend of urban energy and natural beauty, encapsulating the very essence of contrast and harmony.

Best Time: October to December (Autumn)

337 Hong Kong Attractions

17. Bali, Indonesia - An idyllic retreat

Known For : Tanah Lot Uluwatu Bali Swing

Bali, nestled within the vast Indonesian archipelago, stands as an idyllic retreat for souls seeking tranquility and enchantment. Its landscapes, where verdant rice terraces merge with sun-drenched beaches, create a tapestry of natural beauty. Ancient temples, the gentle hum of Gamelan, and the intricate dance performances narrate tales of tradition and spirituality. From the bustling streets of Seminyak to the serene vibes of Ubud, Bali promises a rejuvenating escape into a tropical dream.

Best Time: April, May, June and September

300 Bali Attractions

18. Amsterdam, Netherlands - Heritage and history, parties and parks, food and fresh beer

Known For : Rijksmuseum Van Gogh Museum Vondelpark

Amsterdam, the jewel of the Netherlands, offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Its winding canals are lined with historic houses, reflecting centuries of heritage. By night, the city pulses with lively parties and the hum of conversation. Sprawling parks provide serene escapes, while bustling markets and cozy cafés tantalize with sumptuous food and freshly brewed beer. Amsterdam is a celebration of contrasts, where tradition mingles effortlessly with contemporary delights.

Best Time: March to October

47 Amsterdam Attractions

19. Seychelles, Seychelles - The Honeymoon Paradise

Known For : Anse Lazio Snorkeling in Seychelles Sunbathing in Seychelles

Seychelles, an archipelago nestled in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, is often heralded as 'The Honeymoon Paradise'. Its pristine beaches, fringed by swaying palm trees and granite boulders, set the stage for romance. Crystal-clear waters shimmer under the tropical sun, while secluded coves offer intimate moments of tranquillity. A sanctuary for love and serenity, Seychelles is where newlyweds find their idyllic beginning amidst nature's most breathtaking canvases.

Best Time: April to May, September to October

96 Seychelles Attractions

20. San Francisco, Usa - The Golden State's City of the Golden Gate

Known For : Golden Gate Bridge Alcatraz Island Fisherman's Wharf

San Francisco, perched on the edge of California's coastline, is fondly known as the 'City of the Golden Gate'. Its iconic red bridge stretches majestically across the bay, while its hilly streets offer panoramic views of the Pacific. From the historic charm of cable cars to the bohemian vibes of Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco melds traditions with innovation. A cultural melting pot, it embodies the Golden State's spirit of diversity and progressive thinking.

Best Time: September to November

256 San Francisco Attractions

21. Mumbai, Maharashtra - The City of Dreams

Known For : Elephanta Caves Marine Drive, Mumbai Juhu Beach

Mumbai, the bustling heart of Maharashtra, is often hailed as the 'City of Dreams'. Its skyline, a blend of colonial architecture and modern high-rises, tells tales of aspiration and evolution. From the vibrant lanes of Colaba to the serene Marine Drive promenade, Mumbai pulsates with energy. As the home of Bollywood and a melting pot of cultures, it promises a tapestry of experiences, where dreams take flight amidst its chaotic yet charismatic embrace.

Best Time: October to February

114 Mumbai Attractions

22. Kolkata, West Bengal - The city of Joy

Known For : Victoria Memorial Fort William Kolkata Belur Math

Kolkata, nestled in West Bengal, is fondly termed the 'City of Joy'. A cradle of literature, arts, and revolution, its streets echo with tales of heritage and hope. Trams rumble past colonial edifices, while the aroma of roshogolla and street food fills the air. From the historic Howrah Bridge to the vibrant Durga Puja celebrations, Kolkata radiates a warmth and cultural depth, offering a soulful embrace to every visitor.

Best Time: October to March

79 Kolkata Attractions

23. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, nestled high in the Andean mountains of Peru, is a testament to the architectural prowess and spiritual significance of the Inca civilization. Overlooking verdant valleys and shrouded in mist, this ancient citadel reveals a tapestry of stone terraces and temples. A journey to its enigmatic ruins offers a window into a bygone era, while challenging the physical and elevating the spiritual dimensions of those who tread its paths.

24. The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon, a majestic chasm carved by the Colorado River, stands as a testament to nature's unparalleled artistry. Spanning over 277 miles in Arizona, its layered red rock formations tell tales of Earth's ancient past. As sunlight dances across its vast expanse, visitors are left in awe of its sheer magnitude and raw beauty. A visit promises both a humbling perspective and an indelible imprint on the soul.

25. New Zealand - The Land Where Adventures Wait

New Zealand, often dubbed the 'Land Where Adventures Wait', beckons with its juxtaposition of rugged landscapes and serene vistas. From the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the otherworldly geothermal terrains of Rotorua, it's a haven for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Each corner of this island nation offers a unique dance of earth, water, and sky, promising unforgettable experiences for every intrepid soul.

26. Colosseum, Rome

The Colosseum in Rome, an enduring symbol of ancient grandeur, stands as a testament to the Roman Empire's architectural prowess and its thirst for spectacle. Once echoing with the roars of gladiators and spectators alike, this colossal amphitheater, with its arches and worn stones, evokes tales of bravery, drama, and human endeavor. A visit transports one back in time, offering a poignant glimpse into the heart of ancient civilization and its vast cultural tapestry.

27. Bora Bora, French-Polynesia - A colossal cosmos encircled by a mystique lagoon

Known For : Matira Beach Water Sports in Bora Bora Land activities

Bora Bora, situated in French Polynesia, is a colossal cosmos of vibrant blue hues and lush greenery, encircled by a mystique lagoon and barrier reef. Renowned for its turquoise water and luxury overwater bungalows, this tropical paradise effortlessly marries natural splendor with opulence. Each glimpse of its pristine beaches and silhouettes of Mount Otemanu on the horizon invites visitors into a realm of serene beauty and timeless allure.

Best Time: May to October

3 Bora Bora Attractions

28. Iceland - For the offbeat traveller

Iceland, a realm of stark contrasts, beckons the offbeat traveller with its fiery volcanoes and glacial landscapes. From the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights to the geothermal springs of the Blue Lagoon, it offers an otherworldly escape. Its rugged terrains, dotted with waterfalls and geysers, promise an experience unlike any other. For those seeking paths less trodden and nature in its rawest form, Iceland is the ultimate destination.

29. New York City, Usa - The City that Never Sleeps

Known For : Statue of Liberty Times Square Empire State Building

New York City, often dubbed 'The City that Never Sleeps', pulsates with unyielding energy. Its iconic skyline, punctuated by skyscrapers like the Empire State and One World Trade, stands as a beacon of ambition and dreams. The bustling streets, from Broadway's glowing marquees to Central Park's tranquil paths, tell tales of millions. A melting pot of cultures, arts, and ideas, NYC promises a perpetual dance of experiences, keeping its promise of sleepless wonder.

275 New York City Attractions

30. Costa Rica - Abundance of Natural Beauty

Costa Rica, a gem nestled between two oceans, is synonymous with an abundance of natural beauty. Rainforests teeming with vibrant flora and fauna stretch towards pristine beaches, where waves beckon surfers and sun-seekers alike. Majestic volcanoes rise against the horizon, and hidden waterfalls punctuate dense jungles. With its commitment to sustainability, Costa Rica not only offers a visual feast of biodiversity but also stands as a testament to harmonious coexistence with nature.

31. British Virgin Islands - The Gem of Caribbean

Known For : The Baths Rhone Marine Park (Salt Island) Fallen Jerusalem National Park

The British Virgin Islands, nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, emerge as a gem of turquoise waters and sun-kissed sands. This archipelago, comprising over 60 islands and cays, offers secluded bays, vibrant coral reefs, and verdant hills. Sailors drift lazily from one isle to another, seeking the perfect mooring spot, while beachcombers revel in the pristine shores. Reflecting the laid-back Caribbean spirit, these islands promise an untouched paradise for wanderers and dreamers alike.

13 British Virgin Islan Attractions

32. Amalfi, Italy

Amalfi, nestled along Italy's rugged southern coastline, is a tapestry of sunlit cliffs and azure seas. This historic maritime town, with its maze of narrow alleys, boasts centuries-old architecture and bustling piazzas. Lemon groves scent the air, while vibrant bougainvillea drapes over stone walls. With its serene beaches and iconic cathedral, Amalfi perfectly captures the charm and romance of the Mediterranean, offering a slice of Italian paradise to every visitor.

33. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat, located in the heart of Cambodia, stands as a testament to the Khmer Empire's architectural brilliance and spiritual devotion. This sprawling temple complex, with its intricate carvings and grandeur, is both a symbol of national pride and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As dawn breaks, its iconic silhouette against the rising sun offers a moment of serenity and timelessness, inviting travelers to step back into a golden era of Cambodian history.

Are there more best places in the world that we missed out? Let us know in the comments below!

This post was published by Vrinda Movva

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I'm David Leiter , the guy behind this website. I'm an American who's been traveling the world full time for 8 years now.

I started this travel blog in 2019 to document my own international trips, share my photos, and help others learn how to travel the world and find some really good spots off the beaten path.

I'm currently based in Bali , Indonesia , where I met my wife Intan, who’s a Bali local. Now she joins me on these wild and crazy adventures too.

Together, we've done some bucket list hikes , climbed active volcanoes , seen exotic wildlife , and visited some spectacular castles , temples , and monuments around the world.

I've worked with and been featured by BBC Travel , NBC News , Time , and other big companies. I also sell some photo prints from my travels now.

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. I hope this world travel blog can help and inspire you in your own journeys as well!

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The 10 Best Designed Tourism Websites in the World 2022

Mary Ann Ha , Skift

June 15th, 2022 at 2:30 AM EDT

In a frantic attempt to avoid being left behind, official tourism organization websites are doing their best to catch up to the high expectations of the new traveler — tourists of the post-pandemic digital age.

Mary Ann Ha

Almost every tourist these days is making decisions about their travels based on what they see online. From themed trips to budgeted food tours, travelers crave previews of potential destinations and surf the internet to learn anything they can about a new and exciting spot.

Due to intense levels of pent-up travel demand followed by impulsive and impatient post-pandemic travelers, tourism website design is more important now than ever before. The competitive space for well-designed websites is more ambitious, and reliance on digital platforms as a dependable resource for travel inspiration is at an all-time high. Looking at the Gen Z traveler, it’s easy to notice that attention spans have shortened immensely, and tourists are treating trip planning like a shopping experience, picking and choosing elements of their vacations after engaging in a few seconds of appeal.

With that being said, tourism organizations are slowly learning that the old ways simply don’t work anymore — paragraphs of information on the screen, redirection that continues tab after tab, slow and clunky navigational experiences, depressing color palettes, and promotional descriptions of sites that don’t answer any of the truly important questions, especially for a more conscious traveler worried about climate change, and other threats.

After two years of rapidly-evolving digital growth, several websites have succeeded in breaking out of that dull and repetitive cycle. Here is Skift’s 2022 list of best designed tourism websites — ones that hit the spot both visually and navigationally, and are taking note of what the modern traveler wants, how they think, and most importantly, how they behave.

1. Visit Iceland

The clean-cut and minimalistic nature of Nordic graphic design works well to communicate visual appeal, send concise messages with clarity (or humor), and entice further curiosity with minimal effort, especially in the website world. Visit Iceland leads our list with a transitional homepage display, decorated with background images that hover along the page as they overlap and interact with the text on the screen, making the website feel inviting and alive.

As users scroll further down, the website displays excellent examples of utilizing the organized nature of drop-down menus and vertically moving lists. With a clean white background and bold capitalized black font, readers are able to quickly catch sight of what they want to read, without feeling overwhelmed by options. Blog articles of potential itineraries and Iceland travel tips are also organized in a format reminiscent of Youtube, integrated with carousel elements that are easy to view via mobile phone. 

Accessibility to greener travel options within the website is always a plus — Visit Iceland has an entire page dedicated to helping travelers join in on Iceland’s commitment to preserving their nature, including a list of environmentally certified businesses, a carbon footprint calculator, and an easy-to-follow list of tips for sustainable travel in Iceland.

2. Visit California

While the homepage might look typical at first glance, Visit California’s “Experience California” layout is one of the best designs we’ve seen in the tourism website game. Swipe left as soon as you get onto the landing page (a surprising, but not too complicated way to navigate the site, which keeps visitors engaged), and users are immediately whisked into a three-dimensional space to explore what the state of California has to offer to their tourists.

To the new millennial and Gen Z traveler, design and aesthetic can be just as or more important as destination information and travel guidance. Interactive visuals and bold colors speak to the character of California as a vacation spot, filled with globally cultural experiences and advanced businesses in design and technology — adding to the visitor’s impression of what a trip to California could be like. 

As the home of Los Angeles and the land of influencers, Visit California also fully embraces the use of User-Generated Content as a promotional tool, and displays this in an easy-to-digest format.

3. Z ürich Tourism

Speaking of Nordic graphic design and user-generated content, the official website for the city of Zurich is another example of the excellent use of white space. Dedication to sans serif typography, a two-to-three cool tone color palette, and an extremely simplistic, clean layout keeps visitors from feeling overwhelmed and allows for a breathing space to go through all the activities offered on the website. 

Beneath several of the suggested activities, restaurants, and bars, the Zurich website also labels whether the business is open or the service is being offered in real time, a unique feature that can be extremely helpful for travelers who are looking for last minute places to enjoy or spontaneously plan a day trip.

Their user-generated content page is a delightfully neat design, with the page tab linked as a single hashtag in the top menu. The entire page acts as a unified social media feed, making all their social media coverage on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram visually accessible in one view.

3. Visit Brazil

Visit Brazil has all information and links available on their homepage, split into four sections: Experiences, Destinations, Regions, and Travel Information. 

Aesthetically, a framework of yellow is filled with a line-up of action-packed visuals, picture and video, and a section dedicated to Instagram content. They know their visitors, and they recognize that in-your-face video content appeals to those who are looking for some sort of adventure. The video that takes up the entire homepage display keeps visitors engaged at initial glance, and while the website prioritizes promoting their adventurous activities, they balance “fun” with “necessity” and make sure to give easy access to the safety information travelers will need to know when coming to Brazil.

We all know New York City could be its own state, with experience offerings that are equivalent to those of a country.

Set up like a booking site, the NYCgo’s most impressive elements include the UX framework that is deeply familiar to the modern traveler — searching for hotels or accommodations via a search engine reminiscent to short-term rental or airline sites, being able to “like” and save posts or articles for later referral, and of course, a function that offers filtered options to find activities and locations catered to the visitor’s personal preference.

The bold, graffiti-like font that covers the homepage and is used throughout the website is simple, which is a necessary move considering how much text is on the front page. It’s also a great aesthetic choice, a subtle way of speaking to the headlines that cover billboards in NYC. While the website offers slews of information on the homepage, the way it is formatted and presented to the user keeps the aesthetic uncluttered and down-to-earth.

6. Visit Finland

From the logo, to overall design, to choice of font, Visit Finland’s website displays similarities to another extremely popular rental booking site, but when it comes to approachability and visual appeal, borrowing those design elements works in their favor.

The website is a smooth, transparent, and, of course, familiar experience — one that is both modular and linear, showing dedication to navigational simplicity. The design does not shy away from white space and minimalism much like its Nordic counterparts also on this list. Complete use of full-screen photos and stunning imagery is a highlight, as well as the level of scroll-responsive interactivity visitors experience as they explore the site. 

This website also displays various Finnish activities and locations through the save/heart feature, referencing a user experience often seen in online shopping or Pinterest mood boards. The layout feels particularly responsive to the nature of the Gen Zers who spend all their time on social media “saving” posts and ideas.

7. Visit Australia

Like we’ve seen on other websites on the list, the Visit Australia website is hugely loyal to the tile format, which could feel silly if overused, but because the tiles are lined up and sectioned in a cohesive manner, visitors will find it extremely easy to find options for each and every aspect of destination planning. The homepage is lined with left-right carousels of vertical images, appealing to younger generations and optimized for mobile formats.

Drop down menus are also a highlight for this website design. Instead of cluttering the frame with an overwhelming amount of text, the tile format keeps the menu options visually engaging for the user. Integration of beautiful imagery within every step of the user experience shows great dedication towards marketing the destination, which is, ultimately the main purpose of a tourism organization. 

The Visit Australia website offers everything, from itineraries and cultural or geographical activity guides to budgeting and accommodation deals. Recognizing that budget is an important factor for many travelers is also a major plus for any tourism website, as it keeps website visitors within the website instead of browsing other platforms for “best or most affordable deals”. 

Perhaps the highlight of the site is Explore Australia in 8D, an interactive exploratory experience that allows visitors to move through a map of the entire mainland of Australia, including a few islands surrounding the area, and see what each region has to offer, from attractions to lodging and food.

As much as Peru is receiving growing interest as a travel destination in recent years, the country also seems to be extremely conscious about communicating COVID safety measures and restrictions to potential tourists. The immediate landing page of the tourism website gives visitors easy access to ways to prepare and plan for a trip to Peru from home, beginning with multiple avenues to check and double check updated Covid protocols. Showing this level of diligence to Covid measures not only communicates the fact that Peru takes safety protocols seriously, but also allows for international travelers to cross ‘testing or vaccination requirements’, still a major concern at this time, off their list of potential worries.

The team at Peru Travel also takes advantage of the numerous recognitions, media coverage, and awards that Peru receives as a tourism destination, and pushes that at the forefront of their website design. 

The most exciting part of the website is perhaps the VR page, called Peru 360, where one can “visit” various sites throughout Peru in a virtual reality. While this is a method that has grown in popularity amongst a lot of brands during the pandemic, very few official tourism websites have been successful in offering a well-established experience that feels interactive beyond typical images or videos. 

9. Visit Italy

Italy has long-been a tourist-heavy destination, and the team at Visit Italy knows it. At the forefront of their website are easy ways to search, budget, and book the top tourist attractions through the best deals. Viewers barely need to scroll down the homepage before getting immediate access to the Ticket Carousel, with exact prices listed by attraction or location.

Visit Italy’s website isn’t the most ambitious platform design-wise, but it prioritizes digestible formats, such as buttons for each step in planning or tiled carousels, and feels easy-to-navigate overall, especially considering all the information on their homepage.

It’s clear that the website knows what their visitors need — to beat lines, to get the best prices, and to make the most of their time in one of the most famous cities in the world that Italy has to offer. The site is ideal for the tourist who needs to prioritize planning and booking over aesthetic photo inspirations. The website also acts as a search engine of sorts, and does not shy away from redirecting their visitors to other booking sites or options in order to make the best decisions.

10. Visit Greenland

Visit Greenland’s website also sets up like a familiar search engine site (a trend we are observing across most of the designs on this list) but serves mostly for travel inspiration and local informational purposes. The layout of the website is simple and loyal to the use of white space, which allows for their unique graphic design elements to shine through in this particular design. 

Not only are the three-dimensional illustrations beautiful, but they are also interactive, acting as links to the respective relative pages. 

Aside from engaging geographic and cultural graphics, the website also lines up options of various package tours that lead to external provider links, who are more well-versed in helping potential visitors move forward in their planning and exploration process. Because Greenland is a nature-heavy travel destination, the website focuses on displaying a variety of outdoor activities — based on personal interests or geographical location — in order to prevent travelers from feeling deprived of diverse activities. 

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Innovative methods in the digital world are getting increasing ambitious day by day and website designs are trying to be as responsive as possible, as to make sure they maintain their presence in the travel planning space.

In addition to the websites on our list, several other tourism organizations are diving into unique measures to gain attention from the ever-so-hungry tourist of the post-pandemic travel world. Interactive games, like Cape Town’s Virtual Game Tourism Campaign , are one of the few ways these organizations hope to attract younger audiences and give a virtual taste of their destination to potential travelers. The Machu Pichu 360 website invites visitors to enter the world of VR and includes auditory stimulants, a step up from the Peru 360 page in our list, that engages both eyes and ears to fill the void travelers have all been experiencing during Covid.

With the competitive space for tourism websites expanding at an increasing speed and mobile apps taking the spotlight from website platforms , tourism organizations and designers will most likely continue to borrow elements of the newly digital world to keep their platforms running.

Tags: climate change , design , digital , Digital Marketing , generation z , online booking , online travel , pandemic , tourism , tourism boards , tourism campaigns , websites

I've been to 54 countries and have lived in 10. These 5 underrated places are worth the trip.

• Kate Boardman has visited 54 countries around the world and lived in 10, including the US.
• She's enjoyed spots like France and Bali but says people should visit underrated places like Oman.
• In Ecuador, she climbed an active volcano, and in Guatemala, she swam with hammerhead sharks.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kate Boardman , a 36-year-old former teacher and current content creator from Massachusetts who has lived and traveled all over the world. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I first lived abroad when I was 15, when I participated in an exchange program in Germany. I lived there for a year, attending school and staying with a host family.

That was my first exposure to living overseas and truly immersing myself in other cultures. From there, the travel bug hit me hard. It inspired me to study international business in France while I was at university, and future trips after that.

I've been to 54 countries and lived in 10, including the US. The sense of freedom and self-growth that comes from traveling is unbeatable. I also love being able to see the world in a different way.

The most popular destinations are popular for a reason.

Everyone talks about Paris, London , Bali — all travel destinations that are super popular, in part thanks to social media.

I lived in Bali in early 2012 and saw it expand firsthand. There was a lot of construction — with many beach clubs being built — and it became overcrowded by foreigners. It's led to locals being priced out of their homes.

I also think spots like Cancun are super overrated; there are way cooler places to visit in Mexico. Many tourists spend a week in an all-inclusive resort and think that's fun — but that couldn't be more unattractive to me.

Obviously, there's still beauty in places that are oversaturated and famous. But I think that there's an excitement that comes from experiencing places that are off the beaten track.

It's often in those places that you can have the most surprising experiences.

I was treated like family in Iran

I would say my favorite country that I have visited is Iran. I went in 2018 and was there for 10 days.

Normally, when I'm traveling, I backpack alone and stay in hostels as a solo traveler. However, in Iran, if you're American, Canadian, or from the UK, in order to get permission to enter the country, you need a set itinerary and a licensed travel guide.

It was a very coordinated trip and a bit more challenging to visit, but it was so rewarding because I was welcomed with the warmest hospitality.

One of the unique aspects of this trip was how close my guide and I became. He went above and beyond, inviting me over to his family's house for dinner, where I got to meet and hang out with his friends and family. It was truly special.

Because I had a guide, everything was kind of set for me in Iran. He arranged different accommodations, including a road trip through the country, where we stayed in various cities at different guesthouses.

It only cost me around $1,000.

The nature and landscape of Iran are absolutely beautiful and amazing. The sights, attractions, and history are mind-blowing. You've got these gorgeous mosaics everywhere. All of the architecture had my jaw dropping in awe while walking around.

The food is also delicious, and the markets are incredible, each filled with gorgeous textiles, jewelry, turquoise, and rugs.

I would totally visit there again. I hope the political situation changes because that would definitely be one of my group trip destinations. I think it's just incredible.

Georgia took me by surprise

Georgia is just one of those countries that's not on a lot of people's radar. And then they go there and they're like, 'Whoa, that's awesome. Why didn't I know about this before?'

I knew very little about Georgia before I visited in 2018. I spent only five days in the country, but I was completely blown away.

I stayed in Tbilisi, which is the capital city. It's a really beautiful, trendy, and artsy kind of city. It has amazing wine and incredible food.

Probably one of my favorite things about the trip is that I stayed in this hostel called Fabrika . It was an old Soviet Union sewing factory that they turned into a super cool, industrial, hipster hostel.

In Tbilisi, I also went on a pub crawl throughout the Old Town, which featured a bunch of underground cellars and bunkers that have been turned into trendy nightclubs and bars.

During my time in the country, I took a trip out to the countryside to an area called Kazbegi, which is absolutely stunning. There were gorgeous and breathtaking mountains, hills, and massive churches.

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In the city, I also had a Turkish bath, which is a big thing in Georgia. I got a full scrub down.

Guatemala has something for everyone

When most people from the US think about going to Central America, they're focused on Mexico or Costa Rica. Guatemala seems to be a place that kind of gets overlooked.

But life is great in Guatemala.

You've got beautiful weather all year round, the jungle, rainforests, and the Caribbean's white sand beaches, while the Pacific side has its black sand beaches. It's got a little bit of everything.

I first lived in Guatemala in 2021, where I worked as a teacher at an international school. They provided housing in Guatemala City. However, after I finished working for them, I moved to a beach town on the Pacific coast and lived there for about six months.

I've traveled there on other occasions too, staying for periods of four or five months.

The typical salary for a Guatemalan is about $500 a month, with a good salary being $1,000. I would say that $2,000 a month is more than enough to live there extremely comfortably.

There are a lot of digital nomads moving there, especially to Antigua — an old colonial town with a lot of charm, cobblestone streets, and painted buildings.

There's just so much to do in Guatemala; it's so magical.

The biggest must do is hiking the active volcano called Acatenango . Sometimes, you can see it erupting right from its base camp. There's not many places in the world where you can experience that.

Another good place to visit is El Paredon, a super up-and-coming hippie surf town. The surfing is great, and you've got these black volcanic sand beaches. It's just a really laid-back place.

Lake Atitlan is also an incredible spot. It's surrounded by volcanoes and several Mayan villages, each with its own personality and vibe.

Oman's deserts are magical

Oman is in the Middle East, bordering the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. I've been there three times between 2016 and 2018.

The country is culturally rich, and the capital city, Muscat, is really beautiful. It has old traditional marketplaces and gorgeous architecture — the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is definitely worth checking out.

The deserts there are incredible, so doing a desert trip is a must. I camped out in the desert with the locals, rode camels, and drove Jeeps over the sand dunes.

Having tea and watching the sunset in the desert was magical too.

Oman also has wadis, which are basically big canyons in the middle of the desert with swimming holes. There, you'll find bright turquoise water contrasting with the orange rock.

The country's islands are also beautiful and incredible for snorkeling. They look like you'd be in the Caribbean, but you're in the Middle East.

The Galapagos Islands are truly like nowhere else in the world

I visited Ecuador last year for about six weeks. I was leading a gap year program with a group of high school students. We split our time between the Galapagos Islands and the mainland, which consisted of cities and the Amazon.

Because Ecuador has incredibly unique biodiversity that doesn't exist anywhere else in the world, The Galapagos Islands are an absolute must. I've never seen such incredible wildlife in my life; so many species exist only on those islands.

While visiting The Galapagos, my group went snorkeling with 50 to 100 hammerhead and Blacktip sharks. We also swam with sea lions and saw giant tortoises.

Another amazing aspect of Ecuador is learning about the Aztec or Inca culture. My group did a homestay and lived with a family for about 10 days and learned about their way of life.

We experienced how connected they are with Mother Earth, whom they refer to as Pachamama, and learned about their traditional medicine: They grow their own food and seek out plant medicine when they're sick, rather than relying on processed foods.

Learning about and sharing their way of life was truly special.

I want to show people how to travel the world

There are many beliefs people have about different countries and cultures, sometimes considering them too dangerous, expensive, or unattainable.

I want to inspire more people to explore, step out of their comfort zones, and experience more of the world. In the future, I plan on hosting group trips with the goal of bringing people to these countries and showing them why they are so life-changing.

Watch: The true cost of Mexico's Maya Train

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Thousands of people in Canary Islands take to streets calling for limit to tourist numbers

The seven main Canary Islands are home to a total of 2.2 million people - yet welcomed nearly 14 million international tourists in 2023 alone.

Saturday 20 April 2024 22:41, UK

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Thousands of people have taken to the streets on the Canary Islands to protest against tourism and say the region is "not for sale".

The residents are calling for the Spanish group of islands to temporarily limit tourist arrivals in a bid to stem a boom in short-term holiday rentals and hotel construction - which is driving up housing costs for locals.

Tourism accounts for 35% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the Canary Islands , but demonstrators say changes to the industry must be made.

Groups protested in Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and La Palma on Saturday.

Signs reading "We don't want to see our island die", "Stop Hotels" and "Canaries not for sale" were seen as thousands of people took to the streets.

"It's not a message against the tourist, but against a tourism model that doesn't benefit this land and needs to be changed," said one protester in Tenerife's capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Marches were also held in cities on mainland Spain.

They were organised by two environmental organisations and timed to fall just before the peak summer holiday season.

The groups are calling for local authorities to temporarily limit visitor numbers in order to alleviate pressure on the islands' environment, infrastructure and housing situation. They also hope the proposal will curb property purchases by foreigners.

Antonio Bullon, a protester in Tenerife, said: "The authorities must immediately stop this corrupt and destructive model that depletes the resources and makes the economy more precarious.

"The Canary Islands have limits and people's patience too."

Read more from Sky News: From Venice to Barcelona, cities are plagued by 'overtourism' Ex-model almost died trying to cure cancer with juice diet

The seven main Canary Islands are home to 2.2 million people and in 2023, nearly 14 million international tourists visited them - up 13% from the previous year.

Authorities are concerned about the impact high volumes of tourists are having on the locals, and a draft law toughening up the rules on short-term lets is expected to be passed this year.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

The islands' president said on Friday that he felt "proud" the region is a leading Spanish tourism spot, but acknowledged more controls are needed.

"We can't keep looking away. Otherwise, hotels will continue to open without any control," Fernando Clavijo told a news conference.

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Thousands protest in Spain's Canary Islands over mass tourism

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Ukraine attacked eight Russian regions with dozens of long-range strike drones, setting ablaze a fuel depot and hitting three power substations in a major attack early on Saturday, an intelligence source in Kyiv told Reuters.

The Russian defence ministry said on Saturday its air defence intercepted and destroyed 50 Ukrainian drones overnight, repelling one of the largest such attacks on Russia during the conflict in Ukraine.

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North Kosovo Serbs boycott referendum on removing ethnic Albanian mayors

Most Serbs in volatile north Kosovo boycotted a local referendum on Sunday on whether to remove ethnic Albanian mayors in four municipalities whose appointment led to violence last year, the country's election commission said.

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How to Fly Your Kid Solo, Free of Stress

By Alexander Nazaryan

For many parents and guardians, putting a child on a flight alone may seem terrifying. Belligerent passengers, delays, turbulence: All loom large in a caregiver’s imagination.

Life sometimes leaves no other option. Hudson Crites , 17, of Marshall, Va., was 10 when he started flying unaccompanied to visit his father in Kansas and later Georgia, said his mother, Chelsea Tippett. But the extra attention from airline staff made Hudson “feel special,” Ms. Tippett recalls. Other than a single tarmac delay, he has had no problems.

On rare occasions, children have had troubling experiences. In December, Spirit Airlines accidentally flew a 6-year-old to Orlando, Fla., instead of the intended destination of Fort Myers. Spirit apologized, fired the gate agent responsible and offered reimbursement to the boy’s grandmother for her travel to Orlando. But while the boy was unharmed, his grandmother expressed worry that he had been kidnapped .

If you decide to fly your child unaccompanied, you’ll discover that each airline has its own procedures, fees and routes open to children. While some may find the process complicated, flying alone may be exciting for your child, instilling some independence. Here’s what you need to know.

Before you book, know the process

Regardless of the airline or route, flying an unaccompanied minor differs from an adult or a family catching a flight. Airlines require a trusted pre-authorized adult to be at the departure and arrival gates, and will ask you at booking to provide contact information for those adults. They will also need to present identification at the terminals.

The journey begins at the originating airport’s airline ticket counter. There, airline staff will check your identification and check in the child, perhaps handing them a lanyard or wristband to wear. The agents will provide you with a pass to get through security with your child. You will accompany them to the gate, where you will hand them off to a gate agent. You must stay at the gate until the plane takes off.

In the air, the flight crew will keep watch — but will not babysit, or sit with, your child. If the flight has a connection, a crew member will walk your child off the plane and a gate agent will take him or her to the next gate.

At the arrival airport, the child will be handed off by staff to the authorized guardian or parent who should have already checked in at the ticket counter with proper identification, gone through security with their gate pass and be waiting at the gate.

To learn more about this process, read the Department of Transportation’s online guide, “When Kids Fly Alone,” followed by the website of your selected carrier.

Choosing an airline and paying an extra fee

Before purchasing a ticket, experts advise you to consider an airline’s on-time performance. “Solid on-time performance is hard-earned, and signals a carrier that has tight control of its operation,” said the Ask the Pilot author, Patrick Smith. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has those numbers.

Booking procedures vary. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines require you to call. United Airlines allows bookings online. JetBlue Airways does online bookings, too, but asks for three printed copies of its forms upon arrival at the airport.

International flights may call for a notarized consent letter describing where the child is traveling, with whom they’ll stay and how long they’ll be there.

On top of the ticket fare, flying an unaccompanied minor can be pricey.

Southwest Airlines charges $100 one way for each child, regardless of distance. Alaska Airlines charges $50 per child if the flight is nonstop; a connection adds $25. On Delta, one $150 fee will cover up to four children, and American’s $150 covers all siblings, with no cap on number. United charges $150 for one child, or two children flying together.

Restrictions: There are plenty

U.S. carriers allow children to fly as unaccompanied minors once they turn 5 and before they turn 18. But regardless of your child’s age, make sure he or she is ready by discussing the trip details and your expectations of their behavior. No policy can replace your judgment.

The low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air don’t allow unaccompanied minors, Other airlines have restrictions that, in the broadest terms, differentiate between young children and teenagers. American and Delta restrict children under 8 from routes requiring connections. Both airlines allow children between 8 and 14 to take some connecting flights.

On American, no unaccompanied minor is allowed to take an overnight flight requiring a connection, or a flight that includes a connection on its final leg that also happens to be the last such flight that day (“unless it’s the only flight,” the company adds). Minors are not allowed on code-share flights.

United and Delta have similar rules. Southwest, JetBlue and Spirit don’t allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights.

JetBlue prohibits minors from flying to Europe, and limits the number of unaccompanied minors in one party to three. Spirit does not allow children on flights to Central or South America. Southwest doesn’t allow children on any international flights. American, United and Delta let minors fly abroad, but restrictions on connections, code-shares and overnights limit options.

American and Delta allow children to opt out of flying as unaccompanied minors once they turn 15 — that is, the child can fly without the assistance of airline personnel. JetBlue ends unaccompanied minor service at 14, while Alaska has an opt-out option at 13. Southwest boasts the lowest opt-out age: 12.

However, you should be able to accompany your child to the gate even if they’re not flying unaccompanied. American requires that you do so for teens between the ages of 15 and 17, even if they’ve opted out.

What to pack

Have a plan to head off your child’s hunger, boredom and thirst. If they are older, make sure they have emergency money and a charged phone.

When her two daughters, then 9 and 11, flew to Denver, Joey Conover of Charlottesville, Va., had a long list for their carry-ons.

“Pack a backpack with iPad, headphones, lightweight book to read, a pad of paper and colored pencils (markers might smear), a small travel game, water bottle (bring empty and fill in airport), snacks, some kind of surprise fidget or animals to play with, hoodie, and a lovey,” she wrote in an email.

“Write your name and phone number on the inside of their arm in Sharpie and put a parent’s business card in a luggage tag on both suitcase and backpack,” Ms. Conover said. (A sheet of paper with all their identification, and their guardian’s contact information, also works. Simply stick in an easy-to-access pocket.)

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

A, B and T set to stage spectacular show

What will make Andijan, Bukhara and Tashkent the perfect stages for the FIFA Futsal World Cup? Some stars help FIFA deliver the answer.

The 10th FIFA Futsal World Cup will kick off in September

Andijan, Bukhara and Tashkent have been named host cities

Countless ingredients make them a tourist's paradise

Ankle-breakers, elastic dribbles, lambretas, goalscoring goalkeepers, golazos and buzzer-beaters are heading to three enchanting cities across the ancient Silk Road. Andijan, Bukhara and Tashkent have been announced as the host cities for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™. The aforementioned entertainment will be provided by courts czars such as Khalid Bouzid, Chino, Douglas Junior, Dyego, Rafael Henmi, Leo Higuita, Sergio Lozano, Damian Mareco, Moslem Oladghobad, Pito, Hossein Tayyebi, Taynan, Kiki Vaporaki, Pany Varela and Zicky Te.

Those human thrill machines are set to make edition 10 the best FIFA Futsal World Cup ever. Once monopolised by Brazil and Spain, Argentina and Portugal have conquered its last two editions while IR Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan and Morocco are all threatening to etch their name on the trophy. France and New Zealand will make their super-stage debuts, with other aspirants vying to follow suit. “I’m really excited the World Cup will be in Uzbekistan,” Leo Higuita, the sport’s record five-time Best Goalkeeper in the World, told FIFA . “I’ve been there three times. It’s an amazing country. “The people are really welcoming towards foreigners. They made us feel really at home. The food is absolutely delicious. I’m really looking forward to enjoying it again. Uzbekistan also has a really nice climate.”

The food Higuita raved about includes dolma, halva, hanum, lagman, manti, obi non, plov, samsa, shashlik – sumptuous, must-try dishes and snacks. Gastronomy is one of multiple factors making Uzbekistan a tourist’s paradise. The enchanting nation – one of only two double-landlocked nations in the world – is renowned for its architecture, art, ballet, bazaars, crafts, history, mausoleums, minarets, mosques, mountains, nature and charming, welcoming people.

“I’m very excited to see what Uzbekistan has to offer,” Manuel Kuijk, whose phenomenal performance inspired the Netherlands to a penalty-shootout victory over a truly insane play-off on Wednesday. “I’ve never been there, but I’ve seen pictures and heard stories and have always wanted to go. “The architecture over there is really beautiful. The colours they use on their buildings are amazing. The people seem to be very kind. And if you look a little further, the Uzbek cuisine has a lot to offer. I believe the people over there will do a very good job organising this World Cup.”

“I’m very excited the World Cup will be in Uzbekistan,” said Brazil megastar Pito. “I’ve never been there. “Obviously our focus will be on becoming champions, but we always get a day or two off. I’m looking forward to experiencing the culture, seeing the stunning architecture, enjoying everything. I’m very grateful for this opportunity to go to Uzbekistan.”

Visitors to Uzbekistan between 14 September and 6 October are in for a veritable treat on and off the court.

Andijan Andijan

Khan-atlas, the iridescent silk fabric, has become a hit for fashionistas and models across the globe. You’ll see it in grand variety in Andijan, which is also famed for its fruit, pottery, woodwork and something that competes with futsal on the thrill barometer: rope-walking! An enchanting city in the Fergana Valley, it is also drenched in history. The birthplace of Babur, items dating back to the seventh century have been found there, while its architecture, breathtaking beauty spots and parks make it an ideal spot to snap photos and selfies.

Bukhara Bukhara

This absorbing assortment of madrassas, minarets, mosques is one of the most resplendent and regal cities in Central Europe. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, you can see Chor-Minor, with its turquoise domes, in all its glory. The Ark of Bukhar, Great Minaret of the Kalon, Palace of Moon-Like Stars, Poi Kalyan Mosque and Samanid Mausoleum will also delight tourists.

Tashkent Tashkent

The Uzbek capital is a unique utopia. The stunning blue domes of the Chorsu Bazaar are a sight to behold. Shopper’s heaven is under them. The Khast-Imam Ensemble homes one of the planet’s most illustrious books, while you can see the entire city from the top of Tashkent Tower, Central Asia’s tallest manmade structure. A visit to the nearby Chimgan Mountains is a must. There you will be swept away by utterly breathtaking views. Among the innumerable other places worthy of a visit are the Alisher Navoi Opera, Ballet Theater, Broadway Alley, Independence Square, Kukeldash Madrasah, Monument of Courage, Museum of Applied Arts, Navruz Park and State Museum of History. Getting from one hotspot to another is a treat in itself. The city boasts one of the world’s most esteemed metro systems, with its four stations stunningly designed with marble, ornate patterns and murals.