The bad news: 2016 is halfway through. The good news: you still have six months left to make epic travel plans. The other news: U.S. News & World Report have released their annual rankings of the world’s best places to visit for the year.
To determine the top holiday spots, the report analysed more than 250 destinations using a methodology that combines expert opinions, user votes, and current trends. Who made the cut? Many of the world’s iconic capitols are on the list, including Paris, London, and Rome. There are a handful of balmy beach getaways, like Hawaii’s Maui and French Polynesia’s Bora Bora. As for the remarkable destination in the number one spot… you’ll have to click through the gallery above to find out.
“Whether you are seeking an adventure far from home or planning an inexpensive weekend getaway, the destinations on our list are highly recommended by seasoned travellers and industry experts,” said Erin Shields, travel editor for U.S. News. “These must-see spots across the globe are praised for their beauty and infinite attractions.”
Get the full rundown on the world’s best places to visit here.
#25 Budapest, Hungary
1/25
#24 Patagonia, Argentina
2/25
#23 San Francisco, California, USA
3/25
#22 Bali, Indonesia
4/25
#21 British Virgin Islands
5/25
#20 Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
6/25
#19 Washington D.C., USA
7/25
#18 Cairo, Egypt
8/25
#17 Hong Kong
9/25
#16 Amsterdam, Netherlands
10/25
#15 Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
11/25
#14 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
12/25
#13 Sydney, Australia
13/25
#12 Barcelona, Spain
14/25
#11 Cape Town, South Africa
15/25
#10 Maui, Hawaii, USA
16/25
#9 New York City, New York, USA
17/25
#8 Rome, Italy
18/25
#7 London, England
19/25
#6 Cusco, Peru
20/25
#5 Tokyo, Japan
21/25
#4 Florence, Italy
22/25
#3 Bora Bora, French Polynesia
23/25
#2 Paris, France
24/25
#1 Great Barrier Reef, Australia
25/25