Before booking your holiday, you want to know what the area is like, if there are many restaurants or bars you’d like to visit, and if there’s much to do during the day – and what better way to find that information out than checking review websites such as Trust Pilot and TripAdvisor. The latter, have just announced their Top 25 Destinations worldwide which is based on reviews from travellers who have visited these destinations themselves.
The list provides great inspiration for City Breaks, Long-Haul All-Inclusives, Backpacking and Adventure holidays, so get your travel cap on before reading this and prepare for some amazing ideas.
25 – Sydney, Australia
The east coast city is the most populous in Australia, which is why it’s often confused as the countries capital city. It may not be, but it doesn’t make it any less inviting. Host of the 2000 Summer Olympics, it’s also home to the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House so there are sights to be seen as you explore in the great weather
24 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Get ready to party the night away in the home of Samba! It is one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere, drawing in tourists with the lure of its amazing natural settings, Copacabana beach, and Christ the Redeemer which overlooks the city from its perch atop Corcovado Mountain
23 – Cusco, Peru
The most important destination in Peru, tourism has increased since the ‘90s and continues to be one of the main sources of income for the country. The incredible site of Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca citadel draws in a lot of hiking enthusiasts, as the site can be reached by traversing the 55 mile (88km) or 51 mile (82km) trail from Cusco
22 – New Delhi, India
The capital of India is home to its own National Museum, which houses Indian art and artefacts covering over 5,000 years of history! The India Gate and the Rajpath were built as inspiration from Paris’ Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées, so it really feels familiar
21 – Hurghada, Egypt
Once a small fishing village, it has grown over the years to become the leading coastal resort it is today. Known for its watersports, why not give a new sport a try while you’re there? You’re in a great place for it!
20 – Hong Kong, China
A familiar skyline, some of the most famous skyscrapers tower above the city below, making it look in every way the same as in a picture. The city is kept moving by the brilliant public transport links which is something most people around the world will find astonishing. East definitely meets West with the food on offer, don’t miss the dim sum!
19 – Kathmandu, Nepal
The gateway to the Nepalese Himalayas, many tourists fly into the city’s airport to begin their treks which makes tourism an important part of the economy. There’s a nice balance between more “authentic” guest houses to the grandeur of several five star hotels, which boast their own casinos!
18 – Tokyo, Japan
In line to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup, 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, Tokyo is definitely one to visit for the sports lovers out there in the coming years. It’s not just hosting these sporting events that should lure you to visit; there are many museums, theatres, festivals, and fine dining hot spots for you to try!
17 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The rise of the city of Dubai has been phenomenal, in tourism and the amazing sights of the skyscrapers – each with a different look! Summers in the desert can be scorching, so the air-conditioned comfort of the malls and hotels are a welcome break from the searing sun
16 – Lisbon, Portugal
The capital, and largest city of Portugal – Lisbon is also one of the oldest cities in the world which is shown by the rustic buildings, still standing but repurposed for house bars, shops and homes which offer up a warm Mediterranean feel, even on the colder days
15 – Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
One of the fastest growing towns in Mexico due to its great location in Riviera Maya, it’s a usual spot for cruise ships to stop by, which increased in popularity as quickly as the air traffic grew. It has beautiful Caribbean style beaches, and great nightlife and dining experiences which offer up an array of entertainment and delicious food
14 – Jamaica
The diverse dining options are almost enough to warrant a visit, breadfruit, jerk chicken and ackee to name but a few tasty local foods. The coastline is a beautiful spectrum of blues and greens, with plenty of flora and fauna flanking the beaches. Grab a rum and take the weight off your feet!
13 – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Filled with Chinese-style architecture and a gateway to the Angkor region of Cambodia, the local hotels and restaurants provide vital stops for tourists backpacking through the country to visit the incredible Cambodian culture
12 – Hanoi, Vietnam
Not forgetting its past, the Old Quarter still maintains the old layout and architecture of historic Hanoi. Known for the locals’ handicraft in silk, bamboo and tin, these knit in to the community with clubs and bars which have opened over time. It hasn’t been consistently voted as a top destination by TripAdvisor for no reason
11 – Phuket, Thailand
You’re pretty likely to have seen an Instagram post of Phuket, the hashtag alone has over 6 million uses! The local dishes aren’t to be missed, either. From fried sticky rice to a Malay-style pancake for afters, there’s bound to be something you’ll want to sink your teeth in to!
10 – New York City, New York
Need we explain why? One of the most famous cities in the world, and a usual haunt for a city break, New York is full of sightseeing opportunities, and great street food vendors to keep you fuelled for the thousands of steps you’re bound to take!
9 – Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul’s cultural heritage still remains intact, with grand sights such as the Dolmabaçe Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Mezes, meat and fish dishes are traditionally given a Turkish spin, and if you still have room, don’t miss out on Turkish delight for pudding, washed down with a raki aka Lions Milk
8 – Marrakech, Morocco
Packed with vendors and their stalls, Marrakech is a bustling souk during the day, and transforms in to an aroma of spices from traditional meals being prepared in the evening. If you like a pamper, this is the place to try a hammam (a Moroccan spa) for a full body cleanse which will leave you feeling relaxed and raring to explore
7 – Prague, Czech Republic
Home to the looming Prague Castle, medieval Charles Bridge, historic Old Town Square and fascinating astronomical clock, there’s plenty to see in the old Czech city. Prague is stunning, magical and affordable, all at the same time!
6 – Barcelona, Spain
One of the most visited cities in Europe, unsurprisingly due to its location on the Spanish coast and the dense, distinctive gothic buildings of the city itself. Take a bicycle to explore the full extent of what is has to offer, and you’ll probably find the best Catalonian tapas you’ll ever eat!
5 – Crete, Greece
A lot is on offer on the southernmost island in Europe – tranquil locations, sandy beaches, mountain villages, clean seas and blue skies to name but a few of the fantastic features you can find in Crete. The locals make your arrival a friendly and welcoming experience, which makes you feel at home on the island in an instant
4 – Bali, Indonesia
Bali is just one island of over 13,000 that make up Indonesia, so what makes it so special to rank so highly? The amount of remote beaches gives you enough choice to nearly have the whole place to yourself is definitely a selling point, especially when they’re covered with soft white sand and coral to explore with your snorkel. The intricate design of the many temples are not to be missed, many offer tours which provide a religious and cultural value to your trip. The natural beauty of the rice terraces on the edge of the rainforest make a deep green landscape which is not to be missed
3 – Rome, Italy
Basking in its roman past, when you visit you feel like you’re on a history trip. You can’t visit Rome without taking in the sights of the ancient Colosseum, throwing coins in to the Trevi Fountain and visit the smallest country in the world – Vatican City, to wave to the Pope. Oh, and if you love coffee, and carbonara you’ll never want to leave!
2 – London, United Kingdom
Visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace; see the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London; cross the famous Tower Bridge (not to be confused with London Bridge, which can be seen opposite), hop on board and explore a World War II ship (HMS Belfast) or sit and watch the world go by in one of many pubs, bars or cafes. The choice is yours
1 – Paris, France
Similar to London, before you visit Paris you will have a list of places you’d like to visit – The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and Notre Dame are top of most people’s lists. But there’s so much more to Paris than the usual tourist haunts. The best of French cuisine can be found in many bistros and brasseries which line the streets – and do we even need to mention the shopping on offer?!
So now you know where the best places to visit are, why not start making plans to visit them? A series of city breaks can be booked for relatively low cost if you book in advance, or make the most of budget airlines low-prices. If it’s more than a short break to a few cities you’re looking for, why not plan a backpacking holiday around the locations in Asia? It’s your world, enjoy it!