London Takes The Top Spot – Plus, U.S. Favorite Places for Food, Culture, Solo Travel and More

NEEDHAM, Mass. /PRNewswire/ — Tripadvisor^®, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, today announced its first Travelers’ Choice^® Awards category for 2025: Best of the Best Destinations.

Each year, Tripadvisor pores over millions of reviews shared by a global community of travelers to uncover the most trusted recommendations, helping future explorers create unforgettable memories on their next adventure. Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations span seven categories; Top Destinations, Trending Destinations, Culture Destinations, Food Destinations, Honeymoon Destinations. This year Tripadvisor introduces two new subcategories; Solo Travel Destinations and a special sub-category in celebration of Tripadvisor’s 25th anniversary honoring the Top Destinations of the Last 25 Years based on all time reviews.

The Travelers’ Choice Awards celebrate destinations with the highest ratings and reviews from global travelers over the past year. The rankings shine a light on the places that have captured the hearts of real travelers who’ve experienced them firsthand.

“Over the last 25 years Tripadvisor has grown to become the world’s leading travel guidance platform, drawing on insights from real travelers all around the world,” commented Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor. “Based on the more than 1 billion reviews and opinions on our site today, Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards reflect the global travel community’s favorites – from destinations themselves, to everything that makes them special including restaurants, hotels and experiences.”

London Takes the Crown Globally, While NYC Rules the U.S.

This year London climbed two places to be named No. 1 Top Destination in the World, taking the title from Dubai, which had proudly held onto first place since 2022. The UK capital is also recognized for its culinary scene as well as rich arts and heritage offering, coming second in the world in the best Food Destinations and third in Culture Destinations. The city was also named No. 1 in Tripadvisor’s special 25th anniversary list, with London recognized as the top destination from the last 25 years of reviews on the site.

Here in the U.S., New York City tops this list, and is also featured in the states’ top Food Destinations. Other fan favorite destinations include warm weather hotspots like O’ahu and the Florida Keys, hustling cities like Chicago and Las Vegas, and culturally rich locations like New Orleans and Washington D.C.

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Trending for 2025

Osaka, Japan, is named No. 1 Trending Destination in the World for 2025, based on year-on-year growth of reviews. Known as ‘the nation’s kitchen’, Osaka has a thriving food scene, as well as great shopping and nightlife. It is also the perfect base for exploring the Kansai region, which is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia comes in at No. 2, followed by Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires at No. 3.

The Trending Destinations in the U.S. included a mix of sun and snow, from coastal getaways like West Palm Beach and Santa Barbara, to the mountain views of Denver and Park City. The Midwest is having a moment, with Cleveland and Kansas City nearing the top of the list, while destinations adjacent to big cities, like Memphis and Brooklyn, are also rising the ranks.

New for 2025

As Tripadvisor celebrates a quarter of a century this year, the 25th Anniversary Destinations list pays homage to reviewers’ favorite destinations since the launch of the site. London also tops this category, followed by New York at No. 2 and Rome at No. 3.

This year also sees the launch of another new category, Solo Travel Destinations. This list features many major global cities, with South Korean capital, Seoul taking the top spot. These destinations are loved by solo travelers and perfect for anyone heading out on an adventure alone.

Best of the Rest

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With travelers across the world most excited about food on their upcoming trips, according to Tripadvisor’s latest Seasonal Travel Index, best Food Destinations is the ultimate guide to where to find the best culinary experiences.

The best Culture Destinations celebrate the destinations bursting with vibrant arts scenes and rich in heritage that are inspiring travelers across the world. Rich in culture and traditions, Bali takes the No. 1 spot, followed by Hanoi, Vietnam at No. 2 and London at No. 3.

For couples looking to celebrate one of their most special trips, best Honeymoon Destinations showcases the most romantic places on earth, from private beaches to intimate dinners, these are travelers’ favorites to set the mood for two.

Methodologies

Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations
The 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations are calculated based on the quality and quantity of reviews, specific to each award subcategory, for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do in destinations from travelers globally on Tripadvisor between October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

Tripadvisor Seasonal Travel Index
The data cited in this release was gathered and analyzed from two key sources:

• A Tripadvisor Consumer Sentiment Survey, based on data drawn from an online survey of over 4,850 consumers, in partnership with Qualtrics, conducted between September 6 – October 3, 2024 across six countries, including Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, U.K. & U.S.
• Site behavioral data sourced from first party traffic data on the Tripadvisor platform for searches made by travelers in the U.S., U.K. and Japan between August 1 – October 20, 2024 for travel between November 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025.

About Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform*, helps millions of people each month** become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use Tripadvisor’s website and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than a billion reviews and contributions, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.

Tripadvisor LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tripadvisor, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRIP). The subsidiaries of Tripadvisor, Inc. own and operate a portfolio of travel media brands and businesses, operating under various websites and apps.

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* Source: SimilarWeb, unique users de-duplicated monthly, Jan 2025
** Source: Tripadvisor internal log files

SOURCE Tripadvisor

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As we cozy up to the end of another year, a delightful celestial event is gearing up to grace our skies: the Ursid meteor shower! Set to peak in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 22, this final meteor shower of the year offers a charming opportunity for some stargazing, even amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

A Little Background on the Ursids

Often overshadowed by the more prolific Geminid meteor shower that dazzles us just a week earlier, the Ursids tend to be a quieter affair. This year, their peak aligns perfectly with the winter solstice—the shortest day and longest night of the year. With the celestial display taking place during this time, there’s a unique chance to soak in some twinkling “shooting stars” above a snowy landscape.

Why Aren’t More People Watching?

Despite their charm, the Ursids are the least observed meteor shower, largely because of the busy holiday season and often unfavorable weather in the Northern Hemisphere—think cold nights filled with clouds. But if you missed the Geminids, fear not! The Ursids provide a wonderful pre-Christmas stargazing treat that is worth a look.

What to Expect from the Ursids

While the Ursids are not renowned for their activity—often delivering a mere 5 to 10 meteors per hour on a good night—there’s still magic in the unpredictability of astronomy. In years past, this meteor shower has surprised us with spectacular displays. Back in 1945 and 1968, observers saw around 100 meteors per hour, while the 1973 shower brought forth about 30 meteors! You never know when the Ursids may decide to put on a show, so keeping your eyes trained on the heavens could lead to some delightful surprises.

Understanding the Ursid Origin

The Ursids get their name from their radiant point in the sky, located in the constellation Ursa Minor, affectionately known as the Little Dipper. What we see as shooting stars are actually small fragments from the comet 8P/Tuttle, which Earth passes through each year. As the debris from the comet enters our atmosphere, it burns up and creates stunning streaks of light against the nighttime backdrop.

Tips for Optimal Viewing

So, how can you maximize your chances of catching the Ursid meteor shower this Sunday?

• When to Watch: The Ursids run from December 17 to December 26, with the best viewing time occurring in the predawn hours of December 22. This is when the radiant is highest in the sky, offering the best chance to see those elusive meteors.
• Find a Dark Spot: Get as far away from city lights as possible. A clear, dark sky will make it much easier to see the meteors.
• Be Patient: Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness—about 20 minutes is ideal. Bring a comfortable blanket or chair to sit back and enjoy the show.
• Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential! Keep an eye on your local weather conditions to ensure a pleasant viewing experience.
• Bring a Friend: Stargazing is always more fun when shared! Grab a friend or family member to join you, bringing some hot cocoa for added warmth and comfort.

As you bundle up and head outside this Sunday morning, remember to take a moment to appreciate the vastness of the universe above us. The Ursids may be a modest display compared to their more boisterous meteor shower counterparts, but each little shooting star tells a story of cosmic wonder and beauty. Happy stargazing, and may your sky be filled with twinkling lights! ✨

Related Ursid Link:

Planetary.org: The Ursid meteor shower 2024: How to watch

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(Family Features) For many travelers, the thrill of discovering unique and memorable experiences ignites a desire for new adventures – whether gathering with family, escaping routines or celebrating milestones.

To master the art of gift giving this holiday season, World of Hyatt is offering guests and members up to 25% off their room rate for bookings made by Dec. 9 at more than 800 participating hotels for stays between Nov. 21-April 20, 2025 – meaning now is the perfect time to plan a spring break adventure or surprise a special someone with the holiday vacation of a lifetime.

If you’re craving a getaway, get inspired by these eight destinations and plan your next vacation at hyatt.com/cybersale.

Embark on Urban Adventures in Chicago
Presiding in the heart of downtown Chicago, Chicago Athletic Association, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, is steps from iconic landmarks such as Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago and Maggie Daley Park. The landmark hotel offers seven celebrated dining and drinking establishments and boasts 240 guestrooms and suites that blend modern amenities with nods to its historic, athletic roots with stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Enjoy Ski-In, Ski-Out Luxury
Whether looking for a luxury ski getaway or a mountain adventure, Grand Hyatt Vail and Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa offer something for everyone. Both offer direct access to the mountain and ski valet services, so skiers can forget about carrying gear or dealing with cold boots. The hotel hot tubs can help guests leave behind mountain soreness in a serene environment.

Relax, Play and Indulge in Tranquility
Nestled in Greater Palm Springs, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort and Villasoffers world-class accommodations following a $64 million hotel-wide renovation, including redesigned guestrooms and luxury villas, refreshed meeting and event spaces, two new dining concepts and a reimagined pool complex featuring a lazy river, splash pad and dueling water slides. Plus, the on-site spas provide advanced treatments like IV hydration, custom massages, body scrubs, microneedling and more.

Make Yourself at Home in the Nation’s Capital
Located in the buzzing Wharf neighborhood near the National Mall with dazzling views of the Potomac River, Hyatt House Washington, D.C./The Wharf is an ideal spot to recharge before exploring historic Washington, D.C. The hotel, which is the perfect home base for exploring nearby attractions like The Smithsonian and the Lincoln Memorial, is home to rooftop pool views and on-site dining as well as spacious rooms with separate seating areas and sofa beds – making it the perfect home away from home.

Unwind in Orange County
Indulge in SoCal vibes at Hyatt Regency Irvine. Located in Irvine, California, you’ll be near some of the area’s top activities, including Disneyland, Newport Beach and shopping at South Coast Plaza. Take advantage of the hotel’s swimming sanctuary, which was redesigned as part of a $55 million hotel-wide renovation and features luxurious cabana options like fire-pit seating, hospitality cabanas or shaded retreats.

Escape to the Shores of Paracas Bay
Relax amid the natural beauty of Peru’s southern coast at The Legend Paracas Resort, part of the Destination by Hyatt brand, a family-friendly, oceanfront basecamp for adventure. Adjacent to Paracas National Park, the immersive resort provides opportunities to explore the Ballestas Islands on a thrilling boat tour, soar over the enchanting Nazca Lines on a private charter flight or conquer the Huacachina desert in dune buggies.

Retreat to Well-Being
Tucked among 23 secluded acres at the base of Camelback Mountain, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is a luxury resort within a desert oasis. Guests can embark on a journey of adventure and relaxation with rejuvenating treatments available at Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary, three luxurious pools, 185 spacious bungalows and suites, renowned dining, craft cocktails and more.

Experience All-Inclusive by the Sea
Nestled between the natural Bahia Petempich beach and the Caribbean Sea, Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun ignites your senses with dramatic ambiance, vibrant cuisine and modern amenities in a family-friendly atmosphere where food, drink and activities are all included. Surrounded by a lush jungle and sparkling waters, it offers a nearly endless list of activities for the whole family, including the serene Zen Spa and a winding water park.

SOURCE:
Hyatt

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