U.S. News & World Report ANNUAL RANKINGs BEST VACATIONSFLBSPOTS

July 3, 2016 at 12:00a.m.

PRNewswire

WASHINGTON

U.S. News & World Report, a nationally recognized publisher of consumer advice and information, recently released its annual rankings of the Best Vacation Destinations. The new rankings highlight the World’s Best Places to Visit as well as region-specific lists, including the Best Places to Visit in the USA and the Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean.

A once-in-a-lifetime destination, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the No. 1 Best Place to Visit in the World. Despite a recent alert from the State Department on travel to Europe, industry experts and travelers still view Paris as a top destination, solidifying its No. 2 ranking on the list because of its wealth of culture and historic landmarks. Bora Bora in French Polynesia follows at No. 3.

The Grand Canyon tops the list of the Best Places to Visit in the USA. Two other national parks – Yellowstone and Yosemite – make the top five because of their affordability and family-friendly activities.

“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 travelers 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.”

To identify top vacation spots worldwide, U.S. News analyzed more than 250 destinations using a methodology that combines travelers’ opinions with expert analysis. U.S. News also ranks the best destinations in Europe, Mexico, Canada, Asia, Africa and The Middle East, Central and South America and Australia and The Pacific.

The 2016-17 U.S. News & World Report Best Vacations Rankings:

Best Places to Visit in the World

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Paris

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Best Places to Visit in the USA

Grand Canyon National Park

Maui, Hawaii

Yellowstone National Park

Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean

British Virgin Islands

St. Lucia

U.S. Virgin Islands

Best Places to Visit in Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia

Toronto

Banff, Alberta

For more information on Best Vacations, visit Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using Vacations16.