#USA #New York #Travel + Leisure #San Miguel de Allende #Koh Samui

Travel + Leisure Reveals 2026 World's Best Awards

Travel + Leisure has unveiled its 2026 World's Best Awards, celebrating the top travel destinations, hotels, airlines, and experiences as voted by its readers across the globe. This year’s survey saw participation from over 207,000 avid travelers, providing a comprehensive perspective on the places and brands that define the current travel landscape.

Notable Winners

Highlighting a blend of new entrants and beloved favorites, this year's awards featured several exciting revelations:

• - Best City in the World: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
• - Best Hotel in the World: Patina Osaka, Japan
• - Best Island in the World: Koh Samui, Thailand
• - Best Airline in the World: EVA Air
• - Best U.S. National Park: Yellowstone National Park

Expectations were high, and the results certainly delivered. Koh Samui made a striking ascent to claim the title of Best Island for the first time, reflecting the island's unique offerings that resonate with modern travelers. Similarly, EVA Air's recognition as the top international airline underscores its commitment to providing exceptional service and comfort.

Patina Osaka's designation as the Best Hotel emphasizes the evolving landscape of boutique accommodations that prioritize guest experience, while New Jersey's Hotel Albatross took home honors as the Best Continental Inn in the U.S.

Insights from the Editor

Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure, shared her thoughts on this year's results: "This year's rankings showcase a mix of exciting newcomers and enduring favorites. From Koh Samui's rise to the top of our islands list to the continued popularity of destinations like San Miguel de Allende and Yellowstone, the winners reflect travelers' interest in destinations that feel distinctive, memorable, and deeply rooted in place."

Top Ten Cities in the World and U.S.

The awards also highlighted specific urban destinations that have garnered attention from travelers:

Top 10 World's Best Cities 2026
1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
2. Kyoto, Japan
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
4. Hoi An, Vietnam
5. Oaxaca, Mexico
6. Bangkok, Thailand
7. Jerusalem, Israel
8. Siem Reap, Cambodia
9. Mexico City, Mexico
10. Tokyo, Japan

Top 10 U.S. Cities 2026
1. Santa Fe, New Mexico
2. Charleston, South Carolina
3. Savannah, Georgia
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
5. Chicago, Illinois
6. Fort Worth, Texas
7. Honolulu, Hawaii
8. New York, New York
9. Alexandria, Virginia
10. Greenville, South Carolina

Future Engagements

To celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s honorees, Travel + Leisure will host a special event at The Pool in New York City, sponsored by Capital One. In addition, the company is set to conduct the third annual World's Best Summit in New York this July, with an inaugural summit in London scheduled for October. These gatherings aim to bring together industry leaders for discussions on emerging travel trends and innovations.

Conclusion

Travel + Leisure continues to be the preeminent voice for discerning travelers, offering a blend of expert insights and immersive content that inspires journeys beyond the ordinary. As opportunities to explore fresh experiences arise, avid travelers will undoubtedly look to this year’s winners as a guide for their next adventures. Explore the full list of winners on travelandleisure.com.

Further details can be found in the August issue of Travel + Leisure, available on newsstands starting July 17.