Travel + Leisure has officially released the names of the best travel destinations and services for 2025, showcasing the remarkable appeal of the tourism sector. In a year marked by a return to experiential travel, the magazine's prestigious annual World's Best Awards has unveiled a range of winners that reflect the preferences and passions of globetrotters. For the first time, Santa Fe, New Mexico has been named the Best City in the U.S., a significant accolade that underscores the city’s unique cultural offerings and historical depth.
The selection process for the World's Best Awards is based on a reader survey that considers various factors, including location, accommodations, amenities, and hospitality. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the awards, and the growth in popularity of less conventional destinations remains a key indicator of evolving travel trends. Among these memorable selections, Páros in Greece has emerged as the World’s Best Island, reflecting the travel community's desire for beautiful, less explored locales.
Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief Jacqui Gifford remarked, "This year's results illustrate a travel landscape in motion. From a high-desert city in the American Southwest like Santa Fe to the tranquil charm of a Greek island, our readers seek destinations filled with deep character and a sense of place. We are excited to honor the hotels, destinations, and travel companies committed to providing these transformative travel experiences."
Key Highlights from the 2025 World's Best Awards:
Top 10 World’s Best Cities 2025:
1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
3. Tokyo, Japan
4. Bangkok, Thailand
5. Jaipur, India
6. Hoi An, Vietnam
7. Mexico City, Mexico
8. Kyoto, Japan
9. Ubud, Bali
10. Cuzco, Peru
Top 10 U.S. Cities 2025:
1. Santa Fe, New Mexico
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
3. Charleston, South Carolina
4. Savannah, Georgia
5. Alexandria, Virginia
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
7. Greenville, South Carolina
8. New York, New York
9. Asheville, North Carolina
10. Chicago, Illinois
Other Notable Winners:
- - World’s Best Hotel: andBeyond Bateleur Camp, Kenya
- - World’s Best Hotel Brand: Capella Hotels & Resorts
- - World’s Best U.S. National Park: Yellowstone
- - World’s Best International Airline: Singapore Airlines
- - World’s Best Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages
The winners of the 2025 World's Best Awards have showcased destinations that offer unique cultural experiences, stunning natural beauty, and outstanding hospitality. The complete list will be available on travelandleisure.com and in the August issue of Travel + Leisure, set to hit newsstands on July 18.
Additionally, to celebrate this year's winners, Travel + Leisure will host an exclusive event at Le Jardin sur Madison in New York City, sponsored by Capital One. The gathering aims to highlight not just the winner's accomplishments but also the evolving trends that shape the future of global travel.
The 2025 World's Best Summit is also on the horizon. Scheduled for mid-July, this summit will gather industry leaders to discuss and explore the latest developments influencing global tourism. As the travel industry continues to recover and adapt, events like these provide insight into the aspirational destinations of tomorrow.
In summary, Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards shine a light on the diverse and enriching travel experiences valued by today's explorers. From the historic streets of Santa Fe to the enchanting shores of Páros, the winners represent a rich tapestry of global culture and the desire for authentic connections through travel.