ABC News January 30, 2019

The World’s Best Place to

Travel and Visit
By John Warren / ABC News Travel Editor – (published) 3:03 pm
popular Ferry Building Marketplace food

Y
ou'll find everything from dreamy
hall.
once-in-a-lifetime destinations to
scenic national parks on this list.
When it comes to choosing a vacation,
what appeals to one group of travelers
might not be of interest to another. And
with so many different destinations across
the globe to choose from, narrowing down
your options can be challenging. Taking
into consideration sights, culture, food
scenes, accommodation options and
value for the money, plus reader and
The epitome of luxury, the Maldives enjoy an incredibly
expert insight, ABC News ranks the scenic location in the Indian Ocean.
world's best places to visit. This list
features everything from national parks to The Maldives -The contrast of bright
incredible island escapes to cities bursting turquoise water against stark white sand is
at the seams with cultural sights. Read on stunning, and this destination is a favorite
and find your next vacation. spot for those looking to stay in an
overwater bungalow (many of which come
with a private plunge pool). This collection
of islands appeals to travelers eager to
rest, relax and indulge. A vacation here
won't come cheap, but it will offer unique
opportunities, such as dining in an
underwater restaurant or enjoying a
treatment at an underwater spa.

San Francisco - the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz,

its vibrant neighborhoods like the Mission District and
Chinatown, and its outdoor offerings, such as Muir
Woods National Monument, Golden Gate Park and
Ocean Beach.

The City by the Bay offers something for

everyone. Travelers love the city's iconic
sights. What's more, San Francisco is
home to an excellent and diverse food
scene, boasting everything from Michelin- Italy's Amalfi Coast beckons to both adventure travelers
starred eateries to tasty food trucks to the and relaxation seekers.

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Amalfi Coast, Italy - The 13 Cliffside towns
that comprise this region offer picturesque
hiking trails and several beaches to
explore. You'll also find exquisite luxury
hotels sharing real estate with colorful
residences framed by greenery and
imposing cliffs cascading down to the
cobalt Mediterranean Sea. In fact, one of
the best ways to see the Amalfi Coast is
on a boat tour. What's more, you'll
discover delectable Italian fare and fresh
seafood wherever you go.
Great Barrier Reef - Though the Great
Barrier Reef's coral population is
diminishing, it's still one of the most awe-
inspiring destinations in the world. The
region is home to more than 3,000
individual reef and coral cays, and colorful
fish like angelfish, clownfish, parrotfish
and butterfly fish, in addition to various
species of sharks. When you're not
exploring underwater, you can spend time
relaxing on Whitehaven Beach or sailing
on the turquoise Coral Sea.
The British Virgin
Islands are an
exclusive
archipelago in the
Caribbean Sea.
British Virgin
Islands - and attractions for travelers to enjoy.
Though these islands sustained damage
during the 2017 hurricane season, they
are bouncing back. A trip here will include
plenty of outdoor fun and sun. The British
January 30, 2019
Virgin Islands are home to stunning
beaches, such as Cane Garden Bay,
Anegada Island and Smuggler's Cove, as
well as The Baths, a unique collection of
granite boulders and coves. You could
book a hotel here, or you could rent out a
private villa or yacht to enjoy your island
vacation in style.
The Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) honors its
moniker by welcoming visitors with its scenic vistas and
lively festivals.
Rio de Janeiro - The extravagant Carnival
celebration held each February or March
includes days of masquerade balls,
parades and parties. Those looking for a
well-rounded trip to Rio should check out
the towering Christ the Redeemer statue,
explore the 340-acre Jardim Botânico, and
spend some time lazing on Ipanema or
Copacabana beach.
The largest city in Australia offers a wealth of activities
Sydney - You can climb the Sydney
Harbour Bridge for spectacular views (and
a heart-pumping adventure), stroll through
Darling Harbour and peruse the 74-acre
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Royal Botanic Garden. When it's time to
wind down, head to Coogee Beach to
sunbathe or snorkel, or to Bondi Beach to
watch the surfers shred waves.
With captivating
beaches, several
scenic golf
courses and even
a volcano, Maui is
almost an
otherworldly
vacation
destination.
Maui, Hawaii - Beach bums will have
plenty of sandy shoreline to choose from:
Waianapanapa features jet-black sand
and is framed by an emerald green jungle,
Kaanapali Beach is great for snorkeling
and Wailea Beach is popular with those
just looking to relax and take in the views.
Meanwhile, a drive along the Road to
Hana is another excellent way to see all
the beauty this Hawaiian island has to
offer.
See a sunset in Santorini and you'll know why this
Greek destination is one of the world's best places to
visit.
Santorini, Greece - In addition to offering
an exquisite evening atmosphere,
Santorini boasts colorful black and red
sand beaches, ancient ruins and several
wineries. But the picture-perfect scenery is
what draws most travelers: You'll see
cliffside whitewashed buildings that line
the brilliantly blue caldera. What's more,
the luxury hotels here are some of the
world's best.
January 30, 2019
Stretching across nearly 1,200 square miles of nature,
Yosemite National Park is every outdoor enthusiast's
paradise.
Yosemite National Park, California -
Travelers to this national park will
encounter towering waterfalls, millennia-
old Sequoia trees, striking cliff faces and
some of the most interesting rock
formations in the United States. Hiking is
the best way to enjoy a trip to Yosemite,
but visitors can also go swimming in some
of the park's rivers, bike the various trails
and enjoy photography walks or nature
programs.
Cerulean lakes, turquoise-tinted glaciers, emerald trees
and sapphire skies stretch as far as the eye can see in
Argentine Patagonia.
Argentine Patagonia - Adventure travelers
can explore natural wonders like the
growing Perito Moreno Glacier and the
jagged Mount Fitz Roy. And animal lovers
can't miss a visit to Punta Tombo, home to
the largest colony of Magellanic penguins
in the world, in addition to other bird
species.
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ne of America's most popular
O national parks (it attracts around 6
million visitors annually), the
Grand Canyon offers ample opportunities
for outdoor fun. Visitors can hike the
rugged North Rim trails, traverse the
Bright Angel Trail by mule and raft down
the Colorado River, among other
activities.
The Grand Canyon is indeed grand, with its colorful
rock formations stretching across 277 river miles.
It's the breathtaking natural landscape that woos
adventurers to New Zealand's South Island, where
outdoor opportunities abound.
South Island, New Zealand - Visitors can
explore the area's glaciers via helicopter,
watch for wildlife like whales and
penguins, tour the region's wineries and
stargaze on top of Mount Cook. The
island's many lakes and parks also invite
travelers to kayak, sail, hike and bike to
soak up every bit of New Zealand nature.
January 30, 2019
Home to a wealth of cultural and historical institutions,
family-friendly attractions and festivals, plus a lively
nightlife scene, London appeals to travelers young and
old.
London - Must-see attractions include the
British Museum and Buckingham Palace,
as well as iconic sights like the London
Eye, the Tower Bridge and Big Ben. The
city also features efficient and affordable
public transit options, such as buses and
the Tube, and there are a plethora of
accommodations to choose from, ranging
from vacation rentals to high-end hotels.
As for dining, don't leave London without
enjoying a curry or fish and chips with a
pint at a pub.
Tranquil Tahiti offers a little bit of everything.
Tahiti, French Polynesia - This island
nation in French Polynesia is home to
incredible beaches, stunning natural
wonders like waterfalls, and interesting
museums that teach visitors about the
history of Tahiti. What's more, there are
plenty of hotel options on this island,
including luxe five-star resorts and no-
frills, budget-friendly options.
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ABC News January 30, 2019

aris is the pinnacle of art, history, cheering on the FC Barcelona fútbol team

P culture and tourism. The City of

Light is home to the expansive
Louvre art museum, the magical Eiffel
at Camp Nou Stadium.

Tower and the charming Champs-Élysées

lined with high-end stores and boutiques.
Quaint cafes and patisseries rub elbows
with both casual eateries and Michelin-
starred restaurants in a city where the
food scene is second to none.

Banff, Alberta - Outdoor enthusiasts

What's more, Paris plays host to dozens of fun festivals
throughout the year.
should add Banff to their bucket lists.
Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and
Banff National Park, this Canadian
vacation spot offers active pursuits galore,
ranging from hiking, whitewater rafting and
caving to skiing, dogsledding and
snowshoeing. The area also hosts cultural
and musical performances throughout the
year. Plus, the après-ski scene here is
top-notch: Skiers and snowboarders can
wind down with drinks by the fire and meet
new friends after a day on the slopes.

Impressive architecture and a decadent food scene are

just two reasons why travelers should check out this
Spanish city.

Barcelona, Spain - Barcelona is famous

for the uniquely designed La Sagrada And, of course, the beach is a big draw: St. Lucia's top
Familia, Park Güell and Casa Batlló, all by sandy spots include Reduit Beach and Anse Chastanet.
renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, and Las
St. Lucia has been a longtime favorite
Ramblas, the wide thoroughfare populated
destination for honeymooners and
with buskers, bars and restaurants.
couples, but luxurious resorts and a
Speaking of restaurants, you'll want to get
romantic atmosphere aren't the only
your fill of tasty tapas and seafood in
things this Caribbean island has to offer.
Barcelona. Other popular things to do
Visitors can hike and learn a bit of history
here include hanging on the beach and
at Pigeon Island National Landmark, or

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ABC News January 30, 2019

snap photos of the waterfall and flora at in the culinary options: Dim sum, stir-fry
the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. and pineapple buns should be a few
things you sample.

This Indonesian island provides the perfect mix of

opportunities for cultural exploration and relaxation.
Bali, Indonesia - Travelers should spend
time visiting and learning about the
island's many ancient temples before
heading to one of its beautiful beaches. As
far as accommodations go, Bali features
dozens of villas, hotels and resorts (at
varying price points). To up the luxury
factor, stay at a five-star resort like the
Four Seasons or St. Regis and indulge in
a spa treatment.
The city that never sleeps boasts an almost
overwhelming number of things to do and see, and
chances are each time you visit you'll discover
something new.
New York City - You can see the talented
actors and singers who grace Broadway's
stages, stroll above the city along the
elevated High Line, wander through the
sprawling Central Park and explore the
numerous museums. New York City is
also home to excellent food options. Taste
them all on a food tour, where you can
discover the city's neighborhoods along
the way.

Hong Kong is a destination that puts

travelers' senses into overdrive. The
glittering skyline, the dynamic food scene,
the historical sites and the family-friendly
attractions are just a few reasons visitors
can't get enough of this bustling
metropolis. Start your trip with a tour of the
waterfront on the Star Ferry, and pencil in
visits to Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean
Park amusement park if you're traveling
with kids. Meanwhile, foodies will delight