The results are in. These are the world’s best travel destinations.
As we are all too well aware, this year travel was … different.
And the annual Tripadvisor 2021 Travellers’ Choice Awards have taken a slightly different tack, too, showing where travellers ventured in 2020, before borders shut, and where we dreamed of going while stuck in lockdown.
Among the winning destinations, some surprise Australian spots have made the list.
Most notably, the small New South Wales towns of Shoalhaven and Mudgee both made the ‘Top Emerging Destinations’ category.
Tripadvisor’s Hayley Coleman explains “these are destinations that travellers want to visit next – whether an existing tourism gem, or an off-the-radar spot not yet firmly on the map for international travellers.”
Coming in at number eight, Shoalhaven “might not be the first place to come to mind when thinking of Australia—but it should be,” says Tripadvisor.
“… That is if you enjoy surfing sparkling turquoise waters, immersing yourself in the verdant trails and gorges of Ben’s Walk, and exploring caverns and sea cliffs through Gosangs Tunnel. Looking for something a bit more restful? Enjoy stunning views (particularly at sunset) from the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse before feasting on local treats at one of the coastal region’s 20 vineyards.”
Also making the top 10 (at number 10) is Mudgee.
“History lovers rejoice! Mudgee is about to become your favourite holiday destination,” says Tripadvisor.
“Explore the heritage of this South Wales town through expertly restored Gold Rush-era buildings and an extensive selection of artifacts at the Gulgong Pioneers Museum. Nature enthusiasts will love the moss-covered rocks and oversized ferns in Ferntree Gully, while would-be artists will want to check out the bold canvases and handmade ceramics by local artisans. Prefer exploring by bike? This region offers everything from gentle rides through the countryside to dirt back roads made for mountain biking.”
Two Australian locales were also showcased in the ‘Top Experiences’ category, with tours to the Blue Mountains and Great Ocean Road making the list.
Although I’d say there’s one category in which Australia was pretty ripped off. We were only given ONE spot in the ‘Best National Parks’ list! (Kudos to Tasmania’s stunning Freycinet National Park for making the cut).
This year the most-coveted award – Most Popular Destination – went to Bali, dethroning London which took out number one last year.
Check out the full list of winners:
TOP TRENDING DESTINATIONS
1. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Why it won: “You’ll find crashing waves off Cabo’s Pacific coast and sheltered, calm water on the Sea of Cortez. Given those options, Cabo has built a rare reputation for both excellent outdoor sports (big-game fishing, diving and kayaking, among others) and pure beach relaxation. Of course, there’s also great nightlife. Cabo’s resorts, hotels and inns cater to everyone from honeymooners to families to Hollywood stars seeking a weekend getaway.” – Tripadvisor
2. Corsica, France
3. Doha, Qatar
4. Sanya, China
5. Gatlinburg, United States
6. Queenstown, New Zealand
7. Tulum, Mexico
8. Natal, Brazil
9. Kas, Turkey
10. Guadeloupe, French 0verseas territory
11. St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
12. Cairo, Egypt
13. Colombo, Sri Lanka
14. Goreme, Turkey
15. Chengdu, China
16. Amman, Jordan
17. Matera, Italy
18. Shenzen, China
19. Udaipur, India
20. Campos Do Jordao, Brazil
21. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
22. York, UK
23. New Delhi, India
24. Hurghada, Egypt
25. St. Augustine, USA
TOP EMERGING DESTINATIONS
1. Martinique, France
Why it won: “This Gallic toehold in the Caribbean exudes a distinctly French air, enticingly spiced up by West Indian warmth. Local culture and cuisine combine both influences. The stylish isle is dominated by Mount Pelee, which destroyed the city of St Pierre in 1902. Black sand beaches and rainforests are found in the north, with yet more beautiful sands to the south. Sights include La Pagerie, birthplace of Napoleon’s Empress Josephine, and Diamond Rock, a 600-foot pinnacle that was once registered as a British warship.” – Tripadvisor
2. Panama City Beach, USA
3. Armaco dos Buzios, Brazil
4. Holbox Island, Mexico
5. St Ives, UK
6. Mazatlan, Mexico
7. Colorado Springs, USA
8. Shoalhaven, Australia
9. Wroclaw, Poland
10. Mudgee, Australia
11. Annecy, France
12. Jeju Island, South Korea
13. Tromso, Norway
14. Ubatuba, Brazil
15. Dresden, Germany
16. Elba Island, Italy
17. Maastricht, The Netherlands
18. La Rochelle, France
19. Lugano, Switzerland
20. Male, Maldives
21. Miyakojima, Japan
22. Tobermory, USA
23. Alexandria, Egypt
24. Mar del Plata, Argentina
25. Dunedin, New Zealand
MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS
1. Bali, Indonesia
Why it won: Bali is a living postcard, an Indonesian paradise that feels like a fantasy. Soak up the sun on a stretch of fine white sand, or commune with the tropical creatures as you dive along coral ridges or the colourful wreck of a WWII warship. On shore, the lush jungle shelters stone temples and mischievous monkeys. The ‘artistic capital’ of Ubud is the perfect place to see a cultural dance performance, take a batik or silver-smithing workshop, or invigorate your mind and body in a yoga class.” – Tripadvisor
2. London, UK
3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4. Rome, Italy
5. Paris, France
6. Hanoi, Vietnam
7. Crete, Greece
8. Bangkok, Thailand
9. Barcelona, Spain
10. Istanbul, Turkey
11. Hoi An, Vietnam
12. Siem Reap, Cambodia
13. Marrakech, Morocco
14. Phuket, Thailand
15. New Delhi, India
16. Cancun, Mexico
17. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
18. Florence, Italy
19. Dominican Republic
20. Tenerife, Spain
21. Lisbon, Portugal
22. New York City, USA
23. Edinburgh, UK
24. Jaipur, India
25. Cusco, Peru
TOP NATIONAL PARKS
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Why it won: “The Maasai called the plains of Serengeti National Park ‘the place where the land moves on forever’—so prepare to be astonished by its vastness. And here, you can witness the famous Serengeti annual migration, the largest and longest overland migration on earth.” – TripAdvisor
2. Jim Corbett National Park, India
3. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
4. Grand Teton National Park, USA
5. Kruger National Park, South Africa
6. Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
7. Grand Canyon National Park, USA
8. Zion National Park, USA
9. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
10. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
11. Yorkshire Dales National Park, UK
12. Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania
13. Bandhavgarh National Park, India
14. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
15. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam
16. Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
17. Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland
18. Freycinet National Park, Australia
19. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
20. Yellowstone National Park, USA
21. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
22. Westland Tai Poutini National Park, New Zealand
23. Banff National Park, Canada
24. Peak District National Park, UK
25. Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, Brazil
TOP EXPERIENCES
1. Red Dunes & Camel Safari – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Why it won: “Enjoy the red dunes of Dubai’s Lahbab desert and a full range of desert activities without having to research or tee them all up for yourself. Start with a 4WD dune bash, sandboarding, and optional ATV ride. Then, visit the Bedouin-inspired Al Khayma camp for a camel ride, falcon interaction, and cultural activities before a starlit barbecue-buffet dinner and live shows wrap things up.” – Tripadvisor
2. Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class – Florence, Italy
3. Amsterdam Canal Cruise from Anne Frank House – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
4. Discover Berlin Walking Tour – Berlin, Germany
5. Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip– County Dublin, Ireland
6. Chicago Architecture River Cruise – Chicago, United States
7. Marrakech Camel Ride – Marrakech, Morocco
8. Skip-Line Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour – New York City, United States
9. Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney Sydney, Australia
10. Dubrovnik Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour -Dubrovnik, Croatia
11. Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Tour – Rome, Italy
12. Montserrat Tour – Barcelona, Spain
13. Best of Lisbon Guided Walking Tour – Lisbon District, Portugal
14. Tour for Muggles – London, United Kingdom
15. Douro Valley Tour – Porto, Portugal
16. Voyage to Niagara Falls – Ontario, Canada
17. Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Tour– Edinburgh, United Kingdom
18. Bali Traditional Village Sightseeing Trip – Denpasar, Indonesia
19. City Walking Tour & Vltava River Cruise– Prague, Czech Republic
20. Best of Ubud Tour– Gianyar, Indonesia
21. Day Trip to Auschwitz & Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine – Lesser Poland Province, Poland
22. Great Ocean Road Ecotour – Melbourne, Australia
23. Chernobyl and Prypiat Tour – Kiev, Ukraine
24. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour – Upper Bavaria, Germany
25. Teotihuacan Archeologist Tour – Mexico City, Mexico
Source: Candice Marshall, 27 January 2021