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The 10 best cities in the US to book for your next vacation, according to Travel + Leisure

Pack those bags! Vacation season just got boosted with the release of Travel + Leisure's 2023 World's Best Awards.

On July 11, Travel + Leisure published their annual World's Best Awards , a travel awards program made up of 122 category lists highlighting the best in travel — from cities in the U.S. and around the world to airlines, national parks and hotels.

The magazine’s results are based on data from readers who participated in a survey and ranked each characteristic by selecting excellent, above average, average, below average or poor. The final scores are averages of the participants' responses.

“This year’s awards reflect the ever-evolving landscape of travel, with new categories and new winners capturing the changing preferences of modern travelers," Travel + Leisure’s editor in chief Jacqui Gifford said in a press release. "We hope this list will inspire our audience to embrace the transformative power of travel.”

Here are some of the findings:

Top 10 U.S. cities 2023

1. Charleston, South Carolina

2. Santa Fe, New Mexico

3.  New Orleans, Louisiana

4.  Savannah, Georgia

5.  Chicago, Illinois

6.  Honolulu, Hawaii

7.   New York, New York

8.  Nashville, Tennessee

9.  Alexandria, Virginia

10. San Antonio, Texas

Top 10 world's best cities 2023

1.  Oaxaca, Mexico

2.  Udaipur, India

3.  Kyoto, Japan

4. Ubud, Indonesia

5.  San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

6.  Mexico City, Mexico

7.  Tokyo, Japan

8.  Istanbul, Turkey

9. Bangkok, Thailand

10. Mumbai, India

World's best city

Oaxaca, Mexico

World's best hotel

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

World's best hotel brand 

Capella Hotels & Resorts

World's best luxury villa rental company

Tuscany Now & More

World's best island

Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia

World's best mega-ship ocean cruise line

Virgin Voyages

World's best large-ship ocean cruise line

World's best midsize-ship ocean cruise line.

Viking Cruises

World's best small-ship ocean cruise line

World's best intimate-ship ocean cruise line  .

Quasar Expeditions

World's best river cruise line

Aqua Expeditions

World's best international airline

La Compagnie

World's best domestic airline

Hawaiian Airlines

World's best international airport  

Singapore Changi Airport

World's best domestic airport

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport

World's best safari outfitter

Alluring Africa

World's best tour operator

World's best rental car company.

National Car Rental

World's best international destination spa

The Ranch Italy at Palazzo Fiuggi

World's best domestic destination spa

The Ranch Malibu

World's best U.S. National Park

Yellowstone National Park

World's best trains

Rocky Mountaineer, North America

Randi Richardson is a reporter for NBC News' TODAY.com based in Brooklyn.

Travel + Leisure Readers’ 15 Favorite Cities in the United States of 2023

While the return of international travel took center stage in 2022, by no means did U.S. destinations fall to the wayside. T+L readers were equally drawn to the buzz and vibrancy of cities spanning from San Diego, California, to Alexandria, Virginia — no passport required. While warm-weather hot spots throughout the South were ranked most popular, voters also headed up to the Northeast and the Midwest.

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The 15 best cities in the world, according to travelers

Travel + Leisure just released its  2017 World's Best Awards.

The awards are based on traveler ratings and reviews, and include everything from the best destinations to the best travel companies.

Below are the 15 top-rated cities to visit in the world .

Although Asian cities dominated the list — taking seven out of the 15 spots — this year's winner is San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, a city that has never been featured on the list before. 

Charleston, South Carolina, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, were the only two US cities to make it onto the list. This is the fifth year that Charleston has been rated the best city in America.

Keep scrolling to see which other destinations are favorites among travelers.

15. Barcelona, Spain

14. Udaipur, India

13. Siem Reap, Cambodia

12. Rome, Italy

11. Santa Fe, New Mexico

10. Luang Prabang, Laos

9. Ubud, Indonesia

8. Cape Town, South Africa

7. Hoi An, Vietnam

6. Oaxaca, Mexico

5. Florence, Italy

4. Kyoto, Japan

3. Chiang Mai, Thailand

2. Charleston, South Carolina

1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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15 Best Cities to Visit in Poland

23 Nov 2021

Despite having undergone so much suffering and destruction during the Second World War, Poland remains a fascinating places to explore. Magical old towns with their cobbled streets and beautiful architecture sit next to communist-era buildings and delightful Gothic churches.

Fantastic restaurants can be found wherever you go and there is an abundance of lively nightlife spots throughout the country. With beautiful mountains on offer, as well as lovely seaside resorts, the diverse landscapes that surround the best cities in Poland add yet more possibilities to visitors’ itineraries.

Once home to a thriving Jewish population, Poland’s cities are now home to poignant memorials and monuments to the victims of one of the biggest tragedies of the 20th Century, with many visitors heading to sites such as Auschwitz to pay homage to and learn about the atrocities of the past.

Map of cities in Poland

15. Olsztyn

Founded in the 14th Century, Olsztyn has a long and varied history, as is evidenced by its picturesque Old Town. Wandering through the cobbled streets past delightful old buildings is a relaxing way to spend your time, and there are numerous sites alluding to the days when it was ruled by Prussia.

14. Zakopane

Lying on the lower slopes of the Tatras, Poland’s most famous mountain resort is a great place to visit if you love the outdoors. However, due to Zakopane’s fantastic hiking and skiing, it can get a bit too crowded in the high months of both summer and winter.

Well worth a visit though, lovely wooden villas can be found around the city, and the picturesque setting only adds to Zakopane’s charm. Due to its lovely features, many artists, poets, writers and painters used to head here for inspiration.

13. Bialystok

The largest city in Podlasie, Bialystok’s proximity to Belarus means that it has a captivating mix of both cultures present within its confines. Born out of the textile boom, the city was once a much more diverse place to visit – its various languages and cultures inspired the creation of Esperanto.

Sadly, the Nazis destroyed much of Bialystok and murdered half of the population, putting an end to this intoxicating mix of peoples. Now, historical sites are understandably scarce, although it is a friendly and welcoming place to stop by. Many people use Bialystok as a base from which to explore the nearby national parks.

12. Gdynia

Having become a city relatively recently, Gdynia’s development only really took off once the government built a deep-sea port here in the 1920’s, so there is a very Modernist feel to the architecture here.

With a very long seashore, Gdynia has some lovely promenades and waterfronts to enjoy, as well as the fantastic beaches themselves. The second largest Polish port, there is some great nightlife on offer, as well as some sumptuous restaurants to check out.

11. Sopot

A popular seaside resort, Sopot attracts the rich and famous with its elegant villas, posh restaurants and pounding nightlife. Formerly a fishing village, its packed and overdeveloped seafront now obscures the relics of the past, but you can still find traces of what it used to be like hidden around the city.

Lying on the Baltic, Sopot has some nice beaches. In summer, droves of people head here to enjoy all the pleasures on offer.

10. Szczecin

Lying between Berlin and Gdansk, this busy port city has an eclectic mix of different architectural styles and is seldom visited by non-German tourists. Although renovations are ongoing, Szczecin is falling apart a bit – old art nouveau mansions now lie side by side with modern glass shopping malls, derelict buildings and empty plots.

The city center has lots of shopping and dining options and its large student body and busy port mean that there’s a youthful vibe in town.

9. Lodz

The third-largest city in the country, Lodz’s industrial past, coupled with German occupation and communist rule, has resulted in grim and decaying streets and buildings. Hope is at hand, however, as a massive renovation program has led to shopping malls and business centers springing up among the ruins of the past. A nice pedestrian street is now running through the heart of the city.

This mix is fascinating to witness, and you can find some hidden gems scattered around the old industrial warehouses. For visitors interested in Jewish history and heritage, the city’s monuments and cemetery are now a sad and poignant reminder of Lodz’s once-thriving Jewish population.

8. Katowice

A relatively new city, Katowice owes its current standing to its location at the center of fourteen cities in its region of Poland, and the industrial boom of the 19th Century. Consequently, it is a commercial and cultural center within the region, although it lacks historical sites due to its relatively recent emergence.

With lots of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from, as well as some interesting cultural sites, Katowice is well worth a visit and has great transport links to the surrounding area.

7. Lublin

While not the prettiest place in the world, Lublin has more than enough to justify a visit to the city. Heavily bombed in the Second World War, the post-war communist era buildings give Lublin a slightly drab look, although there are some nice town houses to be found here and there.

The largest city in the southeast of the country, there are lots of bars, restaurants, cafes and clubs, as well as a number of cultural attractions which are worth a visit. Once nicknamed the ‘Jewish Oxford,’ as it was a thriving Jewish center of learning, Lublin still has a number of interesting sights relating to its Jewish past, despite the horrors of WWII – which tragically put an end to this rich cultural heritage.

6. Torun

Located on the Vistula, this lovely city is an absolute delight to wander around – its peaceful streets seem a world away from more popular tourist destinations in Poland. A walled city, Torun’s Gothic old town has some fantastic architecture for visitors to view.

Unlike many cities in Poland, it thankfully emerged relatively unscathed from WWII. Tucked away amidst its winding streets you’ll find lovely atmospheric bars and restaurants, as well sights and images related to two of Torun’s claims to fame – Nicolaus Copernicus, who was born here, and the famous gingerbread that originated from the city.

5. Poznan

Buzzing with energy and a youthful feel, Poznan is a fun city to hang out in. The capital of Wielkopolska, its old town has lots of great historical sites to visit, as well as some fantastic museums.

The city’s large student population means that its restaurants, bars and clubs are full of life, while the trade fairs that are hosted in Poznan attract a different clientele entirely. From here, there are great transport links from which you can explore the surrounding region.

4. Wroclaw

A charming place to visit, Wroclaw’s diverse influences have resulted in a unique look and culture to the city. With Austria, Bohemia and Prussia all having had an impact on the city’s development, the architecture reflects Wroclaw’s past, as evidenced by the spectacular Rynek market square.

Located on the Odra River, Wroclaw has a plethora of bridges and lovely parks lining its banks, which make it a picturesque place to relax – the delightful Cathedral Island is definitely worth stopping by.

The fourth-largest city in the country has a lively arts and culture scene, with lots of festivals and events taking place here throughout the year. With a large student population and bustling nightlife scene, Wroclaw has everything you could want in a city.

3. Gdansk

Unlike any other city in Poland, Gdansk’s tumultuous history has resulted in a unique identity and look. Due to its large port, wealthy merchants coming here to trade left their mark, while its strategic location meant it was once fought over by Teutonic Prussia and Poland.

Consequently, there are a lot of diverse architectural styles on show, and the post-WWII reconstruction of Gdansk only added to this. A popular destination, its cobbled streets are lined with delightful old churches and elegant buildings, while interesting museums lie side by side with shops, restaurants and cafes.

You can kick back and relax at some of the lovely beer gardens, or take a boat cruise from the port. From here, you can easily explore other places along the Baltic coast.

2. Warsaw

Almost completely destroyed in the Second World War, the city’s old town has been painstakingly restored to some of its former glory. A mishmash of different architectural styles, Gothic churches, fantastic museums and modern edifices can be found among the drab grey concrete buildings of the communist era.

With some lovely parks and diverse neighborhoods to wander around, Warsaw has many different sides to it. The nation’s capital is a fun and interesting place to explore, with a plethora of great, cheap restaurants, bars and clubs for visitors and locals alike to indulge at.

1. Krakow

An atmospheric place to visit, Krakow’s gorgeous Old Town is mesmerizing – delightful churches and old buildings line its picturesque squares. In fact, it has the biggest market square in Europe, in the shape of Rynek Glowny. A popular tourist destination, the former royal capital has lots to see and do, with Wawel Castle being just one of the highlights.

Myriad restaurants and bars can be found throughout the city. There are endless options for great nightlife here if you get tired of exploring its historical sites and fantastic museums. The former Jewish quarter with all its synagogues is somber to walk around, and many tourists visit Krakow to take a trip to Auschwitz – a haunting yet important experience.

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15 Flight Attendant-loved Travel Products on Sale for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days — Starting at Just $11

Travelers should be racing to score these deals before they’re gone.

Travel + Leisure/ Francesca Fasciglione

There’s no one better to trust for packable gear recommendations than flight attendants — after all, they quite literally travel for a living. Fortunately, there's still a ton of flight crew-loved gear on sale during the final hours of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days , so you can stock your travel arsenal like a professional.

To help you make the most of the remaining time left in October Prime Day , we’ve rounded up the 15 best Amazon deals on discounted travel essentials that flight attendants swear by, from brands like Samsonite , Dr. Scholl’s , Bagail , and more. With everything from luggage sets to genius organizational hacks included, these markdowns ensure there's no shortage of travel gear to choose from — prices starting at just $11. 

Bagail Compression Packing Cubes

You can always count on flight attendants to point you in the direction of the best packing cubes , and that’s exactly what you’ll get from this Bagail set. In fact, one airline worker called this set of compression packing cubes their “go-to,” even noting that they “make packing easy.” They’re designed with space to store plenty of outfit options (up to three weeks’ worth, according to one traveler ) and expand when needed to make packing a breeze. Plus, they have more than 15,000 perfect customer ratings at Amazon.

Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

If you haven’t seen a flight attendant with a C-shaped neck pillow strapped to the outside of their suitcase, it’s probably because they have this bendable accessory scrunched up inside their rollaboard. You can wrap it around your neck for extra support during a long-haul flight, or use it for additional lower-back cushioning while sitting in coach. One flight attendant admitted that they’d “seen every pillow mistake ever made,” but the “multi-purpose, brilliant design” of this lumbar pillow is “the single most important item [they] travel with.” Best of all, right now, the pillow is a whopping 50 percent off for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days.

AceMining Portable Door Lock

You can never be too cautious while traveling, but one thing you can trust is that this packable gadget will add extra protection to any hotel stay. Simply fasten it between the door and its frame, and the handy lock keeps unwelcome visitors from coming in (and little ones from getting out). A flight attendant, who stays in hotels four to five nights a week, revealed that standard locks “just don’t feel sturdy enough,” but this device offers “an extra layer of security” and even helps them “sleep at night.” For $12, it’s well worth the price.

Dr. Scholl's Women's Time Off Sneakers

Dr. Scholl’s is a brand loved by all — but especially by flight attendants. These chunky platform sneakers keep you comfy for sightseeing and busy travel days with ample cushioning and impressive arch support. One airline worker even shared that they “wore them on a week-long trip” and their feet felt “incredible,” in turn ensuring that their “back [was] not hurting” and their “leg muscles [were] not feeling fatigued.” For just $67, these simple sneakers are a snag-worthy, budget-friendly buy.

iWalk Portable Charger

Flight attendant Kat Nesbitt recently took to YouTube to share the Amazon products she won’t travel without, and it was the iWalk Portable Charger that sat at the top of her list. This tiny power bank plugs directly into your phone with a built-in USB-C port, allowing you to leave extra cords and brick chargers at home. “It doesn’t take up space," Nesbitt shared. "It’s not big and bulky, and I can still be on my phone doing things." 

Musicozy Bluetooth Sleeping Eye Mask

This high-tech eye mask is designed with built-in Bluetooth speakers so you can fully immerse yourself in white noise and soft velvet as you drift into dreamland. Flight attendant TJ Kizuka once told Travel + Leisure that they use this mask to “listen to sounds of the ocean” so they can “get some much-needed relaxation,” and soon, you’ll be able to do the same since the mask is on sale for just $21.

U.S. Traveler Rio Carry-on Luggage Set

Right now, you can score an impressive 32 percent off this top-rated softside luggage set for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days — and flight attendants can’t get enough. The duo includes a 20-inch carry-on with inline wheels, as well as a 14-inch handheld boarding bag that will easily fit under the seat of most commercial airlines. One reviewer shared , “As a new flight attendant, I couldn't afford the Travelpro line, but this set had been absolutely great.” Not to mention travelers have maintained that the set is impressively sturdy for its low price point.

Musshoe Slip-on Flats

Flats are always going to be an excellent, packable travel option, but if you’re also striving for comfort, look no further than the Musshoe Slip-on Flats . The insoles are fitted with double layers of memory foam, and according to the brand they’re able to bend and stretch up to 50,000 times without wearing down. And yes, flight attendants swear by them as their “in-flight work shoes” since they require “no breaking-in period.”

Samsonite Omni 2 24-inch Hardside Suitcase

Airline workers adore Samsonite luggage, and the Omni 2 Hardside Suitcase is an all-around winner thanks to its large capacity, durable and scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell, and smooth spinner wheels. Nearly 5,000 shoppers have awarded this bag a perfect, five-star rating, and right now, you can snag it for a stunning 36 percent off during Amazon October Prime Day.

BUBM Double Layer Electronic Accessories Organizer

A step up from the average tech organizer, this gadget bag is dual-layered with more than a dozen elastic straps and mesh pockets for your phone, charging cables, headphones, and even an iPad Mini. The nylon shell is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about spills in your carry-on, plus, one flight attendant credited this bag alone for keeping them organized while traveling. At $16 for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, it’s practically a steal.

Charm King 3-pack Compression Socks

Flight attendants might be confined to a dress code, but the most seasoned ones often find ways to work compression socks into their uniforms. This simple garment helps to stimulate your leg muscles and promote blood flow to your heart, ultimately reducing swelling mid-flight. One airline worker noted that these socks provide “comfortable support” while on the job, so you’ll want to make the most of the sale while a pack of three is available for only $11.

Hicober 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Station

Magnetic chargers are undeniably easier to travel with. Now, instead of packing an unnecessary tangle of cables and bulky wall blocks, you can simply pack one charging station that folds up flat. This charger has earned almost 7,000 ratings and can accommodate up to three devices at once, so you can’t go wrong with adding it to your shopping cart while it’s more than 50 percent off. One flight attendant shared that it’s “so easy and convenient” to use while traveling, even revealing that they’ve used it “all over the world.” 

Apple AirTag 4-pack

Apple AirTags are one of the best ways to keep track of your luggage while traveling, which is exactly why flight attendants love them . Once you pack one into your checked bag, you’ll be able to track it with your iPhone’s “Find My” app so you can ensure it lands at your destination as promised. When you’re not traveling, you can keep one in your purse in case it gets lost or stolen, or attach an AirTag to your key ring in a pinch. Luckily, Amazon Prime Big Deal Days is helping you save by bringing the price down to just $80 for a pack of four.

Simple Modern 16-ounce Travel Coffee Mug

A longtime flight attendant once told T+L that this travel mug was the best money they’d ever spent. They shared that it’s not only “sleek and stylish, but it also keeps my coffee hot for hours on end, and doesn’t change the flavor thanks to a nifty ceramic interior.” The 16-ounce mug is 20 percent off right now, so take this as your sign to finally stop using disposable coffee cups while you’re traveling.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Tote

A good underseat bag is an invaluable addition to your suitcase lineup — just ask the flight attendant who says they take this Travelpro tote “anywhere with everything in it.” It’s small enough to slide under a plane seat, and another flight attendant claimed they can fit snow boots, another pair of shoes, and even a purse inside, with room to spare for a book or two. The bag opens with a top flap that’s easily accessible in-flight, plus, it has two exterior pockets for items you want to keep within arm's reach. Did we mention it’s on sale for $68?

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