The annual list has 25 ‘best’ global locations for 2023 including these American destinations designated for best travel location.
Best of the World travel list
Last week, National Geographic released its annual “Best of the World” list, which features what it calls must-see locations worldwide.
National Geographic senior editor Amy Alipio who was involved in the work to create this list, recently gives an interview with the media- she said that the picks for each year are determined in collaboration with explorers, writers, and editorial teams all over the world.
“We want to get people interested in other places that they might not have heard about,” – she said
After 11 years of compiling the annual travel list, Alipio revealed that she and her team are “always looking for an interesting mix.”
“It’s about finding places where you’re surprised — and I feel like when you’re surprised and kind of in awe of a place, it generates empathy and a desire to protect that destination.”
National Geographic included Texas’ Big Bend National Park; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; San Francisco, California; Charleston, South Carolina; and the state of Utah in the mix. – She also explain why these locations were added to the list.
1. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park of Far West Texas was added to NatGeo’s list in its nature category. it is at the border of Texas and Mexico, showing off its desert landscape and picturesque rivers.
Big Bend has stunning views and wildlife features just as other popular outdoor destinations, according to Alipio it’s one of the least visited national parks.
she said – “One of the reasons why we love that it was on the list this year was that because with a lot of the overcrowding that’s going on at some national parks — like, for example, Yellowstone — Big Bend gets a fraction of the visitors that Yellowstone does,”
“But it has landscapes that are just as amazing.”
2. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s lake-side city of Milwaukee was added to the list as NatGeo introduces a new community category.
Alipio pointed out that Milwaukee is so much more than its stereotype of “breweries and bratwurst.”
The destinations listed under community are highlighted for giving back to locals through tourism.
“It’s a lively city that supports its creative community,” she said.
Milwaukee has recently reclaimed vacant lots to rebuild its entertainment district, also known as Deer District.
“There’s always a place on the list that kind of makes you go, ‘Who knew about this place?’” she said.
“And here — Milwaukee — we have it as this Great Lake city to watch.”
The city also plans to open a new African American art and cultural center in the revived traditional neighborhood of Bronzeville.
3. Utah
This western state is known for its variety of outdoor excursions, from paddleboarding to mountain climbing, and its overall gorgeous landscape.
The entire state of Utah was noted as a place to visit for maximum adventure. Visitors seek out popular Utah stops such as Zion National Park, Alidio said the state is working to override issues of overcrowding by building out the park’s east side entry and opening a visitors’ center.
NatGeo’s list encouraged readers to get their “adrenaline rush” in the less visited areas of Utah.
“It’s just as beautiful,”
“They’re promoting other areas of the state as well where you can have just as amazing adventure experiences” – Alipio Said
4. Charleston, South Carolina
NatGeo added the South Carolina city to its list under the culture category, noting the thrill of exploring Charleston’s low country cuisine and cultural history. Charleston is also well-known for its southern charm.
Alipio said – “We all love Charleston for its food and architecture and its setting there in South Carolina,”
But Charleston is also highlighted now for acknowledging the city’s “less than ideal” history in slave trade, Alipio mentioned.
“There are lots of stories there of tragedy,” she said. “But also, stories of triumph as well.”
The city is also home to a genealogical center where people can research family history and heritage.
Charleston’s International African American Museum is slated to open in January 2023.
according to Alipio – Historians believe that nearly 90% of Black Americans can trace an ancestor back to Charleston.
“This is a really important place in American history, and we wanted to shine a light on this destination for that reason.”
5. San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s Crosstown Trail is mentioned on the list for being family-oriented.
Even though San Francisco is already a popular spot, Alipio shared that the city has re-imagined its outdoor spaces.
The city’s new Crosstown Trail cuts diagonally across San Francisco, which allows families to hike, bike, and enjoy nature right at home.
“You don’t have to go out really remote or have special gear to go hiking,” she said.
“An urban trail is right there as close as your neighborhood basketball court.”
San Francisco also opened the Presidio Tunnel Tops this past summer, which were built on top of former freeway tunnels on the bay within Presidio National Park. The new attraction offers a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as a nature center, playgrounds, food trucks and sites to start a campfire.
The full list from National Geographic is divided into five categories, each geared to different traveling styles: culture, nature, adventure, community and family.
