Latest news with #touristdestinations
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Yahoo
New York doesn't make the top 5 list of greatest U.S cities again, but the winner will surprise you
Think New York is still America's favorite city? You might want to rethink that after seeing this year's top 5 list. When you think of the best cities in America, New York City likely comes to mind first. It's iconic, bustling, and filled with some of the world's most famous landmarks. It even topped lists of the most-visited cities in the world, but that doesn't mean it ranks highest in traveler satisfaction. According to a new 2025 ranking, even the Big Apple couldn't break into the top five this year. If you're planning your next trip, you might want to consider some surprising destinations that travelers say outshine NYC. How the ranking works Each year, Travel + Leisure conducts its World's Best Awards survey, where over 180,000 readers rate their favorite U.S. cities. They're asked to consider factors like sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. Scores are averaged out of 100, and the results often reflect what travelers truly appreciate, sometimes favoring charm over size. In 2025, readers showed a clear preference for smaller, more intimate cities, leaving New York in eighth place with a score of 83.84. While NYC still draws millions of visitors each year and remains TripAdvisor's number one destination in 2025, it couldn't compete with the smaller, more charming destinations that travelers are increasingly drawn to. Meet the winner: Santa Fe, New Mexico Topping the list this year is Santa Fe, New Mexico, with an impressive score of 88.8. If you haven't visited yet, it may not be what you expect. Readers praised the city for its inventive cuisine, thriving art galleries, and unique markets. Sitting at 7,000 feet above sea level in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe offers stunning views and a vibrant mix of cultural influences that make it stand out. If food is what excites you most when traveling, you might also love exploring other destinations known for their inventive cuisine and food scene. Santa Fe's galleries, local crafts, and creative dishes are worth a trip in themselves. Many travelers called it a 'true gem' — proof that great things come in smaller packages. If you're heading to higher-altitude destinations like Santa Fe or Asheville, it's smart to bring a light, waterproof layer. The Columbia Switchback III Jacket packs down small but keeps you dry when the weather turns. The runners-up: Food, history, and southern hospitality Coming in second is New Orleans, Louisiana, scoring 87.06. The Big Easy has long been a favorite for its lively music, rich history, and colorful food scene. According to voters, its diverse cuisine and one-of-a-kind atmosphere make it irresistible. Third place went to Charleston, South Carolina, which scored 87.01 after holding the top spot for 12 straight years. Charleston's well-preserved downtown, historic architecture, and laws keeping buildings lower than the city's tallest church all help preserve its quaint charm. Rounding out the top five are Savannah, Georgia (86.64) and Alexandria, Virginia (85.26). Savannah is beloved for its romantic squares and oak-lined streets, while Alexandria — just outside Washington, D.C. — impressed travelers with its waterfront vibe and walkable Old Town. Where does New York fall? So, where did New York land? With a respectable eighth place, it still ranked among the country's best cities. Travelers continued to rave about its theater scene, calling it unbeatable in both quality and variety. And even though it fell behind cities like Greenville, South Carolina, New York remains unmatched when it comes to sheer variety of things to do and see. The ranking suggests that while NYC has plenty to offer, travelers may be more drawn these days to places that feel more personal and approachable. The full top 10 list Here's the full ranking of the best U.S. cities for 2025: Santa Fe, New Mexico New Orleans, Louisiana Charleston, South Carolina Savannah, Georgia Alexandria, Virginia Honolulu, Hawaii Greenville, South Carolina New York, New York Asheville, North Carolina Chicago, Illinois If you've already explored the big names, the cities in the top five — or even the top ten — can give you a different kind of travel experience. They offer history, charm, and often a slower pace that many travelers now seem to prefer. Why smaller cities are winning hearts This trend highlights a shift in what people value when traveling, with more travelers choosing smaller, more charming destinations over the usual big-city stops. They're often easier to navigate, more affordable, and offer a stronger sense of place. Smaller cities are also best explored by walking, so you'll want a comfortable and secure bag. The Pacsafe Venturesafe Anti-Theft Travel Backpack is a great choice, with lockable zippers and cut-resistant straps for peace of mind. Final thoughts New York City may still be the city that never sleeps, but for now, it's the smaller, more charming destinations that are capturing travelers' hearts. Whether you choose to see Santa Fe's mountain views or stroll through the cobblestone streets of Savannah, there are plenty of options to inspire your next getaway. So the next time you think about visiting 'the best,' remember that it might not always mean the biggest. And who knows — you might just fall in love with a new favorite city.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Yahoo
Avoiding travel fraud: 6 tips to keep your money safe on vacation
When planning a trip, it's easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of booking flights, accommodations, and excursions. But some travelers may overlook the financial side of pre-trip preparations. Whether you're backpacking through Europe or relaxing at a beach resort, the last thing you want on vacation is to lose your money. Traveling can make you an easy target for scams, theft, or financial mishaps, especially when you're unfamiliar with the local customs, currency, and language. But a few smart precautions can go a long way in keeping your money safe. So before you jet off, learn how to protect yourself and your finances while traveling. How to keep your money safe when traveling According to a report from the Mastercard Economics Institute, the travel industry is one of the sectors most susceptible to fraud. The study found that fraud in popular tourist destinations spikes up to 28% during peak seasons. When you've put time and money into planning a trip, the last thing you want is for a financial mishap to spoil your vacation. If you want to keep your money safe, here are a few best practices to keep in mind. 1. Keep your financial institution in the loop Before you leave, take the time to inform your bank, credit union, and/or credit card companies that you'll be traveling. For one, this will ensure legitimate transactions aren't flagged for fraud, which can be a major hassle to clear up while traveling. Additionally, notifying your financial institutions of your travel details (including where you're going and the dates of your trip) can also help detect fraudulent activity that may occur once you're back home. For instance, if your debit or credit card information is stolen while you're traveling, the scammer may not try to use it until weeks later. However, your bank will know that you're back in the U.S. and can stop suspicious transactions from going through. Read more: 6 important security features to look for in a bank 2. Set up account alerts for suspicious activity Though many banks have fraud detection services in place, they're not foolproof. You can add another layer of security by setting up bank alerts that help you spot suspicious activity right away. For example, you can enable text or email alerts for transactions over a certain dollar amount or when your account balance falls below a certain threshold. 3. Avoid non-bank ATMs When you need cash in a pinch, you may be tempted to use the first ATM you can find. However, pulling money out of a privately owned ATM, especially a standalone machine in a dark or low-traffic area, puts you at higher risk of ATM skimming. Instead, plan ahead and withdraw cash from ATMs located inside reputable banks, airports, and other well-lit, high-traffic areas. You can also consider purchasing foreign currency before you set off for your trip (but don't carry the full amount on you once you reach your destination). Read more: Guide to ATM safety: Tips for protecting yourself and your money 4. Keep your wallet close If you're out and about, keep your wallet close to you and secured at all times. Don't walk around with your wallet in your back pocket or in an unzipped purse, especially if you'll be walking through crowded areas or tourist attractions. You should also avoid carrying around large amounts of cash. Consider keeping enough cash in your wallet to cover your expenses for that day and storing the rest in your hotel safe. Read more: Lost your wallet? Here's what to do. 5. Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing online banking Public Wi-Fi networks may be unsecured, allowing hackers to intercept unencrypted data between your device and the Wi-Fi router. Plus, scammers can set up a rogue Wi-Fi network with a name similar to a legitimate one (like "Hotel_WiFi_Free" vs. "Hotel_WiFi") so that when you connect, they can monitor everything you do. So, when you use a public network to log into online banking platforms, you're putting your sensitive information at risk of falling into the wrong hands. If you absolutely need to log on to your account while abroad, it's best to rely on your mobile data or a VPN to keep your information secure. Read more: Is mobile banking safe? How to keep your personal data secure. 6. Have a backup payment method If your primary payment method is compromised while traveling, carrying a second credit card or extra cash can ensure you always have access to your money. If possible, carry your backup card or cash in a separate, hidden area from your primary payment method. Up Next Up Next
