Narrowing down holiday options can be tricky when almost every corner of the world makes a compelling case for a visit. To see where global holidaymak…
1/111. Greece | Vaulting to the top spot, Greece saw traveller enthusiasm surge to an all-time high. While iconic golden-hour vantage points in Santorini and Mykonos remain legendary, travellers are venturing well beyond the usual postcard trail toward under-the-radar Aegean isles like Paros, car-free Hydra, windswept Tinos, and Crete’s surging viticultural valleys. Anchoring this nationwide resurgence is Athens, where a post-crisis creative revival has transformed ancient neighbourhoods into dynamic hubs for independent galleries, rooftop dining, and cultural showcases like the new National Museum of Underwater Antiquities. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
2/112. Japan | Holding the runner-up spot as Asia’s highest-ranking destination, Japan continues to captivate visitors with its harmony of ancient reverence and futuristic infrastructure. Seamless high-speed rail lines make exploring effortless, whisking travellers from the neon streetscapes and world-class dining of Tokyo and Osaka out to the quiet moss gardens, traditional wooden machiya, and sacred shrine gates of Kyoto. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
3/113. Italy | Taking third place, Italy remains an undisputed global obsession. Beyond essential itineraries through Rome, Venice, and Florence, holidaymakers are heading into regional frontiers—from Palermo’s restored historic palaces to the rustic cooking traditions of landlocked Umbria. Its world-renowned food heritage continues to draw travellers year after year, newly affirmed by its inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. (Image source: Canva)
4/114. Turkey | Entering as the highest new entrant in the upper ranks, Turkey bridges East and West with unmatched historical depth. Highlights range from the layered Byzantine and Ottoman skylines of Istanbul to the subterranean cave dwellings and sunrise hot-air ballooning over Cappadocia, all complemented by the upscale resorts and secluded coves along the Turquoise Coast. (Image source: Canva)
5/115. Portugal | Securing fifth place, Portugal has transitioned from a budget-friendly European alternative into a premier global favourite. Travellers are enchanted by the tile-lined facades, yellow trams, and fresh pastéis de nata of Lisbon and Porto, the UNESCO-recognized terraced river hills of the Douro Valley, and the rugged, surf-pounded coastlines of the Alentejo and the Algarve. (Image source: Canva)
6/116. Costa Rica | Central America’s lone representative in the top 10 entered the ranking as a premier benchmark for sustainable eco-adventures. With over a quarter of its landmass preserved under national protection, the country draws nature lovers to misty suspension bridges in Monteverde’s cloud forests, volcanic thermal springs, and Pacific and Caribbean shores where whale watching and wildlife tracking come standard. (Image source: Canva)
7/117. Croatia | Jumping into seventh place, Croatia has transformed its dramatic Adriatic coastlines into an international travel magnet. Beyond the fortified stone ramparts of Dubrovnik and Roman architecture in Split, visitors are tapping into the local philosophy of ‘fjaka’—the art of relaxed contentment—by sailing the tranquil Kornati archipelago, touring Istrian olive groves, and exploring hidden island coves. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
8/118. Indonesia | Making a strong entrance into the top 10, this Southeast Asian nation of over 17,000 islands proves there is plenty to explore beyond the beaten track. While Bali remains a staple for holistic wellness retreats and beachside hospitality, travellers are branching out toward the rugged marine biodiversity of Komodo National Park, the car-free Gili Islands, and the untouched limestone waters of Raja Ampat. (Image source: Canva)
9/119. Kenya | Breaking into the top 10 for the first time, Kenya delivers one of the world’s most sought-after wilderness experiences. While the Great Migration across the Maasai Mara remains an undisputed bucket-list fixture, visitors are exploring a much broader canvas that includes private conservancies in Laikipia, the historic Swahili architecture of Lamu Island, and nearly 500 kilometres of pristine Indian Ocean coastline. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
(Photo Credit : Canva)
10/1110. Thailand | Rounding out the top ten, Thailand remains an enduring favourite across Southeast Asia. Effortless transit between provinces allows holidaymakers to seamlessly jump from vibrant night markets and gilded Buddhist temples in Bangkok and Chiang Mai down to the limestone cliffs and turquoise shores of Koh Samui, Krabi, and Phuket. (Image source: Canva)
11/11Beyond the top 10, the global ranking spans an extraordinary mix of wildlife frontiers, historical landmarks, and wilderness retreats, featuring South Africa (No. 11), Spain (No. 12), Norway (No. 13), Vietnam (No. 14), New Zealand (No. 15), Cambodia (No. 16), France (No. 18), Qatar (No. 19), and Canada (No. 20). Landing at No. 17, India earned praise for its cultural diversity and ability to cater to every kind of itinerary. Global travellers highlighted the country’s seamless balance between intrepid backpacking and world-class heritage luxury—whether embarking on spiritual journeys along the ancient ghats of Varanasi, exploring Rajasthan’s desert forts and palaces, navigating the kinetic street life of Mumbai, or retreating along Kerala’s 600-kilometre palm-fringed coastal backwaters. (Image source: Canva)
