Mountain town with charm. hipster paradise USA Beer City university town Bluegrass residence a destination for food. No matter how hard you try, Asheville defies categorization. The city is an unanticipated jewel, situated in western North Carolina off the Blue Ridge Parkway, where a thriving arts culture mingles with Southern traditions and breathtaking surroundings. It is safe to assume that Asheville has plenty to offer you regardless of your interests.

Epicureans can sample from a gourmet smorgasbord and test their taste buds at one of the city's many breweries, while history buffs can get lost on the Biltmore Estate's grounds. While thrill-seekers go full-throttle hiking, biking, zip-lining, or whitewater rafting in one of the many parks and woods, culture vultures can explore the River Arts District. Asheville combines these qualities to create something that is distinctly its own, with an identity that changes constantly but manages to cling to its origins.

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #1 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  
• #1 in Best Fall Vacations
  
• #3 in Best Places to Visit in March
  
• #3 in Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
  
• #6 in Best Weekend Getaways
  
• #7 in Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.
  
• #17 in Best Spring Vacations

Country: USA

Heaven is also known as Shangri-La, Elysium, Arcadia, Utopia, and Bali. The fact that you can actually travel to Bali is the only distinction between them. This island in Indonesia has never been visited by many tourists. However, the mere mention of Bali inspires visions of the most fantastical landscape: towering volcanoes shrouded in a lush green canopy, sandy beaches that give way to turquoise waters, and sweeping coasts crowned with staggered pagodas. And Bali, believe it or not, rarely lets visitors down.

You'll be astounded by the variety of guests who enjoy this sanctuary. The typical tourist merely stays at the lavish resort on the ocean and enjoys the opulent spa services, delicious meals, and languid sunbathing. However, the numerous temples on the island will appeal to historians, while intrepid travelers can uncover new routes up Kintamani's active volcano. Additionally, Kuta offers additional riotous delights for individuals who enjoy staying up late. Wake up and reserve your flight to Bali—a it's dream come true.

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in April
  
• #5 in Best Summer Vacations
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Asia
  
• #7 in Best Honeymoon Destinations
  
• #11 in Best Island Vacations
  
• #17 in World's Best Places to Visit

Country: Indonesia

When you visit Acadia National Park, you become a pioneer: Each trail leads to untamed, rocky land that is begging to be photographed. Granite cliffs with sharp edges and jutting spruce trees on top are battered by cobalt seas. At the same time that peregrine falcons are screaming down at you from the sky, harbor seals are lounging on abandoned slabs of bedrock off the coast.

The inland forests and ponds are surrounded by rocky pathways and old carriage tracks that demand to be explored. The park, which obviously caters to the usual outdoor lover, places a strong emphasis on action-packed pursuits like horseback riding, biking, hiking, and even rock climbing.

You get full access to Acadia's more than 47,000 acres, including all of its hiking routes and natural features, for a very reasonable charge. When you need a vacation from the vast outdoors, Mount Desert Island's northeastern corner holds the picturesque New England village of Bar Harbor, Maine.

• #3 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Maine
  
• #5 in Best Maine Beach
  
• #7 in Best Weekend Getaways in New England
  
• #8 in Best Fall Vacations
  
• #9 in Best Adventure Vacations in the U.S.
  
• #11 in Best Cheap Family Vacations

Country: USA

More needs to be done than can ever be done, and there is more to see than can ever be seen. The "Circle of Life" is what Elton John and Tim Rice were conveying when they composed the theme song for Disney's "The Lion King." But this song's portrayal of the renowned Serengeti National Park is accurate. North Tanzania in East Africa, spanning 5,700 square kilometers, is home to this superb game park. Stewart Edward White, an American hunter who later became a conservationist, wrote the following on his first trip to the Serengeti in 1913: "We traversed miles of burned-out terrain while walking. After another two miles of walking, I came over the river's verdant trees and was in bliss."

Numerous creatures can be heard inside the Serengeti's boundaries: Elephants plod across well-traveled safari routes, and hippos splash at drinking holes as hyenas snort. In addition, more than 2,000 lions are constantly ready to pounce on unwary prey and pursue their unfortunate prey across the seemingly endless waves of golden grass. The loping giraffes' quick movements rustle the landscape, and every monkey's motion sways the branches of the trees. The Great Migration, however, is the most incredible sight you'll ever see. More than a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel across the Serengeti in search of greener pastures, drowning White's paradise in a sea of animals.

• #4 in Best Places to Visit in Africa
  
• #4 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #7 in Best National Parks in the World
  
• #10 in Best Places to Visit in January
  
• #13 in Best Places to Visit in June

Country: Africa & The Middle East

Around 1650 B.C., a large volcanic explosion caused the island's single island center to implode and sink beneath the sea. Some claim that this was the original location of Atlantis, the lost metropolis that long ago vanished beneath the sea. Beautiful beaches and regal whitewashed homes now stand guard over what is left of this mythical metropolis.

Two inhabited islands plus a number of islets make up Santorini as it is today. The majority of visitors stay on Thira, the largest island in the archipelago, which is also where the main cities of Santorini, such as Fira and Oia, are located. The day journey to Sleepy Thirassia is quite soothing. Additionally, Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni are worth seeing if you like quieter islands.

The vibrant beaches of Santorini should be your first stop; the island's black and red sands make for an unforgettable trip. Continue on to Ancient Thera to witness the remnants of three civilizations, including the Romans, or savor the archaeological treats of the amazingly well-preserved Ancient Akrotiri. Catch a stunning view of the caldera from there, a magnificent turquoise pool of water that serves as the hub for the numerous islands that make up this archipelago.

Some might argue that you only need a day to enjoy the attractions of these islands (they are a popular port of call for cruise ships), but you'll need a few days to a week to truly take in everything Santorini has to offer. Then you'll have plenty of time to discover that these pretty Cyclades dots are more than just what the eye can see.

• #1 in Best Island Vacations
  
• #1 in Best Greek Islands
  
• #3 in Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
  
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #6 in Best Destination Wedding Spots in Europe
  
• #9 in Best Honeymoon Destinations
  
• #10 in Best Beach Honeymoon Destinations
  
• #13 in Best Places to Visit in Europe
  
• #25 in World's Best Places to Visit

Country: Greece

A pair of finely dressed geisha darting between wooden tea houses, cherry blossom petals caught in the breeze, the burble of a water fountain filling the quiet with a serene rock garden... Kyoto represents the Japan of the past and the Japan in your head. From A.D. 794 to 1868, Kyoto served as the capital of Japan, and it has since become a thriving center for Japanese culture, art, and education. It's not surprising that millions of tourists travel to Kyoto every year to get a glimpse of imperial Japan given the city's respect for its past.

But wherever you aim your camera, modern Japan will undoubtedly appear in the shot. In the same city as the corporate headquarters of firms like Nintendo and electronics giant Kyocera are centuries-old Shinto temples and pagodas. Kyoto is a dynamic city that is definitely not stuck in the past because to its blend of the ancient and modern. The Japanese city of Kyoto is encircled by temples, shrines, and castles. You can enjoy the splendor of several eras from these 10 of Kyoto's most stunning locations.

Japan's former capital of Kyoto reigned for more than a millennium. Its name translates as "Capital of Peace" and it was established in 794 AD. As it protects its history while still embracing modern trends, Kyoto combines old world elegance with a modern flair. Numerous international publications, including TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet, have listed it in the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world. It is hardly surprising that Kyoto is a tourist's paradise given its rich history and breathtaking natural surroundings.

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Japan
  
• #6 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #9 in Best Places to Visit in Asia

Country: Japan

It's possible to think of Sonoma, a county in Northern California, as the laidback, unpretentious sister of Napa because of its rustic attractions and variety of wineries. There are several tiny cities worth visiting in its undulating hills, which rise into the Sonoma Mountains and descend to the Pacific coast: If you're looking for an urban getaway with museums and popular restaurants, consider Santa Rosa.

However, stop by Glen Ellen for a taste of small-town America. Sonoma, not Napa, should be your California wine region trip if you're looking for a relaxed introduction to world-class vintages and stunning properties. Consider scheduling a guided tour if you're only visiting for a single day. The best California tours include a few full-day excursions to Sonoma.

Wine is the main focus of Sonoma. You will see undulating hills covered in rows of grape vines and majestic buildings everywhere you look. Some of the top destinations include Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, Cline Cellars, and Ravenswood Winery, and many of them are included on the best Sonoma tours. However, visitors seeking a city fix can do so at the lively and iconic Sonoma Plaza. Need some ocean air from California? Visit explore the many coastal trails in the area, go to Sonoma Coast State Park. You won't have much trouble finding nothing but rest and relaxation in Sonoma, regardless of how you choose to spend your time there.

• #2 in Best Wine Vacations
  
• #3 in Best Cheap Romantic Getaways
  
• #4 in Best Romantic Getaways in the USA
  
• #6 in Best Day Trips from San Francisco
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #12 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
  
• #14 in Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
  
• #14 in Best Places to Visit in California

Country: USA

Vienna, one of the Best Places to Visit in October, is literally and figuratively centered on history. You almost expect a Vienna resident like composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or psychologist Sigmund Freud to round a cobblestone corner and say, "guten tag," thanks to the Innere Stadt's winding alleyways that weave among historic buildings. Elegant baroque mansions from the Habsburg Monarchy tower over the city, and modern cafes are filled with the sounds of Mozart's classical arias. You can find culture here if that's what you're after.

But this city is not just about music and kings. With indie bookstores and high fashion fighting for customers, Vienna is a terrific spot to spend some money. There are also a surprisingly large number of kid-friendly attractions, such as an excellent zoo and an amusement park. Although many Vienna residents go to bed early, you are not required to; instead, sneak out to one of the bars along the Bermuda Triangle in the city or stop by one of the wine taverns that skirt the Vienna Woods.

• #8 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe
  
• #8 in Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations
  
• #8 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #9 in Best Family Vacations in Europe
  
• #10 in Best Christmas Vacations
  
• #11 in Best Places to Visit in Europe
  
• #14 in Best Cheap European Vacations
  

Country: Austria

Sydney, one of the Best Places to Visit in October, is a bustling metropolis with some of the best surf, sites, and activities in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also a laid-back beachfront town. Sydney offers something for everyone, whether you want to catch a play at the famous Opera House, surf at Bondi Beach, or explore hip neighborhoods like The Rocks and Darling Harbour. Even Sydneysiders have the best of both worlds: "no cares" mentality, laid-back seaside vibe, fashion-forward dress, and British-style sarcasm. It makes sense that first-time Australian visitors would pick this exciting Australian city.

Australia's largest city offers a variety of activities in addition to a ton of beaches and excellent dining options. Visitors wishing to unwind may enjoy a calm day at Coogee or Manly Beach or a peaceful stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden, while thrill-seekers can partake in heart-pounding activities like a climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There are also a ton of seasonal festivals and events in Sydney, including Night Noodle Markets, Festival of the Winds, and Sculpture by the Sea. Sydney has you covered whether you want to watch a rugby game, see the city's museums, or simply relax by the water.

• #4 in Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific
  
• #5 in Best Spring Vacations
  
• #5 in Best Beaches in Australia
  
• #8 in Best Places to Visit in March
  
• #9 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #10 in Best Winter Vacations
  
• #20 in World's Best Places to Visit

Country: Australia

It may surprise you to learn that the Spanish colonists who first landed on Aruba in 1513 also gave her neighboring islands Bonaire and Curaçao the moniker "Islas Intiles," or Useless Islands. They were completely in error. Hundreds of years later, this southern Caribbean group is benefiting from a dry environment and little rainfall; Aruba in particular draws visitors with its dazzling white beaches and jagged limestone topography. Additionally, this island is a go-to destination for divers wishing to explore submerged shipwrecks or get up up and personal with some stunning coral reefs because of its excellent underwater visibility.

Aruba's reputation for exclusivity has been fostered by exorbitant accommodation prices and airfares (some of the most costly in the entire Caribbean), but one peek at Palm Beach will show that's not the case. Young families, baby boomers, newlyweds, and college students are all vying for a spot in the shade under the nearest divi-divi tree. Aruba is indeed being utilized, darn those colonists.

• #6 in Best Destination Wedding Spots in the Caribbean
  
• #8 in Best Caribbean Beaches
  
• #9 in Best Caribbean Honeymoons
  
• #10 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #12 in Best Family Summer Vacations
  
• #15 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean

Country: Netherlands

Santiago is often associated with soaring skyscrapers, sprawling vineyards, and majestic mountains, and you wouldn't be mistaken. Santiago, which is located in the Maipo Valley and is bordered to the east and west by the Pacific Ocean and snow-capped Andes, mesmerizes tourists with its breathtaking scenery, neoclassical architecture, and creative cuisine. In its nearly 500-year history, Santiago has endured invasions, dictatorships, and earthquakes, so it hasn't always been so seductive.

Santiago has been able to rebuild its image and gain a spot on the tourism map with other well-known South American cities like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro over the past several decades, thanks to an economic boom. Today, Santiago is still changing as its art-focused barrios are shaped by European flair and Latin American individuality (neighborhoods). Old mansions and imposing cathedrals can be found alongside cutting-edge stores and hip galleries on Santiago's streets, serving as reminders of the city's complex past and present.

Explore the city's thriving neighborhoods by dining in the Barrio Italia, shopping with style-conscious Santiguenos in Bellavista, or taking in the view from Santa Luca Hill. After that, explore the Plaza de Armas to see the Metropolitan Cathedral or the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art to see the antiquities on show. And as dusk falls, have pisco sours at a cocktail bar or stay up late to party at one of the several nightclubs spread out over the city. It may not be possible to experience Santiago's innovation and culture in its entirety in a single trip, but it won't take much work to enjoy what matters: chic stores, wonderful food, and wine. These local obsessions are giving Chile's capital a new sheen.

• #6 in Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in September
  
• #11 in Best Places to Visit in October

Country: Chile

There once was a Nantucket native. Get that chuckle out of your system when you've finished the rest of the limerick in your brain. Nantucket is better known as a sophisticated holiday spot despite being defamed with rhymed obscenities, many of which you can see printed on souvenirs around the town. And each year sees a rise in its poshness. This tiny island, which is located about 30 miles south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, enjoys its seclusion and attracts upper-class preppies and Northeastern bluebloods seeking a summer getaway.

Other guests are also welcome on Nantucket as long as they're prepared to splash out. Although the cost of lodging and dinnerware is high, some of the most well-liked island activities are affordable. After all, a trip to Nantucket isn't complete without exploring the island's cobblestone streets on a rental bike or relaxing on the sand with a good book. It's time to leave the continent, so grab your bikini and leave your car at the ferry docks.

• #5 in Best Relaxing Getaways in the USA
  
• #8 in Best Romantic Getaways in the USA
  
• #8 in Best Weekend Getaways in New England
  
• #8 in Best Places to Visit in July
  
• #12 in Best Places to Visit in October
  
• #15 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
  
• #24 in Best Beaches in the U.S.

Country: USA

The 522,427-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in both Tennessee and North Carolina, with the state line running through its middle. From the Paleo Indians of prehistory to the European settlers of the 19th century, humans have inhabited the highlands for a very long time. As one of the few free national parks in America, the park is now visited by more than 10 million visitors annually who take part in outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and fishing as well as beautiful drives to Cades Cove and along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Bring a lunch if you plan to cycle the Cades Cove Loop on Wednesdays between May and September when the road is closed to traffic or go on one of the breathtaking treks to Abrams or Rainbow Falls. At the Cades Cove Visitor Center, check out the ancient gristmill and Cable Mill. At the Sugarlands Visitor Center, visit the wildlife exhibits, watch a documentary about the park, and buy one-of-a-kind gifts.

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
  
• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
  
• #5 in Best Fall Vacations
  
• #8 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA
  
• #10 in Best U.S. National Parks
  
• #13 in Best Places to Visit in October

Country: USA