Travel + Leisure Says This South Carolina City Is One Of the 25 Favorites In The World

I see these travel articles daily naming best city for this or that.  And, rarely do I see any of our smaller close by cities in the United States fall on a list for "the world."  But,  Travel + Leisure says this South Carolina city is one of the "25 Favorite Cities in the World of 2023."

And, one of the favorite cities in the world is Charleston, South Carolina.  How about that?  Among cities named on five continents, Charleston came in at 19.  And, according to Travel + Leisure, that makes it the best city in the U.S. for 11 years in a row.  Readers gave the city high marks for the cuisine of the region and hospitality.

After surveying its readers, Travel + Leisure found that the favorite country for travelers is Mexico, with 5 cities making the list.  Mexico was followed by favorites in Japan, Thailand, Italy and Portugal.  So, how did they arrive at the 25 favorite cities in the world list?

It happens every year when the publication surveys their readers.  Travel + Leisure asks readers to consider global experiences when it comes to hotels, resorts, islands, airlines and more.  And, about 165,000 voters weighed in this year.  So, they rated the cities based on a number of things including sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and value.  And, Charleston, South Carolina made the cut!

Quite frankly, I'm not a world traveler.  And, some of the faraway lands making the list are some I never knew about.  Of course, I am willing to learn!  So, make sure you visit Travel + Leisure to see the full list.  And, use it as a guide to possibly plan a bucket list of travel.  Or, like me go where you can afford to.  And, Charleston, South Carolina just might fit that bill for me!  I've been a couple of times, and I absolutely love it.

We all enjoy a trip here and there, that's no question. But, sometimes when you ask people about their favorite place to visit they name places you would have never thought of. There are so many unique cities and towns to visit across the country. Of course, the most known cities are always a given like New York City, Houston, Atlanta, and others. But, what about those smaller places that you can enjoy just s much?

Reader's Digest compiled a list of the 14 most underrated travel destinations in the United States. Surprisingly, a South Carolina city made the list. If you're looking for the perfect getaway that does not consist of a major crowd then this list might be a great place for you to start. Check out this under-the-radar, hidden gems that would be perfect for you to check out!

If you ever wanted to travel to the Hamptons or Nantucket but you’re looking for something a little more low-key, head south to Asbury Park in New Jersey. There is a boardwalk with restaurants and shops for you to be able to enjoy. The area is quite affordable and can allow you a great time to enjoy a getaway without spending entirely too much money. Enjoy festivals, the beach, food, and tons of other activities during your trip.

One of my favorite destinations for a quick getaway growing up was Savannah. The area is filled with rich history, amazing food options, shopping, River Street, night life, and more. You're also not too far away from the beach of Tybee Island and can pick and choose what you want to partake in for the day.

This has been named one of up and coming cities for food lovers, so if you're in love with eating then this is where you'll need to visit. Boise also provides tons of options for outdoor lovers with the amount of activities during your visit. You can visit one of the hundreds of parks, drink beer, hike a trail, eat great food, and more!

California already has tons of major cities that people already know to visit, but what about one of these undercover gems. This seaside community is just north of downtown San Diego. It's a great option for friends or family travel. The weather is typically great year round in the area and it is also the home of Legoland California.

Fort Worth is the 13th-largest city in the country and the third fastest growing. It is the neighboring area to Dallas and offers you the best of both worlds when it comes to visiting a larger city. Fort Worth feels much more like you’re in the Great American West of lore than the more urban-feeling Dallas. Fort Worth offers tons of tourist destinations and makes you feel like you're in a Western movie. 

Michigan is another state that does not always pop into people's minds when you think of a great tourist destination. You can do tons of outdoor activities in Grand Rapids such as renting a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. There are beautiful boutiques to shop at, restaurants, bakeries, and more to check out when you're in the area.

Duluth is one of those places that's a great alternative to busier Midwestern towns. Midwest vacation are not always thought of, but some people enjoy going to unique places as well. Magazines have named it one of the country’s best cities for outdoor adventures. You can enjoy mountain biking as it is a popular adventure here as well. 

No busy city life when you're living it up to relax in Lexington. You can enjoy unique art, shopping, and elevated dining whenever you're in Lexington. I actually took a trip here once for a wedding and can also add that it is some great food options to enjoy.

Colorado has always been a dream destination for me! The mountain town vibes of Estes Park is perfect for any scenery loving traveler. There are tons of mountains and wildlife you're able to explore during your trip. You also have the chance to explore national parks and more.

In Cleveland, you have the chance to explore modern art museum, a museum of contemporary art, a zoo, destination dining spots, and more! The crowd is not too busy or overwhelming when you're in the area and you can save money by not having to spend an arm and a leg to enjoy different activities. 

Harpers Ferry is most famous for being the site of the John Brown raid and three Civil War battles. But, the area also offers other historic tourists activities. You can go hiking and explore the views, especially during the fall season. 

Greenville, South Carolina is coming up as one of the top most underrated destinations. It is one of the cities to grow the most in the last few years in South Carolina. Greenville is perfect for the person looking for just a few things to enjoy without the chaos of a large city. You can eat good, shop, hike trails, interact with locals, and enjoy the view of a beautiful waterfall in their downtown area.

Whenever people think of Nevada, they only assume Vegas but there are plenty of other areas to visit when in Nevada. You can still find gambling and entertainment when you're in Reno, but it is far less chaos than Las Vegas. There are great views and food to explore while you're there as well.

Wyoming is certainly not a state you hear all the time when it comes to places people would like to visit. Jackson Hole is one of those lowkey destinations, considered hidden gems as it lies between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks. It offers that Old West charm and allows you the relaxing feel to just enjoy a new space on vacation.