Tripadvisor®, the leading travel recommendation platform, has recently announced the winners of its 2023 Travelers’ Choice® Best of the Best “Things to Do” Awards. This prestigious list showcases the favorite activities of Tripadvisor reviewers from around the world, offering travelers valuable insights into one-of-a-kind experiences that can make any vacation truly memorable. By analyzing the 12-month review data from May 2022 to April 2023, Tripadvisor has compiled a definitive list of extraordinary activities and excursions, including bookable tours, attractions, and experiences.
The Best of the Best “Things to Do” list features several sub-categories, catering to various interests and preferences. These include Top Attractions, Amusement Parks & Water Parks, Bucket List Experiences, Cultural & Historical Tours, Food & Culinary Experiences, Nature & Outdoor Activities, Sailing & Day Cruises, Snorkeling & Water Sports, Wine Experiences, and the new addition for 2023, Family-Friendly Experiences. With the desire for new experiences and the opportunity to create lasting memories, as revealed by Tripadvisor’s Seasonal Travel Index, these awards serve as an essential guide for travelers seeking unique adventures on their next journey.
Kate Urquhart, the General Manager of Experiences at Tripadvisor, highlights the transformative power of experiences, stating that they turn travelers into adventurers and connect them with the local community, enabling them to build unforgettable stories. Tripadvisor strives to provide access to the best things to do globally, with over 300,000 bookable experiences in more than 250,000 destinations worldwide. The awards celebrate the businesses dedicated to ensuring that the Tripadvisor community enjoys the most exceptional trips. Urquhart expresses gratitude to reviewers for their valuable contributions, which help fellow travelers plan their next escape.
This year’s best experience in the world, according to Tripadvisor reviewers, is a full day tour of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa Tour takes travelers to the island’s top sights, including the remarkable Hālona Blowhole, the Byodo-In Temple, pristine beaches, and renowned surf spots. Oahu left the biggest impression on travelers, with parasailing adventure Xtreme Parasail in Honolulu and the Deluxe USS Arizona Memorial and Historical City Tour also ranking high in the Top Overall Experiences in the U.S.
Barcelona’s iconic Basílica de la Sagrada Familia retains its position as the No. 1 Top Attraction in the world for the second consecutive year, followed closely by Rome’s Colosseum. New additions to the global list include the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and The Dubai Fountain, ranking third and fourth, respectively. In the U.S., the Empire State Building remains the top attraction, with New York City emerging as the leading destination, featuring Central Park, The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Introducing a new subcategory, Family-Friendly Experiences, Tripadvisor recognizes activities that are beloved by both parents and children. The top world experience in this category, as well as in the U.S., is a private boat tour in South Carolina, known as the Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island. Reviewers praise this trip as the highlight of their family vacation, commending the captain’s extensive knowledge and ability to answer all their questions about dolphins and nature. Other winners include a wizard walk in York, UK, and a Roman gladiator school in Italy.
In addition to these categories, Tripadvisor also reveals the winners for Amusement Parks & Water Parks, Bucket List Experiences, Cultural & Historical Tours, Food & Culinary Experiences, Nature & Outdoor Activities, Sailing & Day Cruises, Snorkeling & Water Sports, and Wine Experiences. Each category showcases top-rated experiences that cater to specific interests, such as adrenaline-seeking attractions, immersive cultural tours, and delectable food and wine adventures.
Ultimately, Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best “Things to Do” Awards provide travelers with invaluable recommendations based on the collective wisdom of the travel community. With the increasing interest in experiential travel, these awards serve as a compass for those seeking unique and unforgettable experiences. By highlighting the best activities and attractions worldwide, Tripadvisor continues to inspire and guide travelers in creating memorable moments during their journeys.