10 best travel destinations of 2017

USA - Winner of best country in the world; Readers' Choice Awards 2017.

Last updated . 29 January 2020

We love hearing what you think about travel, from which destinations are your absolute favourites to visit, to which airlines you are choosing to get there and what you’re doing when you are on the ground. So, we have diligently worked our way through thousands of surveys to come up with your ultimate Readers’ Choice list for 2017. And the winners are…

1. Best country in the world: USA

Why you love it so… When it comes to the USA, there’s actually not many bits of it that you don’t love, from the compelling, frenetic cities to the wide open spaces and from the historical sights to the shopping!

The sheer diversity of the landscape and what’s on offer there were the things you mentioned time and time again (“Each state is completely different and no two places are the same”), with wildlife, skiing, driving, nightlife, and the breathtaking scenery just some of the choices you were in thrall over.

Runners up: 2. Italy 3. New Zealand 4. France 5. Canada 6. Japan 7. Mexico 8. Thailand 9. Spain 10. England

2. Favourite city in the world: New York

Why you love it so… Seriously, do we really need to explain this one?

New York, according to most of your comments, is the capital of the world, a city that holds endless appeal for travellers with its roster of things to see and do on a 24/7 cycle.

The city offers up world renowned sights and museums, bustling neighbourhoods, and a constant thrum of activity and excitement like no other on Earth.

Runners up: 2. Paris 3. London 4. Rome 5. Barcelona

3. Best beach escape: Fiji

Why you love its so… This Pacific island is the ultimate triple threat: an island paradise with pristine beaches, world-standard resorts and a welcoming and gracious people.

In fact, the warmth of the Fijians was a recurring theme, and this combined with the sun, sand and sea – and the next-to-no-time journey to get there – made Fiji the winner by a long stretch.

Runners up: 2. Hawai‘i 3. Thailand 4. Bali 5. The Maldives – Honourable mention goes to the Cook Islands and the ever-exotic, and increasingly popular Zanzibar.

4. Best food and wine destination: Italy

Why you love it so… The old rivalry between Italy and France was alive and well in this year’s voting, but Italy has come out in front, and by a fair distance.

While some of you pinpointed certain regions or cities for special mention – Florence, Tuscany, Piedmont – the resounding result was that anywhere in Italy will do when it comes to indulging in the best food and wine in the world.

In fact, no other answer in the survey came with so many exclamation marks attached, so you obviously really love the place. Really!!

Runners up: 2. France 3. Spain 4. New Zealand 5. Singapore and Greece.

5. Best skiing destination: Japan

Why you love it so… According to your answers, “powder, powder, powder,” is one of the main reasons Japan was absolutely streaks ahead in this year’s skiing results, but you were almost equally in rapture over the culture and the food as well.

All of these elements, plus the fast and easy access, add up to a totally unique and increasingly popular choice.

Runners up: 2. New Zealand 3. Canada 4. USA (made up of Vail, Aspen, California, Jackson Hole, Park City) 5. Switzerland

6. Best eco holiday: New Zealand

1. New Zealand
2. Africa including safaris, Kruger National Park and the Okavango Delta
3. Costa Rica
4. Borneo
5. The Amazon
Honourable mention goes to the Galápagos Islands.

7. Your favourite stop-over: Singapore

Why you love it so… What’s not to love about Singapore as a stop-over?

You can break your journey on the way to somewhere fabulous and fascinating by whiling away a few days in somewhere equally fabulous and fascinating, eating amazing food, doing some serious shopping and relaxing in any number of luxe hotels.

The city state presents like a holiday before your holiday, and you love the idea of that.

Runners up: 2. Dubai 3. Hong Kong 4. London 5. Bangkok

8. Best off the beaten track adventure: New Zealand

Why you love it so… No trip to New Zealand is complete without some hair-raising adventures, and we’re not just talking about the edge-of-the-mountain drives.

From helicoptering to a glacier and picking your way through the ice, to mountain biking, bungee jumping and white water rafting in Queenstown, to the endless rugged walks, there’s something for every thrill-seeker here.

Runners up: 2. Peru 3. Nepal 4. Vietnam 5. Africa 6. Iceland 7. Antarctica 8. The Philippines 9. Myanmar 10. Mongolia – Honourable mention goes to the Galápagos Islands, Samoa, Bhutan, Patagonia, Borneo, Laos and Madagascar.

9. Best family holiday: USA

Why you love it so… With the states of Hawai‘i, California, Florida and, of course, the Disney parks contributing a big chunk of votes, the USA came out on top when it comes to families thanks largely to its ability to offer a something-for-everyone experience.

You also loved that it is safe and it’s easy to get from A to B, making it easy to see more (and there’s plenty more to see according to you).

Runners up: 2. Fiji 3. Bali 4. New Zealand 5. Japan