Tripadvisor has announced its Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations for 2026, recognising the places most loved by travellers worldwide. The rankings are based on millions of reviews and ratings shared by travellers across the platform, reflecting trusted experiences in accommodation, dining and attractions.

The Best of the Best Destinations cover multiple travel categories, including top global destinations, trending places, cultural hubs, food destinations, honeymoon getaways and solo travel favourites. The awards highlight locations that continue to inspire travellers through memorable experiences, local character and strong hospitality offerings.

Bali has been named the world’s top destination for 2026, earning widespread praise for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches and warm hospitality. Travellers highlighted experiences such as scenic mountain adventures and marine excursions that showcase the island’s natural beauty. Other destinations ranking among the world’s top favourites include London, Dubai, Hanoi, Paris, Rome, Marrakech, Bangkok and Crete, reflecting strong interest in cities that combine culture, history and leisure.

In the United States, New York City retained its position as the most popular destination, reinforcing its status as a global centre for food, culture, entertainment and the arts. Las Vegas, Oahu, Nashville, New Orleans, Chicago, Charleston, Key West, Washington DC and Boston also featured prominently, alongside coastal and leisure-focused destinations.

Madeira, Portugal emerged as the world’s top trending destination for 2026, gaining attention for its dramatic landscapes, relaxed pace and family-friendly appeal. The island’s mix of outdoor adventure and natural attractions has drawn travellers seeking quieter escapes. Tbilisi in Georgia followed closely, driven by its growing cultural scene and distinctive architecture. Other trending destinations included cities across Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, highlighting shifting traveller preferences.

Solo travel continued to gain momentum, with Dublin ranked as the world’s leading solo travel destination. The city stood out for its walkability, historic landmarks, welcoming atmosphere and diverse food scene. Berlin, London, Santiago, Edinburgh, New York City, Hanoi, Madrid, Bali and Cape Town Central also featured among the top choices for independent travellers.

London claimed the top spot as the world’s leading food destination for 2026, recognised for its diverse culinary landscape ranging from fine dining to street food. Dubai made a strong debut, ranking second globally with its blend of traditional flavours and modern cuisine. In the United States, New York City led the food destination rankings, followed by Las Vegas, Maui, Orlando and Miami.

In the culture category, Singapore rose to the top, celebrated for its rich blend of heritage, modern attractions and vibrant arts scene. London and Krakow followed, with travellers appreciating their historic charm, museums and creative energy. Paris, Rome, Edinburgh, Hanoi and Kyoto also ranked highly for cultural experiences.

For honeymoon travel, Bali once again led the list of the world’s most romantic destinations. Mauritius, the Maldives, St Lucia, Galle, Hue, Napa, Positano, Watamu and Antigua were also recognised for offering intimate settings and memorable experiences for couples.

Tripadvisor said the rankings reflect the quality and quantity of traveller reviews collected globally, showcasing destinations that consistently deliver meaningful and enjoyable travel experiences across categories.

The Railway Board has announced that the upcoming Vande Bharat sleeper trains will operate exclusively with confirmed tickets, with no provision for RAC, waitlisted, or partially confirmed bookings. The clarification was issued through a recent circular outlining the commercial and reservation guidelines for the new sleeper service.

According to the circular, the minimum chargeable distance for travel on Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be 400 km. Passengers travelling any distance up to this limit will be charged a fixed fare, while journeys beyond this distance will be calculated on a per-kilometre basis.

The Railway Board stated, “Goods and Services Tax as applicable shall be levied separately. Minimum chargeable distance shall be 400 km. Rounding off of fare shall be made as per the existing principle. Only confirmed tickets shall be issued for this train. Accordingly, there shall be no provision for RAC/waitlisted/partially confirmed tickets.”

The fare structure has been defined across three classes, AC 1, AC 2 and AC 3. For travel up to the minimum chargeable distance, passengers will pay a fixed amount for a confirmed berth in each class. Beyond this range, fares will be calculated per kilometre at different rates for each class, as specified by the Railway Board.

In terms of reservations, the circular clarified that only select quotas will be applicable. These include the Ladies quota, quota for Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizen quota, and Duty Pass quota, in line with existing instructions. “No other reservation quota shall be applicable in this train,” the circular added.

Guidelines have also been issued for berth allocation. The system will attempt to allot lower berths to eligible passengers, including senior citizens and women of a specified age group, subject to availability. In cases where passengers are travelling with children who do not require a separate berth, the system will also try to assign a lower berth wherever possible.

Officials noted that the commercial circular may undergo minor changes, which will be communicated to the public in due course. Details regarding the commencement of regular commercial operations for passengers are expected to be shared through an official notification.

The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas has announced the appointment of Vivek Pandey as its new Director of Food & Beverage. With over 15 years of experience across leading luxury hospitality brands in India, Pandey brings deep expertise in restaurant leadership, large-scale events, and guest-focused food and beverage operations.

Pandey began his hospitality journey at Hyatt Regency Kolkata, where he spent nearly a decade building a strong foundation across events and operational roles. He later expanded his culinary and service leadership experience at Park Hyatt Goa and Grand Hyatt Mumbai, before taking on larger responsibilities as Event Operations Manager at Hyatt Regency Dehradun. His career further progressed at JW Marriott Mumbai, where he served as Banquet Manager, overseeing high-profile events and complex banquet operations.

Most recently, Pandey held the position of Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Hyatt Regency Dehradun, where he played a key role in driving culinary innovation, service excellence, and team development. His experience across both leisure and business destinations has shaped a leadership style that balances operational rigour with experiential creativity.

In his new role at The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, Pandey will focus on elevating the resort’s Unique Dining Experiences (UDEs) through refined concepts, compelling storytelling, and thoughtfully curated guest journeys. A key priority will be strengthening the non-resident dining strategy, positioning the resort’s restaurants and bars as preferred destinations for local and regional patrons, while also fostering a workplace culture centred on associate wellbeing, engagement, and long-term growth.

Commenting on his appointment, Vivek Pandey said, “The Westin Himalayas is a truly distinctive destination that brings together wellness, nature, and elevated hospitality. I am excited to join a property that has already set strong benchmarks in experiential luxury and look forward to enhancing our culinary offerings and creating meaningful dining experiences.”

Welcoming him to the leadership team, Chinmaya Chikkamath, General Manager, The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, said, “Food and beverage is a core pillar of the guest journey at The Westin Himalayas. Vivek’s depth of experience, creative vision, and people-focused leadership make him a valuable addition to our team. His understanding of destination dining and commitment to innovation will further strengthen our culinary offerings and elevate the overall resort experience.”