Tripadvisor Announces 2024 Travelers' Choice Awards for Best Attractions and Experiences

Tripadvisor Announces 2024 Travelers' Choice Awards for Best Attractions and Experiences

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 27, 2024

Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform, has announced the winners of its annual 2024 Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best Things to Do. The awards highlight the highest-rated experiences and attractions globally and in the United States, based on Tripadvisor reviews. For the first time, the Empire State Building in New York City has climbed to the top spot as the No. 1 attraction in the world. Meanwhile, the Unvanquished Tour in Porto City, Portugal, has earned the honor of being the world's best experience.

Empire State Building Tops Global Attractions

Boasting 60,000 5-star reviews, the Empire State Building reinforces its status as the "World's Most Famous Building" by securing the No. 1 attraction spot both in the US and globally. Visitors rave about the 360-degree view of New York, pointing out favorite landmarks and seeing up to six states on a clear day. With over 300 reviews calling it a "once in a lifetime" experience, the Empire State Building continues to captivate tourists from around the world.

Unvanquished Tour: Best Experience in the World

The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Center, Portugal, has made a remarkable debut by becoming the top experience globally. This tour, praised for being budget and time-friendly, allows visitors to explore 2,000 years of history in just a few hours. With more than 8,000 5-star reviews, guests commend the tour for its entertaining and knowledgeable guides.

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Top Global Attractions

  1. Empire State Building, New York City, United States

  2. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

  3. Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  4. Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

  5. Cayman Crystal Caves, Grand Cayman, Caribbean

  6. Colosseum, Rome, Italy

  7. Louvre Museum, Paris, France

  8. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, Singapore

  9. Duomo di Milano, Milan, Italy

  10. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Top US Attractions

  1. Empire State Building, New York City, New York

  2. Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii

  3. Central Park, New York City, New York

  4. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, Florida

  5. Stetson Mansion, DeLand, Florida

  6. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California

  7. Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee

  8. Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, New York

  9. Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle, Washington

  10. Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu, Hawaii

Top Global Experiences

  1. The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Center, Porto, Portugal

  2. All-Inclusive Ubud Tour, Ubud, Indonesia

  3. All-Inclusive Amsterdam Canal Cruise by Captain Jack, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  4. Small-Group Explore Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour with Guide from Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia

  5. Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour, Cancun, Mexico

  6. The Best Tour in Florence: Renaissance & Medici Tales, Florence, Italy

  7. Classic Inca Trail Trek 4D/3N to Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru

  8. Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances, and Music, Budapest, Hungary

  9. Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam

  10. Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates, Reykjavik, Iceland

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Top US Experiences

  1. Oahu Circle Island Tours, Oahu, Hawaii

  2. Honolulu Xtreme Parasail, Honolulu, Hawaii

  3. History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour, Salem, Massachusetts

  4. Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching, Juneau, Alaska

  5. Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour, Honolulu, Hawaii

  6. Koloa Zipline in Kauai, Kauai, Hawaii

  7. Niagara Falls in 1 Day: Tour of American and Canadian Sides, Niagara Falls, New York

  8. ATV Riding: First-Time Rider Course and Guided Tour, Las Vegas, Nevada

  9. Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area, Tierra Verde, Florida

  10. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: All Options, New York City, New York

Unforgettable Vacation Moments

Bucket List Experiences

  1. Beginner Scuba Diving Adventure with Videos, Honolulu - Oahu, Hawaii

Cultural & Historical Tours

  1. No. 1 in the world: Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Open Boat with Local Skipper-Guide, Amsterdam, Netherlands

  2. No. 1 in the US: History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour, Salem, Massachusetts

Amusement Parks & Water Parks

  1. No. 1 in the world: Disneyland Paris, Paris, France

  2. No. 1 in the US: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Tripadvisor's 2024 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Things to Do Awards are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor from April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024. The awards offer a comprehensive look at the top-rated activities and attractions, providing travelers with inspiration for unforgettable vacations.

For a complete list of winners, visit Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Award


A Royal Wedding in the Tropics: How Indian Couples Are Making Thailand Their Celebration Hub

A Royal Wedding in the Tropics: How Indian Couples Are Making Thailand Their Celebration Hub

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

In a time where celebrations are becoming more meaningful and curated, Indian couples are making a clear choice: Destination weddings. Through the lens of Mr. Dilbir Sahni—affectionately known in the industry as Bob—this evolving trend comes to life. As the founder of IndoBangkok, a company at the forefront of luxury events and weddings in Thailand, Bob shares insights shaped by two decades of experience creating unforgettable moments for Indian families.

Once considered aspirational, destination weddings are now a conscious decision. The trend is catching on fast—up from 18% in 2022 to 26% in 2024. And leading this dreamy escape? Thailand.

Gone are the days of crowded banquet halls and logistical juggling. Today’s couples are opting for intimate beachfront vows, hilltop pheras, and royal-themed parties at luxury resorts. Thailand, with its postcard-perfect landscapes, warm hospitality, and ease of planning, offers a spectacular stage for love stories to unfold.

Why More Couples Are Choosing Destination Weddings

So what’s fueling this shift? It’s about simplifying the complex. Destination weddings allow couples to focus on what really matters: spending meaningful time with loved ones. With everyone gathered in one location, the chaos of multiple venues fades away, replaced by a relaxed, immersive vibe.

And it’s not just better for the couple—it’s a win for guests too. Think of it as a wedding with built-in vacation vibes. Guests enjoy quality time, beautiful settings, and great food—all while creating memories that go far beyond the ceremony.

The impact is showing in travel numbers. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 2.1 million Indian tourists, many attending weddings. The message is clear: this is not just a trend—it’s a movement.

Why Thailand?

Thailand has become the ultimate canvas for Indian weddings. Whether it’s a sunset beach affair, a jungle-meets-ceremony celebration in Chiang Mai, or a royal-style event in a palace-like resort, Thailand offers variety without overwhelming complexity.

Short flights, simple visa processes, and English-speaking staff ease the journey. Add to that a robust network of Indian planners, chefs who know their dal makhani from their dal tadka, and venues that are nothing short of magical—and you’ve got a celebration that feels both familiar and fresh.

Best of all? The country offers five-star luxury at surprisingly affordable prices, making premium experiences accessible for a broader range of families.

Weddings as a New Form of Travel

Weddings are no longer just personal milestones. They’re catalysts for economic and cultural exchange. Each wedding brings life to a destination—boosting tourism, creating local jobs, and reviving small businesses. In many ways, these celebrations are a new kind of travel, one rooted in love, community, and shared joy.

Final Thoughts

Thailand isn’t just a backdrop—it’s becoming an integral part of Indian wedding stories. With its blend of beauty, accessibility, and cultural understanding, it’s no surprise that Thailand is emerging as India’s favourite wedding playground.

Because at the heart of every great wedding is a story worth travelling for.


Air Travel Impacted as India Conducts Operation Sindoor

Air Travel Impacted as India Conducts Operation Sindoor

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2025

Several airports across northern India were temporarily shut down this morning as India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, conducting targeted military strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Srinagar airport was among the first to suspend operations, confirmed airport officials. Alongside Srinagar, other impacted airports included Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, and Dharamshala, as mentioned in a post by SpiceJet on X.

Air India announced that all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot would remain cancelled until 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, IndiGo stated that its Bikaner operations were also affected by the disruptions.

Airlines took to social media to alert passengers about potential delays and cancellations, urging them to check their flight status and plan their travel accordingly.

Flight tracking platforms showed no commercial flights operating north of New Delhi, reflecting the scale of the airspace shutdown. This situation will affect domestic air traffic in the northern part of India.

Further updates are expected in the coming hours.


Top 5 Budget-Friendly Summer Destinations for Solo Travelers in India

Top 5 Budget-Friendly Summer Destinations for Solo Travelers in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 3, 2025

Traveling solo this summer doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right destinations and budget stays, you can enjoy unforgettable experiences while keeping costs low. From high-altitude deserts to scenic lakes and beachside bliss, here are five affordable travel options across India for solo adventurers.

1. Spiti, Himachal Pradesh – The Budget Ladakh Alternative

For those dreaming of Ladakh but looking for a cost-effective option, Spiti Valley offers a stunning and budget-friendly alternative. The raw beauty of its high-altitude landscapes, peaceful monasteries, and dramatic cliffs make it ideal for solo explorers. Stay at Zostel Spiti, which offers budget dorms and cozy private rooms with scenic views, and a great chance to meet fellow travelers.

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Budget Tip: Use public buses from Manali or Shimla instead of private cabs to reduce travel costs.

2. Kareri Lake, Himachal Pradesh – A Scenic Himalayan Escape

For nature lovers, Kareri Lake is an offbeat trekking destination surrounded by snowy peaks and pine forests. Enjoy a bonfire dinner under starry skies and camp beside the serene glacial lake. Zo Trips offers a 2-night package with accommodation at Zostel and Kareri campsite, meals, Volvo bus transport from Delhi to Dharamshala and back, local taxis, and permits—all thoughtfully arranged for solo explorers.

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Pro Tip: Smaller group sizes and immersive local experiences make this trek truly special.

3. Varkala, Kerala – A Beach Escape Without the Crowd

Skip the crowds of Goa and head to Varkala—a calm coastal town with cliffs, clean beaches, and great seafood. Zostel Varkala offers a chill vibe with comfortable dorms and shared spaces, just minutes from the beach.

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Budget Tip: Try Kerala-style “Thattukadas” for delicious street food that’s easy on the wallet.

4. Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh – The Hidden Gem of Tirthan Valley

Jibhi is the perfect retreat for travelers seeking peace, nature, and old-world charm. Think riverside trails, wooden houses, and cascading waterfalls. Stay at Zostel Homes Laida, a traditional homestay with a Himachali-style home and private mudhouse. It’s a quiet, soulful experience ideal for solo stays.

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Budget Tip: Explore nearby villages on foot, like Chehni Kothi, to avoid cab fares and enjoy authentic interactions.

5. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – Unexplored and Unforgettable

Tawang offers unmatched solitude and cultural richness. With Zo Trips’ 6N/7D tour, solo travelers can explore the snow-capped eastern Himalayas, Buddhist monasteries, and high-altitude lakes. This experience includes travel through dramatic terrains, deep valleys, and dense forests in one of India’s most remote regions.

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Pro Tip: Choose off-season dates for better deals and fewer crowds.

With smart choices—like hostels, shared tours, and public transport—solo travel in India can be both thrilling and affordable. These destinations promise a mix of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty without the high price tag.

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