Whether you’re an expert or a first-time traveller, here are some great travel destinations you might want to visit on your next trip!

Knowing that the world is filled with amazingly diverse places, organising a vacation could be a challenging task for someone who has done it several times or about to go solo for the first time.

It’s a good thing World Economic Forum (WEF) released their Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019 just in time for the holiday season when most people take the time off to relax and go on a trip by themselves or with their loved ones.

Published biennially, the report benchmarks the travel and tourism competitiveness of 140 economies and measures “the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the travel end tourism sector”. Through cross-country comparison, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the strengths and areas for development of each country based on its infrastructure, safety, business environment, tourism-related policies, and its natural and cultural resources.

Here are nine of the top world destinations for travellers according to the WEF’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019:

1. Spain

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Named as the most “travel-ready” country by the WEF since 2015, the Mediterranean country has emerged as the best destination for travellers worldwide for the third time. Thanks to the stunning mountain scenery, the glistening beaches that dot its coastline, the fantastic food, and the vibrant cities villages, Spain remains the most competitive country for attracting tourists.

2. France

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Nearly 90 million tourists visited France in 2018 alone, marking a new visitor record for the country according to data from the French government. Paris, the “city of love”, was hailed as one of the most visited cities in the world. From its abundant art and culture scene, exquisite cuisine paired with its finest wine to its rich fashion history, one will surely fall in love with France.

3. Germany

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Germany has been in the WEF’s top three most attractive tourist destination since 2017. Its excellent range of beers, wines, and spirits, astounding history and architecture, make tourists flock the Western European country. One can go skiing in the Bavarian Alps; visit the impressive Museum Island of Berlin, or join the biggest party celebrated across Germany (and the world) – Oktoberfest – where beer tents fill Munich from mid-September to October. 

4. Japan

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The country is home to an intriguing yet impressively diverse culture that undoubtedly attracts tourists from all over the world. Just last year, Japan reached record 31 million visitors according to its tourism minister. Its delightful range of food, bustling cities, deep history, unique contemporary art scene, and one-of-a-kind transportation system make visitors surely come back for more.

5. The United States

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The United States is an incredibly diverse nation. A lot of people from all over the world with unique backgrounds immigrate to the vast lands of America. Exploring this country would be the same as experiencing different cultures and ways of living – one of the main reasons people come and eventually stay. 

6. The United Kingdom

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The United Kingdom is home to great traditions and eccentricities that experiencing it would surely be remarkable. From cheese rolling in Gloucestershire and fireball whirling in Scotland to Morris Men dancing and banging sticks to its thatched cottages, fairytale castles, and soaring cathedrals, one wouldn’t know where to begin!

7. Australia

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Famed for its diverse landscapes and unique wildlife, Australia scored well for safety and tourist infrastructure. Travellers visit the smallest continent on Earth for several reasons. The vibrant art scene, laid-back atmosphere, pristine stretches of white sand, and the outback wilderness, filled with rare yet utterly beautiful natural wonders, is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts.

8. Italy

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Italy’s ranking in the 2019 report was unchanged. Travellers continue to flock to its famous culturally rich places like Rome and Florence. The country swarms with magnificent destinations from historic metropolises, filled by majestic cathedrals, to lovely southern towns and villages. Deemed as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Italy is said to be responsible of more than half of the European cultural heritage.

9. Canada

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Canada bagged the top scores in the Americas for safety and security, environmental sustainability, and air transport infrastructure. The adventure-packed country boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the world's longest ski season, and some of the most spectacular natural wonders on the planet. Canada is a place where you can hit the ski slopes in the morning and witness the grandeur of the magical northern lights that same night. 

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