The United States is a continent-sized country and a surprisingly diverse one at that in terms of tourist offer. From the towering skyscrapers of New York to the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles, there is something for every type of traveler.
With as many as 50 states, however, and who knows how many exciting city breaks, it’s challenging to narrow down the very best and get to the one destination that’s appealing to a majority.
Luckily, readers of Conde Nast Traveler have helped us reach a more democratic decision.
This surprising city was voted best to visit in the States, ranking higher than all other tourist favorites, from East to West:
Chicago Is The Best U.S. City
According to CN Traveler readers who participated in their yearly survey, the best city for visiting in the U.S. is Chicago, Illinois.
Though it is a city best known for boasting great connectivity to other global destinations through its busy O’Hare International Airport, which officially serves as an intermediate stop for many Americans going abroad, Chicago is so much more than a mere transit hub.
Topping the CN Traveler list ‘yet again‘, it is the third-largest city in the States, home to beautiful architecture, an inspiring underground music scene, and most importantly, an amazing local cuisine.
Incredible Cuisine
Not that many American cities are renowned for their local food.
The U.S. may be a colossal state, but as it is a nation built by and for migrants, food is either heavily influenced by third cultures or directly imported from other countries, lacking the traditional aspect of it.
Chicago is no exception, as it does not have a wealth of native ingredients and dishes itself, but on the other hand, it is known for its creative take on world cuisine and numerous delicacies.
These include the Chicago-style hot dog, the Italian-inspired beef sandwich, and Chicago Barbecue.
The most iconic of them, deep-dish pizza, is baked around a steel pan, resembling an upside-down pie filled with mozzarella cheese.
Some of the best restaurants for trying deep-dish pizza include Giordano’s, with up to 9,721 impressions on TripAdvisor so far, mostly positive, Spacca Napoli Pizzeria, and Piece, a go-to spot for both sampling the unique creation and belting out songs on karaoke nights.
An Electric Nightlife
When it comes to nightlife, Chicago is probably one of the most vibrant cities in America, home to a plethora of entertainment venues, dive bars, nightclubs, and pubs, and no visit would be complete without a night out in trendy Andersonville.
Other than being a Bohemian neighborhood brimming with life after sundown, it is popular for its Swedish architecture, further proof of Chicago’s undeniable multiculturalism.
It houses the Swedish American Museum, where artifacts from Scandinavian migrant communities are exhibited, and Clark Street, a commercial zone lined by adorable antique shops, rustic-looking cafes, and heritage row buildings.
In fact, Chicago’s architectural display is of the reasons why it is so admired by outsiders.
A Fascinating Mix Of Old And New
Strolling along the Chicago River, which cuts through the heart of the city and branches out into several smaller canals, you will meet clusters upon clusters of modern skyscrapers, including the landmark, 110-storey Willis Tower.
In other parts of the city, you will also find ‘Polish Cathedrals’ – a North American architectural style, in spite of their name – evocative of the Old World, and the castle-like Chicago Water Tower, built 154 years ago, and one of the oldest-standing structures.
The best neighborhood for viewing historical buildings is the Old Town, settled by Germans in the 1850s, and a protected zone with a well-preserved Victorian-era townscape.
St Michael’s Church in the Old Town is one of the few buildings in Chicago, alongside the Water Tower, to have survived the Great Fire of 1871, responsible for destroying much of the earlier historical settlement.
If you’re the museum type and would like a deeper cultural immersion beyond just sightseeing, the Art Institute of Chicago and the lesser-known Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures are not to be missed.
Chicago’s Greatness Lies In Its Diversity
As CN Traveler points out, there are as many as 77 neighborhoods to pick from, and whether you’re a culture geek or you’re simply looking for an epic weekend getaway, rest assured Chicago will deliver.
This year, a new stunning luxury hotel also opened in a privileged location in the city center, right by the iconic Chicago Bean, with panoramic views of both the skyscraper-dotted skyline and the winding Chicago River.
Learn more about Chicago and the fun, off-beaten path things you can do in the Windy City here.
As summer turns to fall, it’s prime time for smart travelers to seek out underrated and off-path destinations they can enjoy with fewer tourists.
Overseas hotspots like Mexico and the Caribbean will always be popular at this time of year, and with good reason. The same goes for U.S. locations such as Florida.
These well-known places are great, and you can definitely avoid the crowds if you’re smart, but there are other options out there that can offer a perfect off-path fall getaway that might surprise you.
One such place is the southern coast of Mississippi, with its local tourism organization recently claiming that fall is the best time to visit.
To many, it might just be the name of one of America’s longest rivers, but the state of Mississippi has a lot to offer – including more than 60 miles of beautiful and lesser-known coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.
Here are six reasons why you should consider this underappreciated destination this fall:
A Hidden Gem On The Gulf Of Mexico
Coastal Mississippi is sometimes described as ‘the secret coast’ and it definitely has some undiscovered and charming locations.
Bay St. Louis has been described as ‘one of the coolest small towns in America’ while Biloxi has fantastic sandy beaches and is regarded as one of the country’s seafood capitals.
In Pascagoula, you’ll find photogenic waterfronts with wooden piers, and in Ocean Springs you can immerse yourself in the art scene. This is also one of the cheapest beach towns in the United States.
If all that wasn’t enough, there are a range of idyllic islands just off the coast that you can visit for unique beach experiences and wildlife spotting.
Coastal Mississippi comes alive in the fall with a host of regular festivals and events taking place all along its sun-kissed shores.
The Annual Mississippi Songwriters’ Festival is one of the most popular events – it takes place from 21-24 September in more than 10 different venues along the coast.
Art and craft lovers will enjoy events such as the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival in Ocean Springs from 4-5 November, as well as the Mermaids Arts & Crafts Show in Bay St. Louis from 11-12 November.
Captivating Cuisine
Mississippi is renowned for its seafood, particularly in this coastal area where it’s at its freshest.
It’s also well-known for good barbecue and one of America’s most famous desserts, the Mississippi mud pie.
Sticking on the theme of events in fall, for food lovers there’s the 14th annual Taste of Long Beach event where local purveyors of the best southern food will be out in force to share their cuisine with travelers.
There’s also the Gulf Coast Shrimp Tasting Festival in Biloxi on 14 October.
History And Intrigue
There are a number of history trails you can visit along the Mississippi coast including one dedicated to blues music and another to country music.
There’s also the Mississippi Freedom Trail, which explores the stories behind the state’s part in the American Civil Rights Movement.
Affordable And Easy To Get To
The region is served by no fewer than three airports – Stennis International, Gulfport Biloxi International, and Trent Lott International – so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a flight at a fair price.
This region can be accessed by road via Interstate 10, which connects it to major cities such as New Orleans in Louisiana and Mobile in Alabama.
For money-conscious travelers, there are plenty of free things to do in this region to keep you entertained such as beaches, public art, museums, and parks.
Pleasant In Winter
The southern part of Mississippi is the perfect place to go to get some fall and winter sun with average temperatures between 87F and 71F in September, and between 62F and 45F in December and January.
It’s part of the country known for short winters, which means that you can still partake in its awesome outdoor activities pretty much all year round – and without the crowds.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular pastimes in this part of the state, as is fishing. The Gulf of Mexico has some of the best saltwater fishing available in the United States.
When you think of the best vacations in the U.S., one might think of scenic beaches on both coasts, exploring the concrete jungle of New York City or simply packing up for an all-American road trip.
One thing is for sure, and that is Arkansas doesn’t come to mind for most, but the Natural State has been experiencing record-breaking tourism since 2021.
Bordering Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Louisiana and Mississippi, this southern state might surprise you with its many attractions.
Anybody looking for something different than the typical beach getaway should give Arkansas a chance as it is much more than just a “pass-through state” on to somewhere better.
Charming Small Towns
Little Rock is the capital and largest city in the state of Arkansas, set along the Arkansas River.
When you cross the Arkansas River Bridge into the scenic cityscape of a handful of high-rises, you won’t be overwhelmed by its magnitude and may instantly realize even the biggest city has a cozy feel to it.
As many large capital cities go, you will find what you need here, but the real draw is Arkansas’s smaller towns spread out across the state.
The small towns of Mountain View, Hot Springs and Eureka Springs were recently voted 3 of the best small towns in the South by Southern Living Magazine.
Another town to consider is Lakeview, home to less than 800 residents as of the 2021 census. What they lack in size, they make up for with breathtaking scenery as a true outdoor paradise.
While many Americans flock to the beach for a getaway, crowds can be overwhelming and ruin the purpose of a beach vacation – to relax!
Coming to a state like Arkansas with wide open spaces and natural wonders to align with the Natural State motto is the perfect solution to avoid over-tourism.
Visitors find the rolling green hills, lush forests, and other natural attractions just as enjoyable as a sunny beach vacation.
However, for those dead set on having a beach escape, Arkansas does have them. It’s just not quite up to, say, Florida or California standards since they are on the lake.
Some are more packed with people than others, and it depends on the season when you visit.
The Ozarks
One of the biggest television shows in recent years is Ozark, set in the backwoods of the Ozarks “with more coastline than California”, as they mentioned on the show.
This region of the country is shared primarily between Arkansas and Missouri, but a handful of others claim the Ozarks as well.
With lakes that seem to never end, this is a perfect way to spend the summer with much more space to enjoy your surroundings than other crowded alternatives.
Whether it’s swimming, lounging, or boating, the Ozarks are a great escape to enjoy the beautiful green hills and outdoor activities Arkansas has to offer.
Southern Hospitality
According to a recent report on Arkansas’s thriving tourism numbers, many visitors are spending money on outdoor activities, entertainment and, more importantly, food.
As social media continue to take over our lives, most people’s algorithms are full of tempting food videos. Arkansas offers a unique take on food as they are truly home to southern hospitality.
Many small towns offer diners with old-school menus with a variety of comfort foods to indulge in. While Little Rock offers many restaurants with a pricier take on the classic southern dishes, such as fried chicken and waffles, for example.
Travelers will not leave this state with an empty stomach!
Natural Springs
Arkansas is home to many natural springs to spend the day. The small town of Hot Springs lives up to its name with warm water to enjoy at a spa, multiple bathhouses to choose from, and even resorts.
Another excellent choice is Eureka Springs, set further north in the Ozarks, where the waters flow throughout town, including a popular park – Basin Spring Park.
Blanchard Springs will leave you in awe with its picturesque waterfall to take in. Visitors can wander the great outdoors along its well-kempt trail and be able to take a dip in the clear swimming hole nearby.
Few countries are as exciting and History-packed as Vietnam. One of Southeast Asia’s most underrated gems, it is not only the site of emblematic events that shaped the 20th century, but also a tropical oasis boasting an extensive coastline, a picturesque countryside, and breathtaking natural vistas.
Only a month ago, I flew to Vietnam with the goal of exploring its cultural diversity in depth, and visiting as many different provinces as I could, both North and South.
While I could probably write an entire book gushing over Vietnam and its abounding beauty, one small city in particular stole my heart.
Located in the country’s Central region, it is not only a major cultural center well-supplied with UNESCO-listed monuments, but perhaps Southeast Asia’s most surprising destination:
The Yellow City Of Vietnam
Hội An (commonly Latinized as Hoi An) is one of Vietnam’s oldest settlements, tracing its origins back to the 10th century, when it was established by the now-defunct Champa Empire as a trading port, at the strategic point where the Thu Bon River meets the East Sea.
Later on, its complex canal system would prove useful to Chinese and Japanese merchants, who saw in Hoi An an opportunity to expand their dominance across the historical Indochinese Peninsula.
In the 19th century, the French would also set up base here during their conquest of Vietnam.
Needless to say, Hoi An is a melting pot of sorts, and the countless foreign influences it was exposed to throughout the centuries, whether willingly or not, are still very much a part of the cityscape, coexisting harmoniously in a concoction of Buddhist temples and European colonial houses.
The Old Town, where a majority of the World Heritage Sites are found, is famous for its yellow shopfronts, sitting on both sides of narrow alleyways teeming with traders and curious onlookers.
Cutting through its ochre-colored heart, a waterway busy with fishing boats helps paint a picturesque scene.
If visiting an ancient Buddhist temple is on your Southeast Asia bucket list, you’ll be thrilled to learn Hoi An hosts an unusually high concentration of them, scattered all around the Old Town and beyond, each with defining architecture and an amazing History to match.
Some of the most famous ones include the Phu Kien Assembly Hall, with its large dragon-shaped fountain, the Hai Nam Assembly Temple, where visitors will find a gilded altar depicting heavenly scenes, the Quan Cong Temple, distinguished for a lively red color and decorative motifs, and my favorite out of them all: the Japanese Covered Bridge.
A footbridge housing a small temple, it was built by Japanese traders who established a permanent presence in Hoi An in the 16th century, and it’s now a major point of interest, attracting dozens of photographers who queue up by the riverbank for that signature postcard shot.
It is worth mentioning visitors must pay a symbolic entry fee of 120,000 VND, or USD$5, to enter Hoi An Old Town and explore its ochre-colored maze.
Incredible Cuisine
Vietnam was included in TasteAtlas‘ Top 20 World’s Best Cuisine ranking at number 20, outperforming other tried-and-true foodie destinations like Thailand and Malaysia, so it was hardly surprising I would stumble upon a foodie’s paradise arriving in Hoi An.
From sampling the unfamiliar street food to gorging on some delicious, homemade Pho in riverfront restaurants, every meal I had in Hoi An was an acute sensory experience, but writing this piece, somehow my thoughts keep gravitating towards one eatery in particular.
One of those places I was lucky enough to find just wandering at leisure in the Old Town, HOME Hoi An is tucked away in a quieter back street away from all the noise and trade that dominates the riverside, and a restaurant TripAdvisor-listed restaurant specializing in traditional Viet food.
Hoi An cuisine stands among Vietnam’s finest due to the city’s unique amalgamation of Western and Indochinese cultures, and the resident chef at HOME Hoi An did it justice.
Taking up on the waitress’ suggestion, I ordered some deep-fried prawn spring rolls for starters. Other than being deliciously crunchy, I particularly appreciated the way it was presented, resting on two baskets hanging from a mini Vietnamese carrying pole.
For the main, I wanted to keep it in the theme while still expanding on Hoi An’s rich seafood heritage, which seemed to be the restaurant’s main attraction. The seafood stir-fry was only a natural choice, with freshly caught prawn, pan-fried calamari, noddles, and a selection of locally-grown vegetables.
To wash it all down, and help me cool down from the 40-degree heat outside, some natural watermelon juice – no additives, just pure, iced, squeezed fruit.
My thirst for the tropical wasn’t yet entirely quenched, and although it was a tough pick between the homemade cassava tart with black pearl sago and the seasonal fruit platter, I went with the latter as I can’t seem to get enough of the lusciousness of the native fruit, particularly white-flesh pitayas.
It may not be as affordable as other cheap diners down the road, with some of the main courses costing as much as USD$30, but the cozy ambiance, the restaurant’s overall theme, paying homage to the Old Town’s warm color palette, and the English-speaking, incredibly attentive staff were absolute highlights for me.
HOME Hoi An is a multiple-story restaurant with plenty of room available, but you may want to call in advance and book a table not to miss out on this incredible experience, especially if you’re visiting Hoi An over a busy weekend.
One Of The Most Beautiful Cities During The Nighttime
After spending over a month in Southeast Asia, I came to realize cities feel livelier and truly come to life in the nighttime, when the unforgiving sun has set, and people cram into the streets looking for that cooler breeze and some relief from that overbearing heat.
I had to become a bit of a night owl myself and hit town under the cover of darkness. Well, almost.
Hoi An is anything but quiet and dark in the late hours when the traditional paper lanterns light up in a million different colors, and the quirky cafes suddenly become bars packed with revelers.
Walking the riverbank after sundown, when the lantern boats are traversing the canals, trailed by their own colorful reflection on the pitch-black water of the Thu Bon River, pop music blasting through the loudspeakers in bars, and the smell of street food filling the humid air is magical.
If you’re visiting Hoi An in the coming months, make sure you’re there on time for June 1, July 1 and 31st, and August 29th, the next dates when the Full Moon Lantern Festival will be held.
Scenic Beaches
Hoi An is not primarily a beach destination, but it is close to the ocean, and visitors do have a handful of white-sand beaches within short driving distance of the Old Town to escape for an East Sea dip when the humidity gets a bit much.
Our top 3 picks include:
An Bang, a tranquil sandy strip equipped with palapas and beachfront eateries
Cua Dai, a beach and development zone where all the top-rated resorts are located
Cham Island, an offshore swimming spot known for its virgin nature and bright-blue waters
If you’re dreaming of a Southeast Asia beach getaway, perhaps you should consider extending your stay beyond Hoi An and checking out the country’s mind-blowing South.
Unique Experiences
Besides hosting ornate temples and centuries-old shrines, Hoi An is a popular home base for travelers looking to explore the wider scenic Quang Nam countryside and immerse themselves in Central Vietnam’s distinct culture.
If you’re staying in Hoi An, you shouldn’t miss out on the chance to explore the Ba Na Hills reserve, featuring a landmark bridge arching over an area of outstanding natural beauty, supported by two giant, stone-like hands that look as if they’ve emerged from the jungle below.
Further up the coast, on the road to the bustling port city of Da Nang, the Marble Mountains make for yet another jaw-dropping nature escape, what with its otherworldly limestone caves, towering waterfalls, and winding footpaths.
If trekking isn’t your forte, and you’d rather explore and take in the local History, roughly 60km from Hoi An, you will find the Mỹ Sơn archaeological site.
A collective of Hindu structures built between the 4th and 14th centuries at the apex of Indianized Cham Empire, it is the longest-inhabited ancient settlement in mainland Southeast Asia in spite of its abandonment.
With numerous day trips to be considered, you would need a one-week stint in Hoi An to truly get a feel of the place, and the surrounding province.
Incredibly Affordable
Hoi An is one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia, with everything from food prices to accommodation rates being markedly lower than in other neighboring markets, despite its rising popularity among foreigners.
It is, in essence, a backpacker destination, and the lower cost of living tends to reflect that:
Rent is 25.2% cheaper than in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam
Restaurant prices are 36.2% lower than in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s biggest city
Groceries prices are 17.5% than in Nha Trang, the country’s busiest resort destination
Hotel rates for upcoming June dates on Booking.com start at just USD$20 per night for a three-star hotel, while those for luxurious five-star properties range between US$50 when booked in advance in the off-season with a Genius discount and USD$181.
Vietnam Is Open For Tourism Restriction-Free
Unlike Indonesia or Myanmar, Vietnam welcomes tourists restriction-free, irrespective of COVID immunization status.
It was one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to reopen for tourism following the health crisis, welcoming foreigners restriction-free at a time when its neighbors were still limiting tourism in their bid to curb the viral spread, and it’s remained indisputably pro-tourism.
Traveling to Hoi An, or any other destination within Vietnam, all you’re required to bring is a valid passport and an entry visa unless you’re from a visa-exempt country.
U.S. and Canada passport holders are not exempt from this requirement and must obtain a visa prior to travel. Luckily, it can be applied for online, though advance planning is advised as it may take a few days to issue.
A 30-day tourist visa costs USD$25,00 and can be obtained here.
This has sparked rumors that peanut butter has been banned on flights, which is not entirely true.
It is, however, a “spreadable item,” which means it must abide by the same regulations as liquids, gels, and aerosols.
Many airlines have started serving alternative snacks instead of peanuts due to peanut allergies, but you may still bring both peanuts and peanut butter – as long as the latter is under 3.4 ounces.
Although it is permitted, you may still want to reconsider purely for the chance that it could cause a medical emergency that would delay your flight.
Here are some of the surprising items you will need to limit in your carryon:
1. Spreadable Foods
A majority of this list comes from food products that walk the line between a liquid and a solid, such as “spreadable” foods.
Peanut butter falls under this label, as does hummus, guacamole, jams and jellies, and other dips or spreads.
Creamy cheeses, such as brie, also fall under the 3-1-1 rule.
While it may not be difficult to keep these items to a minimum as airport or plane snacks, if you plan to bring home a jar of authentic maple syrup or some Texas barbecue sauce from your trip, you’ll want to pack those in your checked bag.
It’s also important to consider that if you are flying internationally, many fruits and vegetables are prohibited to prevent invasive plant pests. This is also true for flights from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the mainland U.S.
2. Some Makeup Items
Travelers are usually conscious of their toiletries when it comes to the liquids rule.
There are travel-sized containers for your shampoo and conditioner, and you can buy travel-sized sunscreen, hairspray, and deodorant.
However, makeup may not come to mind. Concealer, foundation, lip gloss, and even mascara are all items that must follow the 3-1-1 rule.
Although most makeup items are typically far beneath 3.4 ounces, technically, they all still need to fit in the quart-sized bag.
So if you plan on bringing a lot of makeup, you may want to consider putting the majority of it in your checked bag.
Another thing to know – any large quantities of powder-like substances could raise red flags and may need to be screened separately.
3. Certain Toys
Any toy that resembles an actual weapon is not allowed for obvious reasons.
TSA also specifically lists slingshots and foam toy swords as prohibited items but states that water guns (without water) and nerf guns are okay.
Two other very specific mentions are light sabers and Harry Potter wands – these are both allowed onboard the plane.
Play-doh, which you might now consider a liquid/gel item, is actually not and is allowed onboard as well.
4. Snow Globes
This popular souvenir will have to risk a journey home in your checked bag unless it is small enough to abide by the 3-1-1 rule.
Even if it’s small enough, it also still needs to fit in the quart-sized bag with all of your toiletries.
TSA maintains that regardless of the rules, the discretion is up to the officer.
5. Musical Instruments
If you’re planning on bringing a guitar, violin, or other instruments that meets the size requirements, it’ll have to undergo additional inspection.
Brass instruments, however, must be checked. It’s best to check with the airline ahead of time to make sure you understand exactly what you must do to get your instrument to your destination.
6. Candles
Gel-type candles are prohibited in a carry-on, regardless of size. However, TSA does state that solid candles are okay.
Still, there have been reports of candles being confiscated at security. To be safe, it would be best to pack all candles in your checked bag.
Exceptions
There are always exceptions to every rule, and the 3-1-1 rule is no different.
Baby food, formula, puree pouches meant for toddlers, and breastmilk are all permitted in “reasonable quantities.”
They do not need to be less than 3.4 ounces or fit into a quart bag. Ice and gel packs for breast milk or for medical needs also get a pass.
These are all considered “medically necessary liquids,” right along with liquid medicine, insulin, and inhalers.
Although these are permitted, they do need to be declared to TSA officers for screening.
