Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

This U.S. attraction is TripAdvisor’s top travel experience in the world

If you love experiences over things, TripAdvisor wants you to check out this U.S. attraction

TripAdvisor

We love to know about a new place to visit, but it’s even better when it’s a whole experience. TripAdvisor released its list of the best things to do, and a U.S. attraction landed at number one. If you want to see where people say is the top place to visit and what to do there, here’s where to book your next stay.

How the places made the rankings

  • Calculated over an entire year
  • Standards ranged from safety to trustworthy
  • A mix of opinions and customer reviews
  • Not even one percent of the listings make the cut

No, they didn’t just look at what places were trending on Instagram. Out of the millions of listings on TripAdvisor, only a select few experiences are awarded the top honors for the best experiences. It’s a more involved process, so you know there won’t be a Fyre Festival situation.

The best of the best top experience

A 9-hour tour of Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

  • Yes, it’s 9 hours long
  • Holds a 5-star rating with over 9,000 reviews
  • For any age group
  • Take up to 10 people per tour

Hawaii is known for having beautiful beaches, exotic food, stunning volcanoes, and a gorgeous culture, so having an experience that tops all others just makes sense.

The tour will take up your entire day, so there’s no need to plan anything else. You’ll be guided all around to take in the culture and hit spots like the Byodo-In Temple, which is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the first Japanese immigrants there, see the rock formations at the Halona Blowhole, check out the volcanic craters around Hanauma Bay, go hiking at Diamond Head, and see all of the beaches along the North Shore.

Scenes from a beach in Paia, Maui, Hawaii.
mcyumyum/Pixabay (https://bit.ly/3xLtetY)

If you make it to Hawaii, add these stops

Since you’re already in Hawaii, there are other TripAdvisor-approved experiences awaiting you there.

This is a half-day tour in an air-conditioned coach cabin aboard the USS Arizona Memorial.

You’ll be able to fit in this quick one-hour-long trip to catch the most stunning views.

If you love private boat tours, this is your thing.

Be daring and dive down the island’s longest zipline.

Hawaii has so many of TripAdvisor’s top places to visit and things to do, you could make a whole week (or two) out of your stay and still not run out of options.

Make a bucket list, and put these on it

The U.S. is packed with the most popular happenings, so take yourself on a little tour of them. There are plenty of outings to spend your money on instead of buying another present that’s going straight into the regifting closet.

A few noteworthy visits

Good luck picking which of these adventures you’ll do first, but we’re going with either the whale watching or the haunted tour. 

Look at the entire list of unique things to do right here in the U.S. and plan which ones speak to you. From adventurous outings to giving your eyes something to ogle to immersing yourself in history, keep TripAdvisor’s list handy for your next vacation.

Dannielle Beardsley
Dannielle has written for various websites, online magazines, and blogs. She loves everything celebrity and her favorite…
A new study says digital nomads should travel to these 6 countries
Pack your bags
A man sitting while holding a laptop at his campsite off a body of water on a cloudy day

In recent years, the concept of working remotely has evolved beyond just staying home– it’s become a lifestyle. Enter the digital nomad: a person who leverages technology to work from anywhere in the world, blending professional duties with the adventure of traveling to new places. Whether it’s typing away on a laptop from a beachfront coffee shop or joining a video call from a snowy mountain cabin, digital nomads have embraced the freedom to work without being tied to one location. 

However, some countries are more friendly to digital nomads than others. Some countries offer special visas for digital nomads, while others aren’t realistic options at all. The transcription company Trint recently published their Digital Nomad Index, identifying the top six countries that stand out for remote workers. From busy cities to peaceful landscapes, these countries are the best of the best for digital nomads.  
1. Iceland

Read more
These are our favorite luxury camping sites in the U.S.
man camping outdoors

Summer’s end might be just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean all your activities are over. With the end of the summer season, many are gearing up to return to school or work, meaning it’s time to cram in all of the last-minute trips possible. The end of the season also marks an ideal weather to take those final trips, as the weather is starting to cool off but you still have the privilege of longer days. With this in mind, now is the perfect time to head off on those final summer camping trips and make those last-minute summer memories. However, not any camping trip will do, across the United States there are plenty of luxury camping sites, also known as glamping, that can get you out in nature with style. These luxury camping sites are full of amenities to make your camping trip fun and comfortable. 
The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana

Located in Greenough, Montana, The Resort at Paws Up is an award-winning luxury campsite with everything you and the rest of your crew. With 100 miles of trails and 10 miles of river, the site has plenty of activities to explore. After exploring the over 70 activities available, you can rest in one of three lodging options the resort offers. Choose between a luxury home, safari-style tent, or secluded tree house to lay your head and enjoy the beauty of nature. Perfect for families, groups, or work events, there's a little bit of everything here. Available year-round, The Resort at Paws Up is also ideal for a vacation during any season. 
Borealis Basecamp in Fairbanks, Alaska

Read more
Switzerland encourages business travelers to extend their stay
Switzerland's "Fly Another Day" campaign encourages business travelers to stay longer
Panoramic express train, Bernina

In a new “bleisure” marketing campaign, Switzerland Tourism prompts North American business travelers to stay longer. Called “Fly Another Day”, the pitch includes a 30-second video asking business travelers to arrive early or stay late, and experience all the country has to offer. Included is imagery of Switzerland’s gorgeous surroundings and unique activities, from mountains and lakes to orchestras and fondue restaurants.
Fly Another Day: Switzerland's the perfect place for bleisure
Hôtel & Restaurant du Doubs, Goumois, Switzerland Switzerland Tourism

“Bleisure” — a combination of business and leisure travel—lets travelers combine work and personal time. Switzerland Tourism created the campaign to encourage business travelers to branch out while visiting and discover the country as a leisure destination. 

Read more