• by Melynda Fuller , November 28, 2017

National Geographic Traveler, which says its the world’s most widely read travel magazine, announced its annual Best of the World List. Some 21 destinations, ranging from Oaxaca, Mexico, to Cleveland, Ohio, are arranged into three categories: cities, culture and nature.

Compiled by a team of field writers and photographers, in addition to tips from readers and articles, the list is whittled from 250 locales to the 21 that appear in the magazine.

According to George Stone, editor-in-chief of the bimonthly National Geographic Traveler, current events also impact the staff’s selection. This year’s list took into account the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, suggesting the mountainous Seoraksan National Park for exploration following the games.

The editors also included San Antonio, Texas, set to turn 300 next year, and Santiago, Chile, whose community revitalization is fueled by its street-art scene.

In addition to a full print edition, the list offers an “immersive” experience on the magazine’s website, where visitors can go deeper into select destinations with stories on Dublin, Oaxaca and Oahu. Stone adds NGT has "ramped up our digital component with smart trip-planning ideas and hot destination tips.”

While the list is entirely editorial, it does offer readers an opportunity to take advantage of another component of the National Geographic brand: Expeditions. Overlapping with the list of 21 dream destinations are trips to Morocco, Oaxaca, Chile, and Ireland.

“Our goal is to encourage enlightened wandering—we really want our readers to explore the world, meet people, embrace other cultures and discover the diversity and beauty of our planet,” says Stone.

The issue is on newsstands now, and the list is also available on the magazine’s website.