U.S. News & World Report Reveals the 2017-18 Best Winter Vacations

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels, Best Cruise Lines and Best Travel Rewards Programs, today released its annual rankings of the Best Winter Vacations. The rankings highlight 20 global destinations to explore during the year's coldest months. U.S. News also ranks the Best Affordable Winter Vacations, the Best Winter Family Vacations and, for the first time, the Best Christmas Vacations.

Rome tops the overall Best Winter Vacations list this year, considered a popular choice by both travelers and U.S. News editors alike. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, comes in at No. 2. With scenic beaches and a warmer climate, Honolulu-Oahu follows at No. 3, with No. 4 Quebec City and No. 5 Auckland, New Zealand rounding out the top five. Rome is also a top option for the budget-savvy traveler ? it comes in first on the Best Affordable Winter Vacations list.

New this year, U.S. News highlighted the best places to visit for a holiday vacation, from places rich in festive traditions to destinations amplifying a quirky Christmas spirit. Prague takes the No. 1 spot, followed by Vienna and Taos, New Mexico, at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

"While many people stay home for the holidays, other travelers like to take advantage of their time off and look to escape to somewhere new," said Gwen Shearman, travel editor at U.S. News. "U.S. News' Best Winter Vacations offer a variety of family-friendly and affordable getaways for every traveler, whether that's a winter wonderland or tropical oasis."

The Best Winter Vacations are part of the Best Vacations rankings from U.S. News' Travel channel. For Best Vacations, U.S. News analyzed more than 300 destinations using a methodology that combines travelers' opinions with expert and editor analysis. Each destination is scored in 10 categories, from sights, culture and food to nightlife, adventure and romance, offering a comprehensive evaluation of each destination.

Best Vacations also includes rankings of the best destinations in the USA, Europe, Mexico, Canada, Africa and The Middle East, Central and South America and Australia and The Pacific.

2017-18 U.S. News & World Report Best Winter Vacations Rankings

Best Winter Vacations
1. Rome                                                                      
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates                                              
3. Honolulu-Oahu                                                       
4. Quebec City                                                                                                                        
5. Auckland, New Zealand

Best Winter Family Vacations
1. Orlando-Walt Disney World                                               
2. Anaheim-Disneyland                                                          
3. Branson, Missouri                                                   
4. Honolulu-Oahu                                                                                           
5. Whistler, British Columbia  

Best Affordable Winter Vacations
1. Rome
2. Quebec City
3. Auckland, New Zealand
4. Seville, Spain                                              
5. Costa Rica

Best Christmas Vacations
1. Prague
2. Vienna
3. Taos, New Mexico
4. London                                           
5. New York City

For more information on the Best Winter Vacations, visit Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #Vacations17.

About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is a digital news and information company that empowers people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. Focusing on Education, Health, Personal Finance, Travel, Cars and News & Opinion, USNews.com provides consumer advice, rankings, news and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 30 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

SOURCE U.S. News & World Report