Some things never change: According to Tripadvisor, Key West remains at the top of travelers’ wish lists.
The travelers have spoken, and we’re not surprised by what they have to say: Everyone wants to go to Key West and Miami Beach.
Tripadvisor has just released its 2022 Travellers’ Choice Awards for Destinations, and as you might expect, Key West and Miami Beach are two of the most popular travel destinations in the US. Key West ranks 4th, with Miami Beach a little behind at 4th 8th.
Despite ongoing disruptions from COVID, travelers are ready to roll this year. In a recent poll, 71 percent of Americans said they are likely to travel for vacation in 2022. And many of them face south.
Even Tripadvisor gets a little teary-eyed about Key West and revels in Florida Keys clichés; something about all that water and sky and grown-up drinks brings out the poet in all of us.
“Does time ever pass in the Florida Keys? Everyone and everything in Key West seems to go at their own pace, right down to the ice that slowly melts in your margarita glass,” the website reads, suggesting visitors to the island book a snorkeling excursion or sunset cruise .
You can also visit the Hemingway Home & Museum, recently named one of the finest mansions in the country by homewares site Living Cozy, and the famous Southernmost Point buoy, recently defaced by random imbeciles and then restored by the city.
Regarding Miami Beach, Tripadvisor writes that “Visitors can swim, surf and jet ski in the warm and crystal clear waters of the Atlantic. You can also nap on the white sand, work on your tan, or just watch the beautiful people.” If you roam Ocean Drive at the right time, you also have a 50-50 chance of seeing a drunk fight break out. Keep your phone handy.
The most popular travel destination in the US was Las Vegas, followed by Oahu and Maui, Hawaii. The rest of the top 10 list: New York City; New Orleans; Savannah, Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee; and Sedona, Arizona. The only other Florida city in the top 25 was St. Augustine at number 12.
Miami Beach’s dining scene has also been praised by Tripadvisor voters; For the first time, the city was ranked 4th on the list of foodie destinations.
There are also some signs that travelers are considering new Florida destinations. Fort Myers Beach (5), Naples (6), and Clearwater (9) made the top 10 on the list of hot travel destinations, which places an emphasis on up-and-coming spots that aren’t quite as big or popular.
Oddly enough, on Tripadvisor’s list of top sun-worshipping destinations, the only Florida city to make an appearance was landlocked Orlando. While we’re assuming you’ll get plenty of sun by baking in long lines for rides, we’re pretty sure that’s not what sun-loving vacationers have in mind.
To create these rankings, Tripadvisor analyzes the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings specifically for each subcategory of TripAdvisor’s Traveler Lodging, Dining and Things to Do subcategory from November 1, 2020 to October 31, 2021.
Connie Ogle loves wine, books and the Miami Heat. Please don’t make her eat a mango.
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