Tripadvisor's top 10 experiences around the world
Tripadvisor's annual Travelers Choice announcements continue to roll out, with its most recent awards bestowed on top experiences, the top 10tours and attractions around the world and the top 10in the United States.
It's a very fun list, accompanied by photos, descriptions and — of course — links so you can book those experiences with their partners. (Tripadvisor is in the travel business, after all.) “Experiences turn travelers into adventurers, connecting them with the local community and giving them unforgettable stories for years to come,” says Kate Urquhart, the company's general manager of experiences. “We're grateful to everyone who took the time to share their reviews and help fellow travelers plan their next escape.”
The lists run the full gamut from sand surfing in Dubai to extreme parasailing in Hawaii. There are island tours and Alaskan adventures, Thai cooking classes and Icelandic tastings. The top of the top — topping both the U.S. and global lists — is a full day tour of the Hawaiian island of Oahu that includes the Byodo-In Temple, as well as plenty of beachy fun.
There were a couple of eyebrow-raisers, too, things that made us wonder a bit. The Travelers Choice awards, after all, are based on user reviews, so you not only need rapturous reviews, you need a whole lot of them. But don't mind us. One traveler's Thai cooking course (yes, please) is another traveler's Korean infiltration tunnel adventure. (We can think of at least two intrepid Bay Area News Group readers who would love that!) Here are the top 10global experiences. Next week, we'll dive into the U.S. list. Meanwhile, find the Travelers Choice details at www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice.
TRIPADVISOR'S TOP 10 EXPERIENCES AROUND THE WORLD
1. Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa Tour, Honolulu, Hawaii
2. Thai Cooking Course, Chiang Mai, Thailand
3. Ubud Tour — Best of Ubud, Ubud, Bali
4. Red Dunes ATV, Sandsurf, Camels, Stargazing & 5* BBQ, Dubai, UAE
5. Best DMZ 3rd Infiltration Tunnel Tour from Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
6. Reykjavik Food Walk — Local Foodie Adventure, Reykjavik, Iceland
7. Amsterdam Luxury Guided Sightseeing Canal Cruise, Amsterdam, Netherlands
8. Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour, Siem Reap, Cambodia
9. San Juan Guided Snorkel Tour, San Juan, Puerto Rico
10. Hanoi Jeep Tours,
Hanoi, Vietnam