Summer is nearing its last months and people looking for their last-minute vacation destinations that will leave them the happiest before school starts again. Luckily for Nevadans, the happiest place is to visit in the country is right here in our home state.
At least according to Irish travel insurance specialists at JustCover. The team analyzed more than one million online reviews of tourist venues in 155 global destinations to see where visitors felt happiest.
Based on how often travelers expressed joy and happiness in reviews of places like local attractions, restaurants and hotels, the study named Tulum, Mexico, as the happiest destination worldwide and ranked Las Vegas highest in the United States.
"Six U.S. destinations ranked among the
top 15, showing there’s no single formula for the perfect vacation. Happiness can come from the energy of cities like New York City and Las Vegas or from slowing down and reconnecting with nature in places like Maui," JustCover Director Peter Clark told USA TODAY by email.
Here's a closer look at why Las Vegas was named the happiest place to visit in the country by JustCover.
Why is Las Vegas the happiest place to go on vacation?
Las Vegas scored an 88 out of 100 on JustCover's happiness ranking, making it the fourth-happiest place worldwide and the happiest place outright in the U.S.
"Las Vegas, also known as Sin City, ... is engineered for peak moments. From weddings to milestone birthdays, people often arrive in Las Vegas already in celebration mode, with the restaurants and shows doing the rest," JustCover said about the Southern Nevada city.
Where people feel happiest on vacation
- Tulum, Mexico
- Soufrière, Saint Lucia
- Oaxaca, Mexico
- Las Vegas
- Maui, Hawaii
- New York City
- Cappadocia, Turkey
- Rio de Janeiro
- Chicago
- Toronto
- Maldives
- Austin
- New Orleans
- Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- Positano, Italy
As much as travelers appear to enjoy these destinations, it's worth noting the State Department advises Americans to exercise increased caution in many of those international locations, due to safety concerns. A worldwide caution was also issued earlier in July, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Travelers can find the latest travel advisories and country-specific guidance on the State Department's website.
If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Las Vegas named among the happiest places in the world, study said
