Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
What the 39th annual reader poll found, how it works, and what it means for selling.
Sell Award-Winning TravelThe Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards are one of the longest-running reader polls in travel. The 2026 edition, the 39th, was published in early October 2026 on the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards site.
Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards 2026: What We Can Confirm
- Japan was named the top country in the world for the fourth consecutive year in the U.S. edition, according to a Japan National Tourism Organization release.
- Tokyo placed second and Kyoto tenth among the best big cities in that release.
- Highlights appear in the magazine’s November issue, with full lists online.
Other category winners are on the official site. We list only what we could confirm from the publisher or a winner’s official release.
How the Readers’ Choice Awards Work
Readers vote in a survey, rating cities, countries, islands, hotels, resorts, airlines and more that they have experienced. Results are published as ranked lists by category and region. Because the voters are the magazine’s readers, the lists tend to reward places that well-traveled, often upscale travelers love.
For advisors, that makes the Condé Nast Readers Choice Awards a strong signal for clients who travel the same way, and a weaker one for families on a tight budget or first-time international travelers.
Reading a Readers’ Choice List
- Look at the category and region first: a top-ten city in one region is not the same as a top-ten city in the world.
- Note the year; a hotel that topped the list a few years ago may have changed since.
- Use the list to widen a client’s shortlist, then narrow it with your own advice on season, budget and pace.
Selling Japan After a Fourth Win
A top-country title is a natural opener for clients who have been thinking about Japan. Pair it with practical advice: seasons, rail travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, and how long to stay. Our sister site Travel Industry Training lists destination training that helps you sell it well.
When you quote the Condé Nast Readers Choice Awards, name the edition and year. Then see Be a Travel Agent if you want to build a business around trips like these.
Readers’ Choice FAQ
How are the Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards decided?
By a survey of Condé Nast Traveler readers, who rate places and properties they have experienced. The results reflect that readership’s votes, not an inspection.
Are there different editions?
Yes. Condé Nast Traveler publishes editions in different markets, and their lists can differ. Say which edition you are quoting.
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