Putting together an annual list of the best places to travel is a process that takes several months— surveying writers based around the world, and talking to A-List travel specialists, also a look at the most exciting hotel and restaurant openings. News and global events have a large impact on the places choosen. Travel + Leisure pays attention to cities that are worth revisiting: Philadelphia, in particular, may surprise you with the amount of growth and development it has seen in recent months. North America made a strong showing on this year’s list—more than a quarter of these places are within reach for a long-weekend trip from the United States. Travelers will travel far and wide for incredible food and drink, which is why that was one of the key factors in Travel + Leisure's decision-making in 50 Best Places to Travel of 2017.