TripAdvisor has released the top 10 best travel destinations in the world.

The list is the outcome of the 2019 Traveler’s Choice Awards, and the winner is enjoying the rarifying air of top place for the first time.

Paris had been ruling the roost for a number of years, but recent protests and political unrest haven’t done the French city any favours.

Now, Paris has been dethroned and replaced by an unlikely rival.

Here’s CNN:

Paris took second place in TripAdvisor’s best-rated travel destinations, with Rome coming in third, followed by Crete, Bali and Phuket.

Meanwhile, 2019 was the first year New York — which has been a long-time favorite with travelers — slipped out of TripAdvisor’s top 10 to rank as the 13th best-rated destination in the world.

Desiree Fish, TripAdvisor’s Vice President of Global Communications, said the Travelers’ Choice Awards “recognize major cities and islands that continue to deliver an outstanding experience and are beloved by our global community of travelers.”

Are you ready for the winner? Drumroll, please…

Call it a late wedding present. Last year’s royal knot-tying between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has delivered a much-needed boost to Brexit-addled London.

The city has been named the best destination in the world in TripAdvisor’s annual Traveler’s Choice Awards, largely thanks to 2018’s regal celebrations.

Yep, London takes the gold despite everything that’s happening there, the terrible weather, and bizarre laws thanks to royal fever.

“The global fascination with Harry and Meghan clearly has a powerful effect as this is the first time since 2016 that London has topped the world rankings,” TripAdvisor spokeswoman Hayley Coleman said in a statement.

“With the couple’s new Royal baby due imminently, London may continue to reap the rewards of the Harry and Meghan effect into 2020,” she added.

People flock to Britain to engage in “royal-focused experiences” like tours to see the Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle.

If you can drag yourself away from the Royals for five minutes, here’s the list of the top 10 destinations for 2019:

1. London, United Kingdom

2. Paris, France

3. Rome, Italy

4. Crete, Greece

5. Bali, Indonesia

6. Phuket, Thailand

7. Barcelona, Spain

8. Istanbul, Turkey

9. Marrakech, Morocco

10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

To tide you over until you get your plane tickets sorted, here’s more on Charles, Harry, Meghan, Kate and William.

[source:cnn]