NYT Reader Favorites: Top 10 Picks From the ‘52 Places to Go’ List

Beginner | January 20, 2026

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

A Travel List That Readers Actually Shaped

Every year, The New York Times publishes its famous “52 Places to Go” travel list. But this time, the Times also highlighted something extra: NYT reader favorites—a Top 10 list based on what readers saved and loved the most. In other words, it wasn’t just editors talking—it was the audience voting with their clicks and saves. (NYT)

What Readers Seem to Want Right Now

The NYT described the list with a pretty clear vibe: castles, coastlines, remote islands, and memorable experiences—the kind of trips that feel like a story you’ll tell for years. (NYT)

That lines up with what travel writers have been noticing lately: people aren’t just looking for “a nice hotel.” They want something that feels worth the time and money—and worth posting about.

A Standout Example: Methoni Castle in Greece

One destination that has been publicly noted as a reader favorite is Methoni Castle in southern Greece. A local travel write-up points out that Methoni made the Top 10 reader favorites, describing the area as a place where history and seaside views come together (think: fortress walls, open sea, and that “old world” feel). (Greek Column)

If you’re teaching English with this story, Methoni is a great example because it’s easy to describe: ancient + coastal + walkable + dramatic scenery.

Another Favorite Readers Mentioned: A Train Trip in the Rockies

A social post discussing the NYT reader-favorites list claims the No. 1 pick was Rocky Mountaineer, a well-known luxury train journey through the Rocky Mountains. (Threads)

Even if you’ve never taken a scenic train, you can understand the appeal: you sit back, watch the landscape change, and let the trip do the heavy lifting.

Why NYT reader favorites Matter (Even for English Learners)

Here’s the business angle: lists like this don’t just inspire vacations—they move money. When a destination (or experience) gets on a major list, it can attract more visitors, more bookings, and more attention from airlines, hotels, tour operators, and local businesses.

And for learners, this topic is perfect because it teaches practical travel language: describing places, comparing options, and explaining why something is appealing.

A Simple Speaking Challenge Using NYT reader favorites

Pick one destination type from the article (castle, coastline, island, train trip). Then answer this out loud:

“If I had one week off, I would choose _ because _.”
“The best part would be __.”
“The biggest downside might be __.”

That’s real conversation practice—no textbook needed.

Vocabulary

Highlight (verb) – to give special attention to something important.
Example: The article highlights what travelers saved the most.
Favorite (noun) – something people like more than others.
Example: Methoni Castle was a favorite among readers.
Coastline (noun) – the land along the edge of the sea.
Example: Many travelers dream of walking along a coastline at sunset.
Remote (adjective) – far away from cities or busy areas.
Example: Some people prefer remote islands for quiet vacations.
Fortress (noun) – a strong building used for protection, often historic.
Example: The fortress walls made the castle feel dramatic and powerful.
Scenery (noun) – the natural view of a place.
Example: The train trip is famous for mountain scenery.
Luxury (adjective) – very comfortable and expensive.
Example: A luxury train can turn travel time into a vacation.
Appeal (noun) – the reason something is attractive.
Example: The appeal is that you can relax and still see amazing places.
Booking (noun) – a reservation for travel or a service.
Example: After a big list comes out, bookings often increase.
Downside (noun) – a negative part of something.
Example: The downside of a remote place is fewer transportation options.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why do you think readers enjoy “Top 10” lists like this?
What kind of destination seems most popular right now—history, nature, or relaxation?
Which example sounds more fun to you: a castle visit or a scenic train trip? Why?
How can lists like this change travel business (hotels, tours, restaurants)?
If you could add one place to the list, what would you choose?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Do you prefer planning trips carefully, or traveling more spontaneously?
What makes a trip feel “worth it” to you—price, comfort, experiences, or something else?
How do travel influencers and travel lists affect your choices?
What’s a travel experience that feels “once in a lifetime”? Why?
If you had to pitch your hometown to a tourist, what would you highlight?

Related Idiom

“Worth every penny” – something is expensive, but it feels like a great value.

Example: If a trip becomes a lifelong memory, it can feel worth every penny.

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This article was inspired by: NYT, Greek Column, and Threads.