This desert city is the happiest travel destination in America, says new ranking

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but it at least leaves travelers with a smile, according to a new study. 

A new report from Irish travel insurance company Just Cover analyzed more than a million online reviews of 155 popular international destinations to determine where visitors felt happiest. Rather than looking at hotel stars or bucket-list attractions, researchers measured the percentage of reviews that expressed positive emotions. And apparently, gamblers who lose don't review Las Vegas, because Sin City topped the U.S. destinations. 

What could be so pleasurable about a city built around casinos, entertainment, all-you-can-eat buffets and pool time? Actually, that's probably exactly why Vegas ranks so highly on the happiest places on Earth. Add in world-class restaurants, blockbuster residencies, over-the-top resorts and mind-blowing offerings at The Sphere, and yeah, Vegas is probably a lot happier than NYC.

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Las Vegas ranked fourth overall globally, behind Tulum, Mexico; Soufrière, Saint Lucia; and Oaxaca, Mexico. The top 10 also includes three other U.S. destinations: Maui (No. 5), New York City (No. 6) and Chicago (No. 9).

Other American cities that left travelers happy in the top 20 list were Austin, New Orleans, Miami, San Francisco, Nashville, Los Angeles and Boston. Some high-profile cities were left out entirely, including Paris, London and Tokyo. Guess they just can't compete with the joys of Boston!

The list is as wide-ranging in offerings as it is in geography, with destinations that consistently earned enthusiastic reviews combining memorable experiences, beautiful scenery and a feeling of escape. 

The happiest travel destinations in the world, according to Just Cover:

1. Tulum, Mexico
2. Soufrière, Saint Lucia
3. Oaxaca, Mexico
4. Las Vegas, United States
5. Maui, United States
6. New York City, United States
7. Cappadocia, Turkey
8. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
9. Chicago, United States
10. Toronto, Canada
11. Maldives
12. Austin, United States
13. New Orleans, United States
14. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
15. Positano, Italy
16. Miami, United States
17. San Francisco, United States
18. Nashville, United States
19. Los Angeles, United States
20. Boston, United States