How are destinations evaluated?

Each place is evaluated across ten objective rubrics, from food to crowds. We evaluate our own notes on one place at a time using structured written standards (for food: “Limited dining scene”, “Decent local food”, “Good, varied food”, “Excellent food destination”, “One of the world's great food destinations”).

Scores reflect calibrated evaluations across written levels from 1 to 5.

What is the Luxe score formula?

The Luxe score is a fixed formula, not a subjective opinion of the ranking: food 20%, scenery 20%, luxury stays 20%, safety 20%, ease of visiting 10% and quiet (the inverse of crowds) 10%, shown on a 1–5 scale. Romance, nightlife, family and cost are shown but don't change the rank, because they depend on who you are. The vibe check uses them instead.

How are living costs and nomad metrics measured?

Where a place is a city that Nomads.com tracks (36 of ours), its place page also shows measured numbers from Nomads.com: living costs, rent, internet speed, and community-rated safety, walkability and more. Those figures are credited to Nomads.com and are not part of the Luxe score.

These are editorial evaluations, not infallible measurements, so treat them as a starting point. Last evaluated October 1, 2026.