Alaska-British Columbia: Inside Passage
Score: 64

"You can't help but return home from here with a sense of awe and renewed spirit." But the unique culture of the coastal towns can be lost in the hubbub of cruise ships, the reason this destination's rank dropped markedly from 2004. Insiders recommend trying local ferries.

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"One of the places where nature still thrives. Landscape is simple, raw, and beautiful, and wildlife plentiful. Major disappointment comes from the towns that have transformed themselves to meet the glut of passengers disgorged from the enormous cruise ships."

"Sitka is the Inside Passage community one dreams about when thinking of Alaska. A gateway to waters teeming with whales, otters, and seals, and with eagles flying overhead. Ketchikan teems with jewelry stores, T-shirt shops, and other tacky souvenir shops."

"Tourism development is focused in the communities and employs local people, although many nonlocal guides are hired seasonally. Various co-management strategies are in place, and in some instances serve as models for other destinations."

"Still beautiful. Among the major issues here are the forestry practices of British Columbia's government, which denude large areas of the route, leaving unsightly gaps on the mountains."