When the words “Bora-Bora” and “Tahiti” come up in conversation, they’re usually followed by that often-used adjective, “bucket list.” This adjective is well-deserved; with their lush landscapes, turquoise lagoons, and overwater bungalows, French Polynesia’s Society Islands—an archipelago formed by Bora-Bora, Moorea, Huahine, and Tahiti—are legendary for a reason. However, an unforgettable way to experience French Polynesia and the South Pacific is on the water, where you can sail from one picturesque spot to the next and truly feel the essence of life on the high seas. Clearly, readers of GoTravelDaily agree: for the second consecutive year, Paul Gauguin Cruises—a single-vessel line sailing to the Society Islands, the Marquesas, Fiji, and the Cook Islands—won the title of the World’s Best Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Line. One satisfied traveler stated, “ThePaul Gauguinperfectly complements the breathtaking views and calm waters of these island paradises. The intimate feeling, unrivaled crew-to-passenger ratio, and outstanding service make you feel like the entire cruise was put together for YOU alone!”

The glittering cities of Asia are a magnet for world travelers. Not only do places like Hong Kong, Beijing, and Mumbai draw in scores of people on business, but they’re also vacation destinations in their own right, with centuries of history and culture to offer the curious explorer. Luckily, they’re also home to several of the world’s best hotels, famed for their exquisite service, near-perfect locations, and an atmosphere that stays true to its sense of place. Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities. It’s no surprise that Bangkok, the starting point for many trips through Southeast Asia, is full of top hotels—including the Mandarin Oriental, No. 5 on this year’s list. Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, it’s a short boat ride from the Grand Palace, though some guests find it hard to leave the property, with its two swimming pools, Thai-boxing classes, large spa with 10 treatment rooms, and nine restaurants and bars. In India, the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai has been an architectural marvel since its construction in 1903, with an ideal location overlooking the Gateway of India. And nearby, readers love the Oberoi for its modern design and the fact that it sits along Marine Drive—the bayside boulevard known for the large collection of Art Deco buildings lining it. China is well represented on the list this year, with properties in Beijing, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, and Chengdu—a city that is emerging as a major tourist destination thanks to its panda-breeding center, fiery Sichuan food, and cultural monuments such as the Leshan Giant Buddha—all having hotels on the list. Indeed, Chengdu appears to be having a moment, now that brands such as Ritz-Carlton and Six Senses have arrived on the scene. But it was the Temple House—a property from Swire Hotels that made GoTravelDaily’s It List in 2016—that came out on top for the entire region. Read on to see why.

Traveling in the UK can be an affordable adventure when approached wisely. Numerous museums and galleries offer free admission, scenic historic cities and parks provide rich exploration opportunities, and you can enjoy a variety of delicious meals without overspending, whether you’re in the mood for a Moroccan tagine or classic British cafe offerings.

Every traveller has their own definition of culture. Whether it involves social customs, rituals, local art, literature, or architecture, the culture of a place can inspire our travels and is one of the most meaningful aspects we bring back home.

A 24-hour train journey to the remote, snow-covered eastern reaches of Turkey has become a highly sought-after experience among young Turkish travelers, eager to follow the enticing footprints of their peers.

Whether being hauled up the high-passes of the Himalaya, strapped to the roof of a speeding Serengeti jeep, or paraded along the promenades of Paris, selecting the right luggage receptacle can help take the weight off any travel experience.

What makes a city truly great? Jaw-dropping architecture, distinctive restaurants, a rich array of cultural offerings, and intriguing shops are a must. A teeming street life, a friendly population, and a harmonious relationship with nature are equally essential. The cities that make up our list of the best in the world, as voted by GoTravelDaily readers, possess these qualities in abundance.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe. They share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated cities on their sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.

In 2018, Mexico reigns supreme. For the second year in a row, San Miguel de Allende, a colonial oasis in the country’s central highlands, takes the top spot. Its appearance atop our 2017 list marked a first in the awards’ 23-year history.

Meanwhile, Oaxaca has climbed to second place, and Mexico City is making a welcome return to the top 15. “Mexico City is beautiful,” one GoTravelDaily reader wrote. “Even though it’s overpopulated and the traffic can sometimes be a challenge, the culture and history outweigh any inconveniences. The food is outstanding and can really be eye-opening.”

India and Southeast Asia continue to cast a spell over travelers, who singled out the romantic lakeside Indian city of Udaipur; Ubud, Bali’s spiritual center; and Chiang Mai, a laid-back city of temples and tuk-tuks in the mountains of Thailand. “Chiang Mai is a great city to visit if you’re looking for a more relaxed feel, but it’s still big enough to have plenty of shopping and restaurants,” one GoTravelDaily reader mentioned. “We visited an elephant sanctuary outside the city, which was something I’ve always wanted to check off my bucket list.”

Of course, some cities never go out of style. Florence; Rome; Kyoto, Japan; and Charleston, South Carolina—the only city in the United States to make the top 15—are perennial favorites that reappear here. Read on to discover the full list of reader-favorite cities around the globe, and find out how they scored.