There’s something timeless and romantic about a transatlantic crossing. With the seemingly endless open ocean and the leisurely pace of travel, these journeys remind us of the glamorous ocean liners of the early 20th century. Perhaps the most iconic of these ships today is theQueen Mary 2, which regularly carries passengers between New York and Southampton, England, in high style. Its polished wood paneling, black-tie dinners, and classic deck chairs exude elegance, earning the 176-year-old Cunard cruise line top honors in the Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line category of GoTravelDaily’s World’s Best Awards. One satisfied reader noted, “It’s like stepping back in time. Love the formality.”

It’s easy to see why travelers love the Greek isles, with their whitewashed villas, enticing beaches, and cerulean waters. That’s some serious scenery for the region’s hotels to live up to — but they do. In fact, though mainland Greece might have the Acropolis, the islands of the Mediterranean take the laurels for hospitality. The best hotels on these islands deliver privacy, great design, a sense of place, and views that can’t be beat.

Canada, 150 looks good on you. This year, our northern neighbor is celebrating a milestone birthday along with a youthful, energetic new Prime Minister. Travelers are reveling in the opportunity to visit thanks to the favorable exchange rate and chic places to stay, like these top 10 urban winners. 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. The Magnolia Hotel & Spa jumped from the No. 7 slot last year to No. 1, giving charm-filled Victoria some much-deserved attention. Steps from the city’s Inner Harbour, the 64-room property earned rave reviews from readers for its boutique feel and rooms with water views. “I have been traveling for business and pleasure for more than 50 years, and this was truly a highlight,” wrote one voter. “The staff are friendly and accommodating, and everything from the amenities to the location was perfect.” Across the Salish Sea, Vancouver racked up the awards with five of the top 10 hotel winners, including runner-up the Loden Hotel, a 77-room property designed with natural materials — copper, stone, and sustainable wood — and wellness-inspired beds, linens, and bath products. Amenities like complimentary local car service (in a London cab) and cruiser bikes also attract repeat guests. The Rosewood Hotel Georgia (No. 4), ideally located downtown across from the Vancouver Art Gallery, is also home to one of the city’s best restaurants, Hawksworth. In Montreal, the Ritz-Carlton, which originally opened in 1912 and cocoons guests in rooms with original furnishings and fireplaces, made the list, as did the Hotel Le Crystal, a downtown build with a 12th-floor spa, indoor saltwater pool, and outdoor hot tub with unbeatable city views.

There are few places on Earth as diverse as New Zealand, both in its landscapes and in the possibilities of what to do in those landscapes. It’s quite feasible to be kayaking in translucent ocean one day, standing atop alpine summits the next, and bouncing on the end of a bungee cord somewhere in between.

Ignoring the seemingly ‘douchey’ title (“traveling a lot”), let’s jump right in shall we! 🙂