Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Day on O’ahu’s North Shore
You’ve enjoyed city delights in Waikiki and Honolulu – now it’s time to escape to Oʻahu’s North Shore. From sunrise yoga salutations and sips of Hawaiian coffee in charming Haleʻiwa to experiencing a sunset at a sacredheiau(ancient stone temple), a day trip to this laid-back surf haven will have you throwing your worries to the wind.
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7 Fun Activities in Bali for Kids: Keep Your Children Entertained
There’s no doubt that Bali has all the ingredients for a relaxing holiday. What is entertaining for grown-ups, however, might not always be fun for kids. Nevertheless, the island of the gods offers a wide range of activities sure to put smiles on the faces of families with children in tow. From sliding down exhilarating water slides to scaling tree canopies, Bali abounds in family-friendly activities.
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Ultimate Interstate 70 Road Trip: Top Highlights to Explore
Interstate 70 runs through the heart of Middle America, stretching 2,150 miles from Cove Fort, Utah, to Baltimore, Maryland. As you traverse this remarkable highway, you will encounter stunning landscapes, iconic cities, and intriguing attractions. Not only does I-70 connect several major tourist destinations, but it also offers lesser-known pit stops that make the journey truly unforgettable.
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Essential Guide to Trump’s Policies on US-Cuba Travel
US-Cuba relations have rarely been straightforward. The path to improvement is often characterized by two steps forward and one step back. After several years of rapprochement, new travel regulations announced by the Trump administration on June 16, 2017, appear to have stalled some of the progress. But what do these changesreallymean for US travelers?
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Discover the Vibrant Malasaña: A Day in Madrid’s Trendy Neighborhoods
Bubbling with life at any time of day – and often long into the night – Malasaña is Madrid’s hippest neighborhood. Surrounding Plaza del 2 de Mayo and near the Tribunal Metro stop, this trendy barrio is just minutes from Sol and a short walk to the most sought-after museums and cultural hotspots.
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Discover 11 Hidden Gardens You Must Visit in Porto
Don’t let Porto’s architecture fool you. At face value, its slender buildings appear to house little more than pokey apartments or hole-in-the-wall cafés, yet many doors are rabbit holes leading to spacious living quarters (perhaps with a veggie patch and chickens out back) or modern dining spots harboring chilled-out terraces.
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Hidden Gems in Bali: Top Less-Visited Attractions
Given it’s one of the world’s most famous resort islands, Bali seems an unlikely choice for those wanting to escape the crowds. And while it’s true that this is a very touristy destination – attracting nearly 10 million visitors per year – most people only head to the south of the island, leaving plenty of wonderful spots to explore elsewhere, blissfully free of the masses.
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Explore the Best 5 Day Trips from Hua Hin
Hua Hin’s strategic position on Thailand’s upper gulf coast makes it the ideal base for excursions into the outlying countryside. Awaiting you are national parks honeycombed with caves and teeming with wildlife, vineyards offering a tempting wine-filled day out, little-visited beaches, and pagoda-packed provincial towns. All these places make for straightforward day trips, so what are you waiting for?
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Midweek Motivation: 10 Inspiring Quotes for a Fulfilling Life
These words struck such a chord with me as they are very much in line with the first point I made in this post here. Here’s hoping these sage words of wisdom courtesy of Meryl Streep gives you some strength, courage or even a bit of cheering up this week…
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Top Midsize Ocean Cruise Lines of 2025: Reader Favorites
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!”
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Top 10 Tour Operators of 2025: Readers’ Picks
Ask anyone who has used a tour operator, and they will tell you it’s the only way to travel. Whether embarking on a truffle tasting excursion in Tuscany, sailing through the Cyclades in your own schooner, or cycling in style through Napa Valley, a tour operator takes the hassle out of planning a luxurious getaway. The world’s best focus on the finest details to create unparalleled experiences — and memories that last a lifetime. Each year, GoTravelDaily surveys travelers to weigh in on their experiences around the globe — sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, and airlines. Readers rated tour operators on their staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and overall value. Many of the winners focus on active cycling or walking vacations. Debuting for the first time ever is DuVine Cycling & Adventure Company, which arranges bicycle trips in Europe, North and South America, Africa, and the Middle East. Readers raved about the No. 2 company’s attention to detail and the flexibility of their guides, allowing extra time to explore local areas. “We love biking with DuVine,” says a reader. “What a way to see the wine regions of the world, with expert guides that felt like family by the end of the journey, top-notch accommodations, and fabulous food.” Mountain Lodges of Peru, the No. 5 winner, offers a seven-day Salkantay trek along the Inca Trail, with stops at small lodges in remote villages. The end point: Machu Picchu. “Standing at the top of a pass with nothing around us but llamas and the beauty of the land was an experience I will never forget,” shared another reader. Rather than planning your next vacation entirely by yourself, consider these premier tour operators, including the No. 1 winner, recognized as one of the most exclusive in the business.
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Top Hawaiian Islands Loved by Readers in 2025
Hawaii has been a popular tropical getaway for decades — and with good reason. The 50th state’s six main islands — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai — offer incredibly diverse experiences, from world-class surfing and snorkeling to vibrant food and hotel scenes. These offerings are attracting a new generation of travelers while giving longtime visitors a fresh perspective with each trip.
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Top 10 Most Loved Islands in Europe 2025
The enduring pleasures of Greek myths, thousands of years later, owe much to the high drama played out by the dwellers of Mount Olympus. However, as anyone who has ever been in a romance knows, setting is key. Consequently, it’s no surprise that when it comes to voting on the best islands in Europe, our readers gave four out of the top 10 spots to Greece. The winners are all destinations where ancient history is ever-present, and each sunset seems to be more epic than the last. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
Rhodes and the Dodecanese, Páros, and Crete are all places where you can choose your own adventure: ruins or lazy basking in the sun, with a spectacular meal of fresh fish at the end of the day regardless. However, Santorini is another animal altogether, which is why it’s claimed the number one spot in this category an astounding 14 times. Sunset hero shots may have become a cliché on Instagram—and here, as everyone gathers in the cobblestoned town of Oía just before evening falls, you can see why. Hotels built into the steep cliffs offer views out over the sea that are so captivating, there’s no reason to leave your suite and its private plunge pool until dinnertime.
Italy, another perennially popular destination, claimed two spots on the list. Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, boasts Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, as well as ruins from the Greeks and the Romans and a plethora of vineyards. Even more popular among our readers is Ischia, a volcanic island that combines history with elegant hotels and restaurants, and has appeared in the works of Truman Capote and Elena Ferrante. But for some, it’s not always about warm-weather destinations. Scotland’s Skye and the Hebrides, an archipelago famous for its cliffs, moors, and moody, dramatic landscapes, broke into the list for the first time ever — proving that even in a destination as well-trammeled as Europe, there are always new discoveries waiting to be had.
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Ultimate Guide to Visiting Salvation Mountain in California
Salvation Mountain California is an artistic landscape that stands colorfully in the California Desert, which I’m sure you’ll love!
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Top Islands in Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific – Reader Favorites 2025
Head southwest past Hawaii, stop just short of New Zealand, and if you’re very lucky you will find yourself in the Cook Islands, a 15-isle volcanic atoll in the South Pacific. With jungles for hiking and a seascape for pondering how many shades of blue you can name, it is little wonder the Cooks rank high on the list of the top five islands in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value. This year’s winner is the New Zealand island of Waiheke, praised by our readers for its “great bohemian, artistic vibe,” and “wine, sun, and great food, plus outdoor activities,” which make this not only a unique getaway but also a “must.” Located just a 40-minute ferry ride away from New Zealand’s North Island, Waiheke is that rare destination that seems to have it all: beaches, vineyards, great cuisine, and friendly locals. Three islands in French Polynesia also scored big with our readers, with Huahine, Bora-Bora, and Moorea (up from No. 3 on the list last year) all receiving top honors. The lush Huahine is revered for its lack of development and tourists compared with its more popular neighbor Bora-Bora, an atoll that continues to draw celebrities to its luxurious resorts with overwater bungalows. Moorea is surrounded by a blue lagoon that affords unparalleled diving and snorkeling; you can even feed reef sharks if that’s your idea of a good time. Hikes through the inland mountainous terrain are rewarded with a cooling shower under one of Moorea’s many waterfalls. Our advice when it comes to choosing between these places? Open an atlas to this area of the world, close your eyes, and lower your finger. Among these five destinations, one can only go right.
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Top 10 Readers’ Choice Hotels in Chicago for 2025
Maybe it’s because the Cubs finally won the World Series, or the fact that it’s Obama’s hometown: Chicago is red hot right now. Last year, more than 54 million people visited the city, an all-time record. To keep up with the demand, several new luxury hotels have opened — and many of the established properties underwent multimillion-dollar renovations to stay competitive.
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Top-Rated Hotels in New York City: Readers’ Picks for 2025
New York is the ultimate hotel town. For any trip you’re planning — from a quiet, art-focused getaway on the Upper East Side to an action-packed weekend filled with amazing restaurants and vibrant shops on the Lower East Side — there’s a corresponding hotel. While nearly every major hotel chain is represented throughout New York City, there’s also a rich selection of independent and boutique properties that have particularly resonated with readers this year.
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Top 15 City Hotels Across the Continental US – 2025 Favorites
The frenetic energy of city life demands a careful choice of hotel. A great location is a must—the farther you are from the action, the more time you’ll waste traveling. Conversely, if a hotel is too touristy, you might miss the chance to experience local life. Ideally, you want an in-the-know concierge, a room that feels like an oasis, and most importantly, a real sense of place. Fortunately, discerning travelers have shared their views, leading to this selection of 15 exceptional hotels. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, readers weigh in on travel experiences around the globe, sharing their opinions on the finest hotels, resorts, and more. Hotels are rated based on facilities, location, service, food, and overall value, with properties classified as City or Resort according to their amenities.
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Top Resort Hotels in Spain and Portugal: Readers’ Picks for 2025
Portugal has been on a serious roll lately—so much so thatGoTravelDailynamed it Destination of the Year for 2016—due in part to a revitalization of urban centers like Lisbon and Porto. The wine industry in the Douro Valley is also thriving (and bottles are unbelievably reasonable). Moreover, the beaches and charming coastal towns are less known to American travelers than those in France and Italy, yet that’s part of the appeal. The country’s moment in the sun continues with Convento do Espinheiro, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa set in the town of Évora, receiving top honors among resort hotels in Spain and Portugal. Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the top attractions in the Alentejo region, which is experiencing growing popularity for its sweeping landscapes, robust food and wine culture, and rich history. Convento do Espinheiro, housed in a former convent building with vaulted cloisters and expansive grounds, offers a winning combination of atmosphere, setting, and luxury. One respondent lauded it as “one of the most beautiful experiences of my life,” praising its “excellent service, dreamy comfort, extraordinary history,” and restaurant, which “will blow your mind.” Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, respondents share their opinions on travel experiences worldwide—ranking top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were evaluated based on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities. The Penha Longa Resort, located in the historic resort town of Sintra, 30 minutes outside Lisbon, secured second place this year. Set in the rolling hills of a 545-acre national park bordering two magnificent beaches, the property features a 27-hole golf course, a 19th-century palace, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The only Spanish property on this year’s list was the Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa. This legendary hotel, which opened in 1954 and captivated celebrity beachgoers in the 1960s and 70s, continues to attract a glamorous crowd with its impeccable styling and lush gardens.
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