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When it comes to crowd-pleasing vacations, it’s hard to top the value and fun that a large-ship ocean cruise line delivers. These spacious ships, which have anywhere from 800 to 1,499 cabins, are big enough to give guests a wide choice of onboard activities, fine dining, and cutting-edge entertainment. They also deliver a huge variety of stateroom choices, whether you’re seeking an affordable cabin for a budget-minded getaway or plenty of space in a grand suite for a celebratory splurge.

When it comes to truly luxurious vacations, it seems, the smaller the better.GoTravelDaily’s discerning readers had effusive praise this year for many of these intimate-ship cruise lines, defined as those operating ships with 150 cabins or fewer. Though feedback in the category concerns Lilliputian vessels, readers nevertheless gave these brands some of the best marks received inanyWorld’s Best Awards voting. In fact, the No. 1-ranked brand registered a score of 99.29, just a few tenths of a point off what would otherwise be absolute perfection.

It’s full steam ahead for the cruise industry: after a pandemic pause, mega-ship ocean cruise lines are back, and readers are raving about the quality of vacations at sea. Consider this stat: more travelers are planning to set sail on a cruise this year than booked one in 2019, according to one industry association. The reasons are as plentiful as the options in this category, which ranks ships with 1,500 cabins or more. There’s a ship to please almost any taste, whether it’s a familiar favorite or a brand-new vessel. There’s the endless array of onboard food and entertainment options. And, yes, there’s the value that only a cruise can deliver, particularly at a time when most travel experiences are getting pricier.

According toGoTravelDailyreaders, Southern Africa is home to the continent’s best resort hotels, ranging from the winelands of South Africa to Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls and the expansive Namib Desert of Namibia. Service and location were among the most crucial factors for readers when casting their votes.

You don’t have to go deep into the heart of Texas to discover the magic and beauty that the state’s best resorts provide — many of its most attractive leisure getaways are situated right in the middle of urban centers. Outdoorsy, cultured, and perpetually trendy Austin; glammed-up and glitzy Houston; and charming San Antonio, known for its laidback welcome and family-friendly River Walk are each hubs that blend cosmopolitan experiences with tranquil escapes. This duality of downtown and downtime is precisely what keepsGoTravelDailyreaders returning for more.

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According to a recentGoTravelDailytrends survey, large and mid-size cities are high on GoTravelDaily readers’ destination wish lists for the coming year. With cultural immersion being among travelers’ chief motivators, it’s little surprise that the top five urban hotels in Mexico are located in destinations known for their artistic and culinary prowess.

Arizona is home to stunning natural landscapes — with three national parks and a dry climate that lends itself to exceptional year-round weather. There is no shortage in the Copper State of hiking, camping, and mountain biking opportunities. However, there is just as much opportunity to relax and indulge at Arizona’s most luxurious spas and resorts.

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 hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 GoTravelDaily readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Every iteration of a city can be found on this list of GoTravelDaily readers’ favorite urban hubs in Africa and the Middle East: a financial capital, a site of pilgrimage, a center for history, art, shopping, even nature. Moreover, for nearly 800 million people, these dynamic destinations are simply home.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily invites readers to weigh in on travel experiences across the globe, sharing their insights on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Notably, nearly 165,000 readers completed the 2023 survey, representing a significant increase of approximately 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels, resulting in over 685,000 votes cast across more than 8,500 unique properties.

When choosing an urban hotel, travelers to Canada can count on warm, anticipatory service, plush accommodations, and properties imbued with a sense of history. This is particularly true in Quebec and British Columbia, the provinces where nine of GoTravelDaily readers’ ten favorite city hotels in Canada can be found. The only other province represented was Ontario, with one Toronto property making the list.

Despite its relative remoteness, Hawaii continues to enthrall GoTravelDaily readers with its natural beauty, distinct Polynesian culture, and a tourism infrastructure that offers a plethora of options for any type of traveler. This is particularly true for the vast range of hotels and resorts across this stunning Pacific archipelago.