No matter what your vacation preferences are during the rest of the year, the thought of a dreamy, sun-soaked holiday after months of below-freezing temperatures will never fail to get travelers planning that next tropical destination.

And though almost all warm-weathered destinations are trending right now, the truth of the matter is that not all of them have the type of idyllic beaches you’re probably imagining when booking those plane tickets.

So, if you’re looking to experience the very best beaches our world has to offer, you need to be a bit more thorough when researching your next destination of choice  – luckily, world-renowned magazines like U.S. News & World Report are here to help.

The famous periodical just released its most recent edit of the best beaches in the world, a ranking that was based on a mix of expert and traveler opinions.

Below, you’ll find the five beach destinations that made it to the very top:

5. Maldives

Given that the Maldives has essentially become the poster child of dreamy, jaw-dropping beaches, its positioning in the top 5 came as no surprise.

overwater bungalows in the Maldives

The iconic archipelagic country nestled in the Indian Ocean just recently broke its all-time tourism record, proving that its long-lasting popularity isn’t going away anytime soon.

The beaches here are famous for their powdery white sands that stretch as far as you can see, providing a mesmerizing contrast with the vibrant turquoise waters that make resisting a mid-day swim truly impossible.

aerial view of the shoreline of a beach in the Maldives

So, if you’ve been feeling envious of the overwater bungalows and fun diving excursions you’ve been seeing all over social media, take this as a sign to finally book that trip to the Maldives.

4. Bora Bora

Speaking of places whose names are used interchangeably with breathtaking beaches, Bora Bora stands as the epitome of classic French Polynesian beauty.

Those lucky enough to vacation here will get to wake up to the panoramic views of Mount Otemanu, lounge on the soft sands that make sunbathing feel more luxurious than ever, explore the surrounding coral gardens, and end the day taking a romantic stroll around Vaitape.

Mount Otemanu, bora bora

Travelers who are feeling particularly adventurous will have a lot to do here, too.

From shark-feeding dives and parasailing to 4×4 safari explorations, Bora Bora promises to always keep you on your toes.

3. Bahamas

If there’s one downside to visiting the paradisic beaches of Maldives and Bora Bora it’s the long, tiring flight that can sometimes take up to an entire day.

So, for those looking to keep their travel time a bit shorter, the many gorgeous beach destinations along the Caribbean are the perfect choice.

drone shoot of idyllic tropical beach of Princess Cays Island in Bahamas

The first one is the Bahamas, an archipelago of 700 islands whose vibrant blue waters promise the ultimate experience for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re looking for a secluded cove or a long, lively stretch of sand, you’re bound to find exactly what you want here(with an extra dose of jaw-dropping views).

2. Turks & Caicos

The other Caribbean destination to make it to the ranking is none other than Turks & Caicos, whose awe-inspiring Grace Bay Beach manages to look like something you’d create on a computer, only better.

Sand beach on Turks And Caicos

However, it’s worth noting that this stunning stretch of sand, along with all the other beautiful beaches that dot the coastline of the 238 mi² (616 km²) archipelago, are far from the only attractions keeping travelers coming back for more.

Turks & Caicos is a haven for snorkelers, divers, and all other water sports enthusiasts looking to experience the best of what the Caribbean has to offer.

A girl paddles her kayak exploring in Turks and Caicos

1. Fiji

Bad news for those who want to keep air travel short this year – getting to the world’s best beach destination takes roughly 11 hours.

Beach in Fiji

Fiji, otherwise known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World,” continues to attract millions of visitors every year with its tropical weather, lush landscapes, warm hospitality, and, most importantly, its world-class beaches.

The Yasawa Islands, in particular, offer the most amazing collection of secluded beaches surrounded by crystal-clear you’ll ever come across, and yes – the Blue Lagoon is truly as good as they say.

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