Reviews of hotels and restaurants tell only part of the story. Just as important to a memorable trip are the sightseeing, guided tours and other activities that bring a destination to life. These awards celebrate the most unforgettable experiences we had during our travels in 2025, ranging from samba in Brazil to a horseback ride in New Zealand, as well as the best overall itineraries.

Most Memorable Excursion: Private Yacht and Cooking Class, Montenegro

It’s hard to beat a day out on a private yacht, especially somewhere as dramatically scenic as Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor. We had a deliciously enviable jaunt aboard a vintage wood-trimmed motor launch, starting with an impromptu detour to a formerly secret submarine pen. From there, we headed to the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, crowning an artificial island. After a stroll around pretty Perast nearby, we stopped at Prčanj for a private cooking class in a monastery. We arrived back at our resort in style, feeling blissfully content.

Read more about our trip around the Bay of Kotor »