by According to Travel + Leisurereaders, this year’s top travel destinations are Maine and Rhode Island.
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Look inside the newly renovated Breakwater Inn in Kennebunkport
Mount Desert Island in Maine is the top island in the continental United States, Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, is the top airport in America, and The Norumbegain Camden, Maine, is the top hotel in the continental United States, according to the publication’s 2025 World’s Best Awards results, which were announced on Tuesday.
According to users, the Norumbega’s opulent furnishings with thoughtful detailing, friendly and helpful staff, and excellent location with easy access to downtown Camden are the main reasons it topped the list. It was also listed as one of the top 100 hotels worldwide by the newspaper. Look inside.
Owners Will Tims and Brett Haynie stated in a statement, “We are incredibly grateful to our guests and to Travel + Leisure for this amazing recognition.” Over the past two years, we have had the distinction of reviving this historic seaside castle all year long. We are honored and overjoyed that visitors have acknowledged how unique our beautiful Midcoast Maine setting is as a place to stay.
White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, Maine came in at number three; The Chanler at Cliff Walkin Newport came in at number four; Castle Hill Inn in Newport came in at number five; Weekapaug Inn in Westerly, Rhode Island, came in at number nine; and Cape Arundel Inn & Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine came in at number ten.
According to Travel & Leisure, readers were captivated by Mount Desert Island because of its striking granite peaks and rocky coasts, which perfectly capture the wild beauty of coastal Maine.
The publication stated that while Acadia National Park, sometimes referred to as the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, occupies the majority of the island, the charming town of Bar Harbor, which is situated along the island’s eastern coastline and is well-known for its lobster shacks and waterfront inns, is also worth a visit.
The ranking also included two islands in Massachusetts: Martha’s Vineyard, ranked No. 14, and Nantucket, ranked No. 10.
The efficiency and ease of access to Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport make it a popular choice.
I adore T. F. Green. One reader remarked, “Easy to get to, easy to park, and easy to navigate.” Another added, “Security is a breeze, even during a busy time.” The compact airport’s layout facilitates easy security and speedy check-in. It has enough eateries for its size, is kept up nicely, and is expanding its selection. There is no exorbitant cost, and parking is plentiful.
Airport authorities expressed their immense joy at the top rating on social media.
For the World’s Best Awards, the magazine asked readers to rate U.S. national parks, tour operators, trains, safari outfitters, airlines, airports, car-rental companies, cities, cruise ships, destination spas, hotels, hotel brands, islands, and luxury villa-rental companies between October 21, 2024, and February 24, 2025.
View the Travel + Leisure 2025 World’s Best Awards.
Kristi Palma writes about New England tourism as a culture reporter for Boston.com. She writes about hotels, airlines, and activities in Boston and New England. She is the writer of the weekly travel newsletter Scenic Six.
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