Best Summer & Spring Break Destinations 2014: TripAdvisor Reveals Top Destinations of the Year

Spring is here and summer's just a beach ball's throw away. Time definitely is running at a galloping pace this year as we're close to ending the first quarter of the year. We're thinking you must have already readied a list of destinations to go to for the summer. If you're still undecided, perhaps TripAdvisor's 6^th annual Travelers' Choice award winners will help solve your spring break dilemma.

The travel site recently revealed the 25 top rated destinations based on "users' reviews and ratings over 12 months," CNN reported. "Travelers' Choice award-winning destinations are determined using an algorithm that takes into account the quality and quantity of reviews from TripAdvisor users."

At the top of the list is Istanbul, Turkey's largest city and the country's cultural "heart." Fans of this travel population will applaud at this accolade.

"I think what really appeals to people about Istanbul is this great combination of wonderful culture and amazingly beautiful architecture there and great shopping. And if you're a U.S. traveler, the exchange rate is pretty good," explained Brooke Ferencsik, TripAdvisor's director of communications.

"Europe and Asia meet in Istanbul, where breathtaking ancient architecture coexists with modern restaurants and nightlife. The city's mosques, bazaars, and hammams (Turkish baths) could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip," read TripAdvisor's description of the Turkish city.

"Start with the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits."

Here is the global list of TripAdvisor's top destinations for 2014:

1. Istanbul, Turkey

2. Rome, Italy

3. London, United Kingdom

4. Beijing, China

5. Prague, Czech Republic

6. Marrakech, Morocco

7. Paris, France

8. Hanoi, Vietnam

9. Siem Reap, Cambodia

10. Shanghai, China

11. Berlin, Germany

12. New York City, New York

13. Florence, Italy

14. Buenos Aires, Argentina

15. Barcelona, Spain

16. St. Petersburg, Russia

17. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

18. Chicago, Illinois

19. Cape Town Central, South Africa

20. Bangkok, Thailand

21. Budapest, Hungary

22. Sydney, Australia

23. Lisbon, Portugal

24. Chiang Mai, Thailand

25. San Francisco, California

So, where are you heading this spring or summer break?