10 Best Theme Park Destinations for 2018

The whole family is guaranteed to have a blast at Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. There are plenty of family rides for everyone, several thrill-seeking coasters for those who love adventure, and don't forget about Volcano Bay-the stunning new water park by Universal that more than lives up to the hype.

Located in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, Xcaret Park is an "eco-archaeological park, where you can experience the natural and cultural richness of Mexico." Awarded a gold Travvy for Best Theme Park in 2018, it is a great escape for travelers of all ages. Additionally, the new Hotel Xcaret is right within the park, making it easy to stay and play.

Whether you're visiting Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California, there's so much to do! Disney also has amazing international locations in Paris, France, Hong Kong, China and Tokyo, Japan. Experience something new and exciting or just relive your childhood with a classic attraction.

If you love roller coasters, Cedar Point is the place to be. Top Thrill Dragster and Millennium Force are hands down some of the best on the planet. The amusement park in Ohio will release a new ride this year too, standing 205 feet tall and measure at 5,470 feet long. Hitting speeds of 74 miles per hour, the new ride should set records for a hybrid roller coaster.

Sea World is a terrific park for the whole family, with several ways to see and interact with wildlife. Get up close and personal with dolphins, otters, penguins and more! With shows that are sure to entertain everyone, you can also feel good knowing Sea World has helped save and rehabilitate wildlife with more than 30,000 rescues.

There are multiple Six Flags theme parks across the United States. The original can be found in Texas, but the superhero-themed rides in Georgia are my favorites. Additionally, Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey will soon be the world's first solar-powered theme park.

Arguably the best of its kind in the world, Schlitterbahn Water Park in Texas features uphill water coasters, beaches, tubing rivers, surfing and so much more. The water theme park has had so much success, it's opened multiple locations, even branching out of Texas and into Kansas.

Located in Copenhagen, Denmark, Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park on the planet. It opened in 1843 and features vintage rides as well as the newer, more modern thrill-seeking varieties. The coolest ride here is Rutschebanen, which goes in and around a mountainside.

The largest theme park in Latin America, Beto Carrero World is located in Penha, Brazil. It features multiple roller coasters and spectacular shows, such as Velozes e Furiosos Show, which is inspired by the movie franchise The Fast and the Furious.

Head to Tennessee for some southern hospitality and a whirlwind of a good time at Dollywood, which gets its name from the famous Dolly Parton. Another reason the park is so enticing? The Lightning Rod, which is the fastest wooden coaster in the world.