Best beaches in US, world announced by TripAdvisor

With many planning to shed the cold weather and take a beach vacation between February and April this year, TripAdvisor, the travel planning and booking site, announces the best beaches in the U.S. and throughout the world.

A survey of more than 8,000 respondents stated that 72 percent prefer to enjoy the beaches in the U.S., compared with 49% who like Caribbean beaches and 9% who prefer to sunbathe in the South Pacific.

Based on the quantity and quality of traveler reviews and ratings for beaches gathered over a 12-month period, the top beaches include:

Top 5 Travelers' Choice Beaches in the U.S.:

1. Siesta Beach - Siesta Key, Florida

2. Ka'anapali Beach - Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

3. Saint Pete Beach - Saint Pete Beach, Florida

4. Clearwater Beach - Clearwater, Florida

5. Beach at Panama City - Panama City Beach, Florida

Top 5 Travelers' Choice Beaches in the World:

1. Baia do Sancho - Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

2. Grace Bay - Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

3. Eagle Beach - Palm - Eagle Beach, Aruba

4. Playa Paraiso - Cayo Largo, Cuba

5. Siesta Beach - Siesta Key, United States

According to the survey, the top 3 considerations when choosing a beach destination include:

1. Weather

2. Nature/Beauty

3. Hotel Prices