It's almost that time of year again. As summer slowly but surely approaches, vacation plans are being discussed and fleshed out. The first thing to decide is where to go, but with so many variables to consider — cost and safety, for example — narrowing down a destination can become complicated in a hurry. For those stuck between vacation destinations, fret not. U.S. News & World Report, a global authority in rankings and consumer advice, released its new rankings of the Best Summer Vacations in the USA. The rankings highlight 20 destinations around the country that are ideal for a seasonal getaway. Rankings for the Best Cheap Summer Vacations, Best Summer Vacations and Best Family Beach Vacations in the USA were also released. |

Don't forget to pack some insurance

Whether you're traveling by yourself or with a group of people, don't waste a second of your limited time dealing with insurance claims. Vacations, and traveling in general, are full of exposures waiting to strike on the unprepared. Some individuals might try their hand at something new while away, like kayaking or rock climbing. Outdoor events like these have the potential for a serious accident. Fortunately for those staying in the U.S., insurance will typically cover most, but not all, of the costs — transportation after an accident, for example, typically won't be covered. Travelers may also want to consider travel policies before finalizing a location to travel to. 2017 was riddled with extreme weather, and a similar occurrence may result in trip interruption or cancellation. In another scenario, if something is stolen while on vacation, an insured may partially be covered under their homeowners' or renters' policy; off-premises coverage, as it's known, can cover 10-20%. Related: After a historic 2017 hurricane season, experts predict a more average 2018 |

Methodology

U.S. News analyzed more than 700 destinations using a methodology that combines travelers' opinions with expert and editor analysis. Each destination is scored in 10 categories, from sights, culture and food to nightlife, adventure and romance. With this in mind, above are the top five summer vacation spots from each U.S. News & World Report ranking. Related: Lost luggage? 5 tips before filing an insurance claim