The capital of picturesque St. Barthélemy, Gustavia is a veritable island paradise in the Caribbean. A former French colony, this small city on St. Barths’s west coast offers a variety of fine dining, designer shopping, and spectacular beachside activities to ensure a relaxing tropical getaway. Be sure to visit the historic site of Fort Karl for a panoramic view of Gustavia’s glittering harbor, then walk to Shell Beach to take a dip in warm, turquoise waters.

Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.

Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, rests along the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez in northern Sonora, Mexico. Along its shoreline, Sandy Beach draws visitors with long stretches of walkable sand and calm water, while Playa Hermosa and Playa Mirador offer quieter spots where tide pools appear as the sea pulls back. Boat rides to Bird Island, also known as Isla San Jorge, provide a rare chance to see large colonies of sea lions resting on rocky ledges.

Cebu sits at the center of the central Philippines, shaped by seafaring trade and early colonial contact. It was here that Spanish rule first took hold in the 16th century, leaving a legacy visible in churches, street patterns, and long-standing ties to Catholic tradition.

St. Vincent & the Grenadines is a Caribbean nation that feels both adventurous and serene, a chain of lush islands and tiny cays scattered across turquoise waters. The main island of St. Vincent is dominated by volcanic landscapes, including the active La Soufrière volcano, whose slopes are covered in rainforest and dotted with waterfalls.