Kim Walters

Located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, St. Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island nation quite different from the surrounding islands. As a result, it is perhaps one of the most diverse Caribbean islands for exploration featuring an array of terrain from mountains to volcanoes, beaches and more. From hiking to swimming and exploring the small towns on the island, St. Kitts is the perfect example of hippie-island-living and an excellent destination for a getaway into nature’s best.

Jamaica is one of those places that is simply contagious with its lively nature, beautiful scenery and turquoise ocean. The birthplace of Bob Marley, home to reggae, Rastafarian lifestyle, Blue Mountain coffee and, of course, the famous Jamaican slang – it is an island filled with unique character. While primarily a destination for beach relaxation, Jamaica offers an array of aquatic activities ranging from waterfalls to cliff jumping, scuba diving, spectacular beaches and more.

Tanzania is privy to fascinating landscapes, from its savannahs to the Serengeti and Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is an explorer’s and nature lover’s heaven. Tanzania offers a chance to get close to all of its wildlife and feel like David Attenborough. This guide comprises various game drives, national parks and a six-day ascent up Kilimanjaro.

Aruba, nicknamed “One Happy Island,” is indeed imbued with a sense of joy for life and the experience of the everyday. In addition to its numerous all-inclusive resorts, Aruba is an adventure junkie’s playground. From scuba diving to snorkeling, sailing, trekking, hiking, etc., Aruba is the place when you need to get away from it all and disconnect to reconnect.

St. Martin, part of the Leeward Islands, is a French and Dutch island located in the Caribbean. It is best known for its azure waters, impressive nature sightings and planes landing directly over the public beach and at the airport. It is also an excellent choice for a vacation, with plenty of family-friendly things to do, as you indulge in many aquatic and on-land activities and experiences. From sailing to scuba diving, hiking and more, Saint Martin offers an array of things to do for your and your entire family.

Tanzania is a beautiful country composed of many diversities ranging from safari and game drives to picture-perfect, white-sand beaches. Zanzibar, an island just off mainland Africa, pertains to the latter. It is the perfect place to relax, engage in aquatic activities, explore the local life and culture and indulge. Embraced by the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar also gives way to holidays by the beach, catering to seaside vacationers looking for utmost repose away from everyone and everything. Visit Zanzibar for a true getaway onto the African island.

Phuket, Thailand, is home to the most dreamy and probably most-Instagrammed island in the world with its wooden boats and flower adornments. But beyond the social media fame, it is a lovely province of Thailand with hospitable people and beautiful corners to explore, from Phuket Island to the Phang Nga Bay island and Phuket town. Just remember to do so respectfully as you visit a sacred and fragile ecosystem, so keep your sunscreen reef-safe and plastic out of the water. 

St. Thomas is an excellent destination for a family holiday in the US Virgin Islands. This Caribbean cove is privy to nature’s best, offering plenty of things to do on land and at sea. While staying on St. Thomas, it's also convenient to island-hop with easy ferry rides from one island to another. You can quickly go over to St. John to spend the day, shop some duty-free and enjoy the paradisical beaches.  

Bangkok is an exciting city with so much to offer, both traditional and contemporary. Think: some of the oldest Buddhist temples and grand royal palaces versus the world’s highest rooftop bar. It is a city of contrasts, flavor and color that charm the visitor and make you want to come back repeatedly. With world-famous street food, picturesque markets, and excellent restaurants, Bangkok is in itself a moveable feast making it a perfect start and/or end for your trip to Thailand.

Gorilla trekking is a precious activity experienced in Uganda and a few other nations in Africa. It differs from all other kinds of wilderness ventures and safaris because humans are only allowed a one-hour window to watch the animals and interact with them. Gorillas are precious and vulnerable species that can easily catch human diseases and get stressed; in order to protect the animals, their human contact is limited to an hour-long window. This guide takes you to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda for gorilla trekking and Lake Victoria for tranquil lakeside activity and unwinding. It is an excellent way to get to know Uganda and support its local communities.  

Tortuguero is an amazing place to get away from it all. This remote area in Costa Rica is only reachable via boat. Embrace nature, spot wildlife and relax poolside or at the beach. If it is turtle nesting season, you will be in for a sweet surprise, so make sure to take a turtle nesting walk with a licensed guide from your lodge.

The Osa Peninsula is one of Costa Rica's best destinations for an off-the-grid, nature-loving and wildlife-spotting adventure. This is a diverse area made up of jungles, mangrove swamps and beautiful beaches. The Osa Peninsula is the southernmost point in Costa Rica, which makes it a little difficult to get there, but it is totally worth the trek.

Puerto Rico has stunning beaches, nightlife, culture, historical landmarks, outdoor activities and amazing food. This destination deserves to be a stand-alone destination, not just one as a port for cruise ship passengers. Puerto Rico is the perfect place for the beach bum, nature lover, night owl, foodie and/or adventurist.

In northern Costa Rica you'll find a vast countryside with miles of plantations, cattle pastures and cowboys. The Northern Zone is the agricultural center of Costa Rica, however, it's the perfect place to visit for adventure seekers, nature lovers and/or someone looking to relax and rejuvenate.

Chiang Mai is a big city with a little town charm. Its vibrant culture and unique experiences make the city suitable for just about everyone. In fact, it is one of my all-time favorite places to visit because of the people, the culture, the walled city, picturesque mountains and the elephants! Here you can be fully immersed in the beauty of Southeast Asia and all the glory of local culture and its Buddhist temples.