Curacao, a gem in the Caribbean Sea, offers a captivating blend of Dutch colonial charm and vibrant Caribbean culture. Its capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colorful 17th-century architecture and historic waterfront. The city's iconic Handelskade, lined with pastel-hued buildings, presents a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls and waterfront dining.
Maui, both second youngest and second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, is home to the world's largest dormant volcano, Haleakala, meaning "House of the Sun." Last erupting about 200 years ago, it makes up the eastern end of the island. Maui was formed by volcanic activity from Haleakala on the east and the West Maui Mountains to the west. The connecting isthmus between the two spots was formed from joining lava from both and gives Maui its nickname, the Valley Isle.
Bournemouth, located on England's southern coast, is a charming resort town known for its expansive beaches and picturesque seafront. The town's seven miles of sandy coastline, including the famous Bournemouth Beach, offer a delightful retreat for sunbathers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts. The beach is complemented by the Bournemouth Pier, where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the English Channel, take a leisurely stroll, or dine at one of the seaside cafes.
Cape Cross is a remote coastal site on Namibia’s Atlantic shoreline, located within the dry landscapes of the Namib Desert. It is best known for the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, which protects one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Cape fur seals. The coastline here consists of rocky shores, sandy beaches, salt pans, and sparsely vegetated desert terrain.
Bonifacio is located at the southernmost tip of the island of Corsica. The town towers above the "Bouches de Bonifacio" the strait between Corsica and Sardinia, above islands and reefs. Bonifacio has survived a unique history, founded in 833, and somehow has defied time and events.
Bastimentos Island is one of the largest islands in Panama’s Bocas del Toro archipelago, off the Caribbean coast in the country’s northwest. Much of the island remains covered by tropical forest, wetlands, mangroves, and coastal vegetation, with small communities located around sheltered bays. Bastimentos is closely associated with the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park, which protects both terrestrial and marine ecosystems around the island.
Altun Ha, where archaeologists found a nine-pound jade carving among these ruins, the largest ever uncovered in a Mayan civilation.
Other Popular Destinations in Belize
San Ignacio
San Ignacio sits in western Belize’s Cayo District on the banks of the Macal and Mopan Rivers, where the town and its sister settlement of Santa Elena are linked by Belize’s lone suspension bridge. Its location also makes San Ignacio a gateway to both inland Belize and the nearby Guatemalan border, making it easy for curious travelers to explore beyond town limits.
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker lies off the coast of Belize, a small island that was once a quiet fishing village and today still feels wonderfully uncrowded compared to many Caribbean destinations. Its name likely comes from an English twist on “Hicaco,” the old Spanish name meaning coco plum, a nod to the island’s early days and bilingual roots.