There are so many beautiful places to see when it comes to going on a tropical vacation it is hard to know where even to start. You may be asking yourself, “Aren’t they all the same? Don’t they offer the same perks and amenities?” Well, we are here to tell you each tropical destination is unique in its own way, and they all have different things to offer visitors. So, where should you go? What should you see? We have a few tropical destination ideas to throw your way so that you can add them to your bucket list!
Hawaii
Ahhhh, Hawaii, one of the most iconic states in the U.S. When visiting Hawaii, you will not only be impressed by the beauty of the islands but you will be instantly immersed in their culture and traditions. Making this a scenic destination but also one that will educate and inform you. From the pineapple fields and the natural and man-made historical sites to the active volcanoes and the jaw-dropping beaches, you will be taken aback by the islands’ natural beauty every second you spend there. Plus, if you can’t decide which island to spend time on, don’t be afraid to island-hop to see as much as you can!
St. Lucia
Alright, let’s be honest if you haven’t been to St. Lucia, you are truly missing out. The black sand beaches, the volcanoes, the adventures through the rainforest, and whale watching are all things that will get you to the island, but the St. Lucia resorts are going to make you wish you could stay forever! Their all-inclusive resorts are top-notch and made to hit every price point. Though there is so much to do on the island, we have a feeling you are going to have a hard time leaving your resort. We suggest booking a few adventures in advance, that way you have a plan before arriving. If not, you may end up spending all your time at the beautiful resort pool (which also isn’t a bad way to spend your vacation).
Bali
Bali is a beautiful island paradise that offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. From exploring ancient temples to lounging on pristine beaches, there is something for everyone here.
One of the most popular things to do in Bali is to visit the iconic Tanah Lot temple. This ancient temple is perched on a rocky outcrop in the sea and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline. Visitors can watch the sunset over the temple while enjoying a traditional Balinese dance performance.
Another must-see attraction in Bali is the Ubud Monkey Forest. This lush jungle sanctuary is home to over 600 Balinese long-tailed macaques and is a great place to experience the natural beauty of the island.
For those who love water sports, Bali has plenty to offer. Surfing is particularly popular here, with some of the best waves in the world. Visitors can also go snorkelling or scuba diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Bali is known for its luxury spas and wellness retreats. Visitors can indulge in a traditional Balinese massage or try a range of holistic therapies to relax and rejuvenate.
The Bahamas
Flying down to The Bahamas means you are in for a real treat! No matter which island it is that you are heading to, you are bound to have a tropical adventure that will provide you with memories to last a lifetime. Some of the highlights you can experience are visiting Atlantis, swimming with pigs, going on historical walking tours to learn about the different islands, trying out some rum or rum cake, gambling, swimming with dolphins, going golfing, feeding local iguanas, going deep sea fishing, observing lighthouses, and eating all the best local cuisine. The Bahamas are a great tropical destination for people who love doing it all because they have so much to offer.
Florida
One of the most underrated and affordable tropical locations is Florida if you live in the United States! The state has so much to see and do, you can go to any region and have a great tropical vacation. You can head to the eastern coast and experience the Atlantic Ocean, or you can head to the west coast and make some memories along the Gulf of Mexico. And if you are hoping to stay inland, you can head to Lake Okeechobee to see the wildlife and go on an airboat tour. You can sail through the sunny Everglades, giving this tropical destination a fun spin!
São Tomé and Principe
There are plenty of things to do São Tomé and Príncipe. Despite its size, the country offers unexpected opportunities for fun-filled adventures. These include canoeing through secret mangrove rivers and discovering abandoned cocoa plantations. You can also indulge in secluded beach picnics and snorkelling in isolated bays from boat trips. Day trips in São Tomé and Príncipe allow you to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings without any distractions.
Mexico
There are plenty of cultural tours in Mexico. The Yucatan Peninsula is located in southeastern Mexico. Half along the Caribbean Sea and half bordering the Gulf of Mexico.
Spend a day at one of its beaches, such as Playa Progreso, one of the closest to the city of Mérida; in Telchac you will find the Museo del Mar (Museum of the Sea), Sisal will impress you with its white sand and spectacular views. Tantalise your tastebuds with the traditional Yucatan food dishes.
Explore the Mayan world, from the Mayan cenotes (natural pools) to the archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá, considered one of the World’s New Wonders.
Cancun is the ideal destination for beach-lovers looking for the ultimate city getaway. With breathtakingly pristine beaches, you can enjoy sunbathing, partying, and dining on the shoreline like never before.
Oaxaca is located in southwestern Mexico. It is a great fusion of Mexico and European influences. It is surrounded by towns full of handmade crafts and has a rich assortment of artisanal culture and heritage. You’ll find beautiful scenery, lively festivals, historic sites and peaceful nature areas. Puerto Escondido is a port town in the state of Oaxaca. It’s known for its many beaches and buzzing nightlife. The town’s central Principal Beach is lined with palm trees and thatch-roofed bars. Busy Zicatela Beach is renowned for its Mexican Pipeline surf break. La Punta Beach has smaller waves. Carrizalillo Beach is set in a cove backed by steep cliffs.
Ready to pack?
Hopefully, now you are feeling inspired to travel to a tropical destination! No matter which location you choose, we hope you have a great time! Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, comfortable sandals, and some sunscreen! Know that you won’t need much else because you will most likely spend all your time in the water in all these beautiful locations. Plus, you will be happy with your nearly empty suitcase, which means you can bring back souvenirs for yourself and your family! Have safe travels, and enjoy!
This is a guest post. Alycia Coloma is a mother to four beautiful girls and loves to craft DIY projects in her spare time. She enjoys finding new ways to work with tight budgets and spreading her knowledge to parents everywhere. Alycia is a staunch advocate of continuing education and believes that insatiable hunger for knowledge is the key to better finances, a warm family, and fulfilling life as a whole. She’s also a kitchen connoisseur on the side and has been known to whip up some mean empanadas.