Sandy beaches, shimmering crystal blue water, the sound of palm trees rustling in the wind… It doesn't get any better than that, right? Add an ice-cold mojito to the mix, then you’re probably never going to leave. The thing with a tropical vacation is, it simply cannot fail!
Whether you’re the active type who likes to go and hunt for waterfalls, or the lazy lizard who likes lying on the beach or getting a massage, even if you bring the kids along, there are activities for everyone. A tropical vacation fits the bill for every member of the family.
But, now the headache begins of where exactly you should go for that perfect experience? Which tropical destination has it all and will provide you with the ultimate vacation, the best weather, and the most beautiful beaches? Not to worry! Here’s a list of the best tropical locations to go to when it’s time to find a place with more sunlight.
Vilanculos - Mozambique
Whether you’re planning on going on an ultimate luxury vacation, or would rather live like a local, this tropical destination on the coast of Mozambique has it all. Bleached white beaches, the bluest water you’ve ever seen, and low tides that allow you to walk for miles into the ocean from one tiny island to another, this picturesque location is one of the hidden gems of the world. Activities can include swimming bareback on a beautiful horse in the ocean, chartering the crystal clear waters on a catamaran, swimming with dolphins, and much more.
Vilanculos also boasts an abundance of delicious seafood that’s caught and cooked right in front of you, so imagine feasting on a beautiful steak of tuna that was still swimming in the ocean 20 minutes ago! Not to mention that when low tide sets in, you can go island walking and explore all that they have to offer. One of the most memorable experiences you can have in Vilanculos is spotting a Dugong (locally known as the mermaids of Mozambique) which are sea cows but look more like a mix between a dolphin and a seal.
Bora Bora - French Polynesia
When it comes to living like a king and queen, this is definitely a destination to consider. Known for being a celebrity-favorite for vacations, this small south-pacific island in French Polynesia will knock your socks off and plunge you straight into a state of bliss.
One of the pricier tropical destinations to visit, Champion Traveler estimates the average cost of a 7-day trip to Bora Bora would total about $10 721 for a family of 4. Activities available at this ideal location include scenic helicopter tours over the island, snorkeling in the protected coral reef, whale watching, and kitesurfing. After a long, fun-filled day out and about, relax and enjoy a dinner on the beach while being served with the tastiest meals.
Oahu - Hawaii
One of the more common picks when it comes to choosing a tropical holiday destination, but still breathtaking in its own right, Hawaii stands firm as one of the must-see tropical locations if you haven’t been. When it comes to picking one of the six major islands of Hawaii to spend a vacation on, Oahu should certainly be the one to consider. Known as being the most beautiful of all the islands, with jaw-dropping mountain ranges and three of the best beaches in Hawaii, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any flaws in this spectacular destination. According to U.S. News, the best times of the year to visit Oahu are from mid-April to early June, or from September and mid-December.
Seychelles - East Africa
Home to vibrant and lively coral reefs, beautiful beaches, and even better weather, Seychelles will provide a unique and unforgettable experience. Known as a luxury island holiday destination, this small island off the coast of East Africa also boasts one of the top 10 beaches in the entire world. Some of the most popular activities in Seychelles include snorkeling along the coral reefs, taking a boat trip around the 115-island country, and visiting the authentic markets this paradise has to offer. Keep in mind, Seychelles is known for being one of the most expensive holiday destinations in the world.
St. Barts - French Caribbean
Ranked as #6 in Best Caribbean Honeymoons, this exclusive holiday destination does not disappoint when it comes to the wow-factor. Tucked away in the French Caribbean, St. Barts hosts 14 manicured beaches and a variety of activities to choose from - like strolling along with the neat little markets, jet skiing, and fun hiking trails. You can either go super fancy or B&B when it comes to accommodation.
Hotels like the 5-star hotel Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France or the Hotel Christoper are great options to consider when planning your tropical vacation. Do you like good food?
Well, then you’ve come to the right place. Dig into some lavish cuisine, whether at a fine dining restaurant or a more local setting. The best time of the year to visit this unforgettable location is from April to June, it’s also the less expensive window to go and have a look at what the fuss is all about.
Bali - Indonesia
Have the time of your life in Bali. From trekking the mountain ranges to exploring all the water activities like snorkeling, white water rafting, jet skis, canoeing, and much more, Bali has it all. This one of a kind destination is also deeply spiritual and is steadfast in its culture and traditions, so why not wander off the beaten track and discover a whole new part of yourself you never knew existed?
Bali’s history traces back to the Stone Age, but the culture as we know it today flourished in the Empire of the Majapahit that ruled from 1293 to 1590 AD. According to tradition, the family is of utmost importance to the Balinese people, who treat kids like royalty. So be sure that when visiting their beautiful home, yours will be in the best hands! This will also ensure that wherever you are on the beautiful island, there will be fun-filled activities for the entire family to enjoy and remember forever.
The Islands of the Bahamas
The pinnacle of a tropical destination. Made up of 12 exquisite islands, each offering its own unique experience and activities, The islands of the Bahamas are a no-brainer if you're looking for a tropical getaway. Imagine sitting on a pristine beach, surrounded by more than 10 000 square miles of the clearest water in the world, sipping away at an ice-cold pina colada - it doesn’t get any better than that, right?
Here you will find not only the best accommodation options to choose from but also a wide variety of fun-filled activities for the whole family. One of the must-see tourist attractions, located in Exuma, is Pig Island. This stretch of land has virtually no inhabitants except for a large colony of untamed pigs who are just waiting to take a dip with you in the warm waters and maybe even pose for a selfie or two.
Be sure to also take a trip to Captain Bill’s Blue hole in Andros, the largest island of the 12. There you will find a phenomenal natural pool of water surrounded by acres of nature and palm trees. A deck hanging over the water’s edge awaits you to jump right in and have the time of your life.
There are many things to consider when planning a trip away to a tropical paradise - where to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get the most out of everything the island has to offer. Take your time when planning, and be sure to read up on the island’s history, traditions as well as customs to familiarize yourself a bit more and be well prepared.
If you want to go the extra mile, try acquainting yourself with the island’s native language by learning a few useful phrases that will help ease the trip along while you're there. Locals, while friendly most of the time, tend to be a lot more helpful when they can see you're showing them some respect by communicating with them in their native language.
Also, make sure to have everything ready on your side at least a few weeks before you leave for your vacation. Make copies of important documents, have some proper travel insurance to cover you if something unexpected may occur.
Also, have a chat with your bank in connection with where you’re going to have everything ready on the financial side of things. But, most of all, enjoy every moment of it. Planning your trip is an exciting part of the whole adventure. And if you’re considering going to any of the above-listed destinations, you best believe you’re going to remember that vacation for the rest of your life!
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