Just north of Cancun, this seaside resort community is a far cry from the spring-break crowd. Bordered on one side by the Mexican Caribbean and the other by a wetlands wildlife preserve, the vibe in Playa Mujeres is one of laid-back luxury in a natural, untouched landscape. Unlike many other such tranquil places, Playa Mujeres is not a pain to get to. It's an easy ride from Cancun airport.

Isla Mujeres offers a wide variety of tempting options for beach lovers, and is a relative bargain. Snorkel with tropical fish amid coral reefs, skim the blue waters by kayak or boat, or windsurf along the shores of soft, sandy beaches. On land, you can sunbathe, dine on seafood, dance to Latin rhythms, tour on a moped or belly up to the bar for fresh, delicious drinks.

Puerto Morelos, a peaceful village on the Mayan Riviera, is a place to experience the genuine Yucatan. Puerto Morelos makes an excellent base if you’re looking for someplace quieter than glitzy hotspots like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Government eco-reserve designations protect the reef and mangroves—and the village itself—from development. Outdoor options range from thrilling jungle and diving adventures to serene bike rides or moped explorations.

Most visitors to Playa Paraiso stay at one of the five huge Iberostar-branded resorts in town. Judging from the TripAdvisor reviews, everyone from honeymooners to families with kids can have a blast at the properties’ beaches and pools. Two excellent golf courses are also located in town.

Puerto Aventuras mingles tropical beauty with the riches of the sea. Beaches are fantastic, with powdery, white sand, and there's excellent fishing as well. For a fun day, explore the eco-archaeological park Xcaret, or snorkel at Xel-ha, a natural inlet water park. The Mayan ruins at Tulum, only 25 minutes away, are another must-see.

Akumal means "Place of the Turtle" in the Mayan language, and if you snorkel here, you just might see one swimming alongside you. (Don’t touch it, though. That’s prohibited by law.) You’ll definitely see coral and beautiful fish in the clear, sparkling waters. This tourist-friendly little town is about an hour south of Cancun—but it seems light-years away.

Key West has great nightlife—and a perfect cover story for someone who wants to enjoy it. A Hemingway fan simply must toss back a few at their hero’s favourite bar! You’re not reliving Spring Break, you’re immersing yourself in great American literature. Yeah. That’s the ticket.

At the shore in Miami Beach, visitors can swim, surf and jet ski in the warm and crystal-clear Atlantic waters. You can also nap on the white sands, work on a tan or simply watch the beautiful people, especially at South Beach, a favourite of models and celebrities.

Rose Hall is named for its centerpiece The Rose Hall Great House, a purportedly haunted eighteenth-century plantation home.  For those tempted by Jamaican folklore, The Rose Hall Great House offers an eerie and memorable night tour by candlelight.  For those seeking outdoor pleasures, the surrounding area delivers with its astounding Montego Bay Marine Park, as well as rafting on the Martha Brae River, a truly romantic experience. 

The great outdoors is likely to feature prominently in any holiday to Fort Walton Beach. There are two public golf courses in Fort Walton Beach, The Oaks and The Pines, while championship courses such as the one at Regatta Bay are within easy reach. Sea anglers have the opportunity for some fine shore or boat fishing, hunting down the big game fish which populate the waters off the Florida coast. The more adventurous may wish to go surfing - or even take instruction and perform a parachute jump!

Sitting at the point where the Sierra Laguna mountains meet the desert and the Pacific, Todos Santos is a piece of Baja you don’t want to miss. But get here soon—Todos Santos is transitioning from a quiet, dusty Mexican seaside secret into the bustling hermanito of Cabo San Lucas, so you'll want to visit before the crowds are permanent.

Located about 25 miles from the mainland and accessible via air or ferry, Venezuela's mountainous Margarita Island provides Caribbean-style beaches and access to windsurfing, golf, horseback riding and scuba with a laid-back South American vibe. It's comprised of two islands connected in the middle by the mangrove-filled lagoon of La Restinga National Park. Most development falls on the isle's eastern side around busy Porlamar, the capital La Asunción and colonial Pampatar, founded in 1535.