The smaller half of Trinidad and Tobago, the 116-square mile island is a top eco-tourism destination. Its rainforest has been protected since 1776. Kayak through mangrove swamps, mountain bike testing trails in the island's northeast, drift dive with manta rays and sharks, hike the Rainforest Reserve or take in the distinctive Tobago pursuits of goat and crab racing. Cars, taxis and "maxi taxi" minibuses make it easy to get around the island. Carnival sees this exuberant island at its most extroverted.

This tiny twin island republic offers an enticing mix of cultural activities and eco-adventure. Located just off the tip of Venezuela, lively Trinidad, the larger of the two, boasts energetic nightlife in its modern capital, Port-of- Spain. Driving on the North Coast Road reveals lush forest and breathtaking views. Tobago, two hours away by fast ferry, is comparatively serene. Azure seas contrast with pale pink sands and golden sunsets. Protected rainforest and stunning coral reefs complete this paradise.

Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, has the tall buildings, neon lights and crowded streets of many cities, plus a multicultural Caribbean character and a home-grown calypso soundtrack. The best-known event is the flamboyant pre-Lenten Carnival. Among the city's other offerings are cricket and football matches, year-round festivals, a botanic garden, malls, an art and history museum and historic buildings. Entertainment options abound, but be cautious after dark.

Looking for a Caribbean cultural melting pot renowned for its Carnival and pulsating to the beat of steel drums, soca music, and calypso? Trinidad is also lined with relaxing beaches and rainforest waterfalls. Nature watching is colorfully kaleidoscopic, with over 450 bird, 600 butterfly, and 700 orchid species. Golf, hiking, mountain biking, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and boating are among the outdoor pastimes. Cool off with fresh cane juice and sea moss milkshakes. Vegetarian food is plentiful. Eat curries and explore India’s influence at Maha Sabha Indian Caribbean Museum and the Waterloo Temple over the sea. Visit Port of Spain, and stroll and jog in Queen’s Park Savannah, near the Botanical Gardens, Emperor Valley Zoo, and Magnificent Seven buildings. The Savannah attracts truckloads of fresh coconuts, and doubles men sell coveted aloo pies. Walk around Independence Square and the Brian Lara Promenade. The Central Bank Money Museum in downtown’s financial district displays doubloons, gold bars, and Slave Savings Bank memorabilia. View Columbus Square’s 1836 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Parliament meets in Woodford Square’s Red House. King’s Wharf is where cruise ships and Tobago ferries dock. The Venezuela ferry docks at Williams Bay. Near the Chaguaramas Military History and Aerospace Museum is a marina with yachts, sailboats, dry docks, and boat hires. The South Quay’s Fort San Andreas, built by Spain in the 1700s, has a small Port of Spain history museum branch of the National Museum and Art Gallery of Trinidad and Tobago.

Crystal clear waters beckon from the south part of this tranquil Caribbean islet, a hundred miles south of Havana and known for its17 miles of stunning white sand beaches, mangrove forests and scuba diving to the black coral reef. The largest of the 300 keys and islets in Los Canarreos Archipelago, waters in the north are much cloudier. Cayo Largo also offers excellent deep sea fishing. Rent a jeep to explore the islet’s few roads and paths or trot across coral sand beaches on horseback.

Boasting two of the nation's best beaches, Saint Petersburg has stunning sands, perfect whether you choose to soak up sun at Fort De Soto; swim, shell, fish or snorkel on Caladesi Island; or enjoy Clearwater's Pier 60 and unbeatable sunsets. Busch Gardens, Adventure Island and eight aquariums and zoos are nearby.

Costa Teguise in the Canary Islands doesn’t have a long history behind it—the resort area was developed as a tourist area in the 1980s. The sandy beaches are the town’s main attraction, but for a change of pace, visit the Fundacion Cesar Manrique, where you can see Manrique’s artwork and learn about this world-renowned local artist.