Maupiti is a small island in the Leeward Islands of French Polynesia, surrounded by a shallow lagoon and a barrier reef in the South Pacific. The main island is dominated by a steep central mountain ridge, while several low motu form a ring around the lagoon. Unlike larger neighboring islands, Maupiti has limited development and a predominantly rural character.
Nuevo Vallarta, located along the Bahía de Banderas in the state of Nayarit, is a coastal destination known for its wide, sandy beaches and marina-lined canals. Originally developed as a tourism project in the late 20th century, it has grown into a well-organized resort area with luxury hotels, golf courses, and waterfront condos. Unlike older beach towns with colonial roots, Nuevo Vallarta was designed from the start to offer modern comfort while being surrounded by natural landscapes.
The waters and shores around Palmer Island support characteristic Antarctic wildlife. Penguins, seals, and seabirds inhabit the wider archipelago, while whales may pass through the channels during periods when sea ice permits access. The surrounding landscape features steep mountain faces, glaciers, rocky islands, and narrow passages that create constantly changing views from the water.
St. Lucia is an island of verdant landscapes in every direction: A dense rain forest rises up and covers The Pitons' twin peaks, and in the valleys, the sun's rays dance upon the large yellow-green leaves of banana plants. Beyond all the greenery, you'll find isolated coves, stunning beaches, colonial towns, quiet fishing villages and first-class yachting facilities.
Plan to spend at least a full day in downtown Gatlinburg exploring the hundreds of gift and craft shops, and dozens of family entertainment attractions such as the "Sweet Fanny Adams" Theater and Elwood Smooch's Hillbilly Hoedown. For a totally different experience, ride the world's larges tramway to Ober Gatlinburg featuring year round skking, ice skating, and ski lift rides...
The largest Pacific seaport in Guatemala, Puerto Quetzal is also the gateway to Antigua, a well-preserved colonial city.
Other Popular Destinations in Guatemala
Antigua
Antigua is a city shaped by centuries of artistry, tradition, and natural forces. Set in a highland valley and surrounded by volcanoes, its streets are lined with colorful buildings, hidden courtyards, and open-air plazas. The Santa Catalina Arch is one of Antigua’s most recognizable features, originally built as a passage between two sections of a convent. Today, it frames a dramatic view of Volcán de Agua and is a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors.
Tikal National Park
Tikal is one of the most extraordinary ancient cities in Guatemala, hidden deep in the Petén region’s tropical forests. Once called Yax Mutal by its Maya builders, these ruins reveal thousands of years of history in carved stone stelae and towering limestone structures, some of which rise more than 60 meters above the jungle floor. Today, visitors can walk among the Great Plaza and gaze up at the Temple of the Great Jaguar and the Temple of the Masks, reminders of the city’s long legacy.