When you think of a tropical vacation, what usually comes to mind are the stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, lush green forests, palm trees and warm golden sunshine. But the truth is, each tropical country is unique in its own way and offers you something to remember it by. With the winter season in full swing, these sunny destinations are the perfect places to escape the cool weather, unwind yourself and relax to the warm sunshine, cool beaches and charming hospitality of the local people. While some places amaze you with their natural beauty, others attract you with their historic importance and cultural heritage. Then there are other spots that beckon you to spend your time enjoying the sun and relaxing. Here is a list of the ten topmost tropical vacation spots that would take your breath away:

Dominican Republic

• Dominican Republic: This is one of the most favored places of people who would like to travel on a budget. Rich in history and culture, the place is blessed with an abundance of beautiful beaches, steamy jungles, mangroves, lush green mountains, deserts, coral reefs and great-value resorts. Santo Domingo, the capital of Dominican Republic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with beautiful colonial architecture and a great history. Dominican Republic also offers plenty of activities for the adventurous lot. You can bike through the pine forests along alpine trails, climb the highest peaks in the Caribbean, raft the waters of the Río Yaque del Norte and hike through the steamy jungle to see the waterfalls. However, if you just want to sit in the beach basking in the sunlight, swim, dive, surf, and snorkel, the place offers find plenty of opportunities to do that, too.

 

St. Barts, The Caribbean

• St. Barts, The Caribbean: If you are into lovely beaches and private villas, then this is the place for you. The only problem is that all of these comes with a heavy price tag. With so many movie stars and big shots visiting the place frequently, the cost of accommodation and food is high when compared to other destinations. However, in return to the cash you pay, you will get to experience the beautiful beaches with the green hills backdrop, top-class shopping and dining, and a cultural enlightenment that you can’t find in many other tropical destinations. The popular activities in St. Barts include diving, snorkeling, kayaking, kite-surfing, fishing, surfing, and sailing.

 

The Abacos, The Bahamas

• The Abacos, The Bahamas: The beautiful Abacos, in the Bahamas, located almost 300 kilometers east of Florida, is one of the best tropical tourist destinations, where you can enjoy the secluded beaches bordered with pines, calm waters, thriving coral reefs, warm breeze and the stunning panoramic beauty. The Abacos islands, also known as the Family Islands or Out Islands is a great place for boating and sailing. The main attractions here include cute Elbow Cay, with its red-and-white-striped 125 foot-tall lighthouse; Green Turtle Cay, with its beaches and resorts; and Treasure Cay, with its beautiful beaches and turquoise water. The main fun activities of visitors here include relaxing, fishing, diving, and snorkeling.

 

Ambergris Caye, Belize

• Ambergris Caye, Belize: Located at the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, Ambergris Caye in Belize is the largest of its 200 cayes and forms one of the top tourist destinations. For those who want to explore the underwater world, there is the magnificent Hol Chan Marine Reserve that offers plenty of diving and snorkeling fun. This is part of the Belize Barrier Reef system, the second largest barrier reef in the world. Divers have the opportunity to come face to face with stingrays and nurse sharks in Shark Ray Alley, which is a another popular attraction. The Northern part of the island is very near to Mexico, because of which you see a strong Mexican influence in these areas.

 

Ambergris Caye, Belize

• Bora Bora, Tahiti: Bora Bora, the exuberant and strikingly beautiful island in French Polynesia is truly a tropical paradise worth visiting. With lush coconut palms lining the beaches and crystal-clear waters, the natural beauty of the place cannot be described in words. Bora Bora is also a culturally rich place that offers plenty of things to see and do around. Water sports, kayaking, hiking and shark dives are some of the adventurous activities you can do here. Bora Bora is also ranked as a top honeymoon destination and the perfect tropical vacation spot.

 

The Mamanuca Islands

• The Mamanuca Islands, Fiji: The Mamanuca Islands in Fiji is a picture-perfect group of about 20 islands, located just a short boat ride from the town of Nadi. Well-known for their awesome palm-lined beaches, flourishing coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, these islands have been the location for many Hollywood movies. The place offers many backpacker resorts, family-friendly hotels and luxury resorts for accommodation. Some of the most popular resorts include Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Vomo Island Resort, Matamanoa Island Resort, Tavarua Island Resort, Mana Island Resort, Malolo Island Resort, and Castaway Island. Cloudbreak, one of the best surf breaks lies just a mile away from Tavarua Island Resort.

 

Riviera Maya, Mexico

• Riviera Maya, Mexico: If you want to experience some stunning beaches, amazing culture, and delectable cuisine, the Riviera Maya (Mayan Riviera) in Mexico is the perfect choice. Located at the tip of the Yucatán peninsula, along the Caribbean coast, the Riviera Maya offers some of the best resorts, yoga retreats and boutique hotels. The beaches have clear, warm water, where you can enjoy activities like fishing, diving, snorkeling and swimming with stingrays and dolphins. Another popular attraction just a few hours away from the resorts, is the ancient ruins of Tulum, set above the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

 

Maldives

• Maldives: Located in the Indian Ocean and composed of 26 ring shaped atols, the tropical nation of  is well-known for its beautiful beaches, extensive coral reefs and blue lagoons. If you prefer to spend your vacation in a tropical island with white sand, crystal-clear blue waters and luxurious resorts, then Maldives is the place to be. With over 1,190 islands, Maldives offers its visitors plenty of area to explore. However, despite the many number of options, most visitors prefer to head out to the palatial resort island of their choice. Diving, snorkeling, surfing, big-game fishing and swimming with whale sharks and manta rays are the most popular activities that attract tourists to Maldives.

 

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

• Aitutaki, Cook Islands: Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, is a dream destination for many tourists, as it is a natural paradise blessed with lush mountains, glorious beaches lined with palms, sparkling white sand, crystal clear waters and a luminous aqua lagoon. The main activities in Aitutaki are mainly water based such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, diving, fishing, and whale and turtle watching. One of the most stunning places in the South Pacific Ocean, exploring Aitutaki will definitely be a memorable experience.

 

Kauaʻi, Hawaii

• Kauaʻi, Hawaii : Also known as the Garden Isle, Kauaʻi in Hawaii is a tropical paradise blessed with waterfalls, lush rain forests, waterfalls, tropical gardens, fantastic surf breaks and beautiful green coastal peaks. Despite its laid-back ambiance and simplicity, this stunning place offers an endless list of things to do. Kauai experiences many micro-climates, although it is popular for being one of the rainiest places on earth. The fantastic beaches, Hanalei Bay, Nāpali Coast, and Waimea Canyon are some of the places to visit in Kauaʻi. If you plan to explore the underwater world, you’ll be amazed by the colorful coral reefs, where tropical fishes and turtles can be seen swimming.

 

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