I chase warm water and good food. I also like sleep, shade, and strong Wi-Fi because, you know, emails never stop. These are the places I went, loved, and would send my best friend to—no fluff, just real moments that stuck.
For a longer play-by-play of how I decide which flip-flops to toss in my carry-on, I broke down my exact itinerary in this detailed trip log.
Here’s the thing: I don’t need perfect. I need easy joy. Sand that feels like flour. Mango that drips. A nap where the waves do the talking. Sound good?
Before I jump into the sun-soaked details, I take a quick peek at Popdex to see which destinations are buzzing that week.
Maui, Hawaii — turtles, shave ice, slow mornings
Maui felt kind. I stayed in Kihei and woke up early. The water was glass. I saw a turtle at Maluaka Beach and tried not to squeal.
Curious which Hawaiian island fits your style? I compared options in this Hawaii island showdown after bouncing between them.
I grabbed shave ice from Ululani’s and ate it too fast. My tongue turned blue. Worth it. Renting a car was simple, but parking near the beach gets tight by 10 a.m. Go early, then chill.
Small note: bring reef-safe sunscreen. The coral needs you to care.
Turks and Caicos (Providenciales) — Grace Bay is silly pretty
Grace Bay looks fake in photos. It looks the same in real life. The sand is soft and very pale. The water is clear like a pool.
I walked forever and never hit a rock. Food was great but pricey. Conch fritters from a small truck hit the spot.
If you’re hunting even bolder Caribbean bites, check out the top Jamaican dishes I taste-tested on a recent island hop.
Wi-Fi at my hotel was strong enough for a quick call, which made my manager happy and me slightly less so.
If solid bandwidth inspires you to share more than filtered sunsets—and maybe flirt a little with fellow travelers—you’ll want to browse these spicy “Snap Chaudasse” Snapchat handles for a curated list of active, beach-loving accounts that can turn a routine story post into new friends or a spontaneous happy-hour meet-up.
Sometimes those travel sparks follow you home. If you land in the UK and crave a one-on-one experience that’s as bespoke as your favorite boutique hotel, you can meet a discreet, highly rated TS escort in Chesterfield who lists up-front rates, verified photos, and availability—helpful details that make planning an off-beach adventure just as hassle-free.
Tamarindo & Nosara, Costa Rica — surf vibe and howler monkeys
I thought I’d hate the rain. I didn’t. It’s warm and quick. In the morning, the streets steam, and the air smells sweet.
I took a surf lesson in Tamarindo and stood up once. Pure joy. Nosara felt calmer. We heard howler monkeys at dawn, like funny lion sounds in the trees. Bring bug spray and a light rain jacket. Dry season runs late December to April; roads feel smoother then.
Ambergris Caye, Belize — golf carts and bright reefs
I stayed in San Pedro and got around by golf cart. It’s silly and fun. Hol Chan Marine Reserve was the highlight. I floated over coral and saw nurse sharks and rays. No fear, just a happy rush.
Lunch was fry jacks with beans and eggs. Simple and so good. Cash helped at small spots. Please use reef-safe sunscreen here too. The reef is a living thing—treat it like a neighbor.
San Juan & Vieques, Puerto Rico — easy flight, big flavor
I loved the ease. No passport needed for U.S. folks. I walked Old San Juan on blue cobblestone, ate mofongo, and watched kids kick a soccer ball by the fort.
Then I ferried to Vieques. The Bioluminescent Bay glowed like magic when I moved my hand in the water. I cried a little. Roosters will wake you before sunrise, but the beach nap fixes that.
Uluwatu & Ubud, Bali — cliffs, rice fields, and temple bells
Uluwatu gave me cliffs and a soft breeze. The water was bold blue. In Ubud, I woke to rain on the roof and a gecko clicking. I ate smoothie bowls and walked rice terraces until my calves quit.
Scooters rule the road, but I booked a driver for safety. At temples, I wore a sarong and felt calm. Long flight, yes. But the price once you land? Shockingly friendly.
St. Lucia — the Pitons and a boat day that stuck with me
The twin Pitons are tall and proud. I took a boat from the dock and watched the mountains grow. The water changed from teal to deep blue while I snacked on fresh pineapple.
The roads are winding and a bit slow. I get car sick, so I chose the boat when I could. Honeymoon crowd? Sure. But I went solo and felt welcome.
Tulum, Mexico — cenotes, bikes, and a pinch of noise
I biked the hotel zone in the morning when the road was quiet. I swam in Gran Cenote, cool and clear, with little fish flashing by. Street tacos solved everything after.
Heads up: seaweed rolls in some months, mostly spring and summer. It’s nature being nature. Nights can be loud near clubs. I brought earplugs and slept fine.
Quick picks if you’re short on time
- Easiest trip from the U.S.: Puerto Rico (San Juan + Vieques)
- Best water color: Turks and Caicos (Grace Bay)
- Chill surf starter: Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- Best for reef time: Ambergris Caye, Belize
- Food that hugs you: San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Cliff views for days: Uluwatu, Bali
- Icon shot: St. Lucia’s Pitons at sunset
Little things I pack that save the day
- Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc based)
- Bug spray and a small after-bite stick
- Light rain jacket and a packable hat
- Quick-dry bag for phone and passport
- Cash for street food and tips
- Simple meds: pain reliever, rehydration packets
What I care about most (and what you might too)
- Morning light. I plan one big thing before noon. Heat builds.
- Local food. One fancy meal, lots of small stands. Better stories.
- Sleep. If an area is party-heavy, I stay two streets back.
- Weather swings. Rain can be a friend. It cools the day.
- Respect. Reef, trails, temple rules—treat them with care.
You know what? My top pick changes with my mood. If I need fast and easy, I go Puerto Rico. If I crave blue water that makes me grin, I book Turks and Caicos. For a reset that feels deep, I choose Bali and let the bells do the work.
Got a spot I should try next? I’ll pack my sandals and see for myself.