America's 10 Best Winter Beach Retreats

White sand and warm waters are closer than you think. When winter's chill sets in, escape to one of these laid-back, sun-drenched spots—no passport needed. 

  

 

 

Rincón, Puerto Rico

Average highs of 84/83 in December/January
(Average water temperatures of 80/77)

In the midst of winter, nothing seems cheerier than the idea of Puerto Rico, where temperatures rarely dip below the 83-degree mark. For years, this peninsula on the island's west coast has been the surfing community's best-kept secret. Despite a recent rise in popularity, Rincón still has the low-key feel of a small town. The pro surfers head for the beaches on the north section of the peninsula, where the waves can reach up to 25 feet, but newbies tend to stick to the smaller swells on the south side. Puntas Surf School offers lessons from $35, and the owners will have you standing on your board by the end of the session. If you'd rather leave the waves more-experienced to the surfers, try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. Or simply set up with an umbrella on the warm white sand on one of the area's 12 beaches, especially the centrally located, uncrowded Spanish Wall Beach, just north of the Rincón lighthouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kauai, Hawaii

Average highs of 78/78 in December/January
(Average water temperatures of 77/76)

Kauai has managed to stay a little more under the radar than other Hawaiian islands, and that's what makes it so appealing. Hanalei, on the North Shore, is as close to magical as a town can get—lush green mountains, fields of taro, and rainbows every day. The horseshoe-shaped, secluded Hanalei Bay is the best beach for swimming and lounging on the golden sand, but if you want to get out on the water, sign up for one of the four-hour motor-powered raft trips with Na Pali Riders. You'll explore sea caves, go snorkeling, and almost definitely spot dolphins. Afterward, dry off with a hike along the Hanakapi'ai Trail, which follows the stunningly beautiful Na Pali Coast to Hanakapiai Beach and back, about four miles altogether.

In Kauai, Hawaii, winter temperatures remain in the high 70s. The horseshoe-shaped, secluded Hanalei Bay is the best beach for swimming and lounging on the golden sand.

Courtesy Hanalei Inn

Long Key, Fla.

Average highs of 77/75 in December/January
(Average water temperatures of 73/70)

Smack in the middle of the Florida Keys, you'll find tiny Long Key, just over two miles long from end to end. Long Key offers an escape from touristy Key Largo, 40 minutes to the north. The isolated island is made up almost entirely of Long Key State Park, where the one-mile beach is perfect for tent camping; there are 60 fully equipped campsites to choose from. Or opt to stay in a more traditional resort nearby and visit the park to paddle a canoe through a series of lagoons and hike along trails. If the urge to explore strikes you, hop on the scenic Overseas Highway and drive over the bridges to Islamorada, to the north, or Marathon, to the south. But watch out—after a day or two on Long Key, anywhere else will feel overpopulated.

Smack in the middle of the Florida Keys, you'll find tiny Long Key, just over two miles long from end to end. The isolated island is made up almost entirely of Long Key State Park, where the one-mile beach is perfect for tent camping.

A. Johnson

St. Petersburg, Fla.

Average highs of 71/69 in December/January
(Average water temperatures of 64/62)

Not so long ago, St. Pete's was considered the land of the silver-haired, but in the past few years, an influx of trendy restaurants, coffeehouses, and galleries—and the young people who tend to follow those things—has revived the sleepy spot. Downtown is particularly hopping, with Kahwa Coffee's roasting plant and a hip espresso bar at its heart. And St. Pete Beach, with its white sand and turquoise waters, stretches along the Gulf of Mexico for five sun-kissed miles. The warm Gulf is a popular hangout for dolphins—spot one from a three-person WaveRunner, a Hobie sailboat, or a kayak from St. Pete Beach Waverunners.

Clearwater Beach, near St. Petersburg, Fla. The warm Gulf waters are a popular hangout for dolphins—spot one from a three-person WaveRunner, a Hobie sailboat, or a kayak.

Katya Kreder/age fotostock

Laguna Beach, Calif.

Average highs of 67/69 in December/January
(Average water temperatures of 58/57)

Done the right way, this SoCal beach town (made famous by a reality show of the same name) can be incredibly down to earth. After all, some of its first citizens were not glamorous teen-agers or housewives but early 20th-century struggling artists such as William Wendt and Lolita Perine.The arts still play a big role here, thanks to the Laguna Art Museum, galleries along the waterfront, and the Laguna Playhouse. Still, the seven miles of classic California coastline are the big draw. Beaches fill up during the summer, but in the winter months they're blissfully crowd-free—especially 1,000 Steps Beach, just off 9th Street (don't let the name scare you; there are actually only 230-something steps leading down to the beach). The waves are perfect for boogie boarding, and the views—golden cliffs and multimillion-dollar houses, some with elevators—are pure southern California.

Done the right way, Laguna Beach (made famous by a reality show of the same name) can be incredibly down-to-earth. Beaches fill up during the summer, but in the winter months they're blissfully crowd-free.

Courtesy Laguna Beach Visitors Bureau

Grand Isle, La.

Average highs of 67/63 in December/January
(Average water temperatures of 65/61)

In the winter, the population of this barrier island off Louisiana's Gulf Coast shrinks back down to its 1,600 permanent residents from its summer high of 14,000. But temperatures remain warm enough to sunbathe, and you can do so without the crowds. Anglers adore this island thanks to the more than 280 species of fish in the surrounding waters, and many flock to Grand Isle State Park to fish in its calm waters. Those not obsessed with reeling in The Big One head to the beaches. Although the 2010 oil spill closed all beaches on the seven-mile-long island this summer, a three-mile stretch of golden sand recently reopened in August, with a full rollout coming soon, after an intensive cleanup effort.

Anglers adore Grand Isle, La., thanks to the more than 280 species of fish in the surrounding waters, and many flock to Grand Isle State Park to fish in its calm waters.

Matthew White

San Diego

Average highs of 66/66 in December/January
(Average water temperatures of 59/58)

San Diego is a small town with big ambitions: The revitalized Gaslamp Quarter, with its shops and restaurants, feels urban, but the crashing waves of the Pacific nearby create a vibe that's your quintessential classic American beach village. However, the best way to experience it all is to hit the boardwalk. At Pacific Beach, known for its wide stretches of sand and perfect surfing waves, rent a beach cruiser from Cheap Rentals and ride the three-and-a-half-mile stretch to South Mission Beach, passing all manner of local characters along the way: scantily clad in-line skaters, vacationing families, throwback '60s hippies, and even the random guy on a unicycle who always seems to make an appearance.

With its modern, glass-box look and hip indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar, Tower23 Hotel on Pacific Beach is a welcome departure from the outdated beach shacks that dot San Diego.

Courtesy Tower23 Hotel

St. Simons Island, Ga.

Average highs of 62/62 in December/January
(Average water temperatures of 54/51)

One of four islands that make up Georgia's Golden Isles (a collection of barrier islands just off the southeastern coast), St. Simons is known for its centuries-old moss-draped oak trees, historical landmarks, white-sand beaches, and 99 holes of golf. Cars are allowed on the island, but the leisurely pace of life here will make you want to stay away from anything with a motor. Instead, rent a beach-cruiser bike from Ocean Motion Surf Co. and pedal your way past King and Prince Beach, plantations, the lighthouse, and Christ Church, originally built in 1820. The ride covers about 14 miles, and there are plenty of stops to admire the scenery, so allow at least a half day.

One of four islands that make up Georgia's Golden Isles (a collection of barrier islands just off the southeastern coast), St. Simons Island is known for its historical landmarks, white-sand beaches, and 99 holes of golf.

Courtesy Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia

Orange Beach, Ala.

Average highs of 62/60 in December/January
(Average water temperatures of 56/51)

Most people don't automatically associate the phrase "beach retreat" with Alabama—but don't tell a local that. Alabamians are adamant that their Gulf Coast beaches are among the most beautiful in the country. The sand is 95 percent quartz, meaning it's snow-white and sparkles in the sun, and the waters are as blue as any you'll find in Florida. Nine-mile Orange Beach has everything you need—warm water, lots of room to spread out your beach blanket, and restaurants just off the sand. Dolphins love the waters around here so much that Dolphin Cruises Aboard the Cold Mil Fleet guarantees sightings.

Nine-mile Orange Beach, Ala., has everything you need—lots of room to spread out your beach blanket, warm waters as blue as any you'll find in Florida, and snow-white sand that's 95 percent quartz.

Courtesy Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Galveston, Tx.

Average highs of 60/59 in December/January
(Average water temperatures of 59/54)

In this South Texas hotspot, savvy travelers skip crowded East Beach (which gets overrun in March with spring breakers) and head to the more secluded West Beach or Galveston Island State Park. Both have wide expanses of sand that are perfect for trolling for shells or soaking up some sun. Once you're out of the water, the historic Strand district, along Strand Street between 25th and 11th, is worth a stop. Buildings from the 1800s have been restored recently and now house restaurants, antiques stores, and many galleries full of fine art and photography. The town's other big attraction is the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Indoor Waterpark, which attracts families with its water chutes, speed slides, wave pool, and, for the adults, enormous 30,000-person hot tub with a swim-up bar.

Pier 61 in Galveston, Tex., where winter temperatures hover in the low 60s and savvy travelers head to secluded West Beach to troll for shells or soak up some sun.

Matthew Wakem/Aurora Photos

Top 10 Best Scuba Diving Paradises

If hours under the water watching wild and abundant marine life is your type of thing, dive into this list and see some on the world’s most spectacular dive destinations. Probably you have already visited one or even a few of those locations but I bet there’s at least one place you haven’t yet explored.

1. Australia

Cairns, Australia. 

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia, is the largest coral reef system in the world, stretching for 2,600 km (1,600 miles) along the Queensland coast. It is the only living object on earth that can be seen from space.  It comprises around 2,900 reefs and 900 islands. The reef offers hundreds of spots perfect for beginners and advanced divers.

Dive platform, Great Barrier Reef. 

The spectacular collections of the underwater world include coral gardens composed of 400 different types of corals as well as coral sponges, rays, dolphins, over 1500 species of fish, around 200 types of birds, as well as sea turtles and giant clams. Add to it humpback whales and a few endangered species such as the Dugong (Sea Cow) and large Green Sea Turtle and you will know why the Great Barrier Reef is a must for every diver.  For more info check out www.greatbarrierreef.org which provides information about coastal towns, islands, accommodation and diving activities.

2. Mexico

Devil's throat, Cozumel. 

Not without reason the Island of Cozumel, off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, is called the Paradise Reef. It is actually a series of separate reefs with 19 popular diving areas. The island’s waters are full of crabs, lobsters and multicoloured fish.  You may also be lucky to spot "Splendid Toad Fish" reputed to live nowhere in the world other than Cozumel. The island is also excellent for night diving – reserved for more experienced divers.

Apart from underwater attraction Cozumel’s main town, San Miguel, offers a variety of affordable accommodation, great dive shopping and bustling nightlife. Find out more on www.diveparadise.com

3. Utila

Utila. 

If you search for an unspoiled dive spot, head for Utila. The smallest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, just 11 km (6.8 miles) long and 4 km (2.4 miles) at its widest, is surrounded by pristine crystal waters. It sits on top of the second largest fringing coral reef in the world. Empty beaches and waters, 60 different scuba diving sites with caves and numerous wrecks (such as the famous Halliburton) and an encounter with harmless whale shark - all come in a package. www.aboututila.com

4. Indonesia

Abundant marine life in Indonesia.

17,000 islands, 80,000 km (49,000 miles) of coastline, 3,000 fish species, 600 types of corals. That’s what Indonesia has to offer for divers of all levels of diving abilities. It is the world’s largest archipelago containing up to 15% of world’s coral reef. With such popular spots as top-notch Bali, tropical Komodo Islands, deep waters of the Bunaken Island National Marine Park and untouched coral reefs of Lombok Island, Indonesia rivals the world’s best dive destinations.

Komodo Island

5.Belize

Sunset in Belize. 

This little Caribbean country presents a great dive opportunity for both the experienced and non-experienced divers.  The Belize Barrier Reef is comprised of 127 offshore cayes (islands). It has the best preserved marine ecosystems in the world. Belize is also home to the diver’s Mecca – the Great Blue Hole, where you can dive in crystal clear water and meet unique species of fish, including giant groupers, nurse sharks and several types of reef sharks such as the Caribbean reef shark and the Blacktip shark.

6. Micronesia

Another paradise for dive-lovers is Micronesia - 2,000 tiny tropical islands in the Pacific Ocean. The combination of unique and diverse culture, great climate, exotic beaches and blue lagoons  create a world class diving destination.

Palau's crystal waters 

Among best dive spots are Palau with blue holes, huge caverns and a variety of rare and exotic marine species, and Truk Chuuk, where you will find the wrecks of Japanese naval vessels from WWII. More at diversionoz.com

7. Vanuatu

Konanda tea's set. 

Vanuatu, located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia, is a dive primary destination. The underwater world of the island comprises the collection of caves, swim-throughs, lava towers, wrecks, coral mazes, grottoes and overhangs. Among all these attractions rests Konanda – the wreck damaged by cyclone and sunk in October 1987. This 45 meters long Island Trader has been neatly prepared so that penetration of the wreck into the cabins and holds is safe and makes an ideal introduction to the wreck diving.

8. Egypt

Longimanus at Elphinstone Reef. 

This all year round dive destination is a great spot especially for those divers from Europe who want to escape winter. The best time to go is between November and February. When Europe is covered with ice, the water temperatures in Egypt are ranging from 19°C (66°F) to 29°C (84°F).  The best places for diving are less developed regions such as Quseir, Marsa Alam and St John’s Reef. In general the whole area of the Red Sea is considered to be one of the 7 Wonders of the underwater world with more than 1,000 species of fish, 200 species of corals and another 1,000 species of invertebrates.

9. Thailand

Marine life in Thailand. 

Thailand borders two distinct oceanic zones, each with their own marine life. It is surrounded by the Andaman Sea from the west and the Gulf of Thailand from the east. The country has 2,000 km (1,200 miles) of coastline and hundreds of offshore islands. Divers of all levels can admire the fringing reefs to deep drop-offs and wrecks, dramatic granite walls, caves and tunnels, coral-covered pinnacles, and open ocean seamounts.

Find out more at www.diveguidethailand.com

10. Maldives

Swimming with a Whale Shark in Maldives. 

Away from crowded tourist spots, the Maldives , southeast of India, are comprised of twenty-six atolls featuring 1,192 islets, of which two hundred islands are inhabited. The best way to explore the underwater world of the Maldives is on a liveaboard. In the country you can dive inside and outside the atolls. The more experienced divers may try diving inside the channels - but be careful- the currents are stronger there.   More info at www.diveglobal.com

Most Fabulous Casino Hotels

They may not be the most luxurious hotels in the world, but they definitely take the gambling experience to another level. In these locations, the designs, views and attractions are so rewarding that even huge losses at the table may seem less bitter. 

See some of the most fabulous casino hotels on the planet:

 

Atlantis Resort&Casino                     

Atlantis Royal Tower.

Atlantis Resort and Casino has been expertly designed to set a new standard of excellence. Its modern, luxurious design, oceanic ambiance and tropical feel combine to give you a vacation to never forget. Countless guestrooms, suites and villas accommodate wide budget rages (rates start at around $250), the fabulous waterpark will give you the fun of your life, and nightlife is hard to beat. If you're interested in the casino part, there's even poolside gaming available, so this is definitely a place to come and play if the setting matters to you. The resort has been heavily featured in popular culture (Casino Royal, Friends, and After the Sunset, among others).

Glass sculpture inside the casino.

Palace of the Lost City                      

Palace of the Lost City.

Located in a remote part of South Africa and literally drowning in greenery, this amazing residence is a fabulous combination of mosaics, frescoes, sophisticated furnishing and wildlife statues. Huge, luxurious and decorative, it looks totally surreal in its fantasy-like setting. Sample Africa's royal past and indulge in the comforts of the present times, including the most advanced Waterpark in South Africa. A stay at the Palace of the Lost City is no doubts a lifetime experience, to be gotten for not less that $600.

The restaurant.

The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel - Macao

The Venetian. 

Sparkling with 3,000 fabulous suites (min $200), thousands of lights and 1,600,000 sq ft (149,000 m2) of shopping space, this landmark hotel is Asia's real pearl of entertainment. Area wise, it is the fifth largest building in the world, and indeed, its spaciousness makes a staggering impression. The casino itself is divided into themed areas named Golden Fish, Imperial House, Phoenix and Red Dragon. And although the property can really give you a feel of old-world Venice, its 2 billion dollar technology is truly far from renaissance.

In the lobby.

Mohegan Sun - Uncasville, CT, USA  

Mohegan Sun at sunset.

A player or not, if you happen to be around Uncasville, CT, don't miss out on its fabulous entertainment hub. With 1,200 high standard guest rooms and suites (starting at $250), luxurious spa, shopping, golfing options, and headlining music events, Mohegan Sun has everything to bewilder and please its non-gambling guests. However, it is the second largest casino in the United States that makes it a real pearl among the gaming establishments. A 35-foot high animated water wall inspires luck in the Casino of the Wind, the world's largest planetarium dome takes you to the stars in the Casino of the Sky, and the howling of wolves mixes with the jingling of slot machines in the Casino of the Earth.

Shopping at Mohegan's. 

Hotel de Paris - Monte Carlo, Monaco         

Casino de Paris.

Surrender to the calling of bliss at one of Europe's most beautiful hotel spas, dine at the world's finest restaurants and relax in lavishly decorated rooms. Hotel de Paris is actually a palace rather than a hotel, and don't expect anything cheaper than $600. Although it doesn't have a gaming space of its own, it's located right next to Monaco's legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, which hosts the annual European Poker Tour Grand Final. Pure class and glamor!

In the lobby.

Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort                

Niagara Fallsview Casino.

The complex may not be the most impressive building in the world, but the view you get from your hotel window more than compensates for any deficiencies (rates start at $200). Situated at the foot of Horseshoe Falls, the hotel is one of the most fabulous places to stay... and lose money. The casino itself is so big that it could house 3 foootball fields and has enough gaming options to perplex even the most hardened player. Sophistication and classy decor are a huge attribute of the resort.

Overlooking the Niagara

Bellagio - Las Vegas, USA        

The dancing fountains in front of the hotel.

The best thing about Las Vegas is that its hotels are really affordable, no matter how many stars they boast. Bellagio, which is definitely top of the range, can be booked for as little as $200.  Of course, it's not the most luxurious hotel in Las Vegas, but it's not always standard that matters. Here, the competitive advantage is at least three-fold: celebrity spotting is almost guaranteed, the dancing fountains take the breath away, and the lobby is magically colorful.  The casino? Well, it's Las Vegas so it's hard to tell kitsch from sophistication.

In the lobby.

Just keep your common sense and watch you wallet. It's so easy to get carried away when there's so much splendor around. Any gambling experience that you want to share with us by the way?

World's Best Destinations

No time or money to venture the world far and wide? Can't decide whether to go for a Caribbean-style beach vacation or explore the treasures of our globe's cultural heritage? Instead of sacrifying some of the options, you can go to only one country and have it all: exotic white sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, bucolic landscapes and great cities filled with superb monuments, great cultural offer and bustling night life.

Check out our selection of world's best all-in-one destinations.

FRANCE

Côte d'Azur.

France is one of these particularly lucky beggars that can boast of everything the perfect travel destination is associated with. Let's start with Paris, which is, no matter if you love it or hate it, one of the most fascinating cities in the world. The number of cozy cafes, superb restaurants, world renowned clubs, museums, theaters and galleries and other tourist attractions is uncountable and there are little chances you will be leaving the city disappointed.

No matter if you go north or south, winter or summer, France is a land of a thousand opportunities. A balmy breeze of the Mediterranean Sea, white beaches, and chic resorts of Nice and St. Tropez are the option for sunbath lovers. The wild and beautiful Corsica adds some 1000 km of coastline to the summer package and the western beaches of the Atlantic Ocean are home to some of the world's best surfing spots.

The Louvre Museum in Paris.

The picture of an ideal all-in-one destination would not be complete without the majestic French Alps with hundreds of kilometers of ski tracks and hiking trails, charming historical towns and hidden villages. Last but not least, the world's most appreciated wine accompanied by the world's best food, sampled in stunning vineyards of Burgundy or Boulogne is the icing on the cake.

Winter in the French Alps. By Huzhead

PERU

Peruvian girl.

Peru is an all-inclusive package. The stunning Andes, beautiful coast, outstanding historical sites, legendary Inca ruins, vibrant cities, colonial towns, excellent cuisine and lush rainforest make the country one of the most rewarding destinations on the globe.

If culture is your priority, Peru is the place to be. Nowhere else will you find such an array of fascinating sites from Machu Picchu, Nazca Lines, Cuzco- the ancient capital, Huancavelica, the colonial town filled with churches to folklore, religious and guinea pig festivals.

Andes.

If you come for beach life, Peruvian coast will not disappoint you, either. The absolutely fantastic stretch of white beaches, sunny weather, fantastic sea food restaurants, bargain accommodation and bustling night life of coastal resorts make Peru an excellent destination for beach addicts. And then there are the Andes. Superb hiking, trekking and other mountain possibilities plus jaw-dropping vistas, unconquered peaks raising at 6,000 m above the sea level, green valleys and azure lakes make Peru's highlands an ideal place for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts.

Surfing in Peru.

JAPAN

Nishihama Beach. Okinawa.

There's much more to Japan than busy fast and vibrant cities of Tokyo and Osaka. Japan is a place of thousand faces and images, from one of the world's oldest historical sites dotting the entire country to exotic islands, tropical jungle and splendid mountains.

Among the country's most amazing natural wonders is the Okinawa Islands, part of the Ryūkyū islands, an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean, which is the birthplace of karate and other forms of Japanese material arts. This highly spiritual place of unique traditions is also one of the country's best vacation spots of turquoise crystal waters, golden beaches, coral reefs and exotic nature that could be compared to tropical islands of South East Asia and the Philippines.

Kyoto.

The historical heart of Japan, Kyoto, filled with hundreds of beautiful shrines, temples and gardens, is the tip of the iceberg of Japanese cultural treasures. One could spent months on discovering the rich and fascinating heritage of Japan's traditions, ancient sites, historical towns and villages such as Nara, Nikko or Takayama.

Given the fact that 80% of Japan's territory is covered by mountains, the country is a paradise for highlands' lovers. Be it skiing world's best slopes, or hiking unspoiled trails of Japanese ranges, Japan is a four seasons destination for outdoor addicts.

Odaiba.

SPAIN

A view of Barcelona from the terrace of the Park Güell.

Spain, hmmm...? Golden beaches? Yes! Historical sites? Yes! World's best nightlife? Yes! Spain is another European destination particularly blessed with splendid sites and attractions from fascinating ancient cities to outstanding coast and impressive highlands.

In the north, there are massive beautiful Pyrenees, dotted with extraordinary number of waterfalls, which are an excellent sports destination both winter and summer. Apparently, Spain is the second most mountainous country on the continent, so the number of excellent ski resorts and hiking trails may surpass your expectations.

The mild climate of the Mediterranean coast is the main tourist magnet for holiday-makers and avid sunbathers. With such jewels as Barcelona, Valencia, Murcia, Grenada, Malaga and Cadiz, Spain is also the world's most interesting destination in terms of culture, history and art.
The Atlantic Ocean coast filled with never-ending white beaches and remote and unspoiled resorts is an option for those looking for less-travelled destinations.

Andalucía is a place to go, if you want to discover a "real" Spain of siesta, unbelievable hot summers, warm winters, flamenco, monumental architecture decorated with tiles, orange and olive groves, and world's best fish. Spain is and always will be one of the most rewarding destinations - so the fact that it is the second most visited country in the world after France is hardly a surprise.

Costa de la Luz.

 INDIA

Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.

7,500 km of coast, home to the world's highest mountains, melting pot of religions, languages and nationalities, India is the most multidimensional country on earth.
Among the country's most stunning destinations is West Bengal, home to Darjeeling hill station, famed for its tea plantations. Surrounded by lush hills and impressive Himalayas, the district is also filled with sites from churches to Hindu and Buddhist temples.

If you feel like a beach life for a moment, you should head for Goa, the tropical charming summer destination that has it all: azure waters, long sandy beaches, slender palm trees and laid-back atmosphere.

Inside the temple.

The sacred city of Varanasi, ancient ruins of Hampi, mysterious Ajanta Caves, iconic Taj Mahal, are some of the most impressive historical sites on the globe, that must be seen at least once in a lifetime.

India, the country of scents and colors, home to 1.2 billion people, the state of extremes where poverty mixes with splendor of modern Mumbai's developments, is truly all-in-one destination that, without doubt, is one of the world's most fascinating places to travel to.

Hampi.

MEXICO

In Tulum.

If beach-style vacation is your type of thing, Mexico is the right place for you. If you enjoy the city life, you will find it here. Culture is also right at your fingertips in this state of long history, unique traditions and enormous heritage.

In terms of nature, Mexico, the world's 14th largest country, has everything the traveler's heart could possibly desire. From Acapulco's surfing and snorkeling spots on the Pacific coast, to Cancun, the popular beach destination on the Yucatan peninsula, the Mexican coastline is heaven for sun bathers and water sports enthusiasts.

Guanajuato.

In Mexico City, you will find superb restaurants, excellent clubs, great museums and hundreds of other attractions. Guadalajara is home to Mexico's best known traditions: tequila, mariachi music and charros, while Monterrey will surprise you with first-class cultural offer from the Museum of Mexican History to the Monterrey Museum of Contemporary Art.

The country is also home to world's renowned ruins of the Aztec, Mayan, and the Olmec cultures and fantastic colonial towns and villages. The majestic pyramids of Teotihuacán, Merida's old town, ruins of La Ruta Puuc, or Chichén Itzá are only a few examples of hundreds of Mexican fascinating sites.

No wonder, tourism is such a large industry in Mexico. With over 20 million visitors per year, the country is the tenth most visited destination in the world.