Category: World Roaming

The world’s best water parks for wet and wild family fun

Slide 1 of 31: From meandering around lazy rivers, lapping up the waves or plummeting down vertical drops, there are plenty of thrills to be found in water parks. We find some of the world's wettest and wildest attractions.

Take the plunge

From meandering around lazy rivers, lapping up the waves or plummeting down vertical drops, there are plenty of thrills to be found in water parks. We find some of the world’s wettest and wildest attractions.

 

Slide 2 of 31: Designed specifically for youngsters aged two to 12, LEGOLAND Water Park opened in 2016 and was an instant hit with families. Older kids can get creative and build a raft of LEGO then sail it down the Build A Raft River, and get drenched in the Joaker Soaker – a 300-gallon play house featuring slides and waterwheels. For younger kids the DUPLO Splash Safari offers the chance to swim with elephants and crocodiles (plastic of course) plus pint-sized water slides. 

LEGOLAND Water Park, Dubai

Designed specifically for youngsters aged two to 12, LEGOLAND Water Park opened in 2016 and was an instant hit with families. Older kids can get creative and build a raft of LEGO then sail it down the Build A Raft River, and get drenched in the Joaker Soaker – a 300-gallon play house featuring slides and waterwheels. For younger kids the DUPLO Splash Safari offers the chance to swim with elephants and crocodiles (plastic of course) plus pint-sized water slides.

Slide 3 of 31: The Thailand-themed attraction in Tenerife has been named the world's best water park by Tripadvisor for the last five years on the trot. And for good reason. Top attractions are the Tower of Power where riders can reach speeds of around 50 miles per hour as they swoop down the 90-foot-high slide into an aquarium filled with stingrays and sharks. Tackle the Mekong Rapids on a giant inflatable with your mates or dare them to take on the Dragon, a totally vertical funnel. Recover on Siam Beach. Check out these 8 things you probably didn't know about Tenerife

Siam Park, Tenerife, Spain

The Thailand-themed attraction in Tenerife has been named the world’s best water park by Tripadvisor for the last five years on the trot. And for good reason. Top attractions are the Tower of Power where riders can reach speeds of around 50 miles per hour as they swoop down the 90-foot-high slide into an aquarium filled with stingrays and sharks. Tackle the Mekong Rapids on a giant inflatable with your mates or dare them to take on the Dragon, a totally vertical funnel. Recover on Siam Beach.

 

Slide 4 of 31: Part of the impressive Villages Nature Paris eco-resort near Disneyland, this water park is heated entirely by geothermal energy and more than a third of its water is purified naturally. Throw yourself down one of the eight giant slides, catch the surf in the wave pool or wallow in the lovely outdoor lagoons, which are heated to 86°F (30°C) all year round. There's also an aquatic climbing wall, white-water rivers, geysers and a lovely spa. Check out where else to go when you visit, with our guide to Paris.

 

Aqualagon, France

Part of the impressive Villages Nature Paris eco-resort near Disneyland, this water park is heated entirely by geothermal energy and more than a third of its water is purified naturally. Throw yourself down one of the eight giant slides, catch the surf in the wave pool or wallow in the lovely outdoor lagoons, which are heated to 86°F (30°C) all year round. There’s also an aquatic climbing wall, white-water rivers, geysers and a lovely spa.

Slide 6 of 31: This excellent outdoor playground in the Ötztal valley in the Tirol promises plenty of thrills and spills. Based around a lake, water-centric attractions include the Cannonball where you'll be blasted into the water from a seat with a huge water jet. You can also whiz down the slides, go "cliff diving" from an incredibly high diving board or try your hand at "blobbing" – basically throwing yourself onto an inflatable blob from a tower. 

 

Morgan’s Inspiration Island, Texas, USA

The world’s first ultra-accessible splash park opened in San Antonio, Texas last year. While every part of the pioneering park is wheelchair accessible that doesn’t mean it’s tame: the River Boat Adventure ride twists and turns through jungle and five water play areas feature waterfalls, pools, geysers, jets, water cannons and tipping buckets. There are waterproof wheelchairs available and special wristbands allow parents or carers to easily locate their party.

Slide 8 of 31: As well the high-speed Twister and Tornado water slides, this water park in Billund also boasts Europe's longest "wild river". At 550-feet-long, it starts and ends in the indoor Aquadome but also winds around outside. The complex has a good variety of indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a sauna and a spa. Dare the kids to dive down in the secret cave pool to spot the tropical fish but watch out for the giant tipping bucket as you roam...

 

The Lost Paradise Of Dilmun, Bahrain

Lazy rivers, wave pools, tube slides, raft rides, wet play areas for the kids and a lovely tropical garden setting – Bahrain’s biggest water park has everything you could want from a fun-filled family day out. Little ones will love the pirate ship, while the Aqua Loop Rocket Slide will test the grown-ups’ nerves.

Slide 9 of 31: It's no surprise that balmy Queensland has Australia's best water park. Head straight to the Extreme H20 Zone if you're after a challenge. The exhilarating Blackhole takes riders on a spiral down into a pitch black tube slide. Or dare to take on the apty-named Kamikaze and plunge down a near vertical 36-foot drop for a zero gravity sensation. But there's plenty of gentler rides too and lovely tropical gardens for splashing and chilling in.   Have you seen Australia's brilliantly bizarre Big Things?
 

Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast, Australia

It’s no surprise that balmy Queensland has Australia’s best water park. Head straight to the Extreme H20 Zone if you’re after a challenge. The exhilarating Blackhole takes riders on a spiral down into a pitch black tube slide. Or dare to take on the apty-named Kamikaze and plunge down a near vertical 36-foot drop for a zero gravity sensation. But there’s plenty of gentler rides too and lovely tropical gardens for splashing and chilling in.

Slide 10 of 31: South America’s largest water park, which sits on Porto das Dunas beach near Fortaleza, is action-packed. With a choice of pools, plenty of fast-paced slides and a lazy river, there's something to suit everyone. But the park is most famous for its towering water slide Insano. It's one of the tallest in the world where riders plummet down at terrifying speeds.

 

Beach Park, Brazil

South America’s largest water park, which sits on Porto das Dunas beach near Fortaleza, is action-packed. With a choice of pools, plenty of fast-paced slides and a lazy river, there’s something to suit everyone. But the park is most famous for its towering water slide Insano. It’s one of the tallest in the world where riders plummet down at terrifying speeds.

Slide 11 of 31: Swim under the mighty Krakatau volcano, explore its trickling waterfalls and enticing lagoons or simply bob about in the waves. Universal Studios' brilliant water park in Orlando is a class act. You can also experience the power of the volcano on a four-person canoe ride that twists and turns deep within the structure before plunging through a waterfall.  Now check out Florida's incredible transformation from swampland to holiday paradise

Universal’s Volcano Bay, Florida, USA

Swim under the mighty Krakatau volcano, explore its trickling waterfalls and enticing lagoons or simply bob about in the waves. Universal Studios’ brilliant water park in Orlando is a class act. You can also experience the power of the volcano on a four-person canoe ride that twists and turns deep within the structure before plunging through a waterfall.

Slide 12 of 31: It takes 45 minutes to ride the lazy river around the Middle East's largest water park Aquaventure, part of Atlantis, The Palm. The giant river connects the park's two main water slides – the Tower of Poseidon and Tower of Neptune. Up the ante on the Rapids where tube riders are propelled through high-intensity rapids, wave surges and waterfalls. The lovely tropical setting also includes a white-sand beach, perfect for flopping on. Before you head to Dubai, read our guide on what to see, top hotels and best restaurants

Aquaventure Waterpark Atlantis, Dubai

It takes 45 minutes to ride the lazy river around the Middle East’s largest water park Aquaventure, part of Atlantis, The Palm. The giant river connects the park’s two main water slides – the Tower of Poseidon and Tower of Neptune. Up the ante on the Rapids where tube riders are propelled through high-intensity rapids, wave surges and waterfalls. The lovely tropical setting also includes a white-sand beach, perfect for flopping on.

Slide 13 of 31: Keep a close eye on your companions in this fun-filled resort as it's enormous. Tropical Islands is based within a gigantic dome that used to be an airship hangar. It's so big you can even go on a free-floating balloon ride for a bird's-eye view. With a rainforest area featuring over 50,000 plants, white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, it's easy to forget you're only 40-odd-miles from Berlin. Thankfully you don't need to do it all in one day as you can stay in the resort.

 

Waterbom Bali, Bali

Slip, splash and scream your way around this fantastic attraction in Bali, which was named Tripadvisor’s top water park in Asia and the third best in the world. Its various slides and rides are ranked from “mellow” to “extreme”. The Climax (Asia’s steepest slide) and Smashdown 2.0 with a sheer 85-foot drop are definitely the latter. Need to calm your nerves? There’s a swim-up cocktail bar where you can sip as you gaze at the lush tropical garden surroundings.

Slide 15 of 31: With eight adrenalin-fueled rides and three play areas (complete with big buckets for regular drenchings and sedate slides), this water park caters for most tastes. Highlights for thrill-seekers are careering up and down a giant U-shaped half-pipe on Slide Up, falling from four stories up on a 360-degree loop. Feeling competitive? Go head-to-head with friends as you charge down the multi-lane slide Kraken Racers. Discover our guide to exploring Singapore here

WildWildWet, Singapore

With eight adrenalin-fueled rides and three play areas (complete with big buckets for regular drenchings and sedate slides), this water park caters for most tastes. Highlights for thrill-seekers are careering up and down a giant U-shaped half-pipe on Slide Up, falling from four stories up on a 360-degree loop. Feeling competitive? Go head-to-head with friends as you charge down the multi-lane slide Kraken Racers.

Slide 16 of 31: With 21 water rides and pools over an area of almost two million square feet, this attraction just south of Pattaya is big. In fact, it's Thailand's biggest water park. But it's also very beautiful with lovely green spaces and a natural lake. The double wave pool guarantees plenty of squeals as do the AquaLoop and FreeFall – the park's most extreme rides. Small children are also well catered for with play areas and the tranquil lazy river.

 

Ramayana Water Park, Thailand

With 21 water rides and pools over an area of almost two million square feet, this attraction just south of Pattaya is big. In fact, it’s Thailand’s biggest water park. But it’s also very beautiful with lovely green spaces and a natural lake. The double wave pool guarantees plenty of squeals as do the AquaLoop and FreeFall – the park’s most extreme rides. Small children are also well catered for with play areas and the tranquil lazy river.

Slide 17 of 31: Daredevils will love Abu Dhabi's vast water-filled attraction, which has no less than 41 rides. Try the near-vertical slide Jebel Drop or gather your mates to try the world's first and largest hydromagnetic-powered six-person tornado water slide. At over 770-feet-long, the thrills will keep on coming at you. Another highlight is Bubbles Barrel where you can ride 10-foot-high waves on the world's largest surfable sheet wave. Or take a spin above it all on roller coaster the Bandit Bomber. White-knuckle rides fan? Here are the world's most jaw-dropping roller coasters you won't dare to ride

Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi

Daredevils will love Abu Dhabi’s vast water-filled attraction, which has no less than 41 rides. Try the near-vertical slide Jebel Drop or gather your mates to try the world’s first and largest hydromagnetic-powered six-person tornado water slide. At over 770-feet-long, the thrills will keep on coming at you. Another highlight is Bubbles Barrel where you can ride 10-foot-high waves on the world’s largest surfable sheet wave. Or take a spin above it all on roller coaster the Bandit Bomber. White-knuckle rides fan?

Slide 18 of 31: Whether you're leaping about in the wave pool, doing lengths in the Olympic-sized pool, whizzing down slides or walking the plank on the pirate ship, Romania's top water park is sure to delight all the family. Parents can take it in turns to relax in the spa which has a Turkish bath, a range of geothermal water pools, steam room, sauna and cold room.

 

Aquapark Nymphaea Oradea, Romania

Whether you’re leaping about in the wave pool, doing lengths in the Olympic-sized pool, whizzing down slides or walking the plank on the pirate ship, Romania’s top water park is sure to delight all the family. Parents can take it in turns to relax in the spa which has a Turkish bath, a range of geothermal water pools, steam room, sauna and cold room.

Slide 19 of 31: Antalya's fairy tale and legend themed attraction makes for a super-fun family excursion. It's especially magical for children with its aqua discos and entertaining shows. But there's plenty of fun for thrill-seekers too with numerous slides and raft rides. Or go for a spin above ground on the 140-foot-high Typhoon Coaster, which ends with a triumphant splash. 

 

The Land of Legends, Turkey

Antalya’s fairy tale and legend themed attraction makes for a super-fun family excursion. It’s especially magical for children with its aqua discos and entertaining shows. But there’s plenty of fun for thrill-seekers too with numerous slides and raft rides. Or go for a spin above ground on the 140-foot-high Typhoon Coaster, which ends with a triumphant splash.

Slide 20 of 31: You can take on the tallest water slide in North America and go for a swim in Canada's largest wave pool at this record-setting park in capital Ottawa. Other highlights are twisting and turning down the 360-degree loops on the Turbulence water slide, plunging into a dark tunnel on a six-person raft on Boomerango and completing the floating obstacle course by crossing inflatable logs, crocodiles and water lilies.  If you haven't already, these 50 photos will make you fall in love with Canada

 

Calypso Theme Waterpark, Canada

You can take on the tallest water slide in North America and go for a swim in Canada’s largest wave pool at this record-setting park in capital Ottawa. Other highlights are twisting and turning down the 360-degree loops on the Turbulence water slide, plunging into a dark tunnel on a six-person raft on Boomerango and completing the floating obstacle course by crossing inflatable logs, crocodiles and water lilies.

Slide 21 of 31: Set in Pfaeffikon within the Canton of Schwyz, Alpamare stakes its claim as Europe's biggest covered water park, although it does have some outdoor heated pools too. Test out some of the 11 fun and themed water slides – IceXpress promises a chilly surprise while Tornado comes complete with light and sound effects. Then go for a rejuvenating soak in the salt bath that's heated to a blissful 97°F (36°C).

 

Alpamare, Switzerland

Set in Pfaeffikon within the Canton of Schwyz, Alpamare stakes its claim as Europe’s biggest covered water park, although it does have some outdoor heated pools too. Test out some of the 11 fun and themed water slides – IceXpress promises a chilly surprise while Tornado comes complete with light and sound effects. Then go for a rejuvenating soak in the salt bath that’s heated to a blissful 97°F (36°C).

Slide 22 of 31: Drift down the 1,300-foot-long Lazy River ride that meanders around the park on a giant raft, go for a massage or get your blood pumping on the Extreme Black Hole Slides. Family favorite Cyprus has some fantastic water parks, but this Polynesia-themed attraction in Limassol is definitely one of the most impressive.

 

Fasouri Watermania Waterpark, Cyprus

Drift down the 1,300-foot-long Lazy River ride that meanders around the park on a giant raft, go for a massage or get your blood pumping on the Extreme Black Hole Slides. Family favorite Cyprus has some fantastic water parks, but this Polynesia-themed attraction in Limassol is definitely one of the most impressive.

Slide 23 of 31: Slightly different to your average water park, this attraction in Rutland lays claim to being the UK's largest inflatable water park. And it all looks like serious fun. Set on the north shore of Rutland Water Park, the 330-foot by 260-foot inflatable course includes climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars, rockers, rollers, blast bags, and slides. Do you dare take on the challenge? 

 

Aqua Park Rutland, England

Slightly different to your average water park, this attraction in Rutland lays claim to being the UK’s largest inflatable water park. And it all looks like serious fun. Set on the north shore of Rutland Water Park, the 330-foot by 260-foot inflatable course includes climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars, rockers, rollers, blast bags, and slides. Do you dare take on the challenge?

Slide 24 of 31: Whoosh down a giant cone-shaped slide on an inflatable raft, feel the Earth disappear beneath your feet on the terrifying Plank Drop slide and go for a spin on the speedy Pira-Chute. The Pirate-themed park promises plenty of thrills and spills as well as lovely chill-out zones. Shimmy up the crow's nest, also known as the Jolly Roger CombiTower, to get your bearings with its fantastic views over the park.  

 

Seven Seas Waterpark, the Philippines

Whoosh down a giant cone-shaped slide on an inflatable raft, feel the Earth disappear beneath your feet on the terrifying Plank Drop slide and go for a spin on the speedy Pira-Chute. The Pirate-themed park promises plenty of thrills and spills as well as lovely chill-out zones. Shimmy up the crow’s nest, also known as the Jolly Roger CombiTower, to get your bearings with its fantastic views over the park.

Slide 25 of 31: In addition to various scream-fest water rides, there's an enormous man-made surf beach in the water area of this mega multi-theme park not far from Kuala Lumpur. After you've leapt about in the waves and taken a turn in the rapids of the mighty Zambezi river, dare to take on the Vuvuzela. It's the park's most thrilling slide and Malaysia's largest.  

Sunway Lagoon Water Park, Malaysia

In addition to various scream-fest water rides, there’s an enormous man-made surf beach in the water area of this mega multi-theme park not far from Kuala Lumpur. After you’ve leapt about in the waves and taken a turn in the rapids of the mighty Zambezi river, dare to take on the Vuvuzela. It’s the park’s most thrilling slide and Malaysia’s largest.

Slide 26 of 31: Experience the sensation of being sucked into a tornado, race friends down a series of multi-colored slides or get a moment of weightlessness as you shoot up the near-vertical wall of a half-pipe on a raft. Based in Guangzhou China, this enormous attraction has everything you could hope for from a water park: thrilling rides and slides, kids play areas, plenty of pools, waves and a lazy river. 

 

Chimelong Water park, China

Experience the sensation of being sucked into a tornado, race friends down a series of multi-colored slides or get a moment of weightlessness as you shoot up the near-vertical wall of a half-pipe on a raft. Based in Guangzhou China, this enormous attraction has everything you could hope for from a water park: thrilling rides and slides, kids play areas, plenty of pools, waves and a lazy river.

Slide 27 of 31: As you'd expect from an outdoor-sports-loving nation like New Zealand this water park on the North Island's east coast offers extreme fun. Test your mettle on the high-adrenalin slides, go kayaking around a lake, do battle on the bumper boats or hurl yourself around the inflatable obstacle course. Beware though, little ones will want to maroon themselves forever on Toddler Island. Check opening times before you visit as seasons vary.

 

Splash Planet, New Zealand

As you’d expect from an outdoor-sports-loving nation like New Zealand this water park on the North Island’s east coast offers extreme fun. Test your mettle on the high-adrenalin slides, go kayaking around a lake, do battle on the bumper boats or hurl yourself around the inflatable obstacle course. Beware though, little ones will want to maroon themselves forever on Toddler Island. Check opening times before you visit as seasons vary.

Slide 28 of 31: Designed with a Maya civilization theme, Aquaventure water park is surrounded by tropical greenery and part of the Atlantis, Paradise Island. Launch yourself from the top of Mayan Temple on the Leap of Faith to drop down a near vertical clear tunnel at high speed, shooting through a shark-filled tank. Or twist and turn around the temple's dark core on the Serpent Slide. The sedate Jungle Slide takes children on a watery safari through jungles and caves. They'll also love firing the water cannons in the play fort. Now discover 50 experiences you didn't know you could have in the Caribbean

28/31 SLIDES © Atlantis, Paradise Island Bahamas

Aquaventure, the Bahamas

Designed with a Maya civilization theme, Aquaventure water park is surrounded by tropical greenery and part of the Atlantis, Paradise Island. Launch yourself from the top of Mayan Temple on the Leap of Faith to drop down a near vertical clear tunnel at high speed, shooting through a shark-filled tank. Or twist and turn around the temple’s dark core on the Serpent Slide. The sedate Jungle Slide takes children on a watery safari through jungles and caves. They’ll also love firing the water cannons in the play fort.

Slide 29 of 31: Have the kids seen one too many Roman ruins or reached peak cathedral? Take them to this watery wonderland in Emila-Romagna and their spirits will soon lift. As one of Europe's largest water parks it has a host of attractions including a great selection of slides, lazy river, rapids, a wave pool and special pools for babies and small children. Although, it can get lively in the holiday season with loud music and the odd foam party.

Aquafan, Italy

Have the kids seen one too many Roman ruins or reached peak cathedral? Take them to this watery wonderland in Emila-Romagna and their spirits will soon lift. As one of Europe’s largest water parks it has a host of attractions including a great selection of slides, lazy river, rapids, a wave pool and special pools for babies and small children. Although, it can get lively in the holiday season with loud music and the odd foam party.

Slide 29 of 31: Have the kids seen one too many Roman ruins or reached peak cathedral? Take them to this watery wonderland in Emila-Romagna and their spirits will soon lift. As one of Europe's largest water parks it has a host of attractions including a great selection of slides, lazy river, rapids, a wave pool and special pools for babies and small children. Although, it can get lively in the holiday season with loud music and the odd foam party.

Aquafan, Italy

Have the kids seen one too many Roman ruins or reached peak cathedral? Take them to this watery wonderland in Emila-Romagna and their spirits will soon lift. As one of Europe’s largest water parks it has a host of attractions including a great selection of slides, lazy river, rapids, a wave pool and special pools for babies and small children. Although, it can get lively in the holiday season with loud music and the odd foam party.

Slide 30 of 31: There are bucketfuls of fun for the whole family at Imagica's water-based theme park from playing pirates in Pirate Bay or drifting idly down the lazy river to navigating the steep falls on thrilling family raft ride Soakerz. For lovers of high-speed slides though it has to be the Loopy Woopy, Swirl Whirl or Yello-O. You'll definitely be yelping with delight after a day at the Mykonos-themed park in Khopoli, which is around an hour south of Mumbai. Check out the world's most colorful destinations
30/31 SLIDES © Imagica

Imagica Water Park, India

There are bucketfuls of fun for the whole family at Imagica’s water-based theme park from playing pirates in Pirate Bay or drifting idly down the lazy river to navigating the steep falls on thrilling family raft ride Soakerz. For lovers of high-speed slides though it has to be the Loopy Woopy, Swirl Whirl or Yello-O. You’ll definitely be yelping with delight after a day at the Mykonos-themed park in Khopoli, which is around an hour south of Mumbai.

Slide 31 of 31: Water fun gets taken up a gear at this park in the Peloponnese that's perfect for thrill-seekers. Aside from a whole host of water slides, you can test your mettle on rides such the Looping Rocket where you'll be blasted 65 feet into the sky from a launch capsule. Take the plunge down the high-speed Space Ride or drop into the darkness of the Black Hole. There's also a Greek gods-inspired children's play area.  Big water fan? Now discover the world's most spectacular water displays

 

Olympia Aqua Park, Greece

Water fun gets taken up a gear at this park in the Peloponnese that’s perfect for thrill-seekers. Aside from a whole host of water slides, you can test your mettle on rides such the Looping Rocket where you’ll be blasted 65 feet into the sky from a launch capsule. Take the plunge down the high-speed Space Ride or drop into the darkness of the Black Hole. There’s also a Greek gods-inspired children’s play area.

Costco Is Selling Universal Studios Tickets at a Massive Discount Right Now

a group of people walking down a street: Costco members already have a lot to celebrate thanks to the club’s steep discounts on everyday products. But now, members are getting exclusive access to extremely cheap theme park tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood as well.As Better Homes & Garden explained, a full-price single day ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood costs a whopping $109. However, right now Costco members can score a full three-visit pass from Costco for just $139.That means you can essentially get two extra days in the park for just a few dollars more.Of course, because this discount will likely be rather popular, Costco set a six ticket per Costco member limit. But, it still marks an incredible deal as a family of six could save more than $1,100 on a three-day trip to Universal with the discount.Beyond the ticket limit, those who purchase the discounted tickets must also use them within a 12-month span. You do not need to visit on three consecutive days, though, you do need to use the last of your passes by June 15, 2020. And, the tickets do come with a few blackout dates including spring break and during the park’s busy season.This also isn’t the only incredible offer Costco has right now. According to Better Homes & Garden, the membership store is also selling an 18-month pass to Universal Studios Hollywood for $219.99, marked down from the park’s normal $619 rate.If Universal isn’t your thing, fear not, as Costco Travel is also selling discounted tickets to Disneyland and Disney World as well.As Travel + Leisure previously reported, Costco Travel offers discount packages for Walt Disney World vacations. These discounts aren’t as significant as the Universal discount, but, when it comes to saving on a family vacation to some of America’s most expensive theme parks, every dollar counts.

 

Costco members already have a lot to celebrate thanks to the club’s steep discounts on everyday products. But now, members are getting exclusive access to extremely cheap theme park tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood as well.

As Better Homes & Garden explained, a full-price single day ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood costs a whopping $109. However, right now Costco members can score a full three-visit pass from Costco for just $139.

That means you can essentially get two extra days in the park for just a few dollars more.

Of course, because this discount will likely be rather popular, Costco set a six ticket per Costco member limit. But, it still marks an incredible deal as a family of six could save more than $1,100 on a three-day trip to Universal with the discount.

Beyond the ticket limit, those who purchase the discounted tickets must also use them within a 12-month span. You do not need to visit on three consecutive days, though, you do need to use the last of your passes by June 15, 2020.

And, the tickets do come with a few blackout dates including spring break and during the park’s busy season.

This also isn’t the only incredible offer Costco has right now. According to Better Homes & Garden, the membership store is also selling an 18-month pass to Universal Studios Hollywood for $219.99, marked down from the park’s normal $619 rate.

If Universal isn’t your thing, fear not, as Costco Travel is also selling discounted tickets to Disneyland and Disney World as well.

As Travel + Leisure previously reported, Costco Travel offers discount packages for Walt Disney World vacations. These discounts aren’t as significant as the Universal discount, but, when it comes to saving on a family vacation to some of America’s most expensive theme parks, every dollar counts.

Costco members already have a lot to celebrate thanks to the club’s steep discounts on everyday products. But now, members are getting exclusive access to extremely cheap theme park tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood as well.

As Better Homes & Garden explained, a full-price single day ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood costs a whopping $109. However, right now Costco members can score a full three-visit pass from Costco for just $139.

That means you can essentially get two extra days in the park for just a few dollars more.

Of course, because this discount will likely be rather popular, Costco set a six ticket per Costco member limit. But, it still marks an incredible deal as a family of six could save more than $1,100 on a three-day trip to Universal with the discount.

Beyond the ticket limit, those who purchase the discounted tickets must also use them within a 12-month span. You do not need to visit on three consecutive days, though, you do need to use the last of your passes by June 15, 2020.

And, the tickets do come with a few blackout dates including spring break and during the park’s busy season.

This also isn’t the only incredible offer Costco has right now. According to Better Homes & Garden, the membership store is also selling an 18-month pass to Universal Studios Hollywood for $219.99, marked down from the park’s normal $619 rate.

If Universal isn’t your thing, fear not, as Costco Travel is also selling discounted tickets to Disneyland and Disney World as well.

As Travel + Leisure previously reported, Costco Travel offers discount packages for Walt Disney World vacations. These discounts aren’t as significant as the Universal discount, but, when it comes to saving on a family vacation to some of America’s most expensive theme parks, every dollar counts.

How to Get Cheap Wi-Fi Abroad

mywebspot cheap wifi abroad 1600

For now us Brits have the benefit of free data roaming within the EU, but it’s not always enough to take the sting out of our holiday Wi-Fi costs. If you’re holidaying outside Europe, you’ve already gone over your data allowance, or your party has tablets and laptops without data SIMs, many hotels and resorts still charge extortionate fees for what is usually slow- and time-limited Wi-Fi access.

MyWebspot is a 4G-rental service that has the power to change this. You pay a daily charge for a mobile Wi-Fi router that you can use in more than 100 countries, which can be shipped directly to your resort along with a pre-paid envelope into which you can simply pop the device and drop it in a post box on your way home.

The service offers ‘unlimited’ 4G LTE data, which can be shared with up to five users via the supplied mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. It has a daily fair-usage policy, which means once you go over the limit your bandwidth drops to an almost unusable 256kbps, but the allowances are generous in most parts of the world (as outlined in the table below).

 

Pricing is dependent on the location of your trip, but the most expensive option that covers worldwide use is €9.90/£8.92/US$11.48 per day. In most European holiday locations you’ll pay either €7.90/£7.12/$9.16 (France, Spain, Italy) or €8.90/£8.02/$10.32 (Germany, UK) per day, and can check the exact pricing on the site.

At first glance this seems rather expensive, but take into account that once you have gone over your phone’s data limit the charges for extra data can be insane and quickly rack up – Vodafone, for example, charges £6.50 for each additional 250MB if you don’t amend your plan.

You should note that delivery- and return charges are not free if you are unable to take advantage of one of the pick-up locations at Madrid, Barcelona and Paris airports or 18,000 locations in France. Within Europe it’s €4.90/£4.42/$5.68 for standard delivery/returns (48 hours) and €14.90/£13.43/$17.27 for express delivery (24 hours), but elsewhere in the world standard delivery/returns costs €9.90/£8.92/$11.48.

How to use MyWebspot

The idea of having a device shipped out to you at your holiday destination might seem offputting: what if you can’t figure out how to use it, what if it’s rubbish? How will you even know where to send it?

Fortunately, MyWebspot could not be simpler to use, and if necessary it can be delivered to your home address before you leave (the option we chose). It is the same device as that used by GlocalMe, a service that allows you to purchase data on a PAYG basis abroad (reviewed here), which meant it was instantly familiar to us.

It is a mobile Wi-Fi router that comes completely ready to go, along with a carry case that includes a local Micro-USB charger and lanyard. Once fully charged (which can take up to 3.5 hours) the battery lasts eight hours, which is plenty of pool time, and it still works while charging when you’re back in your room.

We found the device could get rather warm (not too hot to touch) while charging, but there is a definite element of you’re only renting this thing so it’s not your responsibility. Don’t be too careless, however, because you’ll be charged €180 if you fail to return the device (€90 if you’ve added insurance for damage or loss).

You turn on the MyWebspot device using its power button, and it will automatically connect to a local 4G LTE network, offering theoretical download speeds up to 100Mbps and uploads up to 40Mbps (shared when more than one device is connected). In our tests south of Lake Garda we found an average download speed of 33.5Mbps, and upload speed of 26.8Mbps.

If this is the first time using it then it may take a couple of minutes to connect, but in general connection is fairly rapid – or at least that was our experience when testing in Italy last week.

There are three LED icons on the front: Wi-Fi, signal strength and Battery. As soon as the Wi-Fi icon is lit it’s ready to go, and you can pick up the 802.11b/g/n network it creates on your phone, tablet or laptop as you would any other Wi-Fi router. The SSID and password can be found printed on a label on the back.

We were surprised by just how easy the MyWebspot was to pick up and use. Indeed, we spent the first five minutes looking for some sort of companion app that we assumed would be necessary for tracking usage, but there is none. This is good and bad: ideal for simplicity, but being able to track usage would be useful when you have five people using the connection to stream YouTube videos and Netflix movies.

Of course, there are some steps you can take to reduce Wi-Fi usage abroad, such as turning off photo backup services such as Google Photos and iCloud, downloading Netflix or YouTubeshows before you leave home, and using free local Wi-Fi where it is available.

EU to curb phone costs, set up emergency alert system

The price limits follow the EU move last year to end roaming charges for Europeans using mobile phones within the bloc—a public

The European Parliament voted Wednesday to limit prices for phone calls and text messages between EU countries and to set up an alert system during natural disasters or terror attacks.

Under the new law, which still needs formal approval from member countries, telecom firms will be barred from charging more than 19 eurocents per minute for calls and six cents per text message.

Adopted by 584 votes to 42, the price ceilings are set to take effect on May 15, 2019, after the member states informally agreed to it back in June.

“There will be no more excessive fees on intra-EU calls and text messages,” said Lambert van Nistelrooij, a Dutch member of parliament from the centre-right EPP group.

He said the price limits complement the EU move last year to end roaming charges for Europeans using mobile phones within the bloc—a public relations coup.

It meant Europeans calling, texting or using the internet when travelling in other EU nations will be charged the same as they are at home.

The measure adopted Wednesday also calls for member countries to introduce within 42 months an emergency system to send alerts by text message or mobile app to people near a natural disaster or terror attack.

“If there is an emergency situation, a warning message with instructions will be sent to all mobile phones in the geographic area of the emergency situation,” van Nistelrooij said in a statement.

He said MEPs persuaded member states to introduce the system, which will contribute to saving lives in floods, forest fires and terror attacks.

A spokesman for van Nistelrooij said the legislation is partly modelled on the Dutch example NL-Alert.

Under the system introduced in 2012, authorities can alert mobile phone users in the area of an emergency via nearby cell towers.

The spokesman said Romania and Lithuania have implemented a similar system, but many other countries rely on television or radio to disseminate alerts.

The European Emergency Number Association, a non-government organisation based in Brussels, hailed the vote.

“Take any of the large emergencies in Europe and you will realise that in most cases modern public warning was not in place,” EENA’s Benoit Vivier said.

“We have the means and the technology but we have largely failed to put them to good use. The new legislation ensures that from now on we do.”

The legislation also paved the way for investments in next generation mobile networks (5G) and very fast internet.

 

How to avoid iPhone data roaming charges abroad

Simple tips and cost-saving measures to save you from costly iPhone data roaming charges while on holiday outside the UK or EU. Plus: how do new EU regulations (and Brexit) affect you?

Simple tips and cost-saving measures to save you from costly iPhone data roaming charges while on holiday outside the UK or EU. Plus: how do new EU regulations (and Brexit) affect you?

When heading off on holiday, the last thing you need is an extra worry – but if you’re not careful about data roaming charges, you could be in for a nasty surprise when your phone bill arrives at the end of the month. In this article, we show you how to avoid roaming charges when you take an iPhone abroad.

As well as general phone-use tips, we discuss the EU roaming regulations which came into effect in June 2017, and explain how they affect your phone bill, and the differences between travelling inside and outside the EU. And we talk about Brexit, and how that affects things now and in the future.

EU regulations

Thanks to the latest incarnation of the so-called ‘Eurotariff’ EU roaming regulations, roaming regulations are a thing of the past – within the EU’s borders, at any rate. After years of work to lower roaming charges, the EU finally voted to abolish them entirely back in December 2016, and the regulation changes came into effect on 15 June 2017.

Right now, in other words, you won’t and legally cannot be charged any more for data used in (non-UK) EU countries than in the UK itself. You also cannot be charged to receive a call. The new system has been called ‘Roam like at home’.

Here’s the gist:

“Your communications (phone calls, SMS, data) made from another EU country will be covered in your national bundle: the minutes, SMS and gigabytes of data that you consume abroad in the EU will be charged or deducted from the volumes of your national tariff plan exactly as if you were at home (in the country where you live, work or study).”

Your provider is allowed to impose a ‘safeguard limit’ on roaming data, beyond which it is then allowed to levy a fee capped at €7.70/GB plus VAT (and decreasing gradually until it reaches €2.50/GB from 2022). So contact your provider, or check its site (we’ve found explanations from Plusnet, BT, GiffGaff and Virgin) to see the exact details of how it is implementing the new regulations.

There are of course some complications and caveats to bear in mind, and you should check out the European Commission FAQs page on the subject for more information (the paragraph quoted above was lifted from that page), but in essence it is pretty simple.

How to avoid iPhone data roaming charges abroad

What about Brexit?

Britain has voted to leave the EU, and Eurotariff regulations won’t apply to Britons once the Brexit process has been completed. Of course, it’s likely to be some years before that happens, so we can benefit from the lack of roaming charges for now.

It’s possible that the Brexit negotiating team will attempt to secure some kind of roaming agreement, but with so many other elements to be covered we doubt this will be a priority. We’ll update this article once we know when and under what terms the EU roaming regulations will stop applying to British citizens.

What about countries outside the EU?

Roaming charges continue to apply as before. The advice in the rest of this article, therefore, is likely to be of use to those travelling to non-EU countries.

How to avoid data roaming charges abroad

One of the easiest ways to avoid data roaming charges outside the EU is to connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible. Unless the particular Wi-Fi hotspot charges for access (you will probably have to sign in or register to access Wi-Fi of this kind, so you’ll be notified if any charges apply) you won’t be charged for downloading data over that connection.

Change your settings

Before you head off abroad, check your network settings. To do this, go to Settings > Mobile Data. Next to Mobile Data Options it will say either Roaming On or Roaming Off. If it says On and you want to make sure you don’t spend any extra cash on data while you’re abroad, tap this and then set the Data Roaming toggle to off (white).

German boy racks up over €12,000 in roaming charges on cruise ship

German boy racks up over €12,000 in roaming charges on cruise ship

 

 

 

The 12-year-old had used his phone to unwind and watch a few videos while at sea between Germany’s northern city of Kiel and Oslo.

Shortly after he came home from vacation, a hefty bill from the family’s telecommunications provider arrived. It stated that about €12,500 was due for usage of just under 500 megabytes of data while at sea.

The boy apparently connected to the cruise ship’s own phone network which connects to the internet via satellite, said Dirk Hundertmark, managing director of Norwegian cruise operator Color Line.

The network is only really intended to be used by the ship’s crew to communicate with other vessels, even though anyone can join it. Similar to aircraft, high roaming charges apply when using such networks.

Cellular phone networks in Germany can charge as much as €30 per megabyte of data downloaded through a satellite connection. At sea, the EU’s abolition of roaming charges does not apply.

 

Color Line has said that it tries to inform passengers on its website about possible roaming costs. The cruise line operator also offers wifi packages on board for certain fees.

“This is really an extreme case that the family has experienced,” said Hundertmark.

It is very rare that passengers dial into the satellite network unnoticed, the managing director added, stating that they would be informed beforehand from their provider via SMS about possible costs.

As a gesture of goodwill, the phone network has agreed to reduce the family’s bill to €5,000, reported broadcaster NDR.

But the Berlin-based family has since employed a lawyer in an attempt to take action against a bill which they consider to be “immoral.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Secret Trick That Can Save Up to 40 Percent on Cruise Ships

a group of lawn chairs sitting on top of a sandy beach

Looking for terrific value on your next—or first—cruise? It’s a simple but seriously insider tip: choose an older ship that just received a total makeover. In the past, cruise linestypically gave older ships a periodic update, bringing them in every two or three years for routine maintenance and a light refresh. But recently, a spate of major industry players have launched big renovation plans for entire classes of ships that not only upgrade their interiors and amenities for guests, but offer travelers a chance at considerably lower fares, too (not exactly by design; but older ships don’t command the same price points that newer ships do).

For years, cruise lines would send their ships into dry dock—the company’s maintenance facility—at regular intervals for a tune up. “They would invest in soft goods like new carpets, new décor, and new furniture,” says Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief at Cruise Critic. But part of what’s new in this latest trend, she says, is that they’re “reinventing entire spaces” on the ships—on a far more extensive level.

“What we’re seeing now is a reflection of cruise lines really investing in their older ships, and this is a relatively new thing,” McDaniel says. “The ‘wow’ factors traditionally reserved for new ships are now also being added to these older ships.”

Consider the 18-year-old Celebrity Summit—a middle-aged gal by cruise-ship standards—which has never looked more gorgeous. She emerged in March of this year from a 38-day, stem-to-stern transformation that gutted and rebuilt her staterooms from scratch and gave them a timeless designer look. Her once-dated restaurants and lounges are now bright, sleek, and sophisticated. Top-deck hangouts feel like swanky Manhattan rooftop bars. And all the behind-the-scenes technology, from navigational controls to Wi-Fi connectivity, is now up to the minute. Pretty timely for vacationers looking for cushy summer vacations, as she’ll sail to the Bahamas and New England through the summer.

Deals ahoy! How to compare fares

New ships will always be the industry’s brightest, shiniest objects, because they typically bring a raft load of new features. But they also command higher fares. For value-minded travelers, choosing a recently renovated older ship can be a savvy and moneywise strategy. “Sailing on a brand new ship is probably going to cost you 30 percent more, depending on the time of year and the itinerary,” says Doug Parker, founder and host of Cruise Radio. “When an older ship emerges from a big makeover in dry dock, you get a newer experience for not-a-new-ship price point.”

You see this most clearly when you compare fares for a new ship with a refurbished ship in the same cruise line; for example, revamped Celebrity Summit and four-month-old Celebrity Edge, which was just recognized on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 Hot List for its ability to nab hot designer talent like Patricia Urquiola and Tom Wright. As you’d expect, Edge has more bells and whistles, including first-at-sea innovations like the multi-purpose Magic Carpet platform that slides up and down the outside of the ship (which Wright designed). But Summit suddenly feels like a new ship, and her staterooms and public areas now sport the same chic, timeless designer look inspired by Edge.

Notably for travelers, “While it is great to have an older vessel take on the look and feel of the newest fleet mates, it does not really increase prices,” says Tom Baker, president of the travel agency CruiseCenter. It’s impossible to do an exact apples-to-apples comparison on pricing, but we can look at itineraries to the same part of the world in the same month. On Edge, a 9-night Southern Caribbean cruise in November runs $1,357 per person, on average, which translates to about $151 per day. On Summit, a 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise in the same month costs just $633 per person, on average, or $90 per day.

In this case, Summit’s fares are roughly 41 percent less than Edge’s. On a 7-day cruise, that $61-per-day savings works out to $427 per person—or $854 per couple.

a large ship in a body of water: Carnival Sunshine© Danny Lehman/Courtesy Carnival Carnival Sunshine

A rising trend lifts all ships

Here’s a wider look at how major cruise lines are embracing this everything-old-is-new-again trend.

Carnival Cruise Line is creating an entirely new class of ship around older ships that have undergone total makeovers. In 2013, Carnival Destiny, then 17 years old, got a massive overhaul with all of the line’s latest upgrades. The ship was rechristened as Carnival Sunshine, the lead ship in the line’s new Sunshine class.

Now it’s time for Sunshine’s middle-aged sisters to get their own born-again makeovers. Carnival Triumph, launched in 1999, will undergo the knife and emerge as Carnival Sunriseat the end of this month. And next year, two-decades-old Carnival Victory will get rebooted as Carnival Radiance. “These two makeovers are perhaps the most extensive of any modern ships we have seen refurbished in recent years,” Baker says.

How’s this for a bargain: Upcoming 4-night Bahamian cruises on Carnival Sunrise, sailing out of Fort Lauderdale, start at just $229 per person.

Royal Caribbean is investing $1 billion in its “Royal Amplified” modernization program, which will update 10 ships over four years and introduce a wide range of new thrills and Royal Caribbean staple features. The line’s 17-year-old Navigator of the Seas just emerged from a $115-million dry-dock transformation that added new staterooms, new restaurants, a new pool deck and, for thrill seekers, two new water slides: The Blaster, the longest aqua coaster at sea, and Riptide, the industry’s only head-first mat racer slide. It also launched the world’s first blowout bar at sea, proving cruise lines are paying special attention to new amenities during renovations.

Beginning in May, Navigator will sail three- and four-night Bahamian itineraries out of Miami. Starting at $375 per person in an outside-view cabin, the four-night sailings give passengers the chance to check out Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line’s private island, which just got a $250-million transformation of its own.

Celebrity Cruises is in the early states of a $500-million fleetwide “Celebrity Revolution” upgrade that will bring massive makeovers to all the line’s older ships. Since launching Edge, Celebrity has moved at full throttle, with two older ships—Millennium and Summit—already revamped and a third, Celebrity Equinox, scheduled to enter dry dock in May. Another half-dozen Celebrity ships are slated for modernization by 2023.

Oceania Cruises is giving substantial facelifts to its Regatta-class ships as part of its $100-million “OceaniaNext” revitalization project. Staterooms, restaurants, and public areas are getting upgrades, and Martinis lounge will trade its gentleman’s club vibe for an updated, modern look. Sirena will come out of dry dock in May, followed by Regatta in September; sister ship Nautica will get her turn next summer.

Where to find savings on the high seas

New to cruising? Dip your toes in the water with a three- or four-day sailing. “If first-time cruisers are not sure they want to commit to a full week, they can pick a shorter itinerary and get a taste of cruising,” McDaniel says.

Wondering where to start? Here’s a list of this year’s most notable ship refurbishments:

February 2019

Celebrity Millennium (1999)

Following a massive refurbishment, Millennium is currently sailing in Asia. In May, the ship moves to Vancouver and offers seven-night sailings to Alaska.

March 2019

Celebrity Summit (2001)

Fresh off its major makeover, Summit is now sailing out of San Juan on six- and seven-night Caribbean itineraries. In May, the ship moves to New York and offers seven-night sailings to Bermuda.

April 2019

Carnival Sunrise (1999)

After getting a $200-million makeover, the renamed Sunrise will hop around quite a bit, sailing out of Norfolk, New York, and Fort Lauderdale with a variety of four- to seven-night itineraries to destinations such as the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba, and various Caribbean ports of call.

May 2019

Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas (2002)

On the heels of a $115-million transformation, Navigator will sail out of Miami on three- and four-night itineraries in the Bahamas.

Celebrity Equinox (2009)

Following its own Edge-inspired revamp, 10-year-old Equinox will sail out of Fort Lauderdale and offer a variety of six- to eleven-night Caribbean itineraries.

Norwegian Joy (2017)

Though just two years old, Joy is getting around $50 million in upgrades to bring her up to par with her sister Norwegian Bliss. Beginning in May, Joy will offer seven-night Alaska cruises from Seattle this summer. At other times of the year, the ship will sail from Los Angeles to Mexico and Panama, and from Miami to the Western Caribbean.

Fall 2019

Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, which launched in 1999 and 2009, respectively, are both slated for major renovations as part of the “Royal Amplified” program.

The 15 Best Beaches in Florida

Slide 1 of 16: From the Panhandle to the Keys, Florida has no shortage of powder-fine sand, national parks, and scenes that are both cocktail- and kid-friendly. Here, our favorite beaches in the Sunshine State. This gallery was originally published in March 2016. It has been updated with new information.

From the Panhandle to the Keys, Florida has no shortage of powder-fine sand, national parks, and scenes that are both cocktail- and kid-friendly. Here, our favorite beaches in the Sunshine State.

 

Slide 2 of 16: This Gulf Coast beach is a magnet for tykes and tots (and their parents), thanks to its clear, shallow waters, pillow-soft sands, colossal playground, and Beach Walk Promenade, ideal for bike rides, ambles, and rollerblading. Watch the kids build sandcastles and cavort across the beach. Stay for the nightly, festival-style sunset celebration at fishing Pier 60, where street performers delight as the sun paints the sky in hues of orange, yellow, and pink. Looking for where to stay while you're there? Let this list be your guide.

Clearwater Beach

This Gulf Coast beach is a magnet for tykes and tots (and their parents), thanks to its clear, shallow waters, pillow-soft sands, colossal playground, and Beach Walk Promenade, ideal for bike rides, ambles, and rollerblading. Watch the kids build sandcastles and cavort across the beach. Stay for the nightly, festival-style sunset celebration at fishing Pier 60, where street performers delight as the sun paints the sky in hues of orange, yellow, and pink. Looking for where to stay while you’re there? Let this list be your guide.
Slide 3 of 16: Beautiful people, flashy cars, and quintessential Art Deco architecture come to life along the 2.2-mile stretch of golden sand that makes up Florida’s most famous beach. The busiest—and most touristy—section runs parallel to Ocean Drive (between 5th and 11th Streets), so locals tend to hang around the quieter patches of SoFi (South of Fifth), or near the 12th Street gay beach, a sea of Speedo-clad, sculpted beach bods. The swath between 17th and 21st streets is lined with (bar-serviced) beach clubs belonging to iconic hotels like The Setai Miami Beach and Delano South Beach.

South Beach, Miami

Beautiful people, flashy cars, and quintessential Art Deco architecture come to life along the 2.2-mile stretch of golden sand that makes up Florida’s most famous beach. The busiest—and most touristy—section runs parallel to Ocean Drive (between 5th and 11th Streets), so locals tend to hang around the quieter patches of SoFi (South of Fifth), or near the 12th Street gay beach, a sea of Speedo-clad, sculpted beach bods. The swath between 17th and 21st streets is lined with (bar-serviced) beach clubs belonging to iconic hotels like The Setai Miami Beach and Delano South Beach.
Slide 4 of 16: Come to this mile-long, undeveloped beach on the southern tip of Key Biscayne for lazy days of sunbathing and epic sunsets. Consider renting a bike and exploring the trails—there’s an extensive network across the entire island with superb Miami skyline views. Also, take a peek inside the circa-1845 Cape Florida Lighthouse (South Florida’s oldest structure) and look to the horizon for a glimpse of Stiltsville, a collection of historic homes that appear to float atop Biscayne Bay.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne

Come to this mile-long, undeveloped beach on the southern tip of Key Biscayne for lazy days of sunbathing and epic sunsets. Consider renting a bike and exploring the trails—there’s an extensive network across the entire island with superb Miami skyline views. Also, take a peek inside the circa-1845 Cape Florida Lighthouse (South Florida’s oldest structure) and look to the horizon for a glimpse of Stiltsville, a collection of historic homes that appear to float atop Biscayne Bay.
Slide 5 of 16: This untouched, 3.5-mile-long island feels like a giant sand bar saved for the lucky few. It dazzles with its pristine environs—vast stretches of radiantly white sands, cerulean waters, mounds of beautiful seashells, and prolific bird life. Access the island by ferry from nearby Honeymoon Island State Park, or enter on foot via neighboring Clearwater Beach from the south (a major hurricane back in 1985 dredged up enough sand to create a link between Caladesi and Clearwater).

Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin

This untouched, 3.5-mile-long island feels like a giant sand bar saved for the lucky few. It dazzles with its pristine environs—vast stretches of radiantly white sands, cerulean waters, mounds of beautiful seashells, and prolific bird life. Access the island by ferry from nearby Honeymoon Island State Park, or enter on foot via neighboring Clearwater Beach from the south (a major hurricane back in 1985 dredged up enough sand to create a link between Caladesi and Clearwater).
Slide 6 of 16: Sitting at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico is a 524-acre beach park with some of the finest stretches of sand in the Florida Keys. At mile marker 37 of US-1/Overseas Highway, Bahia Honda is an essential stopping point on any road trip between Miami and Key West. There are both secluded and more trafficked spots for sunbathing and excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling. While enjoying the beach, be sure to look up: the largest intact section of Henry Flagler’s elevated overseas railroad is an eye-catcher.

Bahia Honda, Florida Keys

Sitting at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico is a 524-acre beach park with some of the finest stretches of sand in the Florida Keys. At mile marker 37 of US-1/Overseas Highway, Bahia Honda is an essential stopping point on any road trip between Miami and Key West. There are both secluded and more trafficked spots for sunbathing and excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling. While enjoying the beach, be sure to look up: the largest intact section of Henry Flagler’s elevated overseas railroad is an eye-catcher.
Slide 7 of 16: The Pabst Blue Ribbon–strewn sands, Hawaiian Tropic oil slicks, and packed motels of yesteryear’s spring break capital are no longer. Nowadays, uncluttered stretches of sand, sparkling blue waters, upscale resorts, and mega-yachts are rewriting this beach’s history. Billions in economic development have gone into erasing the Where the Boys Are vibe, restructuring Fort Lauderdale Beach as an unfussy yet refined alternative to neighboring Miami’s beaches.
 

Fort Lauderdale Beach

The Pabst Blue Ribbon–strewn sands, Hawaiian Tropic oil slicks, and packed motels of yesteryear’s spring break capital are no longer. Nowadays, uncluttered stretches of sand, sparkling blue waters, upscale resorts, and mega-yachts are rewriting this beach’s history. Billions in economic development have gone into erasing the Where the Boys Are vibe, restructuring Fort Lauderdale Beach as an unfussy yet refined alternative to neighboring Miami’s beaches.
Slide 8 of 16: This incredibly wide beach along the Gulf of Mexico flaunts “the world’s finest, whitest sand”—more than 99 percent pure quartz, which keeps it cool even under blazing temps—and there’s plenty of it to go around. It’s not the drama-filled splash ground portrayed on MTV’s Siesta Key, but rather a kid-friendly expanse teeming with sand sculpture artists, hippies, and families basking in sun-drenched bliss.

Siesta Key Beach

This incredibly wide beach along the Gulf of Mexico flaunts “the world’s finest, whitest sand”—more than 99 percent pure quartz, which keeps it cool even under blazing temps—and there’s plenty of it to go around. It’s not the drama-filled splash ground portrayed on MTV’s Siesta Key, but rather a kid-friendly expanse teeming with sand sculpture artists, hippies, and families basking in sun-drenched bliss.
Slide 9 of 16: Reached exclusively by seaplane or boat, the main island of North America’s most inaccessible national park houses Fort Jefferson, a circa-1846 coastal fortress, and some mind-blowing marine life off its coast. Snorkel among seahorses, sea turtles, and rainbow-hued tropical fish; head toward the west moat wall in search of moray eels and nurse sharks. There’s limited shade and facilities, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

 

Garden Key, Dry Tortugas National Park

Reached exclusively by seaplane or boat, the main island of North America’s most inaccessible national park houses Fort Jefferson, a circa-1846 coastal fortress, and some mind-blowing marine life off its coast. Snorkel among seahorses, sea turtles, and rainbow-hued tropical fish; head toward the west moat wall in search of moray eels and nurse sharks. There’s limited shade and facilities, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Slide 10 of 16: On land, this Gulf Coast beach impresses with more than 400 acres of fine, white sands and a wildlife-rich coastal dune lake. Under the sea, snorkel or scuba dive around seven larger-than-life works at the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA), the nation’s first permanent underwater sculpture exhibit—and part of South Walton’s larger artificial reef program.

 

Grayton Beach State Park, South Walton

On land, this Gulf Coast beach impresses with more than 400 acres of fine, white sands and a wildlife-rich coastal dune lake. Under the sea, snorkel or scuba dive around seven larger-than-life works at the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA), the nation’s first permanent underwater sculpture exhibit—and part of South Walton’s larger artificial reef program.
Slide 11 of 16: A raised boardwalk separates this beach from hotel-lined Collins Avenue between 21st Street and 46th Street, an area collectively referred to as Mid-Beach. With stylish hotels like the 1 Hotel South Beach, The Miami Beach EDITION and Faena Hotel Miami Beach (all 2018 Reader's Choice Award winners), this area caters to a cool crowd that considers South Beach passé. Anticipate a lounge-y vibe—day and night—with plenty of beach and pool clubs to choose from, as well as Miami’s most buzzed-about nightlife.

 

Mid-Beach, Miami

A raised boardwalk separates this beach from hotel-lined Collins Avenue between 21st Street and 46th Street, an area collectively referred to as Mid-Beach. With stylish hotels like the 1 Hotel South Beach, The Miami Beach EDITION and Faena Hotel Miami Beach (all 2018 Reader’s Choice Award winners), this area caters to a cool crowd that considers South Beach passé. Anticipate a lounge-y vibe—day and night—with plenty of beach and pool clubs to choose from, as well as Miami’s most buzzed-about nightlife.
Slide 12 of 16: Think surfing in America, and towns along the California and Hawaii coastlines quickly come to mind. But, surprise, Florida’s got game (or waves, shall we say), too. Case in point: this East Coast surfers’ paradise, which promises prolific breaks, thanks to some massive rock ledges four to five miles offshore. Hang ten or simply immerse yourself in the surf culture of this small stretch of Florida, which often receives accolades as one of the U.S.'s top surf towns.
 

New Smyrna Beach

Think surfing in America, and towns along the California and Hawaii coastlines quickly come to mind. But, surprise, Florida’s got game (or waves, shall we say), too. Case in point: this East Coast surfers’ paradise, which promises prolific breaks, thanks to some massive rock ledges four to five miles offshore. Hang ten or simply immerse yourself in the surf culture of this small stretch of Florida, which often receives accolades as one of the U.S.’s top surf towns.
Slide 13 of 16: With a whopping 1,136 acres spread across five islands, this beach park impresses with its powdery white sands, nature trails, and patchwork of mangroves, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. It’s not uncommon to see bottlenose dolphins skirting the shoreline. Families should head to the sprawling natural tidal pool on the park’s North Beach, an ideal spot for kids to collect seashells and splash around.

 

Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde

With a whopping 1,136 acres spread across five islands, this beach park impresses with its powdery white sands, nature trails, and patchwork of mangroves, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. It’s not uncommon to see bottlenose dolphins skirting the shoreline. Families should head to the sprawling natural tidal pool on the park’s North Beach, an ideal spot for kids to collect seashells and splash around.
Slide 14 of 16: Those who travel with their four-legged family members or simply grow giddy at the sight of dogs will love this 2.5-mile-long dog beach—the largest of its kind on the East Coast. From Beach Markers numbers 25 through 60 in northern Palm Beach County, expect paw prints of every shape and size as dogs swim, run, and frolic off-leash. Doggie bags are provided throughout, and four-legged beachgoers are expected to abide by the beach’s social code of conduct: B.O.W. (Behaved, Obedient, and Well-Socialized).

 

Jupiter Dog Beach, Jupiter

Those who travel with their four-legged family members or simply grow giddy at the sight of dogs will love this 2.5-mile-long dog beach—the largest of its kind on the East Coast. From Beach Markers numbers 25 through 60 in northern Palm Beach County, expect paw prints of every shape and size as dogs swim, run, and frolic off-leash. Doggie bags are provided throughout, and four-legged beachgoers are expected to abide by the beach’s social code of conduct: B.O.W. (Behaved, Obedient, and Well-Socialized).
Slide 15 of 16: A series of 30-foot white sand dunes underscore the natural splendor of this Florida Panhandle beach. It’s one of the most picturesque stretches of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, an exquisite patchwork of barrier islands stretching 160 miles across the Gulf of Mexico, from Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle. Note that this beach park isn’t just popular with humans—it’s also a favorite nesting ground for green and loggerhead sea turtles; a popular hunting ground for dolphins; and feeding ground for brown pelicans and black skimmers.
 

Henderson Beach State Park, Destin

A series of 30-foot white sand dunes underscore the natural splendor of this Florida Panhandle beach. It’s one of the most picturesque stretches of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, an exquisite patchwork of barrier islands stretching 160 miles across the Gulf of Mexico, from Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle. Note that this beach park isn’t just popular with humans—it’s also a favorite nesting ground for green and loggerhead sea turtles; a popular hunting ground for dolphins; and feeding ground for brown pelicans and black skimmers.
Slide 16 of 16: Easily accessible off the main Sanibel-Captiva Road yet remarkably undeveloped, this family-friendly beach lacks the crowds of neighboring stretches but promises all the pastel-hued sunsets and excellent shelling for which Sanibel Island is known.

 

Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island

Easily accessible off the main Sanibel-Captiva Road yet remarkably undeveloped, this family-friendly beach lacks the crowds of neighboring stretches but promises all the pastel-hued sunsets and excellent shelling for which Sanibel Island is known.

The Best Airbnbs in Barcelona

Slide 1 of 8: Barcelona has a complicated relationship with Airbnb. City officials require all Airbnb and short-term vacation rental hosts to register with the city and display their permit number online (it begins with HUTB, followed by six numbers). They've also had a moratorium on new licenses since 2014, according to Quartz. In fact, Barcelona is one of the biggest cities known for limiting Airbnb's growth—but that doesn't mean you can't stay in a top-notch rental, it just means you need to do so responsibly. We've rounded up the best Airbnbs in Barcelona so you can feel like a local and stay in the midst of it all without breaking any rules. All of the rentals below have their permit numbers listed in the description and are run by Airbnb Superhosts, who each have a rating of 4.8 or above, a record of zero cancellations, and at least a 90 percent response rate, meaning they'll get back to you ASAP. Even better, some of listings are Airbnb Plus homes, which means they've been inspected by an Airbnb rep and have all the basics: An ironing board, closet and drawer space for guests, a well-lit entry, easy check-in, comfortable mattresses, a coffee maker, a bathroom free of the host's personal items, and toiletries like shampoo and conditioner, making it ideal for a first-time Airbnb guest used to hotel amenities. Buena suerte! All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Barcelona has a complicated relationship with Airbnb. City officials require all Airbnb and short-term vacation rental hosts to register with the city and display their permit number online (it begins with HUTB, followed by six numbers). They’ve also had a moratorium on new licenses since 2014, according to Quartz. In fact, Barcelona is one of the biggest cities known for limiting Airbnb’s growth—but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay in a top-notch rental, it just means you need to do so responsibly.

We’ve rounded up the best Airbnbs in Barcelona9 so you can feel like a local and stay in the midst of it all without breaking any rules. All of the rentals below have their permit numbers listed in the description and are run by Airbnb Superhosts, who each have a rating of 4.8 or above, a record of zero cancellations, and at least a 90 percent response rate, meaning they’ll get back to you ASAP. Even better, some of listings are Airbnb Plus

homes, which means they’ve been inspected by an Airbnb rep and have all the basics: An ironing board, closet and drawer space for guests, a well-lit entry, easy check-in, comfortable mattresses, a coffee maker, a bathroom free of the host’s personal items, and toiletries like shampoo and conditioner, making it ideal for a first-time Airbnb guest used to hotel amenities. Buena suerte!

Slide 2 of 8: Studio apartments are perfect for solo travelers, especially when they're under $100 a night. This 430-square-foot Airbnb Plus is steps away from Las Ramblas, giving you easy, walkable access to most of Barcelona's major sites and a mainline into the Gothic Quarter. It offers secure keyless entry, a combined washer/dryer, reliable Wi-Fi, and the dining table can easily serve as desk space for Barcelona-bound business travelers. Yes, the bedroom and the kitchen are in the same room, but for one person, there's plenty of space to spread out. Book Now: $97 per night, airbnb.com

 

For the Solo Traveler

Studio apartments are perfect for solo travelers, especially when they’re under $100 a night. This 430-square-foot Airbnb Plus is steps away from Las Ramblas, giving you easy, walkable access to most of Barcelona’s major sites and a mainline into the Gothic Quarter. It offers secure keyless entry, a combined washer/dryer, reliable Wi-Fi, and the dining table can easily serve as desk space for Barcelona-bound business travelers. Yes, the bedroom and the kitchen are in the same room, but for one person, there’s plenty of space to spread out.

Slide 3 of 8: Filled with pops of neon—and we do mean neon—green, this apartment is incredibly photogenic (plus there are floor-to-ceiling mirrors for #OOTD). But beyond its looks, the two-bedroom space has all of the amenities you'd need, from a well-stocked kitchen, air-conditioning, items for families traveling with tots like pack 'n plays and high chairs, and Wi-Fi. There's also a narrow balcony, just big enough to enjoy morning coffee on. As for the location, it's just a 10-minute walk from Bogatell beach, and 25-minute walk from La Sagrada Familia. Don't want to walk? The Bogatell Metro station is steps away. Book Now: $118 per night, airbnb.com

For the Aspiring Instagram Influencer

Filled with pops of neon—and we do mean neon—green, this apartment is incredibly photogenic (plus there are floor-to-ceiling mirrors for #OOTD). But beyond its looks, the two-bedroom space has all of the amenities you’d need, from a well-stocked kitchen, air-conditioning, items for families traveling with tots like pack ‘n plays and high chairs, and Wi-Fi. There’s also a narrow balcony, just big enough to enjoy morning coffee on. As for the location, it’s just a 10-minute walk from Bogatell beach, and 25-minute walk from La Sagrada Familia. Don’t want to walk? The Bogatell Metro station is steps away.

Slide 4 of 8: This Airbnb Plus two blocks from La Sagrada Familia offers four beds spread across three rooms (two queens and two singles), perfect for a large group heading to the city. (Bonus, two bathrooms!) Filled with light pinks and neutral tones, the home is beautifully decorated and offers a full living room and kitchen for everyone to congregate in. (There's enough space in the apartment to break off on your own, too.) Note to overpackers and those with accessibility concerns: The apartment is on the second floor and there isn't an elevator. Book Now: $259 per night, airbnb.com

For Group Trips

This Airbnb Plus two blocks from La Sagrada Familia offers four beds spread across three rooms (two queens and two singles), perfect for a large group heading to the city. (Bonus, two bathrooms!) Filled with light pinks and neutral tones, the home is beautifully decorated and offers a full living room and kitchen for everyone to congregate in. (There’s enough space in the apartment to break off on your own, too.) Note to overpackers and those with accessibility concerns: The apartment is on the second floor and there isn’t an elevator.

Slide 5 of 8: This Airbnb is actually a serviced apartment, run by vacation rental company En Ville, so you can opt for daily housekeeping if you want the feeling of a hotel (with all the perks of a three-bedroom rental and 300-square-foot terrace). Located just outside the Gothic Quarter, near Las Ramblas and Barcelona's contemporary art museum, the penthouse also comes with optional bike rentals. It takes up the entire floor, so no need to worry about running into neighbors, either. Book Now: $190 per night, airbnb.com

For the Airbnb Rookie

This Airbnb is actually a serviced apartment, run by vacation rental company En Ville, so you can opt for daily housekeeping if you want the feeling of a hotel (with all the perks of a three-bedroom rental and 300-square-foot terrace). Located just outside the Gothic Quarter, near Las Ramblas and Barcelona’s contemporary art museum, the penthouse also comes with optional bike rentals. It takes up the entire floor, so no need to worry about running into  neighbors, either.

 

Slide 6 of 8: Can we just move in to this Airbnb, please? With three stunningly designed bedrooms, each with its own bath, this home is well worth its hefty price tag, especially when you divide it among the six guests who can stay here. It also has a balcony overlooking the Eixample neighborhood that previous guests rave about in the reviews, and a deep navy dining room for entertaining. An Airbnb Plus, the light-filled apartment comes with a washer/dryer, elevator for easy access, and bathroom essentials. Book Now: $616 per night, airbnb.com

For the Big Spender

Can we just move in to this Airbnb, please? With three stunningly designed bedrooms, each with its own bath, this home is well worth its hefty price tag, especially when you divide it among the six guests who can stay here. It also has a balcony overlooking the Eixample neighborhood that previous guests rave about in the reviews, and a deep navy dining room for entertaining. An Airbnb Plus, the light-filled apartment comes with a washer/dryer, elevator for easy access, and bathroom essentials.

Slide 7 of 8: Just a 15-minute walk from the leafy Ciutadella Park, this family-friendly penthouse is in a prime location for exploring the city's historical sites and letting off steam. Best suited for families with children (note that it doesn't have a bath, only a shower), it offers one bedroom for parents and another with two single beds for children. There's also a large, 800-square-foot rooftop terrace, with space for dining and playing outside. An Airbnb Plus, it also comes with a crib on request, washer/dryer, and coffee maker so you can maintain your family routine, even on vacation. Book Now: $224 per night, airbnb.com

For the Whole Family

Just a 15-minute walk from the leafy Ciutadella Park, this family-friendly penthouse is in a prime location for exploring the city’s historical sites and letting off steam. Best suited for families with children (note that it doesn’t have a bath, only a shower), it offers one bedroom for parents and another with two single beds for children. There’s also a large, 800-square-foot rooftop terrace, with space for dining and playing outside. An Airbnb Plus, it also comes with a crib on request, washer/dryer, and coffee maker so you can maintain your family routine, even on vacation.

Slide 8 of 8: This wood-filled, two-bedroom home is well-designed and colorful on the inside, and offers a full patio for morning coffee and evening wine. But the real perk here is its location in the Gracia neighborhood, a short walk from Park Güell and a quick Metro ride to the city center (less than 10 minutes). Perfectly situated for exploration—so much so that you won't need to spend much time inside. But, since it's an Airbnb Plus, you don't have to worry when you do come back in the evenings, as everything you need, from a hair dryer to Wi-Fi to a washer/dryer, is there. Book Now: $134 per night, airbnb.com

For the Location-Obsessed

This wood-filled, two-bedroom home is well-designed and colorful on the inside, and offers a full patio for morning coffee and evening wine. But the real perk here is its location in the Gracia neighborhood, a short walk from Park Güell and a quick Metro ride to the city center (less than 10 minutes). Perfectly situated for exploration—so much so that you won’t need to spend much time inside. But, since it’s an Airbnb Plus, you don’t have to worry when you do come back in the evenings, as everything you need, from a hair dryer to Wi-Fi to a washer/dryer, is there.

14 Incredible Places to Visit If You Need Peace and Relaxation

Slide 1 of 15: Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Slide 2 of 15: You can find dozens of beautiful beaches in Hawaii, but Lumahai is particularly special for travelers who want to get away from it all. This white sand beach is ideal for lounging in the sun, or for experienced surfers to catch some waves. It’s not recommended for swimming, however, due to the strong undertow.

Lumahai Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

You can find dozens of beautiful beaches in Hawaii, but Lumahai is particularly special for travelers who want to get away from it all. This white sand beach is ideal for lounging in the sun, or for experienced surfers to catch some waves. It’s not recommended for swimming, however, due to the strong undertow.

Slide 3 of 15: What could be more idyllic than strolling the cape, exploring lighthouses? This town is the home of the Cape Elizabeth Light (or Two Lights lighthouse) that has been active since 1874. Other than the interesting history and classic New England architecture, Cape Elizabeth is also one of the best places to get juicy lobster.

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

What could be more idyllic than strolling the cape, exploring lighthouses? This town is the home of the Cape Elizabeth Light (or Two Lights lighthouse) that has been active since 1874. Other than the interesting history and classic New England architecture, Cape Elizabeth is also one of the best places to get juicy lobster.

Slide 4 of 15: Banff National Park is chock full of amazing scenery and crystalline lakes, but Lake Louise might be best (and most relaxing) of them all. Campers and hikers alike can settle by its perfectly blue waters and gaze at mountain views that seem almost too pristine to be real — luckily, it is. And it’s quite possibly the perfect, relaxing vacation for lovers of the great outdoors.

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Banff National Park is chock full of amazing scenery and crystalline lakes, but Lake Louise might be best (and most relaxing) of them all. Campers and hikers alike can settle by its perfectly blue waters and gaze at mountain views that seem almost too pristine to be real — luckily, it is. And it’s quite possibly the perfect, relaxing vacation for lovers of the great outdoors.

Slide 5 of 15: Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, Rio Celeste is known for its vividly blue color, almost unlike any other waterfall in the world. The bright coloring is actually a reaction of the volcanic chemicals in the water, but against the tropical backdrop and rushing waves, it looks practically magical.

Rio Celeste Falls, Costa Rica

Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, Rio Celeste is known for its vividly blue color, almost unlike any other waterfall in the world. The bright coloring is actually a reaction of the volcanic chemicals in the water, but against the tropical backdrop and rushing waves, it looks practically magical.

Slide 6 of 15: Anglophiles will find paradise in East Sussex. Rolling green hills and a close proximity to the English channel make Seven Sisters the quintessential English countryside that you’ve only ever read about in a Victorian novel. You’ll also find picturesque white chalk cliffs if you decide to take a stroll there.

Seven Sisters, East Sussex, England

Anglophiles will find paradise in East Sussex. Rolling green hills and a close proximity to the English channel make Seven Sisters the quintessential English countryside that you’ve only ever read about in a Victorian novel. You’ll also find picturesque white chalk cliffs if you decide to take a stroll there.

Slide 7 of 15: Nordfjord is one of the top destinations in Norway thanks to its breathtaking views. Visitors can take a long, slow pleasure cruise along the fjord and see a wide array of sights including glaciers, mountains, and the open sea — all in just a two hour trip. It’s a perfect place for anyone who wants to get back to nature.

Nordfjord, Norway

Nordfjord is one of the top destinations in Norway thanks to its breathtaking views. Visitors can take a long, slow pleasure cruise along the fjord and see a wide array of sights including glaciers, mountains, and the open sea — all in just a two hour trip. It’s a perfect place for anyone who wants to get back to nature.

Slide 8 of 15: Blue Lagoon is by far the most popular tourist destination that Iceland has to offer. This geothermal spa is located in a lava field and attached to a world-renowned resort, where you can soak in the warm waters even when the temperatures are freezing outside. On clear nights, during certain parts of the year, you can even see the Northern Lights as you soak.

 

Navagio Beach, Greece

Navagio means “shipwreck,” and it was once thought to be a hotspot for smugglers, but you won’t find a lot of wreckage these days. Instead, you’ll find crystal blue water and pristine sands. One of the largest of the Ionian Islands, its rugged but serene beaches are gorgeous enough to make anyone scrolling through your Instagram swoon with envy.

Slide 11 of 15: Whitehaven is known as one of Australia’s best beaches and it’s easy to see why. The pure white, silica sand and emerald waters make this place look almost too good to be true for travelers looking for some R&R. If you go north to Hill Inlet, you’ll see an mesmerizing swirl of white and blue, created by shifting sands and water.

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Whitehaven is known as one of Australia’s best beaches and it’s easy to see why. The pure white, silica sand and emerald waters make this place look almost too good to be true for travelers looking for some R&R. If you go north to Hill Inlet, you’ll see an mesmerizing swirl of white and blue, created by shifting sands and water.

Slide 12 of 15: Wild animals may not be everyone’s idea of relaxation, but adventurers in need of some repose can journey to this remote safari camp that not only offers safaris, birdwatching, and views of natural wildlife, but also some luxurious accommodations, including a Wellbeing Space with a pool, spa, and dining areas.

13/15 SLIDES © jokoleo/Getty Images

Sanur, Bali, Indonesia

Get your Instagram followers ready, because they’re about to see a lot of sunset pictures if you go to this beautiful beach in Bali. Beyond enjoying the relaxed, coastal living that travelers have come to expect from a trip to Bali, capturing the colorful sunset (or sunrise) along the shallow waters of Sanur is a must.

Slide 14 of 15: Peace and quiet don’t begin to describe the beauty of Ise Jingu, a grand Shinto shrine dedicated to the Japanese goddess Amaterasu. Even though it’s a widely known tourist attraction, the shrine complex manages to maintain its tranquility. It is one of the holiest places in the Japan, and people often go there to revere its beautiful architecture, natural scenery, and historical significance.
 

Ise Jingu, Japan

Peace and quiet don’t begin to describe the beauty of Ise Jingu, a grand Shinto shrine dedicated to the Japanese goddess Amaterasu. Even though it’s a widely known tourist attraction, the shrine complex manages to maintain its tranquility. It is one of the holiest places in the Japan, and people often go there to revere its beautiful architecture, natural scenery, and historical significance.

Slide 15 of 15: If you’re looking for serene blue and green waters, look no further. Halong Bay is most popular with boat lovers who want to spend some days on the water, or perhaps exploring the limestone islands and rainforests. The area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since it’s home to dozens of species of plants and animals.

 

Halong Bay, Vietnam

If you’re looking for serene blue and green waters, look no further. Halong Bay is most popular with boat lovers who want to spend some days on the water, or perhaps exploring the limestone islands and rainforests. The area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since it’s home to dozens of species of plants and animals.

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