Embraced by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica has been attracting eco-tourists for decades, thanks to rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife. Here you’ll find splendid beaches that spill into sparkling blue waters, peaceful conservation areas, and outstanding adventure sports. Get in touch with ancient civilizations at the National Museum or tiptoe to the edge of a crater at Poás Volcano National Park. Surfers will dig the unparalleled conditions of the Guanacaste province.

The DR delights visitors with its mix of white-sand beaches and "gingerbread" Victorian architecture. Nine hundred miles of Caribbean coastline make the Hispaniola Island country a beach-lover’s paradise. Day-trip to Puerto Plata and ride the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres, or groove to the steel drum beats of Cabarete nightlife. The breezy palms and sparkling waters of Punta Cana make it a true tropical paradise.

Destin is located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, which gets its name from its beautiful, clear green water. Beaches here have extremely fine, soft sand, so if you’re a beach-walker or your kids enjoy building sand castles, this could be a great destination for you.

The most populated of the Turks and Caicos islands, Providenciales is one of the world’s top beach destinations. The diving and snorkeling is as convenient as it is stunning, thanks to miles of coral reef that’s easily accessible from the shore. The upscale resorts and captivating beachscapes of Grace Bay make it a popular choice for waterfront escapes. The cliffs and crags of Chalk Sound make a lovely backdrop for kayaking the bright turquoise waters.

Just a few minutes' drive but a world away from the mainland, Key Largo has been the setting of movies, the home to abundant wildlife and a favorite destination for scuba diving. Lush flora and lively fauna abound in the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Everglades National Park. Underwater, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary teems with life while the American Crocodile thrives at Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

The Cayman Islands are made up of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The largest, Grand Cayman has a cosmopolitan vibe, gourmet restaurants, world-class diving and the famous Seven Mile Beach. Cayman Brac is a nature lover's heaven of stunning diving and breathtaking walks along the rocky bluff. The smallest island, Little Cayman is home to just 150 people. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and diving, especially Bloody Bay Wall, considered one of the world's best wall dives.

Six islands in the Florida Keys comprise the village of Islamorada, known for its prime sport fishing. Rent a boat or participate in a guided tour to fish, snorkel, or swim with marine life. Fresh seafood is the hallmark of the Islamorada dining scene. Visit a tropical-themed bar to soak in the full Florida Keys experience with a frozen umbrella drink. For a dose of culture, take in fine art and music while strolling through the Morada Way Art and Cultural District.

A 34-mile long tropical paradise located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, South Padre Island is consistently ranked as a top beach destination by travelers across the globe. It’s a beautiful setting rich with leisure and experiences — ranging from stunning sandy beaches, extensive nature tourism attractions, and world-class wind and water activities to outstanding local restaurants and a growing entertainment district.

Stretching 160 miles through Utah, the Wasatch Range makes a rugged, glacial backdrop for the 85% of the state’s population living within 15 miles. Mount Nebo is highest at 11,928 feet, but the peaks around Alta and Park City are most popular. "The greatest snow on earth" falls on these spectacular slopes. Lone Peak’s granite outcrops provide top climbing. Canyons and valleys are loved by fly-fishermen and hikers. After all that adventure, retire to a hip restaurant or enticing hot tub in chic Park City.

During the winter, Jackson Hole is a wonderland of snow skiing, snowmobiling and ice-skating. Summer in Jackson Hole is all about hiking, whitewater rafting, golfing and horseback riding. When you come down off the slopes, you can choose from recreation options like dog sled tours, sleigh rides and wildlife and nature tours. During the summer, you better get your energy level up because kayaking, hang gliding, hot air ballooning, mountain biking and stagecoach rides are just a few of the many options available. For climbers, hikers and nature lovers, the nearby Grand Teton National Park is an absolute nirvana. The towering mountains of the Teton Range stretch 40 miles, and include eight mountains over 12,000 feet. Keep in mind, too, that Yellowstone National Park’s South Entrance is only 90 minutes away, and another 45 minutes or so to reach Old Faithful. If you’re looking for some serious, fast-paced family fun in Jackson Hole, try the Alpine Slide, where you slide down 2,500 feet of Snow King Mountain in a bobsled. For a calmer experience, enjoy the Bridger Gondola, which takes tram riders from the Teton Village to heights of 10,000 feet. Golf enthusiasts have access to some great golf with tee opportunities at Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design and Teton Pines Resort Golf Course, designed by Arnold Palmer.