5 Best Tropical Vacations Outside the US

While winter is coming to a close and Spring is warming up the air, it’s not quite yet time for that beach weather many travelers crave. Summer will be here before you know it, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find it elsewhere. There are so many tropical vacation destinations located outside of the US that are wonderful to visit this time of year. Get your fix of clear blue waters and sunshine with these top tropical vacations outside the US!

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Find stunning beaches, rich culture, and flavorful cuisine in the beautiful Riviera Maya! When visiting this exquisite destination, enjoy relaxing on the beach, swimming with the stingrays, snorkeling among the reefs, and going on fishing excursions on the turquoise waters. The Spring months offer temperatures in the low 70s to mid 80s, giving you plenty of sunshine for tanning and outdoor adventures.

Top attractions:

• Ancient ruins in Tulum
• Chichén Itzá
• Xcaret Park
• Two Eyes Cenote
• Parque Los Fundadores

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Maldives, South Asia

Located across the Indian Oceans, the 26 natural atolls of the Maldives are truly surreal in beauty. This deluxe tropical retreat gives you a chance to get away from it all on the quiet atolls and their gorgeous white sand beaches. Visitors rave about their breathtaking blue waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, diving, and more. The water is a focal point of this destination, so if you enjoy water sports, the Maldives is a dream!

Top attractions:

• National Museum, Maldives
• Whale Submarine
• The Grand Mosque
• Hukuru Miskiiy mosque
• Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

The Seychelles, East Africa

Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean and offers gorgeous beaches, colorful coral reefs, and lush nature reserves. More than 50-percent of the land area of the islands is protected and home to many rare wildlife species. While it can be difficult to decide which incredible island to visit, anywhere you go will be sure to wow you. Enjoy diving and snorkeling in the reefs, take a fishing trip, surf the swells, and hike among the lush jungles.

Top attractions:

• Morne Seychellois National Park
• Vallée de Mai
• Morne Blanc Trail
• Saint-Anne Marie National Park
• Victoria Clocktowner

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Ambergris Caye is by far the most popular place in Belize. Their beaches are known for some of the best diving and snorkeling, and it is part of the Belize Barrier Reef system. This is the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Go diving here and get up close with nurse sharks and stingrays. It’s also a great place to fish! Another wonderful perk of the area is cruising around the town of San Pedro in a golf cart to experience the local shops and restaurants serving up fresh seafood.

Top attractions:

• Great Blue Hole
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve
• Belize Chocolate Company
• The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center
• Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

Dominican Republic, Caribbean

Some of the best tropical vacations are had in the Dominican Republic. The area is known for sparkling beaches and upscale resorts, many of them all-inclusive properties. The Dominican Republic has incredibly diverse ecosystems as well including jungles, coral reefs, savannas, mangroves, and deserts. Plus, the area has a very rich history and culture that is very exciting to experience. The capital, Santo Domingo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a fun place to explore and take in the architecture.

Top attractions:

• Altos de Chavon
• 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
• Playa Dorada
• Fortaleza de San Felipe
• The Three Eyes

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