Highlights of our trips through a few North American destinations:

Kingston, Jamaica

Jamaica’s capital city of Kingston is often overlooked by most visitors to this Caribbean island, preferring to head to the resorts in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Negril. Kingston often also gets a bad rap due to its higher crime rates and gang related violence, which in fact is limited to a few neighborhoods.

In order to understand the soul and history of Jamaica though, we would highly recommend a trip to Kingston in order to understand the islands rich heritage. This is the birthplace of the Rastafarian religion and Reggae music, both of which gained even more worldwide fame through the music of local legend Bob Marley. For fans of Cricket a visit to Sabina Park is a must, which has hosted many mighty contests over the years and was also a venue for the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Coffee aficionados and those seeking respite from the tropical heat can take a short drive up to the cooler highlands where world famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is grown. Going back in history – Kingston was also the base for some of the most notorious Pirates of the Caribbean in the 17th century, before a massive earthquake submerged most of the pirate havens in Port Royal in 1692.

Eagle Beach, Aruba

If you’re on a quest to find the best beach in the Caribbean – then look no further than the pristine white powder-like sands of Eagle Beach in Aruba. This beach has some of the softest sand you will ever set foot on, and boasts stunning views of the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Eagle beach is consistently voted as the best beach in Aruba, and its easy to see why – with its wide and clean palm tree lined sandy shores and calm shallow waters that are perfect for wading into. The picture postcard like views and setting exemplify the ideal Caribbean beach destination. The beach is conveniently just a few minutes away from the center of capital city Oranjestad. If you want to have the beach and it’s fresh unblemished soft sands to yourself come early, since Eagle Beach’s popularity draws in the requisite crowds and more.

Chichén Itzá, Mexico

Chichén Itzá is one of the the most famous Mayan ruins in the world, rightfully placing it on the list of the 7 new wonders of the world, as well as getting it a UNESCO world heritage status. The name Chichén Itzá in Mayan means ‘at the mouth of the well of the Itza’. The ruins are located in the Yucatán peninsula and its main sights are just a 2 hour drive from the resort town of Cancun.

Chichén Itzá was the de facto capital of the ancient Mayan civilization from about 800 to 1200 AD. The site is part of an extensive collection of splendid ruins that archaeologists are still in the process of excavating. Taking central stage at the ruins is the Temple of Kukulcan (El Castillo), a pyramid structure with a combined 365 steps across its sides – one for every day of the year. Carvings of its namesake feathered serpent God Kukulcan slither down the pyramid, making for quite an arresting sight. Mayan skills in astronomy, science and architecture are evident by the serpent like shadows cast down the steps of the temple during the spring and autumn equinoxes.

Nassau, The Bahamas

Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas and is located on New Providence island. Along with the other 700+ islands that make up the Bahamas, New Providence boasts great off-shore coral reef sites for snorkeling and diving among friendly turtles and stingrays. Beautiful beaches with blinding white sands set in shallow and clear turquoise waters are just a boat ride away, and Island hopping is a popular way to explore some of the more remote and secluded beaches off Nassau.

The vestiges of Nassau’s British colonial past are still visible at the ruins of Fort Fincastle, Fort Montagu, and the pastel hued government buildings in the city area. During the early colonial years, Nassau was also home to one of the most infamous Pirates of the Caribbean – Blackbeard himself; and the Pirate museum downtown is a worthwhile and educational visit. While in The Bahamas, don’t pass up the chance to imbibe some of the local rums, preferably in a few servings of the prophetically named Goombay Smash.

Maui, Hawaii

Of all the Hawaiian islands we have visited over the years, Maui remains by far our favorite destination. Maui has an unparalleled spirit of Aloha, and diverse collection of sights and attractions to whet every type of travelers appetite.

From lounging on the sun kissed sands of Wailea Beach, or summit-ting the stratospheric heights of Haaleakala volcano peak, to driving along the vertigo inducing precipitous cliffs along the stunning Road to Hana, or watching massive humpback whales breeching from the blue waters, to snorkeling in the bountiful coral reefs of the sunken Molokini crater – Maui offers up some exhilaratingly memorable experiences.