The World Stage

With over 200 inhabited islands, you really can't go wrong. Even though several of Greece's most popular islands have airports, the best way to island-hop is via the sea. You could take often-delayed high-speed ferries from port to port, or you could turn the transportation into a vacation of its own on a five-star cruise, on one of many Mediterranean itineraries by Explora Journeys. The benefits of a floating hotel speak for themselves: a different island each day, without h

Winding streets, sparkling beaches, and the best butter you've ever had. In the middle of the Caribbean, surrounded by well-known islands dotted with mega-resorts, casinos, and all-inclusives, sits St Barths, a nine-square-mile paradise where the first language is French and the largest hotel has 66 rooms. There are no street signs. No agriculture. No drinkable water. Just 7,000 full-time residents and jaw-dropping vistas at every turn. St Barths is known as a playground for

Infinite shades of lush green; sprawling, white sand beaches; and black, volcanic wonder will bring you to life. Costa Rica is a relatively small Central American country, both physically (smaller than West Virginia) and residentially (~5 million people). However, its unique location at the joining point of two tectonic plates gives it a natural landscape that is quite different from its much flatter neighbors. The result is a country dotted with volcanoes, teeming with wildl

A week in idyllic harmony with the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and countless sea lions of the Galapagos. Despite being some of the youngest land formations on earth (~5 million years old at most), the Galápagos Islands are the last vestige of the Garden of Eden. Known more for their key role in Darwin's development than their white sand beaches and crystal clear water, a visit to the Galápagos is meant to be a trip - or an expedition - rather than a vacation. And no one

Nature is great, but sometimes it's nice to be surrounded by the human-made wonders of the world. Sometimes, you want to take in a breathtaking vista after a long hike. Other times, you want to recline on a beach and watch the waves lap at the shore. More often than not, though, your travels involve an urban, concrete jungle - either as an airport gateway or your final destination. Whether you're a building buff or someone who's never bothered to look up from the sidewalk, th

Where to go when you want to try something new. Casa Velas, Puerto Vallarta Been to Hawaii ? Try Mexico . Where to go If you like the urban beachy vibes in Waikiki , head to Puerto Vallarta If you like catching waves in Waimea , head to Sayulita or Cabo If you like snorkeling in Maui , head to Cozumel / Riviera Maya Similarities Beautiful beaches 5-star service level Endless natural beauty and indigenous history Great weather Delicious food Differences Price: Mexico is gene

Wellness & natural beauty in the party capital of Europe. From May until October every year, Ibiza , a.k.a. Eivissa or "The White Isle," is most known for its legendary music, party, and club scene. Visitors flock from all over the world to all-night dance clubs like Pacha, Hï, and Amnesia, which have set a global standard with their notorious reputation for blissful raucousness. In most travelers' minds, Ibiza is a place to wear all white, dance the night away, and get into