• Introduction
• United States & Canada
• Caribbean & Mexico
• Europe
• Central & South America
• Asia & Middle East
• Australia & Pacific
• Africa

Caribbean & Mexico

11. BERMUDA
Commonly misconceived as a Caribbean island, Bermuda is actually an Atlantic one, with a location that’s closer to Washington, D.C. than it is to points south. As a result, like much of the northern United States, this balmy British isle kicks into high-season in summer – while other islands of its ilk are becoming too hot to bear. With its fantastic golf, charming historical cities, gorgeous bougainvillea, splendid pink-sand beaches, and endearing pastel-colored houses, Bermuda attracts a loyal following of repeat visitors. Plus, its proximity to the United States makes it ideally suited for a quick getaway – at around two hours from the East Coast, you can be there by lunch.

Why Go In 2009: Bermuda turns 400 in 2009 (www.bermuda2009.bm) and is commemorating the historic event with a bevy of promotions and special events. Helping to bring affordability to the costly island is the Department of Tourism’s “Compliments of Bermuda: 400th Anniversary Offer,” which gives up to $400 credit towards air-and-hotel bookings made at select hotels (travel through March 31; book by March 27), as well as a “400th Anniversary Passport” savings booklet valued at up to $1,000. Meanwhile, event highlights include the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 in June and the Bermuda Festival For The Performing Arts in January and February. Also of note: The upscale, all-suite Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa (www.newsteadbelmonthills.com) opened its doors in early 2008, while the exclusive Tucker’s Point Hotel & Spa (www.tuckerspoint.com) is set to debut in April 2009.

12. CURAÇAO
Sophisticated Curaçao, the largest of the Dutch-owned ABC islands (Aruba and Bonaire form the “A” and “B”), may lack its neighbors’ high-caliber beaches and dive sites, but its capital, Willemstad, ranks among the region’s most cosmopolitan cities, with some 55 different cultures living in its vicinity – in fact, it’s the only Caribbean city aside from Havana to be ranked a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boasting colorful Dutch colonial architecture, a century-old pontoon bridge, and an animated floating market, it’s the isle’s premier attraction, although plenty of outdoor activities abound, too, from riding ATVs through ocean-trimmed cacti forests to hiking Mount Christoffel. It’s the perfect destination for urbanites who’d rather discover a new cultural capital than lounge on a beach.

Why Go In 2009: The tourism board’s “Curaçao Now” (www.curacao.com/now) promotion offers summer 2009 visitors perks like a $100 airfare credit, free additional hotel nights, food and beverage credits, and more (book January 15 through March 15). Curaçao’s airline, Insel Air, meanwhile, is launching non-stop service between Miami and the island in November, adding to its accessibility. Look for major hotel openings in the coming months, as well, including the Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino (December 2008; www.renaissancecuracao.com) and the Hyatt Regency Curaçao (December 2009; www.curacao.hyatt.com). And don’t miss our favorite Curaçao smart splurge, the recently opened luxury two-bedroom Tree House Mansion at the Lodge Kura Hulanda (www.kurahulanda.com). 

13. SAN JUAN
Founded in 1521, San Juan is not only the political and cultural capital of Puerto Rico, but it's the United States' very oldest city. At turns charming and gritty, historical Old San Juan and the sugary, resort-laden Condado and Isla Verde beachfronts woo visitors – moving away from the sand, urban sprawl and factories dominate. Combine your trip with escapes to off-the-coast islets like Vieques and Culebra for a truly unforgettable Caribbean experience.
 
Why Go In 2009: When it comes to quick, affordable beach and cultural getaways, few destinations rival San Juan, which is less than a three-hour flight from Miami or under five hours from New York. Combine short flying times with cheap flights – low-cost carrier JetBlue offers non-stop service from several East Coast cities (with a new D.C. route launching in December), while American Airlines operates its Caribbean hub there, making for competitive pricing. What’s more, no passport is required for travel – and with the historic district of Old San Juan delivering a winning combination of European culture with Caribbean charm, it's a chance to indulge in an affordable taste of Europe right here in the Americas.

14. RIVIERA MAYA
The beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise sea fronting Riviera Maya (a.k.a. the Mayan Riviera) – stretching south roughly 80 miles from Cancún, on past Tulum, and into the Sian Ka'an Biosphere – allow visitors to combine a tropical beach vacation with visits to awe-inspiring ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage nature preserve. Head here for the perfect combination of relaxation and culture in the form of beaches, resorts, and historic ruins.

Why Go In 2009: Part of the allure of Mexico has always been is its affordability. In 2009, this truth will extend to airfare with the launch of several new, inexpensive routes to Cancún (the gateway to Riviera Maya), including AirTran's upcoming service from Baltimore and Atlanta in February, and JetBlue's new flights via D.C. and Tampa in December 2008. That's not to say that affordability comes at the cost of class – a number of new upscale properties are planting roots in the Mayan Riviera, including the recent opened Mandarin Oriental (www.mandarinoriental.com/rivieramaya), and the upcoming Nizuc (www.nizuc.com), scheduled for debut in fall 2009.