With jazz flowing through its streets, a carnival atmosphere even outside Mardi Gras, and a dash of voodoo mysticism, New Orleans is the very soul of the south. And what a soul, combining French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. You might take a paddle steamer on the Mississippi or hop on a streetcar to the 19th-century mansions of the Garden District. And be sure to wander the French Quarter to see colorful buildings with ornate iron balconies and hear music spilling from the bars. Don't miss the beignets and coffee in the Café du Monde or, for something stronger, the city's official cocktail, the rye-whiskey based Sazerac.

With jazz flowing through its streets, a carnival atmosphere even outside Mardi Gras, and a dash of voodoo mysticism, New Orleans is the very soul of the south. And what a soul, combining French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. You might take a paddle steamer on the Mississippi or hop on a streetcar to the 19th-century mansions of the Garden District. And be sure to wander the French Quarter to see colorful buildings with ornate iron balconies and hear music spilling from the bars. Don't miss the beignets and coffee in the Café du Monde or, for something stronger, the city's official cocktail, the rye-whiskey based Sazerac.

Soak up the sun on Mexico's largest island. Cozumel has pristine palm-lined beaches and plenty of opportunities for you to get lost in Mayan mysteries, explore Caribbean coral formations, or simply relax on a white sand beach.

Here, where the skies are wide expanses of blue, waters are a transparent turquoise, and beaches are pure white edged by lush green palms, you can aim a point-and-shoot in almost any direction and get a beautiful picture. Photography aside, you can also dive, snorkel and swim with the dolphins. You might opt to explore the reef in a glass-bottom boat, go into town to shop for island crafts, or see the butterfly and floral gardens.

Santo Tomás de Castilla in Guatemala attracts adventurers with activities like waterfall hikes, rainforest explorations, bird-watching, and tours of UNESCO ancient Maya cities. The country is rife with wildlife: more than 400 species of birds—including toucans and parrots live in the jungle interior. As a former Belgian colony, colonial landmarks, including the 16th-century Spanish fort Castillo de San Felipe, dot the landscape. Unlike its neighbors, Guatemala is still developing, and as such offers an uncharted and genuine experience: local markets promise many authentic shopping opportunities, with beautiful locally crafted goods at negotiable prices.

This lively and picturesque town is a famous tourist destination on the island of Jamaica. Montego Bay has all you need for an idyllic experience, from sparkling blue waters, sandy beaches and diverse outdoor activities to great restaurants that showcase the best homemade Jamaican cuisine.

Nestled along the Caribbean's azure embrace, George Town beckons with its tropical charm. Crystal clear waters hide vibrant coral reefs, promising psychadelic underwater life for snorklers. Long ribbons of white sandy beaches are flanked by palm trees and promise hours of endless, enviable relaxation. Gran Cayman is Caribbean is truly a Caribbean ideal, pastel buildings dot the waterfront, hosting a fusion of Caribbean delights and international flavors, so find a cafe or bar, order a local rum punch and imbibe in a bit of Cayman culture. But it is not all fun in the sun, George Town is the hub of the island's thriving financial district, which give this island an edge over its neighbours. George Town weaves a tapestry of sun-soaked days, reggae-infused memories, and the timeless allure of island life.