10 Best Tropical Vacations Around the World

Widely visited for its prolific biodiversity, Costa Rica is one of the most visited tropical getaways in Central America. About 25% of its territory is protected by conservation areas, most notably the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Here, you will have opportunities to revel in isolated islands, national parks, volcanic lakes and tropical beaches.

Average temperature: 8 – 27 °C

Top vacation spots:

• Tortuguero National Park, where you can view more than 300 species of birds
• The Pacific coast of Costa Rica, which offers a hotspot for avid surfers, such as Tamarindo and Santa Teresa in Mal Pais
• Playa Grande, the largest nesting site for the leatherback sea turtle as well as home to the best waves for surfers in Guanacaste
• Corcovado, with its black sand beaches surrounded by tropical rainforest

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The southern tip of the African continent boasts expansive natural topography with a semi-desert atmosphere. World-class cities thriving with some of the best landscapes in the world make this location popular for elite tourists and ardent backpackers alike. UNESCO World Heritage sites display South Africa's role in human history, while forests and mountain ranges let you immerse in the authentic feel of nature.

Average temperature: 12 – 32 °C

Top vacation spots:

• The Cradle of Humankind, a large collection of caves that houses advanced ape fossils
• World Heritage site Robben Island, home to a penguin colony and a cultural museum
• Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s best parks, covers 14 ecozones and supports different species
• The Table Mountain in Cape Town, surrounded by beautiful luxury hotels

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Get ready to immerse yourself in sights of gold and yellow as you visit Thailand, a popular Asian tropical destination that is home to many beaches, temples and World Heritage sites. Indulge in mouth-watering street food or get off the beaten track and see the magnificent Khmer ruins during your stay.

Average temperature: 26 – 31 °C

Top vacation spots:

• The upmarket waters of Koh Samui, Phuket and Krabi, which boast some of the best beach resorts in the world
• Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, where you can learn more about Thai culture or go mountain trekking
• Pattaya brings you the best of Thai nightlife with an Asian cosmopolitan flavor

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Gilded with a plethora of topographical marvels, biodiversity and artifacts, Peru is a country bursting with natural resources and amazing places to visit. One of its main attractions is the home of the Incan empire, a series of ruins categorized as a World Heritage site.

Average temperature: 10 – 21 °C

Top vacation spots:

• Machu Picchu, take the jungle trek for an extra adrenaline rush towards the historical site
• Amazon basin, get to see pink dolphins, river otters, jaguars and more than 8,000 bird species.
• Nazca Lines, see the drawings in the desert coast
• Lake Titicaca, traverse through the largest navigable body of water in the world
• Máncora, take pleasure in the nightlife and surf along with the locals in this beach town

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Endowed with geographical extremes, one of the best tropical places to visit is Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa. Here, you can explore the bounteous environmental reserves filled with wildlife, or enjoy the many unspoiled beaches this country has to offer.

Average Temperature: 20 – 35 °C

Top vacation spots:

• Mount Kilimanjaro, where you can climb the tallest mountain in Africa, which is also the world's highest freestanding mountain.
• Lake Tanganyika, visit the lowest point of Africa at the lake bed
• Zanzibar, go scuba diving for a new underwater experience

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Fervently listed as among the best tropical vacation spots in the world, the Bahamas is a scenic destination that includes coral reef cays and pink sand beaches. Its shores, engulfed in clear blue waters draped with tropical foliage, are nothing but picturesque.

Average temperature: 27 – 32 °C

Top vacation spots:

• Nassau is home to the Atlantis casino resort, affluent shopping streets and the Old Town, which features Caribbean ruins
• Grand Bahama, tour into its underwater limestone cave system
• The Bahama islands, go island hopping with cruise systems and delight in isolated escapes in private resorts

Traced along the Caribbean coast, Belize is a tropical destination with a strong Creole atmosphere. This vibrant setting features coastal plains, low mountains, offshore islands and jungle caves. Explore Mayan ruins for that memorable getaway as you take a break from its beaches.

Average temperature: 23 – 27 °C

Top vacation spots:

• Old Belize, a landmark attraction, offers a glimpse of its Mayan history
• Altun Ha and Lamanai, see the magnificent pyramids
• San Ignacio, travel through the jungles on a horseback
• Cayo District, wander through the limestone hills and underground rivers

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Welcome the sunshine in one of the top-ranked tropical vacations in the world. Hawaii, home to palm-draped islands with views of clear sunsets over the beach, promises more than photograph-worthy scenes in its variety of geographical assets and famous landmarks.

Average Temperature: 23 – 27 °C

Top vacation spots:

• Pearl Harbor in Oahu, tour the area or face the thrill of shark snorkel dives in cages
• Maui, carry your binoculars and watch humpback whales. The Molokini Crater is also situated here
• The Big Island, fly over the island with a helicopter tour and swim with wild dolphins during your stay on the beach.

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Perched in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is a vast country with dynamic topography, amazing wildlife and dense jungles. This region is so diverse it has three different time zones. Its wide expanse offers an array of opportunities for tropical vacationists, from animal spotting, mountain trekking or simply appreciating the warm weather.

Average temperature: 23 – 28 °C

Top vacation spots:

• Sumatra, navigate through the rugged terrain which gives you the chance to see the country's natural and cultural wealth
• Jakarta, the sprawling city in Java
• Bali, where popular beaches, modern resorts and a dramatic highland region make it a tourist favorite
• Borobodur, pay respects at one of the largest temples in the world

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Home to the renowned Carnival festival and home to an enthusiastic soccer tradition, Brazil, the largest country in South America also boasts of plush rainforest life, dramatic coastlines and a sunny climate, thanks to its strategic tropical location. Soak up its rich history as you travel around beaches and cities in style.

Average temperature: 22 – 30 °C

Top vacation spots:

• Brasilia, indulge in the cosmopolitan city, which boasts of architectural attractions such as the Arches Palace and Dom Bosco Church
• The Amazon, glide through the rainforest and explore nature's extravagant gifts in this remarkable rainforest
• Rio de Janeiro, take this chance to be welcomed by the open-armed Jesus and delight in its beaches
• São Paulo, Brazil's melting pot of diverse cultures

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Giving you a peek at cultures and natural wonders on or near the equator, the best tropical vacations in the world leave you with an enriching experience. Whether you are a lavish tourist or a practical backpacker, use this guide to discover your next tropical destination and start planning that sun-kissed adventure!