Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica: Beaches and More

Sicily. The name conjures up images of long lazy days, sunshine, and summer holidays coupled with the style and glamour of an Italian holiday. With over 1000 kilometers of shoreline, one of the island’s main draws is its fabulous coastline. Surrounded by the blue, inviting waters of the Mediterranean, the island is famed for its golden sandy beaches, picturesque coves, and lively coastal resorts. From the tourist beaches of the north to the more rugged parts of the south, Sicily Island is a paradise in Italy waiting to be explored. We’ve picked 6 of the best beaches in Sicily, listed in no particular order, to showcase some of what this Mediterranean jewel has to offer.

From sunning yourself on the alluring Caribbean and Pacific coasts, trekking through the central American jungle in search of exotic native wildlife, or paddling some of the best whitewater in the world, there’s a Costa Rica trip for everyone. With such a long list of heavenly attractions, including national parks that take up a quarter of the country’s entire area, sapphire blue seas, gently smoking volcanoes, and tropical beaches, it’s little wonder that this area of central America was nicknamed the ‘rich coast’. Whether you’ve got just a few days or are lucky enough to have a couple of weeks, with the best Costa Rica itinerary will be sure to fit in the full gamut of experiences!

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica may not be as well-known as the Pacific side, but it's an outdoor adventure that should not be overlooked if you seek an exotic location packed full of nature, wildlife, and white sandy beaches. Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast (the right-hand or eastern side when looking at a map) might be higher in humidity and have more rainfall, but what it loses in weather it makes up for with its diverse abundance of flora and fauna. The Caribbean coast is also much less developed than its Pacific cousin, meaning it sees fewer tourists — a plus point in our book and likely so for those seeking an adventurous trip in Costa Rica! You'll find rainforests to explore, superb surfing, snorkeling on coral reefs, reggae party towns, and some unmistakable Caribbean charm. Read on to discover just a small taste of what Costa Rica’s Caribbean vacations can offer you.

Packed with vibrant countries, magnificent wildlife, and diverse cultures, South America is one of the world’s greatest travel destinations. Countries are well-connected via flights and local buses, making traveling between them easy and convenient. With just two weeks in South America, you can tick off a handful of incredible bucket list destinations like Machu Picchu, Iguazú Falls, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires. Soak up the sun and sand on Brazil’s relaxing beaches, spot jaguars in the Pantanal, traverse through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in Peru, head to Argentina and Chile for the wonders of Patagonia, and more. Or, if you’d like to stick to one region within the continent on a 14-day South America trip, explore the great Amazon basin, shared by nine countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia.

There’s a 300-kilometer stretch of coastal road on the south west tip of South Africa regarded as the most beautiful region in the country. Known as The Garden Route, the road trip gets its name from the Garden Route National Park that it covers, and the diverse vegetation and wildlife, and abundance of lagoons, lakes, mountains, forests, and beaches along its winding roads. Home to almost a dozen nature and marine reserves, a road trip on the Garden Route offers plenty of opportunities for activities along the way, from hiking to eco and whale watching tours, to exploring caves and deserted sandy beaches. The route meanders between the Indian Ocean and the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua mountain ranges, creating contrasting, yet equally stunning views on either side. The lush greenery of the indigenous forests meets the jagged cliffs and the sprawling coastal vistas, producing the type of panoramic views only found in magazines.

As August falls smack in the middle of the rainy season in the Philippines, most people tend to skip the country. But for some this could be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of low crowds and affordable rates. It’s not all rain and storms in the Philippines in August. The eastern seaboard is the driest while parts of Southern Visayas, Palawan and Mindanao see frequent but short rain showers. So if you are planning to tour the Philippines in August, make sure to have a solid itinerary plan.

At 850 kilometers, Route 62 in South Africa is considered to be the longest wine route in the world. It is the historic inland route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, connecting the east and west coasts of the country. Route 62 passes through the Cape Winelands and the Klein Karoo and is said to be the shorter, more scenic alternative to the N2 highway, and less-commercial than the famous Garden Route. A window to the real South African countryside, Route 62 allows travellers to anticipate adventure, dramatic landscapes, and friendly towns. A postcard perfect journey altogether, Route 62 is one of the road trips in South Africa that should be on your bucket-list if you have a knack for the uncommon.

The coastline of Malaga, Spain is known as the Costa del Sol for a reason — this is a place that sees an average of around 300 days of sun per year. There’s nothing that goes with sun better than sand and sea, and fortunately, this stretch of coastline is also blessed with some of the country’s finest beaches. Here are ten of the best beaches in Malaga:

Beautifully blessed with sun-kissed climates that last all year round, tropical destinations are countries found on or near the Equator, surrounded by lush ecosystems, geographical wonders, and stunning beaches. With only two seasons — the wet and dry climates — these locations are perfectly tempered for summery getaways. The eternally humid weather lures you to wade into the cool waters and partake in the rich vegetation surrounding the shores. For a dream getaway, we have listed the best tropical vacations on the planet, where you can escape the chill of winter and bask in the warm sunshine whenever you wish.

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season (verano), which stretches from December to April. This season coincides with the peak tourist season, where December is the most crowded month, followed by the school vacation season that stretches from mid-January to mid-March. The weather in Costa Rica is temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season (invierno). May to November is classified as the wet season in Costa Rica, when all six rainforests of the country face the heaviest downpours. July and August are the only wet season months that see considerable periods of sunshine and are ideal for travel if you prefer lower prices on accommodations and fewer crowds. Continue reading to find out the best time to plan a trip to Costa Rica.

It is hot and rainy in Mexico in August, with some of the highest temperatures of the year, especially in southern Mexico, and there is a possibility of hurricanes too. Given the weather condition, it is best to include a lot of water-based activities in your itinerary if you are traveling to places like the Yucatán Peninsula and Baja California. Having said that, some of the best places to visit with plenty of things to do in Mexico in August are Guadalupe Island, where you can see great white sharks; the pretty beaches of La Paz; Tulum, with its laid back vibes and snorkeling opportunities; and Mexico City, the country’s political and cultural capital. So make sure to not miss out on them while planning your Mexican vacation.

Warm November weather in most parts of Argentina encourages a spike in tourist activities. Several top destinations are easily accessible and activities are abundant throughout the country. While visiting Argentina, travelers can embark on trips to UNESCO heritage sites like Iguazu Falls or laze out on the famous beaches in Bariloche. As the last month of shoulder season, Argentina in November offers something for every type of traveler.