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When Tripadvisor recently released its 2026 Mid-Year Experiences Trends Report, it showed travelers have been seeking experiences for connecting “more deeply with the places they visit.” The travel platform highlighted coastal destinations that dominated its list of fastest-growing places for those experiences during the first half of 2026 – and, at No. 1 by far, was Catalina Island with an astounding 383% increase in bookings.

While Miami has more than enough culture, beaches, and nightlife to keep you busy on vacation, one of the city’s best features is its access to incredible day trips. Nestled near the Everglades and within driving distance of several major cities, Miami is a great home base for exploring the rest of the Sunshine State. Within a short drive, you can go from Miami’s skyscrapers to the prehistoric swamps of the Everglades or the sleepy Gulf Coast of Naples.

As Travel Off Path reported just last week, prices have skyrocketed in two of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations, Los Cabos and Cancun. The site notes that a week-long vacation at a five-star all-inclusive resort in either location was only around a couple thousand dollars not long ago, but now travelers can expect to pay at least $5,000. Average daily rates in these major hubs have increased to over $440 a night, while the ultra-luxe properties can easily reach $800 or more.

There’s no reason to follow that well-worn path to Cabo or Cancun. Forget about the long buffet lines and fights for lounge chairs in one of Mexico’s quiet beach towns. They often provide more low-key luxury, with upscale comforts for deeper relaxation, beautiful nature, and cultural authenticity minus the crowds.

Clearwater Beach is Florida’s favorite beach, according to Florida residents themselves. As Florida locals, we know how hard it is to pick just one favorite. With 825 miles of coastline ranging from calm Gulf waters to Atlantic surf breaks, the state has no shortage of options. While we’re not complaining about having so many awesome places to walk the sandy shores, the sheer abundance of options is also one of the most challenging parts of living in the Sunshine State.

A survey involving 32,500 respondents across 35 countries and territories, combined with analysis of aggregated accommodation search data, recently revealed that Fort Myers, Florida, is the top trending fall destination, according to Booking.com. The online travel company reports that 41% of U.S. travelers are planning trips for the upcoming off-season, with many looking to avoid big crowds and find a better value.

227. That’s the number of the inhabited islands in Greece. If you count the uninhabited ones, it goes up to about 6000. While Santorini, with its stunning caldera sunsets, and Mykonos, with its glitzy beach bars and de luxe restaurants, are the best-known islands, there are many, many more. The more you travel in Greece, the more you discover. Island-hopping in this country is a magnificent experience. I have been practicing it for a decade now, always aiming to visit a new island per trip.

A small beach town can provide the perfect getaway for those who prefer immersing themselves in a slower pace of life while enjoying the sounds of the waves rather than traffic. While they come in many different forms, you can often find your own secluded space to sunbathe or simply relax while reading a good book.

When the chill of winter hits, there are few things better than heading to a warm-weather location with beautiful beaches. Cabo San Lucas is one of the most popular destinations for a beach getaway. There are hundreds of resorts to choose from, many that are just steps from the sand and the surf. As you’ll typically get the best deals and more room choices by booking well in advance, now is the time to book for this coming season.

There is no denying the magnetic pull of St. Barts. On my first visit, I discovered that the island lives up to its reputation as the Caribbean’s luxury capital. The tiny island is dotted with luxury resorts and villas, and its capital, Gustavia, is great for luxury boutique shopping and watching mega-yachts glide into the harbor. Though a trip to St. Barts is unmatched, the good news is that the Caribbean has other sophisticated alternatives.