If you are looking for an island that will truly be an escape, then Isla Catalina is the answer. No, this is not the Catalina off the California coast, but it is just a forty-five-minute boat ride from Casa de Campo, in the Dominican Republic. Discovered by Christopher Columbus, it has remained uninhabited to this day. Only nine and a half square kilometers, it is a preservation of the main Caribbean eco-systems which include sand dunes, mangroves, and reefs, just to name a few.

Glittering in the Pacific sun, Ensenada is a lovely hideaway on Mexico's Baja peninsula. Just sixty-five miles south of the U.S. border, this warm, inviting town is known for its bustling harbor community and agricultural center nestled in the mountains. With its rich agricultural region to the east and thriving fishery to the west, Ensenada offers visitors a chance to see modern rural life in action. Flourishing vineyards, famous throughout Mexico and North America, attract thousands of wine aficionados throughout the seasons. Locals and tourists agree that anyone who comes to taste the bounties of the vine will find that Ensenada wines rival the famed vintages Southern France and Northern California.

Acapulco is the ideal location for either a relaxing or an exciting day under the sun. A typical day on the bay will find you spending the majority of your time outdoors. With an average temperature of 80 degrees, Acapulco enjoys some of the finest year-round weather in the world. While spending the day on a beautiful beach, you can either lie peacefully, soaking in the sun's rays, or instead enjoy the many adventurous water sports offered in Acapulco. Some of these water sports include scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and water skiing. In addition, you should not miss La Quebrada, where daring cliff divers take a 130-foot plunge into the ocean. Other sites you should see is the beautiful vegetated lagoon of Coyuca, the historical Fuerte de San Diego, built to protect Acapulco from dangerous pirates in 1616, or a glass bottom boat tour to view the submerged Virgin of Guadalupe on the ocean floor off Roqueta Island.

Bahías de Huatulco is located on the gorgeous coast of Oaxaca in Mexico. This region is beautiful and bursting with activity, and the bays of Huatulco encompass over thirty tropical beaches. The entire community is, in essence, a beach, so you will never be far from the sparkling sea and the warm, shimmering sand. There are a couple of outstanding restaurants in the vicinity, and the shopping here is limited but still enjoyable. The Museo de Artesanías Oxaqueñas is an extraordinary museum where you can watch artistic geniuses at work. Huatulco's popularity is increasing, but some tourists remain hesitant to visit because of the unfinished appearance of the area. It is not nearly as built up as Cancún or Mazatlán, but there is a certain allure that is unique to Huatulco. In fact, many seasoned travelers prefer the rustic look of Huatulco to the other more commercialized areas of Mexico.

One of Mexico's oldest tourist resorts and home to one of the most popular carnivals in the world, this city is considered to be the most important port on the country's Pacific coast. A trip to the world's highest lighthouse, a day of world-class sportfishing, sunbathing on exotic beaches, and handicraft shopping are only a few of the activities that cruise vacationers can enjoy during a visit to Mazatlan.

Puerto Vallarta is a land of gorgeous sandy beaches, majestic mountains, and small-town allure. Located in the heart of the Mexican Riviera, a beautiful stretch of coastline running from Mazatlán to Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta is second only to Cancún in its popularity with tourists. The most popular activities for cruise visitors include kayaking, golfing, fishing, whale watching and horseback riding.

Just four miles separate Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, but the history and experiences of these two towns on Mexico's West Coast are far from alike. One is centuries old, while the other's entire history can be measured in decades. But both are sure to captivate your interest. For those seeking an all-inclusive tourist experience, Ixtapa is the place for you. In the 1970s, Mexico's Federal Government sought a tourist-friendly site and found everything they needed just north of Zihuatanejo. White sand beaches and white rocky islands made for a pristine vista. They again chose a word from Nahauatl, naming their new nirvana Ixtapa, or "the white place."

Cancún is a stunning Caribbean paradise with a dual history, one rich in ancient Mayan influences and Spanish imperialism, and the other a modern lesson on the growth of this slender island into a fascinating tourist Mecca. Cancún enjoys fifteen miles of beautiful powdery white sand beaches and an endless view of the Caribbean Sea. Its surrounding waters are ideal for aquatic sports including snorkeling, diving, and parasailing. Golfing is also readily accessible year round.

Although a major financial center, George Town still reflects the feel of a small island community. Quaint homes, churches and other historical sites may all be discovered on a self-guided walking tour. The plentiful duty-free shops along the shoreline are also very popular with tourists in search of bargains.

The “Conch Republic” is a festive island of colorful bars and equally colorful characters in what may as well be the tropics. America’s southernmost tip, where Harry Truman spent his summers playing poker and running the country, is a non-stop delight. Visit Hemingway’s house where you’ll find his original manuscripts and many of his famed six-toed cats. And while you’re on the island be sure to sample its culinary treasures, such as conch salad and world-famous Key Lime pie.

Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica, trailing only Kingston, but it may be the king of tourist destinations. Situated on the northwest side of the island, Montego Bay is the usual entryway for airline and cruise passengers from the United States to enter Jamaica. Those who come here find immaculate beaches, world class resorts, top-notch golf courses and tennis courts, and five-star restaurants.

Playa del Carmen, a quaint town that has been on the brink of rediscovery with its newly built resorts and golf courses, truly defines how there is beauty in simplicity. Nothing can be better than being surrounded by the unique flair of local culture, while also having a more modern option as well. The enchantment of the native buildings, with all of the amenities from world-class resorts creates a perfect blend and an ideal cruise destination.

Originally called "Los Chorreos" by the Spanish in 1657, Ocho Rios, once a small banana and fishing port, has become the cruise ship capital of Jamaica. Dunn’s River Falls, a 600-foot natural staircase of cascading water is the most famous attraction in Ocho Rios.