If you've ever fantasized about being washed up on a Caribbean island for a week or two, the Corn Islands off the coast of mainland Nicaragua look like a dreamy postcard come to life. Despite their allure, they're still considered off the beaten path and tick all the boxes for crystalline waters, white-sandy beaches, warm locals, freshly baked coconut bread, and plenty of seafood dinners caught that morning. You'll have the distinct feeling of being in a place like Tulum or Thailand decades ago before the developers arrived and paved paradise.

Some Greek islands are made for shopping all day and dancing all night. Others invite lazy lie-ins and lounging by the pool, imbued with a sense of relaxation from every sandy beach to laid-back taverna. The island of Paxos near Corfu is one such destination, where it's perfectly acceptable to spend all day reading a book at a seaside cafe, looking up every so often to watch fishermen unload their boats as the sun arcs across the sky. With no major airportS or sprawling resorts to speak of, this is a whole other side to Greece you haven't seen yet. Legend has it that Paxos was created when the Greek god Poseidon used his almighty trident to strike the southern corner of Corfu and break off a slice of paradise for him and Amphitrite, the goddess of the sea. While ambling around town, it's not hard to see why any god (or human, for that matter) might choose Paxos as a secluded getaway.

Charter your megayacht and brush up on your French—we're heading to Saint Barthélemy. Known as St. Barts for short, this stunning nine-mile island east of Puerto Rico is the famed playground for celebrities and no-budget travelers alike. From the plethora of five-star resorts and Michelin-star restaurants to the swanky beach clubs where you can dance on the tables, cocktails in hand, St. Barts is a prized tropical getaway for those with more than a little cash to burn. This celebrity-dotted paradise is well known for its laid-back attitude and French-Caribbean fusion (the Euro is even the official currency), attracting famous jet setters like Jeff Bezos, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Marc Jacobs, Madonna, David Letterman, Heidi Klum, Mike Tyson, Elon Musk, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Paul McCartney.

How far would you go for a pint of beer? If you're venturing out into the Scottish Highlands anytime soon, you could easily find out. A few hours north of Glasgow in the village of Inverie, there’s a small but proud population of 120 and the most remote pub in Britain: The Old Forge. There's no road going in or out, so it's either an 18-mile hike over the mountains or a seven-mile ferry ride across Loch Nevis. The pub's story is an admirable one—an echo of the fighting spirit found in communities across Scotland. A few years ago, when the pub was put up for sale, the town launched a fundraising campaign to buy it as a collective. The locals were eager to preserve the landmark and its many iterations come and gone, from a cottage to a blacksmith shop to a social club to the beloved, lively pub it is today.

With its sparkling beaches, white houses, and lively tavernas, the island of Astypalaia seems like it should be part of the sun-soaked Cyclades, like Santorini or Paros. Yet this destination is part of the Dodecanese chain in the Aegean Sea. Despite its beauty and warm hospitality, it somehow manages to fly under the radar (at least for now), keeping the town as authentic and traditional as one would hope to find. The town is known as the "Butterfly of the Aegean" due to its unusual shape. From above, the island looks like a set of wings, connected by a thinner landmass in the center. By day, expect blue-domed chapels, whitewashed windmills, and narrow cobblestone streets. At night, the town’s centerpiece—a 12th-century Venetian castle—casts a warm glow over travelers from near and far.

The Ioanian paradise of Zakynthos has everything you'd expect from a popular Greek island—jaw-dropping vistas, bath-like waters, and drool-worthy cuisine whipped up fresh inside lively tavernas. Yet this island, affectionately nicknamed "Zante," doesn't have to come with the exorbitant price tag of other popular Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Believe it or not, this is one swanky destination you can explore without breaking the bank. The secret? It all comes down to your timing. If you're willing to travel to Zante during the shoulder seasons, you can lock in one of the best vacations in Europe from April through June. Not only will you beat the crowds and enjoy comfortable weather, but you'll get a steal on accommodations and outdoor adventures. The shipwreck beach alone is worth it.

A holiday in Greece never disappoints. While most travelers flock to the ruins of Athens or the turquoise seas that hug the Greek islands, there's a whole other side of this prized paradise you've probably never heard about. Northwest Greece is home to Epirus, a geographical medley of towering limestone mountains, forests, alpine lakes, caves, rivers, waterfalls, and the hallmark beaches that make Greece so famous. Sitting five hours north of the capital, Epirus easily rivals other well-known hiker destinations like the Italian Dolomites or Georgia's Caucasus mountain range. No matter your outdoor experience, there’s a bounty of scenic trails for all levels.

Would you dare to enter Xibalba, the Mayan underworld, and turn off your headlamp? If you're up for an adventure, caving is easily one of the most popular excursions in Belize. This rich land of natural wonders boasts thousands of cave systems, perfect for hiking, swimming, kayaking, and horseback riding. But for a truly unique bucket list experience, you've got to try it on an inner tube. Not only are the caves gorgeous, but each limestone labyrinth holds historical significance. The Mayans viewed these caves as a sacred place to perform rituals, like burying the departed, drinking hallucinogenic substances, and sending sacrifices to the gods. Today, the subterranean tunnels still hold traces of the past with preserved footprints, pottery, artifacts, and, yes, human remains. Only a local guide can bring you to the underworld and back.

Mexico is well-known for its glorious beaches. So if there's one that's commonly cited as the most beautiful beach in the country, you know it ought to be good. Playa Balandra in Baja California Sur is well deserving of the title, with its calm turquoise waters and sugary sands against a backdrop of red, cactus-covered mountains. Each of the seven beaches is shaped in a crescent moon. The water is so serene and shallow that you can wade from one end to the other, perfect for spotting jellyfish, stingrays, trigger fish, groupers, blue crabs, and brightly colored fish in the mangroves. Never too far from a meal, you'll be sharing the sand bar with herons, ospreys, and pelicans. With so much marine activity, it's no wonder the Gulf of Mexico (also called the Sea of Cortés), is known as the "world's largest aquarium."

If you've ever watched the hit film "Frozen" and wished you could jet to the magical land of Arendelle—that is, the fictional Nordic kingdom that Elsa and Anna call home—now's your chance. Disney recently opened “World of Frozen” at Hong Kong Disneyland just in time for the movie's ten-year anniversary. The park is part of Disney's $60 billion expansion over the coming decade and the first of two Frozen-inspired kingdoms (the other is slated for Paris). The park features two rides, an interactive theater experience, a live band, shops, eateries, and Norwegian architecture and landscapes true to the film. And, yes, there's an ice castle built above a quaint village with all your favorite characters (and a few new ones) sprinkled throughout.

It's not hard to feel amorous in Italy. If the scenery, cobblestone streets, and music doesn't get you, maybe the wine will. There's one charming spot that's all but flown under the radar, especially compared to well-trodden destinations like Florence and Rome. It's called Torino—or Turin, if your map is in English. By train, it's only a one-hour zip from Milan and every bit as romantic as other Italian cittàs. Torino is the capital of the Piedmont region and the birthplace of treasures like Ferrero and Nutella, crowning it the chocolate capital of the country. As such, it's only fair for you and your sweetheart to indulge in a dessert tour, first thing.

In the charming countryside of Borgloon, Belgium, there's a church that's both there and, well, not there. From one angle, the chapel appears solid. From another, it's see-through, with foliage appearing behind the beams and entire sections missing, as though they've simply dissolved into thin air. This impressive illusion is appropriately titled "Reading Between the Lines." Installed in 2011, it captures the local community’s relationship with faith and religion beautifully. The church remains a solid pillar for some and a familiar, if not fading, fixture for others. Either way, this unique structure is a gorgeous site to behold.

While the postcard-perfect beaches and teal waters will draw you into Trinidad and Tobago, it's the rich culture and warm locals that will keep you coming back for more. This dual-island nation off the coast of Venezuela is famous for its music scene, mouth-watering cuisine, and an annual festival that rivals Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Spend enough time here, and you won't help but develop a love of fetes (slang for parties) and liming (hanging out with friends). With its colonial past, rebellious spirit, and melting pot of cultures, this Caribbean destination has a cultural heritage unlike anywhere else.

At a first glance, the town of Gramado looks as though it should be on a postcard from somewhere in Western Europe. With chocolatiers at every turn, the smell of fondue wafting in the air, and Bavarian-style houses dotting the streets, it might be hard to believe you’re in South America. That's part of what makes this town so striking, along with the warm Brazilian hospitality and guacho (cowboy) culture. It’s a unique blend of elements you just won’t find anywhere else.

Life is no fairytale, but for a few days at this European theme park, it might just feel like it. The Efteling World of Wonders is the largest and oldest theme park in the Netherlands, having enchanted visitors of all ages for more than 70 years. Whether you're seeking a relaxing visit, an action-filled adventure, a light fairytale, or something a little more dark, this park has attractions to suit any mood and taste. With 5.4 million visitors per year, this local staple is as popular as ever, yet the dreamy scenery, affordable prices, and smaller crowds make it seem more like a well-kept secret.