Ease into island life on Cozumel. Situated on Mexico’s scenic Yucatán Peninsula, it serves as a gateway to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the largest reef system in the Americas and a biodiversity hotspot that supports a dazzling array of coral and hundreds of tropical fish species. If snorkeling or diving don’t appeal, soak up the sun on white-sand beaches or get lost in Mayan mysteries with a visit to the ruins of San Gervasio, once a significant site of worship of the goddess Ixchel. When hunger strikes, you can’t go wrong with island favorites like tamales, shrimp tacos, and citrusy ceviche.

Belize City is the largest city and former capital of Belize. Situated on the eastern coast of the country, the city is a vibrant and diverse urban center that offers a mix of cultural experiences, historical sites, and access to the natural wonders of the country. Its happy location along the Caribbean Sea adds to its appeal, promising visitors lots of fun in the sun, whether you chose to relax on one of the sandy beaches found outside the city, or explore the underwater world of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nearby caves and atolls are prime spots for snorkeling, diving, and marine adventures. Unsurprisingly, the region is rife with Mayan ruins, and Belize City's proximity to these significant archaeological sites allows visitors to explore the rich Maya heritage of the region. Ancient archaeological sites such as Altun Ha, Cuello, Xunantunich and Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve are all located a short distance from the city and feature impressive pyramids and ceremonial plazas. For those who are more interested in modern day and history should stroll the city to St. John's Cathedral, built from 1812 to 1820, for a chance to see the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America as well as Swing Bridge, an iconic drawbridge, that connects the north and south sides of the city.

Santo Tomás de Castilla in Guatemala attracts adventurers with activities like waterfall hikes, rainforest explorations, bird-watching, and tours of UNESCO ancient Maya cities. The country is rife with wildlife: more than 400 species of birds—including toucans and parrots live in the jungle interior. As a former Belgian colony, colonial landmarks, including the 16th-century Spanish fort Castillo de San Felipe, dot the landscape. Unlike its neighbors, Guatemala is still developing, and as such offers an uncharted and genuine experience: local markets promise many authentic shopping opportunities, with beautiful locally crafted goods at negotiable prices.

Here, where the skies are wide expanses of blue, waters are a transparent turquoise, and beaches are pure white edged by lush green palms, you can aim a point-and-shoot in almost any direction and get a beautiful picture. Photography aside, you can also dive, snorkel and swim with the dolphins. You might opt to explore the reef in a glass-bottom boat, go into town to shop for island crafts, or see the butterfly and floral gardens.