British influences abound in Basse-Terre, the capital of St. Kitts. Here you'll find the domed Treasury Building, the Circus, which was modeled after Piccadilly in London, and the St. George's Anglican Church. Explore the traditional white-sand beaches or admire breathtaking views of verdant mountains.

Stunning and dramatic, the emerald green Pitons rise from azure waters on this magical isle of quaint bays and lush landscapes and delightful strains of Creole.

From its gorgeous beaches and colorful marine life to its lush rainforest interior, tiny Tobago is the quintessential, picturesque Caribbean island; and it is a world apart from bigger, brasher Trinidad with which it forms a twin-nation. Tobago's sleepy capital Scarborough is a place for gentle ambling; take in the Scarborough Botanical Gardens whose 17 acres feature orchids, silk-cotton trees and vibrant bromeliads; and visit Fort King George, built by the British in 1777, beautifully maintained and offering expansive sea views. Then explore further afield. About eight miles wide and 30 long, the island is easy to get around by bus or taxi. To the west is Pigeon Point with one of the most renowned beaches; to the north is equally striking Stonehaven Bay. Follow hiking trails in the lush forests; join a tour of Tobago Cocoa plantation; enjoy a glass-bottomed boat ride to vibrant Buccoo Reef.

One of three tiny dots just off the coast of north-eastern Brazil that make up the Salvation Islands, Devil's Island gets its fearsome name from the shark-infested waters and dangerous currents that surround it. Little wonder, then, that France thought it would make the perfect spot to house dangerous prisoners from 1852 to 1952. A penal colony was built on all three of the Salvation Islands, with Devil's Island being reserved for political prisoners, including Captain Alfred Dreyfus, who was unjustly charged with spying for Germany. Conditions were notoriously terrible, with violence and disease rampant. Today, Devil's Island is closed to all visitors but the remains of the penal colony on Isle Royale, where we dock, make for fascinating, if sobering, viewing.

In the thrumming capital of the state of Ceará, miles of caramel-colored shores stretch along the crescent-shaped mouth of the Pajeú River. This is the place to settle in for caipirinhas on the sands at one of the many barracas (beach stalls) and soak up Brazilian beach life (head to the north end of Praia do Futuro for the best spots). In this dynamic country, a cultural fix is never far away; here that is the Dragão Center, a head-turning contemporary art gallery and fascinating museum dedicated to the traditional way of life. Pick up hand-crafted ceramics and lacework at the central market to bring some mementos home.

Maceió, the Indigenous word for “spring”, with its watery backdrop of cyclic lagoons and lush mangroves, is a historic port with origins in 19th-century sugar trade. Today, you'll find a modern beachfront city surrounded by powder-sand beaches strung along the coast either side of the harbour. But before you dive into those turquoise Atlantic waters, take in the dockside's Belle Époque buildings, the vibrant craft market at adjoining Pajucara beach, and several enticing museums including the Théo Brandão Anthropology and Folklore Museum, set in a renovated seafront mansion. There's also a striking sculpture by Oscar Niemeyer, architect of the country's capital, Brasilia.

Brazil's boundless energy is celebrated in Salvador de Bahia, a soulful, intoxicating city with a reputation for decadence and fun set on a tropical coastline. But look beyond the street parties to discover Salvador's history as the center of the sugar industry and slave trade, which has profoundly shaped its character. This is the heartland of Afro-Brazilian culture, and the legacy of the millions of enslaved people brought to Brazil from the 16th century permeates every aspect of life, from culture to food and religion.

Rio de Janeiro is one of those rare locales that needs to be experienced in order to understand the spell it casts on all who visit its shores. Rio is Brazil's vibrant metropolis, captivating everyone with its electrifying energy and striking natural beauty. Nestled between lush mountains and sparkling beaches, the city boasts iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Samba rhythms infuse the air during the world-famous Carnaval, while the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches draw sun-seekers year-round. The city's infectious joie de vivre is matched by its warm and welcoming Carioca culture. Whether exploring historic neighborhoods like Santa Teresa or reveling in the colors of the Escadaria Selarón, Rio de Janeiro entices with its fusion of history, passion, and tropical allure. Little wonder that the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its food, music, scenery, and inimitable energy and spirit all combine to make Rio de Janeiro an unquestionable bucket list destination.