Fort Myers has long been a popular vacation spot in Florida, offering sunny weather, great beaches and a lively atmosphere. Fort Myers beach and other nearby beaches are definitely the main attraction here, but there are also plenty of outdoor activities, like nature trails, wildlife preserves, kayaking opportunities, and more. Downtown Fort Myers is a hub for culture seekers with theatre productions, art galleries, shops, and great bars and restaurants.

In September 2022, the Fort Myers area was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian, bringing tourism in the region to a halt as the community rallied to rebuild.

Today, 18 months later, the area is still recovering from Hurricane Ian, but most of the beaches, businesses, and tourism offerings have now reopened. The destination is welcoming back visitors with open arms. You can find a comprehensive list of the currently open beaches and parks here.

Why Now: Many travelers opt to forego visiting areas affected by hurricanes, but we can confirm that taking a holiday to Fort Myers now offers a variety of benefits, including fewer crowds at popular attractions, top-notch customer service, cleaner and less-crowded beaches, and ultimate relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of busy tourist destinations! Plus, visiting allows you to support the ongoing recovery efforts in the community – so it’s a win-win!

The sheer remoteness of this place will save it from the masses, at least for a long while. Panama’s Coiba National Park is one of the country’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and one of only 50 Marine World Heritage sites in the world. If the idea of swimming with humpback whales or reeling in massive black marlin entices you, Coiba National Park deserves a prime spot on your bucket list.

Formerly a high-security prison until 2004, Coiba now stands as an untouched paradise teeming with wildlife. It serves as a haven for an array of species on the brink of extinction, from its dense island jungles to its pristine coral reefs. It’s even dubbed the “Galapagos of Central America” since it shelters species found nowhere else on the planet!

You can hike around Coiba Island (the largest island off the Pacific Coast of Central America), go big-game sportfishing in the renowned Hannibal Bank, and snorkel or scuba dive around 38 islands. Different seasons bring different animals, but you’re pretty much guaranteed to see reef sharks and turtles year-round. Santa Catalina, Panama, serves as the nearest town and ideal launching point for your Coiba excursions, which all begin with an hour-long boat ride.

Why Now: Accessing Coiba National Park used to require a lengthy journey by car from Panama’s International Airport (PTY) in addition to the boat ride. Now, puddle jumper flights from Panama City Albrook (PAC) offer a quicker route. Visit this website to connect with a charter company and embark on your adventure.

National Parks are still crowded, with official NPS 2023 visitation statistics reporting an increase of over 13 million visitors from 2022. Although reservation systems and timed entry at many of the most popular parks have aimed to mitigate some of the congestion, there is still a significant strain on resources and headaches for visitors who visit some of the most popular National Parks. That’s why I aim to spend more time in National Forests and State Parks this year. Exploring – and capturing photos – of a place less known is an exciting prospect for intrepid travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations and “calm-cations.”

I have specifically loved visiting smaller State Parks in the Eastern part of the United States – like Franconia Notch in New Hampshire and Watkins Glen in New York that don’t always get the same social media attention as their National Park counterparts, and National Forests and Public Lands that are near National Parks but without the same crowds. Indian Peaks Wilderness near Rocky Mountain National Park is a favorite.

Why Now: National Park popularity isn’t slowing down, but there are many National Forests, Public Lands, and State Parks that are either less crowded or less “social media famous” and ripe for exploration.

The majority of French Polynesia’s 118 outer islands have managed to fly under the radar. Their idealistic coral-rimmed atolls, sublime blue waters that inspired Matisse’s blue period, and perfect palm-fringed shores are the reward for those who venture off the tourist trails. Fakarava is such a place. A UNESCO biosphere reserve with stretches of endless white sand and one of the most coveted scuba diving destinations on this planet of blue, the famous wall of sharks. The south pass to the lagoon can hold over 300 grey reef sharks, the largest concentration in the world, floating like planes coming in for a landing at a busy airport. Diving among them is so surreal, one wonders if it’s an optical illusion. It’s not. The sharks appear to be holding in place, gently moving their bodies against the current, while you, a small human in a watery world, stare in awe at the spectacle, reminding yourself to breathe.

Why Now: This year, a newly elected government set a goal of nearly doubling visitor numbers to French Polynesia by 2033, focusing its attention on some of the most remote corners of paradise. Fakarava also made Condé Nast’s list of best beaches of 2024. Go. Now.

Hear calming cowbells ring through the valley of snow-capped, chocolate auburn chalet-style houses in Grindelwald. Plump Alpine cows graze around glacier-flanked Wetterhorn and Eiger mountains and the fairytale lush meadows in this idyllic Swiss village. Besides the peaceful, picturesque views, come for the highest train station in Europe (11,332 feet), the highest accessible point in Europe, Jungfraujoch, and the Alps’ most significant and most extended glacier, the 14-mile-long Aletsch Glacier.

​​Although this snowy ski destination is renowned in Europe, few in the United States have heard of it. Beat the winter crowds by visiting in spring as the destination is mobbed in the wintertime with skiers and crowds of Netflix stans of k-drama, Crash Landing On You — partially filmed in the region. Fun outdoor activities include scaling the Grindelwald First Cliff Walk, soaring on the First Glider, riding a mountain cart, or trotti-biking down the Swiss Alps.

For a central location, stay at the Bergwelt Grindelwald, just a five-minute walk from the train station. A soothing visit to its over 2500-foot Fire and Ice spa and sauna circuit, including four saunas, an ice dipping fountain, a minty steam room, an outdoor solarium, and a whirlpool, is also a highlight after a day of adventures.

Why Now: Switzerland is ranked #1 again for the second year in a row in U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Countries. Additionally, new flight routes open in 2024, making Grindelwald more accessible. SWISS Air expands its service to the U.S. with its just-launched direct flight from Washington DC (Dulles) to Zurich.

Just over 20 miles west of Jackson, Wyoming, over Teton Pass, lies the laid-back Teton Valley. Made up of several smaller towns – Victor, Driggs, and Tetonia are my favorites – visitors can still easily access Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, but without the congestion and sometimes prohibitory high rates of accommodations in Jackson. Teton Valley is the perfect base for adventure — not just in the nearby National Parks – but as a destination of its own. I love spending the day fishing or floating on the Teton River with Teton River Supply before drinks at Grand Teton Brewing in Victor or Grand Teton Distillery in Driggs and dinner at Forage. There are plenty of options for hiking or spring skiing at Grand Targhee Resort, opportunities to float in a hot air balloon at sunrise, or make the scenic drive into Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Parks – both within a manageable day trip length.

There are many unique short-term rentals on this side of the range. I love staying at Maison Tetonia and Teton View Cabin, both with plenty of land to explore and a different vantage point to enjoy the sunrise.

Why Now: National Parks will always be crowded in the spring and summer months – especially Grand Teton and Yellowstone, both of which have no reservation requirements. Teton Valley provides a more chill alternative to base yourself while exploring the parks and the valley.

The list of reasons to visit Popoyo, Nicaragua isn’t a long one: surfing, vibes, watercolor sunsets… These are the essential ingredients for a classic Central American surf town, if you ask us. While Popoyo has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination for travelers on the Latin American backpacking circuit, and is cherished by surfers across the globe, this idyllic stretch of Pacific coastline remains largely unrecognized by North Americans.

Instead of flocking to the more popular spots like Puerto Escondido or Tamarindo, visit Popoyo for a genuine, laid-back beach town encounter. Picture strolling past an ox-cart on the sand and navigating bumpy dirt roads on motorbikes, waking up to roosters and buying fruit from a truck with a megaphone (IYKYK). The scene is very much evolving, though, with trendy beachfront hotels, sexy surf lodges, yoga retreats, and cool surf camps popping up.

If you’re craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure with killer waves and stunning sunsets, Popoyo might just be your next favorite destination.

Why Now: A brand new coastal highway “link” means getting to Popoyo has never been easier – slashing travel time from the airport in half to just 90 minutes.

Siem Reap is easier to visit than ever with the opening of the new Siem Reap-Angkor Airport last October and the new e-arrival system launching this year. You’ll visit Angkor Wat of course, but don’t forget the lesser-known temple of Koh Her, which became a UNESCO site in 2023.

Siem Reap has much more to offer beyond the 15.4-mile complex the Guinness World Records deems the largest religious structure ever built. Join a free guided tour of Artisans Angkor—Les Chantiers Écoles for a slice-of-life view of young Cambodian artisans creating intricate wood and stone carvings, silverware, and silk paintings. Brush up on your haggling skills to buy local goods at the Angkor Night Market while stuffing yourself on street food. End the night with beers with locals, ex-pats, and tourists at neon sign-lit Pub Street in the city’s Old French Quarter.

I recommend staying at the Park Hyatt Siem Reap, which weaves the local community into its programming. Pop-up shops and classes teach traditional artistry every morning, such as folding lotus flowers or hat weaving in the courtyard. Anyone can also sign up for one of the hotel’s cultural experiences led by Chef Pisith Theam into local towns for num banh chok (Cambodian Rice Noodles) classes, rice wine tours, or Buddhist monk blessings.

Why Now: Along with the snazzy new airport, the government is making a considerable tourism push to streamline arrivals to Siem Reap this year. This includes improving border reception and flight connections and offering financial support to local tourism operators.

If you’re a fan of dance music, it’s basically a right of passage to go to the White Isle at least once in your life during the “season,” which goes from March into September. There really aren’t many other places on Earth with such a high concentration of world-class venues, clubs, and parties. Not to mention that the island itself is absolutely gorgeous, stunning all of your senses with salty breezes and hedonistic tendencies from the moment you step off of the plane.

If you prefer stay on the calmer side of the island (or just want to go to bed before midnight), you’d be surprised how one of the biggest party islands on the planet is, in reality, one of the most serene places to spend a week relaxing by the beach, hiking, and being in nature. It’s truly paradise on Earth.

Why Now: For the partygoers, Space Ibiza has announced a historic 24-week residency at Eden Ibiza, beginning April 26th and culminating on October 4th. Delta Airlines has announced 30 direct flights from New York to Ibiza, with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offering an additional 30 direct flights from JFK and IBZ.