Dominican Republic

Punta Cana owns the eastern tip with its endless white sand and resort row. The beaches here are legitimately stunning — Bavaro Beach stretches for miles with that perfect Caribbean blue water. But it's also the most touristy area, so expect crowds and higher prices. Santo Domingo offers the complete opposite experience. The Zona Colonial puts you in the heart of the Americas' oldest European city, where you can walk to restaurants, museums, and bars. Hotel prices start around $60 per night for decent spots. Cabarete draws the adventure crowd with world-class kitesurfing and a laid-back surf town vibe. La Romana works if you want luxury without the Punta Cana crowds — Casa de Campo here has some of the Caribbean's best golf courses. Puerto Plata gives you mountains meeting the ocean, plus it's where most cruise ships dock. The cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres offers views that rival any resort infinity pool.