With volcanoes to hike, beaches for miles and endless wildlife spotting, Costa Rica is a nature lover's delight. Dive headfirst into the country's most famous national park, Manuel Antonio, where you'll see monkeys finding their way through the forest canopy as you enjoy leisurely hikes along the palm-lined beaches. Or head to the Central Valley for a serious adrenaline rush as you spend a day white-water rafting, or visit Barva to taste high quality Costa Rican coffee right from the source. A stay in one of Costa Rica's famed treehouse hotels or ecolodges is a must too.
The state capital Salvador (pictured) is an enticing city best known for its historic centre Pelourinho. Rich with 17th-century colonial Portuguese architecture, the neighbourhood is defined by its cobblestone alleys, large squares, colourful buildings and Baroque churches. When you've had enough of the city, head to the Porto da Barra Beach – the beach is known for its calm and clear waters.
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Though the archipelago is delightfully warm and sunny throughout the year, February is a particularly good time to go to Hawaii. It's comprised of six major islands, each with a distinct character. On Kauai you'll find soaring mountains and perfect surf waves, plus secret wild swimming holes, waterfalls, caves and beaches. Go to Oahu (pictured) if you're looking for a busier destination that offers nightlife, shopping and great restaurants. It's also excellent for first-time surfers as the waves are gentle and the shore is lined with top surf schools.
From rustic beach camps to luxury resorts, there's something for every budget on Thailand's lush islands. Choose one and enjoy a relaxing break at the beach or go on an island-hopping trip. One of Thailand's most popular destinations, Koh Samui (pictured), is perfect for families. Koh Lanta, an easy boat ride from the mainland resort of Krabi, is a great all-rounder with excellent beaches, beautiful nature reserves and accommodation that ranges from backpacker hostels to super swanky hotels.
You shouldn't miss a trip to the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. For more than one thousand years, Chichén Itzá was one of the great cities of Central America and now it's one of the most popular sites in the region. Head to Tulum for the ultimate beach retreat with the best stretches of sand in the Yucatán Peninsula or visit the cenotes (pictured) for a dip – these underground caves are filled with the clearest, bluest fresh water you have ever seen.
The capital Nassau (pictured) is a popular cruise-ship stop, so if you're looking to avoid the crowds, don't spend too much time here. Once you've taken in the British colonial architecture and browsed the woven crafts at the Straw Market, head to a quieter group of islands known as the Exumas. Go to the famous pink-sand beach at Eleuthera or discover San Salvador, where Christopher Columbus is thought to have first made landfall.
A network of 40 islands and cays, it's definitely worth venturing beyond your hotel. Grand Turk (pictured) is the historic and cultural centre with countless museums dedicated to Taino and Lucayan Indigenous cultures, as well as Christopher Columbus' journey through the 'New World'. Head to Salt Cay for the best dives, and from here you can discover one of the largest reef systems in the world – the Turks and Caicos Barrier Reef.
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With summer in Australia running from December through to the end of February, it's perfect for a winter sun holiday. Western Australia is a lesser visited corner, where beach life reigns supreme, so be prepared to discover plenty of amazing stretches of sand. Hillarys Boat Harbour, just north of Perth, is a popular weekend destination with a dedicated kids' beach and plenty of places to have a meal. WA is also Australia's sunset state, with incredible colours painting the sky as the sun dips into the ocean.
The state capital Perth has an infectious laid-back vibe. It has undergone a serious facelift in recent years, with an impressive harbourside development at Elizabeth Quay adding to Perth's deservedly good reputation. The quay's summer pop-up, Embargo, has a changing line-up of food and drink trucks offering everything from Argentine steaks to craft beers. Throw in open-air cinemas, outdoor music events and the annual Perth Arts Festival and you'll find plenty to get up to here.
One of the most exciting things to do in Florida Keys is to hop on a seaplane and fly to remote Dry Tortugas National Park. Everyone gets a window seat for spotting turtles, sharks and shipwrecks below, while the island itself has white-sand beaches and sensational snorkelling. You shouldn't miss a visit to imposing Fort Jefferson either – remember to pack a picnic.
With its pink sand (the unusual colour comes from particles of corals and shells) and turquoise waters, Bermuda is heaven for beach lovers. Explore the coastline by walking the three miles (5km) from Horseshoe Bay (pictured) to Elbow Beach on the island's south shore – you'll take in coral reefs, shipwrecks and admire Bermuda's beautiful sights along the way. A pretty collection of thatched cottages built in 1609 has grown into the town of St George's – it's fun and friendly, with lots of cool spots to eat.
Anguilla is a great destination for beach-lovers, nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. East End Pond is a wildlife conservation site that offers excellent bird watching, while Stoney Ground Marine Park features the remains of El Buen Consejo – a Spanish galleon shipwrecked in 1772 – and The Heritage Collection Museum showcases the history of the Indigenous Arawak people.
Where better to feel the heat than the desert? The uber-cool city of Palm Springs is knitted into the dry Coachella Valley, meaning that there's near year-round sunshine and balmy days for sightseeing are almost guaranteed. It's well-known for its dazzling collection of mid-century modern buildings – find vintage confections including the 1950s-built City Hall and Elvis Presley's honeymoon spot, The House of Tomorrow.
Beyond the retro architecture, there are fantastic New American restaurants, treasure-filled vintage stores and top-notch art institutions, including the Palm Springs Art Museum, with its striking sculpture garden. Best of all, Joshua Tree National Park, with its spiny yucca trees and candy-coloured sunsets, is just an hour away by car.
Scattered off the east coast of India, en route to Myanmar and southern Thailand, the Andaman Islands are slowly becoming one of the top spots to visit in the Indian Ocean. Expect secluded beaches, pristine coral reefs and jaw-dropping natural beauty. The monsoon season draws to a close in September, making winter the perfect time to visit – December to March has plenty of sunny days and excellent diving conditions.
Havelock Island isn't only the most popular of the Andamans, it's also one of the most beautiful. The island's beaches are obviously a highlight – don't miss the Radhanagar Beach, widely considered one of the finest, and the Elephant Beach (pictured), where the giant animals come for a swim. Both beaches have shacks selling coconut water and fruit, and there's a treehouse restaurant on Radhanagar Beach offering spectacular sunset views.