While 2019 might have been filled with swimming pigs on the beach and hiking island volcanos, a new decade brings new adventures. Start 2020 off the right way with these destinations you didn’t even know were on your bucket list.
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Sparsely populated and free of tourism, Culebra is an ideal adventure for the solitude seekers. Located approximately 17 miles east of the Puerto Rican mainland, Culebra is home to one of the world’s best beaches, Playa Flamenco. This isn’t the island’s only claim to fame, though. Established as a National Wildlife Refuge, too, Culebra is one of only two nesting spots for giant sea turtles in all of the U.S. If you’re seeking even more escape, you can take a quick water taxi ride over to Isla Culebrita–complete with six beaches and featuring an old lighthouse as the only man-made structure on the island. Take a ferry ride over or hop on a short flight to San Juan– whatever you do, you won’t want to miss this special island.
This spot is a real-life postcard. (Photo by: @laura.lukacsova)Pink Sand Beach, Bahamas
Pink sand on the beach doesn’t even seem to be real, but it is! While some of the images of Pink Sand Beach might be altered, this beach on Harbour Island has pink tinted sand, originating from microscopic coral insects leaving behind shells and bits of coral, which create the famous pink-tinted sand. Whether you want to take in the views and snap some photos, or want to ride horseback down this dreamy coastline, this is a must-see spot for 2020.
All we can say is goals. (Photo by: @markshark)Saba, Netherlands Antilles
Located only 28 miles from St. Maarten, Saba has been crowned as the ‘unspoiled queen of the Caribbean.’ While the quaint island doesn’t have a beach, the quirky culture and stunning scenery will make up for it. There’s still plenty of exciting adventures here, though. From world-class diving in the deep blue waters and breathtaking hikes up Mount Scenery, there’s definitely not a lack of things to do. While Saba has a few hotels where you could stay, it’s the perfect day trip from St. Maarten, with options to boat or take a 12-minute plane ride. If you opt for the short plane ride, you’ll be able to say you landed on the world’s shortest commercial runway!
Views from the top of Mount Scenery. (Photo by: @mef00die)Playa Kenepa, Curaçao
Featuring two of the island’s most beautiful beaches, Grote Knip and Klein Knip, Playa Kenepa is perfect for adventure. You can lounge on the beach or snorkel and paddle board in the bright blue water. The best part, though–transparent kayaks. Visitors are able to rent transparent kayaks that give them the perfect view of the exciting wildlife happening right below them in the turquoise waters. There are also places to cliff jump into the calm ocean waters–a true thrill seeker’s dream.
Transparent kayaks are our new favorite. (Photo by: @deniscapin)Stocking Island, Bahamas
Off the coast of Great Exuma, Stocking Island is slowly becoming a new hot spot to visit in the Bahamas. Relax on the beach in a hammock or swing over the ocean in the infamous swings–the choice is yours at this real-life paradise. The island also has an adorable bar on the beach called Chat N Chill, where you can get some leftover food to feed the stingrays you’ll probably meet in the island’s serene waters. Whether you find some starfish or spot a shark on your water taxi ride there, you won’t regret checking out this dreamy place.
It’s completely normal for stingrays to swim up to you in this enchanted place. (Photo by: @ashley.francis)Start the new year off right with adventures to places unseen. Whether you want to explore the Bahamas or take a flight to Curaçao, now’s the time to book your 2020 travel.
