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Best tropical destinations
Warm water, warm air, slow days.
12 destinations across 4 regions.
Asia
Cambodia
Angkor Wat sunrise, Ta Prohm jungle ruins, Khmer Rouge Killing Fields history
Budget day from US$42 · Best Nov–Mar
El Nido
Karst cliffs, limestone cathedrals, and fresh kinilaw ceviche.
Budget day from ₱ 3,000 · Best Jan–May
Ha Long Bay
Limestone karst pillars, floating fishing villages, and fried squid cakes.
Best Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct
Koh Samui
Iconic Big Buddha statue and spice-heavy Gaeng Tai Pla curry.
Budget day from ฿ 1,750 · Best Jan–Mar, Jul–Sep
Malaysia
Petronas Towers, Borneo orangutans, Sipadan diving, George Town street food
Budget day from RM 130 · Best Mar–Aug
Thailand
Limestone karsts, gilded Bangkok temples, ethical elephant sanctuaries, street food
Budget day from ฿ 1,250 · Best Nov–Mar
the Philippines
El Nido limestone lagoons, whale sharks off Cebu, Banaue rice terraces, Apo Reef
Budget day from ₱ 2,400 · Best Nov–Apr
Caribbean
Bahamas
Pink-sand Harbour Island, Dean's Blue Hole, Exuma Cays nurse sharks, cracked conch
Budget day from US$180 · Best Dec–May
Jamaica
Dunn's River Falls, Blue Mountains coffee, jerk chicken, reggae, Negril sunsets
Budget day from J$ 17,000 · Best Dec–Apr
North America
Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano, Monteverde cloud forest, turtle nesting beaches, zip-lining, sloths and toucans
Budget day from ₡ 53,000 · Best Dec–Apr
Maui
Haleakalā volcano summit sunrise and fresh poke bowls with local limu.
Budget day from US$255 · Best Apr–May, Sep–Nov
Oceania
Beach resorts & cruises: Excellence Collection · COMO · CruiseDirect
Other ways to choose
When to go, and for how long
The best months come from measured weather data rather than a general impression, and the suggested length is the sweet spot we found for each place. Every row links to a full guide with what to see, where to stay and what to book.
| Destination | Best months | How long | Suits | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambodia | November–March | backpackers, solo, couples | Budget-friendly | |
| El Nido | January–May | couples, friends, first-timers | Mid-range | |
| Ha Long Bay | March–May, September–November | couples, families, first-timers | Higher-end | |
| Koh Samui | January–April | couples, families, luxury | Mid-range | |
| Malaysia | March–August | backpackers, families, solo | Budget-friendly | |
| Thailand | November–March | backpackers, couples, families | Budget-friendly | |
| the Philippines | November–April | couples, backpackers, solo | Budget-friendly | |
| Bahamas | December–May | couples, honeymoon, families | Higher-end | |
| Jamaica | December–April | couples, honeymoon, friends | Mid-range | |
| Costa Rica | December–April | families, couples, solo | Mid-range | |
| Maui | January–May | couples, families, honeymoon | Higher-end | |
| Fiji | May–October | couples, honeymoon, families | Higher-end |
Not sure which of these fits your dates and budget? Tell Tony and he will build the whole trip around them.