Thinking of getaways always puts a smile on our faces. Rethinking long-haul journeys for ones closer to home turns that smile into a grin. Check out these options and start ticking off that bucketlist, or at least start rethinking it.

INSTEAD OF: AUSTRALIA’S GREAT BARRIER REEF

TRY: SNORKELING IN SOUTH ANDROS, ONE OF THE BAHAMAS’ LARGEST, LEAST INHABITED ISLANDS

You don’t need to venture as far as Australia to discover some of the ocean’s most beautiful reefs, caves, and marine life. Aptly nicknamed ‘The Sleeping Giant,’ the Bahamian island of South Andros is an idyllic destination for fishing and diving enthusiasts. This off-grid paradise offers more than 200 blue hole ocean caves (the most in the world!), the third-largest barrier reef, and 90+ miles of immaculate beaches. It’s also home to the Tongue of the Ocean – a deep-water basin known for its rich ecosystem of marine life. The island’s first five star resort, Caerula Mar Club, offers ocean adventures led by PADI-certified diving instructors. When visitors aren’t underwater, they can lounge on 10 acres of beach where you won’t spot a single footprint, relax in gorgeous private villas, and use complimentary bicycles to explore by land. The best part? It’s just an hour flight from Fort Lauderdale with its own international customs, which makes getting in and out a breeze.

INSTEAD OF: THE GROTTA DI NEREO IN ITALY

TRY: EXPLORING THE BLUE ROOM IN CURAÇAO

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable underwater cave dive but don’t want to travel halfway around the world, consider swapping Sardinia’s Grotta di Nereo for Curaçao’s glowing Blue Room. While Italy’s famed sea cave is celebrated as Europe’s largest—an epic labyrinth of chambers beneath the limestone cliffs of Capo Caccia—it requires boat access and deeper, more complex navigation. In contrast, Curaçao’s Blue Room offers a more relaxed, visually stunning experience that’s just as bucket list-worthy and a whole lot closer to home. Tucked into the island’s northwest coast near Playa Santa Cruz, the Blue Room is a natural sea cave that quite literally glows. Sunlight streams through its single underwater entrance and reflects off the Caribbean’s impossibly clear waters, flooding the cave with a magical, electric-blue hue. Whether you’re diving or snorkeling, the vibe is serene, photogenic, and surreal—a perfect blend of natural wonder and accessibility. You won’t need advanced diving skills or long boat rides to get there—just a short trail walk and a sense of adventure. It’s also steps away from Curaçao’s iconic Mushroom Forest dive site and other secluded beaches, so you can easily turn one cave dive into a full day of exploration. If you’re craving an unforgettable underwater escape without a transatlantic flight, the Blue Room delivers the beauty and thrill, minus the jet lag.

INSTEAD OF: THE GREEK ISLANDS

TRY: SAILING IN ANGUILLA IT’S THE ISLAND’S NATIONAL SPORT!

While sailing the Med might be your idea of a dream vacation, why not learn the ropes of the ocean’s oldest sport in a dreamy Caribbean destination known for its sailing culture? Anguilla has a rich sailing history and boatbuilding legacy that dates back to the birth of competitive sailing post-WWII. With its postcard-perfect, calm turquoise waters hosting numerous annual regattas and attracting A-listers galore, it’s no surprise that sailing is Anguilla’s national sport. Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Tropical Grand Mansion’, Quintessence is an exclusive, five-star hideaway that overlooks Long Bay Beach, one of Anguilla’s most immaculate stretches of coastline. This 12-suite Relais & Chateaux property is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the island by sailboat…and unwinding with a spa treatment and dip in the infinity pool afterwards. It also offers Quinn – a collection of modest suites at an approachable price point – so you can save on your stay and splurge on those sailing lessons.

INSTEAD OF: TABLE MOUNTAIN IN CAPE TOWN

TRY: HIKING ST. LUCIA’S GROS PITON – A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITEWORLD HERITAGE SITE

Want epic hiking views without traveling across the globe? St. Lucia’s breathtakingly beautiful cotton-candy colored beach horizons and grass covered mountains are a perfect reason to burn some extra calories on your next vacation. Not to mention, you’ll save more than 10 hours of flying time by swapping a Cape Town trip for this exotic Caribbean locale. The island’s award-winning, adults-only luxury resort, Jade Mountain is known for its 3-walled guest ‘sanctuaries’ complete with en-suite infinity pools and private butlers who will do everything from pop your Champagne to scale the island’s notorious 9,000-foot Gros Piton with you. Spread across the same 600-acre property, Jade Mountain’s sister resort Anse Chastanet, offers a family-friendly, affordable option perfect for even the littlest hikers.

INSTEAD OF: A TROPICAL ESCAPE TO HAWAII

TRY: CHASING WATERFALLS AT EL YUNQUE RAINFOREST                              IN PUERTO RICO

 If you’re hungry for a Jurassic Park-inspired island adventure with picture-perfect beaches and beautiful cultural displays, Puerto Rico is the perfect East Coast alternative to Hawaii, with easy direct flights from over 20 major cities – no passport required! The quaint, local town of Rio Grande, just 20 minutes outside of San Juan’s metropolitan city center, is comparable to the little local villages on Kauai and is known as the gateway to the El Yunque Rainforest. The crown jewel of the U.S. National Parks System, it is the only true rainforest on American soil and one of our most biodiverse parks, home to the critically endangered Puerto Rican Green Parrot, double rainbow waterfalls and sparkling cascades. At its foothills, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico offers an idyllic home base for exploring El Yunque (just a 15-minute drive). Set on an exclusive, 72-acre private peninsula surrounded by coral reefs that create its magical, slow-rolling lagoon-style, white sand beaches that are ripe with wildlife sightings. For a dose of local culture, pop by the nearby Kioskos de Luquillo for authentic Puerto Rican bites or head to the neighboring town of Loiza – a local culture, art and music hub – and swap out hula dancing for brushing up on your traditional Puerto Bomba skills.

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