Cuba works to become ecotoursim destination

Amid dipping tourism revenues, the government gathered top leaders from its state-run vacation industry and European and Canadian tour operators this week for a conference aimed at boosting a segment of the market that only accounts for 4 percent of all foreign visits.

14 islands currently offering major deals

From the Seychelles to Jamaica, Hawaii to Sicily, we've hunted down 14 of the best island bargains around the globe. So grab your bikini and get going—you won't see prices like these again anytime soon.

North America's sexiest beaches

North America may be the land of Alaska, the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, but it also lays claim to they Yucatan Peninsula, South Florida, and, of course, the Hawaiian islands.

Bahamas reports 5 percent drop in tourists

Tourist visits to the Bahamas have decreased by nearly 5 percent this fiscal year as the global recession batters the vast Atlantic archipelago's key industry, the prime minister announced Wednesday.

Kauai’s Hanalei Bay named America’s top beach

Hanalei Bay on Kauai was selected No. 1 on “Dr. Beach” Stephen P. Leatherman's 2009 list of top 10 beaches, which was released Friday.

Caribbean islands report big drops in tourism

At least five Caribbean countries have suffered double-digit drops in tourist visits this year as the global economic slowdown wreaks havoc on the region's top industry, a researcher said Thursday.

Puerto Rico’s west coast is a beach paradise

Puerto Rico's  has sand, sun and sea, but so far, it's avoided the overdevelopment that can turn beach towns into generic megaresorts.

Experience a steamy Hawaiian volcano vacation

The largest and southernmost of the Hawaiian islands is shaking, spitting, and stretching as it slowly expands into the ocean.

Colonial Caribbean: a step back in time

Plantation hotels are a big draw because of their sense of history, intimacy and distinctive architectural detailing, such as old stone windmills and ruins of thick volcanic stone walls.

The Bahamas: sun, beaches — even pirates

Fresh seafood, warm sunshine and wave-kissed beaches. And just a short hop from the U.S. mainland. Why wouldn't you want to visit the Bahamas?

World's top remote-island getaways

These difficult-to-get-to destinations promise paradise upon arrival.

The Caribbean’s most colorful snorkeling spots

Slipping beneath the surface to swim through corals and spy on reef fish helps a tourist in the Caribbean gain some appreciation of the natural world beyond the clubs and casinos.

The Caribbean’s hottest new hotels

Many of the tropical islands are seeing fresher, chicer hotels sprouting up, bringing a new level of luxury to the entire region.

Caribbean quickie: Islands just a nonstop flight away

Your favorite islands are now a nonstop flight away. The warm blue water is reason enough to go, but let us fill you in on a few more excuses to pack your bags.

Where even a workaholic could be on vacation

When I travel in Europe, I'm working. Half of Costa Rica lives in a relatively moderate climate in the central plain. It wasn't all relaxation. And, after zipping, there was surfing. By Rick Steves

The nature of travel in Costa Rica

When I want to take a vacation, I don't go to Europe. I work in Europe — so I try to take vacations elsewhere. This year’s Christmas gift to my family was a week in Costa Rica.  By Rick Steves

World’s 10 most secluded sands

These beaches are harder to get to, but they're cheaper and quieter than tourist hotspots.

Economy crisis hits paradise

The Caribbean is headed for tough times as construction workers and resort employees are laid off by the hundreds and anticipated peak season bookings are at a trickle.

The Caribbean’s 15 best hotels

Forbes Traveler picks the 15 best hotels in the Caribbean, including La Samanna, Curtain Bluff and Horned Dorset Primavera.

The Caribbean’s all-time top 10 classic resorts

A night at Antigua’s Curtain Bluff for $80, including breakfast and dinner? How about a suite and all meals at Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda for $125? It’s hard to believe, but those were the going rates in the first edition of my guidebook "Caribbean Hideaways", published in 1978.