CARB

The resort town of Les Trois-Îlets sits on Le Diamant Peninsula. With gorgeous views of the capital and the Mont Pelee volcano across the waters of Fort-de-France Bay, this port offers easy access to southern Martinique’s gorgeous beaches. Napoleon Bonaparte’s first wife, Josephine, was born here and her family’s former sugar estate and gardens are now the Pagerie Museum. The museum Maison de la Canne, set in an old distillery, offers insights into the economy of sugar, while the Savannah of Slaves, an open-air museum and park, highlights the human impact.

In Dutch, Kralendijk means “coral dike.” As soon as you peek through your snorkeling mask off the shores of this main port of Bonaire, you'll know the name fits. Paddle a kayak, peer down from a glass-bottom boat or dive right in the crystalline waters to join the radiant parade below. Surrounding the island is miles of protected reefs, while the island’s interior offers equal delights, including the desert landscapes of divi-divi trees and cacti at Washington Slagbaai National Park.

Puerto Rico's second largest city, Ponce is called many things. Founded in 1692, it was named after Ponce de Leon's great grandson and now holds the titles of “Pearl of the South,” “Cradle of Liberty,” “Museum City” and “Ciudad Señorial,” which peg it as elegant, noble, fascinating and stately. By any name, this tropical beauty offers much to boast about. Neoclassical colonial architecture abounds. Museo de Arte de Ponce, Castillo Serrallés and Museo Casa Armstrong are excellent museums.