Vieques, Puerto Rico
A trip to Vieques, an island 6 miles off of Puerto Rico’s east coast, should be on your Puerto Rico itinerary. More than half of the island is a national park, where a 750-odd strong population of horses roams freely and invigorating hikes, bikes, and even turtle-spotting expeditions are on the menu.
But if you only have time to see one thing, make it Mosquito Bay. One of Puerto Rico's three bioluminescent bays, Mosquito Bay was officially certified by Guinness World Records in 2006 as the planet's brightest.1 A guided kayak tour along the bay, where plankton-rich waters twinkle and dazzle, will treat you to a silent symphony of lights, a truly thrilling experience.
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Hilton Head, South Carolina
Located 45 minutes from Savannah just off the coast of South Carolina, Hilton Head’s fan base includes beach bums lured by the 12 miles of silky sands, golfers seeking its 20-plus courses, and cyclists drawn to its 64 miles of shared-use nature trails and public pathways. Don’t leave the island without checking out the white- and red-striped Harbour Town Lighthouse, whose 114 steps to the top will grant you panoramic Lowcountry views. Afterward, plop a towel down on bustling Coligny Beach, or experience Southern hospitality while feasting at a seafood restaurant, of which there's no shortage.