The hotel industry in the Caribbean has been booming, with new hotels coming on the scene every week. Not only are new hotels being built in tourist hot spots like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, but developers are also building in smaller islands like Dominican and St. Martin. 

Here are 15 Caribbean hotels that are either newly opened or will be opened in 2020.

Eclipse at Half Moon – Jamaica

The opening of Eclipse at Half Moon is the most exciting hotel opening in recent years and will be located in Montego Bay. There will be 57 rooms and located on the coast. 

The hotel will be opened on March 1st, 2020. 

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla – Mexico 

Mexico has been seeing an abundance of new hotels popping up but Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla will bring something different to the table. The hotel will have a co-working space, rooftop pool and will be in close proximity to prime shopping in Cancun. 

The Morgan – St. Maarten

This luxury hotel will have 124 rooms and suites, a rooftop deck, an infinity pool and access to Maho and Simpson Bay beaches. 

The Morgan will start taking reservations in February. 

Planet Hollywood Cancun – Mexico 

Another opening in Cancun, Planet Hollywood will be making its debut this spring. There will be 648 rooms and the decor is inspired by movies. 

Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda – Dominican Republic

This location is the first-ever Exclusive Collection hotel by Club Med to open in the Caribbean. 

Located in the serene area of Miches, the hotel has 335 rooms and opened last month. 

Radisson Aruba – Aruba

Radisson left Aruba four years ago but is now making a comeback this year. The hotel will have 208 suites, ranging in size from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. 

Noni Beach, a St Thomas Resort – St. Thomas

This hotel will be opening in late 2020 but is the most anticipated opening on the island in years. Noni Beach will be a boutique hotel will 94 rooms. 

Paradisus Playa Mujeres – Mexico 

Opening this summer in Cancun is this mega hotel with 498 rooms, 10 dining areas, a fitness center, and a spa. 

Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana – Dominican Republic 

This Punta Cana resort will have 500 suites and a water park located in the Macao area of the city. The hotel will have an emphasis on being family-friendly and all-inclusive. 

Margaritaville Beach Resort, Nassau – The Bahamas

The Margaritaville Beach Resort is set to be a major addition to Nassau and will be opening this year. 

Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski – Dominica

Dominica’s brand new luxury hotel opened at the end of 2019, drawing more interest to this under-the-radar island. The hotel has 151 rooms and is located near Cabrits National Park. 

Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf – St. Barth

Opening in the first quarter of 2020 is the highly anticipated luxurious Hotel Barriere. The hotel will have 23 rooms in the heart of St Barth. 

Hammock Cove – Antigua

The recently opened Hammock Cove is a boutique all-inclusive, with all the rooms having their own private plunge pools. 

Secrets – St. Martin

Opening in the first quarter of 2020 is this all-inclusive hotel with 258 rooms and located on Anse Marcel. It is the first brand-new resort to open in Saint Martin and is anticipated to increase tourism to the island. 

Alaia Belize – Belize

Alaia will be opening towards the latter part of 2020 and will have a spa, art gallery, rooftop pool, and dive shop. 

This decade has been all about the rise and reign of Instagram, where we share our lives via pretty photos on our grids for our followers to see and ‘like’. Instagram has become a major part of travel that travel bloggers have turned their passion into full-blown careers. 

According to a survey by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, 55% of travelers report that posting travel-related content for Instagram has helped their travel experience be more meaningful. Of those surveyed, 39% say they want to put more work into creating content for their pages in 2020. 

In addition to the survey, InterContinental has created a list of the “most over-Instagrammed sites” in seven major cities around the world. They came up with the sites after analyzing hashtags and which landmarks appear most in them. 

The Eiffel Tower – Paris, France

53% of the posts shared using the #Paris hashtag featured this world-famous landmark. According to Refinery29, the Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world. 

Burj Khalifa – Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

Since 2009, the Burj Khalifa has been known as the tallest building in the world, coming in at 829.8m. Of all the photos posted using the #Dubai hashtags, 36% features the Burj Khalifa. 

Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia

This iconic building was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. 35% of the photos shared using the #Sydney hashtag feature the Sydney Opera House. 

Central Park – New York City, NY

Central Park appears in countless movies and TV shows, therefore becoming an iconic location. It also dominates 20% of the posts shared with the #NewYork hashtag. 

The Bund – Shanghai, China

The waterfront area known as The Bund appears in 44% of photos shared with the #Shanghai hashtag. 

Buckingham Palace – London, England

London has an abundance of landmarks but Buckingham Palace ranked the most popular in the #London hashtag. The iconic building appeared 21% of photos uploaded using the hashtag. 

Pyramid de Teotihuacan – Mexico City, Mexico

Pyramid de Teotihuacan is known as “Pyramid of the sun” and appears in 25% of photos uploaded using the #MexicoCity hashtag. 

Google has compiled its annual “Year In Search 2019” report featuring a list of the top online search subjects of the year.

And while the list shows what’s trending versus which destinations were the most popular among travelers, the data from Google reveals specific places Americans went – or wanted to go– compared to the previous years.

So, what were the trends in travel in 2019?

Here are the top 5 destinations that Americans searched for “a trip to…”:

1. Maldives

Located in South Asia, the Maldives is a small island nation that consists of a chain of about 1,200 small coral islands.

The Maldives is what dream vacations are made of with the Arabian Sea’s turquoise waters and perfect white sand.

2. Japan

With the 2020 Summer Olympics coming up, it was only bound for Japan to spark some curiosity among Americans.

According to CNBC,  the United Nations World Tourism Organization reported that as of September 2019 Japan posted the second-highest growth in international tourism receipts, after Australia.

3. Bora Bora

Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia.

Known for its popular luxury resorts, Bora Bora has seen a spike in interest this past year after tourism declined in the early 2000s, according to Google.

4. Las Vegas

From gambling, entertainment, a vibrant nightlife, and so much more Las Vegas is that kind of destination that attracts families, singles, couples, and celebrities.

5. Mexico

According to CNBC, Mexico is the fifth most popular place to search for trips but it’s the No. 1 spot where Americans end up.

The reason? Affordability and proximity to the US make Mexico an easy getaway.

The List Continues

The rest of the list includes domestic locations, including Alaska (6), New Orleans (7), California (8), and New York (9).

The only exception is Costa Rica (10), earning the tenth most searchable destination on Google.

Deijha Gordon and her boyfriend Andrew Walsh are proof that a long-distance relationship can work and so can traveling together.

While Andrew lives in New York City, Deijha recently packed up and moved to Ghana this year. Nevertheless, in 2019 alone, the couple has managed to travel to six countries!

In an interview with Travel Noire, the couple discussed how they make it work.

Travel Noire: Tell us how long you’ve been together and how did you meet?

D + A: We’ve been together for 2 years, since Oct 2017. We actually met on Instagram. Andrew saw my page on a mutual friends page and started following.  I was giving him a hard time at first and then I started actually liking him.  I still have the messages saved from when he first started writing to me on Instagram.

TN: So you managed to travel to six countries in 2019 alone. Tell us your favorite country so far and why?

D + A: Cancún, Mexico was our favorite. It was the first country we visited together, I took him for his birthday. Mexico is always a great time!

TN: What’s the best part about traveling together?

D + A: The best part about traveling together is the memories we create, and experiencing something new together. I think it brings us closer as a couple. You know when we’re home we usually just work, but us traveling together is like an adventure where we don’t even think about work or what’s happening back home.  We are able to get lost together and just enjoy 

TN: Tell us about one of your most challenging times you’ve had during your travels and how you got through it?

D+A: The most challenge that we’ve faced was when we’re traveling with my (Deijha) family!

There’s 12 of us total and when we travel together, there’s so many opinions, personalities, kids, so it’s just one big fun headache sometimes lol.

TN: What’s the next destination on your list?

D+A: We just experienced Ghana together, but our next baecation will be Bali in March for Andrew’s birthday. 

TN: What advice would you give to traveling couples?

D+A: I would tell other traveling couples to take loads of pictures, be opened to everything this new experience has to offer, do some research on the country first so that you can kind of get an idea of what to expect and how you should pack. 

While Black travelers did their thing in the travel space this year, some of our favorite celebrities really had us wishing we were on vacay with them too.

As we prepare to close out the decade, let’s look back at some of our favorite travel moments from celebs in 2019.

Toya Wright and Robert Rushing in Dubai

The couple took a little baecation recently to Dubai. This stunning desert shot definitely had us wanting to grab bae and hop on a plane.

Gabrielle Union and D. Wade in Italy

The couple can often be found on a luxury yacht, sailing the waters of Europe. This photo was no different. Those smiles say pure happiness.

Cardi B on the beach

While we don’t have the exact geotag for this, one thing we can say is that we were inspired to get to a beach ASAP.

Amanda Seales in Grenada

The actress headed to her homeland for some amazing content, including this stunning shot at the Belmont Estate.

Lori Harvey in France

While she travels often for different campaigns, her shots from Lake of Como in France were absolutely breathtaking.

The Smiths in Italy

Anytime the Smiths take a family vacation we instantly want to be apart. These photos of Jada and Willow only add to that.

Michael B. Jordan in Switzerland

Well, this one was easy. It doesn’t matter where he goes, we’ll want to be there.

Yvonne Orji in Mexico

The ‘Insecure’ star was seen living her best life on the beaches of Mexico earlier this year.

Monica in Cabo

The gorgeous singer and mommy knows how to squeeze in some much needed R&R. She also looks amazing while doing it.

Ciara in Brazil

The singer, wife, and mommy is always serving looks no matter where she goes. Her family trip to Brazil definitely brought some heat as well as some adorable moments from her kids.

Ok, so maybe you didn’t travel as much this year as you would like to. The good thing is, a new year is approaching and it’s the perfect time to set new goals and intentions. 

According to a recent AAA Travel Survey, one-quarter of Americans have plans to go on an international vacation in the next 18 months. The top places in mind for Americans are Dublin, London, Paris, Rome, Mexico, and the Caribbean. 

CNBC recently reviewed many “best places to go” lists and spoke to travel experts about the best times to visit certain destinations. 

If traveling is one of your top priorities for 2020, we’ve got tips for places to go, things to see, and times to visit.

Where Should You Go?

Salzburg, Austria

Lonely Planet released a Best in Travel 2020 list and they picked Salzburg, Austria as the top city to visit next year. 

Washington, D.C. came in second and Cairo, Egypt was the third top destination. 

Lonely Planet writer Kerry Walker says, “The Salzburg Festival [July 18 – August 30] is turning 100, and this heart stealer of an Alpine city is singing about it at the top of its voice.”

If you’re into musicals, Walker reveals, “One of the world’s greatest classical music shindigs, the festival is always a riotous feast of opera, classical music, and drama — and never more so than in 2020.”

Bhutan

According to the Rough Guides list of the 4 Best Countries to visit next year, Bhutan came in the top spot. Other countries on the list include Ethiopia and Montenegro. 

Lonely Planet also highlighted Bhutan as the top country to visit next year with England being second and North Macedonia coming in third. 

Joe Bindloss, writer for Lonely Planet says, “A dozen nations vie for the title of real-life Sangri-La, but Bhutan’s claim has more clout than most. This tiny piece of Himalayan paradise operates a strict ‘high-value, low-impact’ tourism policy, compelling travelers to pay a high daily fee [$250] just to set foot in its pine-scented, monastery-crowned hills.”

For more places, Fodors put out a Go List for 2020 which includes 52 destinations.

If You’re Into Luxury Travel…

The luxury travel network Virtuoso shared luxury travel trends in its 2020 Luxe Report.

The report shares: “Italy continues its reign as the global favorite, as well as the top spot for solo travelers. While Croatia heads the list of emerging destinations, attracting buzz due to the Game of Thrones effect as well as its rich history and convenience to other major European hubs.”

The survey shows Antarctica as the top destination for adventure travel in 2020. Greece took the top spot for traveling millennials and third place for honeymoons. 

When Should You Travel?

Kelly Sunderland, travel trends expert for travel site Hipmunk says, “If budget is your number one priority for travel in 2020, it behooves you to consider flying in winter months as nearly all major US cities boast their lowest median booking price in either January or February.”

So there, you have it — let’s all make 2020 the year we travel more!

If you are looking for travel inspiration, here is an interesting place to start. Kalon Surf, a luxury surf school in Costa Rica, relied on psychologists as well as travel experts to come up with the best destinations for each Myers-Briggs personality type.

For those who are not familiar, Myers-Briggs is a personality test that breaks down opposing behaviors into the following four groups:

Extroversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)

Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)

Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)

Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)

RELATED: It’s In The Stars: Plan A Trip Based On Your Partner’s Zodiac Sign

These preferences then create one of sixteen personality types which the surf company then used to determine which destination in the world would best suit you. You can take the test here.

“Although deciphering personality is more of an art than an exact science, unraveling your emotional predispositions can help you decide what travel environments you might thrive in,” says the Kalon Surf website.

Here are their recommendations.

• Personality: INTJ – Architect
• Type of travel: Solo trip to a historical location
• Places: Washington, D.C.; Athens, Greece; Istanbul, Turkey

• Personality: INTP – Logician
• Type of travel: Secluded nature retreat
• Places: Atacama, Chile; Playa Ostional, Costa Rica; Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

• Personality: ENTJ – Commander
• Type of travel: Backpacking journey
• Places: Malta; Costa Rica; Morocco

• Personality: ENTP – Debater
• Type of travel: Lively city trip
• Places: Gothenburg, Sweden; Madrid, Spain; Kuala Lampur, Malaysia

• Personality: INFJ – Advocate
• Type of travel: Volunteering in a relaxing location
• Places: Chengdu, China; Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica; Myrdalshrrerppur, Iceland

• Personality: INFP – Mediator
• Type of travel: Creative getaway with a couple of close friends
• Places: Mexico City, Mexico; Basel, Switzerland; Singapore

• Personality: ENFJ – Protagonist
• Type of travel: Off-the-beaten path
• Places: Alberobello, Italy; Elista, Russia; Slab City, California

• Personality: ENFP – Campaigner
• Type of travel: Mingle with the crowds in a bustling city
• Places: Ibiza, Spain; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• Personality: ISTJ – Logistician
• Type of travel: History-packed excursion with a close friend
• Places: Prague, Czech Republic; Boston, Massachusetts; Alexandria, Egypt

• Personality: ISFJ – Defender
• Type of travel: Organized camping trip with a small group of friends
• Places: Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica; Boya Lake Provincial Park, Canada; Sardinia, Italy

RELATED: Virgo Season: The Best Destinations For The Workaholic Sign

• Personality: ESTJ – Executive
• Type of travel: Social city with a big group of friends
• Places: Copenhagen, Denmark; Rio de Janerio, Brazil; Rome, Italy

• Personality: ESFJ – Consul
• Type of travel: Picture-perfect vacation with the family
• Places: Paris, France; Maldives; Santorini, Greece

• Personality: ISTP – Virtuoso
• Type of travel: Hands-on cultural experience
• Places: Tokyo, Japan; Tanzania; Pamplona, Spain

• Personality: ISFP – Adventurer
• Type of travel: Road trip with a few close friends
• Places: Route 66, United States; Milford Sound, New Zealand; North Coast 500, Scotland

• Personality: ESTP – Entrepreneur
• Type of travel: High-adrenaline adventure
• Places: Pokhara, Nepal; Chamonix, France; La Fortuna, Costa Rica

• Personality: ESFP – Entertainer
• Type of travel: Luxury getaway
• Places: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica; St. Lucia, West Indies; Lugano, Switzerland

Source: Kalosurf.com

La Paz is the capital city of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Although most travelers use La Paz as a connecting point to Cabo San Lucas’ beach resorts, this small Mexican town is full of charm and beauty. If you can spend a day roaming the streets and exploring the many beaches, here are a few sights you shouldn’t miss.

Start your day at the La Paz Farmers’ Market, open on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Local vendors sell everything from fresh, organic produce to traditional jewelry and clothing. Grab some souvenirs for home and a bite to eat before heading out to the beach.

RELATED: Plan Your 2020 Travel To These Top Destinations In The Caribbean, Central America And Mexico

Sip fresh coconut water from the source at Playa Balandra, one of the most popular beaches in La Paz due to its white sand and shallow, crystal clear water. The beach can get busy during the high-season, so try to get there early when the crowds are light.

Next, walk along the Paseo Alvaro Obregon for views of the ocean, shops, and waterfront restaurants. If you are looking for a bite to eat, El Zarape Malecón and María California Restaurante offer local, family-style Mexican cuisine.

La Paz Cathedral is a landmark to the town and a must-see for anyone visiting for the day. Take a quick tour of the historic cathedral or stay for a service depending on the time of day you arrive.

RELATED: Where To Find African And Caribbean Food in Mexico City

If adventure is calling your name, consider a whale shark tour. There are many whale shark experience options that offer 2-hour excursions in search of the biggest fish in the world. Snorkeling equipment is provided on most tours, but be sure to confirm the details before booking.

If swimming with sharks leaves you famished, head to Restaurantes Bismark for a seaside dinner, offering a taco and oyster bar and the perfect cocktail to end the day.

It’s hard to avoid the constant apocalyptic news of climate change and its effects on our environment and way of life. From threats to sacred Native American land to wildfires destroying entire neighborhoods, more places on earth are quickly becoming endangered.

According to CNN, the World Monuments Fund added 25 culturally important sites to its 2020 World Monuments Watch list of threatened heritage sites with historical significance.

RELATED: Over-Tourism May Force An Entire Island In Indonesia To Close For One Year

“We often take our most treasured heritage sites for granted,” said Bénédicte de Montlaur, the fund’s CEO to CNN. “Sometimes it’s not until they are put at risk that we realize the importance they have in constructing our identities as individuals, communities, or citizens of a country.”

A few monuments on the 2020 Watch List include Mam Rashan Shrine in Iraq, a Yazidi shrine destroyed during a genocidal campaign; threats to the significant rock carvings on Easter Island at Rapa Nui National Park in Chile; and the San Antonio Woolworth Building in United States, a significant site of the African American Civil Rights Movement in Texas, which is being threatened by a redevelopment plan.

The World Monuments Fund’s mission is to bring awareness to cultural heritage at risk. Through their sponsors and donations, they have raised over $400 million to provide financial and technical support for the preservation, restoration, and long-term stewardship of the most beloved historical sites in the world.

RELATED: Big Sur, California Tops List Of Places You Should NOT Visit In 2020

The full 2020 Watch List is below:

1. Koutammakou, Land of the Batammariba, Benin and Togo

2. Ontario Place, Canada

3. Rapa Nui National Park, Chile

4. Alexan Palace, Egypt

5. Notre-Dame de Paris, France

6. Tusheti National Park, Georgia

7. Gingerbread Neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

8. Historic Water Systems of the Deccan Plateau, India

9. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, India

10. Mam Rashan Shrine, Iraq

11. Inari-yu Bathhouse, Japan

12. Iwamatsu District, Japan

13. Canal Nacional, Mexico

14. Choijin Lama Temple, Mongolia

15. Traditional Burmese Teak Farmhouses, Myanmar

16. Chivas and Chaityas of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

17. Anarkali Bazaar, Pakistan

18. Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru

19. Kindler Chapel, Pabianice Evangelical Cemetery, Poland

20. Courtyard Houses of Axerquía, Spain

21. Bennerley Viaduct, United Kingdom

22. Bears Ears National Monument, USA

23. Central Aguirre Historic District, USA

24. San Antonio Woolworth Building, USA

25. Traditional Houses in the Old Jewish Mahalla of Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Safety is a priority when traveling to destinations unknown. When planning, it’s essential to find out any safety risks such as political violence, crime, and infectious diseases. 

Fortunately, travel security company International SOS has released its yearly Travel Risk Map for 2020. 

Their findings are based on both medical and travel security risks and are organized into five categories, starting at “insignificant” moving into “extreme” risk. 

Results were based on “the current threat posed to travelers by political violence, social unrest, as well as violent and petty crime,” says International SOS. Other determining factors are the effectiveness of emergency services during a natural disaster and transportation infrastructure.

According to their map, the safest countries are Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Slovenia, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. 

Medium risk countries include Brazil, Costa Rica, India, Indonesia, Mozambique,  Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Turkey. 

The most dangerous include countries such as Afghanistan, Somalia, and Syria. 

There are countries, such as Colombia and Mexico, that received mixed ratings because they didn’t fit in just one category. There are some areas in each country that are rated medium risk while other areas are high risk. 

An International SOS spokesperson tells CNN: “Obviously it is overall reflective of location risks, but we do advise that consumers do as much research on their destinations as possible.”

Many parts of the Motherland was declared medium and high risk while the US, UK, Australia, China and most parts of Europe were rated as being low risk. 

You can read the full report here.

The desire to get inked up abroad is the latest trend among travelers, according to a recent report from Hostel World – a global hostel focused online booking platform.   

Out of the more than 1,000 Americans surveyed, Hostel World’s research found that every two in five have attained a tattoo while traveling.

The reason?  Because they are tired of the basic souvenirs.

“For many, globetrotting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that creates lasting memories. But many people have moved on from fridge magnets and keyrings as travel souvenirs,” Cathy Thomson, global head of customer experience at Hostelworld, said. “In an always-on society where you can easily share live updates on the go, it’s no surprise the next generation are seeking more permanent mementos that they can wear on their skin as a badge of honor. Their personal tattoo can unlock their stories of unique experiences.”

According to the report, 40% of travelers between the ages of 18 and 35 have admitted that they have commemorated a trip by permanent souvenir imprinted on their body. More than half of tatted travelers admitted to planning their design and tattoo artist ahead of time.

So where are the most popular places Americans are getting tatted?

1. Mexico

2. Canada

3. The UK

4. Spain

5. Italy

And it’s not just a trend among Americans. The phenomenon is global.   More than 60% of Australians and 50% of Brits have expressed keen interest in getting a tattoo next time they travel. 

Inspirational quotes are the most common tattoos seen while traveling, according to the report.  Other popular tattoos include a current or former partner’s name; a tattoo adaptation of local culture or religion; and song lyrics.   

Hostels around the globe have been quick to respond to this trend by providing on-site options for tattoo infatuated guests, according to Hostel World.  The Yellow, a popular hostel in Rome is popular among travelers, and there are hostels in Denmark, Sweden, Cambodia and Nepal that offer tattoo parlors. 

The last month of 2019 is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to start planning travel for 2020. If you’re looking for destinations to relax in warm weather, get a bit of adventure and try delicious foods, you may want to head to Mexica, Central America or the Caribbean. 

To make things easier, check out a list of the best places to visit in these regions in 2020, according to Fodor’s Go List. 

The Caribbean 

Aruba

Aruba is a Dutch Caribbean island known for its spectacular beaches. The island offers amazing dining and shopping that competes on an international level. 

Head to Aruba on Memorial Day weekend for the Soul Beach Music Festival or maybe Island TakeOver in the latter part of October. Aruba has its own Fashion Week in April and Aruba Art Fair in November. 

You can also do typical island activities such as lounging on the beach and snorkeling. 

Bahamas

The Bahamas is known for its white-sand beaches and friendly locals as well as being super close (less than 200 miles) to Florida, making it an easily accessible destination. 

There are over 700 islands and cays which make up the Bahamas. Many of those islands were severely damaged by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019 but there are 14 islands (Nassau and Paradise Island included) that are undamaged. 

Enjoy delicious food and tasty rum while visiting this destination. You can also swim with spotted pigs, go surfing or get an Ayurvedic massage. 

Whatever you choose to do in the Bahamas — you’re guaranteed to have a great time. 

Montserrat

This island is very calm and is the epitome of a Caribbean getaway. The island has a population of fewer than 6,000 people after volcanic eruptions in the 1990s. 

If you love nature, you’ll absolutely adore the lush rainforest of Montserrat. Visiting Montserrat’s National Trust Botanical Gardens is a must as well as the Montserrat Observatory for breathtaking views. 

There are eight black-sand beaches on the island as well as Rendezvous Beach, a white-sand beach. 

St. Barth’s 

The wealthy and famous have been vacationing in St. Barth’s for years but so can you! Visit the capital city Gustavia of shopping, great restaurants, and people watching. 

Relax on Colombier Beach but be aware that you can only access the beach by boat or on foot. 

You can also head to the Grand Cul de Sac to see sea turtles!

Mexico 

Valladolid, Yucatán

Known as the “Capital of the Mayan east”, Valladolid is the second-largest city in the Yucatán State. 

Take a stroll through the city and you’ll be taken back to the 19th-century with its colonial architecture and a historic downtown quarter. 

Dine at one of the restaurants while strolling to try local dishes such as papadzules (similar to a vegetarian enchilada and covered with a sauce made using pumpkin seeds), marquesitas (crispy pancakes stuffed with cheese and chocolate). 

While shopping, you’ll be able to find handmade souvenirs and locally made clothing. 

You can also enjoy history by visiting the Mayan pyramids as well as monasteries and convents. 

Central America 

Guatemala 

Guatemala is a charming and magical country filled with ancient ruins, jungles and volcanic lakes. 

Explore the capital of Guatemala City where you can visit museums and take in the culture of the city. Or perhaps you can check out the beautiful cathedrals in Antigua. 

The best part of Guatemala is the kind and friendly locals who will make you feel more than welcome. 

San Jose, Costa Rica 

The capital city of Costa Rica is an underrated mecca for foodies. Not only is the food impeccable in San Jose, but it’s incredibly eco-friendly. In fact, Costa Rica won the United Nations 2019 Champions of the Earth award — the highest environmental honor by the United Nations. The country is on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and by 2030, it will have 100% renewable electricity. 

Chefs in Costa Rica are now using all of the produce grown in the country, resulting in a culinary renaissance. 

San Jose has lots of up-and-coming neighborhoods where you’ll find indigenous foods made only with the freshest ingredients. 

2019 was all about travel and exploring places unknown. We saw people living their best lives in Morocco, Colombia, Barbados, Thailand, and France amongst other destinations.  However, some of the most awesome destinations are still under-the-radar and not visited as often. 

Here are the underrated destinations of 2019 according to Insider:

Whitefish, Montana

If you love nature, Whitefish is a dream destination. While in this destination, you can ski, hike or just take in the beautiful view of the mountain. 

The Glacier National Park is an awesome place to visit while in Whitefish. 

Mackinac Island, Michigan

This beach town is amazing for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a while. 

Mackinac Island is more than a beach, you can explore nature trails and take a carriage ride through the quaint town. 

There are no cars or chain hotels in the area, so it’s the perfect getaway. 

Mexico City, Mexico 

When thinking of vacationing in Mexico, places like Cabo, Cancún, and Tulum come to mind. What many don’t know is Mexico City is filled with art and history. 

Visit Mexico City to see murals by Diego Rivera and visit the Palacio Nacional. 

Krakow, Poland

Of course, we all know of hot spots in Europe like Paris, Rome, and Berlin, but Krakow is an underrated city full of charm. 

Head to Old Town where you can peruse the Market Square and shop or visit museums. Another great spot for shopping and eating is Florianska Street, where you can also find cheaply priced beer. 

Burano, Italy 

Foodies are in for a treat when visiting Burano. The island is known for its fresh fish and its colorful surroundings. 

Greenport, New York 

When vacationing in New York, Montauk and the Hamptons are go-to destinations. Greenport, however, is an absolute gem. This small town has rocky beaches, vineyards, delicious foods, and shopping. 

Hop on the ferry and venture to Shelter Island, a nearby small area where you can get amazingly fresh seafood. 

Grenada, Caribbean

Grenada is the perfect island for a low-key getaway. There are beautiful white-sand beaches and a natural reef. 

The capital city of Grenada, St. George’s has wonderful shopping and gorgeous views. 

Greenville, South Carolina

Head down south to experience this southern town filled with art galleries, barbecue, and shopping. 

Falls Park is the perfect place where you can attend festivals and concerts throughout the year. Art Crossing is ideal for art lovers and Swamp Rabbit Trail is the spot for those who love spending time in nature. 

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Another southern town with art and delicious food is Chattanooga. Check out the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel for a feeling of being taken back in time. 

The Tennessee Riverpark has trails and is perfect for nature lovers. Get your art fix at the Bluff View Art District, where you can find great food and galleries. 

Lyon, France

Ditch Paris for a time well spent in Lyon. This city is one of the largest in France and has a plethora of museums, vineyards, and parks. 

There are foodie walking tours, a botanical garden, and a zoo, making it a destination full of fun. 

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is a favorite amongst the royal family in Spain and should be on your list as well. Head to Playa de Muro to relax on the beach or take in the beautiful views of mountains and stone-built villages. 

Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá is the capital city of Colombia and is an aesthetic playground filled with colorful buildings and beautiful museums. 

Head to La Candelaria, a historical center with lots of art studios, yummy foods, and shopping. 

The Azores Region, Portugal

The Azores are commonly referred to as Portugal’s “best-kept secret”. This beautiful region is filled with natural sites such as the beaches of Santa Maria and the volcanoes and natural waterfalls of Flores. 

Crete, Greece

Santorini and Mykonos are definitely popular destinations amongst travelers but Crete is just as beautiful. It is the largest island in the country and has gorgeous beaches such as Elafonissi, which has pink sand. 

Those who love history will obsess over the archaeological sites, monasteries, and castles. 

Laos, Southeast Asia

Laos is filled with amazing cities to explore. Muang Xai is great for shopping at its markets, enjoying the waterfalls and perusing the museums. 

Vang Vieng is an “eco-paradise” despite being a party city in the past. 

Check out the Nam Song River and have a bit of adventure by rock climbing, hiking and/or zip-lining. 

Tyler Perry has shown once again that he is the epitome of Black Excellence.

It was previously reported that Atlanta couple Tori Austin and her fiance, Stephen Johnson, were being held hostage in a Mexican hospital after Johnson suffered kidney failure on vacation and they were unable to cover the $14,260 hospital bill.

The couple started a GoFundMe in hopes of raising enough money to come home safely. However, they didn’t quite make enough — that is until Tyler Perry stepped in.

According to reports, Perry contacted Centro Medico Americano, the hospital where the couple is being held in Progreso, and offered to pay off the couples’ tab in its entirety. The money was wired and is said to arrive on Monday. Once the payment is cleared, the Atlanta couple will soon be heading back to the United States.

Donations are pouring in for an Atlanta couple who are reportedly stranded in a Mexican hospital over a billing dispute.

What was supposed to be a dream vacation for Tori Austin and her fiance Stephen Johnson, has turned into the couple’s worst nightmare.

The duo departed Galveston, Texas on a Carnival cruise ship en route to Cancun when shortly after getting onboard, Johnson became severely ill. He was diagnosed with Pancreatitis and Diabetes, and fell into a diabetic coma, according to Austin. She told CBS 46 Atlanta that the cruise line recommended immediate medical treatment in the Mexican port city of Progreso, located about two hours from Cancun.

Johnson was stabilized in the hospital after receiving medical treatment but he’s reportedly uninsured and unable to pay the $14,000 medical bill.

Both Austin and Johnson told the hospital staff that they would make payments on the bill once back in the United States, but Austin said the hospital refused to let them leave by locking the doors and threatening to call the police if they tried to leave.

Austin called the incident a “hostage situation” on Facebook and said the hospital even got physical.

Their story has prompted donations to help get the couple home.

In an emotional video on Facebook, Austin thanked everyone for their support.

“We’re coming home,” Austin said in the video. “I want to thank everyone who donated to our Go Fund Me. God is good. Someone offered to pay for our whole bill.”

As of Thursday afternoon, the couple is still in Mexico awaiting the donation from the donor who offered to pay the bill in full.

This story is developing.