Brazil offers a long coastline full of beautiful beaches and quaint locales, but the two most popular destinations in this country are Bahia up north, and Rio de Janeiro further south. Besides its tropical beaches, Bahia conserves the quaintness of a colonial town, having formed a cultural hub in which to enjoy the richness of Brazil -its food, nightlife, hospitality- in a small-town ambiance. Rio de Janeiro on the other hand, is a cosmopolitan and vibrant city, buzzing with activity. The city offers an extensive choice of activities, nightlife and shopping options, yet it is still nestled by a pristine dream-like coastline of white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Although Thailand is slightly north of the equator, it still boasts a tropical climate all year round. Its growing popularity among tourists has marked this country as a "party" destination, but not rightly so. While some beaches are taken over by rowdy youngsters looking for fun, others are kept for tourists searching for peace and quiet in a paradise-like setting.
Madagascar is definitely along the road less traveled, but this means less crowds, and if you are lucky, beaches only for you. The charm of this country lies in the fact that it has been virtually untouched by the development of mass tourism, so it offers all that a traveler needs to have a more rustic and down-to-earth experience. In addition, it holds many natural treasures including animals only native to this island, and a day trip to a nearby jungle with a guide is highly recommended.
French Polynesia is a highly popular tourist destination exploited by the French authorities, yet naturally preserved to enable the picturesque postcard-like beaches to remain as pristine as possible. French Polynesia offers many islands to chose from, among which the most famous remain Tahiti and Bora Bora. Water sports fans would certainly enjoy this destination, as well as spa lovers and mere tropical vacationers.
