Comparison Guide: Armed Forces Recreation Centers (AFRCs)

If you or one of your loved ones is in the military, you might have heard of AFRCs before.

AFRCs are Armed Forces Recreation Centers. These locations offer unique travel deals and experiences for the military community, from special access to Disney World to world-class cultural experiences.

AFRCs are run by the Defense Logistics Agency’s Moral, Welfare, and Recreation Department. (This department is in charge of other military-centric travel deals, like Military Forces Travel.)

AFRCs are distinct in that these centers only open their doors to service members. If you’re an active or former service member, you know that special focus means a lot.

Currently, there are four AFRCs open to service members. Two are located in the United States (Hawaii and Florida), one in South Korea, and the last in Germany.

Want to learn more about the differences between the armed forced recreation centers? I’ve done a comparison so you can easily explore the unique experiences available at each center.

Dragon Hill Lodge

Yongsan, Seoul, South Korea

Located in the heart of Seoul, the Dragon Hill Lodge is a great way to explore this bustling and stunning South Korean metropolis.

The resort is designed in an American style, making guests feel right at home. The restaurant’s menu is also designed for American palettes; you’ll find all your favorite classics.

But you can also explore South Korean culture easily thanks to the activities offered at the AFRC. Guests can learn about Korean traditions and indulge in its finest art forms. In other words, it’s a perfect jumping-off spot to explore Korean culture while enjoying the comforts of home.

Learn about your eligibility to vacation at Dragon Hill Lodge. Explore the packages available at Dragon Hill Lodge.

Edelweiss Lodge and Resort

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Edelweiss Lodge and Resort has an extensive list of offerings for its visitors. They even have the choice of staying in rental cabins or regular rooms.

The grounds are semi-rural and designed for relaxation. That means visitors can experience the type of wellness amenities common to central Europe: saunas and steam rooms, spa treatments, and exercise rooms.

And lets not forget about the beautiful setting. There are dozens of great things to do around this area. Edelweiss is located in Bavaria, one of the most romantic parts of Germany.

You can explore world-famous castles like Neuschwanstein, wander through picturesque Christmas markets, go on guided tours of breweries, and explore the natural wonders of this region.

Learn about your eligibility to vacation at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort. Explore the special packages and deals available at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort.

Hale Koa Hotel

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

Hale Koa is a massive beachside resort on Waikiki Beach, one of Hawaii’s most iconic stretches of shoreline.

Guests have immediate access to the beach and its beautiful tide pools. But there are plenty of other resort-style amenities, from its massive swimming pools to tennis and pickleball courts.

You can also explore the legacy of the US Army. On the grounds, you can find a US military museum. Nearby, you can also explore Pearl Harbor and the Battleship Missouri. Staff at Hale Koa will help you set up tours if you’re interested.

Learn about your eligibility to vacation at Hale Koa Hotel. Explore the special offers available at Hale Koa Hotel.

Shades of Green

Florida (Walt Disney World)

The premise here is pretty straightforward: get more out of your trip to Disney World by staying at an AFRC location. And also relax along the way.

Shades of Green bookings usually come with special deals on Disney World tickets—but always read the fine print, as these deals tend to change.

Aside from all the amusement park magic, Shades of Green also has a large swimming pool, a golf course, a scuba academy, an arcade, and even special pirate and princess makeovers for children.

Similar to Hale Koa, it’s a great option for the whole family, especially those with younger children.

Learn about your eligibility to vacation at Shades of Green. Explore the monthly specials available at Shades of Green.

Las Vegas vs Macau: Key Differences

When you imagine ultra-lux casinos and flashy nightlife, what city comes to mind?

Almost every American would think Las Vegas, at least in passing.

Not only is Las Vegas the country’s leading destination for no-holds-barred parties, but it’s also our hotspot for larger-than-life casinos—not those stinky little riverboats common to the Mississippi.

But what if I told you that Las Vegas isn’t actually the world’s gambling capital?

That prestigious title belongs to Macau, a special economic zone located on China’s southeastern coast near Hong Kong. Even though most Americans have never heard of Macau, it dwarfs Las Vegas each year in terms of the number of visitors, total revenue, and the size of its casino-resorts.

Photo by Vernon Raineil Cenzon on Unsplash

A brief history: Macau

Before I start comparing Las Vegas vs Macau, let’s cover what Macau is.

This city is located on a series of islands amid the Pearl River delta. Similar to Hong Kong, Macau became a European colony, falling into Portuguese hands.

Starting in 1557, Portugal maintained control of the region. For centuries, it was a hotspot for trading—and cultural mingling. Though controlled by the Portuguese, they took a more hands-off approach than other colonial forces.

Around the mid-1800s, locals started gambling—which the Portuguese embraced. Soon, casinos were opening legally across Macau’s islands.

By the time Portugal annexed the territory to China in 1999, gambling on the mainland had been declared illegal. That quickly turned Macau into a hotspot for hundreds of millions of gamblers from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and even Hong Kong.

Soon, casino companies from Vegas and Australia were flooding to set up resorts in Macau. By 2007, the area’s casinos were outperforming those on the Vegas Strip in terms of revenue.

So what can you expect from a visit to Las Vegas vs Macau? Here are the key differences.

Macau is more heavily geared toward gamblers

As I just mentioned, gambling on China’s mainland is illegal.

That’s an interesting fact considering Chinese culture doesn’t take a hard stance on gambling. In the US, it might still be viewed as immoral by many groups. In China, as with other East Asian countries, gambling is more readily viewed as a hobby.

Macau is overwhelmingly geared to meet the needs of gamblers. Baccarat is the game of choice by a huge margin, beating out Vegas favorites like poker and blackjack.

Unlike Vegas, most casinos in Macau don’t allow alcohol. Some have also banned smoking.

Las Vegas offers more in terms of general nightlife

Many people who travel to Las Vegas have no real plans to spend their time at a casino.

Sure, they might spin a few slot reels or play a game of blackjack, but the focus is likely elsewhere. Because of this, Las Vegas offers a dizzying reel of activities. The goal is to meet the interests of non-gambling visitors.

There’s the Sphere, to name a big-name and recent project.

But there are also dozens of smaller and harder-to-find gems, from playgrounds that let adults rent out construction equipment to light shows from James Turrell hidden inside Louis Vuitton stores to one of the world’s most haunted museums to relaunched F1 Grand Prix races.

Photo by John Mukiibi Elijah on Unsplash

Macau has an intercultural angle

As outlined above, the Portuguese were a core part of Macau’s cultural outlook for 442 years.

Compared to other European colonial forces, the Portuguese were a lot more willing to intermarry and mingle with locals. Macau still carries the legacy of this melting pot period.

You’ll notice plenty of Portuguese colonial architecture throughout the islands, along with the remnants of a beautiful cathedral façade (St Paul). Some sites are even protected by UNESCO. Even the street signs are still written in Portuguese and Mandarin.

For these reasons, locals don’t consider themselves Chinese. Instead, they’re distinctly Macanese. This is similar to how locals in Singapore identify—as a mish-mash of Chinese, Indian, Malay, and other influences.

Las Vegas puts you closer to natural wonders

Las Vegas doesn’t really have a cultural angle—unless you consider partying a form of culture. (I wouldn’t really argue with you if you did.)

But one of the most unique things about traveling to Las Vegas is how close you’ll be to natural wonders. When I visited the city, I took a plane ride to the nearby Grand Canyon. In terms of day trips worth taking, the Grand Canyon is definitely up there.

But Vegas visitors are also close to other stunning desert wonders like Zion National Park, Fly Geiser, Lake Mead, and Red Rock Canyon.

Macau offers steeper luxury

Let me make one thing clear: Macau usurps Las Vegas in terms of casino revenue.

But that doesn’t mean Vegas isn’t earning more when you clump in its myriad of entertainment sectors. From strip clubs to the Sphere, people spend big in Vegas every single day of the year.

That being said, Macau does things a bit differently.

Vegas might see big-name celebs and the ultra-rich stop by for a few days, but Macau tends to welcome more high-profile clientele. And they’ll shell out millions while they’re in town.

For this reason, Macau’s spas, resorts, shopping malls, and restaurants are just a pinch more luxurious than what you’ll find in Las Vegas. A good way to describe this difference is that Vegas has no Michelin-star restaurants, while Macau has 18.

8 of the Coolest Airbnb Castles in France That You Can Rent

France pulls in millions of tourists each year.

Some estimates place that number as high as 100 million, up from 90 million back in 2019.

Most are drawn to its storied and historical cities, refined crafts like winemaking, and a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to style and life’s finer things.

Clumped into that historical appeal is France’s large number of intact castles. They dot the country, from Le Havre in the north to Bordeaux in the south.

You probably know a few of them already.

Disney’s iconic logo was inspired by France’s Mont Saint-Michel, which is located on the coast of Normandy. On top of that, millions around the world could likely name architectural feats like the Chateau de Versailles and Chateau de Chambord.

But what if I told you that you could rent a castle similar to these major landmarks?

Thanks to the wonders of private rental platforms like Airbnb, dozens of storied and breathtaking castles around the country have opened their (really heavy) doors to visitors.

That’s right—you can rent a castle in France right now.

If you’ve got plenty of gold in your pocket, you can rent out an entire castle just like the ladies and lords of yore.

Or if you’re more of a starving court jester like me, you can rent out a single room.

First, let’s cover the coolest castles in France that you can rent out to yourself. Then we’ll cover some of the best castles in France that offer single-room rentals.

(Or if you’d rather stick to the Uk, you can also explore castles to rent in England.)

Rent the whole castle

Tower in Montpellier

Montpellier, France

Most castles have a tower, so I’m going to let this one slide. Guests have access to the entire tower and its surrounding gardens. (It’s giving a pure gothic atmosphere, and I love it.)

The tower and gardens have been restored to keep their historical flare without missing out on modern amenities. While the design inside the tower is squarely modern, the architecture transports you back centuries.

If you’re a little more flexible on how you define a castle, check out the tower.

Book now

Loire Valley Chateau

Assay, France

I’ve got yet another unique mashup. This estate isn’t technically a chateau by French standards, but you probably won’t feel the difference.

Loire Valley was built in the 1600s for a notorious cardinal from the area. It has since been restored with a fashionable country design, combining the rich architecture and textures from the 1600s with a rustic and charming interior.

Book now

Maison HOMAN

Grignan, France

According to its hosts, this private rental is located in the rampart of an old castle—but I’m not too sure if the rest of the grounds are in working order.

Regardless, you’ll enjoy this one-bedroom and one-bathroom stay. It has all the castle’s original stonework, which has been tastefully restored.

Plus all those funky little windows, likely used for defending the castle. There’s also a tiny little garden with a beautiful rose bush. (It reminds me of Romeo and Juliet!)

Book here

Rent a room in a castle

Chateau de Longecourt

Loungecourt-en-Plaine, France (near Dijon)

Includes a single room and private bathroom. You’ll also be able to explore the castle’s dining room and vestibule. The rest you can see with a guide from the hosts.

This place is the real deal, from its hefty and ornate tapestries to its frigid stone walls to its real-life moat. Oh la la!

Book here

Chateau Salamon (Studio castle)

Requista, France

A studio castle? Don’t worry—it actually includes three bedrooms and one bathroom.

This isn’t a traditional ‘castle’ in that you’ll only have access to the basement. (Which I think would be called a dungeon in traditional castle-speak, but I won’t ruin the vibe here.)

Though you don’t have access to the whole castle, you’ll have one of its best views of the nearby Tarn River. But I suggest you take a close look at the interior. It doesn’t have that classic gothic feel.

Book here

Chateau de Fontaine-Saint-Martin

La Fontaine-Saint-Martin

Guests have access to a private room and bathroom in this chateau.

It’s owned by a funky host who seems to have a hand in the guest experience, which may or may not be your thing. This spot is also close to the Le Mans circuit for people who like fast cars.

The room gives me bohemian vibes, and I’m in love with the marble fireplace. The rest of the chateau has all the finer trappings of a classic 18^th-century estate, so it’s a solid option for those on the hunt for authentic castle vibes.

Book here

Chateau de la Fare

Cendras, France

We’re entering UNESCO territory here. This castle was built starting in the 1100s—which you’ll notice from the façade. Its owned by an Australian couple who have been painstakingly restoring the chateau since they bought it in 2019.

Guests can only rent a room, but they’ll have access to the entire chateau. Fans of hardboiled and classical castles need look no further.

Book here

La Riviere Castle

Pontgouin, France

When you close your eyes and imagine a castle, it probably looks like La Riviere—from the interior to the exterior.

This single-room rental will take you into a pastime of untold luxuries. I’m not joking—they still use candelabras to light the dining room at night and most of the walls have their original wood paneling.

Despite the emphasis on keeping things traditional, there are also modern amenities like an indoor pool.

Book now

Travel Advice: How to Get the Most Out of Your Couples Retreat

Couples regularly hit the road together.

Some are enjoying their honeymoons, others the honeymoon phase. Parents might be traveling to take a well-earned vacation from rowdy kids. A few might even be trying to vacation their way out of a rough patch.

As someone who met their partner while abroad, I know first-hand how magical it can be to explore new worlds with a loved one.

I also know that nothing kills the romantic travel mood faster than unexpected delays, scams, and weird airport meals.

Lots can happen on the road—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

If you want to get the most out of your couples retreat, then stick to this travel advice. I’ve combed the web for travel advice for couples that makes sense. (I’ve seen a lot of suggestions to ‘just let go’, but I have no idea what that actually means.)

Tip #1: Plan all the basics ahead of time

I’ve seen traveling couples suggest leaving your trip open-ended—and I couldn’t disagree more.

The more you plan your trip, the more you can actually relax and enjoy what’s happening.

No—you don’t need to schedule yourself down to the hour. But you need to make sure that the basics like hotels, transportation, and major tours are booked ahead of time.

Nothing ruins the mood like homework, especially when you’re supposed to be unwinding with a piña colada.

Tip #2: Call ahead & pretend it’s a major milestone

I also suggest calling ahead to your hotel or rental to let them know that you’re on a special couples trip.

Does it have to be your anniversary? No. Does it have to be your honeymoon? Definitely not. (Are people still getting married?)

Your hosts won’t know it’s not a super-special occasion. The nicer your hotel, the more likely you are to receive a free dessert, champagne, or even an upgrade.

Even if you’re staying at an Airbnb, you never know what your host will shell out for a special couples retreat.

Tip #3: Take your alone time (and solo adventures)

This might not fit all couples—especially the types who like to run errands together.

But if you’re heading out on a trip, don’t be afraid to schedule some alone time. Maybe you’ve been looking forward to relaxing walks on the beach or shopping at a boutique store, while your partner wants the opposite.

Don’t worry—it’s normal to part ways on a couples retreat.

Both you and your partner should feel fully engaged and satisfied with the trip. And remember: distance makes the heart grow fonder.

(Pro tip: if you and your partner are parting ways for a few hours, that gives you a window to create a romantic setup, whether buying a nice bottle of champagne or fully decking out the bed in rose petals.)

Tip #4: Schedule check-ins

Once again, you don’t need to create an hour-by-hour itinerary or schedule check-ins. But travel can be exhausting. And if you haven’t traveled a lot, it can also be disorienting and overwhelming.

If you and/or your partner aren’t very well-traveled, then expect to do a little check-in.

That might mean sitting down with a coffee in the morning to process the trip or taking some time poolside to plan what comes next. Remember: you want to be proactive so you can indulge in every moment.

Tip #5: Don’t forget to take photos

This might sound weird for millennials and Gen Zers who compulsively take pictures.

But me and my partner have been on the road for over a decade… and our photo libraries are pretty much exclusively filled with pictures of our chihuahua.

Taking pictures might not be important for you as a couple, but it’s a great way to stay in touch with family and friends. Grandparents, in particular, love shared travel albums.

And if you ever have kids, they’ll (probably) also appreciate a few throwbacks of Mom & Dad’s Trip to Cinque Terre.

Tip #6: Budget for at least one splurge

Budgeting tends to be one of the most stressful and involved parts of trip planning.

I suggest all couples plan to splurge at least once on a vacation. Impulsivity and budgeting don’t go hand in hand—but consider keeping some spare change in your back pocket.

Whether it’s $50 or $500, it’ll open up at least one or two opportunities for you and your loved one to be impulsive while vacationing. And everyone knows those last-minute decisions can lead to some truly unforgettable moments.

Tip #7: Do something new together

We’re often forced to try new things when we travel. (It’s part of the magic!)

But the more you and your partner put yourself out there, the closer your bond becomes. For the truly daring, that might mean skydiving or riding in a hot air balloon.

Or if you’re like me, it probably means something a lot more mellow, like a cooking class or visiting a unique museum. It doesn’t have to be over the top—but it should get both of you out of your comfort zone at least a little bit.

Tip #8: Plan the romance

Travel and romance don’t always go together. Stomach bugs, dry skin, and stinky armpits are just a few of the wonders that await us and our lovers on the road.

That being said, the point of sharing a trip together is to rekindle a connection—romantic and platonic.

If you’re in a relationship that has lasted more than ten years, you know that romance takes a little effort. So if you’re heading out on an anniversary trip or a save-the-marriage trip (no shame), then plan a romantic date.

It could be a spa treatment, a big dinner, a sunset boat tour, or something out of left field. In other words: put in some effort to create the right atmosphere. Don’t expect your trip to be romantic just because you’re both there.

Got you in the mood? Here are some of the best couples’ travel experiences in the world.

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Seoul vs Tokyo: Key Differences

What’s the main difference between Tokyo and Seoul?

That’s easy. Tokyo is Japan’s capital city, while South Korea’s is Seoul. The two can be easily differentiated easily by history, language, culture, and much more.

Still, Seoul and Tokyo are easy to clump together—similar to comparing London and Paris, for example. While England and France are distinct in many important ways, they also appeal to travelers for similar reasons.

American travelers are pulled to Seoul and Tokyo because they want to experience something vibrant and new. Whether sampling local foods to learning about traditional music, both cities will take travelers out of their comfort zones and into novel new worlds.

So how can a tourist choose between planning a trip to Seoul vs Tokyo? Let’s count down some of the key differences between these larger-than-life cities. That should help you narrow down your focus.

Tokyo is bigger

To be fair, both Seoul and Tokyo are home to over ten million people—meaning you’ll find more than a few crowds in both cities.

But Tokyo is quite a bit vaster than its Korean counterpart. (In fact, it’s the largest city in the world with a total population of 37 million.) Because of this, Tokyo’s public transportation is a bit more equipped to get millions of residents from Point A to Point B.

You’ll also notice that much of the city is vertical, similar to New York or Dubai.

That means many of Tokyo’s establishments are located inside skyscrapers—from bars to nail salons to grocery stores. Seoul, by comparison, also has many modern skyscrapers, but you’ll also notice more traditional architecture.

Seoul has a much younger feel

Japan has been an economic force for half a century, while South Korea’s economic development skyrocketed in the 1990s. One way that you’ll be able to feel this distinction is in the approach to consumerism.

South Koreans have a stronger appetite for trends, which should feel familiar to Westerners. From skincare to high fashion, there’s a strong impetus to ‘belong’ in the material world. (Stanley Cups craze, anyone?)

Japan, by contrast, still places a slightly stronger emphasis on traditional work culture and family structures. I saw one experienced traveler describe it like this: Seoul is focused outward, while Tokyo is focused inward. It makes sense to me.

Seoul eats more street food

The culinary traditions in Japan and Seoul are incredibly distinct—each culture has a long and complex relationship to food. In other words, you’ll find delicious treats in both cities, along with a few stranger meals.

But Seoul offers more in terms of street food.

While Tokyo is home to thousands of tiny hole-in-the-wall mom-and-pop restaurants, Seoul’s street food takes a more familiar setup: either in carts or small tents along the roadside. But be careful—Koreans love spice, whereas most Japanese food is plain.

Seoul has fewer tourists

Tokyo has been a bucket list destination for millions of travelers for decades.

In other words, its tourist routes are well-trodden and busy almost year-round. One estimate placed the total number of tourists in the city peaks at around 32 million per year—compared to only 13 million in Seoul.

If avoiding Western tourists is a priority for you, then stick to Seoul.

Many who visit the South Korean capital come from Japan, China, and other Asian nations. Tokyo, by comparison, hosts visitors from around the world—something that you’ll notice at major landmarks.

Tokyo offers some of the world’s best shopping

As mentioned above, Seoul places a strong emphasis on consumerism. But when it comes to luxury shopping (and even casual shopping), Tokyo takes the crown.

Neighborhoods like Ginza, Harajuku, Shibuya, Omotesando, Roppongi, and Ikebukuro are home to hundreds of world-class boutiques.

Those who enjoy high fashion will have plenty to fawn over. Streets like Omotesando are home to world-class brands, while malls like Ginza Six, Tokyo Plaza, and Mitsukoshi are home to the city’s finest high-end names.

Again, you can also find luxury shopping in Seoul, but it won’t be at quite the same level or quite as easy to find.

FAQs: Seoul vs. Tokyo

What entry requirements and travel documents are necessary for entry?

Americans need a passport to enter South Korea and Japan. In South Korea, Americans can stay for up to 90 days without a visa, just like in Europe’s Schengen Zone. You might also be asked to show proof of your departing flight.

The same is true in Japan. Americans can enter with only a passport and can stay for up to three months. But be sure to keep your identification on you at all times. You might be asked to show your ID while in Tokyo.

What currency and payment methods can be used in each country?

In Seoul, you can exchange your dollars for the local currency of won. But keep in mind that Seoul is also very welcoming to credit and debit users. You can use a card at just about any establishment, including street vendors.

In Tokyo, by comparison, you should keep cash on you. Many vendors use only cash, meaning you should change dollars to yen (Japanese currency) upon your arrival.

The World’s 50 Best Beaches: Explore the Top Selections

Each year, the publication The World’s 50 Best Beaches lists the top coastlines around the world.

Travel professionals from across the globe band together to nominate, discuss, and finalize selections. Their criteria? Factors like uniqueness, wildlife, the ‘soundtrack of nature’, accessibility, water calmness, and crowds regularly influence the final picks.

That means the best beaches in the world are unique, home to wildlife, unspoiled by humans, accessible, swimmable, not too crowded, and picturesque.

Not too high of a charge, huh?

Back in 2024, The World’s 50 Best Beaches decided to aggregate its first-place results from previous rankings. This mega-list is known as the Best of the Best List—and I’m counting down its top locations for you.

Here are the top beaches in the world according to the data—all of which I bet you haven’t heard of. (I certainly hadn’t.)

Lucky Bay, Australia

No. 1 Beach in the World (2023)

You won’t find an ugly beach on this list, so I won’t spend too much time expounding on pristine white sands and clear waters at Lucky Bay. (Although, seriously, I have never seen sand whiter than this beach. It almost burns the eyes.)

And anyway, at Lucky Bay, you’ll probably be more focused on the kangaroos, instead. These guys are friendly little beach hippies, from what I can tell. So if you make it to Lucky Bay, don’t be afraid of the wildlife—and don’t forget to snap some pictures.

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Previously voted World’s Best Beach

Whitehaven Beach, similar to Australia’s Lucky Bay, has leagues of bright white sand—a full 7 km’s worth, in fact.

Most of the beach is extremely shallow thanks to sprawling sandbars, meaning you can wander through a half-real world of electric blue waters. The sand here is so microscopic that some visitors can even hear it squeaking as they walk.

Apparently, it’s also as soft as silk. Thanks to these sandbars, the waters are almost perpetually calm and bathwater warm. I’m physically relaxing just writing about it.

Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash

Navagio Beach or Shipwreck Beach, Greece

Previously voted World’s Best Beach

Greece isn’t short on stunning beaches. Actually, it might be suspicious to visit this Balkan country and not spend some time on a world-class beach.

But Navagio Beach is a bit different. I’d classify it as a cove; the only way to reach it is by boat, as the beach is surrounded by vertical, pale cliffs.

Oh, there’s also a shipwreck to explore. The rusted old ship is located square in the middle of Navagio Beach. You can explore the rusted old landmark while enjoying the crystal waters.

But keep in mind that this cove is sheltered by tall cliffs, which means the sunshine won’t last all day. Also, I’d imagine this spot gets crowded, especially during high season.

Honopu Beach, Hawaii

Located on Hawaii’s Na Pali Coast, you probably won’t be visiting Honopu Beach anytime soon.

First, it’s sacred to native islanders, which means day tours for tourists aren’t usually encouraged. Second, it’s highly remote and almost impossible to reach.

The beach itself is small and surrounded by towering mountains with orange-ish cliffsides. It’s a beautifully remote and rugged corner of Hawaii.

Keep in mind that if you plan on visiting, you’ll need to be an expert swimmer. The tides aren’t especially mellow at Honopu.

Hidden Beach, Philippines

Previously voted World’s Best Beach

I’ve covered the Philippines Palawan archipelago before. If it’s not on your list, it should be. Think of it like a tropical Ha Long Bay or China’s Zhangjiajie Mountains.

El Nido’s Hidden Beach is penned in by dark limestone rocks. Similar to Maya Bay (below), they’re draped with greenery.

The cove is almost entirely surrounded, meaning you’ll need to carefully find your way there by boat and then swim your way to shore. When you arrive, you’ll be treated to bathwater-warm and crystal-clear waters.

Maya Bay, Thailand

Previously voted World’s Best Beach

Ever heard of Koh Phi Phi? Nearby is another island called Koh Phi Phi Le, which is home to one of our world’s most iconic beaches.

According to The World’s 50 Best Beaches, it’s sometimes called ‘THE Beach’. (It’s where Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach was filmed…)

Similar to Greece’s Navagio Beach, this cove is surrounded by near-vertical cliffs. These dark-rock cliffs are covered in ripe, lush plantlife, similar to the Philippines’ Palawan region.

Unfortunately, over-tourism saw Maya Bay close a few years ago. It was reopened back in 2022 with new sustainability initiatives in place. Still, I’d say you might run into a few dense crowds here.