Bahamas Friendly residents, lovely beaches, and crystal-clear water draw people to this collection of 700 islands south of Florida. Sport fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving are favorite pastimes, and the duty-free shopping is not to be missed.

Nassau
This historic city is home to ancient forts, a bustling port and elegant architecture. Pastel government buildings surround a regal statue of Queen Victoria - a reminder of British influence in the Bahamas. Shoppers will want to hit the famous straw market, and Bay Street - the hub of the city - is lined with duty-free shops.

San Salvador
This Bahamian island was the first landfall site of Christopher Columbus on his 1492 voyage, although the exact spot of his landing is up for debate - take your pick from the four monuments that have been erected at various locations. Modern-day visitors can explore pristine beaches and plantation ruins, while colorful reefs and mysterious shipwrecks beckon scuba divers. Climb 160 feet to the top of the 1887 Dixon Hill Lighthouse for spectacular views.

Antiqua
This West Indies island is a former British colony that has retained an English ambiance. It is famous for its 365 beautiful beaches, terrific diving spots and rich history. Sites to visit include the restored naval dockyard and old forts around English Harbour.

The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic encompasses the eastern two-thirds of the Caribbean island of Hispanola (Haiti comprises the western one-third). Visitors are quickly won over by its colonial heritage, sugar-white beaches and abundance of water sports. It is home to the world's largest amber deposits, which means you'll find some particularly good buys in amber jewelry here.

Guadeloupe
In the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean floats the butterfly-shaped island of Guadeloupe, its two wings comprised of Basse-Terre to the west and Grande-Terre to the east. Basse-Terre's mountains, volcanic peaks, waterfalls and rivers attract hikers and nature lovers, while smaller, flatter Grande-Terre is favored for its resorts and white-sand beaches. Scuba divers will find a colorful underwater world of coral and endless schools of fish. The tiny island is a French territory, and locals speak a combination of French and Creole patois (although most hotels have some English-speaking staff members.)

Jamaica
Famous for its white-sand beaches, reggae grooves and laid-back attitude, this island is the birthplace of the all-inclusive resort. Year-round balmy weather and crystal-clear waters make it a first-rate spot for scuba diving, snorkeling and sailing. Jamaica's natural beauty extends beyond its coast, though, and inland you'll find plummeting waterfalls, lush mountains and rivers.

Martinique
This mountainous French West Indies island is located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Blending its Caribbean aura with a strong French flavor, Martinique enjoys a warm year-round temperature and cooling trade winds. Places to visit include Diamond Rock, a natural rock formation in the sea, and St. Pierre, the town that was destroyed at the turn of the century by the now dormant Mount Pelee.

Mexico
Encompassing a large landmass directly south of the United States, Mexico's geography and climate vary widely. Tourism is heavy on both coasts of the country, which enjoys warm, sunny weather and beautiful beaches. The Yucatan Peninsula, on the Caribbean coast, is home to Cancun and faces the island of Cozumel, two of Mexico's most popular tourist spots. The Pacific coast -- home to Puerto Vallarta -- is also popular, and new resort locales currently are being developed. There are nice, secluded areas that are not as commercialized on the west coast.

St. Lucia
Just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, St. Lucia belongs to the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. The Atlantic Ocean borders its east coast, and the Caribbean caresses its west coast. The island is dominated by the Pitons, twin peaks that rise 2,000 feet above sea level. Natural beauty is abundant in its rain forests, green fields and tropical fruit orchards. Visitors can explore historic fortresses, small villages and open-air markets.

Turks & Caicos
This chain of islands is located halfway between Florida and Puerto Rico. The spectacular reef, one of the longest in the world, makes the islands perfect for scuba diving. The terrain is mainly flat, and white sandy beaches comprise over 230 square miles of the islands' net area. The islands are home to "JoJo" a wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphin that has befriended many swimmers and divers. Many species of sea and land creatures live or travel through the islands, making this locale a great place for observing animals in the wild.

France
Perhaps no other country matches France in its nationwide passion for food, wine, fashion and, of course, that ever-present sense of joie de vivre. And when it's time to play, many head to the majestic Alps of eastern France. In winter, it's home to some of Europe's finest skiing, with destinations that range from traditional storybook villages to modern resorts. Snow sparkles in the brilliant high-altitude sun, the mountain air is clean and crisp, and craggy peaks touch the clouds. The scene changes in summer, but it's no less impressive: Snow melts to reveal green pastures, gurgling brooks and a profusion of wildflowers. That's when hikers and bicyclists hit the trails that wind through deep-green forests, quaint towns and along alpine lakeshores.

Switzerland
Mention Switzerland, and the mind conjures up images of splendid snowcapped mountains, sparkling glacial lakes, and green pastures and idyllic villages straight out of "Heidi." It is a country with four national languages - French, Italian, German and Romansch -- and this diversity is reflected in its customs, food and wine. Switzerland also is home to fabulous skiing, and the winter resorts perched high in the Alps attract everyone from beginners to extreme downhill skiers.

Cancun
Located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is a tourist and entertainment mecca that draws people of all ages and interests. Cancun is an extremely popular vacation spot, and numerous resort hotels line the shore. The white-sand beaches teem with sun worshippers, the Caribbean waters beckon sports enthusiasts and the nightlife is a big draw for those who enjoy the boisterous club scene. Ancient Mayan ruins are located two hours away by automobile and are well worth the trip.

Cozumel
Just off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, this Caribbean island enjoys a healthy flow of tourism. Year-round celebrations, including the weeklong Carnaval in March, fishing tournaments and religious holidays reflect the festive nature of life on the island. Scuba divers recognize Cozumel, with its surrounding reefs, as a premier location for this sport. Other attractions include El Cedral, the oldest Mayan ruin on the island, and nearby Punta Celerain, where you can enjoy a fascinating 360-degree view of the area. In the town of San Miguel, visitors flock to Plaza del Sol, the town square, and Downtown Pier.

Nuevo Vallarta
Just off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, this Caribbean island enjoys a healthy flow of tourism. Year-round celebrations, including the weeklong Carnaval in March, fishing tournaments and religious holidays reflect the festive nature of life on the island. Scuba divers recognize Cozumel, with its surrounding reefs, as a premier location for this sport. Other attractions include El Cedral, the oldest Mayan ruin on the island, and nearby Punta Celerain, where you can enjoy a fascinating 360-degree view of the area. In the town of San Miguel, visitors flock to Plaza del Sol, the town square, and Downtown Pier.