by Sarah Henshall
Nothing heats up a relationship like tropical waters and pristine beaches. AAA recently surveyed our members to find popular destinations for romantic vacations.

St. Lucia
This honeymoon favorite offers activities, luxury resorts, water sports and beautiful beaches. St. Lucia’s rock Pitons offer a picturesque backdrop from almost anywhere on the island. Couples love the “all-inclusive” Sandals resorts offering meals, drinks and activities. Soak in thermal baths, tour a banana plantation or windsurf in the clear blue water.

Jamaica
The land of Appleton’s Rum and Bob Marley’s cool rhythms is alluring to lovebirds looking for a laid back tropical destination without traveling too far. Jamaica’s locals—although occasionally pushy are also laid back and friendly. Be sure to check out Dunn River Falls , plan a sugar plantation tour or visit the majestic peaks of the 195,000-acre John Crow Mountain National Park .

Book your Jamaican vacation now!

Mayan Riviera
Adventurous couples love the Mayan Riviera for its natural beauty, ancient ruins and incredible snorkeling and scuba diving. Mexico is also a great deal since exchange rates are favorable between the dollar and peso, making it cheaper than other Caribbean destinations. Chichen Itza is the most popular ruin in the area, an impressive feature of multiple buildings, temples and a sports field. The Tulum ruin faces the beach, so bring your bathing suit to cool off in the teal blue Caribbean waters.

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Hawaii
Hawaii is famous for its volcanoes, steep cliffs, perfect beaches and excellent surf. Inexperienced travelers have no trouble getting around or dealing with the locals. Couples can enjoy visits to historic Pearl Harbor and the sunken USS Arizona .

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Costa Rica
Stay near the beach at Manuel Antonio National Park. You’ll see monkeys outside your room and sloths hanging outside your window. Costa Rica offers plenty for adventure travelers including canopy tours, rafting expeditions and deep-sea fishing. (See pages 16-17 for more on Costa Rica)

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Dominican Republic
The island offers extensive caves featuring prehistoric cave painting, Victorian gingerbread houses and 900 miles of coastline. Dance aficionados should check out clubs in Santo Domingo for merengue, salsa and live music, or find an intimate corner of Guacara Taina, a nightclub built inside a cave.

Book your Dominican Republic vacation now!