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Friendly reminder: The Americas have 35 sovereign and recognized nations.
This top 3 is just a suggestion (a good one).
Adventure outside the ordinary
What happens when one of the most trusted specialty outdoor retailers, REI Co-op, teams up with the world's largest travel company, Intrepid Travel? You get a unique collection of active trips that offer meaningful, immersive travel experiences in the outdoors.
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Early April is Your Best-Kept Travel Secret ☀️
According to the U.S. Travel Association, early April is a great time to travel. The post-Easter crowds thin out, and the peak spring break season (typically mid-March to early April) is winding down.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration reports that passenger volume in early April is typically 15% to 20% lower than in late March, resulting in shorter lines and less crowded attractions.
According to STR Global, hotel rates in popular destinations drop by an average of 18 to 25 percent in early April, compared to the spring break season.
Airlines follow similar patterns, with Airlines Reporting Corporation noting that domestic ticket prices fall considerably after the peak season in March.
For travelers, this translates to premium experiences at mid-season prices, with the bonus of pleasant spring weather across most of the Americas.
Big Sur, California: The Ultimate Coastal Drive 🇺🇸
Nestled on California's Central Coast, Big Sur offers 145 kilometers of stunning scenery where the Santa Lucia Mountains take center stage, plunging into the Pacific Ocean.
In April, wildflowers bloom on the hillsides, and migrating gray whales arrive along the coast. Daytime temperatures hover around 15°C.
Must-See Stops for a Road Trip 🌎
McWay Falls: This 85-foot-high waterfall plunges onto a beach. It is perhaps the most photographed view in Big Sur. You can park at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and take the short trail to the overlook.
Bixby Bridge: The most iconic bridge, at 750 feet long, offers the best backdrop for photos. Park at the turnoff on the north side for the classic view.
Pfeiffer Beach: Famous for its purple sand (from manganese garnet particles) during the rainy season (August) and Keyhole Rock. You can get here from the unmarked Sycamore Canyon Road.
Point Lobos State Nature Reserve: Best known as "the crown jewel of the State Park System," this reserve offers coves, cypress trees, and whale watching.
To Eat 🍔
For delicious food, to immerse yourself in the local culture, and enjoy panoramic views of the coast, there is Nepenthe.
Nepenthe isn't just a restaurant—it's a Big Sur institution since 1949. Locals and travelers alike gather on the outdoor terrace 808 feet above the Pacific for their famous Ambrosia Burger and sunset views.
To Stay 🛎️
Ventana Big Sur holds the esteemed Green Key Eco-Rating certification for its comprehensive sustainability practices, including:
Water conservation systems.
Solar energy usage.
Locally sourced organic dining.
This adults-only retreat features Japanese bathhouses, a spectacular infinity pool, and suites with private terraces overlooking the Pacific. The property champions land conservation and maintains nature trails through its 160-acre wilderness setting.
Santiago, Chile: Urban Culture Meets Wine Country 🇨🇱
If you miss autumn, Santiago in April is the best destination for you.
As autumn settles over Chile's capital, Santiago transforms into a golden-hued paradise. April marks harvest season in the surrounding wine valleys, offering visitors front-row seats to the vendimia (grape harvest) while temperatures remain mild at 55-75°F.
Wine Valley Highlights 🍷
The Maipo Valley, just 30 minutes from downtown Santiago, claims the title of Chile's oldest and most prestigious wine region. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme against the backdrop of the Andes.
Viña Concha y Toro, Chile's largest and most iconic producer, offers tours through their historic Casillero del Diablo cellar and sprawling estate grounds. Their sustainability commitment includes
Water recycling
Organic waste composting.
Biodiversity preservation across their vineyards.
Casablanca Valley, located between Santiago and Valparaíso, has earned international acclaim for cool-climate white wines and Pinot Noir. The coastal influence creates perfect conditions for Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay production.
Emiliana Organic Vineyards in Casablanca Valley operates as one of the world's largest organic and biodynamic wineries, certified by multiple international organic agriculture organizations. They employ alpacas and chickens as natural pest control, practice composting, and maintain wildlife corridors throughout their vineyards.
Iceland, December 12-24 (arrivals) and December 25-January 6 (departures).
To Stay 🛋️
The Aubrey in Santiago's bohemian Bellavista neighborhood has earned Green Globe certification for its sustainability initiatives.
This 15-room boutique hotel occupies a beautifully restored 1920s mansion, featuring individually designed suites, a hammam spa, and a renowned restaurant focusing on Chilean ingredients and traditional preparations.
The property supports local artisans and maintains organic gardens for its kitchen.
Saba, Caribbean Netherlands: The Unspoiled Queen 🇧🇶
Five square miles of volcanic wilderness rising from the Caribbean Sea, Saba remains delightfully untouched by mass tourism. This special municipality of the Netherlands sits 28 miles southwest of St. Maarten—your gateway to arrival via the famously challenging 1,300-foot runway at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (one of the world's shortest commercial runways) or the ferry from St. Maarten's Simpson Bay.
The entire island embraces conservation. The Saba National Marine Park, established in 1987, encircles the island's waters down to 200 feet depth, protecting coral reefs, dive sites rated among the Caribbean's finest, and abundant marine life. Saba's government has banned single-use plastics, and the island generates 40% of its electricity from renewable sources.
Mount Scenery, the Netherlands' highest point at 2,910 feet, crowns the island with cloud forest ecosystems found nowhere else. The 1,064-step trail to the summit passes through four distinct ecological zones, offering encounters with endemic species like the bridled quail-dove and Saban anole lizard. April's drier weather makes this the ideal hiking month.
With no beaches (the volcanic island is mostly cliffs), Saba attracts visitors seeking diving, hiking, and authentic Caribbean village culture rather than beach clubs and casinos. The four picture-perfect villages—The Bottom, Windwardside, St. John's, and Hell's Gate—feature traditional Dutch-Caribbean architecture with white picket fences and red-roofed cottages.
To Stay 🥽
Haiku House in Windwardside offers an intimate boutique experience with just four uniquely designed rooms in a traditional Saban cottage. The property operates with strong environmental consciousness, utilizing solar power, rainwater collection, and composting systems. Owners provide personalized service that reflects authentic island hospitality, offering insider knowledge about the best hiking trails and dive sites.
The property's commitment to sustainability extends to supporting local artisans and using island-sourced materials, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious travelers seeking an authentic Saban experience.
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