Working hard, being busy and getting through the first part of the year’s family and holiday responsibilities is its own reward. Now, summer is yours.

Is there any more relaxing or romantic getaway than to a tropical beach, where the only sound you hear is the soft rolling waves? Where time is measured by sunrise and sunsets? We didn’t think so, which is why you should consider one now, before the best deals are snatched up and prices rise. Here are our favorites for summer 2017:

The Cayman Islands

This British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean oasis has it all, from powdery white-sand beaches to stunning sunsets, romantic activities for two, great dining, and interesting museums and historic sites. Whether you are laying on a beach, diving from a catamaran into the azure-blue water or surveying the countryside, you will feel calm, cool and connected.

The Maldives

Want to really get away? This ring of tropical islands, located about 500 miles south of the southern coast of India, is your ticket. There may be no more perfect example of tropical beaches, waters, lagoons and reefs than in this archipelago, and the dollar’s strong showing there make this the year to bring your Maldives dreams to bear.

Hawaii

You were about to overlook Hawaii, weren’t you? Well don’t. Thanks to continued luxury investment here, as well as endless activities and picture-perfect weather for nearly the entire year, the 50th state is a must-visit. From beach activities to volcano hiking to coffee plantations, this Pacific gem has it all.

Cape Town, South Africa

This may be a sleeper on the list for some people, but it should not be. This buzzy oceanfront city offers a dream palette for nearly everyone, including gorgeous beaches, a booming restaurant and nightlife scene, majestic mountains and stunning vistas just a stone’s throw away. True, summer in the Northern Hemisphere means winter in the Southern Hemisphere, but for those who live in warm places year-round or want to experience something different and truly magical, check out this amazing city before it gets truly discovered.

Ibiza

Italy may lay claim to la dolce vita, but if there is a sexier, more gorgeous place to spend a summer getaway, we don’t know it. Whether you are bronzing, looking fabulous while enjoying a café con leche or dancing the night away, you will feel inspired by this breathtaking island. Oh, and did we mention it is chock full of great shopping, delicious food, quaint villages and yoga retreats? Seriously, talk about complete.

It’s a big world out there, and summer is no time to shrink from it. In fact, there never has been a better time to make your plans. Your tan lines will thank you.

How To Craft An Educational Vacation For Your Family

As parents, we always want to bring joy to our children. We want family vacations to be fun, packed with great moments they will remember for the rest of their lives. At the same time, we don’t want their young, developing, thirsty brains to lay dormant for three months every summer either.

Happily, vacations don’t have to be absent of intellectual stimulation. The world, and its amazing array of destinations, means you don’t have to choose between fun and learning. So if you are wondering how to craft an educational vacation for your family, read on for some handy tips.

Do Your Homework
Obviously, not all destinations are created equal. Some are great detach-and-chill kind of places, while others are big on history and light on warm, sunny places to lounge about. Nonetheless, that does not mean you ever have to forego bringing some education into your children’s lives while on an extended family outing. Your job is to know a bit about where you are going and what kinds of people and attractions you may find there.

Make Them Happy
The digital world now offers an application for every conceivable activity, so why not get your kids dialed in even before you depart? From information about destinations to ways to track their visits, an app can keep your children engaged before, during and after your vacation.

Assign Homework
As mentioned, you have to be flexible in the ways you engage your children. Naturally, if there is a great selection of historical monuments, museums and art galleries, most of your work is done for you. However, if you find yourself in a place without those attractions, get your children involved in the things they can lend a hand with, such as researching and taking part in planning trips, reading maps on their phone for directions or taking on other responsibilities. In the end, they will be happy they could contribute, which will make the trip even more memorable for them.

Give a Test
Once you’ve left a particular destination, gently nudge family discussions to a recap of what you’ve all seen, or ask each family member their opinion of the most and least interesting facets of your visit. Studies show that talking about something you have just learned helps you retain the information for a longer period of time. This can have both short-term and long-term benefits.

In the end, the more you know about the place you are visiting, the more your children will know. In addition, the more you all know, the more they will remember the vacation for the rest of their lives.

Summertime Island Excursions For The Whole Family

Summer, glorious summer, is almost here, and you are driven to make this one a great experience for your family. After all, you only live once, right? The question is, how can you make it special? The answer many people arrive at is to create a voyage full of memories that the entire family will never forget. So now what?

Read on to learn about some of the best island trips and destinations for your family in 2017.

Cayman Islands
When you’re looking for sun, warmth, tranquility, fun things to do and hospitality, there is no better place than the Cayman Islands. With a decidedly family-oriented attitude, this tropical paradise offers breathtaking beaches and unparalleled water activities that include snorkeling, diving, sailing and cruising. When you’re ready for some history, take one of the many tours of historic sites and plantations there. So what are you waiting for?

Barbados
Take a trip off the beaten path of the Caribbean to the Lesser Antilles, where Barbados boasts a feel all its own. This independent British Commonwealth nation offers great cruises, which sail into the beautiful harbor of Bridgetown, as well as tours of lovely plantations and botanical gardens. It’s also a great example for the kids of what a land that boasts a 99.7 percent literacy rate looks like.

Key West, Florida
This one-time pirate destination and former cigar-capital of the world is still a sleepy tropical island at the end of the Florida Keys archipelago. Located 150 miles south of Miami, it is reachable by easy 30-minute flights from the Magic City. However, we recommend flying to Miami and driving the breathtaking two-lane road to Key West to give your family expansive views of the Caribbean. Once there, this quirky island offers outstanding sailing, fishing, diving, snorkeling and trolley rides. You’ll also be able to park your car and leave it behind, then rely solely on bikes during your stay.

Catalina Island, California
This is the sleeper on the list, because people often forget that this stunning island exists. Located about 20 miles west of Los Angeles, this 22-mile by eight-mile island is an easy commute from Southern California, but you and your family will feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Take the ferry ride there, then settle in and enjoy the great beaches, hikes, restaurants and sunsets. Oh, and don’t forget to try your hand at Catalina Casino in Avalon Bay.

In the end, all it takes to create priceless moments for your family is a little organization and planning. Why not spend a few minutes planning now so you can enjoy the memories for the rest of your life?

Romantic Adult Getaways For Summer

With so much emphasis on work, responsibilities, and children, it is easy sometimes for couples to forget about that “us time” that used to be so common. In fact, it’s only by experiencing that kind of phenomenon every once in a while, that both reinvigorates a couple and reminds them how important it is to the health of their relationship. So with summer fast approaching, the time is now to start carving out your plans for a romantic, unforgettable getaway. Here are some of the best places in the world to do that:

Cayman Islands
This breathtakingly beautiful tropical island in the British West Indies has it all. Regardless of whether the two of you like bustling activities, romantic sunsets or just prefer lazing around on a white-sand beach, the Caymans can fill the bill. Romance is to be had everywhere here. For instance, spend the day reconnecting while lying on the beach all day, then watching the sunset over the crystal-blue waters. You can also spend your day out on the water snorkeling, go later for a sunset cruise, or if there is a sailor among you, rent your own boat and go at your own pace. Unsure what to do once the sun sets? How about contacting Atlantis Submarines and booking an evening submarine ride. Not only are the colors and experience completely different than the daytime excursion, but the vessel is geared toward adults, offering dinner, cocktails and entertainment.

Mendoza, Argentina
Buenos Aires gets all the publicity—and well it should—but this stunning region about an hour’s plane ride south is all about beauty and romance. Mendoza happens to be one of Argentina’s premier wine regions, producing outstanding bottles that you most likely will never see outside of the country. In addition, there are great places to stay and excellent dining options, many of which can be experienced with a view toward the majestic Andes mountains.

Lake Garda, Italy
Lake Garda, almost right next door, offers many of the same draws that its more famous neighbor does and some hidden gems too. This gorgeous waterfront town has everything a romance-seeking couple could want: cobblestone streets, lemon trees and olive groves everywhere, shimmering water, thermal spas and breathtaking villages, such as Sirmione and Gargnano. Oh, it also has that unmatchable cuisine. How could it be more romantic than that?

For couples in love, the world is truly your oyster. The sun, sand, the water… Now get out there and soak it all in.

Renting Your Own Sea Vessel In The Caymans

One of the best things about spending time in the Cayman Islands is just how easy everything is, from the pace of life and moving about, to the options you’ll have in terms of activities or relaxation. You’ll also come to realize just how much freedom you’ll have to craft your days in the way you’d like to. Nonetheless, it would be an absolute shame if you did not experience the breathtaking, crystal-clear ocean waters of the Caymans in some way. Happily, as with everything else here, the options are endless. So whether you are a swimmer, athlete, sailor or beach bum, there are many ways to experience the water. Read on for a rundown of some of the best.

Packing Some Power
There is something for everyone if the goal is to get out on the water and be interactive. From sailboats and kayaks to paddle boats and WaveRunners, you’ll have no problem finding your favorite modes of sea transportation. Cayman Islands Boat Rentals is one of the best companies. CIBR features a great selection of power boats, from an 18-foot Sea Ray Bow Rider that accommodates up to four people, to a 32-foot Wellcraft that can handle nine. In addition, it offers Jet Skis and WaveRunners you can take almost anywhere at any time. Similarly, Red Sail Sports also offers WaveRunners for rent by the hour or day.

Burning Some Fuel
If you are more the athletic type and want to be working it while out on the ocean, you also have ample choices. Red Sail Sports offers perhaps the best variety of vessels, including a great fleet of stable, safe Hobie Wave sailboats that are perfect for beginners and novices. You can take one out on your own or get a lesson from a very qualified sailor to either refresh your memory or introduce you to the sport. In addition, it offers a great selection of kayaks, windsurfers and stand-up paddleboards. Cayman Island Boat Rentals also offer some great choices for the calorie-burners out there, such as paddle boards, two-person kayaks and a Sunfish sailboat. Again, these are perfect for experienced sea-goers and for novices alike.

The only decision you’ll have to make from day-to-day is what vessel you want to take out today. In the end, we would guess, it is those times out on the water, in whatever way you choose, that you will remember the most. They just don’t offer seascapes like this everywhere.