Welcome back, Discoverlisters! We hope that you had a wonderful summer with the help of our Discoverlist app. We here at Discoverlist certainly did. This summer, we announced that we’ve teamed up with over 24 tourism boards from around the world, with destinations across the globe to even here at home in the U.S. We are so excited and grateful for these partnerships. These tourism boards can now post recommendations for the best things to do in their country. Summer may be ending, but we’d like to highlight 6 of those 24 locations so that you can plan that trip during the fall.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua was one of the first destinations that we highlighted over the course of the summer. With wonderful beach destinations like the Corn Islands and San Juan del Sur Bay, Nicaragua has it all for the traveler who wants to bathe in the sunlight or take a dive in its turquoise waters. This destination offers fun activities for travelers such as viewing a lava lake at Masaya Volcano National Park and sand boarding at the Cerro Negro Volcano!
Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre was a fun discovery! Mostly because it’s so unique. This quaint French territory may be small but has so much to offer! Its Pointe Aux Canons Lighthouse not only offers a stunning view, but it can also be reached by foot, and is well worth the walk. Saint Pierre has a piece of history with the L’lle-aux-Marins, a little island that testifies to the era of the great cod fishery of Saint Pierre. Since the 1960’s, the island is inhabited only in the summer, but heritage associations are working to revitalize it for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. Travelers curious to know more about Saint Pierre’s history can visit the Musée de l’Arche, which is home to both the Archives and the Museum of the Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Its high-quality scenography allows visitors to step back in time and discover the history and stories of the archipelago.
Madeira
Madeira! An unforgettable destination that we loved to highlight to travelers this summer. This Portuguese archipelago is home to destinations such as Santana, which has triangle shaped houses with vibrant colors that symbolize Madeira’s heritage, as they were built during the settlement of the area. And how could we forget its capital Funchal, which has cafes like the Santa Catarina Cafe, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor seating while having drinks. Visitors can also engage in fun activities, such as taking a ride down the city of Monte in a toboggan made from wicker, which is known as the Monte Sledge. These sledges are powered by two carreiros, or sledge drivers, wearing white uniforms and straw hats, who control this mean of transportation by making use of their boots as brakes. Visitors looking to explore the outdoors can hike up Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak of the Madeira islands.
Tahiti
Tahiti was by far our favorite destination to highlight. The largest island in French Polynesia with its mystical valleys, clear streams, and high waterfalls that make up the island’s beauty. Tahiti has some of the most gorgeous places for tourists to visit like Tikehau. This graceful atoll, a 55-minute flight from the kinetic bustle of Papeete in Tahiti, looks like a crown of white and pink-sand beaches shimmering around the Tikehau Atoll lagoon, making it almost too breathtaking to be true. Mo’orea is one of the most magnificent islands of Tahiti with its high, sharp, inspiring green spires crowned by clouds. Its poetic threads of waterfalls and peaceful emerald green meadows will renew visitors’ beliefs in the majesty of nature. Visitors will also be in awe of Mo’orea’s bright blue lagoon, which brings to life the South Seas idyll of their dreams. Visitors seeking a more relaxing island experience should visit Bora Bora. One of the most popular islands in Tahiti, Bora Bora is the center of the romantic universe, where luxury, beach resorts, and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows, thatched-roof villas, and a fabled ambiance. With its black sand beaches on the East coast, white sand beaches on the West coast, beginner’s and legendary surf spots and mountainous peaks within desert lush valleys, Tahiti is the ideal getaway for visitors!
Jamaica
It was an absolute pleasure to promote the wonderful Caribbean country of Jamaica! Jamaica has extraordinary places for travelers to visit like the Turtle River Falls and Gardens. A 15-acre tropical garden conveniently located in the resort town of Ocho Rios. On the property, the Turtle River pours into 14 cascading waterfalls. Several varieties of indigenous and endangered plants grow naturally in the gardens. Exotic birds are housed in a walk-in-aviary and a beautiful Japanese Koi Pond helps to complete this tropical hideaway. Travelers can also visit Dolphin Cove Negril, which sits on 23 acres of ocean frontage in just a short car ride from Negril. At Dolphin Cove, travelers have the opportunity to interact and swim with dolphins while they enjoy the thrill and love of these amazing lovable marine mammals. Travelers who want to enjoy Jamaica’s culture can visit The Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, which is the former home of the reggae legend. Bob’s home is filled with rich memories and treasured mementos, which seek to preserve the life and accomplishment of this great Jamaican and outstanding musician.
Tampa Bay
Last, but certainly not least, we have Tampa Bay, the most recent location we highlighted for this summer. Tampa Bay is home to wonderful destination like Ybor City. Ybor City has beautiful murals, which exemplify Tampa Bay’s melting pot of cultures. One of murals includes the mural “Viva Ybor,” which features the city’s founder Vincente Martinez Ybor and other Ybor sights such as the historic TECO streetcar and wild chickens. The city also has amazing events such as the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. Named after the mythical and legendary pirate Jose Gaspar, who was said to have terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Over 750 swashbucklers “invade” Tampa Bay aboard the majestic pirate ship “Jose Gasparilla,” kicking off a full schedule of pirate-themed events. To celebrate this friendly ‘invasion,” the swashbucklers participate in a four-mile-long Parade of Pirates, unloading untold Gasparilla treasures for visitors and locals to plunder. Visitors who want a peaceful Tampa experience can stop by the Henry B. Plant Museum. With its Moorish architecture, opulent furnishings, and tropical gardens, visitors and locals alike can admire the restored rooms of this former Tampa Bay Hotel, which was built by transportation pioneer Henry B. Plant. Or they can take in the beautiful waterfront views and feel the warm sun as they stroll through the Tampa Riverwalk, which connects the city’s dynamic cultural venues, family-oriented parks, and vibrant businesses. Visitors can also come to the riverwalk at night to witness how the bright lights bring it to life.
Although summer is coming to end, these destinations can still be visited all year round. Whether it’s spending some time relaxing at a beach resort, visiting museums, or enjoying the beauty of nature, there will always be countless places to visit throughout the year! For more ideas on where to travel this fall, download the Discoverlist app today to discover your next destination!