Whether it’s a romantic getaway, special honeymoon or just a trip with close friends, here are the most desirable destinations in the world chosen by TripAtlas, an online travel resource.

Santorini
This Greek island is famous for its breathtaking views, stunning sunsets, and unusual beaches (there’s a black pebble beach, red beach, and white beach which is only accessible from the sea). The white-washed traditional Cycladic buildings and blue-domed churches give Santorini its unique character which has long been popular with the fashionable set.

Paris
Thought to be the most romantic city in the world by everyone. This city of love is also one of the sexiest spots to visit, thanks to its chic designer boutiques, dramatic gourmet restaurants, grand buildings and impressive galleries.

Krabi
Located in Thailand approximately 800km from Bangkok is this stunning destination which is popular with honeymooners. The palm-fringed sandy beaches in Krabi are white and soft underfoot and the water is crystal clear, making it ideal for snorkeling. With a backdrop of lush green mountains and secret caves to discover, this destination is made for exploring.

Bora Bora
An idyllic destination with endless white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, secluded lagoons, and beautiful green mountains. The island is dominated by two large black peaks, and is renowned for ample water sport opportunities—snorkeling and scuba-diving amongst the favorites. This is the perfect place for hot romantic getaway.

Rio de Janeiro
Attracts many visitors each year, hoping to experience a slice of Brazilian life. Carnival is the most popular time to visit, bringing in masses of tourists, ready to party the night away in the hot, humid streets. This is by far one of the sexiest places in the world to visit—even the hip-shaking music oozes sensuality.

Maldives
There’s nothing more intimate than staying on a private island, surrounded by calm blue water, soft white sand beaches and lush green foliage. The Maldives is one of the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations and it’s easy to see why. Spending time in such a tranquil and beautiful destination helps you forget your former busy life and focus your attention on one another.

Punta Cana
Many would argue that Punta Cana features some of the best beaches in the world, with soft sand, calm blue waters, and gentle swaying palm trees. If you don’t want to spend your time just lazing on the beach, then there is a range of water sports available, such as snorkeling, jet-skiing, scuba diving, and sailing.

Oahu
This is the third largest island of Hawaii and has famously been used as the prime location for countless films and TV programs, including Lost and Jurassic Park. This is due to the island’s dramatic landscapes: green mountains, pristine beaches, steamy jungles, urban cities, lush valleys, and breathtaking cliffs. The exotic location with its outstanding natural beauty will provide visitors with a unique holiday experience where anything is possible.

Langkawi
This group of ninety-nine unspoiled islands are located approximately 30 km from the mainland coast of north-western Malaysia. Shrouded in mystery and legend, these beautiful islands offer plenty to experience and explore.

Venice
The unique “city of water” simply has to be experienced first-hand to appreciate its true beauty. Take a romantic gondola tour of the narrow, winding canals, taking note of the impressive bridges and unusual architectural delights. There’s an abundance of attractive piazzas, palaces, and churches to go and see—this city thrives on beauty and artistic expression.

Destination Family^SM from American Express^® is a collection of complete family vacation options featuring hand-picked, family-friendly destinations and resorts. Families can choose from more than 85 four- and five-star hotels and resorts that are offering special family amenities to American Express Cardmembers. Destinations include the domestic U.S. and Hawaii, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica.

All Destination Family vacations guarantee families connecting or adjoining rooms, having kids stay or eat free, and a bonus $100 value which varies by hotel property. Those values may include a 50% discount off a second room, complimentary Kid’s Club, babysitting, laundry service or resort credits toward activities for the entire family. Destination Family travel packages require a 3-night minimum stay and payment made using an American Express^® Card.

Cardmembers booking a Destination Family travel package can also take advantage of a range of additional American Express Vacations benefits and services, including:

• A complimentary concierge service that will register children for Kid’s Clubs, secure babysitting services, make dinner reservations, schedule golf tee times, and more;
• 24/7 customer care to answer any travel-related issues or concerns and make alternate travel arrangements due to weather-related circumstances or other instances;
• Cancel For Any Reason Travel Protection Plan which provides parents with a FULL refund if they need to cancel their family vacation for any reason such as job loss or illness…right up to the scheduled flight departure time;
• Door-to-door luggage delivery so families can avoid the hassle of carrying, checking and claiming luggage, bicycles, baby strollers, car seats, sports equipment and other family travel gear;
• Passport expediting providing families with last-minute passports, travel visas, birth certificates or other vital documents up to one day before departure;
• And more...

Looking for some hot deals on a cool new ship? Then, the Norwegian Epic might be just right choice for you. How cool is this ship? Well, for starters it will have the only ice bar at sea. Chill out and chat up. Inspired by the original ice bars and ice hotels in Scandinavia and one of only 14 ice bars in the world, the cruise industry’s first true ice bar is the ultimate chill. This frozen chamber of ice is set in changing hues of blue, green and purple LED lighting that simulates the Northern Lights and creates a distinctive arctic atmosphere. The centerpiece is a giant ice cube that glows and changes colors as the hottest techno beats add to the energy of this unique nightlife attraction. In addition, NCL’s Ice Bar features a bar, walls, tables, stools, glasses and life-size sculptures all made from ice. Located on deck seven, Ice Bar will accommodate 25 guests who will be given fur coats, gloves and hats to keep them warm, since the room’s temperature will not rise above 17 degrees Fahrenheit — creating the ultimate chill.

But that’s just the beginning of innovations you will find on the Epic. For example, NCL will introduce an expanded version of a “ship within a ship” for its Courtyard Villa suite complex. And, all oceanview staterooms on the ship will have balconies. Not to leave out the economy minded NCL is introducing the first “Studio Staterooms at Sea” – compact 100 square foot cabins that have an exclusive 2 deck Living Room area just for studio occupants use including drink and snack service.

There are so many new features on the Epic that we have built a special web site www.CoolNewShip.com  that is updated regularly.  And by registering for updates you are automatically entered to win a once in a lifetime chance to sail on a special inaugural cruise not open to the general public. Be part of history! 

Cruise Planners/American Express has exclusive space and rates for the ship starting from $675 per person for the year-round one-week Eastern or Western Caribbean cruises from Miami, Fla.

In the world of cruising ship size, onboard entertainment and meal times reign supreme. Another hot contender in the pro and con list is spa facilities.

The new age of cruise line spas has come. Spa cabins, spa cuisine and in-cabin spa bath products are all the rage and are quickly becoming the new “norm”.

Want to know the best spas at sea?
One of the best overall spas can be found on Costa Cruises’ Concordia and Serena. They boast the largest spas at sea with a long list of treatment options, including ayurvedic therapies, a unique multi-faceted facility and dedicated restaurant.

Another best spa option is on Celebrity Cruises’ Century. They offer the first dedicated treatment area for acupuncture and impressive treatments for men all in a calm, serene environment.

A best big-ship spa can be found on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance-class ships. Their full-service spa includes a beauty salon, treatment rooms and thermal suite. Ask for the Absolute Face and Body treatment which combines a 60-minute massage with a 30-minute facial.

Here are some tips for you to take on your next cruise:
Online Appointments: truly no better way to start. Pre-book your appointment over the cruise line websites. Get the first massage instead of being the first in line.

Teeth Whitening: appointments: truly no better way to start. Pre-book your appointment over the cruise line websites. Get the first massage instead of being the first in line.

Souvenirs: take home spa products to give or keep them for yours truly; soaps, shampoos, slippers, workout gear and more.

Save money: it’s called two-tiered pricing which means you will save on the port days.