The best things to do with kids in Costa Rica, from surf beaches to jungle hikes

Southwest Airlines expanded its schedule for next summer with new routes to the Caribbean, Orlando, Mexico, and more.

Within the dense forests that encircle the colorful Taiwanese capital, the beauty of rural Taiwan awaits, made accessible by Taipei’s ultra-efficient public transport system.

A beautiful island that has everything from snow-dusted peaks and steaming hot springs to wildlife-filled nature reserves and neon-drenched cities, Taiwan is one of Asia’s most popular destinations.

With dynamic night markets jam-packed with delectable street food, gorgeous beaches, and soaring mountains, Taiwan offers lots in a small package.

At 395km (245mi) long, the island of Taiwan is a paradise of superlative road trips. It's known as Ilha Formosa (Beautiful Island), and from hot springs to pristine beaches to cosmopolitan cities, it's obvious why.

My paddle slips gently through calm ocean water as the kayak glides toward the mouth of Morro Bay Harbor. I approach a sandbar covered in resting cormorants, as sea otters float in nearby kelp, inky-eyed pups nestled on their mothers’ chests. On this windless morning, the marine layer paints the world in a gentle watercolor wash. In front of me, Morro Rock rises dramatically from the landscape.

There are some places you go to and wonder, “who made this place?” Bora Bora is one such spot. The water is a constant celeste hue, the temperate seems 76 degrees every day, and Mount Otemanu, the skyscraper dormant volcano in the center of the island, is a stunning emerald backdrop for every photo. No wonder Bora Bora, part of the French Polynesia islands, is so fawned after. And, unlike other island destinations around the world, there’s now a strategic cap of how many people can visit a year. The place feels lost in the lucky kind of way, how one feels when there aren’t throngs of people fighting for a glimpse at a view or a chance at a photo. It’s hard not to feel gleefully isolated in your own found paradise in Bora Bora.

Surrounded by four mountain ranges, Palm Springs is one of Southern California's most popular weekend destinations and the ultimate desert resort oasis. The area comprises nine cities — Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella — each with its unique style and attraction for legions of followers.

Known for its beautiful scenery and adventure activities, New Zealand is on many a bucket list. It's also great for family travel.

On the edge of the tropics, east of China and southwest of Japan, the small island of Taiwan drips with promise – and a fair bit of traveler sweat.

Iceland is a beautiful country and one that has only grown in popularity over the past decade. The truth, however, is that the best time to visit Iceland depends on the trip you want to book.

The pura vida (pure life) spirit that characterizes Costa Rica is wonderfully contagious. It's one of the many reasons this Central American country is so popular. Travelers who yearn to slow down and be one with nature will find themselves at home among its cloud rainforests, scenic mountains and beautiful beaches.