The Caribbean comes alive with non-stop partying and parades during Carnival season. The best bets are Tobago, Curaçao, the Bahamas, Barbados, the USVI and Jamaica. The high islands feature great eco-adventures, sublime waterfalls and plenty of rainforest hiking, especially on St. Vincent, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, Barbados and Puerto Rico. There's also plenty of green adventure throughout the Central American side in Belize, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras and Mexico. Local markets offer a wide variety of local crafts and goods. The market in St. Georges, Grenada, will overwhelm your senses with the aroma of spices. Sea kayaking along the coasts will give you a unique perspective of mangrove nurseries, lonely beaches and inspiring views. Of course, you can always live the beach life with dozens of soft sand beaches from Bermuda's pink versions to the long stretches of white, sandy solitude on Turks & Caicos. Dozens of locally distilled varieties of rum can be found throughout the region, with each island seeming to have its signature brew. Top tipples include the USVI's Cruzan Rum and the local rums of Barbados, Grenada, Puerto Rico and Jamaica. Don't miss the many botanical gardens. Grand Cayman, St. Vincent and St. Croix have wonderful examples of local fauna. Throughout Central America you'll find a plethora of Maya ruins to explore, and almost every resort has a local spa to eliminate the last vestiges of any stress you might have brought with you.