The 10 Hottest Travel Destinations For Summer 2012

There are plenty of places to go in this world. Here are ten white-hot destinations not to be missed this summer—plus one online destination called Get Away With It, a game show brought to you by JetBlue Getaways. Play to win* up to $250 towards an amazing vacation package. Go play now at www.jetblue.com/getawaywithit.

1. Aruba

Play Among Friends Paf / CC BY http://2.0 / Flickr: playamongfriends

Scientifically speaking, there are very few places on the planet that are nicer than Aruba. It's almost always around 82°F, but nice and breezy thanks to trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. Also, yearly precipitation barely exceeds 16 inches, so there's practically nothing keeping you from the beach.

2. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Flickr: 28574571@N00

Montego Bay is the second largest city on the island of Jamaica, but most prefer it as a vacation destination compared to the bustling city life of Kingston. Aside from being a popular cruise destination, Montego Bay has shopping, nightlife, and some of the nicest beaches in the Caribbean, all framed by a beautiful backdrop of low mountains.

3. St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

|vv@ldzen| / CC BY http://2.0 / Flickr: 46157135@N06

Because St. Thomas is part of the Virgin Islands, it's actually a territory of the United States, so life there is not too dissimilar from life in the states (aside from the fact that it's an island paradise, that is). The temperature stays at around 86º year round.

4. Cancun, Mexico

Matthew Powell / CC BY-ND http://2.0 / Flickr: jetglo

Cancun is home to many resorts and amenities to keep visitors from anywhere in the world comfortable. For those of you looking for a little adventure, Cancun is also home to many important archaeological sites and landmarks, such as Chichan Itza and El Castillo at Tulum.

5. Long Beach, California

Greg Gjerdingen / CC BY http://2.0 / Flickr: greggjerdingen

Los Angeles might be one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world, but if you're looking for a bit of an escape, you can always find your way to Long Beach. Long Beach features the famous Long Beach boardwalk and pier, and is the home of the retired RMS Queen Mary.

6. Bermuda

Allan Lee / CC BY http://2.0 / Flickr: the-lees

Don't let the legend of the Bermuda Triangle fool you, Bermuda is actually quite the destination for tourists. With sprawling pink sand beaches, and bright blue waters, it's easy to see why people come, despite the stories. Bermuda is also a popular destination for scuba divers because of the numerous wrecked ships off the coast that are perfect for exploring.

7. Saint Lucia

Jim G / CC BY http://2.0 / Flickr: jimg944

Another gem of the Caribbean, Saint Lucia is a popular destination when the (tropical weather permits it).The island is home to the Saint Lucian Jazz Festival, and holds a big Carnival celebration every year (except they hold it in July to avoid competing with the Carnival celebrations on neighboring islands, so book your tickets now.)

8. Barbados

Berit Watkin / CC BY http://2.0 / Flickr: ben124

Barbados is home to some of the most popular resorts in the world, as well as time-shares, private villas, and even private beaches. The Saint Lawrence Gap is the perfect spot for travelers looking for some nightlife, and the Eastern shore is ideal for surfers.

9. West Palm Beach, Florida

TravelingOtter / CC BY http://2.0 / Flickr: travelingotter

Want to get away, but not too away? West Palm Beach in Florida may be what you're looking for. A bustling Florida metropolis, West Palm Beach has all the malls and museums you'd expect in a modern city, as well as some of the nicest beaches and views in all of America.

10. St. Maarten

Richie Diesterheft / CC BY-SA http://2.0 / Flickr: puroticorico

St. Maarten has two identities. On the Dutch side of the island you'll find a busy nightlife and several casinos. The French side of the island is home to nude beaches, shopping, and fine dining. If you're looking for a thrill, find your way to Maho Beach, where incoming airliners get within feet of the beach while landing at the main runway at Princess Juliana International Airport.

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