Barbados

During the pandemic, this island encouraged those in search of a remote work paradise to make this now independent British commonwealth island (I was there for the celebrations naturally) a temporary home. Originally scheduled to go in February 2021, the trip was pushed to November, and it was the most relaxed I felt the entire year. One dip in the ocean cured all the stress I had been harboring - even that of learning to drive on the other side of the road. There is a lot that makes Barbados unique, but I loved how this small island (a little over 20 miles long and wide) offered a diverse landscape for equal parts adventure and zen. On the eastern side, the Atlantic delivered big waves perfect for surfing and jagged, jaw-dropping coastlines. On the western side, the Caribbean does what it does best - it relaxes you with smooth, pristine...

The Guides: These were created so you don't have to rely on your college friend's recommendations from when she studied abroad in 1998, your parents' favorite "discos" from their honeymoon destination, or the often predictable and tourist trap-y ideas you find scouring the internet.