If you’re looking for a new vacation spot to use up those PTO days, we have put together a list of 10 destinations where you don’t want to forget packing the slickest vacation shirt, and no we are not talking about the neon #YOLO shirt you bought in Mexico Spring Break of 2012.
We design UPSAINT for style, comfort and intention, making it the perfect traveling shirt to help you get as many unnecessary pictures as you want while pretending you’re not looking. No judgment, really, we’ve all done it before.
No matter if you like to spend your vacation visiting historic landmarks because you’re cultured AF, partying the night away like Lindsay Lohan in Mykonos or perfecting the art of doing absolutely nothing, we have a city for you.
Fiji Islands
To kick off the list, 333 volcanic islands in the South Pacific about 2,000 miles north of New Zealand, this destination shows to be a strong must in any traveler’s list seeking culture and relaxation with a hint of isolation. The precious beaches are among the most obvious reasons to visit this place, they include unmatchable turquoise waters, mesmerizing coral and marine life. Fiji is a warm destination so if you love yourself some endless summer vibes, you can bathe in sunshine while also enjoying the warm treatment of the locals. The warmth of this place radiates everywhere, including its residents whom you will always find ready to welcome you into their remote bit of paradise. Hint hint, Fiji is a great destination for romantic activities and private dates, so you can actually get some...lovely pictures together.
Costa Rica
Pura Vida land, really a very appropriate slogan, reflective of the life enjoyed by the chill people in this Central American country. Costa Ricans seem to live with few complications and very aware and cautious of their coexistence with Mother Nature. Ecotourism is one of the primary reasons visitors come to Costa Rica, the biodiversity truly makes it place a top destination for wildlife lovers with over 500,000 different exotic species, placing them among the top most biodiverse countries in the world. Eco modern hotels with astonishing views, out-door activities for every taste and fresh local cuisine in this central little pocket of America will make you consider going back to your city life. Costa Rica also ranks high in terms of security, which is obviously always a plus, especially for young solo travelers!
Aruba
Do you remember those afternoon sunsets pictured on 90s calendars? That’s the level of vibrancy you get from a sunset in Aruba. A dutch colony in the Caribbean, this island with unique architecture looks coated in a magical pastel palette and offers visitors the chance to adjust the level of your stay from backpacker to lux status. The activities catalog varies from day drinking and lounging your day away relaxed on a beachside resort to riding the incredible waves for the much needed adrenaline rush-or at the very least Instagram post. The Aruba motto is “one happy island” and honestly how can you not be with perfectly warm yet breezy weather all year long and we cannot forget to mention that Aruba offers some unforgettable displays of its tropical flora and fauna, so distinguishing of the Caribbean.
Melbourne, Australia
Lately we’ve noticed a lot of wandering eyes on this Australian destination, mainly as an ideal choice for young travelers and students, highlighted by their rich culture. Between the street art that started coloring the city walls since the 70s, museums and galleries, they shower Melbourne in visual art, ready to welcome foreigners to its colorful neighborhoods. One fact that might come to the surprise of some, is that Melbourne has a very established coffee scene that boosted after WWII with the immigration wave. Today the scene has developed into a perfect mix of quality espresso based coffee, skilled baristas and extremely vibe-y coffee shops all around the city. Before you think we forgot, Half-moon Bay, Fairy Cove and Sorrento Front Beach are some great low-key options to go enjoy some blue waters and wet-ivities.
Zrce Beach (Novalja) Croatia
This little town has gained quite the popularity for congregating partygoers from all over the world, it lures them in by an incredible yearly line up of festivals that heat things up in spring and continues through the summer. You can search and shop for a festival experience based on musical preference, ambiance, art and whichever characteristics you look for partying your ass off. Although this is truly a perfect destination for day parties, dancing and wooing the day away, you can also relax on a boat, go shopping, and visit natural parks. We know at some point you and your liver will need a recovery day. Gather the gang, go through the (slightly annoying) planning process and take a trip to Croatia to have an absolute summer dream vacation that we promise will forever be a topic in your group chat.
Galapagos Islands
Truly a world of its own, these volcanic islands let you appreciate the varying stages of earth formation. They protect it from civilization and only 3% of its territory is inhabited, giving you the opportunity to run away from human crowds to explore and discover unique species and landscapes. Lava caves, turquoise waters, and cliffs adorn the archipelago 600 miles from the mainland and home to over 8,900 species including giant turtles, marine iguanas and the blue-footed booby. We highly suggest taking time to familiarize and plan accommodations on this visit to ensure you come prepared and can fully enjoy the expedition. This will be an indescribable experience, guaranteed to make you unplug entirely from the human rat race and get close to the coexisting beings found in the remote corners of our Mother Earth.
Mozambique, Africa
This enchanting paradise is in the Southeast region of the African continent. Maputo, the vibrant capital city is a great place to get lost in an array of entertainment from bars, cultural centers, museums and colorful shopping centers for local crafts and goods. A former colony of Portugal, Mozambique has had its share of internal and external conflict but despite its history this place has developed into a positively united, warm and welcoming community. Your time here will display a permanent lesson not only of survival but of empowerment and perseverance to squeeze the shit out of the lemons life gives you.
Aside from the city, Mozambique possesses an incredible collection of white sand and crystal like waters to explore. All across, there’s an ideal beach for any water activity, from diving in the waters of the North to riding in the South, the area with the tallest waves. This is a destination that has the perfect balance of culture, history and local experience to commemorate your visit.
Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy
Remotely found in the Pelagie Islands, an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, this place might be a little difficult to get to, but the experience will be impossible to forget.
The region is not only visually stunning but geographically very peculiar because even though it’s Italian territory, geologically the island belongs to Africa and is closer to the Tunisian coast. Crystal waters, steppes, grasslands, and giant rock formations piece together a beautiful tropical postcard in the middle of the Mediterranean.
The best time to visit is in the summer, upon arrival this tiny island is easy to get around and hotels and restaurants will be concentrated in a small area. Speaking of restaurants, the gastronomy here is an incredible love affair between Mediterranean seafood with deep rich Italian and North African influences that you absolutely don’t want miss out on.
El Nido, Palawan Philipine
In the Bacuit archipelago and recognized today globally as a top destination, this wild gem in the Philippines gained popularity back in 1980. Visitors frequented in search for exclusive diving experiences given that this is another highly biodiverse destination expands to over 800 species of fish, 100 species of coral, scenic mountains, magical lagoons and wildlife. One activity we recommend taking advantage of is island hopping, because well multiple Islands are better than a single Island and that is just simple vacation math. This is a common activity in South Asia frequented by visitors to explore surrounding spots and make the most of their time there. You can cover lagoons, caves, hidden beaches and shrines from packages offered to accommodate to your interests.
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Highly acclaimed beach in the south-west of La Digue is one of Seychelles most popular attractions. A mixture of glowing white and golden sands, aqua pigments and granite formations adorn the frames of this paradise cocoon. Coral protects the shallow water is from the ocean, making it a perfect destination for snorkeling and slow swimming. Bicycles are the only way to get around, and strolling through the streets feels like time slows down to allow you to get lost and spend your day unveiling secret beaches and unplugging from anything you need to put a pause on. It’s alleged that the vibrant beach is one of the most photographed destinations in the world and was also the filming location for popular movies, I’ll give you a hint, one of them starred Tom Hanks and a Volleyball. We highly suggest landing here for some major relaxation with your s/o or a family getaway to enjoy views that will give you endless take me back vibes.
Whether it’s saving your Starbucks money every morning, thinking of a lie to tell your boss or finding a babysitter, we advise that you to take the next step towards your upcoming tropical getaway. You can be adventurous, culturally curious, a party animal or decide upon arrival but make sure your don’t forget to pack the favorite vacation piece that is your Upsaint shirt. While you’re at it you can pat yourself on the back for supporting a brand that contributes towards efforts keeping our oceans clean and instagramable for generations to come!
