South Padre Island, on the tip of tropical Texas, was a quiet fishing village until college students on spring break discovered it. Now it's a popular year-round tourist destination, with beaches among the top 10 in the United States.

Between the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre Bay, there's nowhere on the island that you can't find a beach warmed by the Gulf stream, and no time you won't find something to do. Aside from soaking up the sun, you can swim, boogie board, kiteboard, rent a jetski, or learn to surf at Isla Blanca Park, with its gentle waves for the beginner. The island is a 30+ mile long barrier reef, so the snorkeling is fantastic. You can even watch dolphins playing in the surf.

If you want to get out to sea, rent a boat and go fishing. Most of the beach-side restaurants will cook your catch for you. You can also rent horses and ride on some of the beaches. On the beaches, a popular activity is building sand castles. We're not talking the bucket and shovel kind of sandcastles; there are professional teachers here who'll help you make a work of art. Beach volleyball is another event you'll find all along the beaches. Want a nice walk? The Laguna Madre Nature trail is a 1500 foot boardwalk that extends across four acres of the bay, and lets you see the wild birds up close and personal.

Should you get tired of South Padre Island, you're just 10 miles from the Mexican border. You can take a tour bus, or head off with friends and stay the night. Remember, you need a passport for Mexico.

When you're headed to the beach, show off some skin in this bikini from Lost. The Heart pattern halter top and side-tying hankie bottom are great beachwear. This Maui Beach tote from The Sak has plenty of pockets for everything you need, and comes with its own coin purse. Keep your feet comfy in these Cool Flip-Flops from Haviana. Whatever you choose to do, you'll enjoy your stay at South Padre.

Most people know about Grand Cayman Island, both for its sandy beaches and its notorious offshore bank accounts. What most people don't realize, however, is that you can enjoy a more pleasant and secluded vacation on neighboring islands, such as Cayman Brac.

"The Brac", as locals call it, is a premier vacation destination for those who enjoy diving, snorkeling, walking the beach, collecting shells and generally having a good time. The relaxing and peaceful atmosphere on Cayman Brac draws thousands of people every year, but it is never as populated as the more visible Grand Cayman.

Many diving enthusiasts visit Cayman Brac every year so they can explore a frigate wreck. Since the wrecks stern is located in more shallow waters, even amateur divers can take a look, and this is a great opportunity to observe all of the marine life that make its home within the wreck. You can also dive all around the island, exploring the walls, swim-thrus and reefs that characterize this magical destination.

Most people who visit the Brac do not rent cars, instead traveling the island on scooters or bicycles. They are available to rent from several vendors throughout the island and are more convenient for exploring the territory without designated roads. However, you can also rent a car or SUV if you feel more comfortable.

Mountain climbers will also enjoy the Cayman Brac, as the bluffs on the west end of the island present varying degrees of difficulty. If you prefer, however, you can hike around the bluffs in hopes of seeing some of the unique wildlife that find their homes on the island.

Temperatures on Cayman Brac are mild, with summers hovering in the eighties and winters in the mid-seventies. You'll need your passport to travel to the Brac as well as any other identification you can bring, and you can learn about the current exchange rates at the Cayman airport.

Make sure, though, when visiting the Brac, that you bring a pair of hiking boots with high ankles. Hiking around the island will result in encounters with scrub and snakes, and foot protection is essential.