Even the sands of Playa Conchal are special, comprised of the silky remnants of millions of crushed conch shells. Frolic, swim and snorkel in the warm, crystalline waters by day; at night, camp out on the beach under the stars. Guided rafting, adventure and nocturnal turtle-watching tours are available—and exhilarating.

Your morning in Nosara: Wake to the sounds of the jungle. Walk two minutes to Playa Guiones and do a few yoga poses at sunrise while surfers ride the waves. Wander north to Playa Pelada for a swim and spectacular views of the Pacific. Sound idyllic? Nosara, with its beaches free of developments, its tide pools, plus ziplining, wildlife rescue and more, is perfect for your extended holiday.

Horseback riding, fishing and yoga are just a few of the myriad things to do on the gorgeous Playa Samara. The white-sand beach is the perfect place to relax with a book or run wild with the kids, offering a fabulous setting for any beachside activity you could dream of. Offshore, a coral reef rewards snorkelers with active, beautiful marine life.

If waterfalls, hot springs, wildlife and volcanoes are your thing, then Arenal Volcano National Park will take your breath away. One of the world’s most active volcanoes burps tufts of smoke in the background as you make your way through forests and old lava fields. Take a rafting tour or hit the beach, then retire to a comfy hotel.

La Fortuna de San Carlos is at the centre of an array of geological wonder. The nearby Arenal is Costa Rica's most active volcano, routinely bursting with lava and ash, and the Catarata de La Fortuna is a waterfall pouring from a seventy-metre cliff. The Tabacon Hot Springs are a relaxing intermission in the midst of the various spectacles, and the Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat is a blissful end to any day's excursion.

Surf’s always up in the Costa Rican beach town of Santa Teresa. Bright sun and gleaming sands make the perfect backdrop to hang ten in the crystal-clear waters, and fishing, snorkeling and kite-surfing are popular among holiday-makers. Yoga and spa services are a must for the ultimate relaxation, and, at night, catch a glorious sunset on the same beach where earlier you caught a wave.

An increasingly upscale village, Playa Hermosa overlooks the Gulf of Papagayo and enjoys a pleasant, tropical climate and family-friendly beaches. Abundant water activities include sport fishing, sailing, scuba diving or snorkelling and leisurely sunset catamaran tours. You and your family will also want to visit the area’s national parks. Try a combination of popular local tours – a full day of horseback riding, swimming and lunch at the Volcan Miravalles National Park or an adventurous Canopy Tour to experience Costa Rica’s ecosystems. Just 10 minutes from Playa Hermosa, the lively village of Coco offers a delightful mix of entertainment and shopping. Bars and discos surround Coco’s central plaza. You might even visit a casino to try your hand at Blackjack or roulette. In Playa Hermosa, stop in for lunch at Laberinto on the beach, and you’ll enjoy an unusual meal at Ginger, an open-air tapas bar on stilts. The wild ginger grows beneath the bar, and the chefs create some very tasty and exotic meals. Try the Upper Deck Sports Bar and Restaurant for a colorful combination of televised sports, cold beer, good food and a pet orphan monkey!

It’s not just for spring-breakers. Cancun, with its golden beaches and perfect climate, is the premiere coastal destination in Mexico. And while there is certainly a 365-day party available for college students, resorts cater well to families and to those seeking solitude. This Yucatan paradise is also the gateway to the ruins of Tulum and Chichén Itzá.

Strongly influenced by the tribal culture of the Guanches (the original inhabitants), Tenerife was conquered by the Spanish 500 years ago. It's home to Mount Teide, Spain's tallest peak, and to the popular beach resort of Los Gigantes. Today visitors flock to Loro Park to see tropical birds, to Tenerife Zoo Monkey Park and to Parque Nacional Las Canadas del Teide's volcanic rock formations. Explore by car or with a "bono bus" ticket, which offers reductions on regular prices.

Welcoming, tolerant Gran Canaria offers a little something for everyone. Families flock to the water parks and beaches of Puerto Rico. Those seeking peaceful escape scamper to Mogan's quiet fishing villages. Gay visitors crowd the bars, restaurants and beaches of Playa del Ingles. Urban attractions are on offer in Las Palmas. Three highways open up the island for those with a rental car or a bus schedule. Prime sites to visit include Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Arucas and Palmalitos zoo park.

If your kids are sick of the same old beach holiday you take every year, consider taking them to Lanzarote. There are great beaches, to be sure, but this UNESCO World Biosphere reserve has unique attractions and activities. We're talking camel rides on volcanoes (at Timanfaya National Park), or eating at a restaurant in a volcanic cave (at Jameos del Agua). Even the most jaded teens will be impressed.