Exciting destinations that offer both thrills and relaxation.

Whether you want to unwind or dive into adventure, these vacation spots cater to everyone's pace.

Planning a vacation involves many details, and discovering the ideal destinations for friends and family with varying travel styles can be challenging. If some of your group seeks relaxation while others crave excitement, you'll need a location that offers places to relax and abundant thrills. No matter if you and your loved ones favor a leisurely beach day or an exhilarating experience, here are our top picks:

This island shared by two nations offers double the adventure.

For Excitement: 

In search of thrills? You can't go wrong with a zipline—especially the world's steepest one! Take a chairlift to the peak on the Dutch side, St. Maarten, soak in the breathtaking views, and then zoom back down the Flying Dutchman Zipline at a speed of 56 miles per hour!  

For Relaxation: 

Relaxing takes on a unique thrill at the renowned Maho Beach. While you soak in the crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand, watch as passenger jets soar just 60 feet above you! 

On the northern French side of the island, St. Martin, you'll find a beautiful marine reserve surrounding Pine Island, teeming with marine life, allowing you to snorkel at a leisurely pace and wave “bonjour” to the friendly sea turtles.

The Last Frontier boasts breathtaking landscapes. How will you choose to explore them?

For Excitement: 

Do you consider yourself adventurous? How about taking a helicopter ride to the top of a glacier? A chopper is the fastest way to get you ice trekking in the mountains, making the journey part of the excitement!

If you'd prefer to stay grounded, you can still experience an adrenaline rush with the local favorite, dogsledding. It doesn’t get more authentically Alaskan than this!

For Relaxation: 

For a more leisurely way to appreciate Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness, consider taking a train tour to the Yukon. Departing from Skagway, Alaska, this historic railroad dates back to the gold rush and travels deep into the mountains, where you can witness rushing rivers, bald eagles, and perhaps even spot a moose or elk. 

You can also enjoy the stunning coastal scenery in cities like Juneau. Take a boat tour to see magnificent ocean creatures, such as humpback and orca whales!  

Bermuda  

Often overlooked in the Atlantic, this British territory is definitely worth a visit: 

For Adventure: 

While many don't associate “scenic lighthouse” with “thrills,” at Bermuda’s Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, you can ascend 185 feet and experience the powerful ocean winds as you enjoy the breathtaking views.

Alternatively, venture underground into the Crystal Caves, where you can marvel at stunning limestone stalagmites and stalactites while crossing a floating bridge. 

For Relaxation: 

Take a leisurely stroll or bike along part of the Bermuda Railway trail, an 18-mile path that nearly stretches the length of the island! This trail meanders along the coast, through towns, forests, and everything in between. (No need to worry, trains are no longer operational on the railway.)  

Bermuda is renowned for the pinkish sands of Horseshoe Bay beach. It’s a distinctive spot to unwind, with its unique color derived from finely crushed shells.  

Galveston is home to many sharks—safely behind glass and even one you can ride!

For Adventure: 

The warm-weather destination of Galveston is famous for its Gulf waters and the 1,100-foot Pleasure Pier, where thrill-seekers can take on the twists, turns, and loops of the Iron Shark roller coaster. 

For Relaxation: 

Moody Gardens amusement park features a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium pyramid where guests can walk among jellyfish, penguins, and, of course, sharks!