HIPPIE PARADISE

A lively Mexican beach town with left-leaning inhabitants-- mainly surfers, artists, and bon vivants from the US, France, Italy and Guadalajara. Everyone walks around barefoot- surf boards under one arm and a plate of tacos in another. The town center is decorated with brightly painted buildings, hearts, and dreamcatchers. A little plaza in the center has mariachi bands, fire dancers and festive restaurants and bars.

STAY: Hotel Hafa or Casa Love
SHOP: Pachamama

SURFING: Wild Mex (for rental equipment and lessons and guided tours. they’re based 20 minutes away in Punta Mita, but the surfing is better there and less crowded.

ART OASIS IN THE DESERT

A town of artists and creatives in the Texas desert. Rent a bike and peddle around the arid, stark landscape that inspired minimalist auteur Donald Judd and other resident artists including Jeff Elrod and Christopher Wool.

STAY: Hotel Saint George
EAT: The Capri
SEE: Donald Judd's Chinati Foundation and Ballroom Marfa, a contemporary art gallery.

OAXACA THE MOST RELAXING PLACE IN MEXICO

A sleepy Mexican heritage town, Oaxaca might be one of the most peaceful places in Mexico. It's charming, there's no garbage, and your biggest worry will be which of the many restaurants to eat at. It's fun to visit the out lying pueblos where artisans keep workshops and you can buy traditional pottery and textiles. Or visit a mezcal plantation.

STAY: El Callejon
EAT: Origen
SHOP: La Chicharra Ceramica for the best pottery

CUBA! CUBA!

To have fun in Havana all you have to do is meet people. Put out good energy and the city will open up. You will end up going to restaurants in private homes, art exhibits, and late night parties with dj's creating mixes you've never heard anything like. And there's not a speck of traffic.

STAY: Hotel Paseo 206 (a few guest rooms in an impeccably restored colonial building with a well liked restaurant)
EAT: La Guarida (the classic spot in a dilapidated grand palazzo)
DO: Stay up late
FOLLOW: @thenewcuba @alejandropineirobello