Dreamy places like Bora Bora

1. Seychelles

Surrounded by the clear, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean off Africa's eastern coast, the Seychelles is home to 115 islands. Each little bit of paradise hosts soft-sand beaches, lush tropical forests and unique plant and animal life — including jellyfish trees, latanier palms and coco de mer fruit.

• Flight time from the US (New York City to Mahé island): 20 hours and 25 minutes
• Average flight price from the US (New York City to Mahé island): From $1,142 with one stop in Dubai
• Accommodation (3-star): From $84 for a jungle lodge on Mahé island
• Domestic beer: About $5.20
• Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant): About $78
• Package vacations: From $1,410 for a 3-star hotel + round-trip flight from NYC

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2. Maldives

In the warm waters of the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka, this chain of more than 1,000 islands consists of 26 coral atolls. Spot dolphins and whales in its perfect blue lagoons from your overwater bungalow.

• Flight time from the US (New York City to Malé): 18 to 23 hours, depending on the flight
• Average flight price from the US (New York City to Malé): From $497 with one stop in Moscow
• Accommodation (3-star): From $44 for a beach hotel in Maafushi of Kaafu Atoll
• Domestic beer: About $3
• Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant): About $30
• Package vacations: From $1,056 for a 3-star hotel + round-trip flight from NYC

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3. Cook Islands

With its similar French Polynesian heritage, turquoise waters and white beaches, you’ll be hard-pressed to find the difference between the Cook Islands and Bora Bora. A main draw here is the easy travel — Air New Zealand offers nonstop flights from L.A. that are barely longer than a day at the office.

• Flight time from US (Los Angeles): 9 hours and 30 minutes
• Average flight price from US (Los Angeles): From $446 nonstop from LAX with New Zealand Air
• Accommodation (3-star): From $142 for a beach hotel on Rarotonga island
• Domestic beer: About $6
• Three-course meal for two: About $40
• Package vacations: From $1,399 for a 3-star hotel + round-trip flight from NYC

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4. Indonesia

From its enviable beaches and relaxed vibe to rich history and exotic appeal, Indonesia is a gorgeous place to channel your inner beach bum. Choose Bali for its breathtaking waterfalls, majestic volcanoes and island-in-the-sun vibe.

• Flight time from the US (San Francisco to Bali — Denpasar): 20 hours and 55 minutes
• Average flight price from US (San Francisco to Bali — Denpasar ): From $702 with one stop in Taiwan
• Accommodation (3-star): From $43 for a hotel and spa in Bali
• Domestic beer: About $2.50
• Three-course meal for two: About $25.50
• Package vacations: From $723 for a 3-star hotel + round-trip flight from San Fran

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5. Panama

Perched on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, Panama is a veritable tropical paradise where mañana is the unofficial catch phrase: aka — we'll do it tomorrow. Today is for relaxing on the beach.

You'll find cheaper overwater bungalows here than in Bora Bora, plus bumpin' nightlife and fewer American tourists overall.

• Flight time from the US (Orlando Tocumen Int'l Airport in Panama City): 3 hours and 25 minutes.
• Average flight price from the US (Orlando to Tocumen Int'l Airport in Panama City): From $238 nonstop with Copa Airlines
• Accommodation (3-star): From $70 per night in Bocas del Toro Province — where some of the best Bora Bora-esque beaches are
• Domestic beer: About $3
• Three-course meal for two: About $40
• Package vacations: From $600 for a 3-star hotel + round-trip flight from Orlando to Panama City. Keep in mind that if you want to say in Bocas del Toro, you'll have to travel almost 10 hours by car and ferry to get there (but we think it's worth it.)

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6. Cambodia

Seeking an exotic escape with pristine beaches that won’t blow the budget? Try Cambodia. It's got islands and beaches galore, without the hefty price tag.

Visit Preah Sihanouk for coastal views from the mainland, or venture onto Koh Rong for a more rustic beach bungalow experience.

• Flight time from US (Los Angeles to Siem Reap): 19 hours and 45 minutes
• Average flight price from US (Los Angeles to Siam Reap): From $442 with one stop in Shanghai
• Accommodation (3-star): From $14 per night for for a private bungalow, or $5 per night for a more traditional hotel
• Domestic beer: Less than $1
• Three-course meal for two: About $20
• Package vacations: From $887 for a 3-star hotel + round-trip flight from LA

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7. Malaysia

When it comes to beach destinations, Malaysia may not be the first place that comes to mind. But sitting so close to Indonesia, it shares some of its idyllic landscape.

We love Langkawi for its 99 picturesque islands, swaying coconut trees and glorious diving waters. But if you like more colonial architecture and a cosmopolitan feel, glam it up in Penang.

• Flight time from the US (Los Angeles to Kuala Lumpur): 21 hours and 25 minutes
• Average flight price from US (Los Angeles Kuala Lumpur): From $353 with one stop in Shanghai
• Accommodation (3-star): From $26 per night for a stay in Penang, or $37 per night for a beachside hotel in Langkawi
• Domestic beer: About $4
• Three-course meal for two: About $19
• Package vacations: From $971 for a 3-star hotel + round-trip flight from L.A. to Langkawi

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8. Philippines

Hailed as having more than 7,000 islands waiting for you to explore, the Phillipines boasts some of the best in the world — Boracay, Cebu and Palawan, to name a few. Each offers different attractions, like crystal-clear waters and powder-soft beaches to historical monuments.

• Flight time from the US (Los Angeles to Manila): 14 hours and 30 minutes
• Average flight price from US (Los Angeles Manila): From $484 nonstop with Philippine Airlines
• Accommodation (3-star): From $43 per night for a beachfront hotel in Boracay
• Domestic beer: Less than $2
• Three-course meal for two: About $16
• Package vacations: From $930 for a 3-star hotel + round-trip flight from L.A. to Boracay Island

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