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Destination of the Day

Phuket, Thailand

If you can only visit one place in Thailand, zero in on the island of Phuket. Set some 400 miles south of Bangkok, Phuket crams a near-excess of sights and activities within its coastline: gorgeous beaches, delicious food, amazing natural parks, and access to some of the Andaman Sea's most breathtakingly beautiful islands. From the city, divers can access some amazing dive spots, with options that are beginner-friendly and options that will enthrall veteran divers. For party-goers, all nightlife adventures in Phuket begin at Bangla Road in Patong—a neon-lit thoroughfare with attached soi (alleyways) brimming with bars, live music venues, and street performers. Even as luxe hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants have taken over this once backpacker haven, they haven't crowded the budget travelers out yet—you can still find plenty of ways to stretch your dollar.

Vacation Like a Pro

Phuket's beaches are lovely to visit and swim in—but during the monsoon months between May and October, riptides and unpredictable swells make them positively dangerous for casual swimmers. Watch for red flags on the beaches, which warn against swimming when the conditions are too risky.

Michael Aquino
Contributing Writer

Your Packing List

No matter where you're traveling from in the U.S., be prepared for a long flight. Pack compression socks, a sleep mask, and earplugs to help you get some rest.

If you're traveling during the rainy season (mid-May to mid-October), you'll want moisture-wicking or linen shirts and an umbrella to beat the sweaty days. Leave the raincoat at home; it'll feel hellish when the humidity hits a sweltering high of 82 percent. DEET Insect repellent should be on your packing list, too, as the rains breed more mosquitoes.

Come winter (mid-October to mid-February), Phuket experiences sunny skies and temps in the low 80s. High SPF sunscreen should be a high priority, plus a swimsuit. Divers also benefit from winter's calmer waters, so plan to pack diving gear and a wetsuit if that's your thing.

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Get Inspired

Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage site is a remarkable natural phenomenon. There is really no doubt that the 40,000 mysterious octagonal basalt columns that comprise the Giant's Causeway were created by volcanic activity, but the formation takes its name from a popular local legend that claims it was built by an Irish giant named Fionn mac Cumhaill—better known as Finn McCool.

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