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Rock Islands, Palau | If you love pristine beaches, bluer-than-blue water, emerald green jungles and the opportunity to take a dip with thousands of gentle jellyfish, the Rock Islands (also known as Chalbacheb) in Palau should be on your list of dream trips. The group of more than 250 limestone and coral formations is spread in an 18-square-mile area, and while most of the islands are uninhabited, they’re a big draw for visitors keen to snorkel, dive, swim or just sit back and relax as your boat floats along. When you go, plan on making a stop at the island of Eil Malk to experience Jellyfish Lake – an inland lake where you can plunge into the blue-green water and swim with countless golden jellyfish without worries of being stung.

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