There’s been a lot of buzz in the industry about the new branding and expansion for Blue Sky Tours, the ALG Vacations® brand that has long been trusted for coastal escapes to Hawaii and the South Pacific. Now, they’re focusing on helping travel advisors create deeply immersive experiences that highlight the rich cultures, traditions, and breathtaking sights of coastal and heritage travel on the other side of the world as they take their expertise to new shores. With more than 150 destinations across the Indo-Pacific, the opportunities to travel to (and sell!) that region of the world has become exponentially greater.

But not to worry—you don’t have to jump into the deep end of this much bigger pool right away.

Months before the live relaunch, ALG Vacations invested thousands of hours of training for our Premier Destinations Team to ensure travel advisors had booking support they could count on for these new destinations. And now, we’ve distilled that massive list of destinations—available to book through all five of our brands—into the top 11 must-know, most-popular, and most-requested ones.

Here’s the 101 on the Indo-Pacific to help you get started.  

What Is Considered the Indo-Pacific?

A more contemporary, recent general term for the wide region that spans across the latitudinal center of the world, it’s small phrase for a broad range. The key is the sea—lands within and bordering the Indian and Pacific Oceans form the most general definition, but the region includes the waters of the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, and extends as far as the west coast of Chile and its Easter Islands to Madagascar, the Seychelles, Maldives, New Guinea, Micronesia, Australia, Indonesia, India, and, in the Far East, China, South Korea, and Japan.

In other words, many an American’s bucket list.

Why? They’re places with centuries-old heritage and revered cultures that have been lovingly and mindfully preserved. They’re set in waters rich with biodiversity, such as within the Coral Triangle (which contains 76% of all coral species in the world), and offer 124 amazing ecoregions and 65,000 types of marine species. They’re often warm year-round and tropical, featuring incredible natural beauty and landscapes you won’t see on this side of the planet.

And, if you keep reading, you’ll learn they also each hold unique attributes and distinctive characters that will unlock a yearning to discover every corner of this region.

1.      Hawai’i

Blue Sky Tours has been a Hawaii specialist since the company was founded nearly half a century ago, making this brand one of the undisputed experts in that part of the world. This archipelago of 137 volcanic islands and eight primary ones lies 2,000 miles southwest of the U.S. mainland in the Pacific Ocean and welcomes well over 10 million visitors per year.

Selling Points for Hawai’i:

• Passport-free travel. It’s one of our 50 states, so going back and forth is hassle-free. Plus, for West Coasters, it’s actually a relatively quick flight—only 5.5 hours from San Francisco.
• Aloha spirit. Known for a warm, welcoming attitude, it’s no wonder it’s a wonderful melting pot of cultures that include Native Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Filipino, Spanish, Russian, and Norwegian.
• Unique beaches. White, black, and even green sands; azure, cerulean, and emerald waters; and year-round beach weather makes it a sunbather’s paradise.

To Do in Hawai’i:

• Eat tropical fruit, poke, loco moco, freshly caught fish, and Pacific Rim cuisine.
• Explore the great outdoors, from Volcanoes National Park to the Kalalaui Trail.
• Island hop with an easy puddle-jumper flight between Maui, Oahu, Kauai, or the Big Island.

2.      Dubai

This fishing and pearling settlement has come a long way since its transformation into a regional trade center in the early 1900s and now boasts one of the world’s most diverse economies, the highest population in the United Arab Emirates, the tallest building in the world, the busiest airport in the world for international traffic, and has become synonymous with luxury.

Selling Points for Dubai:

• Rich cultural heritage. Over 200 nationalities live here, making it one of the most diverse and foreigner-friendly cities in the world.
• Luxury shopping. Browse the best luxury and couture brands from all over the world in unique places like the Gold Souk and the world’s largest shopping mall.
• Incredible nightlife. Night clubs and bars provide endless venues and countless themes for kicking back all night.

To Do in Dubai:

• Marvel at modernity at sights like the Burj Khalifa and man-made Palm Jumeirah.
• Immerse yourself in traditional Arab life in places like the Al Fahidi Historic District.
• Go on a desert safari and dune-bashing, then end the night with a Bedouin-style barbecue.

3.      Japan

From cutting-edge technology to pop culture to ancient traditions, this small country has arrested American imaginations for ages. Harajuku style, ingenuity in anime and animation, and futuristic neon-lit cities exist miles, sometimes only moments, from UNESCO World Heritage and Cultural Heritage Sites, centuries-old royal castles, and active pursuits such as snowboarding. Modern, safe, clean, and efficient throughout, Japan is high on many a world traveler’s list.

Selling Points for Japan:

• Incredible public transportation that makes it easy to hop from city to city to make the most of your time there.
• Pleasant encounters. In a country proud of its reputation for courtesy and etiquette, respectful and polite interactions are pretty much a given.
• Natural beauty. Majestic mountains, zen gardens, cherry trees, hot springs, and volcanic peaks counter ultra-modern cities and wondrous temples.

To Do in Japan:

• Take a cooking or sushi-making class and feast on sashimi, nigiri, yakitori, sandos, ramen, curry, udon, mochi, and more.
• Immerse yourself in onsen culture, participate in a tea ceremony, watch a geisha performance, or attend a sumo wrestling match.
• Visit otherworldly sights, such as Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, Mt. Fuji, the Tokyo Imperial Palace, Osaka Castle, and the various Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.

4.      Thailand

If its nickname as the “Land of Smiles” doesn’t tell you all you need to know about the figuratively warm nature of this stunning destination, the photos of stunning beaches, tropical greenery, and sunny skies will tell you of its literal one. Easy connections between rural and urban areas make it an ideal city and sea vacation destination that offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in culture (easily done with over 40,00 Buddhist temples across different eras) or relaxation as you see fit.

Selling Points for Thailand:

• Budget-friendly. Thanks to a favorable exchange rate, accommodation, transportation, food and drink, and sundry conveniences are incredibly affordable.
• Breathtaking beauty. The coasts of Phuket and Koh Samui and mountains of Chiang Mai are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
• Increasingly popular. Don’t wait to go; you’ll want to beat the crowds as Thailand travel continues to rise in demand.

To Do in Thailand:

• Eat noodles and satay on the street from an outdoor stall, tour the local markets and sample wares throughout, and treat yourself to celebrated—including Michelin-starred—international restaurants.
• Get lost in the thrill of the 24/7 buzz of Bangkok, where night clubs, bars, and food vendors provide service into the wee hours, and a taxi and local event are never far.
• Go scuba diving in Pattaya, Koh Tao, the Surin Islands, Koh Chang, and Chumphon, white water rafting on the rivers, zipline in the jungles, or hike and look for wildlife like monkeys, elephants, and tigers in the jungles.

5.      Australia

The land Down Under is known for many things, many of them wildlife; 80% of the living creatures in Australia are found only there. Its kangaroos and koalas enchant, and the mighty and mystical marine life that populate the reefs are the stuff of legends. But humankind has created plentiful attractions of our own, including acres of vineyards for globally recognized wine, vibrant cities, and exciting ways to explore the Outback.

Selling Points for Australia:

• The beaches. There are over 11,000 across the country, and hundreds for every preference, including surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, or just relaxing.
• The Great Barrier Reef. The only living structure visible from space, it has thankfully rebounded from the widespread coral death it suffered years ago. Your visit can help support conservation efforts and attention.
• Exciting city life. See the Sydney Opera House in person; experience Melbourne’s famed fancy coffee culture.

To Do in Australia:

• Drive the Great Ocean Road for coastal views or through the Outback for rugged landscapes and glimpses of Indigenous culture.
• See natural attractions like the sacred site of Uluru, the Blue Mountains, Fraser Island, Daintree Rainforest, and the Pinnacles and get caught up in its magic.
• Sip on local wine; accompany it with Australian barbecue, meat pies, ingredients from bush tucker fare, and fresh-caught seafood.

6.      New Zealand

Set off the coast of Australia, this sixth-largest island nation in the world has always been dazzling in its rugged wildness, with a diverse landscape that includes glaciers, geysers, hot springs, mountains, and beaches across the North and South Islands. But between it all is so much to fall in love with—which is why a road trip around New Zealand has become the go-to way to experience it.  

Selling Points for New Zealand:

• Charming self-drives. Schedule plenty of time for pit stops for the black-sand beaches, thermal coves, a hike, strolls through lakeside villages, or popping into a winery.
• Māori culture. These Polynesian peoples are the heart of the land, and experiencing their heritage is a rare opportunity. Learn about their carving style, watch a dance performance, visit a meeting ground, take a Tātai Aroraki astronomy tour, hop in a waka canoe, or attend a feast. They’re more than happy to share their traditions with visitors.
• Adventure travel. This country encourages getting your adrenaline up, so do all the bungee jumping, skydiving, paragliding ziplining, rappelling, skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, and more in an unbelievable environment. Queensland has the highest concentration!

To Do in New Zealand:

• Walk through the landscapes that made up Middle Earth, including Hobbiton and the film sets for the various Lord of the Rings
• Immerse yourself in the different vibes of New Zealand’s most popping cities. Wellington, the harborfront capital; chic Auckland, set near beaches and volcanoes; and artsy Christchurch, a wonderful comeback story, are the must-stays.
• Visit parks like Fiordland National Park to try to spot rare wildlife such as Hector’s dolphins and crested penguins, or the Abel Tasman National Park to look for seals or marine life on a dive.

7.      Fiji & Tahiti

Because they’re both in the South Pacific and equally renowned for luxury overwater bungalows, dramatic mountains, and surreal waters, these two island nations are typically grouped together. They also share similar lush landscapes, reflected in the foliage and flowers on land, as well as the coral under the waves. However, both chains have their own distinctive charms, cultures, and attractions.

Selling Points for Fiji & Tahiti:

• They’re gorgeous. It’s really as simple as that. The Fijian archipelago and Tahiti and Her Islands are often the visuals that go with daydreams, computer backgrounds, and other wanderlust-inducing and aesthetically soothing ways we bring beauty and motivation to our everyday. And you work too hard not to deserve seeing it in real life.
• Both are dream honeymoon, anniversary, or couples bucket list destinations, and share cultures of warm, enthusiastic hospitality that make any occasion special.
• Because people tend to have to travel far to get to these islands, hotel development has been focused on making it worth the journey. Accommodations tend to be on the higher end, service is intimate, and imports are carefully curated and selected.

To Do in Fiji or Tahiti:

• Spend your days in some of the clearest waters in the world. Start off with a jump off the docks, move on to snorkeling or scuba diving, and relax with some sunbathing and an occasional dip to cool off.
• Go off-resort and experience what makes the place unique. In Fiji, adventure out to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes, wander the Navala village and participate in a kava ceremony, and stroll the streets of UNESCO World Heritage Site Levuka, a colonial seaside town and historic trading post. In Tahiti, shop the Papeete Market, watch a traditional dance performance, go sit on a black sand beach, or go for a hike.
• Island-hop! From Tahiti, visit Moorea or Bora Bora for a few days, and in Fiji, get the Yasawa Flyer fast ferry Bula Pass for day trips to different island groups.

8.      The Maldives

While many people will mistakenly put the Maldives in the same bucket as the islands of Oceania due to their similarly paradisical and luxurious reputations, these 1,200 coral islands are actually located in the Indian Ocean. Part of South Asia, southwest of Sri Lanka and India, this remote destination is widely considered among one of the most romantic and immaculate places in the world.

Selling Points for the Maldives:

• The beaches. The Maldives are often referred to as the ideal “desert island,” with brilliant white sands, water that ranges from electric blue to emerald, and palm trees swaying in the breeze.
• Bucket-list experiences. Swim with over 26 species of sharks or dine at Ithaa, the legendary restaurant with the transparent roof built under the sea.
• Experience Maldivian culture. Try Dhivehi food—a unique blend of Sri Lankan and Indian influences—and hear the language, learn how the dhoni boat is built, watch coral be carved, and unique dances be performed.

To Do in the Maldives:

• Get underwater and explore over 1,000 species of fish and nearly 200 types of undisturbed coral.
• Take a 15-minute speedboat ride to Vaadhoo Island to see its bioluminescent waters in the evening.
• Explore the Majeedhee Magu street market for unique mementos to take home, from local jewelry to clothing.

9.      Indonesia

Most people think only of the island of Bali when they consider Indonesia as a vacation destination, but with over 17,000 islands across this nation, it’s actually the 14^th largest country in the world. A place of incredible cultural and biodiversity, its atmospheres range from the epic nightlife it’s become known for to some of the most stunning beaches, jungles, and marine environments on the planet.

Selling Points for Indonesia:

• Outstanding island-hopping. Go from the jungles of Borneo to the Javanese city of Jakarta then the rice fields of Sidemen and end at the beaches of Bali, marveling at 130 active volcanoes along the way.
• Spectacular wildlife. If you’ve ever wanted to see orangutans, Komodo dragons, dolphins, tigers, Javan rhinos, elephants, tarsiers, and some amazing birds in their native habitat, this archipelago is the place.
• Gorgeous beaches. They’re pristine and offer world-class diving and snorkeling.

To Do in Indonesia:

• Go shopping! Buy tatik fabric, wood carvings, pottery, ikat, coffee, spices, Celuk silver jewelry, rattan bags, and spices.
• Immerse yourself in Balinese culture in Ubud, including seeing the rice terraces, temples, and attending a dance performance.
• Lay on a beach, with sea turtles in the Gili Islands, under cliffs at Nusa Penida, and by granite rock formations in Belitung Island.

10.      Philippines

Over 7,000 islands mean countless beaches to explore during endless summers across this archipelagic country in Southeast Asia, as well as gorgeous mountainous backdrops. The world’s 12^th most populous country, it’s divided into the northern island of Luzon, central islands of the Visayas, and in the South, Mindanao, where the capital, Manila, is located.

Selling Points for the Philippines:

• While its Spanish and Chinese influences are well known and Filipinos have their own language, Tagalog, English is also an official language and widely spoken, so you can immerse yourself in the country seamlessly.
• Astounding natural features, such as world-class diving and snorkeling, landscapes like the ancient Banaue Rice Terraces, unique Chocolate Hills, and the Puerto Princesa Underground River.
• World renowned. Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao have been consistently named among the best islands and beaches in the world, yet remain below mainstream American radars.

To Do in the Philippines:

• Swim with whale sharks or snorkel in diverse coral reefs such as Tubbataha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which boasts more than half of all known corals, and those off the coast of Cebu, with plenty among the world’s best.
• Eat adobo chicken, lechon (Anthony Bourdain’s favorite), halo-halo, fresh seafood, and local fruit, like mangoes—preferably during a boodle-fight family-style meal!
• Go canyoneering in Cebu, white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro, parasailing in Boracay, off-roading in Tarlac, or just hiking the stunning volcanic mountains across this country.

11.      Singapore

People got a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle and endless luxury of Singapore in the blockbuster hit Crazy Rich Asians, but what was on the screen is just the tip of the iceberg. However, Singapore is just as famous for its accessible night market and street stall dining as it is for the upscale, and as a global melting pot, it offers cultural flavor and energy unlike anywhere else.

Selling Points for Singapore:

• To live the Crazy Rich Asians life! Tours are readily available to filming locations, and luxury shoppers can easily make their ways to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (which features a floating island Louis Vuitton store!) and Orchard Road’s designer malls.
• Stunning modern attractions and green spaces lauded for their future-forward designs, such as Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Gardens by the Bay (famous for its futuristic Supertrees), Universal Studios Singapore, and even the world’s most beautiful airport, featuring an indoor waterfall and gardens, a hedge maze, canopy park, and art installations.
• Modern, efficient, safe, clean, green space-focused, and well-connected for tourists, Singapore has become a leading standard for what contemporary Asia strives for.

To Do in Singapore:

• Shop for world-class luxury in unique settings, such as a mall with a canal, and browse the most exclusive brands in the world.
• Eat street food from hawkers and at celebrity chef restaurants and be wowed nearly alike by Singaporean multi-ethnic cuisines.
• Dive into different cultures nightly, with enclaves like Chinatown, Little India, waterfront Clarke Quay, and Malay and Muslim Kampong Glam.

Experience the new Blue Sky Tours and view FAQs and more destination content on their new brand website, www.blueskytours.com! Or click here to watch the recording of ALGV Global Head of Trade Sales & Engagement Jacki Marks and Travel Advisor Champion Carson Kressley’s Facebook Live announcement from Pros in Paradise in Maui.