| This week: We're going deep. |  | False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa | | | | I first discovered I was part mermaid while diving near Ao Nang beach in Thailand. It was a dream trip. Years of fantasizing, months of planning, so much saving, all so I could learn to scuba dive in Thailand with my best friend. I breezed through the classes. I loved suiting up and testing the equipment in the pool. But during that first dive into the Andaman Sea, I dropped into a state of tranquility I didn't know was possible. I kept seeking that calming soundlessness in Belize, where I was thrilled by a moray eel jutting from the rocks. And near Isla Mujeres, where I saw giant eagle rays flying through the water. And on Rapa Nui, where frankly there wasn't a lot to see, but it was incredibly peaceful all the same. I imagine myself under the water when I need a moment of calm in the chaos. I'm picturing myself there now in fact, perhaps at one of these top dive sites in the Caribbean. | | | | | Diving the Great Barrier Reef is one of those trips my fantasies only graze. It feels so far outside my reality that I can't quite make myself even picture it. But with this article, I'm wondering if someday I could do it. | | | | | Whale what do we have here? | | | | | For something a little colder | I never think about cold water diving, but the wrecks in the Great Lakes or those incredible kelp forests off the coast of Oregon are worth a deep dive. | | | | | Costa Rica is always a yes | With multiple spots on this list, a quick trip to Costa Rica is perfect for underwater aficionados. The rest of Central America has some sleeper hits for divers too. | | | | | Torres del Paine National Park, Chile | | The narrow country of Chile is nature on a colossal scale, but it's shockingly easy to navigate if you don't rush it. From the Andes to the Patagonian fjords, with rolling vineyards and vibrant cities to boot, our suggestion is to make it a road trip. If you're planning a visit to Chile, don't stress about using your mobile device. Check out the eSIM service, Saily, to get a reliable, affordable and secure internet connection when traveling. | | | Reader question: I've always wanted to celebrate Carnival, but where do I go, and how do I participate? LP recommendation: There are so many incredible celebrations worldwide. Start with this guide to our favorite Carnival celebrations to find one that suits your fancy and learn some top tips for participating in the revelry. | | | | Photography by: Pier Nirandara, SeanScott Photography/Shutterstock, Gabby Barathieu/500 px, Douglas Klug/Getty Images, Leonardo Gonzalez/Shutterstock, Nowak Lukasz/Shutterstock | This email was sent to you by:
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