Jaunted

The lush island is one of many in the world's largest archipelago nation of Indonesia and, what it lacks in a bit of land mass, it makes up for in beauty and charm. The culture of the island is more than just cocktails and infinity pools, but a day of pampering is not out of the question.

Bali really has everything that a tropical vacation is all about; beaches, adventure tours, water sports, cheap massages, delicious (and cheap) food and drink and a vibrant nightlife. We will be the first to admit that some places on the island are better suited for some activities, like surfing, but with most everything is within a day's drive, so you are sure to get the experience you want.

The international airport in Denpasar will be seeing a modern facelift over the next year, so your travels will start in the capital. With plenty of 5-star resorts overlooking the ocean, all with equally impressive pools and facilities, you may not want to leave but we can't stress enough to get out. Explore beyond Kuta to Seminyak, Jimbaran and Uluwatu, but make sure you plan to head north to more rural areas.

We've talked about Ubud before as the cultural center of the island. From wood carvings and outdoor bazaars to roast pork meals and ancient temples, this is absolute paradise. The city is in the middle of rice paddies that grow enough rice to support not only Bali, but the rest of Indonesia. We had the opportunity to chat with a hotel worker who owns a rice farm that grows a red version of the grain unique to the area.

Even some of the more modest tax checks can fund this trip. On a recent search we found round-trip tickets on China Airlines from Los Angeles to Denpasar with a stop in Taipei for $1,070. If it seems a bit on the steep side, take our word that you wont be spending much money on the island once the plane and hotel are paid off.

[Photos: Jaunted]