Everyone dreams of jetting off to an exotic country for their yearly vacation, but many folks don't know exactly what they really want.

If you are planning a vacation, you should take some time to think about what you really want out of the trip. Do you want to just lay on the beach? Visit ancient ruins? Explore new cultures? Maybe you want an adventure that entails backpacking and seeing a new country. No matter what you want, there's a place you can get it, you just have to fit the need to the country.

Everyone needs a vacation to get away from it all, recharge your emotional and physical batteries and come back refreshed, but if you don't have satisfying vacation you might miss the mark. Many people simply plan a vacation based on what their friends or family did or a trip they see a discount package for in the paper but if you really want a dream vacation that leaves you re-energized and revitalized, then you need to figure out exactly what you want to do. Once you have that down, you can pick a location that is best suited for your desired activities.

Here's 4 top vacation destinations that offer different adventures and activities. Maybe your dream vacation will be found in what these countries offer?
1. The Caribbean. This archipelago of islands nearly 2000 square miles across is a favorite vacation destination of sun worshipers and beach-goers. Famous for it's beauty and nature, most of the islands are plateaus and eruptions of underlying mountain systems. The beaches are gorgeous with deep blue water and crushed coral, white and pink sand. If you want to lounge around on the beach and relax in an atmosphere of beauty than this is your destination.

2. Thailand. Also known as Siam, this Asian country whose neighbors are Cambodia, Burma, Laos, and Malaysia is a destination for those that love the exotic and a good bargain. What appears to be an untamed jungle of exotic trees, bamboo and vines is also a place of many modern conveniences and five star hotels. For shoppers this is a great place to find gemstone jewelry and other goods and a fraction of what you would pay in the US. For those that want a bit of adventure and to experience other cultures, take a trip around Thailand where you can still see buffalos used in farming and elephants at work lifting timbers.

3. China. China is fast becoming a popular vacation destination and is boasts the fastest growing economy in the world. Many parts of this, the second largest country on the planet, are still unexplored by outsiders, but the eastern portion is happy to accommodate tourists with first class hotels, restaurants and amenities. If you want an exotic vacation within an interesting and beautiful culture, then book your flight to China.

4. Italy. This boot shaped country in Europe is bounded by France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. If it's old architecture and history you are after then you won't be disappointed if you make your travel plans for Italy. A main attraction is St. Peter's Square where the Pope resides, but there are many other interesting places to visit in this beautiful and unique country.