Caribbean Travel – Choosing the perfect vacation spot

Close your eyes and imagine a vacation in the Caribbean. Done? The images she recalled probably contained white sand beaches, aquamarine waters, and lots of palm trees. Fortunately, the Caribbean is packed with beautiful beaches to satisfy every traveler, but there is much more to the islands than just beaches, which is good news for travelers who want their trip to be more than just a day at the beach. .

While some islands are indeed known for their beaches, others, like Saba, barely have any. There is a whole world of activities in the Caribbean; it’s just a matter of knowing where to look. Learning a bit about some of the islands can help you get an idea of ​​the many differences you’ll find here.

Basic Island Differences

Surprisingly, the weather can be quite different from island to island, as mountains, trade winds, and even geographic location can cause some subtle and not-so-subtle differences. Islands like Aruba are apparently an anomaly: cacti and aloe grow more easily than fragrant hibiscus in their desert climate. Meanwhile, islands like Puerto Rico offer mountain hikes to adventure seekers, as well as cooler temperatures high in their ranges.

Culture can be another important difference between the islands. If you’re looking for a taste of Paris along with some tropical sun, head to Martinique and the other French Antilles. Travelers can also enjoy islands where the Dutch colonial style still reigns in the Netherlands Antilles, or have high tea in the British West Indies. Some islands have been the territories of many nations throughout their history, and the cultural mix can be delicious.

Activities, however, can make or break a vacation. There are many natural sights to see, both above and below the waves; mountain peaks soar into the sky and historic buildings attract many visitors. Cultural festivals like the famous Carnival are also popular attractions on these islands. However, when looking for activities, it is important to make the right choices.

place by place

Jamaica attracts many visitors each year to its popular resort towns and beaches. Whether you’re headed to Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Kingston, or anywhere else, Jamaica has plenty of culture to offer. Play golf on the grounds of a former plantation or explore its famous Blue Mountains. There is much to see and do on land. And of course, who can forget food and crafts? Still, avid snorkelers and snorkelers may leave this island feeling a bit disappointed.

Cancun is the ubiquitous spring break vacation spot for most college students. But many people don’t know that the surrounding areas also have a lot to offer. Cancun may have beautiful beaches and plenty of nightlife, but Cozumel offers incredible underwater views to dazzle intrepid divers. The area known as the Riviera Maya includes out-of-the-way spots like Playa del Carmen, which many families love, while Tulum is home to larger-than-life Mayan ruins.

A popular location for both cruises and any other type of travel, the Bahamas has many popular ports and beaches, but the crowds in the cities can be too much for some travelers. The Out Islands, however, are some of the most popular areas for vacationers looking to escape the crowds. Whether you’re going to see Ernest Hemingway’s Bimini, enjoy the hustle and bustle of popular cities like Freeport, or sail and fish between any of the islands, The Bahamas is an ideal location for a unique vacation just off the coast of Florida. .

Puerto Rico also has plenty of advocates, offering travelers everything from mountain views to a bit of scuba diving and snorkeling. It is best known for its history and its rainforest. While Old San Juan is popular, visit Ponce on the south coast for something a little different. El Yunque, the only rainforest in the US National Park system, is a good stop for nature lovers. Shopping, casinos, and nightlife are big aspects of San Juan’s popularity, and don’t forget to spend some time on one of the beaches, too.

island groups

Prepare to sail when you visit the Virgin Islands. Whether you plan to stop in the US or the British Isles, you’ll find pristine waters and plenty of sites. St. Thomas offers shopping; St. Croix features historic Dutch buildings; and St. John is home to a wildlife preserve. Divers and snorkelers will find beautiful spots in the US Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands are much more isolated and the locals welcome vacationers with their warm smiles and British hospitality.

Travelers who want a taste of something British can stop in Barbados and have afternoon tea with the Bajan locals. Visitors to Bermuda can explore some of the island’s cultural heritage and stay to play golf. Despite Bermuda’s distinctly non-Caribbean location, it is still considered a popular tropical location and is often grouped with other Caribbean islands. The sister islands of Antigua and Barbuda are also known for their beautiful beaches and rich British history, as well as incredible sailing.

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, known as the ABC Islands, are three of the islands in the Netherlands Antilles, located just north of the coast of Venezuela. With the added distinction of being outside the Caribbean “hurricane belt,” this trio of islands offers some unusual desert climates, a fascinating history, and nature unlike anything you’ll find in the rest of the Caribbean.

other islands

The Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Saba, Belize, and Dominica are known for their natural beauty. With mountains, rivers, tropical forests, and underwater scenes to explore, these relatively unspoiled locations provide eco-minded travelers with an especially rich and diverse set of Caribbean locations to explore. Each of these islands has a different culture and intriguing aspects. Whether you’re curious about the popular surfing beaches of the Dominican Republic or the famous volcanic peaks of St. Lucia, you’re sure to find something interesting to explore.

While it may be easy to visualize what some would consider a typical Caribbean island, it may take a little more effort to actually choose one that’s perfect for your stay. Every traveler has their own idea of ​​what makes a great getaway, and building that trip is easy in the Caribbean. With just a little discernment, everyone can be satisfied on their Caribbean vacation.