Lovers of nature flock to Saint Lucia for its beauty, serenity and the wealth of outdoor activities. This lush island formed by volcanic eruptions features rich soil where flowers flourish and wildlife is plentiful. Beyond an outdoors dream, St. Lucia offers “touristy” things like shopping, museums and pretty good nightlife. Read more
Tourism is slowly making a comeback in this nation on the lovely Island of Hispaniola it shares with the Dominican Republic. Following decades of political strife and the devastating earthquake of 2010, Haiti is back on the radar for many who are looking for a warm, relaxed place to unwind and have a blast.
Known as the Pearl of the Caribbean, Haiti is the region’s most mountainous land, and that adds to its beauty. Read more
This sun-swept island with gentle breezes lies in the southern Caribbean, not far from Venezuela. It is a haven for scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts, and everyone raves about the sugar-white sand on miles of gorgeous beach.
Whether planning a romantic romp, a family adventure or a memorable experience with friends, Curacao has what you’re looking for. The rainy season is October to February, so plan around it if you want a better chance for sunshine.
Curacao is now a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It’s a bustling island with a population exceeding 150,000 on 177 square miles. The vast majority of Curacao’s people live in or near the capital of Willemstad. The culture is a rich blend of West Indian, East Asian and Latin American influences splashed with Dutch. Read more
You won’t be in this nation of islands long before you’re affirming its well-known motto, “It’s Better in the Bahamas!” Its proximity to Florida, easy access by sea or air, wealth of recreation opportunities, world class accommodations and, of course, the postcard-worthy beaches attract a steady stream of visitors, especially during the winter months in the US and Europe.
High temperatures from November into May average in the mid-70s to low-80s, and a breeze is usually blowing to keep you cool, even on sun-drenched beaches. The summer months are the rainiest and hottest, creating a tropical feel some find a bit oppressive. Read more
This island lies just north of the Venezuelan coast, and it is one of the most prosperous Caribbean nations due to its oil industry. Trinidad is the larger island and is more industrialized. The nation’s capital is Port-of-Spain. The island is less dependent on tourism than most Caribbean nations, so the experiences you’ll discover will be more diverse.
There are tourist areas, for sure, but when you travel here, the feel is different. There isn’t an “all about the tourist” vibe. For many, that’s an attraction. It can be off-putting for some. That’s why many travelers prefer Tobago where there is less manufacturing and more focus on tourists.
The tropical climate in Trinidad and Tobago is divided into two seasons. The dry season is from January through June. It warms up slightly after that and gets wetter, so summers into fall can be steamy. This two-island nation is south of the path of most hurricanes. Read more
The gorgeous land of Jamaica is nearly synonymous with the laid-back vibe that awaits vacationers in the Caribbean. Located south of Cuba and west of Hispaniola, Jamaica attracts visitors and immigrants from all over the world with its beauty, climate and easy-going people.
Kingston might be the most dynamic city in all the Caribbean. The population is eclectic, and the atmosphere is cosmopolitan. There, you’ll enjoy world-class music, coffee, rum, seafood and other treats alongside an easy blend of locals and guests.
English is the official language of this independent nation, and most of the people speak an Afro-English creole dialect too. Black Jamaicans with African or mixed heritage are the majority. Smaller populations of Asians from China and the East Indies, Europeans, Cubans, Latin Americans and other Caribbean islands are here too. Read more
These splendid groups of islands are like the Bahamas without the crowds, and hundreds of secluded little beach locations are perfect for a romantic swim or loud family fun.
Part of the Larger Antilles and strung north of Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos deliver greater serenity and privacy while offering less nightlife, shopping and bustle. That’s “less,” but not “none.” You’ll find things to do on a rare rainy day or at night, but with an easier-going vibe.
The Turks and Caicos are an overseas territory of the UK. The majority of the population is descended from African slaves with mixed Caribbean ancestry. A significant minority are descended from British loyalist fleeing the US after the War of Independence. The official language is English, and a creole dialect is also spoken. Read more
Saint Martin to the north and Sint Maarten to the south are two nations sharing quite a small island. The term SXM is typically used by tourists of the island as a whole. Saint Martin, or Saint-Martin, comprises about 60% of the island. There’s typically no hassle in passing back and forth between the two countries.
Saint Martin is a French territory known for beautiful beaches – many of which are clothing-optional and quite secluded, brilliant-blue seas and fabulous boutiques and outdoors markets. St. Martin is generally considered a better destination for couples and singles than for families with young kids.
The Caribbean island of Anguilla is 35 square miles of pure beauty. Its name means “Eel” and reflects the long, thin geography of the island, a shape which keeps you close to gorgeous stretches of powdery-white beach leading into clear, turquoise waters.
Because Anguilla lacks a major airport, it doesn’t get the heavy traffic of larger Caribbean islands, and maybe that’s exactly what you’re looking for. Most visitors arrive by ferry or cruise ship, though some cross the sea from Saint Martin by sailboat for an unforgettable adventure. Getting to Anguilla is part of the fun. If you’d rather fly to your destination, you’ve got better options throughout the Caribbean. Read more
