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
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
The cliché, “there’s something for everyone” meets reality in the Cayman Islands. The largest of the three islands, Grand Cayman, is a smart, dynamic blend of cultures from around the world. The restaurants are varied and world class, and Seven Mile Beach is legendary for its beauty and vibe.
Cayman Brac is beloved by outdoor enthusiasts for its wild splendor and breathtaking vistas from the rocky hills. Finally, Little Cayman is where to go when you want to leave it all behind and find solitude or test your mettle diving from Bloody Bay Wall.
Many experienced travelers proclaim the US Virgin Islands to be among the prettiest lands in the entire Caribbean. Located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, the three largest islands are Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas, with many smaller islands surrounding them. They form 133 square miles of gorgeous terrain with lovely beaches and a brilliant climate, and if you love life outdoors, the US Virgin Islands will surely delight.
As part of the United States, the national language is English. Several creole languages are spoken too, and you might hear Spanish during your visit. The US dollar is the official currency. More than two million visitors arrive each year, many via cruise ships, but you can still find quiet beaches or nature trails where you can unwind amidst nature’s beauty. Read more
