Let's face it, everyone deserves a holiday, and we don't mean escaping to a theme park or driving Uncle Charlie to a museum opening. Think sleeping in, listening to the crashing of waves on picturesque beaches, getting only slightly lost in a rainforest, and snorkeling when the mood suits you.
Sure, you could bring a book to a local beach and enjoy the myriad of horrors that come with a dozen school kids on summer vacation, or you could escape to the Caribbean, where all of the islands will have you convinced in no time that there is such a thing as paradise on Earth.
Just 40 miles north of Venezuela, between the islands of Aruba and Bonaire, lies a little-known former Dutch territory called Curacao. Like many islands in the Caribbean, its history speaks of colonization, commerce, and trade. The island changed hands many items before stable Dutch rule in 1815. Today, Curacao is a nation where its turbulent history is displayed proudly, with brightly colored buildings. Its interaction with nearby neighbors resulted in cultural diversity and multilingualism. Its capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Everyone's heard of swimming with dolphins, but what about swimming with pigs? Located in the Exuma district of the Bahamas, Pig Beach or Pig Island is one of the most unique tourist destinations in the world. This island is home to about 20 wild pigs who love to play and interact with their human visitors. The island itself is remote and very well cared for, a beautiful place to experience a unique side of the Bahamas.
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Caribbean Sea on the west lies the mango-shaped island of St. Lucia, one of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. There are more than 7000 individual islands in the Caribbean, yet despite its small size, both experienced travelers and first-time explorers alike choose St. Lucia. The lush landscape, picturesque beaches, and rich cultural history make St. Lucia one of the most beautiful and intriguing islands in the Caribbean.
Jamaica is a popular tourist attraction for cruises and resort vacations, but there's much more to experience here. You have to be willing to venture out past the resort or port to truly experience the island. If you head to the beach, try to stick to one that's well known, such as Seven Mile Beach in Negril. If you're walking on the sand, look for the beachside eateries that can give you a true taste of the island.
If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure and breathtaking scenery, look no further than the Bahamas. Exotic wildlife, lush forests, and crystal clear blue water await you at this dream destination. The white sandy beaches will bring relaxation to the next level, and the beauty of the landscape is absolute bliss. There's no place on Earth like the Bahamas, so pack your bags and let the fun begin.
If you’re seeking the sunniest spot in the Caribbean, look no further than Antigua and Barbuda, a year-round paradise with 70-degree temperatures through the winter and mid-80s in the summer. Unlike some island vacation spots, this twin-island destination offers more than just fun in the sun. Whether your style is a plush resort with tons of amenities, an exploratory trek through a rainforest, or in-depth research of the local culinary delights, you’ll find it all here. Choose from a long list of activities, from exciting hiking tours to snorkeling, a catamaran cruise, or a swimming-with-stingrays experience.
Cuba is somewhat of a mystery to many people, but it's an exciting place worth visiting. It's a gorgeous country with a lot of adventures for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and beach lovers alike. Follow in the footprints of revolutionaries, relax on the beach, dance underground, or explore historic forts and cities. There are so many sides to Cuba; it's essential to take the time to explore it all.
When people think of a Caribbean vacation, they usually imagine laying out on a white-sand beach with nothing to do except work on their tan and order another mai tai. There's nothing wrong with some hard-earned rest among the surf and sand, but some vacationers prefer excitement over relaxation. If that describes you, there are tons of adventures waiting for you at Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The story of Haiti is one of perseverance against overwhelming odds. Though it's the only nation where a slave rebellion led to eventual freedom, natural disasters and crushing debt have plagued the island nation for years. However, through all their challenges, Haitians have retained their unique culture. The country has focused its efforts in recent years on building up tourism, making Haiti a choice destination for those wanting a unique Caribbean experience. The national languages are French and Haitian Creole, and not everyone speaks English — plan to study up or hire a translator!
When people think of the Caribbean, they often imagine lounging on a beautiful beach, drink in hand. While Dominica certainly provides that, it also has so much more to offer. This gorgeous island country is a land of adventure, thrills, rest, and relaxation. Dominica’s mountainous landscape provides a range of trails and paths for both the casual hiker and the intrepid adventurer. There are towering waterfalls, impressive canyons, and thick forests just waiting to be explored.
It may be the smallest country in the Caribbean, but the twin-island federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis rivals other tropical destinations with its gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, and authentic cultural experiences. A narrow two-mile-wide strait separates the two islands. Saint Kitts is the larger, more developed of the two islands. Nevis is quieter and offers a laid-back atmosphere. The beaches are never crowded. There may not be as many restaurants on the tiny island of Nevis, but you’ll have no problem finding authentic, delicious cuisine on the island.
Some places on Earth feel as though nature created them to be an escape from the rest of the world. Aruba is a tropical island in the Caribbean that stands above almost every other island destination. Simply looking at any photo of Aruba shows why it's such an incredible place: dazzling white beaches, foamy blue seas, and plenty of places to enjoy yourself. No matter where on the island you choose to stay, you'll find something remarkable. The resorts along the northern coast make for perfect vacation spots. But if you journey beyond the resorts, you'll find an island teeming with culture and life. Visit windswept beaches and trails that are perfect for horseback riding. Discover the majestic animals that call the island home. There is no incorrect way to enjoy Aruba, regardless of your interests.
A Caribbean vacation conjures up images of coconut trees, sun-worshippers tanning at the beach, spring breakers having the time of their young lives while posting Instagrammable worthy beach photos, and divers exploring the coral reefs. But the Caribbean isn't only for divers or the young and the single. It's also a fantastic place for a family vacation. And although the beach, with its crystal clear and warm waters, is a given to any Caribbean destination, the 26 countries that make up the Caribbean islands present a wide range of choices for families. From untouched, lush green tropical forests, pirates, Mayan temples, and rich histories to shopping and amusement parks, there is a country in the Caribbean that is perfect for the entire family.