| Aruba |
Big
resorts, casinos, all the water sports, great windsurfing, and lots
of sunbathers. Desert-like terrain and a Dutch-Creole flavor. Hurricanes
are very rare. |
|
Bahamas
|
A
short trip from the U.S. to the 700 or so islands. A modest to ritzy
vacation can be accommodated. All the Caribbean diversions with
a British-American flavor. |
| Barbados |
A
sophisticated British isle with a long history of tourism. Well-established
nightlife, ocean water activities, and tourism facilities. Nothing
remote about the place. |
| Bermuda |
Two
hours from New York and not at all the classic Caribbean island.
Expensive, British formality and efficiency, popular with business
travelers, quaint cottages, all the water sports, and miles of beautiful
beaches. |
| Bonaire |
A
dive destination… and considered one of the best in the Caribbean
(if not the world). World-class windsurfing is available at Lac
Bay. Above sea level there is some good birding and solitude but
not much else. Hurricanes are very rare. |
| British
Virgin Islands |
A
group of 60 quiet islands surrounded by coral reef. Reliable trade
winds attract yachters. World class diving at the RMS Rhone wreck
near Salt Island. Small, upscale resorts dominate. |
| Cayman
Islands |
World-renowned
diving, and beautiful but crowded beaches. A range of accommodations.
|
| Cuba |
While
Americans technically may not travel here, Cuba is a popular destination
for many other international tourists. A range of accommodations,
particularly in the capital, |
| Curacao |
The
capital, Willemstad, is a bustling Dutch port. Desert terrain prevails,
as does great diving. Sandy beaches are scarce. Hurricanes are very
rare |
| Dominica |
Nature
preserves of tropical rainforest and hot springs. Best for those
that want an outdoor adventure. Modest development. Look elsewhere
if luxury and a nightlife are your priorities |
| Dominican
Republic |
Frequented
by European tourists. Lovely beaches, good diving, great resorts,
and cheap prices. But be ready to witness poverty |
| Grenada |
Beautiful
bays and rainforest interior. Large producers of nutmeg and other
sweet spices. Tourism is locally run and rough around the edges—for
many this is the intrigue of the island. |
| Guadeloupe |
Creole
French culture dominates and makes this cluster of islands distinct.
Reasonably priced accommodations as well as resorts. Rainforests,
active volcano, and beautiful beaches. |
| Haiti |
Go
to Haiti to learn about Haitian dance, art, and Santeria. And be
prepared to negotiate the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere |
| Jamaica |
Quite
developed and geared toward tourism. Rich culture, Rasta, and reggae.
A range of accommodations and types of trips |
| Martinique |
French
and Creole culture. Cosmopolitan cities as well as black sand beaches
and tropical rain forest. The gamut of accommodations available. |
| Montserrat |
Travel
here is not recommended due to the 1997 volcano eruption. Go if
you’re a die-hard geologist. |
| Puerto
Rico |
Big
resorts, a hot nightlife, a Latin flavor, powdery white beaches,
rainforest, and a big city that can accommodate a range of budgets. |
| Saba |
Known
for its extraordinary diving, Dutch influence, and rugged coastline
(no beaches). Accommodations are in quiet and quaint villages surrounded
by tropical forests |
| St.Barthelemy |
Purposely
undeveloped although all levels of accommodation are available.
Ocean activities abound on this quiet island. |
| St.
Eustatius |
A
secluded Dutch outpost with a neighborhood feel, volcanoes to climb,
and blue waters to dive. The gamut of accommodation prices |
| St.
Kitts and Nevis |
Pristine
beaches, volcanoes, ship dives, very low-key atmosphere, notably
friendly people, a range of accommodation prices. |
| St.
Lucia |
Relatively
few visitors but has resorts with all the fixings. Rainforest, great
beaches, friendly people. |
St.
Maarten/
St. Martin |
Very
popular. Has all the big hotels, casinos, and chain stores you could
want. Surprisingly there are some quiet spots, lovely beaches, good
diving, and a toned-down French version of it all on the north side
of the island. |
| St.Vincent
and the Grenadines |
Secluded,
quiet, exclusive, and well known for their fine yachting waters.
|
| Trinidad
and Tobago |
As
far south as you can go for Carnival and Calypso. Nature preserves,
beaches, and a variety of accommodation options. |
| Turks
and Caicos Islands |
Renowned
coral reef diving, arid desert terrain, and miles of white sand
beaches. Slow-paced and secluded with some excellent hotels. |
| US
Virgin Islands |
A
cluster of islands with shopping, cruise ships, and resorts, as
well as areas with quiet beaches and good hiking. Great diversity
among the different islands. Dominated by a North American atmosphere. |
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