Now is the time to book your holiday travel. If you're looking for a sunny spot for your winter-time travels, consider the Caribbean. The lure of the Caribbean is powerful, with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and palm trees swaying in the breeze, but choosing a particular island can turn into a major research project. Here are some highlights of some of the most popular destinations:
Aruba:
Lying just of the northern coast of South America, Aruba is one of the best islands for night life and casinos. It is a leading resort island (all-inclusives), and offers plenty of water sports, off-road tours, beach parties, and steel-drum music. Shopping is the big attraction in Oranjestad, Aruba's capital.
Bahamas:
The Bahamas has many islands and something for everyone. It is just 55 miles east of Miami, which makes it easy to reach from the US. The Out Islands are serene, with a colonial charm; Ecotourists and scuba divers will appreciate the unspoiled beaches of Eleuthera. Nassau and Freeport are known for entertainment and gambling. A popular spot for families is Paradise Island/Nassau.
Bermuda:
Bermuda is actually in the Atlantic ocean, much further north than the other islands to the east of the US, but is often thought of as a Caribbean destination. If you're looking for a tropical getaway during the winter, keep in mind that Bermuda is much cooler in the winter time than the other islands. Bermuda is famous for its pink sand beaches and golf facilities, and rates on the higher end of the price scale.
Bonaire:
Bonaire is a top dive spot in the Caribbean. It is located just north of Venezuela. If you prefer upscale accommodations, stay on one of its neighboring islands (Curacao or Aruba).
Dominica (pronounced domin-EE-ca):
Not to be confused with Dominican Republic, Dominica is a haven for ecotourists, with hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and natural hot springs. This is a popular spot for scuba divers.
Grenada:
Grenada is referred to as the "Spice Island," because of its production of spices, including cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and cocoa. History buffs will appreciate the old plantations and Market Square in the capital city of St. George.
Jamaica:
Jamaica has everything from beaches to mountains and a variety of accommodations, including all-inclusive resorts. Music, religion and people make up a diverse culture. Travelers can find great beaches, golf, diving, and river rafting. Nature lovers will enjoy the Blue Mountains sprinkled with coffee fields and the Green Gotto Caves. Negril (pronounced neh GRIHL) is known for its "clothing optional" beaches. Montego Bay is alive with restaurants, nightlife, beaches, shops and sports facilities and is close to Sangster airport. Ocho Rios is known for its lush scenery, including Dunn's River Falls.
Cancun:
The Mexican Yucatan offers a variety of resorts, ranging from budget hotels in the city to deluxe all-inclusives along the beach. A few remnants of the Mayan ruins lie between hotel sites and there are a number of day trips by boat or ferry. Isla Mujeres is a popular day trip for snorkeling, swimming and beachcoming. Cancun is dedicated to entertainment and nightlife.
Cozumel:
Divers love Cozumel. Many cruises anchor off the coast of Playa del Carmen and passengers visit the Yucatan coast and then the ships proceed to Cozumel.
Puerto Rico:
The bustling capital of San Juan is a Caribbean air and cruise hub. Americans entering Puerto Rico do not need any passports or documents. Fashionable beaches, high-rise resorts, glittering casinos, and world-class golf courses give Puerto Rico a Vegas atmosphere. The Museum of Puerto Rican Art has a five-acre sculpture garden and 130,000 square feet of facilities. Boats carry sightseers to Bioluminescent Bay, to observe millions of microscopic luminescent dinoflagellates. These "fireflies of the sea" light up when they are disturbed, putting on a display of light.
St. Lucia:
St. Lucia is easily recognizable with its dramatic twin peaks, The Pitons. Few islands can match St. Lucia's lush greenery. Dark, volcanic sands create unusual seascapes. Interior mountains are covered by forest, surrounded by banana plantations and coastal fishing villages. There's a volcanic crater that you can drive right into. Accommodations range from all-inclusive resorts to great hideaways, inns and guesthouses, making it a popular honeymoon destination. For travelers interested in snorkeling, diving or deep-sea fishing, there are still areas in St. Lucia that are relatively uncrowded.
U.S. Virgin Islands:
The U.S. Virgin Islands offer an architectural charm, and great shopping (especially in St. Thomas and St. Croix). Campers are welcome on St. John. The islands are easily reached by cruise ships out of Florida and Puerto Rico. The U.S. and British Virgin Islands constitute one of the prime sailing and yachting destinations in the Caribbean. Honeymooners, snorkelers, divers, and national park lovers enjoy these islands.
