How To Choose Your Caribbean Destination

With plenty of islands to choose from, make sure you pick the right destination for your Caribbean getaway.

Firstly, it’s important to think about your budget. Some islands are more expensive than others, attracting celebrities and the upper tier, while some cater to a more budget-friendly, younger crowd. If you’d like to get the most fun for your dollar, choose the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica or the Bahamas. While each island nation has its luxury resorts, they also have plenty of all-inclusive, yet affordable hotels and resorts.

As they attract a larger number of American travelers, as well, it will also be easier to find affordable flights straight to your destination.

If you just want to get away from it all, and don’t really care about the cost or how many hoops you have to jump through to get there, the most remote islands combine luxury with seclusion. Barbuda features only a few resorts, and only one city on the island, where the tiny population lives. The closest civilization is at the neighboring island of Antigua, a 90-minute boat ride away. Nevis is also a remote hideaway, with a little bit of a wild side. Farm animals run free and you won’t see any mega cruise ships here.

If you plan to take advantage of the region’s best diving, there are a few ideal islands. The Cayman Islands, particularly Grand Cayman, host more than 100 dive sites. Grenada is home to the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, as well as an underwater volcano.

For a different kind of adventure, stay on land and explore the varying terrains of a few other islands. Hike volcanoes and rugged mountains on St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Dominica.

If you’d rather lie on a massage table by the sea than climb through the rainforest, there are a variety of first-class spas in the Caribbean. Try the Dominican Republic’s Six Senses Spa at Punta Cana Resort & Club or Guanahani Spa by Clarins at St. Bart’s.

Those who want to treat their taste buds can find flavors both familiar and not so much. Head to Grenada, the “Island of Spice,” or Jamaica for classic jerk flavors. You’ll also find fine dining of the French variety in the French West Andes, and fresh seafood just about everywhere you go.