Bareuther Carol - Fodors 2016 Caribbean

The four islands closest to the United States mainlandCuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Puerto Ricoare also the largest in the chain that stretches in an arc from the Florida Keys to Venezuela. The Cayman Islands, just south of Cuba, are usually included in the Greater Antilles group. We also include Turks and Caicos Islands, which are part of the Greater Antilles known as the Lucayan Archipelago. Haiti and Cuba arent covered in this book.

Cayman Islands
Vacationers appreciate the mellow civility of these islands, and Grand Caymans exceptional Seven Mile Beach has its share of fans. Divers come to explore the pristine reefs or perhaps to swim with friendly stingrays. Go if you want a safe, family-friendly vacation spot. Dont go if youre on a tight budget, because there are few bargains here.

Dominican Republic
Dominicans have beautiful smiles and warm hearts and are proud of their island, which is blessed with pearl-white beaches and a vibrant Latin culture. Go for the best-priced resorts in the Caribbean and a wide range of activities that will keep you moving day and night. Dont go if you cant go with the flow. Things dont always work here, and not everyone speaks English.

Jamaica
Easy to reach and with resorts in every price range, Jamaica is an easy choice for many travelers. Go to enjoy the music, food, beaches, and sense of hospitality thats made Jamaica one of the Caribbeans most popular destinations. Dont go if you cant deal with the idea that a Caribbean paradise still has problems of its own to solve.

Puerto Rico
San Juan is hopping day and night; beyond the city, youll find a sunny escape and slower pace. Party in San Juan, relax on the beach, hike the rain forest, or play some of the Caribbeans best golf courses. You have the best of both worlds here, with natural and urban thrills alike. So go for both. Just dont expect to do it in utter seclusion.

Turks and Caicos Islands
Miles of white-sand beaches surround this tiny island chain, only eight of which are inhabited. The smaller islands are reminiscent of some long-forgotten era of Caribbean life. Go for deserted beaches and excellent diving on one of the worlds largest coral reefs. Dont go for nightlife and a fast pace. And dont forget your wallet. This isnt a budget destination.

Smaller in size but larger in number than the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles make up the bulk of the Caribbean arc. From the Virgin Islands in the north to Grenada in the south, these islands form a barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The Lesser Antilles are further divided into the Leeward Islands, the northernmost islands in the chain, and the Windward Islands, the southernmost islands in the chain. The Windwards are also referred to as the Eastern Caribbean. On any of these islands, the best beaches are usually located on the Caribbean side.

British Virgin Islands
The lure of the British Virgins is exclusivity and personal attention, not lavish luxury. Even the most expensive resorts offer a state of mind rather than state-of-the-art. So go with an open mind, and your stress may very likely disappear. Dont go if you expect glitz or stateside efficiency. These islands are about getting away, not getting it all.

Anguilla
With miles of brilliant beaches and a range of luxurious resorts (even a few that mere mortals can afford), Anguilla is where the rich, powerful, and famous go to chill out. Go for the fine cuisine in elegant surroundings, great snorkeling, and funky late-night music scene. Dont go for shopping and sightseeing. This island is all about relaxing and reviving.

Antigua and Barbuda
Beaches are bone-white and beckoningtheres one for every day of the yearand can be either secluded or hopping with activity. History buffs and nautical nuts will appreciate English Harbour, which sheltered Britains Caribbean fleet in the 18th and 19th centuries. Go for those beaches but also for sailing. Dont go for local culture, because all-inclusives predominate. Lovely as they are, these islands are more for tourists than travelers.

Guadeloupe
An exotic, tropical paradise, Guadeloupe is covered by lush rain forest and blessed with a rich creole culture that influences everything from the dancing to the food. Go if you want to experience another cultureand still have your creature comforts and access to fine beaches. Dont go if you want five-star luxury, because its rare here.