Fodors - Fodors Caribbean 2014

The islands closest to the United States mainlandcomposed of Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Ricoare also the largest in the chain that stretches in an arc from the southern coast of Florida down to Venezuela. Haiti and Cuba arent covered in this book. The Cayman Islands, just south of Cuba, are usually included in this group.

Cayman Islands. Vacationers appreciate the mellow civility of the 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 trying to save money, because there are few real bargains here.

Jamaica . Easy to reach and with resorts in every price range, Jamaica is also an easy choice for many travelers. Go to enjoy the music, food, beaches, and sense of hospitality thats made it 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.

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.

Turks and Caicos Islands. Miles of white-sand beaches surround this tiny island chain, only eight of which are inhabited. The smaller islands seem to come from 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.

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.

The Lesser Antilles are larger in number but smaller in size than the Greater Antilles, and they make up the bulk of the Caribbean arc. Beginning with the Virgin Islands but going all the way to Grenada, the islands of the Eastern Caribbean form a barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The best beaches are usually on the Caribbean side.

U.S. Virgin Islands. A perfect combination of the familiar and the exotic, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a little bit of America set in an azure sea. Go to St. Croix if you like history and interesting restaurants. Go to St. John if you crave a back-to-nature experience. Go to St. Thomas if you want a shop-til-you-drop experience and a big selection of resorts, activities, and nightlife.

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

Montserrat. Montserrat has staged one of the best comebacks of the new century, returning to the tourism scene after a disastrous volcanic eruption in 1995. Go for exciting volcano ecotourism and great diving or just to taste what the Caribbean used to be like. Dont go for splashy resorts or nightlife. Youll be happier here if you can appreciate simpler pleasures.

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.

St. Maarten/St. Martin. Two nations (Dutch and French), many nationalities, one small island, a lot of development. But there are also more white, sandy beaches than days in a month. Go for the awesome restaurants, excellent shopping, and wide range of activities. Dont go if youre not willing to get out and search for the really good stuff.

St. Barthlemy. If you come to St. Barth for a taste of European village life, not for a conventional full-service resort experience, you will be richly rewarded. Go for excellent dining and wine, great boutiques with the latest hip fashions, and an active, on-the-go vacation. Dont go for big resorts, and make sure your credit card is platinum-plated.