3. The Culture
Although you could spend all day on the beach and not regret a thing, you’d be missing out on so much more! The Caribbean is home to some of the world’s most vibrant cultures. Jamaica is synonymous with live music that plays all day and deep into the evening. The streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico, dance to a soundtrack with genre influences ranging from salsa and merengue to bomba y plena and reggaeton. El Callejón De La Tanca in Old San Juan hosts mini-concerts seemingly every day, in the form of mid-afternoon jamming sessions.
If history is more your speed, then you’ll love traversing the Mayan ruins of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico or exploring the history of pirates in the region by hiking to the top of Fort Barrington in Antigua.
4. The Cuisine
What other region can offer freshly caught seafood mixed with tropical fruit? When you factor in the mix of influences—French, Spanish, English, Dutch, African, and native islanders—it’s not hard to see why the Caribbean has become an increasingly popular destination for foodies.
You’ll be sure to eat well here, whether you’re sampling fried land crab in the Cayman Islands, the famed coconut patties of Curaçao (or stewed iguana, if you’re feeling brave), jerk chicken and plantains in Jamaica, or barbecued seafood in St. Lucia.
And of course, wash it all down with rum—lots and lots of rum.
5. The Price
Traveling to the Caribbean on a budget is a breeze. Many of the biggest airports in America fly direct to a number of destinations. And if you plan to travel in the offseason—typically May to November when tropical storms and hurricanes threaten the region—you’ll save significantly on flights and resort stays.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and don’t be afraid to book that long weekend. Even during the most popular tourist period of the calendar, you’ll score deals that will have all your friends jealous, particularly in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico—where a trip to paradise is always available, for almost any budget.
6. The Adventures on Land & in the Sea
Are you someone that prefers to get your kicks on land? Then you’ll love the jungle explorations, long hikes, fort tours, and journeys through narrow, cobblestone streets the Caribbean offers. You may even find yourself taking a turn or two at-bat in the baseball-mad Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Cuba.
If you’re more the aquatic type, you'll consider the Caribbean absolute heaven. Test your marine-life knowledge as your snorkel through coral reefs. Explore shipwrecks as part of a scuba-diving excursion. Mix in paddleboarding or wind-surfing to dial up the adventure.
Or see if you can snare that trophy fish on a deep-sea fishing boat.
7. The Ease of Travel
Perhaps the biggest reason to travel to the Caribbean—beyond the adventures, all-inclusive resorts, stunning views, lively culture, and mouthwatering cuisine—is that it’s easy to get to! With direct flights from a number of major American airports, you’ll be in paradise in no time.
Feeling spontaneous but don’t know if your passport is up-to-date? No worries! You can unwind in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands without one.
Want to travel to the Caribbean but can’t choose which island is right for you? Consider a cruise! You’ll get all the amenities of an all-inclusive resort while experiencing the good life on the high sea.
Getting to the Caribbean might be easy. Choosing the right destination for you could be as well. Planning the perfect trip, however, takes the guidance of an expert.
InteleTravel Advisors possess the knowledge, resources, and experience to build your dream getaway. They’ll get all the details just right, even adding in some personalized touches that will elevate your vacation from great to unforgettable—and you don’t even pay them.
So what are you waiting for? Get started on your trip today.
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