Take a trip to the Caribbean and experience serene turquoise waters, beautiful green landscapes and entertainment for everyone.
By Cady Price
The Caribbean is full of breath-taking tropical locations for vacations. Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Turks and Caicos are just a few options to consider when choosing which islands to visit. Caribbean vacation destinations are known for their unmatched views, exciting outdoor activities and relaxing beaches. There are so many magnificent places to visit in the Caribbean, but here are a few popular locations along with their best resorts and activities.
Travel to Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is a series of coral islands in the Caribbean Sea. It is a very popular vacation destination for its beautiful tropical views and luxury resorts. Turks and Caicos sits on a barrier reef, making it is the perfect location for divers and snorkelers.
Blue Haven Resort and Alexandra Resort are two great all-inclusive options for staying in Turks and Caicos. They each have an abundance of delicious eating options along with relaxing pools and access to all kinds of activities. The Palms Turks and Caicos has plenty of spacious rooms, great for family trips or friend groups.
Water sports are not in short supply here, with scuba-diving, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing a few of the options. Of course, for those who just want to unwind and relax, there are plenty of white-sand beaches to lounge on.
Experience Puerto Rico
Known for its remarkable beaches and scenery, Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory Island located in the Caribbean Sea. Added bonus: Americans traveling to Puerto Rico do not need a passport.
The El Yunque Tropical Rainforest has many natural pools and waterfalls, perfect for a day-time hiking adventure. There is also a tree-top walkway, rope swings, and a zip-line. Another popular place to visit in Puerto Rico is San Juan. It is the island’s largest city The Isla Verde resort strip is located here and is full of fun places to stay as well as bars, nightclubs and casinos. Travelers looking for exciting night life should consider saying in Isla Verde.
Some popular resorts in San Juan are the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort, and the San Juan Water and Beach Club Hotel. For those looking for a more historical feel, Old San Juan is perfect. The cobbled streets and colored architecture make for a charming atmosphere.
Travel to Jamaica
Montego Bay is one of the most popular places to go in Jamaica. There are plenty of activities and all-inclusive resorts to choose from. It’s rich culture and beautiful architecture is enough to make it worth the trip. The landscape and laid-back feel add to the atmosphere as well.
If you’re looking for an adventure, try out the Rastasafari Experience in Montego Bay, a half-day tour of Jamaican countryside on four-wheelers. Another great option is the day-trip tour of three breath-taking waterfalls. Resorts are in no short supply in Jamaica, but a few good options for groups or families include Sea Garden Beach Resort, Jewel Grand Montego Bay Resort & Spa, and the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa.
Kingston is another coastal city in Jamaica. It is home to the Bob Marley Museum for any reggae lovers. It also hosts hiking trails, zoos and botanical gardens, perfect for the whole family.
Enjoy a Trip to the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has a little bit of everything. Its gorgeous Caribbean waters, mountains, and forests provide plenty of great options for outdoor adventures. There are countless resorts perfect for families and adult travel groups.
Punta Cana is a popular Dominican Republic destination to visit. The city is home to almost 20 miles of stunning turquoise beaches. Some popular resort options are Excellence Punta Cana, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Iberostar Grand Bávaro.
There is a host of water sports and hiking adventures that make for a very lively vacation. There are group catamaran tours, ziplining and horseback riding. There are plenty of options in Dominican Republic to keep everyone entertained or relaxed.
Enjoy the Sunshine in the British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are the least developed islands in the Caribbean making for an authentic and exclusive experience. Don’t worry there are still plenty of things to do and places to stay.
Many of the Resorts are located on the different islands, but it is just a quick ferry ride away to visit other resorts or activities. The Rosewood Little Dix Bay sits on Virgin Gorda and is a great place for a minimalistic feel. It is better suited for adults. Scrub Island Resort, Spa, & Marina sits on Scrub Island and is ideal for travelers looking for a secluded vacation. The resort has snorkeling and diving as well as plenty of food options. The Bitter End Yacht Club is on Virgin Gorda and is perfect for people wanting to enjoy everything there is to do. The resort has a daily activity schedule filled with exciting or relaxing ventures.
The Baths on Virgin Gorda are one of the most popular things to do in the British Virgin Islands. The Baths are smooth granite rocks that create natural pools for travelers to enjoy a swim. Cane Garden Bay on The Island of Tortola has beach activities during the day and parties at night, make it perfect for an all-day adventure. Cane Garden Bay is more suited for adults.
Booking a Caribbean Trip
Online Booking Options
Trip Advisor is a great resource for booking all things Caribbean. It is not solely for booking in the Caribbean, but has a plethora of resorts, restaurants, and activities for these tropical locations. Cheapcaribbean.com is perfect for booking a Caribbean trip. They serve the entirety of countries and cities in the Caribbean. Users can book flights, rooms, and cruises on the website with deals. Expedia has deals for all-inclusive trips to every location listed above and more. Each website has the ability to book rooms, flights, tours, and activities together, or all separately depending on how you want to organize your trip.
Travel Agents
For Caribbean travelers who want a stress-free booking experience, travel agents are a great option. Travel Leaders, Caribbean Journey, and Dream Caribbean are all companies that offer travel agent services that will be able to book your perfect, fun-filled trip, including flights, rooms, and activities. Travel agents are well equipped to handle group, family, or couples trips.
The Caribbean has so many beautiful and fun places to explore. If you and your group would like more travel ideas for the Caribbean and beyond, just Subscribe to Leisure Group Travel magazine for FREE and see what else there is to do in the Caribbean.