Planning a sunny, beachside vacation? Travel to the Caribbean to make your dreams come true. Caribbean travel is fun and exciting, with plenty of beautiful islands, friendly locals, watersports, luxury resorts, and incredible food to soothe your soul. Let’s not forget those tropical cocktails. I think there’s nothing better than kicking off a grand Caribbean vacation than with a drink in your hands in your toes in the sand.
Each of the Caribbean islands has its own special benefits, though I think you will love it best if you travel to Curaçao. Why is it the best place for Caribbean travel? Take a closer look with my island guide below and you’ll see why it hits all the right notes!
- Antigua
A few years ago, Antigua made headlines when Hurricane Irma unleashed her fury on the area. Inside the hurricane belt, Antigua and its neighbor Barbuda are indeed recovering from Irma’s major blows. You can hop between the islands and it’s a nice place for yachts. Flights to and from Antigua are easy to catch and it’s all-around a nice island, but I rank it in the expensive category. Plus, in the summer, you have more likelihood of having to cancel due to hurricanes.
- Aruba
While Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, it was known for the sad missing-persons case of Natalee Holloway. This famous murder case tarnished the image of these sweet island country, however it’s still a beautiful slice of land, and very easy to get to with flights from the US and Canada. It’s cheap too, another bonus indeed. These days, it isn’t making any negative headlines, but always keep aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re on your own.
- The Bahamas
I’ll level with you…I love the Bahamas so much, I’ve been three times! THREE! It’s that great of a place though near the port where the cruises dock in Nassau, there tends to be some crime. Nothing violent in nature but something to be aware of for sure. Try the conch when you go, but try to plan your trip to the Bahamas outside of hurricane season. Right inside the hurricane belt, the Bahamas gets some pretty big scares. Aside from that, the Bahamas is affordable fun that speaks to all types of travelers from families to honeymooners and everyone in between.
- Puerto Rico
Growing up in Miami, I always had Puerto Rican friends. It’s part of the USA and an absolutely gorgeous island country ideal for Caribbean travel. It’s easy to get to and offers stunning beaches, particularly Flamenco Beach, a vibrant nightlife, casinos, and even golfing. There is just one major downside…it’s right in the hurricane belt. It’s still pulling itself back together since Hurricane Maria savagely attacked it, but the resorts and tourist attractions are open for business.
- Dominican Republic
I once dated someone that ran a surfing program in the DR. It’s a luxurious place that grants you access to rainforests, beaches, golfing, and much more, and it has a notable distinction of being extremely affordable. That being said though, there have been a few questionable stories in the news about crime against tourists. It’s foolish to go anywhere though and think you’re safe. As a Miami native, I’ve always looked over my shoulder in every place I’ve been and I think that’s what keeps you safe. The DR though should be noted for being inside the hurricane zone. Do take care when planning your Caribbean travel here.
- US Virgin Islands
The 3 beautiful main islands here are St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John though taking day trips around the smaller ones is something I’ve always loved. It’s great for snorkeling and for anyone that wants a resort-style stay, through and through. It’s easy to fly into St. Thomas with ferries that connect you to the other islands, though that extra step might put it lower on your list. For me though, it is in the hurricane belt which means I would rather choose a Caribbean summer destination that I won’t have to reschedule.
- Jamaica
Home of Bob Marley and reggae music, I think one of my favorite trips in my lifetime was to Jamaica. I went in the off season though so while there were no hurricanes, we didn’t have the best weather. Still, I had tons of fun enjoying the music, the gorgeous landscapes, the beaches, and that food. Flights are easy and it’s an affordable place. As part of the hurricane zone though, be careful!
- St. Bart’s
Ok, so St. Bart’s will likely always be on my bucket list because who doesn’t want to mingle with the rich and famous? I’m a huge fan of luxury, but my beer budget won’t allow me to make it on Caribbean travel to this island any time soon. While it is the epitome of luxury with villas that give you your own private butler, it’s one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean that also happens to be in the hurricane belt. Additionally, the costs add up more because you will have to connect over from a nearby island like Antigua or Puerto Rico.
- Curaçao
And finally, I’ll end with my take on travel to Curaçao. Wondering where is Curaçao? I did too because I almost confused it with Cozumel. Almost. It’s located about 40 miles from the Venezuelan coast, right between Aruba and Bonaire. As Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, so too is Curaçao. The weather in Curaçao tends to always be sunny, making it my favorite vacation spot for Caribbean travel. I’ve never had a bad day here and I don’t mean that as a jab to the other islands…I simply mean that from a weather perspective.
With lots to do on the beaches, amazing food, great culture, and weather that always seems to have a sunny disposition, I think Curaçao comes out on top for Caribbean travel every time!
