The Islands of the Caribbean: Part I

"Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya. Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama." Have you ever wondered what the difference between all those islands is?? Aren't they all the same? If you're planning a trip to the Caribbean, you're probably trying to decide which island to go to. Which island you choose will determine the tone of your vacation - will it be tropical? hot? rainy? adventurous? low-maintenance? expensive? The 30+ countries of the Caribbean are each fit with their own unique style and attributes. There's two ways to plan your vacation - based on the island or the criteria of where you want to stay. If you don't know much about the islands, you will probably base your decision on the latter. The hospitable Caribbean can put you up in a variety of locations that range from eco-tents to inns and hotels to resorts and all-inclusives to private villas. Knowing where you want to stay, what you want to do on your vacation, and your price range will help you narrow it down to the island you'll make your journey to.

Here's a highlight of some of the Caribbean islands. Read the descriptions and decide which one you want to visit based on what you want your experience to be like. If you're planning to travel in the future, use this as a guide to narrow down your choices to an island or two, and from there research the best hotels or villas on that island.

Bermuda 

This quaint island is historic and quiet. Known for its pink sand beaches, it also has lovely cliffs overlooking some of the sandy beaches. You can quickly jet from beach to town to beach on this small island. English-speaking, not too expensive, and close to home make this a winner for a quick, easy island vacation (warning - it may be closer to home, but the weather might not be as warm in the winter as these other options). Best for: romantic trips or for those who want to explore the town and experience the history and culture there. Not for: those who want high temperatures in the winter. Typical accommodations: hotels

Bermuda

Cuba 

President Obama recently okay-ed trips to Cuba. The only problem is, you can't just go to Cuba just for fun. However, depending on your reasons, like if you're traveling with a tour group, you might get to experience this country that few Americans have stepped foot on in the past few decades. Cuba is rich in Hispanic culture. If you're into economics or the environment, look into visiting here. When Cuba lost a lot of its trade partners, the people had to rely on themselves, and a lot of residents started their own tiny gardens within the city in order to get by. Best for: those studying culture, history, and Spanish-speakers. Not for: people without a legitimate reason to be there.

Cuba

Bahamas

Beaches, beaches, and more beaches. The Bahamas are an archipelago of never-ending blue seas to explore. This country is perfect if you have a wet appetite for adventure. Make friends with some locals and you'll find yourself on a fishing boat on one island one day and jumping off a cliff on another island the next day. On the other hand, the Bahamas are also an excellent place for families or couples. If you have one chance to get the all-around Caribbean experience, the Bahamas would be a good choice with its many large white sand beaches and pool-temperature water. Beware - the beaches are not always the quietest; you may frequently get pestered to give into a jet ski ride, a mixed drink, or getting your hair braided. Best for: beach lovers and snorkelers. Typical accommodations: hotels and resorts (in a price range that pleases everyone)

Exuma Cays

Jamaica 
Mountains, meet the beach. Jamaica's largest export is coffee (grown in the mountains), and as soon as you get there you are immersed in a wonderful mixture of tropical foliage. But don't forget the reason you came: the beach (perhaps the 7 Mile Beach). If you have money to spare and energy to spend, Jamaica is well-equipped to meet your needs with a waterfall hike, zip-line ride, or snorkel trip. You could easily spend a morning in the jungle and the afternoon at one of the large beaches. But don't expend too much energy; the locals will expect you to come to Jamaica with a laid-back, "no problem, mon" attitude. Best for: honeymoons and those seeking a chill, but fun-filled trip. Not for: type-A personalities (you might freak out when your bus driver doesn't get you to the airport on time). Typical accommodations: all-inclusives, hotels, and villas (all very affordable)

Dominican Republic

Also mountainous, the Dominican Republic feels very Caribbean. However, this island is less developed, and most people speak Spanish, not English. Unlike Jamaica, the areas that Americans typically visit are concentrated (Punta Cana and Puerto Plata). The type of vacation that reigns in the Dominican Republic are all-inclusive stays. All-inclusives here are probably the cheapest you'll find in the Caribbean. However, you probably won't be out exploring local towns because they're a bit shadier and more run down than on other islands, and the beaches here are among the more crowded. Best for: all-inclusive stays (honeymoons) or more adventurous Spanish-speakers. Not for: those seeking a quieter country where they can explore local shops and restaurants. Typical accommodations: all-inclusives

Punta Cana

US Virgin Islands

The epitome of tropical paradise. The islands are small, and so are the accommodations. Because of that, you won't see big resorts or all-inclusives, but you will have the opportunity to snuggle into one of the island's hidden gems. You might stay on a hilltop overlooking the islands, or you could spend your week on a private oceanfront hideaway. If you don't limit yourself to the most populated beaches and harbors, you can find unspoiled private beaches hidden away around every corner, with white sand and bright water teeming with colorful varieties of fish. Wherever you stay, you will probably want to rent a car so you can see and taste as much of the island as possible. Jump right in and experience the local island life - there's no worry of a language barrier since this is US territory! Best for: snorkelers, shoppers, and natural explorers. Not for: those who want to go to a big resort and lay on the same spot on the same beach all week. Typical accommodations: villas and inns

St. John

That's enough for now, I'll post a follow-up with some more islands for you to dig into!

(Note: I haven't visited all of these islands personally, so feel free to leave feedback if you think I've wrongly categorized an island you've visited!)