August 24, 2011

The Islands of the Caribbean: Part II

To continue on with my Caribbean island overview, here are a few more highlights for you to swoon over.


British Virgin Islands
Like the US Virgin Islands, the British counterpart is a tropical dream. Small islands, the mountains juxtaposed against the beaches, with shops and restaurants interwoven. The difference is pretty much only found in the price tag. To experience the luxury of the BVI, you will pay what paradise is worth. There are definitely some villas and hotels with comparable prices to the USVI, but most are a bit pricier. This is obviously due to the strength of the euro compared to the dollar. Keep in mind that this price increase is not only reflected in accommodations, but dining as well. If you do decide that BVI is where it's at, you should take advantage of a trademark luxury: sailing. Hire a boat or a yacht to experience the best island-hopping around. Best for: travelers with a larger budget (or groups can go in on a villa together), sailing. Not for: people who haven't been dreaming of a tropical paradise. Typical accommodations: resorts, villas, inns.
Tortola Harbor


Anguilla
Speaking of sailing, you've come to the right place; a yacht might be the perfect symbol for Anguilla. Another more luxurious island, on Anguilla you will find high-end beaches and slow-paced activities. Antigua isn't as much of a party town as it is a place to get away from the fast-paced western world, nor will you be bothered by kids running around everywhere. Melt away in the breeze off-shore, try your luck on a fishing escapade, or simply let everything go amidst the white sand and turquoise waters. If you're looking for quiet luxury without burdening your wallet, Anguilla is calling your name (I found one hotel with rates that start at $80 per night!). Best for: those in need of a get-away-from-it-all vacation. Not so much for: families or partiers. Typical accommodations: hotels (villas are very expensive)
Anguilla
Dominica
Dominica is the capital of nature travel in the Caribbean. Full of adventure and eco friendly, Dominica is for those who love the earth. Dreaming of lush forests with waterfalls tucked in? Pack your hiking shoes. Maybe what's below the surface is more your style? Jump in for great snorkeling and diving. Or maybe you don't care what you do, you just want to explore! While exploring the mountainous terrain, you might run into some of the only indigenous people groups left in the Caribbean. A trip to Dominica is for more low key travelers. The island is not very commercialized, and the rates are cheap. However, if your main goal is to find a good beach with a good price, you should probably choose a different island. Leave this unspoiled land to those who want to truly discover it. Best for: nature-lovers, adventure-seekers. Not for: those afraid of bugs, those wanting a lie-on-the-beach-all-day vacation. Typical accommodations: hotels, inns, eco-friendly
Dominica

St. Lucia
If all that thought of lush forests perked your attention, but you were hoping for a more romantic getaway or just a more traveled-to destination, you might have just found your winner. St. Lucia is famous for its beautiful mountain peaks, the Pitons. A rustic yet refined island, St. Lucia is unlike many of its Caribbean neighbors. It looks like it belongs more in the Pacific ocean than the Caribbean Sea. You can take advantage of the beautiful hiking and adventure tourism (such as jeep tours and zip line rides) or you can enjoy the foliage by escaping to your private retreat up in the mountains. The beaches are beautiful and quiet, but you'll find yellow sand and blue water, rather than the typical bright turquoise waters and white sand characteristic of other Caribbean islands. Best for: romantic retreats, upscale adventures. Not for: those seeking typical Caribbean beaches. Typical accommodations: Resorts, luxury villas
Pitons


Grenada
I wasn't originally planning on including Grenada in this Caribbean island synopsis, but once I looked it up and saw how wonderfully affordable it is, I decided I'd let you in on this little secret of an island. If you hadn't noticed, we've been moving around the sea clockwise, starting from the north. Grenada is at the southeast corner of the Caribbean, 100 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Much like Dominica, this island is mountainous, eco-friendly and not very developed. A vacation in Grenada isn't going to be overly luxurious, but it is a great find for a trip with a low budget. With scenes reminiscent of St. John and waterfalls plentiful as Dominica, you could have a great Caribbean vacation for about one-fourth the price of most other popular islands. Best for: low budget travel, culture seekers. Not for: ideals of perfect beaches or modern infrastructure. Typical accommodations: hotels, inns, eco-friendly
Grenada

Hope you enjoy these islands as much as I do! Part 3 coming sometime in the near future!

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