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The best island(s) in the Caribbean for a short vacation, romantic or family?

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By J D Murrah


Best Islands in the Caribbean

Deciding the best island in the Cribbean depends on many variables. Some of the items to consider are money, adventure, language, and ease of access. In terms of ease of access, travelling to Puerto Rico from the United States does not even require a passport. There are many flights to Puerto Rico. The main language is Spanish, although English is understood in many locations.

In terms of costs, the Mexican Caribbean is attractive. There are many travel deals to Cozumel or Cancun in Mexico. The main language is Spanish, although most places do speak English. Along the Mayan Riviera, there are many choices of places to stay, from condos and rentals to all-inclusive resorts. Some of the all-inclusive resorts have security checkpoints and exclusive clientele. Since Mexico does not allow private ownership of the beach, vacationers can walk as far as they want along the beach. The beaches used in the Corona commercials are those along the Mayan Riveria.

If you prefer things to be a little more rugged, you may consider Belize. It is for the more adventurous, yet they speak English. The barrier reef off the coast of the Mayan Riviera and Belize offers some amazing snorkeling. There are also greater concentrations of manatees, the further south along the Yucatan one travels. The barrier reef also creates a calm waters along the coast line.

If money is not an issue, then locations such as St. Bartholemw (St. Barts) may be your best choice. It is slow paced and not as crowded as the other islands.

Anguilla is developing a reputation for splendid beaches.

Monserrat has an active volacano, which is definitely for the adventurous. It sulpher and ash are often spread throughout the Antilles.

The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaco) provide an out of the oridnary experience of the Caribbean. These Dutch colonial islands provide a sense of the Caribbean with a European flair.

If you like jungles, then Dominica provides rugged scenery and adventure.

St. Kitts provides a pleasant experience complete with monkeys and history. It also provides a mountainous environment for hours of exploration.

Cayman is almost all sandy beaches. If you like hanging out at the beach, and that is all you like to do, this is a good island for you.

This is just the tip of the islands. There is also Guadaloupe, the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, St. Marteen, Martinique, Trinidad, and Saba. Each island has its own unique charm and qualities. Some have a large population along with casinos, whereas others are more laid back and peaceful.


St. Kitts

The tropical environment of St. Kitts
The tropical environment of St. Kitts
Bassaterre, the Capital of St. Kitts
Bassaterre, the Capital of St. Kitts

Interesting Caribbean Factiod

Cozumel Island was once claimed by the Republic of Texas.


Family Vacation Islands

In terms of family vacations, kids like the beach. They also like a variety of activities. Some of the places popular with children include:

1. Aruba-Plenty of beaches, although not much else.

2. St. Lucia- A fascinating place for families to explore.The jungles and terrain make it a wonderful experience for families,

3. Cancun-The Mayan ruins and snorkeling offer a variety of activities for families.The sands of the Mayan riveria are cool to walk on anytime of the day which makes them very enjoyable.Some of the beaches are topelss, which presents issues for some familes.

4. Puerto Rico-Offers a variety of places to explore, city life and beaches.

5. St. Kitts/Nevis-There is snorkeling, old forts, pirate history and monkeys.ST. Kitts/Nevis have maintained standards fo decency. There are NO topless beaches or indeceny on their shores.


Romantic Islands

In terms of romance, the Caribbean has plenty of offerings. These are just a few of what is available. There are romantic spots on each of the islands. Jamaica has long been known for its honeymoon packages in special resort areas.The Hedonism resorts of Negril offer clothing optional choices for those wanting more adventurous times.

The recommendations below are based on islands that have a reputation for being quiet and laid back.

1. Martinique & Guadelope-These are two islands situated next to each other. The French culture adds to the romantic aspect. The remake of the Thomas Crown Affair with Rene Russo and Pierce Brosnon was filmed here.

2. Antigua-Offers plenty of beaches, with some being secluded for romantic getaways.

3. Curaco-The dutch heritage and architecture combine to make this a special location. There is some night life for those who seek it.

4. Anguilla-A lesser developed island that offers some places to get away.

5.St. Barts-A secluded getaway in the Caribbean.

Comments

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Diane Corriette profile image

Diane Corriette  says:
2 years ago

Don't forget about Dominica too. I just created a hub on it.. one of the best islands in my opinion (but then I am bias!)

J D Murrah profile image

J D Murrah  says:
2 years ago

Diane,

You are right, Dominica is a wonderful gem in terms of an unspoiled paradise. If someone wants a natural eden rather than casinos and night life, then Dominica is a great choice.

mosquito catcher profile image

mosquito catcher  says:
17 months ago

Great hub lots of info, sound like Belise is a place I would like to visit and go snorkeling, i love to snorkel. Visit our hudhttp://hubpages.com/hub/Cruising-the-carribean

J D Murrah profile image

J D Murrah  says:
17 months ago

mosquito catcher,

I have heard that Belize is good for snorkeling if you go to the Southern half. After reasearching and talking to locals I was told that places like Placencia and Punta Gorda are less developed and provide more opportunites for good snorkeling. In the north Ambergeis Caye is more developed with all the baggage that goes with development.

Best Wishes,

J D Murrah

Bahamas Honeymoon  says:
16 months ago

I'm surprised the Bahamas aren't mentioned more. We just got back from a bahamas honeymoon vacation and we found it to be one of the most romatic islands in the caribbean and we've been to most all of them! Anyway, good hub, thanks!

J D Murrah profile image

J D Murrah  says:
16 months ago

Thank you for your encouraging words. I have heard many good things about the Bahamas. The food, and the people are consistently spoken highly of. The big plus for the Bahamas is that it is so close to the US. It's closelenss makes it an easy getaway for many people.

TravelAMP profile image

TravelAMP  says:
15 months ago

Great hub. I've never been to the Caribbeans but sure I will one day.It's a must for any traveller.

If you ever wanna come around Asia be sure to check my hubs.

J D Murrah profile image

J D Murrah  says:
15 months ago

TravelAMP,

I appreciate the invites to your Asian hubs.The Caribbean is a area filled with wonderous things. Each island and nation are a whole different world.

vacationguides profile image

vacationguides  says:
25 hours ago

Hi JD Murrah!

Great hub! I have never traveled outside of the U.S.,well, at least not yet. Hopefully someday in the future. I am a fan! :)

J D Murrah profile image

J D Murrah  says:
11 hours ago

vacationguides,

I am glad that you enjoyed the hub. Travel has a way of opening the mind to new possibilities and new ways of looking at things.

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