10 Caribbean Islands Vacation Myths Busted

There's nothing more soothing than falling asleep in the open air with the sound of waves crashing ashore in the background. The Caribbean Islands call out to vacationers from around the world. Many venture to the islands for an escape from reality. Others go for the adventure.

When it comes to exploring the Caribbean Islands, there are some myths that need to be busted -- some misconceptions that may keep people from experiencing a vacation of a lifetime.

The truth is...

...there are more than just beaches in the Caribbean.

There are actually a variety of activities people can partake in that takes them away from the beach. These adventures can be found on a number of different islands.

• Island-hopping tours
• Catamaran excursions
• Waterfall hikes
• Rainforest treks

The truth is...

...all Caribbean island destinations have something unique to offer.

Although there are many overlaps in available activities, such as water sports, there are also a variety of opportunities that are different depending on your vacation location. Some locations are ideal for golfing, others are perfect for diving, hiking, exploring rain forests, among others.

Golf in the Dominican Republic

Of the Caribbean destinations, The Dominican Republic offers the largest number of pristine golf courses designed by such greats as Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Fazio.

• Casa de Campo Resort
• Guavaberry Golf and Country Club
• Punta Cana Resort and Club
• Cap Cana Resort and Club

There is something to be said for playing a round of golf with good friends while enjoying the scenery and embracing the ocean around.

Hike, Trek, and Walk on Various Caribbean Islands

Different Caribbean islands offer various hiking, trekking, and walking terrain for all ages to enjoy. Serious trekkers can venture through rainforests and jungles or up and down volcanoes. Those less adventurous can walk their way out to beautiful beach outlooks. The Caribbean islands are perfect for all hiking holidays.

Through Rainforests and Jungles

• Dominica - The jungles on this island are ideal for adventurous souls looking for an experience of a lifetime. Jungle hikes lead visitors to hidden hot springs and the Valley of Destruction, a barren wasteland.
• Trinidad - The rainforest jungles offer trails to breathtaking waterfalls and river gorges. There are ample trails for hikers of all levels.
• St. Lucia - Hikers can make their way to the edge of the rainforest and look out at viewpoints that open up to the ocean. The ridge hikes can be strenuous, but worthwhile.

Up and Down Volcanoes

• Saba - The entire island is one big volcano. It is a craggy rock pyramid rising out of the blue ocean. Mount Scenery sits at 3,000 feet, right in the middle of the island.
• St. Eustatius - The extinct stratovolcano, Quill, provides hikers with a beautiful place to hike. There is a wide variety of flora hikers can enjoy, ranging from wild begonias and orchids to mahogany trees and elephant-ears ferns.

and Out to Beaches

• St. Barth's - Also known as St. Bart's, this island provides easy hikes to popular beaches, such as Colombier Beach. While at the beach, hikers will take a break and snorkel or dive in the nearby waters before returning.

Get Up Close and Personal With Animals in the Caribbean Islands

Getting off the beach and into the water can be quite an adventure for some if interactions with wild animals are involved. There are many creatures that island vacationers can get close to and even interact with while in the Caribbean.

• Grand Cayman - swim with stingrays.
• Nevis - watch hawksbill and leatherback turtles.
• Curacao - swim in the coral reefs with fish and other sea creatures.
• Nassau - swim with Caribbean reef sharks.
• Trinidad - watch birds.
• Nassau - swim with dolphins.
• Dominican Republic - watch humpback whales.

There are some unusual creatures that live in the Caribbean Islands.

The truth is...

...there is bad news for workaholics. Wi-Fi services are standard in most vacation homes, hotels and villas.

It is common for vacationers to find themselves with options to stay connected to the Internet. Workaholics are happy. True holiday goers use the World Wide Web as a way to share their experiences with friends and family. Wireless and wired Internet is available in most hotels, resorts, villas, and vacation homes.

The truth is...

...there is scrumptious, ethnic dining on many of the Caribbean islands.

Caribbean food can be classified of fusion of sorts. There is an exotic blend of African, Asian, European, and Arabian cuisine represented in on the islands. The fragrant aromas that rise from the foods stimulate the senses to no end.

There is/are...

• Fine dining in St. Barth's
• Jerk chicken in Jamaica
• Fried plantains on most islands

The best thing about eating while vacationing in the Caribbean is the large variety found without having to travel far and wide. The eclectic range of food and their natural fusion blends satisfy people with very large pallets. There is never a shortage of foods full of unique tastes on the islands.

The truth is...

...June brings about the warmest temperatures in the Caribbean, when there is peak travel to the islands.

In fact, for the most part, it is ideal to visit the islands when it is not hurricane season. Basically, there are two seasons in the Caribbean -- hurricane and not hurricane.

From June 1st to November 30th, the region is prone to getting phenomenal storms.

The hottest time of year is August and September. It can get humid and the heat can get sweltering.

The most comfortable time of year to visit is in December when temperatures hover just below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The truth is...

...don't wait until you land at the airport to look for a rental car.

Make sure you are making your car rental reservation ahead of time. Some islands are easy to explore without cars. Do some research and find out whether or not your Caribbean Island vacation needs a car.

The truth is...

...some destinations offer duty free shopping island-wide.

In St. Thomas and St. Martin, there are no taxes imposed on retail or food sales like most other islands. Many shoppers find deals in St. Thomas where goods ranging from alcohol and textile are duty free.

**Travel to St. Martin is unadvisable at the current moment. The Center for Disease Control has deemed the island a health hazard for travelers. The World Health Organization confirmed the spread of chikungunya on the island, an infectious disease transmitted through mosquito bites. Other Caribbean islands are at risk of the disease spreading.

The truth is...

...Caribbean villas are smaller and more intimate, potentially offering more unique services in addition to those vacationers take for granted in hotels.

When there are less guests residing at a villa complex, there is more opportunity for top-notch service. In addition to the regular amenities found in hotels, villas can also offer personal cooks, maids, and butlers to guests, making their vacations as carefree as possible.

The truth is...

...there are 1-bedroom villas with private hot tubs and pools, perfect for parties of two.

The Caribbean Islands are a popular honeymoon destination, providing couples with a variety of lodging options. Small parties can enjoy traditional hotel rooms or disappear into the serenity of an island villa.

Parties large and small can enjoy the beauty Caribbean Islands have to offer.

The truth is...

...when you consider the amount of space in a villa and the total rate per bedroom, villas can be considerably cheaper.

Snacks and beverages might also be included and restocked daily in villas. Pre-stocked food and drink can save vacationers some money.

With a savings on villa accommodations, vacationers can spend more money on activities that take them off the beach.