Nothing quite beats an island vacation, and few destinations match up to the Caribbean. As someone who has had the privilege of exploring many of the unforgettable places that make up the Caribbean, I have a few recommendations for first-time visitors.
Where to Plan Your First Trip to the Caribbean
It’s no secret that there are plenty of Caribbean islands to visit. While it depends on how you want to spend your vacation days, here are the Caribbean destinations I would recommend you visit first.
Bahamas
The Bahamas will be one of your most memorable trips to the Caribbean. Between the immaculate beaches and the chubby swimming pigs, your days will be full. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond the main tourist areas, though—you won’t regret it!
Must see: Exuma Cays, Nassau, and the Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island.
St. Lucia
With its dense rainforests and volcanic landscapes, St. Lucia is all about romance. When planning your vacation, you’ll want to book a stay near Soufrière to be close to the island’s best attractions.
Must see: The Pitons, Sulphur Springs, and Marigot Bay.
Turks and Caicos
If spending time in the sun surrounded by calming views and untouched nature is more your speed, I highly recommend Turks and Caicos. There are countless resorts that will keep you well-fed, too.
Must see: Half Moon Bay, Fort George Kay, and Providenciales.
Grenada
Known as the “Spice Island,” Grenada is big on food. Take the time to explore the local markets, where you will find local delicacies like oil down—the country’s national dish.
Must see: Grand Anse Beach, Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, and the nutmeg plantations.
Barbados
Barbados is a thriving mix of British and Caribbean cultures. The friendly locals and interesting history captured my heart—as did the epic surfing.
Must see: Crane Beach, Bridgetown, and St. Nicholas Abbey.
Aruba
It feels like the sun never really sets in Aruba. If you want to experience unique desert-like landscapes and enjoy a bit of nightlife action after hours, Aruba is where you want to be.
Must see: Eagle Beach, Arikok National Park, and Oranjestad.
St. Martin
In St. Martin, you’ll discover a mix of French and Dutch cultures. The French side is all about gourmet dining and diverse beach landscapes, while the Dutch side is known for its nightlife. Be sure to explore both!
Must see: Maho Beach, Orient Bay, and Loterie Farm.
Cuba
The vintage charm that Cuba offers will be forever ingrained in my memory. When you’re not enjoying the cuisine, hire a classic car and take in the beautiful colonial architecture.
Must see: Havana, Varadero, and Viñales Valley.
Martinique
This is another one for anyone who loves to eat when traveling. Martinique oozes French sophistication but isn’t without that Caribbean charm. It’s an explosion of culture packed into a 436 sq mi island.
Must see: Fort-de-France, Mount Pelée, and Les Salines Beach.
Explore the Caribbean
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by choice when planning a vacation to the Caribbean, but you can’t go wrong with any of these destinations. Once you decide how you would like to spend your downtime, it’s just a case of which destination to pick first.
For more on the region have a look at my guide for things to do in Belize.
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