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The Caribbean has what dream vacations are made of: a tropical climate, white and pink sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and friendly locals. The region is made up of hundreds of islands, each one with its own vibe and culture. So, there’s a lot to choose from when deciding on a vacation spot! To help you narrow down the options, here are some of our picks for the best vacation spots in the Caribbean.
Jamaica
Jamaica is known for its beautiful beaches, incredible reefs, mountains, and rainforests. In other words, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. If you’re especially interested in scuba diving and snorkeling, Jamaica is the place to be. The best places to dive are on the northwest coast of the island, but if you’re mainly interested in snorkeling, it doesn’t matter where you stay.
This island is also a great option for those who love reggae music since Jamaica is the birthplace of the genre. If you get the opportunity, you must visit the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, the capital city. Located in Bob Marley’s former home, you’ll be able to see his personal recording studio, bedroom, beloved possessions, and other elements of his life. Whether you love Bob Marley or not, how often do you get to tour a famous musician’s home?
Cuba
Like many nations in the Caribbean, Cuba has a long and complex history — and an interesting one. This has of course helped to shape the nation as it is today, especially the nation’s culture and architecture. It is one of the most popular islands for tourists to visit in the Caribbean, with the majority of tourists coming from Canada and Europe.
If you’re interested in a tropical vacation with a historical edge, you must visit Havana, Cuba. Visit Old Havana for the Spanish-influenced architecture, folk music, historic fortresses like La Cabaña, Catedral de San Cristóbal (a baroque-style church), Museum of the Revolution, and National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana. Lastly, don’t forget to try plenty of Cuban food and beverages. In particular, be sure to try flan, a Cuban sandwich, arroz con pollo, Cuban bread, a Café Cubano, and a Cuban Libre.
The Bahamas
A popular destination with international tourists, the Bahamas is known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and outdoor activities. But if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation that also includes nonstop nightlife and entertainment, Nassau and Paradise Island are where it’s at. The Bahamas is one of the world’s top gaming destinations outside of Las Vegas, so there’s a lot to get excited about.
If you’ve never been to a casino before, the Atlantis Resort or Baha Mar offer some of the best casino experiences in the world. For the newbies, becoming familiar with the etiquette at these glamorous places is crucial to get the most out of the experience. Be sure to swap out your beach attire in favor of something a little less casual, even in the Bahamas. And if you want to make the most of your experience, be sure to be polite, avoid cell phone use, and tip the waiters and dealers.
The Dominican Republic
Since the Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s most-visited destination for international tourists, you’ll find plenty of all-inclusive resorts and tourist-friendly activities like golf and hiking (especially in the Cordillera Central, also known as the Dominican Alps). In fact, golf is one of the most popular activities on the island, and the year-round courses are among the country’s most popular attractions. There are dozens of courses — many of them designed by the best golf course architects around — which makes this a golf lover’s paradise.
Like Cuba, the Dominican Republic is well known for its baroque and European-influenced architecture. Santo Domingo, the capital city, is the best place to see the various architecture styles. The country is also well known for its Merengue music and dance style, so be sure to check out a Merengue festival if you get the opportunity!
No matter which place you choose, you’re sure to be happy with where you end up in the Caribbean. It’s about as close as you can get to paradise. Enjoy your trip!