Here are some of the best things that you can do in the beautiful Caribbean islands.
The Caribbean is a name that has become synonymous with breathtaking
beaches, lively music, seemingly endless merrymaking, and wonderful
gastronomic fares.
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The Top 5 Destinations In The Caribbean To Include In Your Family Travel Bucket List
About The Caribbean
The Caribbean is actually a region in the Americas composed of many island
nations in the Caribbean Sea. These island nations are the following:
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bonaire
- The British Virgin Islands
- The Cayman Islands
- Collectivity of Saint Martin
- Cuba
- Curacao
- Dominica
- The Dominican Republic
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Barthelemy
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sint Maarten
- Trinidad, and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos
- US Virgin Islands
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These territories are blessed with tropical climates, pristine shorelines,
spectacular mountain ranges, and teeming marine biodiversity. The Caribbean is
home to some of the most pristine waters that are well-known globally.
For example,
Bonaire’s diving and snorkeling sites
are considered by many travelers to be some of the best in the world. As such,
these islands have become favorite destinations among travelers because of the
many adventures that await them there.
The Top 5 Caribbean destinations
Each of those island nations in the Caribbean has its unique culture, heritage, flavors, and tourist spots.
However, if I were to pick, here are the top 5 destinations in the Caribbean
that you can immediately include in your travel list when you plan your next
trip.
This former Spanish colony is located in the northern Caribbean. It is composed of several islands, being an archipelago.
The Caribbean is a region rich in natural wonders and historical landmarks. With the region's diverse cultures, history, food, music, and offerings, a trip to the Caribbean is every traveler's dream.
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1. Barbados
Located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean region, Barbados is a
country with a rich and historic past having been colonized by the Spanish,
briefly by the Portuguese, and finally by the British colonial.
Barbados was a sugar colony and was once a focal point of the slave trade
which has long been abolished. Because of its rich historical past, expect
to find several World Heritage sites in Barbados.
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Top 3 things to do in Barbados
There seems to be an endless list of things to see, do, and taste in
Barbados. However, if it's your first time visiting Barbados, these are
the top three things that you should not miss in this country:
a. Visit Bridgetown
Bridgetown
is the capital and largest city of Barbados, and its Garrison historic
area. For centuries until today, Bridgetown is an important commercial and
business district of Barbados.
Having been occupied by the British, Barbados’ culture is an amalgamation
of West African and British. Cricket is a game that is well-loved in
Barbados.
b. Go on a Barbados Rum Tour
Not many people may know it but Barbados is considered to be the origin of
rum. Rum is derived from molasses fermented into alcohol. The alcohol is
then distilled to remove impurities and create a drink that distinctly
defines this Caribbean island’s culture.
A Barbados Rum tour, covering distilleries (including the oldest one in
the world) and rum shops, is the perfect way to better appreciate the
world-renowned rum.
c. Spend a leisurely time at the beach
A visit to Barbados would not be complete without a visit to some of its
most famous beaches. If it's your first time in Barbados, don't forget to
check Sandy Lane Beach, where there are regular sightings of international
celebrities; Mullins Beach if you are looking for a small beach with a bar
and restaurant; and Martin’s Bay is your best destination if you want to
escape the big crown and frolic in unadulterated beaches.
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2. Jamaica
Jamaica is the fourth-largest nation in the Caribbean. Previously ruled by
the Spanish and British, Jamaica is also a melting pot of cultures. Jamaica
is perhaps best known for reggae music, popularized worldwide by Bob Marley.
A beach getaway is an easy choice when in Jamaica because the nation is
blessed with gleaming shores.
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Top 3 things to do in Jamaica
The music, the sunset, the flavors, and the beaches are all inviting when
you are in Jamaica. Nonetheless, do not forget to include the following
activities when you take a trip to Jamaica:
a. Take a tour of the Rastafari Indigenous Village
Apart from beaches, Jamaica has other surprises in store for travelers. One
of these is the
Rastafari Indigenous Village, which is a theme park that depicts the Rastafari culture and how it fits
into the overall Jamaican culture. Here, visitors may learn about organic
farming, traditional crafts-making, and music.
b. Visit Kool Runnings
Another attraction in Jamaica that is worth checking is Kool Runnings, the
largest waterpark in Jamaica. It offers a host of activities to guests such
as waterslides, tubing, go-kart racing, and paintball, just to name a few.
c. Do not miss the Luminous Lagoon
The Luminous Lagoon is a body of water that is home to microorganisms called
dinoflagellates. These microorganisms emit a glow when disturbed. A visit to
the Luminous Lagoon is recommended at night time or at dusk, and guests are
allowed to swim in the water.
3. Aruba
Aruba is an island country located in the southern Caribbean Sea. It is a
constituent country of the Kingdom of Netherlands, as such Aruba's citizens
are Dutch nationals and the Dutch language is one of two official
languages.
With its warm weather and sunny skies, it's the
perfect beach destination all year round.
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States located in the Northeast Caribbean. It was once a Spanish colony, as such, the Spanish language is an official language along with English.
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Top 3 things to do in Aruba
Despite the popularity of Aruba's pristine shorelines, there are actually
a host of other activities other than beach bumming that can be done in
this island county. Below is a list of some of the
awesome things to do in Aruba.
a. Visit Aruba's Museums
Aruba may be a small island nation but it takes pride in its rich history
and heritage. If you want to learn more about the country's culture and
past, you may visit any of its
seven museums, namely the Archaeological Museum, the Etnia Nativa Art Gallery &
Museum, the Museum of Antiquities, The Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory,
Fort Zoutman/Historical Museum, San Nicolas Community Museum, and the
Aruba Model Train Museum.
Admission to the Archaeological Museum, Museum of Antiquities, The Aruba
Aloe Museum & Factory, and the Aruba Model Train Museum are all free
while the others charge only a minimal amount.
b. Enjoy Aruba's nightlife
Aruba is home to several casinos, bars, and clubs, as well as carnival,
dance, and magic shows. If you want to experience Aruba's colorful
nightlife, go bar hopping or check out one of the entertainment shows
available near you.
c. Explore Aruba's countryside
This is one of the must-book tours in the country. This is an extensive
four-and-a-half-hour bus tour around Aruba's countryside. Here, you will
get to see Aruba's wildlife, some of its most important landmarks, and
natural attractions, capped with a swim at Baby Beach.
4. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States located in the Northeast Caribbean. It was once a Spanish colony, as such, the Spanish language is an official language along with English.
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Top 3 things to do in Puerto Rico
A trip to Puerto Rico is never complete without having to experience its
breathtaking beaches. Nevertheless, there are also a good number of
other exciting activities
to do in this archipelago apart from checking out its beaches.
a. Take a trip to Puerto Rico's Bioluminescent Bays
Puerto Rico has three bioluminescent bays, namely Mosquito Bay (Vieques),
Laguna Grande (Fajardo), and La Parguera (Lajas).
These are home to microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates that emit a
glow when they are disturbed. These eco-tours are best held when it is
dark so that guests can fully behold the mesmerizing glow of the
dinoflagellates in the water.
b. Taste local rum
Puerto Rico also offers tours to its local distilleries such as Casa
Bacardi, Hacienda Santa Ana, and PitoRico.
During a distillery tour, visitors will learn the history of rum, and how
it is made and may have a shot or two to taste it. Of course, guests may
always buy a bottle or two in the distillery shops if this is what they
fancy.
c. Explore El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque is a rainforest that is open for eco-adventures such as hiking,
and familiarization with local plants and birds. El Yunque National Forest
is located in the Rio Grande area, east of San Juan.
5. Cuba
This former Spanish colony is located in the northern Caribbean. It is composed of several islands, being an archipelago.
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Top 3 things to do in Cuba
Cuba’s rich colonial past makes it an interesting destination for history
and heritage enthusiasts. Aside from visiting historic sites, here are other
exciting activities that you can do in Cuba.
a. Visit Cuba’s beaches
Not known to many, Cuba is blessed with
white sand beaches
and stunning blue-green waters. Some of the most recommended beaches in Cuba
are Varadero Beach, Cayo Largo del Sur, and Cayo Guillermo, to name a few.
b. Explore Havana
Havana is the capital city of Cuba and is the focal point of the country’s
culture and heritage. In Havana, there are several museums, public squares,
restaurants, and churches to include in one’s itinerary when in Cuba.
c. Immerse yourself in Cuba’s culture
From cigars to rum, to music and art, Cuba is an interesting mix of various
influences from over five centuries. Those influences shaped what is today’s
Cuban culture, which travelers may learn by taking via local tours.
Epilogue
The Caribbean is a region rich in natural wonders and historical landmarks. With the region's diverse cultures, history, food, music, and offerings, a trip to the Caribbean is every traveler's dream.
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I will add these beautiful places on my bucket list. I am planning to travel when the pandemic is over. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteAs a chef in a cruise ship for 20 yrs now, half of my life at sea is in the carribean! I may not have experienced the good life of being a tourist on these places but my eyes surely feast with all the wonderful places around.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the Caribbean had these many islands. I would love to visit Barbados and Jamaica some day.
ReplyDeleteThe Caribbean is certainly a totally edenic region. I have been only to a handful of those mesmerizing islands and would love to go back. The ABC-islands are next on my list :-D
ReplyDeleteYou blew my mind with how many islands were in the Caribbean. Why did I think the Caribbean was its own island?? I would visit any and all of these in a heartbeat. As much as I dislike the heat something about being on a beach with a cocktail in hand just makes my heart soar!
ReplyDeleteI just visited PR recently and love it! I have to go visit the rest on the list
ReplyDeleteGreat places, the beach is my favorite place to spend time and enjoy the fresh air. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFransic - https://www.querianson.com