If your idea of the greatest tourist attraction in the world is a simple, white sand beach - then the Caribbean is for you. But if you want more - a vacation adventure that includes scuba and snorkeling, hot hotels and sultry nightlife - the Caribbean is also for you!
Plus, it's the perfect setting for an island wedding, or a honeymoon cruise - and the ideal place to party: enjoy great food and drink in spectacular surroundings from premiere resorts to rented villas.
The hard part? Deciding on an island - or two, or three. Here is just a sampling of popular Caribbean hotspots, to help you get started.
Antigua - This island is one big tourism attraction - with something for everyone. Explore the secluded beaches, the 18th century dockyards, the twin-spire cathedral, the pre-historic artifacts, the casinos and the restaurants (hint: if you like hot sauce, you're going to love the local food). But Antigua is also the place for sailing: every April, the locals celebrate Sail Week which attracts competitors from around the world.
Aruba - Do you like windsurfing? Live music and dancing? You'll like Aruba. Other attractions include the old lighthouse, a butterfly farm and the bird sanctuary - and all those glorious beaches. This island is also a popular port-of-call for several cruise lines.
Bahamas - Did you know the Bahamas is actually made up of about 700 islands, spread out over an area of more than 100,000 miles? But chances are, you're interested Nassau and Grand Bahama with that eclectic mix of "international glamour and tropical ease" (as the website says). What to do? Ride a horse on the beach, hit the casinos, swim the turquoise waters and tour the romantic city center.
Barbados - The easternmost of the Lesser Antilles islands is sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic. If you're looking for luxury, stay in a world-class hotel or villa on Barbados' Platinum Coast -- but whatever your budget, enjoy the carnivals and calypso music that is the heart and soul of the island. See Bridgetown's Broad Street - and the duty free shopping - or go antiquing in buildings and squares dating from the 1600's.
Belize - Enjoy the serenity that is Belize - and the tropical jungles, exotic wildlife and cascading falls. Visit ancient caves, colonial towns, and explore the Mayan culture - then, treat yourself to a plate of rice and beans and plantains. Then, hit the beach.
Bermuda - Just 650 miles east of North Carolina, Bermuda is considered the northern-most edge of the Caribbean. Tourists cannot rent cars - only mopeds - but it's the perfect transportation for exploring this charming member of the British Commonwealth. Artists adore Bermuda for its pink beaches, snug white houses and famously friendly people.
Cancun - This lovely Mexican town is considered part of the Mayan Riviera - home to ancient archaeological sites, amazing craft markets, and a large barrier reef that delights snorkelers with exotic fish and oceanic wonders.
Dominican Republic - Hike a 10,000 foot tall mountain, or explore Santo Domingo - the New World's oldest city; or, explore the native wildlife, and the incredible coral reefs. Check out the many all-inclusive resorts along the Punta Cana/Bávaro coastline.
Southern Caribbean - This region includes Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Netherlands Antilles, Aruba, and Grenada. Join the celebrations at Trinidad's Carnival - considered "one of the world's great street parties" - and learn more about all these islands at the Caribbean's official tourism website.
Turks and Caicos - The beaches are white and powdery - the cuisine is international and sophisticated - and the diving is rated "superb". What else could you possibly want?
Check with your favorite guidebook, or the Caribbean Travel website -- http://www.caribbeantravel.com/ -- where you'll find island-by-island descriptions of everything from modest accommodations to four-star resorts with all-inclusive packages or villas for rent. Restaurants are listed as well, along with car rental agencies and more.
There are numerous websites to help you plan simple or spectacular weddings, as well as honeymoons ranging from island cruises to four-star hotels - we found this one simply by googling "Caribbean" and "wedding" but be sure to read all the information carefully to see if the site you choose is right for you. We suggest you start with the "Caribbean's official tourism site" - click on "things to do" and check out the wedding/honeymoon section.
Check out the tourism site -- http://www.caribbeantravel.com/ -- for deals and discounts.
Fare Compare has compiled a comprehensive zone, country, state, city air travel listing. This page contains countries and popular cities with flights and airfares in Caribbean.
Cheap Flights to Caribbean, Airfare Search