Caribbean Island Vacations

Research before you go!

Sparkling blue water, white sandy beaches - a tropical chain of wonder that curves from the lush rainforest coast of Venezuela to Cuba's famous beaches.

But the Caribbean is about more than just the beaches - it's all the stuff in between - bright and beautiful Junkanoo in Nassau, jammin' on the beach in Havana,Barbados Shopping Sting Ray City in Grand Cayman, the Pitons in St. Lucia and windsurfing at Cabarete, Dominican Republic.

If you're planning your inaugural trip to the Caribbean, a little research will save time, frustration and unplanned expenses. Unwelcome traveling companions on any vacation.

After all the research you'll do, you could write your PhD on the Caribbean and still not grasp all the nuances and quirky beauty that make each island spectacular.

Before you book your cruise or resort, decide on your priorities. Do you want to lie on the beach, shop duty free, scuba dive, trek through the tree tops or maybe immerse yourself in culture? Then start visiting sites that will give you the real deal, not PR double talk. Here's a few to get you started:

Got some Caribbean vacation planning tips? We'd love to hear them.

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