What could be more relaxing than lounging on soft white sand with a frozen concoction in one hand and your toes in the cool, clear water of the Caribbean Sea? We’ll answer that question for you – very few things. With summertime coming to an end, now’s the perfect time to head down south for a few days of R&R.
The good news is that it’s also cheaper than ever to book a last-minute summer vacation. Airlines, resorts, and booking sites are looking to fill up their remaining vacancies and are extending generous coupons and deals to travelers who are flexible and willing to book a trip on relatively short notice.
With that being said, let’s look at some of the top Caribbean destinations and what makes each of them so special.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Known as the “Cancun of the Dominican Republic,” Punta Cana is a traveler’s dream. There are plenty of low-price accommodations and luxurious resorts that make traveling to the easternmost tip of this picturesque island a must. All-inclusive resorts are surprisingly affordable, and flights are very convenient.
If you have an adventurous side, there are plenty of natural wonders to keep you occupied. Don’t underestimate the shopping, either. If you venture beyond your resort, there are a number of quaint rural towns that cater to the needs of tourists – offering handmade gifts at cheap prices. However, don’t be mistaken. The beauty of the Dominican Republic – and Punta Cana in particular – lies in the white-sand beaches, lush palm trees, and clear blue water.
St. Lucia
One Caribbean destination that seems to consistently fly under the radar is St. Lucia. However, for those that do know about this gorgeous destination, it’s impossible to stay away for long. Honeymooners, adventurers, and music fans alike find St. Lucia to be the perfect place to unwind, relax, and enjoy the laid back feel of island life.
If you need to do more than read a book in the sand, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of hands-on activities to take part in. From kitesurfing and windsurfing to zip-lining through the rainforest and scuba diving with exotic marine life, there’s something for everyone to do here.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are home to some of the most picturesque beaches and premier diving sites in the world. It’s also relatively affordable for travelers looking to stay within a strict budget. Many would say Grand Cayman is reminiscent of South Florida, only with less traffic and better beaches.
If you’re not a diver, but still want to enjoy the crystal clear water, try swimming with a school of stingrays or snorkeling off the coast. There’s something here for the entire family and the ease of travel between the U.S. and the Cayman Islands will likely encourage you to schedule a return trip in the future.
U.S. Virgin Islands
While spring may be the ideal time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, there’s nothing wrong with a late-summer vacation to paradise. Delicious cuisine, incredible views, world-class spas, and the convenience of being able to use the U.S. dollar everywhere you go are just a handful of the reasons why this collection of islands is renowned as one of the top Caribbean destinations.
Whether you want to post up on St. Thomas, St. John, or St. Croix, or spend a little time on each of the three islands, you have a lot of flexibility. It’s fairly easy to get around and you’ll enjoy the lively, yet private feel of the islands.
Plan One Last Summer Getaway
As the heat of summer gives way to the cool breezes of fall, now’s the perfect time to retreat down south for one last week(end) of relaxation. While there are plenty of destinations worth considering, these are four of the best.
