How to Choose an Island for your Vacation

There are numerous islands to choose from for vacation. While many similarities exist between them, each differs in various ways and offers unique experiences particular to its distinctive cultural environment. Before you decide based solely on popularity, send off for more information. Whenever possible, try to stray away from tourist hot spots and venture into the island to see its hidden treasures. Below are some examples of different islands I've enjoyed and what they have to offer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet
• Passport

1. Go snorkeling among the coral reef in aquamarine waters along the peaceful beaches of beautiful Antigua. Enjoy a rum punch as you watch the sunset over the calm, clear waters, or rent a bike and venture through the neighborhoods taking in the scenic region. Visit their website at http://www.antigua-barbuda.org/

2. Beaches of white sand, rolling hills that boast of gorgeous flowers and very green plant foliage, and traditional, religious Sunday services are characteristic of Barbados, also known as Little England. Check it out for yourself at http://www.barbados.org/

3. Banana trees in yards, friendly, beautiful people, beaches contrasted by rocky cliffs in some areas--great for diving, and ecru colored sand flanked by green plant life describe Bermuda. It is also known for its African and British influences. http://www.bermudatourism.com/index.aspx

4. Known for its beautiful resorts, Dominican Republic is rich in historical sites and cultural activities as well. Wind blown palm trees, white sandy beaches, and blue green waters describe various areas of this enchanting island. See for yourself at http://www.dominicanrepublic.com/thewebsite/

5. Have you ever been to a rain forest? Guadeloupe is full of tropical vegetation, volcanic vents, and beautiful waterfalls. The driest days are between February and April, but the most agreeable temperatures are between December and February. Visit them online at http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/caribbean/guadeloupe

6. Feel the love and the warmth of the people in Bob Marley's home of Jamaica. Go on horseback treks through the countryside taking in the lush vegetation, or play in the beautiful turquoise colored water. Go to http://www.jamaica.com/ for more information.

7. Beautiful Puerto Rico is a diverse island with rain forests, mountains, beaches, caves, and rivers. Explore the island, enjoying the Spanish, African, Indian, and Asian influenced culture and go horse back riding, or sunning on one of the many beaches. Stop along the roadside and enjoy homemade mofongo and plantains. Americans, your cell phone will work here! http://welcome.topuertorico.org/index.shtml

8. The United States Virgin Islands consist of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. Try your hand at deep sea fishing, Scuba Diving, secluded beaches, hiking, sailing, snorkeling, wind surfing, and more. Get married in The Virgin Islands easier than almost anywhere else in the United States. Go to their website to find out how. http://www.usvi.net/index.html

Tips & Warnings

• There are so many more islands to choose from that no one should settle for a vacation that everyone they know has already experienced. This article could go on forever giving examples of more islands, but you would fare better to do your own research. Go to your local bookstore and visit the travel section. Buy a book on island vacations and start there.

[ReuseItAll]

on 6/2/2009 What a great resource this is! I've been wondering how to figure out which island we'd enjoy the most and this article was so helpful! Thank you for sharing!