57 days in Caribbean Itinerary

Three main and a number of minor islands that make up U.S. Virgin Islands treat visitors to a blend of historical sites and picture-perfect beaches. Though officially American territory--nicknamed "America's Paradise"--these islands boast a mix of cultures that make for culturally enriching vacations. A no-passport-required status makes holidays in U.S. Virgin Islands extremely popular with American tourists, who flock to this tropical heaven to enjoy scenic beaches, outdoor activities, and tasty local food. The islands are also a duty-free shopping destination, which also makes them appealing to shopaholics from across the world.

Escape from civilization and take a trip to British Virgin Islands, a collection of 60 small islands and cays in the Virgin Islands archipelago. Although British territory, the island is not noticeably British, offering a quiet and serene vibe that lives on despite a major tourism boom. With most of its islets uninhabited, British Virgin Islands remain a paradise for sailing, snorkeling, lazing on a deserted beach, and exploring sleepy seaside villages.

A trip to St. Maarten-St. Martin allows you to discover two separate colonies occupying one small island of just 95 sq km (37 sq mi). Divided between France and the Netherlands, this tiny spit of land in the Caribbean treats visitors to a surprisingly diverse blend of native and European cultures. A tour of St. Maarten-St. Martin reveals a landscape of both urban and untamed areas, with sandy beaches and pristine rainforests often appearing as extensions of one another. The French north of the island offers a string of outstanding restaurants and lively beaches popular with a young party-loving crowd. The Dutch southern section lures visitors with its dynamic bar scene and casinos.

A peaceful set of islands with a pristine, bespoke tourism infrastructure, Anguilla offers a restful vacation for beach-lovers, honeymooners, and diving enthusiasts. A scattering of historic attractions in Anguilla stand as testament to the native and colonial histories of the set of paradisal islands, but the focus here lies much more on coastlines rather than timelines. The beaches of Anguilla remain relatively untouched, allowing the scenery to speak for itself. However, this is no back-to-basics place, with whatever tourist developments there are being made to luxury standards, and priced accordingly.

The volcanic island of St. Barthelemy has become a popular holiday destination for the rich and famous. It doesn't take a large leap of the imagination to see why, with the towering mountainous backdrop, green hills, and waters protected by a coral reef. The beaches offer ample room for lazing under the sun, while the calm waters offer rich marine environments, easily accessible on dives or snorkeling trips. A St. Barthelemy vacation can work to a budget more modest than a millionaire's too, with good deal available during off season.

A trip to St. Kitts and Nevis takes you to the smallest country in the Americas. Although diminutive in size, the two Caribbean islands offer a distinct tropical experience to visitors. Rich in history, the islands feature forested hills, tranquil beaches, charming villages, and restored sugar plantations. On a tour of St. Kitts and Nevis you can visit historic forts and quaint colonial towns, lounge on picturesque stretches of sand, or enjoy hiking the dormant Mount Liamuiga, the islands' highest peak.

A true tropical getaway, Antigua attracts travelers from all over the world with its innumerable beaches, coves, and bays. Although an important cruise ship destination with upscale resorts and facilities, Antigua doesn't lack tranquility. With picturesque and secluded stretches of sand and sleepy villages waiting at every corner, a vacation in Antigua is the perfect opportunity to lounge on the waterfront, enjoy swimming and snorkeling, and indulge in delicious seafood.

Experience a lively mixture of French and Afro-Caribbean culture on your Guadeloupe vacation. The archipelago consists of two main islands connected by bridges spanning a mangrove swamp, and a number of smaller islands to the south. The island of Grande Terre is mostly flat and arid, offering numerous scenic beaches and lively small towns, while Basse Terre features verdant jungles and mountainous terrain, crowned by a tall volcano. On a tour of Guadeloupe, you can enjoy a variety of beach activities, partake in hiking through a national park, and bask in the vibrant atmosphere of charming towns and villages.

The volcanic island nation of Dominica represents the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles. Such is evidenced in the geothermal action of the island's many hot springs, with relaxing dips in the hot sulfur spring water among the most popular things to do in Dominica. The unspoiled appearance of much of the nation provides a natural backdrop for a wealth of ecotourism adventures, including swimming, hiking, and snorkeling. The main urban areas showcase the ethnic diversity of the land once contested by the British and the French, with a number of local eateries serving West Indian and Creole dishes, and a whole lot of dancing and music to be enjoyed.

The mountainous island of Martinique offers travelers everything from stunning natural landscapes, to vibrant towns and enticing cuisine. The island's varied scenery includes numerous scenic beaches, lush forests, and a majestic volcano that towers over the St. Pierre harbor. A range of activities await you on your Martinique holiday, allowing you to spend your days lounging on the sand and enjoying the azure waters, sampling gastronomic delicacies, or frequenting the shops, clubs, and cafes in the capital city of Fort-de-France.

The island of St. Lucia is hailed for its scenic landscape of tall mountains, forested hills, and fertile valleys sprinkled with banana plantations. The island's dramatic scenery is most renowned for the Pitons, two volcanic spires that rise from the ocean floor. Whether you're visiting the island as part of a cruise, a romantic honeymoon, or looking for adventure, a St. Lucia vacation offers something for everyone. Discover the island's hidden beaches and coves, go climbing or hiking, and enjoy the picturesque views and tropical weather.

Vacations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines offer eco-adventures and luxury, with the island nation catering to the tastes of mega yacht owners and backpackers alike. The main island's interior volcanic and hilly terrain has been covered in lush tropical rainforest, rich in wildlife, while the coastal areas offer beaches both popular and secluded. Taking a chartered boat tour of the islands represents one of the more popular things to do in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with island hopping revealing uninhabited paradisal islands, unspoiled by development of any kind.

Plan a vacation on the small Caribbean island of Barbados and experience its rich history and vibrant culture. Affectionately called "Little England," the island retains a noticeable British influence in its lively culture, visible especially in sport, religion, and the charming British style buildings with a Caribbean flair. On a tour of Barbados you can lounge on sandy beaches, participate in world-class surfing, roam the World Heritage-listed capital, or explore the lush island interior. When on the island, don't forget to sample its world-famous rum and the signature local dish, the flying fish.

The fertile and lively island nation of Grenada allows for itineraries both adventurous and serene. The main island and six smaller ones offer unspoiled interior landscapes of lush vegetation, impressive waterfalls, and winding rivers, explorable on a number of ecotourism experiences, such as rafting, hiking, and climbing. The coastal areas provide long stretches of golden sand, backed by large and popular resorts, while the humble urban areas have become particularly well-known for their atmospheric eateries, serving local cuisine using produce from the Island of Spice. One of the main things to do in Grenada has to be marine exploration, with dive sites offshore representing some of the most abundant in the region, with impressive coral formations providing home for a schools of tropical fish.

With its two landmasses offering different, but complementary Caribbean flavors, the dual island nation of Trinidad and Tobago attracts visitors looking for relaxation and adventure. Cities and bustling market towns set the pace of cosmopolitan Trinidad, by far the larger of the two Caribbean sisters. Holidays in Tobago tend to be more chilled out affairs, with island offering some of the nation's finest resorts and best kept beaches, along with a wealth of protected areas boasting diverse and abundant wildlife. Both have become famous for their Creole culture and traditions, with holidays in Trinidad and Tobago offering plenty of culinary and musical highlights, including red hot curries and spicy calypso music.