Eastern Caribbean Vacations
When it comes to planning a Caribbean vacation, tourists tend to travel the western Caribbean Islands. Although the Caymans and Jamaica are famous western destinations, the Eastern Caribbean has a number of beautiful locations to offer. In fact, the Virgin Islands are among the most popular eastern spots that tourists hit.
In general, the eastern Caribbean islands tend to be smaller than their western counterparts. However, their natural beauty and smaller population make them just as, if not more, appealing than some of the bigger western islands.
Because of their proximity to Florida, the eastern Caribbean islands are easily accessible. In fact, the eastern Caribbean route is extremely successful among cruise lines because the small size of the islands allows the ship to hit up multiple destinations within a shorter period of time.
For the most part, vacation activities for an eastern Caribbean vacation center on water sports. While tourists may find some hiking opportunities, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, fishing and parasailing make up the main forms of vacations entertainment.
Vacationing in Aruba
If you are traveling to Aruba, you'll likely stay in the main city of Oranjestad. Not only does Oranjestad offer a number of lush resorts, but it also has quality restaurants, museums and shops. As with any other Caribbean destination, water sports are the main activity on a vacation in Aruba. Water skiing, boating and snorkeling are so popular in Aruba that any tourist can easily find quick lessons and get started immediately.
However, Aruba also offers some interesting land diversions. ATV tours take tourists all around the island in a fun, exciting manner. Avid golfers will encounter a few lavish courses to meet their needs, such as Terra el Sol and The Links.
Traveling to Barbados
A popular Caribbean destination, Barbados is one of the most densely populated Caribbean islands. Some of the cities that tourists visit most frequently include Bridgetown, Holetown and Oinstins. Along with the traditional water sports, day trips to the unique areas of Barbados can easily consume a vacation day. For example, take time to visit the Little Bay that not only has a distinct type of sand, but also is characterized by the number of blow holes spout up water with the motion of the waves.
Another fascinating wonder of Barbados is its Wildlife Reserve. At the Reserve, people can observe deer, monkeys, snakes and birds in their natural habitats, a rarity in modern times.
For the historical experience, check out the Barbados Museum & Historical Society. This military prison turned museum houses many cultural and historical artifacts of Barbados' past.
Off the Beaten Path in Puerto Rico
Depending on whom you travel with and what you expect from your vacation, you can choose to take the traditional tourist route or to try life as a local. Because Puerto Rico has such a rich, thriving culture, you may want to consider hitting up the local destinations for a true Caribbean adventure.
The Isla Verde is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Puerto Rico. It offers its clientele fancy accommodations, plenty of water sports (with opportunity for lessons) and a number of surrounding shops.
For travelers looking to take in the local experience, plan to stay in Ocean Park or Old San Juan during your vacation in Puerto Rico. Not only will you get a taste of the local flavor, but you will also save a considerable amount of money, as these locations lack the conventional tourist markup.
However, whether you prefer a traditional vacation or an adventure, check out the El Yunque rainforest in Puerto Rico. This natural wonder is home to many endangered frogs, birds and bats. Exploring the on-land beauty can be just as thrilling as any snorkel or scuba trip!
