Historically, the islands
of the Caribbean were once known as the West Indies by the many
European explorers who stepped onto their shores. Islands such
as Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands were colonized by the
British, while others such as Aruba and the Netherlands
Antilles with the islands of Curacao and Guadeloupe were
colonized by the Dutch. Many of the inhabitants speak English
and this makes the Caribbean a popular tourist spot for many
Americans. Europeans also vacation in the islands because of
their natural beauty and sandy beaches.
If you are looking for a special getaway, the
Caribbean Islands may be calling. This is a vast region. There
may be islands that you did not realize were in the Caribbean.
Each has its own unique and distinctive feel.
There are some islands that may have warnings
or safety alerts issued by the federal government. Some of the
most popular vacation spots are the Bahamas,
Jamaica, U. S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Before you decide on a vacation spot, you
should look at a map of the area and do a bit of research on
the country. You will need a passport and you may need a visa
for some of the countries. There is a lot to do on each island
with many places to explore and activities to keep you
busy.
A trip to the Caribbean is an experience that
involves all the senses: the smells and taste of the food, the
music you hear, the places you see, and the touch and feel of
exotic plants and the people around you. You can find bargain
rates for trips and luxurious resorts. You can fly to a
particular island and spend your time there or you can take a
Caribbean cruise and visit several islands.
Planning your trip will be fun. But, the most
fun will be the experience of the trip and the memories you
have of a wonderfully, pleasing vacation.