18 days in Caribbean Itinerary

Known as the location of one of the longest coral reefs in the world, Turks and Caicos offer scenic white-sand beaches, calm waters, and warm, sunny weather. Apart from the upscale resorts in Providenciales, which is known for its award-winning beach, the rest of the scenery remains mostly pristine and uncrowded. On a trip to Turks and Caicos, you can spend days lazing on a deserted beach, go island hopping, and enjoy a range of fun activities, from world-class snorkeling and diving, to hiking, sailing, deep-sea fishing, and bird-watching.

While the charming Saint-Martin shares its small island with the similarly named Dutch constituency, it offers a distinct, more European atmosphere than its counterpart. Noticeably devoid of casinos and less developed than its neighbor, Saint-Martin boasts rocky cliffs, scenic beaches, trendy restaurants, and a leisurely, carefree atmosphere. The island has practically no border control, so you'll easily travel between the two sides to make the most of your Saint-Martin holiday.

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.

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.