Island Tings
The Caribbean holds a special place in my heart. Its proximity to mainland United States makes it an accessible paradise. With warm, crystal blue waters and beautiful sandy beaches, it's the epitome of relaxation. The simplicity of island life, with its focus on beach days, good food, and friendly people, is truly enjoyable. Whether it's lounging by the shore, sampling delicious local cuisine, or simply soaking in the laid-back atmosphere, the Caribbean offers a perfect escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
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Cuba
As an American, visiting Cuba was a true delight, a place I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to experience, but one I'm incredibly grateful for. It was culturally rich, with exquisite architecture and smart, kind-hearted people. Cuba offered a one-of-a-kind experience, like stepping back in time, where you could see firsthand how political tensions have shaped the country and its resources. In Cuba, you're truly disconnected from the rest of the world, with limited access to wifi or cellular service, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment, which was amazing. If you have the chance to visit, I highly recommend it; it offers a unique perspective and insight into a way of life that's quite different from what most are accustomed to. I had such an enjoyable time.
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Dominican Republic
My trip to the Dominican Republic marked the beginning of my birthday getaways. I had an incredible time with my friend who joined me. We stayed at an all-inclusive resort in La Romana, which was lovely. I love the Caribbean for its diversity, and I felt a connection to the locals who were extremely kind and friendly. While resorts offer comfort, I missed truly experiencing the island beyond the hotel. The highlight of our trip was an ATV excursion, which was a blast. I'm excited to explore the Dominican Republic differently next time.
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Bermuda
An island getaway, but not your typical Caribbean destination—Bermuda offers a unique charm just a short two-hour flight from New York. Surprisingly, I've only visited once, and I'm not sure why. I went with a group of work friends, and it was a blast. The island is well-developed with plenty to see and do, not to mention its stunning beauty. Bermuda boasts many gorgeous sandy beaches with warm waters perfect for swimming. I indulged in good food, good drinks, and shared many laughs. I'm eagerly looking forward to my return.
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Martinique
The first of three French islands I've visited in the Caribbean, this trip holds a very special place in my heart as it was my first solo adventure. It gave me the confidence and courage to know that I can travel alone, make tough decisions, and trust myself and my instincts. Solo travel teaches you so much about yourself, and I'll forever be grateful for this initial experience—it boosted my confidence in solo travel and taking chances in life. I had a wonderful host during my stay, who showed me around the island, sharing her history and culture.
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Puerto Rico
Territory or country, whatever you wanna call it, Puerto Rico is a beautiful island in the Caribbean. I had the best time in PR with two of my best friends from high school. There's nothing like going on vacation with people you've been friends with for over a decade. It was a riot; we hit the beaches, partied on La Placita, and checked out whatever touristy things we could. We made memories to last a lifetime. Excited to do it again!
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Curaçao
The "C" of the ABC islands, Curaçao, is an incredibly beautiful Dutch-owned island. The influence of Dutch architecture is evident in the charming homes and buildings. Like in the Dominican Republic, I stayed at an all-inclusive resort, which was absolutely stunning, but I wished I could have immersed myself more in the local culture. This trip, I did venture beyond the resort grounds to explore the downtown area, learning about their history, culture and the many influences that makes it the country it is today.
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Guadeloupe
met my now ex-boyfriend, who is French, on this stunning French-owned island, so naturally, it holds a special place in my heart. Like Martinique, I embarked on another solo vacation in the Caribbean, escaping the harsh New York winter. As with most island getaways, my time was spent in total relaxation mode on the beach, basking in the beauty of the powerful Caribbean sun.
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St. Martin
My favorite of the three French islands I've visited, this island is unique for being divided into two sections: the French side and the Dutch side. On the Dutch side, they speak English and use USD, while on the French side, they speak French and use the Euro. This island offers fantastic nightlife, pristine beaches, and an array of dining and drinking options. It was a romantic getaway for me, making it all the more special. I've been wanting to return for quite some time, so I'm excited about that in the near future.
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Anguilla
I was only here for half a day, taking a day trip from nearby St. Martin, which took about 30 minutes if I recall correctly. It's amazing that there are a few islands you can visit by boat, allowing you to explore and see more. It was a cute little island; we didn't do too much besides walking around, hanging by the beach, and eating. I would love to spend more than half a day next time, so I'm looking forward to being back.
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Antigua & Barbuda
I absolutely loved this island. It was so beautiful, and I had such a great time with two of my closest friends. We came here to celebrate my birthday, and we were all over the island, thanks to renting a car. We explored so many different beaches and spent hours lounging on them. We wore ourselves out trying to do as much as possible and stayed out as long as we could throughout the day. We also visited some historic sights and learned about the fascinating history of this tiny, beautiful island.
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Aruba
Hands down, my favorite Caribbean island. Before visiting Aruba, I knew it was a popular destination, but I didn't understand why people returned multiple times without exploring other beautiful Caribbean islands. However, after arriving, exploring, and experiencing it for myself, I understood the allure. While most islands in the Caribbean are similar, Aruba stood out to me. It's as beautiful as the rest, but I felt like I was able to do and see so much more here. Renting a car, as recommended by my parents, turned out to be the best decision. It allowed me to zip around the island, maximizing my time and experiences. I can't wait to be back on the island!