5 Compelling Reasons to Visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines
On a recent trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I experienced an idyllic island paradise featuring pristine, unspoiled beaches. Ready to plan your visit? Discover these top reasons below.
Its Botanical Gardens Are Over 250 Years Old
St. Vincent's Botanical Gardens rank among the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, surpassed only by London's Kew Gardens and Bartram's Garden in Philadelphia. For a small fee, a knowledgeable guide can lead you through highlights like rubber tree sap, fresh nutmeg from a fallen fruit, and a majestic baobab tree—perfect for selfies. The on-site aviary houses the vibrant St. Vincent parrot, the national bird immortalized on the flag. Don't miss the breadfruit tree, a descendant of one brought by Captain William Bligh of HMS Bounty fame. The tour lasts about an hour.
Jack Sparrow Would Feel Right at Home
Wallilabou Bay, a scenic spot on St. Vincent's leeward coast, served as Port Royal in the 2003 film *Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl*. Remnants of the movie set, including a row of cannons, remain intact. Now primarily a hotel, it's ideal for lunch and photos capturing that pirate charm.
Vacation Like the Rich and Famous
While much of St. Vincent offers affordable stays, Mustique is a playground for elites. Queen Elizabeth II visited three times, and villas like "Palm Beach" rent for $85,000 at Christmas—complete with eight master bedrooms, tennis courts, a waterfront pool, chef, butler, staff, vehicles, and even a mule. For $20 million, you could own David Bowie's former retreat.
Rent a Villa Under a Volcanic Arch
Bequia
Moonhole on Bequia, hailed by Lonely Planet as "the most perfect island in the Grenadines," resembles a Bond villain's lair. Founded in the 1960s by New York ad executives fleeing the rat race, its villas are crafted from volcanic rock, whalebone, driftwood, and shells. Overlooking the sea, they start at $1,500 per week with cook and housekeeper included.
An International Airport Enhances Accessibility
Previously, flights to Kingstown involved stops in Barbados or Trinidad on small planes. Argyle International Airport, opened in 2017, now handles up to 1.5 million passengers yearly, boosting tourism while preserving the islands' serene appeal.
Travel Tip: Look for deals like 70% off all-inclusive stays at Buccament Bay Resort, with options through December.
Securing permits can be challenging, and some areas remain restricted to foreigners. Yet, Eastern Tibet offers unforgettable experiences that make it an essential addition to any Tibet itinerary. Here are seven compelling reasons, drawn from expert insights by Lonely Planet contributor Daniel McCrohan.
1. Escape the Beaten Path
The southern Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Image by Daniel McCrohan / Lonely Planet.
Roads in Eastern Tibet are steadily improving, but remote dirt tracks persist, turn
Picture miles of soft, golden sands and turquoise waters averaging 80°F stretching endlessly before you—all in the southeastern U.S. The Outer Banks (OBX), a massive sandbar off North Carolina formed 4,000–5,000 years ago, comprises three barrier islands: Hatteras, Roanoke, and the Northern Beaches. While every season charms, our October fall visit revealed perfect romance. Here are our top seven romantic reasons for couples to explore the OBX.
B.E.A.C.H. – Best Escape Anyone Can Have:
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Its no wonder over 20 million visitors flock to Myrtle Beach annually. From the moment you arrive, youll feel right at home on The Grand Strand—a 60-mile stretch of 14 vibrant beach communities united by a shared love for the coast.Here, you can unwind, embrace your true self, and follow your own rhythm. Feel the suns warmth, the rush of a roller coaster, or savor fresh seafood. Weve curated the top 10 reasons to visit, guaranteed to inspire your next getaway.1. 60 Miles of Pristine BeachesOur i
St. Vincent's Botanical Gardens rank among the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, surpassed only by London's Kew Gardens and Bartram's Garden in Philadelphia. For a small fee, a knowledgeable guide can lead you through highlights like rubber tree sap, fresh nutmeg from a fallen fruit, and a majestic baobab tree—perfect for selfies. The on-site aviary houses the vibrant St. Vincent parrot, the national bird immortalized on the flag. Don't miss the breadfruit tree, a descendant of one brought by Captain William Bligh of HMS Bounty fame. The tour lasts about an hour.
