The Caribbeans rich rum heritage spans islands like Nevis, birthplace of modern rum, and Barbados, home to the worlds oldest commercial distillery. Island-hop independently or join a cruise itinerary highlighting premier distilleries. Discover seven exceptional destinations for immersive tastings and tours. St. Maarten At Topper’s Rhum Distillery, explore a 6,000-square-foot facility with a concise history of rum production. Enjoy unlimited tastings of their diverse lineup—white, spiced, coconu

Beyond Rios iconic celebrations, Latin America and the Caribbean come alive with extraordinary Carnival traditions in the week before Lent. Millions join street parties filled with dancing, music, drinks, and surprising customs that showcase regional culture and creativity. Experience mud-covered revelers in Brazils Paraty, chocolate-smeared partiers in Trinidad and Tobago, fake snow sprays in Paraguay, cooling water trucks in Panama, and the dramatic burning of effigies in Mexico. Burning of

With countless parades worldwide, Carnival enthusiasts have endless choices. Fortunately, theres a Carnival for every passion—whether you crave music, history, food, parades, or beaches—in this vibrant global celebration. In Latin America and the Caribbean, Carnival festivities span nearly year-round, often preceding Lent or extending later. This curated guide highlights diverse regional Carnivals tailored to various traveler types. For history buffs: Trinidad Carnival Nicknamed the Greatest Sh

Set for its maiden voyage from PortMiami to the Caribbean in April, Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady is the first in a fleet of innovative adults-only ships. With onboard tattoo parlors, drag brunches, and luxurious RockStar Suites, it redefines cruising as a vibrant playground at sea. Richard Branson launched the Scarlet Lady at a Dover event, highlighting club nights with DJs like Mark Ronson and Diplo, ocean-view yoga, and tattoo sessions by resident artists. Accommodating over 2,770 passeng

What started as a heartfelt virtual event to bring normalcy to the US Virgin Islands community has grown into an international celebration, spotlighting this Caribbean gem on the world stage. Following the success of “Home Wuk,” a virtual dance party headlined by DJ Avalanche, Ian Turnbull, Director of the Division of Festivals, expanded it into a comprehensive virtual carnival. “We’ve achieved half a million post engagements and reached one million people,” Turnbull shares about “Home Wuk.” “We

In anticipation of welcoming guests back to its luxury all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, Sandals Resorts has detailed its comprehensive safety protocols for the post-COVID-19 era. The Jamaican-based operator will reopen most of its resorts on June 4, followed by its two Bahamas locations on July 1. Key enhancements include intensified cleaning routines, mandatory pre-shift temperature screenings for staff, and a seamless online check-in process allowing guests to proceed directly to their rooms.

Aruba blends pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters with the rugged, arid landscapes of Arikok National Park. Like its residents, the island fuses diverse cultures and terrains into a vibrant paradise. Home to 96 nationalities on the One Happy Island, many locals speak four languages by age 12: Dutch, Spanish, English, and Papiamento. This cultural mosaic supports thriving cacti alongside palm trees, offering endless activities across its 75-mile length. For Foodies Arubas Dutch, Span

Puerto Ricos hiking trails offer breathtaking diversity, from lush rainforests to dramatic coastlines. While well-maintained paths and detailed maps can be limited, experienced hikers who embrace adventure are rewarded with unforgettable scenery and serenity. El Yunque Trail – El Yunque National Forest On clear days, conquer a 1,500-foot elevation gain over 2.4 miles (about 1.5 hours) to El Yunques 3,496-foot summit, rewarded with panoramic views of Vieques and Culebra. Start opposite the Palo C

As global travel resumes post-quarantine, flights, museums, restaurants, and attractions are reopening—perfect for a spontaneous getaway. Waterfront destinations now offer operational ferry systems with strict health protocols, alongside private charters ideal for crowd-averse travelers. Whether queuing for ferries or chartering your own vessel, discover six picturesque spots for summer seafaring. 1. Greece EU countries welcome citizens and residents from approved nations. Greeces islands are

Since early 2020, travelers have sought innovative ways to explore safely, favoring remote destinations and utmost privacy. With international trips on hold, many Americans are discovering domestic gems—national park hikes, RV road trips, and hotel stays with isolated features. Google Trends shows a spike in searches for hotels with private pools in room, and its no surprise. These exclusive rooms and villas provide a serene, private retreat. Discover nine exceptional options across the US and C

In the scuba diving paradise of the Cayman Islands, a unique treasure awaits—not shipwrecks or coral reefs, but barrels of premium rum deliberately submerged in Caribbean waters. Finding them would be like spotting a needle in a haystack for even the most skilled divers. Editors note: Always check the latest travel restrictions and follow government advice before planning your trip. These barrels arent ancient relics lost at sea. Sealed in watertight bags, theyre placed exactly seven fathoms (42

As global COVID-19 restrictions ease, Caribbean nations are reopening to tourists with stringent health protocols to safeguard residents and visitors. The region responded swiftly to the pandemic, keeping infection rates low. Governments are prioritizing safety in reopenings. Heres a detailed overview of requirements—Editors note: Always verify the latest restrictions from official sources before travel.AnguillaAnguilla welcomed travelers from August 21. Anguilla is currently COVID-19 free, so o

Eating local has gained traction worldwide over the past decade, yet for Caribbean islands, achieving true sustainability remains challenging. Harsh farming conditions, intensifying climate change, and frequent tropical storms have long hindered progress. Many fresh ingredients are imported, contributing to high carbon emissions and packaging waste. Now, innovative growers and restaurateurs across the region are transforming practices. Discover how three islands—Cayman Islands, Curaçao, and Puer

Imagine sipping a chilled drink under warm sunshine, lulled by the waves rather than jet engines. Near busy hubs like Montego Bay, Nassau, or Punta Cana, paradise can feel crowded. Venture further with lighter packing and propeller flights to these exclusive, crowd-free Caribbean resorts for an authentic escape. Editors note: Always verify the latest travel restrictions and follow official government guidelines before booking. 1. Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa – St. Barthélemy Arriving at St. Barthé

Explore five of the Caribbeans best-kept secrets, from electric-blue glowing caves to lush, jungle-covered mountains. Skip the overcrowded hotspots and discover these lesser-known islands rich in culture, stunning vistas, and idyllic beaches that invite pure relaxation. Anguilla Anguilla captivates with its shimmering white-sand beaches lined by coconut palms and sea-grape trees. Colorful beach bars serve sizzling barbecues, potent rum punches, and live reggae, embodying the ultimate Caribbean

November 26 marks National Cake Day in the United States—the ideal occasion to indulge in beloved sweet treats. Cakes vary widely across cultures, but these favorites from North America and neighboring regions stand out for their unique flavors and storied pasts. Red Velvet Cake This iconic red velvet cake captivates with its tender chocolate-infused layers and classic ermine or cream cheese frosting. Originating in the Victorian era, its velvet texture set it apart from denser cakes, thanks to

Global border policies and quarantine rules have fluctuated amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but Virgin Atlantic Holidays now guarantees British travelers a quarantine-free return from their winter Caribbean escapes. The innovative Escape Pass package allows guests to enjoy up to 14 days on a surprise Caribbean island, revealed just two weeks before departure. Travelers choose stay length (7 or 14 days), hotel category, and flight class. Options include Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, and Tobago, with Ja

The Caribbean enchants with its vibrant cuisine, lush landscapes, and balmy weather. Yet, nothing draws travelers like its world-class beaches—powdery white or pink sands meeting crystal-clear turquoise waters. Each island boasts unique coastal gems. Heres our expert-curated list of the top 17 beaches across the region. Eagle Beach – Aruba Overlooking low-rise resorts northwest of Oranjestad, Eagle Beach features a long expanse of pristine white sand, consistently ranked among the worlds finest

The Caribbeans dozens of islands boast remarkable diversity. Vibrant Jamaica contrasts sharply with laid-back Aruba, while neighboring St. Kitts and Nevis offer distinct landscapes and experiences for visitors.Selecting the ideal island among so many options—big or small, near or far, urban or rural—can transform a dream vacation into a daunting task. Our expert guide simplifies the process, profiling the most popular islands with top attractions and categorizing them by accessibility to maximiz

Cruise lines worldwide are cautiously resuming operations post-pandemic, but the relaunch of Windstars refurbished Star Breeze underscores the ongoing complexities of sailing in this era. The 300-passenger Star Breeze, fresh from a major overhaul—including being cut in half and extended with new sections—returned to service on June 19, 2021. Featuring 50 new cabins and modern restaurants, this would typically be a celebrated milestone in the cruise industry. However, the Caribbean wasnt fully pr