The Top 5 Destinations In The Caribbean To Include In Your Family Travel Bucket List

July 01, 2023

Here are some of the best things that you can do in the beautiful Caribbean islands.

The Caribbean is a name that has become synonymous with breathtaking beaches, lively music, seemingly endless merrymaking, and wonderful gastronomic fares.

Palm trees in a beach in the Caribbean
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The Top 5 Destinations In The Caribbean To Include In Your Family Travel Bucket List


    About The Caribbean


    The Caribbean is actually a region in the Americas composed of many island nations in the Caribbean Sea. These island nations are the following: 

    • Anguilla
    • Antigua and Barbuda
    • Aruba
    • The Bahamas
    • Barbados 
    • Bonaire
    • The British Virgin Islands
    • The Cayman Islands
    • Collectivity of Saint Martin
    • Cuba
    • Curacao
    • Dominica
    • The Dominican Republic
    • Grenada
    • Haiti
    • Jamaica
    • Montserrat
    • Puerto Rico
    • Saint Kitts and Nevis
    • Saint Barthelemy
    • Saint Lucia
    • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
    • Sint Maarten
    • Trinidad, and Tobago
    • Turks and Caicos
    • US Virgin Islands

    Loungers on a beach in the Caribbean
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    These territories are blessed with tropical climates, pristine shorelines, spectacular mountain ranges, and teeming marine biodiversity. The Caribbean is home to some of the most pristine waters that are well-known globally. 

    For example, Bonaire’s diving and snorkeling sites are considered by many travelers to be some of the best in the world. As such, these islands have become favorite destinations among travelers because of the many adventures that await them there. 

    The Top 5 Caribbean destinations


    Each of those island nations in the Caribbean has its unique culture, heritage, flavors, and tourist spots. 

    However, if I were to pick, here are the top 5 destinations in the Caribbean that you can immediately include in your travel list when you plan your next trip.

    Blue green waters of the Caribbean
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    1. Barbados


    Located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean region, Barbados is a country with a rich and historic past having been colonized by the Spanish, briefly by the Portuguese, and finally by the British colonial.

    Barbados was a sugar colony and was once a focal point of the slave trade which has long been abolished. Because of its rich historical past, expect to find several World Heritage sites in Barbados.

    Swimming in a beach in the Caribbean
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    Top 3 things to do in Barbados


    There seems to be an endless list of things to see, do, and taste in Barbados. However, if it's your first time visiting Barbados, these are the top three things that you should not miss in this country:

    a. Visit Bridgetown

    Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of Barbados, and its Garrison historic area. For centuries until today, Bridgetown is an important commercial and business district of Barbados. 

    Having been occupied by the British, Barbados’ culture is an amalgamation of West African and British. Cricket is a game that is well-loved in Barbados.

    b. Go on a Barbados Rum Tour

    Not many people may know it but Barbados is considered to be the origin of rum. Rum is derived from molasses fermented into alcohol. The alcohol is then distilled to remove impurities and create a drink that distinctly defines this Caribbean island’s culture.

    A Barbados Rum tour, covering distilleries (including the oldest one in the world) and rum shops, is the perfect way to better appreciate the world-renowned rum.

    c. Spend a leisurely time at the beach

    A visit to Barbados would not be complete without a visit to some of its most famous beaches. If it's your first time in Barbados, don't forget to check Sandy Lane Beach, where there are regular sightings of international celebrities; Mullins Beach if you are looking for a small beach with a bar and restaurant; and Martin’s Bay is your best destination if you want to escape the big crown and frolic in unadulterated beaches.

    Sunset in the Caribbean
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    2. Jamaica


    Jamaica is the fourth-largest nation in the Caribbean. Previously ruled by the Spanish and British, Jamaica is also a melting pot of cultures. Jamaica is perhaps best known for reggae music, popularized worldwide by Bob Marley.

    A beach getaway is an easy choice when in Jamaica because the nation is blessed with gleaming shores.

    Beach in Jamaica
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    Top 3 things to do in Jamaica


    The music, the sunset, the flavors, and the beaches are all inviting when you are in Jamaica. Nonetheless, do not forget to include the following activities when you take a trip to Jamaica:

    a. Take a tour of the Rastafari Indigenous Village

    Apart from beaches, Jamaica has other surprises in store for travelers. One of these is the Rastafari Indigenous Village, which is a theme park that depicts the Rastafari culture and how it fits into the overall Jamaican culture. Here, visitors may learn about organic farming, traditional crafts-making, and music.

    b. Visit Kool Runnings

    Another attraction in Jamaica that is worth checking is Kool Runnings, the largest waterpark in Jamaica. It offers a host of activities to guests such as waterslides, tubing, go-kart racing, and paintball, just to name a few.

    c. Do not miss the Luminous Lagoon

    The Luminous Lagoon is a body of water that is home to microorganisms called dinoflagellates. These microorganisms emit a glow when disturbed. A visit to the Luminous Lagoon is recommended at night time or at dusk, and guests are allowed to swim in the water.

    3. Aruba


    Aruba is an island country located in the southern Caribbean Sea. It is a constituent country of the Kingdom of Netherlands, as such Aruba's citizens are Dutch nationals and the Dutch language is one of two official languages. 

    With its warm weather and sunny skies, it's the perfect beach destination all year round.

    Beach surrounded by trees in the Caribbean
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    Top 3 things to do in Aruba


    Despite the popularity of Aruba's pristine shorelines, there are actually a host of other activities other than beach bumming that can be done in this island county. Below is a list of some of the awesome things to do in Aruba.

    a. Visit Aruba's Museums

    Aruba may be a small island nation but it takes pride in its rich history and heritage. If you want to learn more about the country's culture and past, you may visit any of its seven museums, namely the Archaeological Museum, the Etnia Nativa Art Gallery & Museum, the Museum of Antiquities, The Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory, Fort Zoutman/Historical Museum, San Nicolas Community Museum, and the Aruba Model Train Museum.

    Admission to the Archaeological Museum, Museum of Antiquities, The Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory, and the Aruba Model Train Museum are all free while the others charge only a minimal amount.

    b. Enjoy Aruba's nightlife

    Aruba is home to several casinos, bars, and clubs, as well as carnival, dance, and magic shows. If you want to experience Aruba's colorful nightlife, go bar hopping or check out one of the entertainment shows available near you.

    c. Explore Aruba's countryside

    This is one of the must-book tours in the country. This is an extensive four-and-a-half-hour bus tour around Aruba's countryside. Here, you will get to see Aruba's wildlife, some of its most important landmarks, and natural attractions, capped with a swim at Baby Beach.

    4. Puerto Rico


    Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States located in the Northeast Caribbean. It was once a Spanish colony, as such, the Spanish language is an official language along with English.

    Rainforest in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean
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    Top 3 things to do in Puerto Rico


    A trip to Puerto Rico is never complete without having to experience its breathtaking beaches. Nevertheless, there are also a good number of other exciting activities to do in this archipelago apart from checking out its beaches.

    a. Take a trip to Puerto Rico's Bioluminescent Bays

    Puerto Rico has three bioluminescent bays, namely Mosquito Bay (Vieques), Laguna Grande (Fajardo), and La Parguera (Lajas).

    These are home to microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates that emit a glow when they are disturbed. These eco-tours are best held when it is dark so that guests can fully behold the mesmerizing glow of the dinoflagellates in the water.

    b. Taste local rum

    Puerto Rico also offers tours to its local distilleries such as Casa Bacardi, Hacienda Santa Ana, and PitoRico.

    During a distillery tour, visitors will learn the history of rum, and how it is made and may have a shot or two to taste it. Of course, guests may always buy a bottle or two in the distillery shops if this is what they fancy.

    c. Explore El Yunque National Forest

    El Yunque is a rainforest that is open for eco-adventures such as hiking, and familiarization with local plants and birds. El Yunque National Forest is located in the Rio Grande area, east of San Juan.

    5. Cuba


    This former Spanish colony is located in the northern Caribbean. It is composed of several islands, being an archipelago.

    Waterfalls in the Caribbean
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    Top 3 things to do in Cuba


    Cuba’s rich colonial past makes it an interesting destination for history and heritage enthusiasts. Aside from visiting historic sites, here are other exciting activities that you can do in Cuba.

    a. Visit Cuba’s beaches

    Not known to many, Cuba is blessed with white sand beaches and stunning blue-green waters. Some of the most recommended beaches in Cuba are Varadero Beach, Cayo Largo del Sur, and Cayo Guillermo, to name a few.

    b. Explore Havana

    Havana is the capital city of Cuba and is the focal point of the country’s culture and heritage. In Havana, there are several museums, public squares, restaurants, and churches to include in one’s itinerary when in Cuba.

    c. Immerse yourself in Cuba’s culture

    From cigars to rum, to music and art, Cuba is an interesting mix of various influences from over five centuries. Those influences shaped what is today’s Cuban culture, which travelers may learn by taking via local tours.

    Epilogue


    The Caribbean is a region rich in natural wonders and historical landmarks. With the region's diverse cultures, history, food, music, and offerings, a trip to the Caribbean is every traveler's dream.

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      7 comments

      1. I will add these beautiful places on my bucket list. I am planning to travel when the pandemic is over. Thanks for the tips!

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      2. As a chef in a cruise ship for 20 yrs now, half of my life at sea is in the carribean! I may not have experienced the good life of being a tourist on these places but my eyes surely feast with all the wonderful places around.

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      3. I didn't know the Caribbean had these many islands. I would love to visit Barbados and Jamaica some day.

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      4. The Caribbean is certainly a totally edenic region. I have been only to a handful of those mesmerizing islands and would love to go back. The ABC-islands are next on my list :-D

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      5. You blew my mind with how many islands were in the Caribbean. Why did I think the Caribbean was its own island?? I would visit any and all of these in a heartbeat. As much as I dislike the heat something about being on a beach with a cocktail in hand just makes my heart soar!

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      6. I just visited PR recently and love it! I have to go visit the rest on the list

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      7. Great places, the beach is my favorite place to spend time and enjoy the fresh air. Thank you for sharing!

        Fransic - https://www.querianson.com

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