Finding Your Perfect Caribbean Island – Part 3
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
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To Access These Islands, You’ll Either Change Planes or Catch a Less Frequent Direct Flight
If you don’t mind a little extra travel time, these islands are absolutely worth the journey. Each one brings something unique—lush hiking trails, luxury resorts, quiet charm, or unforgettable beaches. Here are some lesser-visited gems that deserve a spot on your radar:
Martinique
If you're looking for more than just a beach bum experience, Martinique might be the island for you. Nearly half the island is forested with National Parks and protected land—making it a hiker’s haven. Beyond nature, you’ll find everything from Parisian fashion to local spice markets. Add in incredible beaches and a rich cultural mix, and you’ve got an island that truly stands out.
St. Barthelemy (St. Barts)
A celebrity hotspot with luxury at every turn, St. Barts is stunning. The photo-worthy beaches and upscale French-Caribbean cuisine make it unforgettable. Want a little nightlife? Don’t miss Nikki Beach. Best time to visit is May and June for ideal weather. It’s definitely pricey—but those who go rarely regret it.
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Adventurers, take note—hike La Soufrière volcano, explore waterfalls like Falls of Baleine and Dark View Falls, or birdwatch along the Vermont Nature Trail. Looking for something eerie and fascinating? Check out the bat cave in Buccament Bay. And if you’re like me, a black sand beach might be just your vibe—some of the best in the Caribbean are right here.
St. Kitts & Nevis
Having been here myself, I can say these islands are stunning. While established for tourism, they don’t feel overbuilt—giving you that authentic Caribbean feel. It’s more affordable than many Southern Caribbean spots, and the locals are genuinely warm and welcoming. Nevis especially offers peaceful seclusion—and yes, more monkeys than people! Great for couples or families alike.
St. Lucia
Another personal favorite of mine—what I like to call “The Hawaii of the Caribbean.” With its lush mountains and tropical beauty, it’s an island that truly takes your breath away. It’s home to the world’s only drive-in volcano (Sulphur Springs) and the lively Gros Islet street party every Friday—such a fun local experience! The weather is mostly sunny year-round, and the accommodations are unforgettable. Think open-air, three-walled suites at places like Jade Mountain, Anse Chastanet, and Ladera. Just stunning.
Turks & Caicos
Known for their powder-soft white sand beaches (with just a hint of pink) and calm, crystal-clear waters, these islands are a dream. Grace Bay is regularly ranked among the world’s best beaches—and they’re generally free of noticeable amounts of seaweed, which makes the shoreline even more inviting. The snorkeling and diving here are next-level, thanks to the third-largest barrier reef in the world. Want to mix it up? Feed iguanas on Iguana Island or splurge on a private island stay at COMO Parrot Cay. It’s not the spot for all-inclusives, but foodies will be in heaven with the amazing restaurant scene. English is spoken, and they use the U.S. dollar—super easy for travelers.
Hurricanes Irma & Maria - 2017 Impact
Islands like Puerto Rico, St. Martin/Sint Maarten, Anguilla, Dominica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Barbuda were heavily impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Many are well on their way to recovery—some more than others. If you’re curious about any of these, I’d be happy to talk through where things stand. Visiting these places doesn’t just support their recovery—it gives you a deeper appreciation of the power and resilience of island life.
Which Island Is Calling You?
If any of these destinations spark your curiosity, let’s chat and figure out which one’s the perfect fit for your next adventure.