Five Reasons I Love Traveling to the Caribbean

In this blog, I will share five reasons I love traveling to the Caribbean. Yes – I do travel to other parts of the world, besides Europe.

Why do I travel to the Caribbean?

Let’s start with the big question: why do I travel to the Caribbean and why should you consider going there? It feels like a tropical paradise to me and it is not that far away. Kim and I live on the East Coast near Washington DC. Flying to the Caribbean is not a long trip. Yes, I’ve been to Hawaii and other tropical parts of the world. They are wonderful. Many of them though would take forever to get to for Americans who live on the East Coast like us.

Reason #1 – warm weather during the winter

The Caribbean has wonderful weather in the winter. As I mentioned we live in the Washington DC area it has been wicked cold this winter. If you go to the Caribbean this time of year it is warm. Kim and I just recently returned from Barbados. It was 80° every single day. We loved the sunny warm weather. I don’t know what it is the older I get the more I enjoy some warm weather every winter. Kim and I try and get down to the Caribbean if nothing else just to get out of the cold cold and into the sunshine.

Reason #2 – Caribbean beaches

This reason should not be a shocker. When you think of this part of the world you picture a tropical paradise. I think you dream about palm trees, white sand, and crystal blue water. We haven’t been to all the Caribbean islands, but we’ve been to several. All of them have beautiful beaches. They are amazing.

Reason #3 – Natural beauty

I have been pleasantly surprised by how beautiful so many Caribbean islands are. When you wander around and explore them they are lush, green, with tropical flowers everywhere. Several of them like Saint Lucia have magnificent natural wonders. What you see pictured below is the Pitons. I saw photos before we went to this island and thought those looked cool. Then when we went to St Lucia I was blown away.

Reason #4 – luxury options in the Caribbean

Many Americans work hard and don’t take that much time off from work. Most years Kim and I fall into this category. Therefore, when we travel to the Caribbean, unlike our trips to Europe, we try to experience as much luxury as possible. The good news is that in this part of the world, there are a lot of options as far as luxury accommodations and all-inclusive resorts. Kim and I like to stay at Sandals. It is our brand of choice. I recognize not everybody can afford to travel in this style. If you can, my recommendation is that you consider going to the Caribbean because there are so many great choices when it comes to luxury.

Reason #5 – the people

Kim and I have been to multiple Caribbean islands and always feel welcome when we travel there. Usually, we try to get out and about and explore the island we’re on with a local guide. All of them have done a magnificent job of telling us about their history and local culture. Everyone we’ve met during our trips has been wonderful. You get a nice Island vibe when you travel around the Caribbean.

Bonus Reason – waterfalls

Let’s go a little deeper into one of the natural wonders you find in the Caribbean – waterfalls. They seem to be everywhere on many of the islands. What you see pictured below is the Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica. They are unreal. When we were in Grenada we saw several magnificent waterfalls. If you like natural beauty and especially waterfalls get out and explore these islands. 

Extra Bonus Reason – Caribbean rum

They make the best rum in the world in the Caribbean. When you are there be sure to take a tour of a Distillery and bring back a bottle or two. How seriously do the Caribbean islands take rum? Let’s just put it this way. In Jamaica, they have a national rum Reserve similar to the oil reserve we have in the US. In case Armageddon happens they are fully prepared for what comes next.

One thing you may not like about traveling to the Caribbean

Everything is not picture-perfect in this part of the world. One thing you may not like traveling to the Caribbean is getting there. For many travelers, you are going to need a connecting flight through Miami or some other city to get to your destination. Yes, there are some direct flights to major islands like Jamaica. However, many of them require connecting flights which can be challenging. What you see pictured below is Grenada’s airport. It is an airstrip – not large at all. After landing you get off the plane onto the tarmac. Trust me though it’s worth it to get to these beautiful islands.

Three of my Caribbean favorites

1. My favorite island is St. Lucia.
2. Resort – Sandals South Coast. We went on our honeymoon here.
3. Beaches – Antigua. The island is full of beautiful beaches.

I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to my sons.