Beach holidays in the Caribbean. Saint Kitts and Nevis. The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Pirates and drug lords, tropical forests and dormant volcanoes, comfortable hotels and uninhabited islands - all this is the Caribbean.

Five dozen islands scattered between North and South America are the territory of more than 30 states.

You need to visit this multinational paradise at least once, especially since after the first visit here you will not want to rest anywhere else.

Well, for those who are already seriously planning a vacation in the Caribbean, all that remains is to choose one of the top ten places and go to BiletyPlus.ru in search of the most economical tickets and accommodation options.

Cuba

Holidays in Cuba are not cheap and can only be afforded by very wealthy people. At the same time, traveling young people are sure that it is enough to save money for air travel, and even on the island of freedom itself, you can live without money at all.

Holidays in Cuba are interesting to many and will appeal to people of all ages. Here you can enjoy the almost come communism, try the legendary rum and cigars, dance until the morning on the beaches or explore ancient monuments and museums. And, of course, diving, snorkeling, snow-white yacht trips and other water activities.

The advantage is that Russians do not need visas to Cuba.

Haiti

Between Cuba and Puerto Rico, the small state of Haiti lurked. The island of the same name, on which it is located, is known for the fact that only on it there are two capitals at the same time.

The island originated from a cooled volcano, so its relief is very unusual. Indented rocky shores with hundreds of tiny bays offer secluded relaxation, and many fast rivers promise unforgettable rafting.

However, even if you are not a supporter of extreme types of recreation, Haiti can give you a good dose of adrenaline, because earthquakes are not uncommon here.

Jamaica

If you want not only relaxation, but also excursions, visit the Bob Marley House Museum, go to the Danse River waterfalls and raft on a bamboo raft.

Puerto Rico

A small rocky island surrounded by many uninhabited islets is also a great place to relax. Puerto Rico is most interesting for those who appreciate privacy, cheap hotels and beautiful nature. Boat rental is practiced here, so if you are tired of communication, rent a boat and go to any of neighboring islands- 90% of them are uninhabited.

There are no predators here, so the only ones you should be wary of on your voyages are tiny coca frogs. They are so small that it is almost impossible to see them, but the sounds they make can deafen a person.

Barbados

An ideal place for diving and water skiing - Barbados. snow white sandy beaches, tropical forests, noisy parties until dawn and quality service will turn your holiday here into a continuous fairy tale.

By the way, in conservative Barbados, nudism and topless recreation are prohibited - strict British traditions affect. Everything else is great here. Families with children can advise this island, because unlike most of the Caribbean islands, Barbados has enough museums, excursions, and "pirate" exotics.

Tortuga

The island, shaped like a giant sea turtle, has been a center of piracy for centuries. It was here that rum flowed like a river, there was a trade in everything that can be obtained on sea ​​spaces, and three centuries later they filmed the legendary Pirates of the Caribbean.

Now Tortuga is completely safe, but the Jolly Roger can still be found in any part of the island. Cafes, hotels, clubs, yachts and even laundries are decorated in a pirate style to attract the attention of tourists.

Trinidad and Tobago

The tiny state, located on seven islands, is an option for those who dream of untouched nature and is a supporter of ecotourism. Almost the whole year on the islands there is peace and quiet, you can only hear the rustle of the surf and the singing of tropical birds.

However, in March, everything changes, because the time of the carnival comes. Songs, dances, round-the-clock incendiary rhythms and a festive atmosphere accompany the carnival days.

But during the Easter week it is worth going to the island of Tobago. Unique goat races take place here - the process is both gambling and incredibly funny.

Grenada

Grenada is the most calm island in the Caribbean region. Endless beaches, hotels for every taste and budget, very affordable prices and an incredibly low crime rate make it a pleasant place for a quiet vacation.

There is little entertainment here, but there are plenty of excursions through the forests, rafting on fast rivers and secluded beaches with golden sand. If you are not too lazy and rent a car, you can see the whole island in a week.

Antigua and Barbuda

This state consists of only three islands, while each is worth a visit. On the largest - Antigua - there are 365 beaches, all hotels, restaurants, bars and the main urban infrastructure are concentrated.

Barbuda, an island of coral origin, has all the conditions for diving. Dozens of boats leave this direction every day, and tourists from all over the world plunge into the bright underwater world.

Well, on desert island Redonda is located park. long excursion it will not come out, because the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe island is only one square kilometer. However, it is still beautiful, and it is worth admiring it.

Dominican Republic

Ancient buildings, luxurious carnivals, beautiful girls and ever-increasing prices - welcome to . The popularity of this destination is also growing day by day, and they start booking tours there six months in advance.

All the attractions here are concentrated in Santo Domingo, and the rest of the territory delights with beaches, tropical forests, bright colors and a million entertainments.

Supporters active rest can choose from a dozen water sports, hiking and horseback riding, and a variety of extreme entertainment. Well, those who come to relax can safely enjoy the purity of the white sand and the quality of the beach service.

What you like - secluded bays or noisy beaches - it's up to you. But the Caribbean is good because it can satisfy any request. Well, if this trip seems too expensive for you, go to BiletyPlus.ru and see for yourself.

December 9th, 2016 02:13 am

So, an overview post on the Caribbean Islands and the shocking figures of the final budget!
Route: St. Petersburg - Helsinki - Boston - New York - Chicago - Puerto Rico - US Virgin Islands - Saint Martin and Sint Maarten - Curaçao - Trinidad - Saint Vincent - Barbados - Miami - Haiti - Dominican Republic - Cologne - Milan - Tallinn - St. Petersburg

Even such a connoisseur of geography as I, until recently, gave in to the Caribbean, there are too many islands, and each has a separate country. So, let's systematize.
There are 30 countries in the Caribbean region:

Of these, 13 independent states: Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados
The rest are various kinds of colonies and possessions of four countries.
US possessions: Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands
Possessions of the Netherlands: Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao
French possessions: Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy, Guadeloupe, Martinique
British possessions: Turks and Caicos, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat


Geographically, the following groups can be distinguished:
1. Large Antilles: Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico
2. Bahamas + Turks and Caicos
3. ABC Islands off the coast of South America: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao
4. Lesser Antilles. In English tradition, they are further divided into Leeward (north of Dominica) and Windward (south of Dominica). In the Russian and Spanish tradition, all these islands are called Leeward, and Windward are the ABC islands.

Also, culturally and ethnographically, some territories on the mainland can be attributed to the Caribbean region - everything that was not a colony of Spain. These are Belize, part of the coast of Nicaragua and Honduras (also a colony of England), Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. The ethnography is as follows: Spanish colonies on the mainland, the population is the descendants of Indians or mestizos (a mixture of Indians with Spaniards), and in the English, Dutch and French colonies, the population is the descendants of slaves from Africa or migrants from other colonies (from India to Guyana, for example).

Visas
With a Russian passport:
1. All 13 independent states are visa-free
2. You can enter the United States with a US visa (there is no border control when flying from the mainland)
3. You can enter the Netherlands with any valid Schengen multivisa
4. You can enter the possessions of France ONLY with a Schengen visa issued by the French embassy, ​​or with a special visa for these islands, which is also issued at the French embassy. The exception is the French Saint-Martin, where you can drive from the Dutch part of the island, there is no border control there.
5. English dominions have different policies. Turks and Caicos - visa-free. Montserrat - a visa can be obtained via the Internet. Anguilla, Caymans - you can enter if you have a UK visa. British Virgin Islands - you need to obtain a special visa from the UK embassy.
If you have a passport with which visas are not required in Europe, then in the Caribbean everything is also visa-free.
The length of stay is usually 30 days.
A return ticket is generally required everywhere, although I was often not asked for it even at check-in at the airport. Only in Saint-Martin I was interrogated with prejudice, I even had to show cash.

Currency
All smaller islands accept US dollars in cash. Local currencies are usually pegged to the same US dollar.
East Caribbean dollars circulate on many islands in the Lesser Antilles. 1 American to 2.8 Caribbean.
Barbadian dollars = 1 to 2.
Trinidadian dollars = 1 to 7.
Netherlands Antillean florins on Sint Maarten and Curaçao = 1 to 1.75.
Euro in the French Isles (including the French Saint-Martin).
Haitian gourdes = 1 to 66.
Dominican pesos = 1 to 46.

How to get there
Without a US visa - very problematic. If you have a visa, you can use Norwegian flights from Oslo, Copenhagen, London to many US cities from $100 one way, including Florida to Orlando and Miami/Fort Lauderdale. I flew from Helsinki to Boston with a transfer in London for $180, and also visited Boston and Chicago.
There are direct flights from Russia to Cuba, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. They are expensive, at least $500 one way (both of my flights across the Atlantic came out cheaper in total). There are cheap options package tours to Cuba.
From Europe there are flights to many islands, as a rule, to their former or current colonies: from Amsterdam to the Dutch, from Paris to the French, but they cost a lot. I found a cheap option from the Dominican Republic to Germany (Cologne) from $200.

Transport between the islands
The main transport in the Caribbean is aircraft. There are a lot of flights, you can fly every day. Prices are much higher than in the same insular Indonesia. On average, we can assume that each flight to the Lesser Antilles will cost around $100. There are almost no flights to Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Caymans from other countries, or they are very expensive, you need to fly through Miami.
The main airlines are LIAT (based in Antigua and Barbados, flies throughout the Lesser Antilles) and Insel Air (based in Curacao, there are also flights to Brazil, Colombia, Guyana).
It is believed that Caribbean airlines are often late, but I had almost no problems. Only the flight from Saint Martin to Curaçao was delayed by two hours.

Water transport is poorly developed and expensive. I will list the ferries that you can actually use.
1. From St. Maarten to Anguilla (many times a day), St. Barthelemy (several times a day, you can go there and back in a day), Sabu (once a day, only with an overnight stay)
2. Between the islands of Saint Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, Guadeloupe - Express des Iles. Flights are frequent.
3. Between the US and British Virgin Islands - many times a day
4. From Miami to the Bahamas - several times a day, you can make it in one day
Within countries, ferry service is usually better: there are regular flights between Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, etc.

You can travel on a cruise ship. If you are alone, then it will be more expensive than a plane, even taking into account the fact that you do not need to pay for food and housing, but you can overeat and generally live in a big way. On a cruise to each island, you will have only one day of light, but this is usually enough for small islands. No one will forbid you to ride public transport. Cruises are focused on retirees, and not on those who like to travel around more countries, so it’s difficult to visit many countries at a time in one cruise - they rarely last more than 7-8 days, there are days at sea, they can go to different islands of one country (Bahamas, Virgin Islands) . Since most cruises depart from Miami and Puerto Rico, the Lesser Antilles are harder to cruise around. Prices start at $200 per day per cabin, and following the good American tradition, you will be charged $15-20 "mandatory tips" per person every day. To what perversions it has come - already a tip is obligatory. You can estimate that the two of you visiting each island on a cruise will cost at least 300-400 dollars (including tips, days at sea, the return trip, which you also have to pay for).

Transport on the islands
Especially for tourists, there are taxis near the cruise ship terminal at unimaginable exorbitant prices taken from the ceiling. Designed for suckers, which are a little less than all Americans who never count money.
Public transport is decent for everyone inhabited islands. Absent mainly in the British colonies, because there is a very small population. A trip to the small islands costs from $0.3 to $2. On big islands such as Cuba and Hispaniola there are intercity buses.


For specific islands where I have been:
Puerto Rico. In the city of San Juan there are buses for $0.75. The system is inconvenient at most: payment is only in cash, change is not given, you can ONLY pay with coins. The frequency of flights is much less than stated on the website, the bus may suddenly change the route or not arrive. Between cities only collective taxis at horse prices. Most bad island in terms of transport.
American Virgin Islands. St. Thomas has one circular minibus route. Fares from $1 to $2 depending on the distance. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the airport to the bus route.
Saint Martin and Sint Maarten. Buses run on several routes, including at night, very often between the Dutch and French parts of the island. Travel from $1 to $2.
Curacao. There are two bus stations in the capital, for eastern and western directions. Large buses run to the ends of the island once an hour, minibuses more often. On the bus, the fare is 2.20 florins, on the minibus 3.
Trinidad. Buses from Port of Spain around the island. Minimum 2 Trinidadian dollars (2/7 US). To the airport - 4.
Saint Vincent. Minibuses clockwise and against. From 1 Caribbean dollar (1/3 American). 25 km to Barroualier = $4 = $1.3
Barbados. Minibuses along the populated southern coast are frequent. Price $1 = 2 Barabadian
Haiti, Port-au-Prince. Tap-taps in the city from 10 gourdes ($0.15). To the border with the Dominican Republic - 75 gourdes for 45 kilometers ($1.15).
Dominican Republic. Intercity buses about 1.5 pesos per kilometer. Around the city from 12-13 pesos by minibus, 20 by metro.

Housing
The most expensive housing is in the British and American colonies. With America, everything is clear - everything is expensive there and on the mainland, although the islands sometimes break records: in the US Virgin Islands, a bed in a hostel costs $ 50. British are expensive because they are not focused on tourism, but are offshore: 40% of offshore companies in the world are registered in the British Virgin Islands.
Also, very expensive housing on independent small islands: St. Kitts, Barbados, Antigua - everywhere the cheapest room without air conditioning costs from $ 50, there are no hostels. You can find something on airbnb for $40. The cheapest of the independent islands is Dominica. High prices can be explained by the fact that all these hotels are made exclusively for tourists, mostly Americans, who have an infinite amount of money. Local residents, who do not live very richly, simply do not need hotels, because you can get to anywhere on the island in one to two hours.
In Cuba and the Dominican Republic, hotels are cheap, almost like in Asia - you can find a room for $10.
On the French and Dutch islands, prices are comparable to metropolitan areas - for $30 it's easy to find through airbnb, for $20 you need to search.
This is me renting a yacht in Saint Martin for $30:

Food
Here the prices are more proportional to the standard of living. For example, in Puerto Rico, fast-food restaurants like Burger King are priced the same as the cheapest US states like Louisiana. In the impoverished Dominican Republic, you can dine for 2-3 dollars (quite good food - a couple of pieces of chicken a la KFC and fried slices of bananas instead of potatoes for a snack), in Haiti it’s even cheaper, but you won’t like the quality. In Trinidad, it’s about the same: in two weeks in the USA and on expensive islands, I lost the habit of buying something for 5 dollars, but it turned out that in Trinidad, a five dollar change is enough for any fast food.

What to see
The Caribbean has a good climate, at least in November - it's not hot. In Thailand and Malaysia, the weather varies from a terrible heat in the "season" in December to unbearable heat in April, and in the Caribbean, even air conditioning is not particularly needed. November is considered the last month of the hurricane season, weather forecasts traditionally promised pouring rain every day from morning to evening on each island, but really I got under heavy rain only once in the Dominican Republic, a couple of times there were short and fine rains.


some legendary natural beauties not in the Caribbean, Indonesia is much better suited for these purposes: better transport accessibility, much cheaper, there are easily accessible active volcanoes. The islands are different: some are picturesque mountainous (Saint Vincent, Dominica, Saint Martin), others are flatter (Barbados, Trinidad, Antigua, Anguilla).
It’s not worth going to the Caribbean for the sake of the beach from Europe - until South-East Asia fly the same amount, it costs less, everything is cheaper on the spot, the beaches are no worse. It is very expensive to fly from the USA to Asia, so the only alternative is Mexico and possibly Brazil (if you find a cheap air ticket).
The largest island of Cuba and the most interesting, but it’s too early to go there: you have to wait a couple of years until the currency regime is canceled, sanctions are lifted and the Americans establish at least a minimal infrastructure there.
There are interesting cities built by Europeans during the colonization of America on some islands: San Juan (Puerto Rico), Willemstad (Curaçao), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), with a stretch Bridgetown in Barbados (for some reason it is listed by UNESCO) . On all the islands they go cruise ships, there will definitely be one street for tourists with souvenir shops. For some reason, in addition to souvenirs, jewelry is massively sold there. Apparently, cruisers are so relaxed that they can be sold at double the price of even such an expensive thing as diamonds.

Results
From November 7th to 30th I spent about $2100 (I didn't count the following days in Europe when I was vacationing in Tallinn and sailing on a cruise, because that's another story), of which $1300 cost all flights and $800 (about $35 per day ) I spent on the spot. Of these, more than half for housing. The cheapest cost $10 per day and was just great - this is an airbnb in Curacao. The most expensive cost $54 in Barbados and was not worth the money. I spent $67 on a taxi, which is essentially two trips: to the Puerto Rico airport after I didn't get on the bus, and to Haiti. A total of 15-20 kilometers. All intercity transport took less - $ 47, this is for a bus ride over 1,000 kilometers long from Boston to Chicago and travel through the entire island of Hispaniola. Another $37 was the cost of local transport - metro in Chicago and Miami, travel by bus to different islands. Taxi is evil.


In general, it is not so terribly expensive to go to the Caribbean. In 2013, I spent $1,500 on a trip to the US for just 10 days without a single domestic or long distance trip.

The Dominican Republic, or simply the Dominican Republic, occupies most of the island of Haiti, and also has a number of small islands in its jurisdiction, which looks extremely attractive in terms of tourist recreation. Being the second largest country in the West Indies (after Cuba), the Dominican Republic has a long coastline - almost 1,300 kilometers, which indicates an impressive number of large and small resorts. Since the Dominican lands are washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, travelers often have questions - are there any differences between these coasts, what are they, and in this case, which part of the Dominican Republic is better to choose for a vacation? Let's try to figure it out.

Atlantic coast of the Dominican Republic

the Atlantic Ocean washes northern and eastern parts Dominican Republic. The very first thing that can be said about the resorts located on these shores is that they should be chosen, first of all, by all windsurfers, advanced divers and adherents of other marine activities. The Atlantic carries stormy waves, and if the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic is covered by an extended coral reef shield, then on the northern shores, it happens that tourists do not dare to swim for several days.

Territorially to northern part The Atlantic Coast includes the coastline from the border with Haiti to the Samana Peninsula. Another unique feature of the region is that in a relatively small segment there are many climatic zones. On the western edge north coast very dry - even arid. The terrain here is rather monotonous, flat. Vegetation does not tend upward either: green spaces are represented mainly by shrubs. The seeming dullness of the area is diluted with two magnificent national parks with thickets of outlandish mangroves and beautiful sea views.

The piece of land between Cofresi and Nagua is also called the Amber Coast due to its rich amber deposits. Golden beaches here are interspersed with lush mountain forests, which is why most of the northern coast hotels are concentrated in this region. Mountain biking, horseback riding, ocean fishing, surfing, diving and other extreme sports are most widespread here. Speaking of diving: the Dominican Republic as a whole is considered the best place Caribbean for snorkeling and scuba diving: coral reefs and underwater lawns in this region are distinguished by an amazing variety of flora and fauna (the most beautiful tropical fish and rays are found in the local waters, even manatees and humpback whales swim!), the bottom relief is very picturesque and rich in cavernous formations, but the most interesting and exciting came to the bottom from the surface - these are sunken ships of various eras. Over the past half century, about four hundred ships have been in distress in the region, so there is something for divers to admire. It is not surprising that under such conditions in any resort in the Dominican Republic a solid diving center, or even more than one, will be waiting for you. The Atlantic coast of the country is worth choosing for experienced divers, while beginners can practice and gain experience in the much calmer waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Samana Peninsula ends the northern part of the Atlantic coast. Perhaps this is the most picturesque part of not only the Dominican Republic, but the entire Caribbean. This is how we usually imagine an exotic paradise: many kilometers of deserted expanses of white sand, tired coconut palms leaning over turquoise water. Resting on Saman in January-March, you can watch whales splashing in the distance: at this time they come here from the cold waters of the North Atlantic to reproduce.

The best resorts on the north coast of the Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata

The heart of the northern Dominican Republic, the place where Christopher Columbus landed, is Puerto Plata, stretching along the Amber Coast. This resort is the second most popular in the Dominican Republic after Punta Cana, although it is very different from it: here you can relax in silence, relax, enjoy nature and learn how to tame the Atlantic wave on a surfboard. Fans of an active nightlife in Puerto Plata will certainly be disappointed by the long and unsuccessful search for a working disco. Founded at the end of the 15th century, the city offers its guests to see a number of ancient buildings ( old center city, the fort and the Cathedral of San Felipe) and visit some good museums. The main wealth of the resort is bestowed upon it by nature. For example, Isabel de Torres is the highest mountain in this area, to the top of which you can climb by car, on foot or by cable car. From the top of Isabel de Torres, arms outstretched, looking at the city ... a statue of Christ the Redeemer! A reduced copy of the masterpiece from Rio de Janeiro was presented to Puerto Plata by the Brazilian authorities.

To visit Puerto Plata and not visit the reserve "27 fountains" would be a grandiose omission. This is a natural water park with twenty seven, as the name implies, cascading waterfalls. Tourists are invited to climb seven, twelve or all twenty-seven waterfalls along secret paths and rope ladders, and then go down the water.

Playa Dorada

Just east of Puerto Plata is located resort complex Playa Dorada. It is very popular among tourists, also due to the airport, located just 15 minutes away, which is very convenient for families with children and pensioners who can hardly endure long journeys. But, of course, this is not the only advantage of Playa Dorada. A fabulous-looking beach with a gentle entrance to the water is marked blue flag and is considered one of the best in the Dominican Republic. Amazing nature, the highest service in local hotels, unlimited space for active and extreme pastime, a large selection of restaurants and bars, the famous 18-hole golf course and a casino - all this in the complex makes Playa Dorada perfect place for rest of any category of tourists.

Cabarete

A resort for young, mobile, full of energy and adrenaline people. He himself is young - just a dozen years ago, fans of surfboards chose the tiny fishing village located here for their activities, and now Cabarete Beach is included in the world's Top 10 places ideal for surfing. All thanks to the fact that not a single coral barrier prevents the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and vigorous trade winds delight lovers of sea extreme all year round. Cabarete annually hosts world windsurfing competitions, as well as tournaments in kiteboarding, which is gaining popularity. The coastline of the resort is abundantly dotted with various bars, because where else, if not in a noisy establishment with a glass of strong drink, to relax after taming the Atlantic waves?

For those who do not belong to the cohort of extreme athletes, we can recommend a visit to the El Choco National Park, which is a little older than the resort itself: only 25 years ago it was given this official status. In El Choco, you will find the richest flora, many orchids, tropical birds and even a dozen species of bats, but the main asset of the park is the system underground caves with pools "Caribbean Karst", where you can get with a tour and swim. The territory of the reserve is decent, it’s easy to get lost on foot without a guide, so it’s better to hire a guide or go around El Choco on horseback or in jeeps.

Sosua

Another youth place on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic is comfortably located in a calm bay between Cabarete and Puerto Plata. small resort is the party center of the region: there are many bars and discos in Sosua, mostly bachelors rest here. The local white-sand beaches are quite wide, therefore, despite the large number of tourists, everyone here can stay comfortably. Not far from the coast there is a compact but densely populated coral reef where you can go snorkeling: the local diving center will provide tourists with vivid impressions. Other attractions in Sosua include the botanical garden and old market, as well as the Jewish quarter: back in the 1940s, Jews who fled from Europe found refuge here. In winter, the main entertainment here is boat trips to flocks of humpback whales that swim here to procreate.

Samana

This peninsula is highly recommended to visit independent tourists. Despite the presence of two international airports and three major cities, Samana remains a quiet, peaceful place and is famous for its virgin nature: coconut groves, caves, waterfalls, clean rivers and deserted beaches - sheer relaxation. The peninsula has several national parks, the largest of which is Los Gaitises with mysterious caves in which the Indians used to live (as evidenced by the drawings on the walls), and now only bats. Another local attraction that would be extremely unfair to ignore is the 30-meter El Limon waterfall. They say that everyone who bathes in it is waiting for untold wealth. Tours and tastings at the ranch where coffee and cocoa are grown are very popular.

Part of the province of Samana is the small island of Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island - it was here that the first commercial of this popular brand was filmed. And if you are lucky enough to be on the peninsula in February, then your path must necessarily run through the capital of the province - the city of Santa Barbara de Samana, where a merry salsa and meringue festival takes place at this time.

East coast The Dominican Republic, washed by the Atlantic Ocean, is considered the most popular and sought-after recreational region of the country. Here are the most major resorts and there are practically no cities in the usual sense of the word. It is here that the hotels with which tour operators from the CIS countries are most actively working are located. A large coral reef stretches almost along the entire coast, protecting the land from the energetic waves of the ocean and along the way creating excellent conditions for memorable diving. In other words, the resorts of the eastern part of the Atlantic coast of the Dominican Republic will be an ideal place for recreation for both active and restless tourists and contemplative couch potatoes.

Best Resorts east coast Dominican Republic

Punta Cana

It's huge resort region located at the "junction" of the Atlantic Ocean with the Caribbean Sea. The biggest, the most popular, the most beautiful - you can pick up adjectives in a superlative degree of comparison for a very long time to describe it. The main pride of Punta Cana - wide beaches dotted with coral paper-white sand, planted with thick coconut palms and lined with exotic bungalows covered with dried palm paws. And all this beauty is in municipal property, so you can sunbathe and swim freely and free of charge. Punta Cana was also lucky with the weather: the rainy season here is very short, and average monthly temperature all year round is practically unchanged - around 30 degrees, which are softened by light ocean breezes. This resort for honeymooners is becoming more and more popular: the days spent here will be remembered by the newlyweds all their lives as a real honeymoon.

A few words about the national Dominican fun - diving: coastal waters are very transparent, and visibility under water in the summer season reaches 30 meters. The most popular for swimming is the part of the reef, which is called the "Marinarium", where eagle rays and even harmless baleen nurse sharks live. There is also a “own” sunken ship here: even from the shore you can see the mast of the cargo ship Astron sticking out of the water (by the way, it was listed on the balance sheet in Russia), which ran aground during a storm in 1978 and went to the bottom. Another active, gambling and highly demanded entertainment among tourists from the CIS countries here is a jeep safari, with which you can transfer from a cool hotel civilization to a riot for a day. tropical jungle and feel like a hero of an adventure action movie. Also in the vicinity of Punta Cana there are a dozen first-class golf courses, some of which, such as Punta Espada, are included in various world rankings. And if someone does not like these bourgeois excesses, then welcome to the world of agritourism: there are several villages near the resort where travelers can touch the life of ordinary locals and personally participate in the harvesting of sugar cane or other home crafts.

Fans of hanging out and dancing in Punta Cana will not have to lose heart: in addition to the discos available at each hotel, the resort offers to visit a lot of original clubs, the most popular of which, perhaps, can be called Imagine, located in a natural cave: three dance floors framed by stalactites will definitely remember for a long time!

bavaro

In the very southeast of the Dominican Republic is the resort of Bavaro, which can be classified as "luxury". Just some 30 years ago, the winds simply rustled in the mangroves here, and today the area has all the attributes of an aristocratic holiday: five-star hotels, tennis courts, casinos, golf courses, stables, expensive shops and even a dress code in a number of establishments. For those who are satisfied with comfort and respectability, Bavaro is ready to offer a lot of entertainment in addition to diving, snorkeling and jeep safari, traditional for the whole country: for example, an excursion to the Palm Cemetery, where strange birds live in mangrove deadwood, or to the Oleg Bat House cave - dwelling of several species of bats. Those who come on vacation with the whole family have the opportunity to take the children to the dinosaur park or Manati Park, where you can swim with dolphins. A new level of nightlife offers the most famous club Bavaro Coco Bongo is not just a disco, but a real show with large-scale choreographic performances, vocal numbers and acrobatic etudes.

Cap Cana

If you are rich, then why not visit Cap Cana? This is a small and very young resort, one of the co-founders of which is Donald Trump. Just ten minutes drive from Punta Cana Airport, you can live in a luxurious bungalow with private access to the ocean. Beauty, cleanliness and level of service in Cap Can go far beyond the conventional scale of five stars. The cost of all this happiness is rather big, which is why businessmen and Hollywood stars fly here all the time.

Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic

The Caribbean Sea washes the southern part of the Dominican Republic, so the two most obvious differences between the local resorts from the northern and eastern ones are the absence of waves and higher water temperatures. The capital of the state, the city of Santo Domingo, is located on the Caribbean coast, and the famous islands of Beata and Elephant are also located here.

The best resorts on the south coast of the Dominican Republic

Boca Chica

Located near the capital of the Dominican Republic, the Boca Chica resort can be classified as affordable and affordable. At the same time, the moderate cost of vouchers here in no way affects the conditions of rest or the level of service. Families with children primarily seek Boca Chica: the resort has the unofficial title of the largest bath in the world due to the always warm and calm water and a very gentle entrance to the sea. Boca Chica Beach is considered the cleanest on the entire southern coast: the coral reef takes on everything that waves can bring here, and natural underwater springs constantly feed the bay with crystal clear water.

The history of Boca Chica dates back only a few decades, so the resort cannot offer any special attractions to its guests. Most interesting place of the city is Calle Duarte, where most of the entertainment venues are concentrated.

Diving is a must in Boca Chica: the area is ideal for a debut in scuba diving, and underwater park La Caleta has as many as two sunken ships! In the immediate vicinity of the coast of Boca Chica, there are two tiny islands - La Matica and Los Pinos, which can even be reached on your own by renting a sea bike. The first is covered with mangroves, the second - with pine trees, where you can hide from human noise and feel like Robinson.

La Romana

Painting the beach beauties of La Romana is a thankless task: small White sand, turquoise water and coconut palms here are as incredible as in the already described Dominican resorts. The main focus of La Romana is a quiet and relaxing family holiday. Despite the fact that the age of the city exceeds 500 years, it is also not very rich in sights: living quiet life laborers, La Romana has been known throughout its history as a center for processing sugar cane. Nevertheless, there are several interesting places in the vicinity of the resort that are worth visiting. For example, the village of artisans and artists of Altos de Chavon. Its construction was completed only in the 1990s, but all the buildings in it correspond to the canons of Italian architecture of the 16th century. The picturesque area (a hill above the gorge) and man-made beauty often attract newlyweds here for a wedding ceremony.

Near La Romana, the Chavon River flows, along which you can kayak. You should definitely visit Cueva de las Maravillas ("Cave of Miracles"), which the skillful hands of architects turned into a real underground palace with several halls, stone bridges and stalactite arches.

Saona

While relaxing in La Romana or Punta Cana, you can go to day trip to the island of Saona. Once upon a time, a commercial for the Bounty chocolate was filmed on this island, and since then, the paradise views of Saona have been firmly imprinted in memory, and even the term "bounty island" has appeared in everyday speech, which can briefly and clearly describe the unearthly beauty of any coast. Unfortunately, it is impossible to settle here: there is not a single hotel on Saona, and the island itself is a natural reserve.

Santo Domingo

The capital of the Dominican Republic, located at the point where Osama flows into the Caribbean Sea, more than compensates for the lack of attractions in other cities in the region. Founded in 1496 by the younger brother of Christopher Columbus, Saint Domingo is the first city in the New World. The rich architectural heritage of the XV-XVI centuries allowed it to get into the UNESCO registers. An abundance of colonial-era attractions earned Santo Domingo the title of Cultural Capital of the Americas in 2010, so brace yourselves: there will be a lot of interesting things here!

The well-preserved Osama fortress, which protected the city from pirate raids, the Alcazar de Colon Palace, the first cathedral in the New World - all these structures appeared on the Caribbean coast at the very beginning of the 16th century! The symbol of the city is the Lighthouse of Columbus, and the remains of the great navigator are also buried here. Alleys, parks, beautiful streets, a seaside promenade framed by palm trees - walks along Santa Domingo will be long and pleasant. Nature lovers will also not have to regret that they have chosen the most Big City Dominican Republic: there is a botanical garden, an aquarium, a unique cave complex and a zoo.

Juan Dolio

Between Santo Domingo and La Romana, on the shore of a beautiful bay, there is another popular resort Dominican south - Juan Dolio. The town is small and calm, so mostly lovers of peace and tranquility rest here. Along the broad sand strip continuous beach there are comfortable hotels of various price categories. Diving and snorkelling of the highest Dominican quality, hiking and cycling in the surrounding area, visiting a nearby flower farm will diversify your measured rest. The excellent location of Juan Dolio allows you to go to see the sights of Santo Domingo or admire the caves of La Romana at any time. It remains to be added that the Dominicans themselves prefer to relax in Juan Dolio, and the inhabitants of this country know something about resorts.

Barahona

This resort is located in the southwest of the Dominican Republic, at its very border with Haiti on the Pedernales Peninsula. It cannot be included in the list of the most popular due to the fact that it is a little more difficult to get to it. Yes, and huge hotel complexes not here either, but the main wealth of Barahona is amazing nature. First, they are deserted wild beaches in a bay surrounded by mountains. Secondly, a variety of picturesque water objects - rivers, lakes, waterfalls. Thirdly, Barahona is surrounded by unique natural parks and reserves where you can meet iguanas, flamingos, lizards and crocodiles. Also here is a mysterious place - Polo Magnetico. If you leave the car in neutral gear in this anomalous zone, then you can observe the rarest optical illusion: the car itself will crawl ... up!

The Caribbean, or simply the Caribbean, is the land of island micro-states whose main source of income is tourism. It is not surprising that much attention is paid to the recreational industry here. The climate and nature of the islands are more than conducive to recreation and tourism, however, due to the geographical remoteness, the islands of the Caribbean are not yet so popular as a holiday destination among Russian tourists. The advantages of resting in the Caribbean include the fact that most states do not require an entry visa, but there are some nuances here. Today we will tell about these and other features of recreation in the Caribbean Islands in our review.

1.Cuba

Holidays in Cuba are most popular among tourists from Russia. Judge for yourself, the largest Caribbean island offers its tourists a wonderful climate and beaches, colorful culture and natural attractions, no need to apply for a visa, in addition, the price in Cuba will also pleasantly surprise our compatriots. The coastline of the island is characterized by the presence of a large number of bays and coves; for divers, the island is also of interest due to the presence coral formations near the coast. Cuba is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The island has several mountain ranges, as well as numerous karst caves, where it will be interesting to go on excursions.

The climate of Cuba is typical tropical, so if you don't want to get into the rainy season, then it's better to come here on vacation from October to April. The main resort of Cuba is Varadero. By the way, the beaches of Varadero are among the five most clean beaches peace. The resort has a large hotel base and numerous diving centers; tourists have the opportunity to visit various excursions, incl. to caves and rainforests, as well as experience a water safari, so a holiday in Cuba is more of a mixture beach holiday and exciting excursions, since the nature of Cuba in this regard is inexhaustible.

The advantage for Russian tourists is the opportunity to fly to Cuba without additional transfers from Moscow. In addition, there are various connecting flights through Europe. Perhaps the purchase of tickets will be the largest expense item, because. prices in Cuba are quite moderate even in tourist areas.

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2.Dominican Republic

When choosing a resort in the Dominican Republic, you should rely on own desires. Most Russian tourists go to the famous resort of Punta Cana, and this is not surprising, because there is a gently sloping white-sand coast, convenient logistics to the main attractions, and Punta Cana hotels are famous for their diversity and hospitality. However, if you came to the Dominican Republic for the purpose of diving or other water sports, then it is better to go to the south of the country, where there are all opportunities for exploring the coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea. These resorts include Catalina Island or the towns of Juan Dolio and Boca Chica. Windsurfing is available at Puerto Plata. Among the sights of the Dominican Republic, Saona Island, which is at the same time a nature reserve, will be especially interesting, its views are truly heavenly, as in the Bounty advertisement. In the vicinity of the city of Jarabocoa, there are cascading waterfalls, which, in turn, are also a popular place for tourists to visit.

Holidays in the Dominican Republic are mainly beach holidays, since the coastline here is spacious and stretches for many kilometers, but if, in addition to a beach holiday, you are interested in the history of this Caribbean State, then in the capital of the Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo, many cultural, architectural and historical monuments have been preserved that have a stylistic diversity and will be of interest to many. It is here that you can feel the Spanish influence on the culture and life of the islanders.

For Russian tourists, there are direct flights from Moscow to the resort of Punta Cana, in addition, a visa to enter the Dominican Republic is not needed if you do not plan to stay there for more than 30 days.

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3. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a mixture of mountains and vast coastal areas, add to this a mild maritime climate, and you get perfect place for relax. The main contingent of vacationers here are Americans, and this is not surprising, because Puerto Rico is a country freely associated with the United States. On the one hand, the order and infrastructure on the island, as in the United States, on the other hand, the population has Spanish roots, which can be traced in culture and medieval architecture, and on the third, tropical flora and fauna reign here, all together this makes the country unique and unique of a kind.

The number of beaches on the island is over the top, here everyone can choose a coast for their own interests, for example, surfers should go to western part islands to beaches such as Punta Iguero and Spanish Wall Beach; lovers of secluded relaxation are perfect Mar Chiquita or Resaka beach; divers and snorkelers usually flock to Blue Beach and Playa Esperanza. Of the attractions of the island, the Rio Camai National Cave Park can be noted - this is a whole network of karst caves stretching for many kilometers of the island.

Fans of mountain tourism should definitely go to the Central Cordillera mountain range, the highest on the island. Behind cultural property It is worth going to the capital of Puerto Rico - the city of San Juan. The city is considered one of the oldest founded by Europeans in America. Of the attractions of San Juan - the forts of San Felipe del Morre and San Cristobal and many ancient buildings made in colonial style.

Russian tourists to enter Puerto Rico require a visa, which is issued at the US consulates. The flight, most likely, will also be carried out through one of the US cities, although there is an option - to sail by ferry from the Dominican Republic (about 14 hours on the way). There are no direct flights from Moscow to Puerto Rico.

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4.Bahamas

Geography Bahamas extremely interesting - the country consists of more than 700 islands, and only 30 of them are inhabited, and more coastal zone The Bahamas is rich in coral reefs, making the place one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Nai best time November-April is considered to be the year to visit the islands, when precipitation (or rather, monsoon showers) is unlikely. The most visited islands in the Bahamas are New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros, Eleuthera. They are absolutely tailored to the needs of tourists: hotels, restaurants, night bars and discos, walking promenades, shopping, the opportunity to visit a lot of excursions - all this forms the basis of the economy of the island state, so tourists are always welcome here.

For diving, go to the islands of Abacos and Eleuthera, to the island of Inagua for exotic entertainment such as swimming with dolphins, to the island of Andros for fishing, and for quality shopping in New Providence. A real gem of your visit to the Bahamas will be a trip to Harbor Island, where the mysterious pink beach. The color of the sand on the beach and in the water is really pink. This is explained simply - the presence of pink mollusks is high in the water, giving such an amazing color to the water.

There are several national parks in the Bahamas, each of which is famous for its natural conditions. For example, Lucayan Park is a mixture of underwater caves and mangrove swamps. And in the Retreat Park you can admire and explore the unique and diverse flora and fauna of the island, rare species of palms and cedars, plants and birds. Russian tourists do not need a visa to enter this paradise unless you plan to stay here for more than 90 days.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Moscow, so you will need a transfer in London or one of the US cities (do not forget about the need for a transit visa). If you plan to stay in the Bahamas for more than 90 days, then you must contact the British embassies for paperwork.

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5.Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is 2 major islands located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Trinidad is continental in origin, while Tobago is volcanic. Both islands have mountain ranges in their relief, which are a natural continuation of the mountain ranges of Venezuela. The dry season of the islands is considered to be from January to May, but Trinidad and Tobago is away from tropical cyclones, so there are no heavy rain showers here even in the “monsoon season”. The islands are covered with evergreens and trees, and it is not uncommon to find cypress or sandalwood forests here.

The tourism industry is a priority here, so the level of service is quite good, despite the fact that prices, compared to other Caribbean islands, do not bite. Among water sports, literally everything, or very many, is popular here. Windsurfing, diving, water skiing, paragliding, fishing. Many tourists choose February and March as the time to visit the islands, because it is at this time of the year that the carnival is held in Trinidad and Tobago. The best beaches of the islands are Tairiko Bay and Maracas Bay, reminiscent of the picture from the Bounty advertisement. To see the rich nature of the islands in all its glory, head to the Caroni and Asa Wright National Parks, where special viewing platforms are equipped for better surveillance for the wildlife of the place. For breathtaking natural attractions, also head to Sombasson Falls and Guanapo Gorge.

Russian citizens do not need a visa to Trinidad and Tobago (if your stay does not exceed 90 days). However, a transit visa is required, as There are no direct flights from Russia. Transfers are possible in Amsterdam and London.

6.Martinique

You will be surprised, but Martinique is a part of France, more precisely, its overseas territory. The island itself is of volcanic origin, and there are many coral reefs around it. On the island, in addition to extinct volcanoes, there is one active volcano - Mont Pele. It is better to come to Martinique from November to June, when there is much less rainfall. During your trip around the island, you should definitely walk the so-called tourist trail. This good opportunity admire the tropical forests of the island, unusual plants, such as giant ferns, mountain and volcanic peaks, a waterfall on the Alma River, and also go to the Jardin Balata botanical garden.

The best place for a beach holiday is the southern tip of the island - the region of Les Salines. The beaches here are truly endless. The hotel base is also well developed in Le Salines. Surprisingly, Martinique is the birthplace of the very Josephine who became the wife of Napoleon. Now in the house where she spent her childhood, a museum has been organized with interesting expositions and authentic household items of the French Empress. A visit to the museum is a must.

Often Martinique is part of numerous cruise routes, so many tourists explore the island during cruises, but the island is so distinctive that it undoubtedly deserves more attention. To visit the island, Russian tourists need to apply for a special visa at the French embassies. You can get to Martinique from Moscow with one change in Paris.

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7.Grenada

Another island of volcanic origin - Grenada - covers an area of ​​​​only 350 square meters. km, most of which are mountains and hills. Valuable features of the island are numerous bays and secluded beaches; here, without exaggeration, you can feel at the end of the world. Grand Anse is the key tourist place Grenada. All the benefits of civilization are concentrated here - hotels, bars, restaurants and other entertainment. For privacy, you should go to the northern part of the island. Grenada is surrounded by coral reefs, so the water is always calm here, and divers have the opportunity to explore the unique ecosystems of the Caribbean almost untouched by people.

The best dive sites are Bos Reef, Jenny Island and Grand Anse Beach. There are several national parks on the island that deserve special attention. For example, Etang Park, located near the crater lake of the same name, is interesting for its waterfalls and hot springs. Lever Park is popular for its lagoon, home to rare bird species.

Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to visit Grenada. You will have to fly from Moscow with a transfer in London or Frankfurt am Main (do not forget about transit visas).

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8. Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere (261 sq. km). Both islands have volcanic origin. Most of the islands are occupied by mountains, an extinct volcano, salt lakes and numerous sandy bays, which Saint Kitts and Nevis are famous for. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs, which makes staying here especially interesting for divers. It is better to come to the islands from November to June, because. in August-October are quite possible strong hurricanes. For citizens of Russia there is a visa-free entry. However, the flight is possible only with a transfer in one of the visa countries for Russia, which makes it necessary to issue a transit visa. The flight is possible with a connection in London, New York or Miami.

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Practical and eventful travels for you!

Russians are also last years fell in love with these resorts, despite the long and expensive flight. And yet, because of the exoticism and romance of the Caribbean resorts, many newlyweds choose this direction as a place for your honeymoon.

Varadero, Cuba

Holidays in Cuba will be interesting as lovers beach activities(paraselling, diving, sailing, snorkeling), and nature lovers, which is simply fabulous here. Beyond enjoyment beautiful beaches and sunny weather, you can walk along the colorful old Havana, visit tobacco and coffee plantations, and full chest breathe freedom.

How to get there: Direct flights from Moscow to Havana, on the way from 12 hours, or with a transfer in Paris, Frankfurt or Amsterdam - on the way from 16 hours.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

There are a number of resorts in the Dominican Republic that will appeal to diving enthusiasts, because here you can see picturesque coral reefs, many various kinds exotic fish, sometimes even the wreckage of sunken ships. In addition, the Dominican Republic is very popular for organizing beach weddings and honeymooners.

How to get there: Direct flights from Moscow to Punta Cana, on the way from 13 hours.

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is recognized as one of the best resorts in Mexico and is now gaining popularity among tourists from Russia. Cancun is famous for its stunning white beaches, clear water and developed infrastructure. Also in Mexico you can see waterfalls of extraordinary beauty, cenotes, Mayan pyramids - Chichen Itza, Palenque.

How to get there: Direct flights from Moscow to Cancun, on the way from 13 hours.

Bahamas

The Bahamas are synonymous with luxury holidays. The archipelago of the Bahamas includes about 700 islands, only 30 of which are inhabited. Here beautiful beaches, developed infrastructure of hotels, exotic nature. One of the best beaches in the Bahamas is Pink Sand Beach, the sand on which is an unusually beautiful pink hue.

How to get there: Freeport International Airport, Nassau. There are no direct flights. You can fly with a transfer in London or the USA, travel time from 13 hours.

Jamaica

Every year more and more tourists visit Jamaica to see exotic nature, gorgeous beaches, reed fields, listen to live reggae ... Jamaica will also appeal to lovers of pirate stories, museums and monuments. Here you can dive with a mask and even hunt sharks.

How to get there: Kingston and Montego Bay International Airports. There are no direct flights from Russia, there are transfers in London and Frankfurt. Flight time is approximately 16 hours.

Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay Beach, which is located on the island of St. John of the Virgin Islands, according to the national geographical community is recognized as the most the best beach Caribbean. Coral reefs and a rich underwater world attract hundreds of tourists from all over the world to the Virgin Islands. The water near the islands is so clear that visibility is 40 m deep.

How to get there: International airports of Santa Cruz and St. Thomas. There are no direct flights, you can get there with a transfer in the USA or Puerto Rico.

Antigua and Barbuda

On the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, you can find both pristine nature and a variety of tourist attractions in the form of yacht clubs, bars, hotels and casinos. There are many cozy bays that are protected from the storm by coral reefs, snow-white beaches - of which there are as many as 365 on the island of Antigua.

How to get there: St. John's International Airport. There are no direct flights from Russia, only with transfers in London or Frankfurt.

Barbados

Since Barbados was once a British colony, some English traditions are still preserved here - for example, cricket is common, golf competitions are held. In addition, Barbados will delight vacationers beautiful nature, excellent beaches and many modern hotels. Rest here is measured and relaxed in English, so not all hotels accept families with children.

How to get there: Bridgetown International Airport. Transfer in London or Frankfurt, on the way from 14 hours.

Cayman islands

The Cayman Islands will be ideal for those who want to take a break from the metropolis and the crowds and feel like on a desert island - here you can find many beautiful secluded beaches. There is a diverse flora and fauna.

How to get there: International airport on Grand Cayman Island. Transfer in London or Miami, on the way from 20 hours.

Costa Rica

The sand on the beaches of Costa Rica has a variety of colors and shades: white, gold, silver and even volcanic black. In the resorts, in addition to sunbathing, you can go surfing, diving, sport fishing, as well as watch how sea ​​turtles lay eggs. In addition to all this, there are exotic fruits, national parks, mountains and volcanoes.

How to get there: San Jose International Airport. Flight - there are no direct flights, only connections in Madrid, Frankfurt, Havana are possible. On the way from 13. hours

It is difficult to say which of the islands or resorts of the Caribbean is the best. Despite the long, expensive and often indirect flight, a visit to one of the above resorts is a must. Holidays in the Caribbean are available almost all year round, Lately the visa regime is simplified and more and more direct flights appear. Kilometer-long white beaches with fine hot sand, green palm trees leaning over the water, exotic fruits, nature and a heady sense of freedom will remain in your memory for a long time.

Photo: thinkstockphotos.com, flickr.com