We’ve all been in that place where it’s time for a vacation. We are ready to let loose and relax on a beach drinking a margarita. But there are so many different places to visit and different options out there. It can be challenging to find the right place for you and your family. Some popular vacations to take are to Jamaica, with its impressive all-inclusive packages, and then to the British Virgin Islands. Here we compare the good and bad of both of these vacations and help you decide what’s the ideal trip for you this summer!

comparing the sizes & atmosphere of each destination

First the size of each location. There’s a lot of time to relax and enjoy but also lots of time to explore and look around the space that you are visiting. The Virgin Islands are approximately 1,910 sq Km, while Jamaica is approximately 10,991 sq km, making Jamaica 475% larger and much more area to explore and venture through. If you love exploring new cultures and hiking in new exotic and tropical areas, Jamaica might be for you.

However, if your plan is to simply chill out by the beach or a resort without traveling around, the Virgin Islands has a larger coastline of beautiful, tropical views. This means more space between you and other travelers through the area, and more private time to relax and enjoy your vacation.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) vacation wouldn’t be complete without staying at a luxurious resort! Stay at one of the many wondrous spots offering direct access to the beaches and exciting nightlife in the BVIs. Most of these amazing resorts offer all-inclusive package deals that’ll give you food, drinks, and spa treatments around the area. If your goal is to relax, settle yourself and try to let go of stress the BVIs might be for you.

Related: A Guide On What To Avoid When Snorkeling In Jamaica

Jamaica has a full topography of mountains, rainforests, and reef-lined beaches. There are many all-inclusive resorts around the area with packages to visit areas around Jamaica, known for diving and snorkeling sites. Jamaica is also the birthplace of the famous reggae musician Bob Marley. There’s an amazing museum dedicated to his life and the reggae movement he was a part of. Jamaica also has fantastic nightlife. There are many different shows and amazing places to experience at night to see all that Jamaica has to offer.

Top Ten Adventures to Experience in Jamaica:

  1. ATV Riding in Montego Bay
  2. Dunn River Falls Ziplining
  3. Dunn River Falls Party Cruise with Snorkeling
  4. Hiking up the Hidden Waterfall, Blue Hole
  5. A Rastafarian Day Experience
  6. Horseback Riding through the Mountains and on the Beach
  7. Bamboo Rafting with Limestone Foot Massages
  8. Montego Bay Private Yacht Party
  9. Bob Marley’s Nine Mile Tour with Mystical Lagoon Experience
  10. Negril & Ricks Café Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Planning Your Perfect Vacation

No two vacations are ever the same and everyone has their own idea of what a perfect vacation looks like. However, no matter what you’re looking for on your vacation you can find it in either Jamaica or the BVIs.

The BVIs are some of the most exclusive and least-developed islands of the Caribbean, but this is the basis of their appeal to most travelers. The resorts, villas, restaurants, and other relaxing tourist experiences in this piece of paradise are known to enhance the luxury of one’s experience. This is the perfect place for relaxing, sailing, and seclusion.

Top Ten Relaxing and Luxury Experiences in BVIs:

  1. The Baths (in Virgin Gorda)
  2. Cane Garden Bay
  3. Smuggler’s Cove
  4. Sailing, Yacht and Boat Tours
  5. Rhone National Marine Park
  6. Sunny Caribbee Spice Shop & Art Gallery
  7. The Bubbly Pool
  8. Devil’s Bay National Park
  9. Massage and Facial Experiences
  10. Anegada Island

The best time during the year to visit the BVIs is usually from September to November before the overwhelming crowds of the winter holidays. Even though the fall months see the highest amount of precipitation, they also have the lowest rates and best all-inclusive rates for hotels around.

Jamaica is an amazing and beautiful place to travel, full of adventure and fun experiences. This is the perfect place to not only enjoy the beach but also ride horses, ATV-riding, and enjoy all the amazing escapades Jamaica has to offer. Culinary tourists will enjoy meals of fresh fruit, ackee, and spiny lobster plucked straight from the sea, while adventurers can go rafting, hiking, and snorkeling.

The best time to visit Jamaica is the end of the summer through the earlier winter months. In order to avoid the crowds and the hurricane season. This is the best time to get amazing deals on all you want to experience and enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer.

No matter which island you choose, you’re sure to have the best vacation you could ever imagine! Take your time thinking about what you want from your vacation and plan accordingly. So which is best: the British Virgin Islands or Jamaica for a vacation? You decide!

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