Right now, it seems that just about everyone is in need of a serious vacation. The idea of rest and relaxation goes hand in hand with the Caribbean, which is why it's such an overwhelmingly popular destination for many people. Prior to the pandemic, many people even planned annual trips to this sunny region of islands, and who can blame them? With this much sand, sun, umbrella drinks, and perfectly blue waters, any island sounds like a dream in the current climate.
With the potential for future travel slowly beginning to look up, and many islands, such as the Bahamas and Aruba (at the time of writing) allowing U.S. tourists in with guidelines, many are beginning to think about their future tropical getaways. If avoiding crowds is the goal, it might seem impossible - unless you're planning a trip to one of these islands instead.
Disclaimer: Check all island guidelines prior to booking travel. Given the current state, any travel restrictions are prone to change with little to no notice, and, at the time of writing, not every island may be accepting tourists.
Saba For Land And Sea Adventures
Saba is a stunning island and it's one that most people don't even know exists, likely due to the fact that if you looked for it on a map, you'd hardly see it at first. Unless you were specifically looking for Saba, it's not likely you'd notice this five-square-mile island despite its awesome geography which includes volcanic summits that reach up to 3,000 feet in height. Not far from Anguilla, this island is small yet stunning.
With several villas available around the island for visitors to book, it's not likely you'll find accommodations that don't have gorgeous views - not that you'd be trying! Hiking trails dot the island with beautiful overlooks, and several major restaurants are offering up traditional Caribbean cuisine. If that's not enough, try heading down to the island's beaches for dramatic ocean views and very few tourists.
St. Eustatius For 18th-Century History
St. Eustatius is just north of Saba and was once known as the busiest commerce port between both Europe and the Americas. Unlike Saba, though, this island is home to a more populated island, with multiple grocery stores and roads throughout its major towns.
The northern end of the island is also home to a stratovolcano known as The Quill, AKA Mount Mazinga, which reaches a height of 1,972 to make it the second-highest mountain in the Caribbean Netherlands. Views of Buccaneers Bay and the towns and beaches below make for a dramatic backdrop on this island.
Cayman Brac, The Lesser-Crowded Little Cayman Island
Grand Cayman usually gets all the attention when it comes to its Caribbean status but just east of this beautiful island is a smaller, just as stunning destination. Not to be confused with the island right next to it - Little Cayman - Cayman Brac is the furthest east of the three.
Both islands are stunning but Cayman Brac has a strong reputation with the divers who love to scuba below the surface. It's a haven for underwater explorers and full of marine life that's unique to the Cayman Islands. The Brac Parrot Reserve, as well as dive-themed hotels and its cliffside landscape, are all benefits of a Cayman Brac vacation.
Curaçao For A Colorful Blend Of Cultures
Curaçao is a larger island that's perfect for those who want plenty of options when they go on vacation. The size of the island combined with its many amenities make it an easy transition for those who are used to the more popular Caribbean islands, and this one is certainly a delight to the senses.
With typical Caribbean fare, travelers will also have the chance to experience the culture of an island influenced by Dutch, African, and Latin American influences. This blending of cultures only adds to the beauty of this island, and the hardest part will be deciding which part of it to visit first.
Guadeloupe For Nature Lovers
Guadeloupe is an island with unique geography as it's actually one island that's split into two, sporting a butterfly shape when viewing it from above. The island is a territory of France so those visiting will likely experience this in both its language as well as its cuisine and architectural style.
There certainly is no shortage of things to do on this island, including various hikes along the cliffsides, an endless number of breathtaking beaches, hikes to lush waterfalls, and rainforest trails.