Crystal clear water, white sand beaches, tropical breezes, swaying palm trees, balmy weather, an incredibly laid back atmosphere, there's something about a Caribbean getaway that just has "relax" written all over it! A Caribbean destination is ideal for anyone who wants to simply kick back on vacation, stretched out in a hammock with a good book or frosty drink in hand. What better way to escape the stress and responsibilities of everyday life than with a resort stay in the tropical Caribbean!

Of course, if it's activity you're seeking, you can find that, too. Go scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, parasailing, hiking, mountain biking and more. Shop exclusive boutiques, enjoy world-class dining, or scope out local beach bars. Accommodations in the Caribbean range from golf properties and couples-only hotels to all-inclusive resorts and lodging that is ideal for families with young children. The beauty of the Caribbean is that it is comprised of many different islands, each with its own personality. You can return to the Caribbean many times, but never have the same vacation twice!

Bahamas (Eleuthera, Freeport, George Town, Marsh Harbour, Nassau / Paradise Island) Select The Islands of the Bahamas, there are 700 of them! They extend more than 500 square miles over some of the clearest water in the world. The northernmost of the Caribbean Islands, the Bahamas are just southeast of Florida. Proximity to the United States makes a Bahamas vacation an incredibly convenient one; after all, the sooner you get to your tropical destination, the sooner you can start enjoying glorious beaches, warm climate and genial Bahamian hospitality! What makes the Bahamas unique among other islands in the Caribbean? Probably its rich heritage and culture, as well as its cheerful, upbeat residents. During your Bahamas vacation, you'll no doubt be introduced to the islands' colorful art, infectious music and upbeat dancing. While you can enjoy all kinds of international cuisine at various restaurants throughout the Bahamas, you should take time to try the local delicacies, namely fresh seafood including conch, an ocean mollusk. And of course, there are all sorts of ways you can spend your days in the Bahamas, such as scuba diving and snorkeling, golfing and shopping, or simply lying on the beach.

Bermuda (Bermuda) Select Technically, the island of Bermuda is not part of the Caribbean Islands. Instead, it lies hundreds of miles north of the Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean. At 650 miles east of North Carolina, you can reach Bermuda in less than two hours by plane from New York or other East Coast cities. Although once you arrive and unpack on this tropical island, you may feel as if you are a million miles away! As a United Kingdom territory, Bermuda has a decidedly British feel that blends well with its island culture. With just 21 square miles of land, the Bermudian government is cognizant of its pristine and precious natural resources. So there are no neon signs, limited car traffic and strict environmental laws. On your Bermuda vacation, you will also meet incredibly hospitable Bermuda residents; they are known as some of the friendliest people in the world.

British Virgin Islands (Tortola / Beef Island, Virgin Gorda) Select The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are an overseas British territory comprised of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, as well as dozens of other islands and uninhabited cays. Scattered in the Caribbean Sea, the British Virgin Islands are among the world's top scuba diving destinations, with phenomenal reefs and oodles of shipwrecks to explore. Scuba diving isn't for you? Go snorkeling in the turquoise water or just admire it from aboard a chartered sailboat or catamaran. The BVI are also known for its truly exquisite beaches, which come in all shapes and sizes. Find your own private stretch of deserted sand; head to a bustling, populated area filled with oceanfront restaurants; drop anchor in a calm bay; or seek out the waves for some sweet spots to surf. No matter what your sport, or even if it's no activity at all, there's a British Virgin Island resort that's ideal for your next tropical vacation.

Dominican Republic (La Romana, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Santo Domingo) Select The Dominican Republic shares an island with Haiti, lying west of Puerto Rico and east of Cuba and Jamaica. When Christopher Columbus landed on this lush back in 1492 he called it "beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys." With its rich history, the Dominican Republic is a treasure trove of archaeological sites and museums. The arts and culture scene in the DR is vibrant; chances are, on your tropical vacation you'll enjoy at least one performance of merengue, the national dance, or bachata, which features slower steps. And savor the mix of flavors in the local cuisine, which stems from native Antillean and hearty Creole recipes. Of course, you can enjoy many exciting typical island activities while you are in the Dominican Republic, including windsurfing, snorkeling, horseback riding, fishing and golf. Save some time on your itinerary for shopping and picking up some truly unique souvenirs: exquisite amber jewelry, sweet rum distilled on the island, or perhaps some cigars. After all, the DR is the largest producer of cigars in the world!

Eastern Caribbean (Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Canouan Island, Martinique / Fort-de-France) Select The islands that make up the Eastern Caribbean are wonderfully diverse in their culture, history and ecology. Some are proudly independent nations, while others are overseas territories of European countries. Choose from small, laid back tropical retreats or more vibrant cosmopolitan centers. Attractions range from colonial plantation homes and wildlife sanctuaries to jungle rainforests and extinct volcanoes. But no matter which Eastern Caribbean Island you choose for your next vacation, rest assured you'll enjoy some glorious surroundings and lovely tropical weather. After all, the Eastern Caribbean Islands are known for their pristine beaches and turquoise waters, not to mention all the marvelous outdoor activities you can enjoy during your stay, including snorkeling and diving, hiking and biking, and windsurfing and fishing.

Grand Cayman (Grand Cayman) Select Blessed with sun kissed beaches and waters teeming with fish, the Cayman Islands offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world. A British Overseas Territory, the Caymans are comprised of three islands, the largest of which is Grand Cayman. Here, you will be welcomed not only by the sweet sound of local music playing, but by the local Caymanians' generous smiles. Scuba enthusiasts descend upon Grand Cayman from all over the world to view its amazing underwater world. However, you don't even have to get wet to explore the marine life at the ocean's depths. Instead, board a submarine to take you a few feet underwater, or you can plunge toward the ocean floor and reach a phenomenal 1,000 feet below the surface! Besides water sports, Cayman is known for its excellent shopping options, nighttime entertainment and long stretches of beach, including famous Seven Mile Beach.

Jamaica (Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios) Select The living is laid back on Jamaica, the third largest island in the Caribbean, so be prepared to relax and enjoy life on "Jamaica time" when you visit. Jamaica is a multi faceted mosaic of international customs and traditions, drawing from its African, Asian, European and Middle Eastern heritage over the course of hundreds of years. Enjoy the extraordinary medley when you hear the reggae music, savor the jerk chicken, listen to colorful Jamaican patois and admire energetic dance moves. Sightseeing on the tropical island of Jamaica is plentiful, with great plantation houses to tour, heritage and historic sites to visit, and secluded beaches to find. Active travelers will love the array of adventures they can have on Jamaica: explore off road on an all terrain vehicle, sail through the treetops on a zipline, swim under cascading water at Dunn's River Falls. Or simply take a snooze under a swaying palm tree.

Puerto Rico (San Juan) Select Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, so American citizens do not need passports to travel to this lush island about 1,000 miles southeast of Miami. The people who live in Puerto Rico are friendly and known for their warm hospitality. Their culture is one of mixed heritage, including influences from Africa, Spain and other European countries, America and their Caribbean neighbors. On the island, there is so much to do! Hit the casinos, the golf course, the spas or the shopping districts. Hike the El Yunque jungle, also known as the Caribbean National Forest, to feel enveloped as you descend into the lush foliage. Be sure to tour El Morro, one of the largest forts the Spaniards ever built in the Caribbean. It sits high upon a promontory overlooking the entrance to San Juan Bay and affords many scenic photographs.

Southern Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) Select The islands in the southernmost part of the Caribbean are exotic. Located not far from the coast of South America, they're close to the equator, boasting incredible tropical climates. Steady trade winds help cool the islands in the heart of the summer. Stroll the historic sections of the main towns on the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaco to see splendid examples of Dutch architecture. All of the islands have exquisite beaches and high end resort areas, as well as more rugged, untouched landscape for "off road" exploration.

US Virgin Islands (St John, St Thomas) Select Americans do not need a passport to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands, whose main islands are St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix, also known as "America's Caribbean." A cultural melting pot, the U.S. Virgin Islands are home to residents who can trace their roots to a number of countries, including Africa, England, Holland, Denmark, Spain, France, India and the United States. Each of the U.S. Virgin Islands has its own personality and highlights. So, no matter if you're craving rest and relaxation, a vacation spent shopping in a cosmopolitan center, or some activity outdoors in lush hills and crystal clear water, there is an island that's ideal for your U.S. Virgin Islands vacation.

Bahamas  Bermuda  British Virgin Islands  Dominican Republic  Eastern Caribbean  Grand Cayman  Jamaica  Puerto Rico  Southern Caribbean  US Virgin Islands