Unspoiled, lush St. Lucia's fan base is growing. Some of its visitors are music fans who enjoy the springtime St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, while others are adrenaline junkies who test their limits by climbing The Pitons or zip-lining through the Chassin region's rain forest. Others are honeymooners relaxing on one of the island's chalky beaches or hunkering down in one of the island's isolated resorts.

But what if you're not in any of these categories? Don't worry: St. Lucia refuses to be classified as a specific type of Caribbean vacation. Furthermore, you do not need to spend a lot of money (its reputation as a luxurious hideout is only somewhat warranted). You'll have to visit experience some of the island's indescribable charms. Begin your mornings with an orange-tinted Soufrière sunrise, and end your evenings with a "jump-up" (or dance party) along Gros Islet.

The British Virgin Islands are without a doubt one of the best places in the Caribbean to visit. For starters, the BVI is made up of 60 islands, so there are plenty of places to explore, reefs to dive, and white-sand beaches to sink your toes into while on vacation. The British Virgin Islands attract a diverse range of tourists and offer a variety of activities and lodging options to accommodate high-end luxury, all-inclusive preferences, and more rustic experiences.

Beaches are popular in the British Virgin Islands, from the popular family-friendly Cane Garden Bay on Tortola to the quiet and picturesque Deadman's Beach on Peter Island. The clear Caribbean waters that surround the islands are ideal for surfing, diving, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing. There are numerous excursions available from the islands, such as dolphin tours and sunset cruises.

The United States Virgin Islands are popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean because getting there is simple, especially from the United States. The US Virgin Islands are made up of three islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Day trips between the three islands are simple. St. Croix is the largest of the islands, and its waters are popular with honeymooners and scuba divers. The island is only 22 miles long and has two cities as well as a vibrant cultural scene filled with artisans and architecture.

St. Thomas has the most diverse visitor population, attracting couples and families to its beaches and cultural city center. The island of St. John is the smallest and most rustic of the three. Aside from well-known beaches like Trunk Bay, St. John has a lot of natural beauty. Because two-thirds of the island is protected national parkland, you will be able to experience the Caribbean in its most natural state.

The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's second-largest country and one of the most popular destinations for vacationers and honeymooners. The Dominican Republic is easy to get to, which is one of the reasons it is one of the best places to visit in the Caribbean. It is a two-hour flight from Miami and an eight-hour flight from most European cities. If the beach is your priority, the island has 250 miles of beautiful beaches to choose from.

Punta Cana and Puerto Plata are two of the best places for tourists to visit, as they have many resorts and departure points for excursions such as snorkeling and diving. A trip to Santo Domingo, the capital, is also worthwhile for a taste of history.

For those looking for epic diving experiences in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands are a must-see. Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac comprise the island chain. The most popular island for vacationers is Grand Cayman, which has a number of popular dive sites, including the Kittiwake Shipwreck and artificial reef.

Grand Cayman is also known for its tranquil Seven Mile Beach, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, and Stingray City, where visitors can get up close and personal with the massive sea creatures that will eat the food right out of your hand. You can stay at one of Grand Cayman's many resorts and take day trips to the other two islands during your stay.

The Cayman Islands are a three-island archipelago located 150 miles south of Cuba. Grand Cayman, the largest, is full of massive resorts with all-inclusive options, ideal for those who prefer preplanned itineraries and don't mind sharing the sights with cruise crowds. Meanwhile, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman offer some of the best diving in the Caribbean.

Aruba's crystal-clear waters are ideal for a relaxing island getaway. Aruba is not as well-known as some of the other Caribbean islands, which makes it one of the best places to visit because you can enjoy the island's beaches and attractions without having to contend with large crowds. Swimming in the Caribbean waters is the most popular activity in Aruba. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are two of the island's best beaches.

Aruba is also a popular diving destination. If you are a beginner, you can take a diving lesson at your resort and go diving for the day to explore some of the nearby coral reefs and shipwrecks. Arikok National Park is a popular non-beach excursion, and the Aruba Ostrich Farm is a fun experience, especially for families.

Most vacationers feel like locals by the time they leave Jamaica. You will be immersed in Jamaican culture almost everywhere you go, from the reggae music to the jerk chicken cooking on a roadside grill. Jamaica is a popular Caribbean destination due to the island's frequent flights and abundance of all-inclusive resorts, making it an easy vacation to plan.

While you will most likely spend some of your vacations at Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica is ideal for active travelers. Dunn's River Falls is just one of many beautiful waterfalls in Jamaica where you can swim and hike up the falls. There are also guided tours to the Blue Mountains National Park and snorkeling opportunities. Like the rest of the Caribbean, there are times when it is better to visit than others. The best time to visit Jamaica maybe when you have free time, but you should consider the weather and storm season as well.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are the ideal antidotes to your hectic lifestyle, with nearly deserted beaches fringed by shimmering azure water, colorful coral reefs, crispy conch fritters, and a sleepy, lighthearted atmosphere. While the island was impacted by the destructive hurricanes of 2017, much of the damage has been repaired and its beaches are still as beautiful as ever. Turks and Caicos maintain its reputation as a secluded and exclusive getaway. Regular visitors to these narrow swaths of alabaster sand will tell you that they wouldn't have it any other way.

This network of about 100 islands and cays is dominated by three personalities. There's glamorous Providenciales, or "Provo", which is home to a slew of opulent hotels. The historic and cultural nucleus (and cruise ship hub) is laid-back Grand Turk, best seen in the Turks & Caicos National Museum or along the shores of Cockburn Town, where Christopher Columbus first docked in the Western Hemisphere. Salt Cay, a tiny, flat island, is home to the best dives: from here, you can explore one of the world's largest reef systems.

Puerto Rico is one of the best Caribbean getaways because there are numerous flights to the island and it caters to a wide range of vacationers. The clear-water beaches are ideal for families, the shops in San Juan are popular with cruise ship passengers, the secluded island of Vieques is ideal for couples, and the 25-foot waves at Tres Palmas beach in Rincon draw surfers from all over the world.

Relax on Flamenco Beach with your beach towel or hike up to the El Morro fortress, one of the island's top attractions. Step outside at night to enjoy the bioluminescent microorganisms that glow in Mosquito Bay. Another advantage of visiting Puerto Rico is that there are frequently discounted packages available year-round, even during the winter months, when other Caribbean islands raise their prices.

Barbados has a laid-back vibe for a peaceful Caribbean vacation, which is one of its main draws. Barbados' beaches, such as Bathsheba, Carlisle Bay, and Dover, have pristine white sands where you can spend the day relaxing in between swims in the warm water. Spend an afternoon in Bridgetown admiring the old architecture while purchasing spices from local street vendors.

Barbados is a fun island to explore, with many tourist attractions and natural landmarks. Harrison's Cave provides a nice tour of the stalactite and stalagmite formations, and Animal Flower Cave is a sea cave that you can explore on your own. If you enjoy snorkeling, you should book a day trip that takes you to see shipwrecks and swim with sea turtles.

Consider this: The sweet scent of tropical flowers and rum punch fills the air as thatched-roof cottages rise over turquoise waters; bronzed sun worshippers sprawl along isolated white sands hemmed by shimmering waves, coral reefs, and sleek yachts. The intriguing network of secluded islands floating in the distance is the only thing luring you away from your beach towel. Hello and welcome to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

If you don't want to spend your days sunning on one picturesque island (St. Lucia) or savoring conch with throngs of tourists on two (St. Kitts & Nevis), then St. Vincent & The Grenadines is the place to go. This Caribbean destination is ideal for a getaway, with 32 remote islands and cays boasting emerald hills, postcard-worthy harbors, and boutique hotels. Spend a few days exploring St. Vincent, the chain's largest island, before sailing to Mustique, Canouan, and Bequia – some of the Grenadines' best (and most exclusive) hideaways. Exploring this quiet, less-traveled tropical paradise, however, necessitates many hours in transit (there is no direct flight from the United States) and a large wallet.

Curacao is distinct in that, rather than the subdued blue and green colors seen on other islands, the historic architecture reflects a vibrant and colorful Dutch influence. Willemstad, the port city, has a fun energy and an old European flair, but the beaches are still the main draw. On Curacao, snorkeling and diving are excellent, and many coral reefs are easily accessible. Cas Abao Beach and Playa Lagun are two of the island's best beaches. On the island, you can easily rent water sports equipment or take a diving lesson.

Pinks, yellows, and blues are reflected in the cerulean St. Anna Bay by the brightly painted Dutch colonial buildings. As you leave the city, the scenery changes to a desert setting, with spiny aloe and mesquite sprouting from atop weathered limestone cliffs. The beach, however, is Curaçao's main attraction. The island is surrounded by picture-perfect bays and coves, with turquoise waters lapping gently against the powdery white sand. The reefs of Curaçao are teeming with marine life, making them ideal underwater playgrounds for scuba divers and snorkelers.

The southern Caribbean's lesser-known but luxurious twin islands are breathtaking. St. Kitts and Nevis entice visitors looking for a combination of resort relaxation and picturesque landscapes with a dash of adventure and history. St. Kitts is the outgoing sister, with the most restaurants, bars, and hotels. Shy and lush Nevis exemplifies the opulence that has become this region's trademark.

You're looking for culture? These islands have it – just look at the St. Kitts Carnival in the winter or the music festival in June. Those interested in history will not be disappointed: Nevis is the birthplace of founding father Alexander Hamilton; St. Kitts' imposing Brimstone Hill Fortress was once known as the "Gibraltar of the West Indies," and the St. Kitts Scenic Railway educates visitors on the area's sugar cane roots. Those who come solely for the beach can unwind with a good book on a number of white-sand oases, including Oualie Beach and Frigate Bay.

There's no denying that Guadeloupe has a certain je ne sais quoi – a spark that distinguishes its sun-kissed coasts from other Caribbean getaways. The imposing La Soufrière volcano is surrounded by verdant forests and sparkling white and black sand beaches. A few miles south, charming villages welcome visitors to centuries-old distilleries and remote sugar plantations. Simply put, Guadeloupe has a pristine natural setting with rustic charms. But that's not all this lovely group of islands has to offer. Where else can you smell the sweet aroma of sugar and rum wafting through the air, taste tantalizing French-Creole flavors, and stretch your towel along untouched stretches of sandy bliss?

But, before you can enjoy Guadeloupe's sun and splendor, you'll need to get acquainted with the island. Guadeloupe's "mainland" is made up of two distinct islands: Basse-Terre (the region's capital city) and Grande-Terre (the islands' luxurious resort haven), which form the shape of a butterfly when combined. The western wing is made up of Basse-Terre, while the eastern wing is made up of Grande-Terre. Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and Les Saintes form an outer island cluster that surrounds Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. Each isle is secluded, beautiful, and worth a day trip. If you're only here for a few days, don't pass up the chance to try a fiery Lambi (conch) dish or sail around the islands' arresting archipelago.

Grenada's allure is based on the experiences you will have on the island, rather than the memorable imagery of its beautiful beaches. Mornings can be spent beachcombing for shells, and afternoons can be spent touring one of the island's spice plantations. You'll want to see the colorful harbor and stroll through St. George's beautiful streets.

Grenada has 45 beaches, but the most popular is the two-mile Grand Anse Beach. Hiking trails can be found at La Sagesse Nature Center and the Grand Etang National Park. Make time to visit Market Square, one of the island's most popular attractions, where you can buy souvenirs from local vendors.

Grenada has long been overlooked by Americans, who prefer showier, resort-laden islands. But, take it from the Brits who have spent many winters on Grenada: it's worth a visit. Sure, you won't find the sprawling all-inclusive or glitzy nightclubs of St. Lucia or Barbados in this part of the Windward Islands; in fact, you might be hard-pressed to find another American here. That, however, is the key to Grenada's allure.

Every year, millions of visitors flock to the Bahamas to enjoy its white sandy beaches, duty-free shops, fishing and scuba diving excursions, and luxurious accommodations. Families who visit tend to enjoy the attractions of Atlantis, Paradise Island, and other mega-resorts, but this diverse island chain also offers a variety of activities outside of the hotel zone.

Nature lovers can explore pristine protected areas such as the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (on Eleuthera) and the Lucayan National Park (on Grand Bahama Island), or relax on one of the country's many beaches or private islands. Meanwhile, history buffs can explore the colonial ruins and artifacts, as well as indigenous peoples such as the Lucayan Indians. Furthermore, with cruise deals available all year, it's no surprise that the Bahamas is such a popular vacation destination.

Anguilla has small villas on the beach instead of large hotels. If you want to be pampered, there are some luxury resorts on the island, but Anguilla does not have the overcrowded tourist scene that some other islands do. Most visitors to Anguilla spend their time on one of the island's more than 30 unspoiled beaches, such as Meads Bay, Shoal Bay East, and Rendezvous Bay. Day trips around the island are popular for snorkeling, diving, and eco-tours.

In comparison to some Caribbean islands that masquerade as tourist traps, Anguilla offers a more authentic experience. Cruise ships, casinos, and high-rise hotels are prohibited, but there are plenty of clear, coral-filled waters, unmarked and unpaved roads, and low-key beachfront villas. Pampering is also in high demand, from opulent resorts to sophisticated alfresco dining. The days here are long because there isn't much to do but relax. However, once the sun sets, you'll be treated to one of the best live music scenes in the Western Hemisphere. Quincy Jones, Bankie Banx, and Jimmy Buffett have all performed on Anguilla's bleak shores.

If you think of the Caribbean as a relaxed atmosphere, a tranquil beach, and a peaceful sunset, you haven't been to feisty St. Martin and St. Maarten. What's the best part about visiting this island governed by two governments? For the price of one vacation, you can sample two distinct, vibrant cultures. In 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated the island, as it did much of the Caribbean. Make sure to call or check the websites of any businesses you intend to visit ahead of time to confirm their status. In between trips to the beach, visitors flock to the 37-square-mile dot to eat well, party hard, and shop duty-free. The French government controls the north side, St. Martin.

It's home to the best restaurants and party beaches on the island. While cosmopolitan St. Maarten is home to the most vibrant casinos, bars, and clubs. St. Maarten is a Dutch Antilles territory that occupies the southern 16 square miles. Despite the excitement, St. Martin and St. Maarten maintain a stress-free atmosphere, beginning with the ease with which you can travel between the two sides of the island. So, soak up some rays on a quiet Dutch-side beach in the morning, then take a leisurely afternoon stroll through a French-side mountain in the afternoon. You'll be more than ready to sneak back across the border for a night of gambling.