See full version: Guide to the Safest and Most Dangerous Caribbean Islands
Montserrat is nicknamed the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean both for its terrain and the heritage of its inhabitants. This British territory in the Leeward Islands is considered to be one of the safest Caribbean destinations, its biggest threat being the active Soufrière Hills volcano and hurricanes that roll in between June and November. more
The Caribbean has seen a few high-profile incidents in its day, prompting the U.S. State Department to tack travel advisories onto quite a few of its islands. High unemployment rates, a lack of economic development, and drug trafficking have made parts of this region susceptible to crime, violence, and gang activity. Still, though, the tropical region generally remains safe to visit.
St. Barts, short for Saint Barthélemy, has been an overseas collectivity of France since 2007. Accessible only by yacht, propeller plane, or ferry, this exclusive island is known for being a party destination for the rich and famous. Besides the occasional theft, which is a concern for any tourist-popular region, St. Barts doesn't have much crime. here
Although homicide rates are high on a few Caribbean islands, most are lower than the United States' (according to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2019 there were 5.8 homicides per 100,000 people in the U.S. ). The U.S. Department of State's crime warnings—which take into account the number of crimes and homicides reported to law enforcement agencies per 100,000 inhabitants—are a pretty reliable indication of which islands have lower rates of violent crime. more
Coastal expert "Dr. Beach" has released his 2019 list of the best beaches in the U.S., from sea to shining sea. more
When considering destinations for island vacations, the Caribbean automatically comes to mind. But, for U.S. readers, it’s sometimes easy to miss the bevy of domestic locales right at your doorstep. Of course, Hawaii and its islands are somewhere at the top of the list, but what about the Northeast? You can’t forget the vibing, relaxed nature of Key West, either. So, before you drop a hefty cruise fee to circle foreign islands, think local. here
Hawaii is the first place most, if not all, travelers think of when U.S. islands are mentioned. From the blooming sun above to tropical expanses rife with sprawling wildlife, the Hawaiian islands are among the world’s best vacation spots. Don’t lump all the islands into a “collective Hawaii,” however; each one is unique and has its own attraction. [links]
Coastal expert "Dr. Beach" has released his 2019 list of the best beaches in the U.S., from sea to shining sea.
Providenciales, or Provo as many people call it, is also a great jumping off point to less populated islands like South Caicos and Grand Turk, which have a more rugged, island-style vibe.
Junkanoo Beach, which is within walking distance of the cruise terminal in Nassau, Bahamas, is empty during a cruise ship’s port of call.
St. Thomas is jam-packed with activities and history, yet still retains the island atmosphere of the Caribbean. Aside from world-class diving, travelers can enjoy a well-regarded golf course, beautiful beaches and exciting nightlife.
Robert Cross, MBR / CHICAGO TRIBUNE [links]
United Airlines from IAH or Southwest from HOU to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport here
Duration: 4 hours, 40 minutes
The least expensive countries for travel in the Caribbean Islands are currently Cuba ($33.07), Haiti ($38.46), Jamaica ($104.04), Dominican Republic ($108.80), and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ($132.43).
Saint Barthelemy is one of the most expensive Caribbean island, and it has only a handful of small hotels, because most guests rent villas and condos instead. In reality, there are a few cheaper hotels here, but in-season this is really a scene best suited for those who are not on a budget. Flights are also expensive because you have to change planes nearby just to reach Saint Barthelemy. Only a few miles off St. Martin, Anguilla is a small and beautiful island that is near the upper end of the price scale for all of the Caribbean. Flights are expensive, though you can get here by ferry from St. Martin, but hotels are all very expensive as well. A few of the resorts here and in St Martin are among the priciest in all of the Caribbean. The Bahamas along with the British Virgin Islands (Tortola) and the US Virgin Islands (St Thomas, St Croix) are also not recommended for budget travellers.
The following travel cost rankings for countries in the Caribbean Islands are calculated based on the travel budgets of real travelers. Also referred to as a Travel Cost Index, or a Backpacker Index, the countries below are in order from most to least expensive by their average daily travel price, per person, per day