Travel Tuesday: Caribbean

Alright, Mon! This travel Tuesday we are heading down to some of our favorite Caribbean islands. Whether you’re stopping through on a cruise or just visiting one of your favorites, the Caribbean is the best place to let go of your worries, soak up the sun and kick back with a delicious drink in your hand. While there is no possible way to capture all of the beauty, water activities, food and nightlife of every Caribbean destination, we did manage to narrow down a few of our favorites!

First up, the Bahamas. While they may be located just above the Caribbean Sea, they are close enough for us to highlight. The Bahamas features two islands, Freeport and Nassau. While we’ve both visited the Bahamas as different times, Julie and I traveled to Nassau together as a part of our spring break cruise.

When in Freeport, head on over to the Port Lucaya Marketplace. Here you will find the entertainment hub of the Grand Bahama Island. To put it in simply: 34 international bars and restaurants, over 60 stores and the largest straw market on the island. Visit the square at night for music, dancing and of course, $1 shots. Some of the best beaches include Taino Beach, Barbary Beach and Sliverpoint Reef. Here you can enjoy relaxing on the white sand or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. Additionally, Freeport boasts a nice collection of country clubs for golfing and casinos for those feeling lucky.

In Nassau you also have a great blend of luxurious resorts, a thriving nightlife, white sand beaches, turquoise waters and countless attractions. One of the most famous resorts, Atlantis, serves as a popular place to visit while on the island. Whether you’ve decided to stay at Atlantis or just want to get a day pass to the water park, there are plenty of things to see and do for all ages. No matter what daytime activities you plan, make sure you still enjoy the Bahamian Kalik beer and cracked conch at a poolside bar & grill.

When in Grand Cayman head on over to Seven Mile Beach for a day of sunshine and sand. Looking to get a bit friendlier with the sea creatures? Make sure you check out Stingray City to get up-close and personal with the rays at the Stingray Sand Bar. Test your balance on a paddleboard or dive down under the surface and see Devil’s Grotto. Whether you’re the adventure type or just want to relax, Cayman has is all!

Ocho Rios, Jamaica is another favorite when it comes to circumnavigating the Caribbean. The land of sugar cane, coffee and limestone has much to offer in terms of activities and gorgeous cream-colored beaches. Ocho Rios serves as the island’s cruise ship capital. I definitely recommend testing out your skills on horseback in order to see the best sights from both the interior and the waterfront. Carve out some time to climb the 600-foot waterfall at Dunn’s River Falls. Lastly, before you leave, make sure to try some of the jerk chicken.

If your travels lead you to San Juan, Puerto Rico, make sure to check out Old San Juan. The stretch of over 400 restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period encompasses the history of the old world meshed with romantic European charm. If the city doesn’t satisfy your history fix, check out Castillo de San Cristobal and the San Juan National Historic Site. The Castillo de San Cristobal is a 27-acre series of fortifications, which are largest the Spanish built in the New World. The San Juan National Historic Site was constructed during the 17th and 18th centuries to defect the San Juan coastline. It sits on a dramatic rocky outcrop at 140 feet above sea level.