31 days in Caribbean & Central America Itinerary

A U.S. territory encompassing one big island and several smaller ones, Puerto Rico appeals to visitors from around the globe with its rich history, pleasant climate, natural beauty, and renowned local cuisine. Most tourists take a vacation in Puerto Rico for that classic seaside experience, though the island offers much more than just sun and sand. Tours of Puerto Rico usually start in the city of San Juan, which boasts a trendy bar scene and plenty of art museums for visitors looking to add a bit of culture to their vacation. A short drive from the island's urban centers, pristine rainforests serve as peaceful retreats from the city bustle and ensure plenty of chances to spot wildlife and take exhilarating nature walks.

The volcanic island nation of Dominica represents the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles. Such is evidenced in the geothermal action of the island's many hot springs, with relaxing dips in the hot sulfur spring water among the most popular things to do in Dominica. The unspoiled appearance of much of the nation provides a natural backdrop for a wealth of ecotourism adventures, including swimming, hiking, and snorkeling. The main urban areas showcase the ethnic diversity of the land once contested by the British and the French, with a number of local eateries serving West Indian and Creole dishes, and a whole lot of dancing and music to be enjoyed.

The island of St. Lucia is hailed for its scenic landscape of tall mountains, forested hills, and fertile valleys sprinkled with banana plantations. The island's dramatic scenery is most renowned for the Pitons, two volcanic spires that rise from the ocean floor. Whether you're visiting the island as part of a cruise, a romantic honeymoon, or looking for adventure, a St. Lucia vacation offers something for everyone. Discover the island's hidden beaches and coves, go climbing or hiking, and enjoy the picturesque views and tropical weather.

Vacations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines offer eco-adventures and luxury, with the island nation catering to the tastes of mega yacht owners and backpackers alike. The main island's interior volcanic and hilly terrain has been covered in lush tropical rainforest, rich in wildlife, while the coastal areas offer beaches both popular and secluded. Taking a chartered boat tour of the islands represents one of the more popular things to do in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with island hopping revealing uninhabited paradisal islands, unspoiled by development of any kind.

Tiny in terms of land area, Costa Rica is astoundingly diverse when it comes to culture and natural attractions. In a country called "Rich Coast", it's no surprise most Costa Rica vacations dedicate at least a few days to picturesque Pacific and Caribbean beaches, ideal for water sports and relaxation. Few small countries offer such a range of landscapes, allowing tourists to observe towering volcanoes while soaking away their worries in a hot spring, or hike into dense rainforests in the morning and surf at a modern resort in the afternoon. A trip to Costa Rica also lets you discover pristine national parks, ensuring plenty of chances to view wildlife from the comfort of eco-friendly lodges packed with amenities even ardent nature lovers secretly desire.