There’s no better place to spend the summer than the Caribbean.
Unfortunately, it seems like too many of us agree on that; and our favorite hotspots have gotten so chaotic and overcrowded that it’s impossible not to turn our eyes elsewhere for a quieter, more authentically Caribbean experience.
That’s exactly why more and more travelers are favoring some once-overlooked destinations right now – case in point, Grenada and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
So if you, too, have grown tired of the insatiable tourist crowds that have overtaken one of the most gorgeous regions in the world, this is why these two places should jump right to the top of your must-see list this summer:
Untouched Beaches
Let’s start with the one thing we’re probably all here for – the beaches.
You don’t need me to tell you that the Caribbean has some of the most breathtaking shores on Earth, but the places you’ll find on these islands are truly next-level.
Starting with Grenada, Anse Beach, La Sagesse, and Morne Rouge (easily my favorite hidden nook in the entire country), are some of the most pristine-looking places you’ll ever come across, and even in more classically touristy places like Anse, you’ll still get a whiff of that laid-back island feel.
The U.S. Virgin Islands (consisting of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix) aren’t too far behind in terms of scenery, either.
You’ve probably already heard of the famously gorgeous Trunk Bay and Magens Bay, and while they’re both definitely worth a visit, don’t forget to add less commercial places like Cinnamon Bay, Secret Harbour Beach, and Buck Island to your list of must-see beaches, too.
Taking In That Authentic Caribbean Charm Crowd-Free
Another reason why I’d recommend prioritizing these lesser-known places during your visit to either Grenada or the U.S. Virgin Islands is that here, you’ll get exactly what you were hoping for – untouched nature and the ultimate uncrowded Caribbean experience.
Even when you’re not at the beach, you can spend your days exploring Grenada’s picturesque capital (St. Georges), its famous National Museum housed in a former French barracks, as well as its iconic Belmont Estate.
Traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands instead?
Fill your itinerary with shopping sprees in St. Thomas, excursions to the Blackbeard’s Castle, visits to the Annaberg Sugar Plantation, and historically immersive walks at St. Croix’s Estate Whim Plantation Museum.
Whichever You Choose, You’re Guaranteed A Good Time
The great thing about all of these islands is that while peaceful and quiet, they’re never boring.
Take Grenada, for example.
Between all the diving sessions, submerged sculpture expeditions, excellent hiking opportunities, and fun nights out at the local beach bars, you’re guaranteed a summer holiday that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Similarly, those vacationing in St. Croix, St. John, or St. Thomas this season (why not all three?) can look forward to a trip filled with fun nights out, mountaintop restaurants, sunset boat rides, and endless shopping sprees – I don’t know about you, but that sounds like the perfect summer to me.
You’re Guaranteed Great Food, Too
It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie or not, how well you eat is a major part of how much you get to enjoy a vacation, and luckily for you, you won’t have to worry about sub-par food in either of these destinations.
Tell me, can the food in a place nicknamed “the spice isle” be anything but mind-blowing?
Grenada doesn’t just produce its insane array of spices, though, the locals have learned to use them in some of the most unique, flavorful ways you could ever imagine.
Just try their famous Oil Down, a hearty one-pot meal made with a fresh protein of choice, breadfruit, callaloo, and veggies all simmered in coconut milk and spices, preferably over an open flame, and get back to me – and don’t forget to wash it all down with a bottle of rum right from the River Antoine Distillery.
The people over on the U.S. Virgin Islands have a similarly vibrant culinary background.
Here, you’ll get to indulge in some of the most iconic dishes in all of the Caribbean, including Kallaloo, Fungi, Johnnycake, and Red Grout, just to name a few.
Credit: Source link
