Winter is coming, so it might be time to start planning that much-needed getaway. Despite growing up on the east coast, where we have got summers and chilly winters, I’ve found my tolerance for cold weather to be wearing this. Hence, why I travel to the Caribbean every chance I get.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway with your significant other, or treating your bestie to a girl’s trip, here are 5 of my favorite Caribbean Islands to live the luxe life.
Cuba
Cuba has long been on my travel bucket list and I’m excited to announce that I’ll be headed there next month! I’ll be touring around the whole country for a little over a week with some close girlfriends. We’ll be kicking off our adventure in Havana for a few days where we’ll take in the culture from all angles, including a ride in a classic car. Next up will be Viñales, followed by Trinidad. In between, we’ll be dancing salsa, swimming in waterfalls, horseback riding through tobacco farms and lounging on the beach.
The Bahamas
My trip to the Bahamas was way too short, so if I did it again, I’d opt for a cruise. Celebrity Cruises has several sails throughout the year, plus lots of offshore activities—scuba diving, a trip to the famous Atlantis Paradise Island, snorkeling in Pearl Island and so much more. I’d also love to go to Big Major Cay in the Exumas, to swim with some cute piggies. Celebrity also has some fun on-board activities for when you’re not swimming in the sea, such as fine dining, spas, and special decks to take in the sunset.
Belize
I haven’t made it to Belize yet, but it’s definitely on my list. The island has a vibrant history and today, there are influences from mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garinagu, Mennonite, Chinese, and Indian cultures. Celebrity Cruises sails here and offers off-shore activities that get you up close and personal with the island’s lush landscape, whether snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef or spotting howler monkeys in the trees. After a day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a nice dinner (included in your rate), and some sparkling wine or a cocktail of choice.
Dominica
Dominica will always have a piece of my heart. Coined ‘nature island,’ Dominica is one of the Caribbean’s smallest islands yet packed with personality. I still remember waking up to a double rainbow streaked across the sky on my first morning there, not to mention a pirate-looking ship in the distance. Fun Fact: many scenes from the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series were filmed here. Dominica is the perfect spot to get back in touch with nature, whether taking a hike trough the rainforest or setting off on a whale-watching journey.
Barbados
Having just returned from a whirlwind trip to Barbados, I couldn’t leave this pretty island off my list. Before Rihanna became an international icon, few people had ever heard of Barbados—where she was born and raised. On my recent trip I had one of the best snorkels of my life. Barbados is home to many sea turtles, such as the Hawksbill turtle, and Leatherback turtle. After snorkeling over three different shipwrecks, we moved to a different spot where a couple of sea turtles were swimming. They really are so graceful under the water.
What Caribbean island tops your travel bucket list? Tell me in the comments below!
This post is in collaboration with Celebrity Cruises. All opinions are my own.
Megan Eileen McDonough is writer, blogger and social media specialist based in New York City. She also runs Bohemian Trails, a lifestyle blog designed for the savvy and stylish traveler. Bohemian Trails aims to feature must-see places around the world, covering everything from revamped neighborhoods and vibrant street art to innovative tech hubs and everything in between. Her cultural escapades have taken her to Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Megan is also a freelance writer and social media specialist based in New York City. She contributes to various online and print publications in the travel and fashion industries and is an international correspondent for both Jetsetter and Northstar Travel Media.
