The first thing that probably comes to mind when you imagine a vacation in the Caribbean is a white sand beach with warm turquoise water and swaying palm trees. The second thing is probably an all-inclusive resort with expensive yachts and retired expats. For independent travelers, the latter is mostly a deterrent for a beach vacation on a Caribbean island. With some small considerations and thoughtful planning, you can turn what you might think to be a standard Caribbean vacation into an adventurous taste of island life.
Shoulder seasons:those delightful wedges between high and low seasons that offer decent weather, smaller crowds and a healthy potential for deals on hotels and airfare. Shoulder seasons indicate a drop in tourism demand, but not in intrinsic value. Melanie Waldman offers up tips for booking shoulder season deals in five regions around the world.
The Caribbean has all the trappings of an exotic travel destination, but if you want to avoid the crowds and costs, Jo Fitzsimons recommends you approach the Caribbean from another side - Central America.
The tiny island of Barbados boasts some of the longest life spans in the world. How do Barbadians do it? Ramona Flume reveals some of the secrets behind this ostensible fountain of youth in the east Caribbean.
As the song goes, "Come to Jamaica and feel all right!" For natives of Jamaica it's not true. They are exploited, taxed, and most are forbidden to leave. What's a tourist to do?
The British Virgin Islands have so much to offer from scenic views, white sands to water sports which are why they are known as “nature’s little secrets”.
The first thing that probably comes to mind when you imagine a vacation in the Caribbean is a white sand beach with warm turquoise water and swaying palm trees. The second thing is probably an all-inclusive resort with expensive yachts and retired expats. For independent travelers, the latter is mostly a deterrent for a beach vacation on a Caribbean island. With some small considerations and thoughtful planning, you can turn what you might think to be a standard Caribbean vacation into an adventurous taste of island life. 
Shoulder seasons:those delightful wedges between high and low seasons that offer decent weather, smaller crowds and a healthy potential for deals on hotels and airfare. Shoulder seasons indicate a drop in tourism demand, but not in intrinsic value. Melanie Waldman offers up tips for booking shoulder season deals in five regions around the world. 
The Caribbean has all the trappings of an exotic travel destination, but if you want to avoid the crowds and costs, Jo Fitzsimons recommends you approach the Caribbean from another side - Central America. 
The tiny island of Barbados boasts some of the longest life spans in the world. How do Barbadians do it? Ramona Flume reveals some of the secrets behind this ostensible fountain of youth in the east Caribbean. 
Joanna Eng highlights unique, far-flung adventures around the world that support local ecosystems and communities. 
As the song goes, "Come to Jamaica and feel all right!" For natives of Jamaica it's not true. They are exploited, taxed, and most are forbidden to leave. What's a tourist to do? 
Looking to discover some of Cuba's unique atmosphere? Barney Lyons shares some of the highlights of a cultural immersion in Cuba's Havana. 
The Caribbean Islands aren't all created equal. JoAnna Haugen helps you figure out which of the many Virgin Islands would most appeal to you. 
Heading to Jamaica? JoAnna Haugen lets you in on six things you're sure to encounter on this Caribbean island. 
The British Virgin Islands have so much to offer from scenic views, white sands to water sports which are why they are known as “nature’s little secrets”. 