Look, Island Fever is a real thing. But, there’s no need to panic because your vacay doctor (aka Must Do Travels) has the cure! And like any normal doctor visit, you should be examined. So, let’s try and see just how bad you’re suffering. Have you noticed an increase of “I missed out on my tropical escape,” “I can’t afford glimmering sands and turquoise reefs” or “I just need to escape to a deserted island”? If any of these symptoms sound familiar, we think its time to let the doctor –yes, that’s us – give you a dose of what you’ve been missing.
That’s right, it’s time to serve your yearning to sip coconut nectar, appease your sand-needy toes and quell your frowned-upon-at-the-office urge to face-plant into a hammock.
Just follow these simple dosing requirements: Choose one of the magnificent escapes below, book it and the most important part, enjoy. Oh, and feel free to try as many of these spots as you like – as needed, of course. Refills may be required.
Cayman Islands
Boy, oh boy! Whether it’s relaxation, delectable cuisine, exciting nightlife or unlimited access to vibrant coral reefs that you long for, you’ll have it all in the Cayman Islands. Don’t worry, there are plenty of frosty coconut drinks, gentle rippling waves and hammocks too!
Fun fact of the day, The Cayman Islands happen to be a British overseas territory and it is a total of three islands located in the western Caribbean Sea. Grand Cayman is the largest island. Grand Cayman is known for its glorious beach resorts and varied scuba and snorkeling sites. Cayman Brac, the middle island, is a popular launching point for those deep-sea fishing lovers. And the last but not least, Little Cayman, the smallest island, is home some pretty cool, diverse wildlife. Iguanas and seabirds, oh my!
With three islands to swim (not literally) from, you’re bound to kick that island fever of yours, or perhaps start the healing process.
Jamaica
We can hear it now, the calypso drums and reggae riffs floating in a tropical breeze. This island nation truly sets a tone, unique at its core.
Jamaica is a Caribbean Island nation full of reef-lined beaches, rainforests and, of course, good vibes. Many of this nations all-inclusive resorts are found in the jaw-dropping destinations of Montego Bay and Negril. Food, fishing, music and culture – everything here is Instagram worthy.
As Bob Marley put it, “Don’t worry about a thing.” Because literally, every little thing is going to be alright in Jamacia. The locals exude everything from spirituality, good vibes, and one-of-a-kind fare, making Jamaica the ideal place to rejuvenate. Oh, and please don’t panic if they offer to serve you ‘Jerk,’ it’s just an original, local sauce – not a threat. Remember, good vibes only.
Turks & Caicos
When you imagine perfect little islands with green palm trees, bright white sands and clear, turquoise water, your mind was likely visiting Turks & Caicos. It’s everything your mind likely dreamt up.
Just southeast of the Bahamas, you’ll find Turks and Caicos. It’s an archipelago of low-lying coral islands, 40 islands to be exact. Across these islands, you’ll find yourself immersed in luxury resorts, local shops and restaurants to appease all of your taste buds. And, of course, due to the coral reefs, you’ll find many scuba-diving sites including a 14-mile barrier reef and quite the dramatic underwater wall that expands more than 2,000 meters.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Well, for starters it has the words “Port” and “Prince” in its name. Those alone should be reasons enough to book, right?! Ok, fine, so if you’re still not convinced, consider a rich Caribbean history, museums, natural wonders, forts, parks and culture brimming with originality. Oh and then there are those pristine beaches. We could honestly go on and on.
Port-au-Prince is Haiti’s capital city and it sits right on the Gulf of Gonâve. With tons to do and visit like the Barbancourt Rum Distillery, Notre Dame Cathedral Ruins and Champ de Mars just to name a view, you’ll be set for days. History and tropical getaways have never gone so hand-in-hand.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana abuts the Caribbean Sea and Atlantics Ocean and is known for its stretch of beaches and frggn’ clear waters. This destination is most often described with words such as resplendent, surreal, heavenly and breathtaking. Beginning to get the picture? Nice as it may seem, the real thing is even better.
Here, you’ll be able to experience the Coconut Coast, an area known for it’s lavish, all-inclusive resorts, zip-lining, windsurfing, kayaking and more. You really can do it all, and still get that much-desired tan or catch up on the book you’ve just been waiting to finish. Punta Cana just may be the cure to your island fever.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is the only place where you’ll find yourself in the Caribbean and in the U.S. at the same time! If you haven’t been to this amazing U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico, we suggest that your time has come.
Being Puerto Rico’s capital and largest city, San Juan sits on the island’s Atlantics coast. The place to be is the Isla Verde resort strip. Similar to Vegas, but obviously with an island twist, you’ll find the best bars, nightclubs and casinos in San Juan. But, if you’re looking for something a little more cultural, visit Old San Juan. There, you’ll find colorful colonial buildings, 16th-century landmarks and of course, the infamous cobblestoned streets.
St. Thomas, USVI
When Eddie Money said he had, “two tickets to paradise …” chances are he meant St. Thomas. (Sorry, but not sorry if the song is now stuck playing in your head.) The island in the Caribbean Sea is 32 square miles of paradise to be exact and is the gateway isle of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
St. Thomas is known for its beaches, snorkeling spots and bustling cruise ship ports. Here you’ll find historic buildings like Blackbeard’s Castle and Fort Christian. With something always available to distract the mind for your self-inflicted illness, you’ll be healed in no time. But, since you can only compromise utter perfection with words, you’d better just go and experience this majestic tropical gift for yourself.
St. Maarten
Who says the Netherlands is all swords and fjords? Okay, probably no one, but nevertheless, if you yearn to see the charming confluence of raw island passion and European sophistication – you’ll feel you’ve drifted into a dream.
St. Maarten, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a country on the southernmost part of the Caribbean island shared with similar sounding St. Martin, a French overseas territory. Not to be confusing at all, but St. Maarten is where you want to go. It’s natural features span salt pans, lagoons, beaches and more. And if it couldn’t get any better, it’s capital of Philipsburg has beautiful, colonial style buildings lining its most popular shopping area, Front Street.
Barbados
The weather in Barbados today is a high of 86ºF and low of 79ºF. That’s also the weather tomorrow, the next day and the following. And no, we’re not kidding. Basically, Barbados is so perfect that it would make The Most Interesting Man In The World, insecure. You know, that beer dude. So, you better cross this one off your bucket list, because it’s just that good and obviously is an immediate cure to any island fever you may have.
Barbados is an eastern Caribbean island and is an independent British Commonwealth nation. The capital, Bridgetown is a cruise-ship port with historic, colonial buildings and the synagogue, Nidhe Israel that dates back to 1654. Throughout the island, you’ll find beaches, botanical gardens and much more. And whenever you’re not just relaxing on the beach or indulging in a meal, take part in a few local traditions like afternoon tea and a game of cricket.
Curacao
If someone told you they had visited a place more beautiful, colorful or visually remarkable than Curacao, they’re either lying or an alien. But, we suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And, let’s put it this way … we think Curacao is B-E-A-UTIFUL!
Curacao is a Dutch Caribbean island that is known for its glorious beaches that tuck into coves and it’s large coral reefs swimming with marine life. This island is a very popular diving site, so get ready to take the plunge and see things like never before.
This island country is the place where the anonymous writer, coined the phrase, “There are simply no words to describe.” So, if you find yourself on Final Jeopardy asked the question of what place is this quote referring to, you’ll know the answer – Curacao. Oh, and feel free to share your prize.
Aruba
Now, if you said ‘Aruba’ out loud and the infamous Beach Boys song started playing in your mind, we think your case of island fever is about gone. Now it’s stuck in our heads!
Aruba is a tiny Dutch Caribbean island just off the coast of Venezuela. It’s known for it’s dry, sunny weather, gentle surfs and blond beaches. Shopping is kind of a big deal in the capital of Oranjestad, thanks to its many boutiques, malls and outdoor markets. In Aruba, you’ll find restaurants galore, waterside casinos and native Tumba music playing throughout the country.
Got a case of the island fever? After these suggestions, we think you’ll be healed in no time. It’s time to get away and sink in the cure. Perhaps, you’ll need more than one island destination to overcome the horrid illness. But, whatever you need, Must Do Travels is your go-to travel doctor. Your prescription has been ordered.