Planning a Trip

Golden beaches shaded by palm trees and crystalline waters teeming with colorful tropical fish -- it's all just a few hours' flight from the East Coast of the United States. Dubbed the "Eighth Continent of the World," the Caribbean islands have an amazing variety of terrain that ranges from thick rainforests to haunting volcanoes, from white- to black-sand beaches. Spicy food, spicier music, and a gentle, leisurely lifestyle draw millions of visitors each year, all of whom are searching for that perfect place in the sun. In this section, we'll help you choose the right destination and the right time to go, and we'll explore the best strategies for getting a good airfare or package deal.