From the shores of Grand Cayman to the jungle of St. Lucia, each of the Caribbean’s 700 islands (yes, there are actually 700) offers its own slice of paradise. And while you can’t go wrong with a visit to any of these tropical destinations for your Caribbean vacation, a few islands stand out. We love Puerto Rico for its surfing and Latin American flare. The Bahamas is a go-to for its home-run resorts and proximity to Florida (less than an hour flight time). St. Barths is a favorite for its stylish hotels and restaurants, and islands like Turks & Caicos and Antigua are beloved for their white-sand beaches. Your Fora travel advisor can help you decide which island is best for your Caribbean trip.

Close your eyes and picture this: a short, direct flight flight, white-sand beaches, rum punches and plenty of activities to entertain little ones. Before you say it’s too good to be true, remember Old Faithful: Jamaica. We’ll be the first to say that each Caribbean island has its perks, but Jamaica’s sheer number of resorts on its pristine coastline makes it a home-run Caribbean vacation. In addition to its variety of accommodations –from family-friendly all-inclusives to breezy boutique hotels where kids can roam free – we love the country’s lush landscape, including Dunn’s River Falls, a once-in-a lifetime jungle experience. Honorable mentions for Caribbean family vacations go to the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and St. Lucia.

Most people take a Caribbean vacation during the winter or early spring. This is when the region’s reliably perfect weather (80-degree temperatures and blue skies) provides an ideal tropical escape from cold or unpleasant weather in the US. The highest season in the Caribbean is February through April, when many families and college students travel for school breaks. The late spring and summer months are also lovely, but generally wetter and more muggy, and with regular rainstorms during the day. If you’re looking to save money on your Caribbean trip, consider traveling during the months of October or November, before high season, when the weather is still ideal.

Many countries in the Caribbean require US-based travelers to provide either proof of vaccine or proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test. For Caribbean travel, a negative test is required to re-enter the US, regardless of vaccination status.  Your Fora advisor will alert you to your destination’s specific entry and exit requirements, and you can check out the official government websites for more information.