caribbean vacation

From time to time, people ask me why I travel south for a Caribbean vacation. Usually, attached to this question is some kind of comment that the Caribbean really isn't that nice of a place, or there are statements made like, "Why don't you go to Hawaii or someplace nice."

Well, I've been to Hawaii, and Hawaii truly is nice, but the Caribbean is beautiful, nice, in some places still unspoiled, and in the seasons that I travel, very uncrowded--unlike Hawaii. In addition, a Caribbean vacation is not as expensive, food is cheaper, and in the summers when I travel, the accomodations and dive packages of a Caribbean vacation are far less expensive.

Moreover, as Hawaii is part of the United States, there seems to be an entitled attitude that prices need to be much higher in Hawaii. Don't get me wrong--there are some very expensive places in the Caribbean as well--you can spend a fortune on your holiday. But, unlike the Aloha State, there are still many charming, safe, inviting Caribbean islands where you can really stretch your dollar. And, yes, the level of services across the board are not the equal of Hawaii, but the charm and beauty are incredible, as is the diving, and the friendly people.

So, if you're thinking of a Caribbean vacation, just do it!