5 Things You Should Know About a Country Before You Move There

1.       Visa Requirements and Job Opportunities

This is a bit of a given, but the first thing you should do when making plans to move to a country is look into its visa requirements. These can vary hugely from nation to nation and are often changed, but you can get the most up-to-date details by contacting the country’s consulate or embassy. The visa application process can be quite complex so it pays to start it early on. Also bear in mind that some countries require you to have a job lined up before you move, meaning you won’t be issued with a visa without the backing of an employer. If you’re intending to move somewhere and then look for work, make sure you check out what the job opportunities are like in the area long before you arrive. It’s also really important to make sure your qualifications are transferable and to know what sort of skills are most in demand. After all, no matter how much you love the culture, climate or cuisine of a nation, if you don’t have a way of supporting yourself your expat dream will be over before it’s even begun!

2.       Cost of Living

You know the expression ‘the grass is always greener’? Well sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes it’s brown. Sometimes it isn’t even grass at all but some kind of dangerous swamp. Where are we going with this? Well, the point is that many people who move abroad do so because they think it will make them more financially secure. But while you might believe you’re moving to a country with a low cost of living, everything’s relative. If food, accommodation and amenities are super cheap it often means that wages are low. Similarly, you might think you’ve secured a job which pays great wages but it could place you in an area with a high cost of living. Before you get carried away with thoughts of how you’ll spend all your extra cash do some research into the country’s cost of living, do the sums and make sure that you won’t actually be worse off!

3.       Lifestyle

The hope of a better lifestyle is one of the main factors motivating people to emigrate. But different countries, and different regions within the same country, can offer very different lifestyles – and perhaps not the kind of lifestyle you might expect. Just because an area is coastal and sunny doesn’t necessarily mean the lifestyle it provides is sedate and laid back, especially if it’s a popular tourist area. And just because an area is densely populated and built up doesn’t mean it’s a fast paced metropolis with a good night life. The best way of making sure that a nation’s lifestyle is for you is to experience it on a short-term basis first, but if you can’t afford a vacation try and get in contact with people who are/have lived in the area you’re planning to move to and see how their opinions of the place fit in with your requirements. 

4.       Weather

For some, the idea of round the clock sunshine and cloudless skies is perfection, for others it’s a hideous sweaty nightmare. On the flipside, building snowmen and wearing scarves 24/7 isn’t everybody’s cup of cocoa. Before moving to any country you should look at its average temperature/rainfall/hours of sunshine for every month of the year. But as no one can really know how a long-term climate change will affect them until they’re experiencing it, it might be a good idea to practice being hotter (or colder) than you’re used to. Try chucking on an extra layer in summer, or losing a layer in winter. If you don’t think the change in temp is something you’re going to get used to you may need to reconsider your relocation plans!  

5.       Culture   

Eating Kung Pao Chicken doesn’t mean you’ve experienced Chinese culture, and it won’t prepare you for the differences you’ll face, so before moving overseas it’s important to learn as much about the society you’ll be entering as possible. After all, a nation’s culture is so much more than its cuisine. The concept of Culture incorporates tradition, religion, politics, language, gender relations, family structure, hierarchy, history and identity. When you’re born into a culture you unknowingly absorb and assimilate it until it becomes a part of who you are. Consequently, when you’re exposed to a new culture it can be a real shock to the system and hard to cope with. While some expats get over culture shock quickly, others find it harder to handle and it can ruin an expat experience. Protect yourself by learning as much about the culture of the country you’d like to move to as possible, and really question whether you’ll be able to deal with the multilayered differences on a day-to-day basis.  

If you’ve learnt about a country’s visa requirements, cost of living, lifestyle, climate and culture and you still want to move there, then we have nothing more to say than good luck!

This post was provided by The Expat Hub, a top online stop for expatriate advice, support and information.

When Vacations Attack: Lost in El Yunque, Puerto Rico

We decided not to rent a car during our trip to Puerto Rico. Attempting to replicate our college spring break from 10 years prior, Lauren, Mitch, and I wanted a trip that required minimal levels of exertion and allowed for maximum amounts of drinking. This would not be a good recipe for handling a vehicle. Plus, a major benefit of staying at a mega resort is having direct access to a plethora of chauffeured excursions, we reasoned. One touring company even had a desk set up in our hotel lobby, heaped with shiny brochures depicting happy people enjoying the islands’ scenic splendors on bright, sunny days.

We scheduled an excursion to El Yunque Rainforest on Holy Friday, since “nature is always open,” as Lauren put it. When asking our touring representative what we should bring to the rainforest, she replied “some snacks and water… and a bathing suit and towel for the swimming hole.  Because it’s going to be HOT.” Should Lauren bring her IPhone? “Absolutely!  Just put it in a little plastic baggy or something,” she replied. Beyond the alleged swimming hole, we knew nothing about what our excursion would entail. While being herded to the minibus the morning of our outing, we found ourselves the only young adults in a sea of families. Our driver and tour guide, John, looked to be about 70, was wearing dress shoes, black slacks, and a nice button-down, and walked with an elderly shuffle. All signs pointed to a leisurely morning.

The first stop would be the park’s Visitor’s Center. Along the way, John treated us to some interesting factoids. “Did you know that El Yunque is the only rainforest on the U.S. Department of Interior’s list of recognized national parks? And that means (pause)… there is NO other one.” Is that what “only” means John? I didn’t know I would be learning new words on the trip. After he finished rambling about ripe bananas and stealing mangos from someone’s yard (while our bus was parked diagonally across a two-lane highway, blocking both lanes of traffic), we finally arrived at the Center.  While disembarking the minibus, I heard a little girl, about 7 years old, say to her father “This guy has ISSUES.”



The first waterfall

What had started as a sprinkle turned into a driving rain as we sprinted across the parking lot to the Center’s gift shop. My cute little rainforest number (fitted black yoga pants and a deep v-neck t-shirt) was already clinging to my curves in all the wrong places. With no signs of the rain letting up, we were forced to pool our cash (the tour company might want to add “money” to their list of suggested rainforest excursion items) and buy three one-size-fits-all ponchos. Knowing my affinity for long, flowing dresses, Mitch asked the cashier if they carried “maxi ponchos” and then told me that a true fashionista should have a belt handy so that she could cinch such a hideous piece of clothing at a moment’s notice. Noted.

Back on the bus, we began ascending a winding, narrow road which led us deeper into the forest. Conditions outside were worsening, and our situation was beginning to resemble a scene from Jurassic Park. We were told there would be two stops before our ultimate destination - the famous swimming hole. At the first two sites (a waterfall along the side of the road and an old lookout tower), we felt compelled to get out of the bus and take pictures so that we could have the “full experience.”  We had paid $65 for the tour, plus $7 for each poncho - which, by the way, had been rendered completely useless due to the driving rain that was coming at us from every angle. Luckily, Lauren had gone against the tour operator’s suggestion to bring her IPhone along… or else the trip could have been much more expensive for her.

On the drive to the swimming hole, the youngest child on the bus whimpered to his dad “I don’t want to go to the swimming hole.”  When the father asked him why not, he stammered “Because I don’t want to get MORE wet.” Leave it a four-year-old to say what the adults can’t.  Still, I had never been in a bonafide swimming hole, and even with the driving rain, I was picturing a scene out of the movie Cocktail (minus the steamy kissing part, given that my boyfriend was spending the week back in DC).



The lookout tower:
you could see for MILES

Upon arrival at the trail head, we congregated at the ranger station. That was when the first person went missing; two teenagers casually told John that they couldn’t find their mother. They seemed unconcerned, but the rest of us had panic written all over our faces. I considered scouting the premises, but was worried that A) I would be swept down the side of the mountain by one of the raging rivers that was beginning to form along the roadside, or B) whoever (or whatever) kidnapped this lady would do the same to me. After standing around and not taking any action for about 20 minutes, John proclaimed that we must hike the trail. “She’ll turn up,” he said.  And lucky for him, she did. About 10 minutes into our walk, we spotted her going the opposite direction on the trail, happy as a clam and waving to the group. Crisis averted.

We were completely unprepared for the walk to the swimming hole. Easily a 3-mile hike round trip, the descent and following ascent were steep, and the path was narrow and uneven. The young kids in our group wouldn’t have been able to make it on a good day. With the rain now coming down in droves, each step was harrowing as we navigated slippery rocks and swift streams that had overflowed onto the trail. People were dropping like flies, literally and figuratively. The precocious 4-year old and his father who were bringing up the rear of our group turned back about 15 minutes in, and an entire family aborted the hike soon after. My adorable yoga pants were so soaked that the crotch was sagging to my knees. When Lauren bellowed “WET PONCHO PARTY!!!!” I ditched the pants, trying to simultaneously evoke the spring break spirit of our yesteryears while actively combating a mean case of diaper rash.



The "serene" swimming hole

And that beautiful, tropical lagoon I was waiting for? It turned out to be a fierce, brown waterfall spewing into a pool of mud. John, being prudent by nature, told us we could go for a swim if we wanted; but, with the current so swift and none of us being Olympic caliber swimmers, we declined. Disappointed, we made our way to another parking lot on the trail loop, where John promised to meet us with the bus. When he finally showed up, his dress pants now soaked, we were loaded onto the vehicle, eager to go back to the hotel for a dip in the hot tub. But our headcount came up two people short. The dad and his four-year-old were nowhere to be found.

Upon inquiry, John found out that the park had been evacuated due to inclement weather and unsafe trails. No one was left at ranger station, and soon our bus was creeping down the mountainside as our leader navigated hairpin turns while squinting through a fogged up window. Lauren had her hand on our window’s red, safety release latch, and I was white knuckling my seat cushion. Mitch looked across the aisle, and dryly asked “Do you think you’ll tip?” Grateful for the comic relief, I slowly released my grip on the seat.  All the while John was still chattering away on the loudspeaker “the rangers had to evacuate because sometimes people go hiking when it’s wet. They slip on rocks, hit their heads, go unconscious… and die.  I’ve seen it happen.”  Thanks for the details John. 

Emerging from the woods, we sat in heavy traffic in a small town at the base of the mountain. A random man ran up to the bus and knocked at the door… words were exchanged between him and John. A few minutes later, out of the mist, the missing father came trudging towards our bus, carrying his four-year old, who was now naked except for the towel he’d been wrapped in. They were greeted on the bus with a round of applause.  As they sat down, John got on the loudspeaker… “we are now in a barrio. A barrio is a town. A town has houses, a school, a post office, and sometimes a grocery store…” 

Rila Monastery

A rilai kolostor

A few days ago I found 1.5kg photos or so, including these ones that I took in 1985 I guess, on a summer trip to Bulgaria with a couple of friends.
Néhány napja találtam kb. másfél kiló fényképet; köztük ezeket, amelyeket azt hiszem, 1985-ben készítettem egy nyári bulgáriai utazás során egy pár baráttal.

The Rila Monastery is one astounding site of Southern Europe, built in the 10th century by St. Ivan of Rila. Being destructed by the Ottomans in the 15th century then re-constructed shortly after, then being burnt down 400 years later, it was re-built in the 19th century when it received its current design. It is part of the Unesco World Heritage program.
A rilai kolostor Dél-Európa egyik lenyűgöző látványossága. A X. században építette Rilai Szent Iván, és miután az 1400-as években a törökök szétrombolták, nem sokkal később újraépült. A XIX. sz-ban leégett, majd újraépítették, amikor is elnyerte mai formáját. Része az Unesco Világörökségi Programjának.

I don't have a scanner, so I can only digitalize them by photographing the photographs. And oh yeah, the pictures were taken with a good little Russian Smena 8 back then.
Nincs szkennerem, így az egyetlen módja a digitalizálásnak az, hogy  lefényképezem a fényképeket. Ja, és akkoriban egy jó kis ruszki Szmena 8-assal lőttem ezeket











You don't want to miss this place, if you are planning a trip to the Balkans!
Ha a Balkánra tervezel kirándulást, ezt a helyet ne hagyd ki! 

Official site of the Rila Monastery / A rilai kolostor hivatalos weboldala

(And a few tips here to have enough cash in your pocket when you are planning any trips at all)

www.AndreaGerak.com

Washington, DC: My Own Little Slice of Paris

Paris, France
Cathedral Notre Dame

If you’ve been following this baby of a blog that I recently created, it’s probably no secret to you that I’m a raging Francophile. In my mind, France embodies everything that is good in this world: amazing food, fashion, and romance (in order of importance, of course). On my dreamiest days, I picture myself in a bright-yellow, eyelet dress, riding a bike with a baguette-stuffed basket on the front, coasting lazily through fields of lavender on my way home from town.

Make no mistake… I would probably not fit in very well in France. First off, as it turns out, I am actually not French. I had a hard time coming to terms with this fact. But after admitting to myself that a) I was not born in France, b) I do not speak French fluently, and c) I have no French relatives, I was forced to draw the only logical conclusion. Also, I’m pretty boorish for a lady.  Don’t let the fantasy eyelet dress fool you.  I tell dirty jokes, laugh very loudly, and rather enjoy making a spectacle of myself.  Very un-chic. 



Luckily, I happen to live in a city that allows me to act out some of my French fantasies and doesn’t raise an eyebrow while I’m doing so. Washington, DC is a planned city, designed by French-born architect Pierre L’Enfant. The wide avenues radiating from the city’s majestic landmarks and monuments were meant to evoke the feel of Paris. DC’s grandest avenue is the National Mall, which bears a striking resemblance to Paris’s Champs-Élysées; each is dotted with famous national landmarks, spaced at regular intervals. Fortunately, my walk home from work takes me down our avenue, past the Capital and Washington Monument. More than once I’ve caught myself reminiscing about my trips to our sister city across the pond.  

Washington, DC

The National Cathedral

I’ll be the first to admit that Washington lacks that certain Je ne sais quoi of Paris. You would be hard-pressed to find a winding alleyway in DC, and sidewalk cafés are not spilling out into every street. But if you look hard enough, you can find charm here. Trendy Dupont Circle is home to the lion’s share of the city’s 176 foreign embassy houses, making it a neighborhood full of stately mansions and international flare. In Georgetown, upscale shops and restaurants crowd cobblestone streets. The Eastern Market area features a large, open-air market and is lined with beautiful, multi-colored Victorian row homes.
  

Cultural opportunities in Washington go beyond the Americana associated with some of our most frequently visited museums and monuments. The Phillips Collection and Kreeger Museum both feature wonderful collections from the French Impressionists. If I ever wanted to go to church, you can bet I’ll head straight for the National Cathedral, which has elements of Paris’s gothic Cathédral Notre Dame.  Whether you’re religious or not, it’s great for viewing gorgeous architecture. With such a large international community, Washingtonians have easy access to a variety of multi-cultural events. In an effort to become more connected to my adoptive homeland, I’ve even started taking French language classes from chic ladies at the Alliance Française de Washington. 

Washington’s farmers’ markets, metro train system (which just so happens to share a name with Paris’s underground), and small, specialty shops encourage a European lifestyle that leaves DC citizens healthy (Washington is consistently ranked as one of the fittest cities in the nation) and donning a relatively small carbon footprint.  And I can’t speak for my fellow Washingtonians, but I really enjoy life. I’m not climbing the corporate ladder, and I’m not married with children (why are these the only two options for American women these days?!), but I’m one of the most successful people I know when it comes to having a really good time. Having access to a plethora of amazing restaurants and bars helps. But on nights when we can’t make it out, my boyfriend and I split a bottle of wine (Alsatian, obviously) from the well-stocked liquor store a block from our house and linger over a dinner made from fresh, local products. It’s our little way of channeling the European philosophy that one should savor life’s daily gifts.  And it will have to do until my next trip home… ahem, I mean back. 

Champs-Elysees, Paris, France

The National Mall, Washington, DC

The Ten Most Relaxing Places in Europe

Hillside Town, Provence, France

Many Americans visit Europe to sample its cultural offerings, hopping from museum to castle to cathedral in order to make the most of their long and expensive flights across the Atlantic. We tend to opt for the Caribbean or Hawaii when we want some R&R.  But there are plenty of spots in Europe that are better savored than glossed over.  Plus, wherever you go in Europe, you’re almost guaranteed the added benefits of charming architecture and delicious food.  So linger over an amazing meal, wander slowly through winding alleyways, and… just enjoy the view.



Provence, France:  Sun, dancing lavender fields, and amazing food and wine make it difficult to get motivated during a trip to Provence… but that’s ok – you’re on vacation. And once you’re here, you’ll easily slip into a routine of visiting open-air markets in the morning, taking your spoils to a scenic spot for a picnic lunch, and maybe seeing a site or doing a wine tasting before enjoying a leisurely dinner. A visit here is all about opening up your senses and soaking in the pleasures of your surroundings.



Norwegian Fjords

The Highlands, Scotland:  Britain’s most remote corner has a mystical spirit; it will lure you in with its misty forests, foggy lakes, and intriguing folklore. Like the scenery, the region’s inhabitants are slightly rough around the edges and completely unpretentious, making a stay here feel cozy and inviting. Spend your days taking in the region’s scenic beauty and visiting majestic castles. In the evening, head to the local pub and have some beers with ruddy locals, or curl up by a fire in your warmest wool.

Munich, Germany:  Munich has some pretty interesting sites, including attractive Gothic architecture, world-class museums, and a royal palace. But the sooner you learn that the best thing to do in Munich is laze around in one of the city’s many beer gardens, the happier you’ll be. Munich's beautiful and expansive English Garden contains several of these outdoor watering holes. German efficiency and orderliness makes this city clean, easy to navigate, and an overall pleasant place in which to spend a few days of your vacation. 



Puglia, Italy:  Though it’s on the verge of a tourism boom, Puglia can still serve as your next “get away from it all” vacation… if you go at the right time. Avoid July and August, when Italians flock to the region’s pristine white beaches.  But during the other warm months (and there are quite a few of them at the heel of this boot-shaped country), you’ll have the coastline to yourself. The region’s other main attractions are its food (some say it’s the best in Italy) and charming, Baroque architecture. You can round out your beach days by exploring seaside towns perched precariously over the water and by enjoying al fresco meals as you watch the sun set over the ocean. 


Ljubljana, Slovenia:  One of the most interesting things about this capital city is that there’s almost nothing to do here.  Though the city does have a number of Slovenian national sites, there are no famous, “must see” tourist attractions for foreigners. This, in turn, means that travelers should have little to nothing on their itineraries. But despite the shortage of notable museums and monuments, there are plenty of things to enjoy. Relax at one of the city’s many sidewalk cafés, spend some time meandering through the gorgeous old town, or take a short walk to the hilltop castle for some Alpine views.



Madeira, The Garden in the Atlantic

Fjord Country, Norway:  The Norwegian fjords offer some of the most strikingly beautiful scenery in all of Europe. Majestic cliff faces are divided by snaking rivers, which are impossibly blue from the glacial runoff. The breath-taking landscape will inspire you to relax and take it all in. More active travelers have plenty of hiking opportunities in this region; however, the best views are had looking up from the river. So sit back, and let your boat captain do the heavy lifting.


Madeira, Portugal:  In Madeira, you’ll feel hundreds of miles away from the rest of civilization – and that’s exactly where you’ll be. This island lies in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and its landscape couldn’t be any more different from that of the motherland. Madeira is a sub-tropical hideaway and is known as the Garden in the Atlantic due to its lush flora and fauna. Travelers can visit blooming botanical gardens, play a round of golf, enjoy dramatic island vistas, and take a soak in natural, ocean-side lava pools. As a bonus, the island is still very European, which means that you’ll get to enjoy charming architecture and amazing cuisine.



The Salzkammergut Lake District, Austria:  There are many stunning lake districts in Europe, and all intrinsically offer opportunities for relaxing getaways. But there is something extra refreshing about Austria’s Salzkammergut area.  The rolling green hills, Alpine peaks, and crystalline blue lakes were the backdrop for the iconic film The Sound of Music and appropriately evoke the spirit of a young Julie Andrews, arms spread wide, bellowing the movie’s title song. Picture-perfect Hallstatt, perched on the shores of a pristine lake, is set back from the main thoroughfares, offering a more isolated and quaint experience.



Hallstatt, Austria



Santorini, Greece:  This island’s magic cannot be spoiled by the throngs of tourists that visit each year. The striking sunsets that float over the sugar-cube-stacked towns and dip down into the expansive caldera are breathtaking and best enjoyed on a balcony, with a beverage.  Escape the masses by descending onto one of the island’s colorful beaches (they come framed by red, white, or black cliff faces and piercingly blue water). Boat trips to the volcano make pit stops at soothing hot springs; or, you can get a more “professional” treatment at one of the island’s many spas. Easy, scenic walks between towns and casual (but delicious) meals add to the island’s leisurely feel.

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic:  You may not recognize the name, but if you’ve seen the popular James Bond film Casino Royale, you’ll recognize the scenery. Though identified as Montenegro, the setting for the movie’s glitzy casino was actually this Czech spa town. Spinning the roulette wheel might be the most physically taxing thing you do during your stay here. Daytime fun is all about taking a soak in one of the town’s many hot springs or strolling through the historic (and surprisingly peaceful) city center.



Sunset Over Santorini

Savannah, Georgia on Your Mind

Best For:  Charm, Culture, Shopping, Nightlife, and Culinary Scene

Best Time to Visit:  March through July

To me, Savannah seemed a place of interesting contrasts.  It offered most of what I expected from a Southern city (hospitality, a slow pace, and huge helpings of food). But instead of pastel and seersucker, I got thick-framed glasses and pageboy hats. The dive bars radiated sounds of heavy metal, rather than the expected country western. It was like a warmer and more charming slice of Brooklyn. Savannah is the South, but with an edge. If you’ve seen Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, you know what I’m talking about.

The Forsyth Park Fountain

Charm:  Nicknamed the “Hostess City,” Savannah welcomes you warmly, but with a mischievous gleam in its eye.  Its people are just as charming as its antebellum architecture, both of which will take you back in time to the pre-Civil War era.  Twenty-two city squares, dripping with Spanish moss and dotted with statues, fountains, and gardens are scattered throughout the historic district. But at night, the city has a much more eerie feel; take a stroll through Bonaventure Cemetery, or go on a ghost tour, if you dare.

Culture:  Each of Savannah’s squares has its own story, and many are home to notable historic buildings. Tour the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (founder of the Girl Scouts), or check out the Owens-Thomas house, widely considered to be the best example of Regency architecture in the U.S. The city also contains one of the country’s most popular art colleges, the Savannah College of Art and Design. SCAD is extremely influential within the community; performing arts productions are held in downtown’s Lucas Theatre, and student artwork can be found for sale in city shops.

SCAD Sidewalk Art

Shopping:  Due to its strong link with the art world, visitors can find unique, locally made creations in Savannah’s stores. Downtown’s City Market contains the Art Center, which houses studios and showrooms for local artists. Boutiques range from high-end to vintage to slightly kitschy. Antiques shopping is also very popular here.

Nightlife:  You might think that a town with a “to-go cup” policy (bar customers can literally take their drinks to the streets at the end of the night) would take its partying seriously – and it does, but not in a flashy way. The nightlife scene here is laidback and slow but somehow very alive… much like the city itself.  Atmospheric bars can be found throughout the city, but to take in Savannah’s popular live music scene, head to Congress or River Street. The party explodes for a few days in mid-March; Savannah is home to the second largest St. Patty’s Day party in the country and celebrates with a huge parade and by dying the water of the famous Forsyth Park Fountain green.

House Featured in 
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Culinary Scene:  Though the food scene in Savannah has become more eclectic over the past few years, fried chicken and barbecue are still the kings of this city.  Get ready to loosen your belt buckle – the portions are huge and the temptations plentiful, which are to be expected from the city where Paula Deen has chosen to set up shop.  Visit her Lady and Sons restaurant for some fanfare, or dine in a more dignified style at The Olde Pink House or Elizabeth on 37^th.  Locals know that Wiley’s Championship BBQ has the best brisket in town.  Those with a sweet tooth will want to try the famous pralines at River Street Sweets.   

If you are looking to extend you trip, drive 2 hours north to Charleston, South Carolina.  It’s the more refined version of Savannah.

Which Caribbean Island is Right for You?

Not all Caribbean islands are created equal. If you’ve settled on tropical paradise for your next vacation, but you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options in the Caribbean travel region, consult this guide for some direction.

Best for Budget:  With cheap direct flights from the U.S. and a plethora of affordable all-inclusive resorts, Jamaica is the best Caribbean island for travelers looking to save money on their next vacation. But a trip to Jamaica won’t feel budget – visitors enjoy the same crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches as those shelling out big bucks to visit the more luxe isles. Runner up:  the Dominican Republic

Spanish Colonial Architecture in Old San Juan

Best for Charm:  San Juan, Puerto Rico is not only the most charming city in the Caribbean, it’s also one of the most enchanting places in the United States. The city’s old town is home to some of the most well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture in the world. The bright, multi-colored buildings and winding cobblestone alleyways will take you back in time to the colonial era. Runner up:  Curaçao

Best for a Good Culinary Scene:  Martinique is a true blend of French culture and island life. Because of this harmonious Franco-Creole mingling, the island offers creative cuisine in a travel region that rarely strives beyond the easy and obvious seafood platters. Local products are still the primary meal base, but chefs here transform the food using the techniques and flavor profiles of the famed French cuisine. Runner up:  Guadeloupe

Best for Culture:  Americans will have to jump through some hoops to get to Cuba, but culture junkies might think it worth the trouble. Soak in the faded glory of the country’s pre-revolution days in crumbling (though still magnificent) Old Havana. The life of this city dwells in its residents; after dark, the vibrant streets fill with salsa dancing and cigar smoke. For some variety, also visit Trinidad, a seaside town with charming colonial architecture. Runner up: Bermuda

The Bahamas

Best for Ecotourism: Resisting the development undergone by neighboring islands, Dominica’s unbridled beauty remains in tact.  The island has varied flora and fauna, an extensive network of protected parks and rainforests, and miles of government-protected coastline.  Hike to hidden waterfalls, swim in soothing hot springs, and snorkel in the surrounding waters. Beaches are few and far between, but eco-oriented travelers will be too busy exploring the island’s dynamic jungles to notice.  Runner up:  Bonaire

Most Family Friendly:  The mega-resorts of the Bahamas provide engaging activities for children of all ages. Family-friendly amenities are especially abundant at The Atlantis on Paradise Island, which offers a water park, themed “imagination spaces,” and day camps that will give parents some time away from the kids. The islands also offer plenty of activities that parents and children can enjoy together, including snorkeling and some good old-fashioned beach time.  Runner up: The Cayman Islands

Best for Luxury:  Glitzy St. Bart’s comes equipped with all the lavish features that one would expect from a hideaway for the rich and famous. This island allows you to enjoy all the glamour of Cannes without crossing the Atlantic. The boutiques and gourmet restaurants are decidedly French, and the scenery gives the Riviera a run for its money. Runner up: Anguilla

St. Lucia's Pitons

Best for Natural Beauty:  In a region renowned for its scenic splendor, St. Luciastands out as perhaps the most stunning island. The striking, cone-shaped peaks of the two Pitons give the island a lush brilliance, reminiscent of French Polynesia. The island’s fertile valleys and rainforests, frothy waterfalls, blossoming orchids, luminous white sand beaches, and turquoise blue waters create a color palette of visual delights. Runner up:  British Virgin Islands

       

The Remote St. Eustatius

Best for Nightlife:  Glam casinos and thriving nightclubs make Aruba one of the best places to party in the Caribbean. The party starts late in capital city Oranjestad but heats up quickly with salsa, reggae, and meringue dancing.  Don’t miss a ride on the Kukoo Kunuku, a party bus that chauffeurs you around to three island bars. Runner up: Trinidad

Best for Going Off the Beaten Path: In St. Eustatius, time seems to stand still. Aside from sunbathing and leisurely strolls down the beach, one of the island’s main attractions is chatting up the locals, who are more than happy to tell you stories about the island’s past. Come to this island to forget about the outside world; Statia (as the locals call it) will make you feel a million miles away from home. Runner up: Marie Galante

Diving in Bonaire

Best for Outdoor Activities:  With its easily accessible coral reef, Bonaire is considered the best spot in the Caribbean for diving and snorkeling. The waters are crystal clear and the diverse marine life includes sea turtles and a rainbow of tropical fish. Boaters will appreciate the windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing opportunities. Land lovers can rent mountain bikes or horses and explore the desert-like surroundings. Runner up:  Saba  

Best for Relaxation:  Anguillais off the beaten path, but with all the frills you would expect from a lavish tropical retreat. This means stretches of deserted, tranquil beaches paired with luxury spas. Even the island’s nightlife encourages relaxation – the hottest spots in town are beach bars headlining smooth reggae beats. Runner up: Turks and Caicos

Best for Shopping:  Goods on St. Thomas can be bought tax-free, and this has contributed to the island becoming the Caribbean’s top shopping haven. The open-air bazaars of the island’s downtown district (Charlotte Amalie) are especially good spots to haggle for jewelry, perfumes, and liquors. The shops of Vendor’s Plaza contain clothing items, many of which display USVI logos. Runner up: St. Martin/St. Maarten