Finding Caribbean Paradise Off the Beaten Path

The Caribbean is full of popular destinations wherefind water meeting a small stretch of sand. And of
tourists flock to spend a few days soaking up thecourse, its beautiful scenery both above and below the
sunshine, but those looking to escape the crowds maywaves can certainly be worth a look.
have a slightly different destination in mind. TheGrenada, the Spice Island, is known for its fertile soil
Caribbean is often said to have something forthat has helped it become one of the world's top
everyone, and in this case the claims are completelyproducers of nutmeg. Its lushness is certain to delight
true. Vacationers don't need to stay on popular islandstravelers who enjoy taking a trip into nature and
like Jamaica to enjoy a slice of Caribbean life, they canFrench history also lends a bit of culture, though English
visit a number of islands that are "off the beaten path."is the official language of the island. This island also has
Major Caribbean destinations are filled with well-knownbeautiful beaches for travelers to enjoy. Another
spots where tourists flock from around the world, butunusual aspect of Grenada is its true nature: Grenada
even these islands can have some out-of-the-wayis really three islands, though they are usually referred
areas. Still, those seeking to travel to someplace trulyto by just the one name. Petit Martinique and Carriacou
unique can find hidden and untouched Caribbeanare the two tiny islands off Grenada's coast.
islands to be a great choice. Islands like tiny Saba orDon't confuse this island with any other - Dominica is
spicy Grenada offer up their own unique style.another oft-overlooked isle. Its raw beauty has earned
Every island has its own personality, and even theit the nickname the "Nature Island" of the Caribbean
smaller Caribbean islands can offer more than justand it has remained relatively untouched over the
seclusion. St. Martin, for example, is the smallest sharedyears. Adventurous travelers can certainly find an
territory in the world: A little more than half of the islandescape in this Eastern Caribbean island, where
is French (Saint Martin), while the other portion is Dutchmountainous terrain provides the ideal setting for a
(Sint Maarten). Spend the day enjoying the shoppingvariety of activities.
on the Dutch portion of the island, but dine in style withThough these are not your only travel options for
the French that evening. You'll also avoid the crowdssomething a little different in the Caribbean, they are
you'll find in better-known islands.certainly some of the most intriguing choices. Travelers
Saba, too, is unique. This small, rocky island is betterplanning a true escape to the islands can find it on
known for its snorkeling than its beaches. In fact, it'sthese and other islands, all you have to do is take a
said to have no beach at all, though there are a fewlook off the beaten track.
spots where vacationers heart-set on sunbathing can