Summer is over and GoingAbroad.org is feeling the change. The days are getting darker, the temperature is dropping cooler and people are beginning to dig their winter wear out of their wardrobes. Now has never been a better time than ever to start planning where to escape and getaway from the wicked autumn and winter chill.

But where to do this? Well the Caribbean, its myriad islands, beautiful beaches and warm people, is the place that many constantly crave for. Here at GoingAbroad, we’re no different. We love cozying up to the Caribbean any time of year – but outside of our own summer is when it feels most special!

Here we take a look at some of the best locales this region has to offer. No doubt it’ll help plant some seeds on where to go and what to do next.

Barbados

Founded by Spanish navigators in the 15th century, the secrets of Barbados have been known to the world for a while. But that’s not to say it’s been in any way spoiled. Barbados is home to some of the loveliest beaches in the world, with rum-filled bars and cultural drop-ins too.

Barbados best bits include the ocean of course, with submarine tours, catamaran tours and scuba diving all hot on the list of things to do and experience. Likewise Barbados’ many luxurious and relaxation-inducing resorts, with Elegant Resorts Barbados Holidays being a hot favourite among many.

Havana

Cuba has been a place we’ve wanted to go for so long. Fascinated by its revolutionary history and its fame as the home of cigars and latin jazz, the capital, Havana, offers people an altogether different caribbean experience to that of the usual laze-on-the-beach style holiday.

Havana delivers a culturally enriching experience like no other. From the Museum of the Revolution and the city’s well-recognised Capitol Building, to touring the Havana Club Rum factory, there’s a whole heap of things to experience. Then there’s the walks. Head down Prado street as evening descends and watch Cuba come to life. Elsewhere there’s the Malecon, which offers walks with an open view of the Bay.

Puerto Rico

As a self-governing commonwealth of the US, Puerto Rico has shades of American culture yet stands independent. As a Caribbean destination however, it’s fascinating. And that’s not just because of it’s tropical marine climate that remains pretty consistent year round.

Surfing, golfing and sun bathing stand out as some of the best things to do in Puerto Rico and no doubt are worth some time. Outside of those however there are other amazing attractions worth considering, including visiting El Yunque, Puerto Rico’s rainforest that extends over a mountain and down through waterfalls.

Then there are open visits to some of Puerto Rico’s historical plantations, originally put on the map as huge exporters of sugar cane, tobacco and coffee.

Jamaica

One of the largest Caribbean islands, Jamaica is just behind the US and Canada as one of the biggest anglophone countries in the Americas. As a destination however, we’re not sure it falls until third place. Home of reggae, fish-laden ocean and wet limestone forests, it’s spectacularly beautiful and definitely a cool place to visit to get some sun-baked relaxation.

The countries capital, Kingston, has lots to keep you busy, including Kingston crafts market, Blue Mountain Coffee and public spaces like Emancipation Park that host free concerts and events. Elsewhere, at sites like Dunn’s River Falls, you can climb 600 feet of the falls and ride bobsled on Mystic Mountain.

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Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Barbados are just some of the amazing places the Caribbean is comprised of. Wherever you decide to go, relax and take solace in the fact that you’ll always be in good hands and have plenty of things to experience.