Dreaming of a Caribbean getaway this winter, but the likes of Cancun, Punta Cana, and Jamaica no longer appeal to you?
We get it: as beautiful as those turquoise seas may be, not to mention the incredible service at those ultra-luxurious resorts, the excessive crowding at beaches can be a bit of a deterrent, especially if it's a peaceful natural environment you're seeking.
Lucky for you, there are still countless Caribbean destinations that do not feel as crowded.
One of them is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an off-the-radar archipelagic nation that's just started hosting new nonstop flights from 2 U.S. cities:
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Is Easier To Reach This Winter
This winter, millions of Americans based in and around both New York and Charlotte, North Carolina will be able to travel to one of the Caribbean's top island-hopping hotspots without layovers and without oceanside transfers.
America Airlines has launched two nonstop flights from JFK and Charlotte Douglas International Airports to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, both operating once a week on Saturdays, on a Boeing 737.
From New York, outbound flights depart at 8 a.m., landing in St. Vincent (SVD) at 1:54 p.m., for a total duration of 4h54 from takeoff to landing, with one-way tickets starting at only $198 in January.
Returning home, New Yorkers and New York state residents should expect takeoff to take place at 3:04 p.m., landing back in JFK at 7:30 p.m., 5h26 later.
As for those departing from Charlotte, you'll be taking to the skies at 9:23 a.m. and touching down in a Caribbean paradise at 2:54 p.m., taking 4h31 to complete, and the lowest airfare this January being $337.
On the way back, departures are scheduled for 4:20 p.m., with landings in Charlotte-Douglas expected at 8:26 p.m., capping at 5h06.
Why Visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Located in the southern end of the Caribbean Sea, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a sun-drenched country comprising a main island, St. Vincent, and a string of other smaller satellite islands, known collectively as the Grenadines.
The main island is famous for its yacht-lined harbor, volcanic beaches, and mountainous hinterland, with countless hiking trails traversing a 133-square-mile territory, leading to jungle reserves, towering waterfalls, and hot springs.
Other than being home to incredibly friendly locals and being a filming location for the Hollywood blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean, the overlooked archipelago plays host to some of the region's most breathtaking natural sites.
These include Tobago Cays, a marine park made up of five islets surrounded by teal-colored seas and a vibrant coral reef, La Soufrière, a towering volcano boasting views of the main island, and the Dark View Falls, which empty into natural pools.
Where To Stay In St. Vincent?
Despite its remoteness, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the most tourist-friendly destinations in the Caribbean, both due to the plethora of resorts and accommodation options.
When it comes to hotels, the landmark Liming Bequia, in the scenic Friendship Bay, is a 5-star listing equipped with 24-hour front desk service, an oceanfront pool, its very own tropical garden, and a trained chef-run restaurant serving American and native Caribbean dishes.
It is the best-value resort on the islands this winter, with nighty rates priced at $445––you can for sure get it cheaper in Cancun, for instance, with all-inclusive stays starting from $272 at The Sens Cancun by Oasis, but not the same level of tranquility, and the same sense of exclusivity.
Then again, there are cheaper properties around the archipelago, with Spring Hotel Bequia in Port Elizabeth costing $147 per night to book (breakfast included), and overnights at the Blue Lagoon Hotel and Marina in Kingstown averaging $290 for a pool view double room.
If you're not the kind to fly all the way to the Caribbean to lounge by a pool all day sipping on mimosas, you'll be thrilled to learn there are various adventures you can embark on around St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and they're relatively cheap to book:
Best Tours In St. Vincent and the Grenadines
For instance, the best-selling Pirates of the Caribbean tour visits film sets and heritage sites, such as the colonial-era Fort Charlotte and the stunning Buccament Beach, where you'll get the chance to unwind a little, and it costs only $51 per person.
From Kingston, the Dark View Falls day tour is a must-do, passing through unspoiled fishing villages on the way to the main attractions, like Layou and Barrouallie, and giving you plenty of time to swim and soak up the natural wonder before heading back from $89.
If you're feeling particularly adventurous, this $120 Soufriere Volcano hike is not to be missed, and if time allows, your guide might even take you to one of the best restaurants in the laid-back Georgetown to try local delicacies as a reward for the challenging ascent.
Looking for more offbeat, equally exciting Caribbean destinations yet to be ruined by mass tourism?
This right here is a good place to start.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.