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The Top 5 Underrated Caribbean Destinations Trending This Year

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These underrated Caribbean destinations have been trending with travelers in 2023.

View of the beach in Martinique

While destinations like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic remain some of the most-visited in the Caribbean in terms of visitor numbers, the following underrated destinations have all seen double-digit percentage increases in visitors this year compared to 2019.

During Travel Off Path's attendance at CHTA Marketplace this year, it was announced that ForwardKeys and CHTA (Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association) launched a new report looking at Caribbean travel trends as the world moves on from the health crisis.

According to the report, the Caribbean looks like the place to be, as it has been a leader in recovering and growing tourism.

If you're looking to visit somewhere new, these Caribbean destinations are all great options.

These are the top 5 trending destinations in the Caribbean to consider for your next vacation:

Guadeloupe Waterfall

1. Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is the top trending destination in the Caribbean this year, with an 18% increase in visitors in Q1 of 2023 compared to 2019.

This French overseas region is an archipelago of islands in the southern Caribbean, with the two largest islands forming a butterfly shape.

If you're looking for an island that is full of stunning natural beauty, look no further than Guadeloupe. You'll find gorgeous beaches, waterfalls, volcanic hikes, natural hot springs, and more on this underrated island.

Now is a great time to visit, while Guadeloupe still remains a hidden gem in the Caribbean despite a recent surge in popularity.

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Guadeloupe

2. U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands are another trending destination in the Caribbean, seeing a 17% increase in tourism this year compared to 2019.

This island chain consists of three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.

St. Thomas is the busiest and most developed island, with many resorts, shopping, and nightlife. St. John is known for its large national park, unspoiled beauty, and hiking. And while St. Croix is the biggest island, it's the least visited, but it's a great spot for history and culture.

Since the U.S. Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States, American travelers do not even need a passport to visit this Caribbean paradise.

Aerial view of a bay with bright blue water and a white sand beach on St. John Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands

3. Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten is a Caribbean country that's part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It shares an island with the similarly-named Saint Martin, which belongs to France.

The Dutch side of the island has experienced a 13% increase in visitors during Q1 of 2023. Many tourists flock to Sint Maarten because of its great beaches, culture and cuisine, shopping, and nightlife.

You can also experience two different countries and cultures on a visit to Sint Maarten because there are no borders with the French side of the island, Saint Martin.

St. Maarten

4. Turks and Caicos

Another trending destination in the Caribbean is Turks and Caicos, which has seen a 12% increase in tourism in 2023 compared to 2019.

This archipelago of more than 40 Caribbean islands is a British Overseas Territory. It's known for having some of the best beaches, scuba diving, and snorkeling in the Caribbean. Providenciales and Grand Turk are two of the best islands to visit, although there are tons of different options for every type of traveler.

Powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear azure waters will make you feel like you've discovered a true island paradise in Turks and Caicos.

Woman walking along beach in Turks and Caicos

5. Martinique

Finally, one of the most underrated destinations in the Caribbean is the island of Martinique. This French overseas region has experienced an 11% growth in tourist numbers since 2019.

The island is a unique blend of West Indian and French cultures. It's known for its rugged natural beauty, great beaches, delicious cuisine, and flora and fauna.

While Martinique has been growing in popularity this year, it still remains a somewhat undiscovered hidden gem in the Caribbean, especially for American travelers.

This is a great place to go now before it really picks up in popularity in the coming years so you can experience the beauty and tranquility of Martinique.

Martinique

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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.


Vaughn

Tuesday 16th of May 2023

These island are already popular destinations. Would have like to see more lesser known island like St.Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica,Grenada and St.lucia getting some love.

@Yvette

Thursday 18th of May 2023

@Vaughn, agreed @Vaughn. I was taken back when I saw the names on the list. Someone needs to enlighten these writers. Mr or Ms writer please visit the Windward Islands. Most beautiful of all the Caribbean.

Jed Snorth

Friday 12th of May 2023

Check the local police crime reports in these places. Paradise they might be but they also fly the danger flag with bold pirate colors.