September 3, 2025 • 16 mins
Discover five stunning Caribbean destinations beyond the typical Jamaica and Bahamas vacation spots. Travel advisors Ryan and Julie explore hidden gems that offer authentic experiences, fewer crowds, and incredible natural beauty in this final episode of their Off the Beaten Path series.
Featured Caribbean Destinations
1. Grenada - The Spice Island
- Known for nutmeg, cinnamon, and cocoa production
- Direct flights from Miami, JFK, and Charlotte
- Must-see: Grand Anse Beach, underwater sculpture park, Belmont Estate cocoa plantation
- Stay: Sandals Grenada, Spice Island Beach Resort, Mount Cinnamon Resort
- Best time: December-April or August for carnival
2. Dominica - The Nature Island
- Rugged mountains covered in rainforest
- Perfect for ecotourism and active travelers
- Highlights: Boiling Lake hike, Champagne Reef snorkeling, Emerald Pool, 115-mile hiking trail
- Access: Connect through San Juan, Barbados, or St. Lucia
- Stay: Jungle Bay or Secret Bay eco-lodges
- Best time: November-May
3. Guadeloupe - French Caribbean
- Butterfly-shaped island with French colonial influence
- Two distinct areas: mountainous Basse-Terre and beach-focused Grande-Terre
- Activities: La Soufrière volcano, Carbet Falls, Point-à-Pitre markets
- Direct flights from Miami and JFK
- Best time: December-April
4. Nevis - St. Kitts' Quieter Sister
- Luxury relaxation destination with plantation inns
- No high-rise hotels or crowded beaches
- Attractions: Pinney's Beach, Alexander Hamilton Museum, Nevis Peak hike
- Access: Fly to St. Kitts, then water taxi to Nevis
- Stay: Four Seasons Resort, Montpelier Plantation, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club
5. Culebra, Puerto Rico - Hidden US Territory
- No passport required for US citizens
- Home to world-renowned Flamenco Beach
- Activities: Sea turtle snorkeling at Tamarindo Beach, exploring uninhabited Culebrita Island
- Access: Fly to San Juan, then regional flight or ferry
- Accommodation: Small inns, vacation rentals, Club Seaborne
Travel Tips
- Most destinations best visited December-April for optimal weather
- Consider island-hopping to maximize your Caribbean adventure
- Book eco-lodges for nature-focused experiences or luxury resorts for relaxation
Next Episode Preview: Royal Caribbean vs Disney Cruise Line for family travel
Contact Wonder and Beyond Travel at wonderandbeyondtravel.com for personalized Caribbean vacation planning.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (00:10):
Hello and welcome to All Things
Travel.
When most people think of theCaribbean, they picture places
like Jamaica, The Bahamas, orthe Dominican Republic.
But beyond those well-knownspots are Iowans that offer just
as much beauty, often with fewercrowds and a more authentic
experience.
Today we're wrapping up our Offthe Beaten Path series to
(00:31):
explore five Caribbeandestinations that just might
become your next favorite spot.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (00:37):
Listen in with travel advisors and
destination experts, Ryan andJulie.
He is your travel professorteaching you everything you need
to know to have a magicalvacation.
And I am a Disney lovingMaryland mom of three and a
specialist in family travel.
Whether we're discussingincredible destinations, top
vacation tips, or sharingpersonal stories, it's always
(00:58):
all things travel.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (01:02):
All right, Julie, how is your week
going?
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (01:06):
It's good.
I remember you guys are back toschool.
We still have like two weeks, sowe are just like, it feels like
that dog days of summersituation.
It is hot.
I keep trying to take the kidsplaces like, oh no, summer's
ending.
Let's do fun things.
And then we do fun thing andit's really hot.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (01:29):
Yeah, it's definitely hot here.
my puppy is learning how to takewalks.
I've been taking her on walksevery day and she's been trying
to figure out what this leashthing is all about.
it's really inconvenient becauseI live in a subdivision.
and it's funny that youmentioned school'cause I
actually live across the streetfrom an elementary school, so
it's gotten a little louderlately.
(01:50):
'cause when we go for a walk,every time a car goes by, novel
stops and watches it.
Then when it goes by, then shewants to walk again.
And I'm like, this is reallyinconvenient for what I was
hoping was like a 20 minutewalk.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:02):
My dog does nothing that I want him to
do.
Literally nothing.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:06):
but this morning is trash day and
she definitely is a littlesuspect of the, uh, garbage
truck.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:12):
My dog is
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:12):
So.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:12):
of pretty much everything.
Like I came in here and Iplugged in my microphone and he
freaked out and left.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:18):
what types of things are you working
on in the business?
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:20):
Oh, the business.
Uh, let's see.
I have a big Caribbean trip, so
ryan_1_08-15-2025_13390 (02:25):
Mm-hmm.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:26):
at St.
Lucia and St.
Kitts, and St.
Thomas, which aligns pretty goodwith this
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:30):
it really Yeah.
We'll hear some of those againlater on.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:34):
an Ireland, and an England trip
going.
a lot of people traveling.
I have clients that go and starthe seas this weekend.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:41):
Ooh, brand new ship.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:44):
I can't wait to hear about it.
we're just, uh, moving along allsorts of fun stuff.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:49):
Well, I've got a busy October with
folks traveling and again, folksare, you're like, but it's
October and this is, know, themiddle of August.
Well, that's how our brainworks.
'cause right now it's gettingready for.
You know, people who aretraveling.
I've got a group of women rivercruising in France.
I've got a, a couple that aregoing over to visit family in
(03:10):
Belgium and then taking a, aDutch, Waterways, river crews.
I've got folks going to Ireland.
I've got two safari groupsgoing.
So it's, a lot of getting thoselogistics out to folks.
so they're ready to go andthey're prepared.
'cause those are not smalltrips.
Julie, I have enjoyed our offthe Beaten Path series.
(03:33):
We talked about North America,we talked about Europe, and
today we're gonna finish uptalking about the Caribbean.
I've put together five reallycool locations.
Again, you've heard of all ofthese, but.
I bet you haven't been to them,and I bet you don't know a lot
of people who have been to them.
the first location, Julie, isGrenada.
(03:54):
And Grenada is known as theSpice Island.
because there's a lot ofproduction of nutmeg, cinnamon,
cocoa.
this island just has to smellamazing, right?
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (04:06):
I know, right?
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (04:08):
Yeah.
And, are, what is it known forbeyond going and trying the
spices and things like that?
Unspoiled beaches, colorfultowns, really warm hospitality.
it has a vibrant culture withmusic dance, and it's a mix of
British and French colonialinfluences with that.
Caribbean.
(04:28):
Culture So how do I get toGrenada?
there are direct flights fromMiami, JFK, and believe it or
not, Charlotte, North Carolina.
it will often require some sortof connection, depending on
where you're going through maybeBarbados or Trinidad or some of
the smaller US airports,
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (04:46):
Yeah.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (04:47):
What can we do in Grenada?
We can go to, grand Aunts Beach,which has stunning calm waters
and plenty of beach bars.
There's an underwater sculpturepark, Belmont Estate, which is a
cocoa plantation that has toursand tastings.
You know, I'm gonna be there.
And St.
George's is a colorful harbortown with a lively market.
(05:09):
You know where I'm gonna suggestyou stay there.
And that is Sandals Grenada.
We love sandals.
they have a resort there.
I know they utilize that spice.
Connotation to their advantage.
In fact, they actually have anice cream store there on the
Sandals property thathighlights, nutmeg and cinnamon
(05:29):
and cocoa.
I think that's worth a tripright there, right?
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (05:32):
Right.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (05:34):
But you could stay on the southwest
coast, because that's where someof the best beach access is and
some great restaurant options.
There's several resorts like theSpice Island Beach Resort, which
is more of a luxury feel, andthe Mount Cinnamon Resort and
Beach Club, which is moreboutique.
I just want a sweatshirt from aplace that's called Mount
Cinnamon Resort.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (05:55):
I bet it smells really nice.
You
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (05:57):
So where.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (05:59):
and toiletries have
ryan_1_08-15-2025_1 (06:00):
Absolutely.
I mean, how unique, right?
The perfect time to visit isgonna be December through April.
You're gonna have dry, sunnyweather or in August if you want
to have that carnivalexperience.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (06:13):
I've had some clients inquire about
ryan_1_08-15-2025_13390 (06:15):
Mm-hmm.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (06:16):
I've researched it a bit, but I have
not yet researched this nextone, which is Dominica, known as
the Nature Island.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (06:23):
I have done some research and it is
absolutely gorgeous I did someresearch several years ago on
one of the resorts we're gonnatalk about, secret Bay and
Julie.
It is jaw dropping, you know,just the serenity and the
privacy Tell us all aboutDominica.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (06:42):
not to be confused with the well-known
Dominican Republic.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (06:47):
Nope.
j_1_08-15-2025_13390 (06:47):
Dominican.
It's known for its ruggedmountainous terrain covered in
rainforest.
There's a lot of ecotourism.
You can see waterfalls, naturalhot springs, and it's a lot less
touristy than most Caribbeanislands.
maybe it would be good to coupleit with some of those other
islands, because there are nodirect flights from the us.
(07:10):
You're gonna connect througheither San Juan Barbados, St.
Lucia, something like that.
So, head to St.
Lucia on your way to Dominic.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (07:18):
I love it.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (07:19):
It's great for travelers who
especially enjoy that journey aspart of the adventure, and
that's kind of where I'mthinking, you add another
destination in.
of the great things that you'regonna wanna do on Dominica is
visit Boiling Lake, which is achallenging hike, to one of the
largest hot lakes in the world.
Head to the champagne reef andsnorkel among volcanic bubbles,
(07:42):
which fun, but also moderatelyterrifying.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (07:46):
I think I'm gonna open a beach bar
called the Champagne Reef.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (07:50):
That does sound really cool.
go to the Emerald Pool inTrafalgar Falls, which is some
waterfalls you can go to thatare easily accessible, which
most of them aren't.
So this is a good option.
There's also a national trail.
It is a 115 mile hiking trailacross the island, and Ryan has
said that's his next trip.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (08:09):
Yeah, so Dominica sounds absolutely
amazing, but I think the name ofthe game here is Active and
Nature, not Relaxation.
although I'm sure there's plentyof options for relaxation, but I
don't think that's the mainfocus when you're here.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (08:25):
Yeah, it sounds truly amazing.
So a couple places to stay.
au for cultural access and daytours, or an eco lodge like
Jungle Bay or Secret Bay, whichRyan mentioned, which offer
immersive stays, and the besttime to go is between November
and May for cooler temperatures
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (08:47):
Very cool.
Our third option, Julie, isGuadalupe.
So Guadalupe is a Frenchcolonial Caribbean.
island.
So it very much has a fringeinfluence in its culture, in its
food, in its experience there.
It's a butterfly shaped islandwith bass terra, which is
(09:08):
mountains, rainforests, and alsoGrand Terra, which is beaches
and resorts.
So it Has it all again, it has ablend of French sophistication
and creole vibrancy, and it'sknown for culinary delights and
cultural festivals.
So there's gonna be lots to see,lots to do, lots to experience.
(09:28):
How are we gonna get there?
There are direct flights fromMiami and JFK, it's also, not
uncommon for it to be includedin.
Uh, cruise itineraries, but landvacations are gonna allow you to
see much more of the island,obviously, what are we gonna
see?
We're gonna see, frier volcano,which is scenic hikes and hot
(09:49):
springs.
We're gonna see Carpe Falls, adramatic triple waterfall Punta
Petre, which is a bustlingmarket and museums and beach
hopping on that section of theisland, called Grand Terra.
So this is a really good kind ofbalance, Caribbean experience.
Where are we gonna stay if westay in that Grand Terra area?
(10:11):
We're gonna have the bestbeaches and resort options if we
stay in that bass tier section.
We're gonna have eco lodges foradventure travelers up in those
mountains and rainforest.
and there's also options forluxury spas, small guest houses,
things like that.
we're gonna go from December toApril.
'cause we've got that dryweather and we have vibrant
(10:35):
festivals like Carnival.
Alright, Julie, I have two moreoff the beaten Path Caribbean
options for you.
But first, where in the world isall things travel and you have a
connection to this place, andthat is Keres St.
Lucia, which is the largest townin St.
Lucia.
(10:55):
What should we do with ourlistener when we go to St.
Lucia?
Julie.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (10:59):
you should definitely check out
downtown Castries and grab somelocal food because this is
really good.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:06):
give us an example of a local food we
should try.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:09):
so when we were there, we had some
spiced jerk chicken.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_13390 (11:12):
Mm-hmm.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:13):
We had something called banana salad,
which is kind of like potatosalad, but it's made with
bananas,
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:18):
Very nice.
Yeah.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:20):
Really good.
had some really good fried ricetype mixture.
light food, it was great.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:26):
Love it.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:27):
and then right next to the castries, like
you get there straight throughthe town is, the only drive in
volcano in the world.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:36):
Very fun.
Well, I want to meet ourlistener there.
Have a nice lunch drive througha volcano and just soak up the
island there Hey, St.
Lucia, do us a favor, reach outto Julie or I.
You can do that by going toWonder and beyond travel.com and
click on Contact Us because Iwould love to send a little
thank you gift all the way toSt.
(11:56):
Lucia for being featured ontoday's show.
Alright, Julie, earlier on youmentioned St.
Kit's, but our fourth option iskind of St.
Kit's quieter brother.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:09):
Yes, Nevis.
a lot of times you can visitboth in the same trip.
They're always grouped together.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:16):
Yeah.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:16):
is a little bit more quiet.
It's quieter, it's a little moreluxury than St.
Kit's is.
It's known as the unspoiledsister island because it focuses
more on relaxation and there'slower crowds.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:28):
Got it.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:29):
quite a historic charm.
There's a lot of plantation innsand luxury resorts and no high
rise hotels or crowded beaches,which that sounds great.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:39):
Love that.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:40):
So this is where Ryan will be as opposed
to Dominica.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:44):
Yes.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:45):
A couple travel options from North
America.
You would always fly into St.
Kitts, either directly fromMiami, New York, Charlotte, or
Atlanta, and then take a shortwater taxi over to Nevis.
You can also do a privatetransfer if you want a smoother
arrival.
And there's a couple of reallygreat things to do here.
So you wanna go to Penney'sBeach, which is the tranquil
(13:06):
stretch of sand that has a lotof great dining.
The Alexander Hamilton Museum,which is the birthplace of the
US founding father.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (13:14):
he was Caribbean before he came to the
United States.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (13:17):
Nevis peak hike is challenging but
rewarding.
So you know that one day thatyou're not relaxing, go for a
hike.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (13:23):
I'll do that.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (13:24):
You can also explore charming colonial
villages.
We'd recommend you stay at theFour Seasons Resort or at the
Montpelier Plantation, or theNesbit Plantation Beach Club.
perfect time to visit, isDecember to April for perfect
weather, or may to June forslightly lower crowds and better
pricing.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (13:46):
All right.
That sounds great.
Our fifth option is actually inthe United States, but still in
the Caribbean, and this is.
Calibra Puerto Rico, and it is ahidden gem.
for those who go to Puerto Rico.
So it's a tiny island east ofmainland Puerto Rico known for
pristine beaches.
It's part of the US so there'sno passport required for US
(14:09):
citizens, and they take uscurrency, Very laid back,
underdeveloped compared to othermajor tourist.
Areas in Puerto Rico, how are wegonna get there?
We're gonna fly into San Juanand then take a small, regional
flight or a ferry to, Seba,which is the town there on the
island.
Perfect for pairing with thePuerto Rico mainland vacation.
(14:34):
So key things to do.
You can go to Flamenco Beach,which is ranked one of the best
beaches in the world.
You can go to Tamarindo Beachfor snorkeling, seeing sea
turtles, or you can go to CoapBrita Island, which is
uninhabited with a light houseand secluded coves.
sounds like a really fun placeto explore.
(14:57):
Where are you gonna stay?
Well, there's a lot of smallinns guest houses and vacation
rentals.
There's really no, large resorthere in this area, Or you can
stay the club Seaborne.
Which is a boutique option withpools and tropical gardens.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (15:12):
Wow.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (15:13):
should we visit January to April for
sunny skies and calmer seas, butdo avoid peak holidays if you
want a quieter experience.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (15:25):
That's a lot of great options to see that
a lot of people probably haven'tthought about before.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (15:30):
Yeah, absolutely.
So which of these kind of peakyour off the beaten path
Caribbean interest, Julie.
j_1_08-15-2025_13390 (15:37):
definitely Dominica.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (15:40):
Well I was gonna say either Grenada or
Guadalupe.
So we will we'll have to go onour separate vacations and then
talk about it later on theepisodes.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (15:47):
sounds great.
The world is full of wonder andyour next great adventure is
waiting Wonder and BeyondTravel.
We work with you to create a oneof a kind journey.
taking the stress off your plateso you can focus on the joy of
exploring and the memories thatwill stay with you forever.
(16:08):
you're ready to start planningor just want to dream a little
bigger, head over to Wonder andbeyond travel.com.
We'd love to help you getstarted.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (16:18):
We look forward to talking to you
next week on all things Travel.
When we compare sailing withRoyal Caribbean or Disney Cruise
Line when traveling with kids,
Hello and welcome to All Things
Travel.
When most people think of theCaribbean, they picture places
like Jamaica, The Bahamas, orthe Dominican Republic.
But beyond those well-knownspots are Iowans that offer just
as much beauty, often with fewercrowds and a more authentic
experience.
Today we're wrapping up our Offthe Beaten Path series to
(00:31):
explore five Caribbeandestinations that just might
become your next favorite spot.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (00:37):
Listen in with travel advisors and
destination experts, Ryan andJulie.
He is your travel professorteaching you everything you need
to know to have a magicalvacation.
And I am a Disney lovingMaryland mom of three and a
specialist in family travel.
Whether we're discussingincredible destinations, top
vacation tips, or sharingpersonal stories, it's always
(00:58):
all things travel.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (01:02):
All right, Julie, how is your week
going?
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (01:06):
It's good.
I remember you guys are back toschool.
We still have like two weeks, sowe are just like, it feels like
that dog days of summersituation.
It is hot.
I keep trying to take the kidsplaces like, oh no, summer's
ending.
Let's do fun things.
And then we do fun thing andit's really hot.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (01:29):
Yeah, it's definitely hot here.
my puppy is learning how to takewalks.
I've been taking her on walksevery day and she's been trying
to figure out what this leashthing is all about.
it's really inconvenient becauseI live in a subdivision.
and it's funny that youmentioned school'cause I
actually live across the streetfrom an elementary school, so
it's gotten a little louderlately.
(01:50):
'cause when we go for a walk,every time a car goes by, novel
stops and watches it.
Then when it goes by, then shewants to walk again.
And I'm like, this is reallyinconvenient for what I was
hoping was like a 20 minutewalk.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:02):
My dog does nothing that I want him to
do.
Literally nothing.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:06):
but this morning is trash day and
she definitely is a littlesuspect of the, uh, garbage
truck.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:12):
My dog is
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:12):
So.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:12):
of pretty much everything.
Like I came in here and Iplugged in my microphone and he
freaked out and left.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:18):
what types of things are you working
on in the business?
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:20):
Oh, the business.
Uh, let's see.
I have a big Caribbean trip, so
ryan_1_08-15-2025_13390 (02:25):
Mm-hmm.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:26):
at St.
Lucia and St.
Kitts, and St.
Thomas, which aligns pretty goodwith this
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:30):
it really Yeah.
We'll hear some of those againlater on.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:34):
an Ireland, and an England trip
going.
a lot of people traveling.
I have clients that go and starthe seas this weekend.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:41):
Ooh, brand new ship.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:44):
I can't wait to hear about it.
we're just, uh, moving along allsorts of fun stuff.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (02:49):
Well, I've got a busy October with
folks traveling and again, folksare, you're like, but it's
October and this is, know, themiddle of August.
Well, that's how our brainworks.
'cause right now it's gettingready for.
You know, people who aretraveling.
I've got a group of women rivercruising in France.
I've got a, a couple that aregoing over to visit family in
(03:10):
Belgium and then taking a, aDutch, Waterways, river crews.
I've got folks going to Ireland.
I've got two safari groupsgoing.
So it's, a lot of getting thoselogistics out to folks.
so they're ready to go andthey're prepared.
'cause those are not smalltrips.
Julie, I have enjoyed our offthe Beaten Path series.
(03:33):
We talked about North America,we talked about Europe, and
today we're gonna finish uptalking about the Caribbean.
I've put together five reallycool locations.
Again, you've heard of all ofthese, but.
I bet you haven't been to them,and I bet you don't know a lot
of people who have been to them.
the first location, Julie, isGrenada.
(03:54):
And Grenada is known as theSpice Island.
because there's a lot ofproduction of nutmeg, cinnamon,
cocoa.
this island just has to smellamazing, right?
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (04:06):
I know, right?
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (04:08):
Yeah.
And, are, what is it known forbeyond going and trying the
spices and things like that?
Unspoiled beaches, colorfultowns, really warm hospitality.
it has a vibrant culture withmusic dance, and it's a mix of
British and French colonialinfluences with that.
Caribbean.
(04:28):
Culture So how do I get toGrenada?
there are direct flights fromMiami, JFK, and believe it or
not, Charlotte, North Carolina.
it will often require some sortof connection, depending on
where you're going through maybeBarbados or Trinidad or some of
the smaller US airports,
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (04:46):
Yeah.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (04:47):
What can we do in Grenada?
We can go to, grand Aunts Beach,which has stunning calm waters
and plenty of beach bars.
There's an underwater sculpturepark, Belmont Estate, which is a
cocoa plantation that has toursand tastings.
You know, I'm gonna be there.
And St.
George's is a colorful harbortown with a lively market.
(05:09):
You know where I'm gonna suggestyou stay there.
And that is Sandals Grenada.
We love sandals.
they have a resort there.
I know they utilize that spice.
Connotation to their advantage.
In fact, they actually have anice cream store there on the
Sandals property thathighlights, nutmeg and cinnamon
(05:29):
and cocoa.
I think that's worth a tripright there, right?
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (05:32):
Right.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (05:34):
But you could stay on the southwest
coast, because that's where someof the best beach access is and
some great restaurant options.
There's several resorts like theSpice Island Beach Resort, which
is more of a luxury feel, andthe Mount Cinnamon Resort and
Beach Club, which is moreboutique.
I just want a sweatshirt from aplace that's called Mount
Cinnamon Resort.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (05:55):
I bet it smells really nice.
You
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (05:57):
So where.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (05:59):
and toiletries have
ryan_1_08-15-2025_1 (06:00):
Absolutely.
I mean, how unique, right?
The perfect time to visit isgonna be December through April.
You're gonna have dry, sunnyweather or in August if you want
to have that carnivalexperience.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (06:13):
I've had some clients inquire about
ryan_1_08-15-2025_13390 (06:15):
Mm-hmm.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (06:16):
I've researched it a bit, but I have
not yet researched this nextone, which is Dominica, known as
the Nature Island.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (06:23):
I have done some research and it is
absolutely gorgeous I did someresearch several years ago on
one of the resorts we're gonnatalk about, secret Bay and
Julie.
It is jaw dropping, you know,just the serenity and the
privacy Tell us all aboutDominica.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (06:42):
not to be confused with the well-known
Dominican Republic.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (06:47):
Nope.
j_1_08-15-2025_13390 (06:47):
Dominican.
It's known for its ruggedmountainous terrain covered in
rainforest.
There's a lot of ecotourism.
You can see waterfalls, naturalhot springs, and it's a lot less
touristy than most Caribbeanislands.
maybe it would be good to coupleit with some of those other
islands, because there are nodirect flights from the us.
(07:10):
You're gonna connect througheither San Juan Barbados, St.
Lucia, something like that.
So, head to St.
Lucia on your way to Dominic.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (07:18):
I love it.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (07:19):
It's great for travelers who
especially enjoy that journey aspart of the adventure, and
that's kind of where I'mthinking, you add another
destination in.
of the great things that you'regonna wanna do on Dominica is
visit Boiling Lake, which is achallenging hike, to one of the
largest hot lakes in the world.
Head to the champagne reef andsnorkel among volcanic bubbles,
(07:42):
which fun, but also moderatelyterrifying.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (07:46):
I think I'm gonna open a beach bar
called the Champagne Reef.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (07:50):
That does sound really cool.
go to the Emerald Pool inTrafalgar Falls, which is some
waterfalls you can go to thatare easily accessible, which
most of them aren't.
So this is a good option.
There's also a national trail.
It is a 115 mile hiking trailacross the island, and Ryan has
said that's his next trip.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (08:09):
Yeah, so Dominica sounds absolutely
amazing, but I think the name ofthe game here is Active and
Nature, not Relaxation.
although I'm sure there's plentyof options for relaxation, but I
don't think that's the mainfocus when you're here.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (08:25):
Yeah, it sounds truly amazing.
So a couple places to stay.
au for cultural access and daytours, or an eco lodge like
Jungle Bay or Secret Bay, whichRyan mentioned, which offer
immersive stays, and the besttime to go is between November
and May for cooler temperatures
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (08:47):
Very cool.
Our third option, Julie, isGuadalupe.
So Guadalupe is a Frenchcolonial Caribbean.
island.
So it very much has a fringeinfluence in its culture, in its
food, in its experience there.
It's a butterfly shaped islandwith bass terra, which is
(09:08):
mountains, rainforests, and alsoGrand Terra, which is beaches
and resorts.
So it Has it all again, it has ablend of French sophistication
and creole vibrancy, and it'sknown for culinary delights and
cultural festivals.
So there's gonna be lots to see,lots to do, lots to experience.
(09:28):
How are we gonna get there?
There are direct flights fromMiami and JFK, it's also, not
uncommon for it to be includedin.
Uh, cruise itineraries, but landvacations are gonna allow you to
see much more of the island,obviously, what are we gonna
see?
We're gonna see, frier volcano,which is scenic hikes and hot
(09:49):
springs.
We're gonna see Carpe Falls, adramatic triple waterfall Punta
Petre, which is a bustlingmarket and museums and beach
hopping on that section of theisland, called Grand Terra.
So this is a really good kind ofbalance, Caribbean experience.
Where are we gonna stay if westay in that Grand Terra area?
(10:11):
We're gonna have the bestbeaches and resort options if we
stay in that bass tier section.
We're gonna have eco lodges foradventure travelers up in those
mountains and rainforest.
and there's also options forluxury spas, small guest houses,
things like that.
we're gonna go from December toApril.
'cause we've got that dryweather and we have vibrant
(10:35):
festivals like Carnival.
Alright, Julie, I have two moreoff the beaten Path Caribbean
options for you.
But first, where in the world isall things travel and you have a
connection to this place, andthat is Keres St.
Lucia, which is the largest townin St.
Lucia.
(10:55):
What should we do with ourlistener when we go to St.
Lucia?
Julie.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (10:59):
you should definitely check out
downtown Castries and grab somelocal food because this is
really good.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:06):
give us an example of a local food we
should try.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:09):
so when we were there, we had some
spiced jerk chicken.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_13390 (11:12):
Mm-hmm.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:13):
We had something called banana salad,
which is kind of like potatosalad, but it's made with
bananas,
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:18):
Very nice.
Yeah.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:20):
Really good.
had some really good fried ricetype mixture.
light food, it was great.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:26):
Love it.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:27):
and then right next to the castries, like
you get there straight throughthe town is, the only drive in
volcano in the world.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (11:36):
Very fun.
Well, I want to meet ourlistener there.
Have a nice lunch drive througha volcano and just soak up the
island there Hey, St.
Lucia, do us a favor, reach outto Julie or I.
You can do that by going toWonder and beyond travel.com and
click on Contact Us because Iwould love to send a little
thank you gift all the way toSt.
(11:56):
Lucia for being featured ontoday's show.
Alright, Julie, earlier on youmentioned St.
Kit's, but our fourth option iskind of St.
Kit's quieter brother.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:09):
Yes, Nevis.
a lot of times you can visitboth in the same trip.
They're always grouped together.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:16):
Yeah.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:16):
is a little bit more quiet.
It's quieter, it's a little moreluxury than St.
Kit's is.
It's known as the unspoiledsister island because it focuses
more on relaxation and there'slower crowds.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:28):
Got it.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:29):
quite a historic charm.
There's a lot of plantation innsand luxury resorts and no high
rise hotels or crowded beaches,which that sounds great.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:39):
Love that.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:40):
So this is where Ryan will be as opposed
to Dominica.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:44):
Yes.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (12:45):
A couple travel options from North
America.
You would always fly into St.
Kitts, either directly fromMiami, New York, Charlotte, or
Atlanta, and then take a shortwater taxi over to Nevis.
You can also do a privatetransfer if you want a smoother
arrival.
And there's a couple of reallygreat things to do here.
So you wanna go to Penney'sBeach, which is the tranquil
(13:06):
stretch of sand that has a lotof great dining.
The Alexander Hamilton Museum,which is the birthplace of the
US founding father.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (13:14):
he was Caribbean before he came to the
United States.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (13:17):
Nevis peak hike is challenging but
rewarding.
So you know that one day thatyou're not relaxing, go for a
hike.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (13:23):
I'll do that.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (13:24):
You can also explore charming colonial
villages.
We'd recommend you stay at theFour Seasons Resort or at the
Montpelier Plantation, or theNesbit Plantation Beach Club.
perfect time to visit, isDecember to April for perfect
weather, or may to June forslightly lower crowds and better
pricing.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (13:46):
All right.
That sounds great.
Our fifth option is actually inthe United States, but still in
the Caribbean, and this is.
Calibra Puerto Rico, and it is ahidden gem.
for those who go to Puerto Rico.
So it's a tiny island east ofmainland Puerto Rico known for
pristine beaches.
It's part of the US so there'sno passport required for US
(14:09):
citizens, and they take uscurrency, Very laid back,
underdeveloped compared to othermajor tourist.
Areas in Puerto Rico, how are wegonna get there?
We're gonna fly into San Juanand then take a small, regional
flight or a ferry to, Seba,which is the town there on the
island.
Perfect for pairing with thePuerto Rico mainland vacation.
(14:34):
So key things to do.
You can go to Flamenco Beach,which is ranked one of the best
beaches in the world.
You can go to Tamarindo Beachfor snorkeling, seeing sea
turtles, or you can go to CoapBrita Island, which is
uninhabited with a light houseand secluded coves.
sounds like a really fun placeto explore.
(14:57):
Where are you gonna stay?
Well, there's a lot of smallinns guest houses and vacation
rentals.
There's really no, large resorthere in this area, Or you can
stay the club Seaborne.
Which is a boutique option withpools and tropical gardens.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (15:12):
Wow.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (15:13):
should we visit January to April for
sunny skies and calmer seas, butdo avoid peak holidays if you
want a quieter experience.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (15:25):
That's a lot of great options to see that
a lot of people probably haven'tthought about before.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (15:30):
Yeah, absolutely.
So which of these kind of peakyour off the beaten path
Caribbean interest, Julie.
j_1_08-15-2025_13390 (15:37):
definitely Dominica.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (15:40):
Well I was gonna say either Grenada or
Guadalupe.
So we will we'll have to go onour separate vacations and then
talk about it later on theepisodes.
j_1_08-15-2025_133903 (15:47):
sounds great.
The world is full of wonder andyour next great adventure is
waiting Wonder and BeyondTravel.
We work with you to create a oneof a kind journey.
taking the stress off your plateso you can focus on the joy of
exploring and the memories thatwill stay with you forever.
(16:08):
you're ready to start planningor just want to dream a little
bigger, head over to Wonder andbeyond travel.com.
We'd love to help you getstarted.
ryan_1_08-15-2025_133903 (16:18):
We look forward to talking to you
next week on all things Travel.
When we compare sailing withRoyal Caribbean or Disney Cruise
Line when traveling with kids,
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