DOMINICA: THE OLD CARIBBEAN
The Caribbean is synonymous with hedonism - from the popular tourist Mecca of the Bahamas to the off-the-beaten-path divers' paradise of Bonaire. What you might not know about the Caribbean, however, is that it's also home to one of the most appealing and inexpensive destinations in this hemisphere. So if you're searching for a tropical paradise as it should be, duck the crowds and head to Dominica. With no direct flights from North America or Europe, Dominica is a welcome retreat of peace and quiet in the Caribbean's sea of mass tourism. Roughly halfway between Martinique and Guadeloupe, the island is splendidly underdeveloped. A land of waterfalls, rivers (365 of them), hot springs, and lush rain forests, Dominica is the Caribbean's most rugged isle. Instead of luxury resorts and long stretches of crowded sand, you'll find volcanic mountains, intimate beaches, little-explored reefs and charming small hotels. And if you think that living in the Caribbean full- or part-time is a luxury only A-list celebrities can afford, think again. Dominica's prices are refreshingly down-to-earth: A modest but comfortable home can be built for as little as 25K (naturally, you could pay much more, but why bother). Why not go see for yourself?
*All prices in US dollars.