The news is good. Travel is coming back. Borders are reopening, and there is a long list of denied celebrations that deserve to be reinstated. With the light finally shining brightly at the end of a dark tunnel, now is the perfect time to get away from the day-to-day so that we can truly honor those noteworthy events that have been put on hold for far too long. Big-time celebrations deserve a big-time venue and there’s no better place to get your celebration on than the British Virgin Islands. Known for perfect sailing conditions, show-stopping beaches and endless secret spots, the British Virgin Islands is just what the doctor ordered now that the world is returning to normal.

Let the wind take you to legendary beach bars at the water’s edge with just the right amount of music and lively atmosphere. Enjoy otherworldly views that show off the natural landscape while visiting seemingly infinite anchorages, harbors and marinas—all of which are prepared to greet you as if you were royalty. Celebrate all of the noteworthy events that have been put on hold for far too long in one of the most beautiful, sought-after destinations: the BVI.

To look at these islands on a map is to understand why beach lovers, sailors, underwater explorers and privacy seekers love this destination: The Sir Francis Drake Channel separates the main island of Tortola from a string of more than 60 islands—some with resorts and some inhabited only by birds and iguanas. This means more coastline, beaches and secluded coves for relaxing. It also means a massive water playground ideal for all kinds of watersports: sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and more. There’s so much to do for you and yours to have fun and catch up on any missed celebrations—regardless of who you travel with or what you’re celebrating.

Where to Stay

This mix of islands offers a diversity of accommodations, from secluded to happening, with a focus on everything from wellness to active pursuits. Celebrating a romantic milestone? Rosewood Little Dix Bay on the island of Virgin Gorda offers pampering, yoga and upscale accommodations with outdoor showers, all amid a natural setting that highlights the tropical landscape and bluewater views – the perfect location for a couple looking to get away and just relax.

Looking for a place to bring family together? Oil Nut Bay, reopened since December 2020, caters to families and multigeneration travelers with villas, chefs for hire, a marina and more than 400 acres of wild space. Every resort offers plenty to do to fill any vacation, but one of the highlights of the British Virgin Islands is how easy it is to island hop.

BVI by Boat

In fact, the islands are so close together that many travelers can’t choose just one, instead opting for a charter-boat vacation. Power or sail, bareboat or crewed, a charter-boat vacation is the perfect way to see it all—on your own schedule. Boating gives you the freedom to choose a completely personalized itinerary. Those who simply wish to relax as much as possible during their getaway can book a crewed yacht with a captain and chef.

It’s a great way to celebrate or simply relax and let a captain handle the boat and a chef cater to your party’s tastes—whether that be a full brunch spread in the morning or a barbecue off the stern at sunset. While those who desire a more independent vacation might choose a bareboat charter and move from destination to destination completely at their own pace.

What to Do

For land- and sea-based travelers, one of the don’t-miss scenic attractions is the Baths, a collection of basalt boulders nestled together to create grottoes and tunnels, as well as overlooks ideal for photos.

Jost Van Dyke, off the backside of the main island of Tortola, is beloved as much for its gently sloping white-sand beach as it is for the lineup of open-air bars, including White Bay’s Soggy Dollar Bar and Hendo’s Hideout.

Take a short boat ride around the point into Great Harbour for a chance encounter with Foxy – the namesake of the beloved Foxy’s Beach Bar – or a pizza baked to perfection at Corsairs Beach Bar.

Come for the day to enjoy the famous Painkiller—a mix of coconut, pineapple and orange juices with rum and nutmeg—while lounging beachside. This island is also home to Ocean Spa BVI, the Caribbean’s only floating spa, where you can get a massage right on the ocean.

In between it all are endless hidden spots as well as off-the-beaten-path attractions and tours. The island of Anegada—the farthest island from Tortola—is not one that every BVI traveler visits. Those who do can take part in the unique experience of choosing your own lobster and having it grilled to order.

The Anegada Beach Club delivers island-style glamping with its luxury thatched-roof cottages complete with hammocks and outdoor tubs, allowing guests to commune with nature in the utmost comfort. This outpost isle is also a perfect choice for bonefishing, horseback riding and kitesurfing.

For those in your group who like to reach secret spots on foot, tour operator Hike BVI offers guided walks through the best of the islands’ wild spaces, from bat caves to jungle hilltop overlooks. It’s a fun and active way to make memories that can happen only here.

Those who scuba dive will certainly experience many of the hidden gems this destination is famous for—and perhaps discover a few of their own. The RMS Rhone is often considered the Caribbean’s most famous wreck dive. The steamer sunk in an 1867 hurricane and is now split into two halves off Salt Island. Dive it to encounter green turtles, moray eels and nurse sharks, and, inside the hull, glittering schools of glassfish.

Beyond the Rhone, the BVI offers an ever-growing list of dive sites, including “Sharkplaneo” – you read that right! After the devastating hurricanes in 2017, the group behind the sinking of the famous “Kodiak Queen” art reef took on the task of transforming out-of-commission airplanes into half-airplane/half-shark dive sites. Why, you ask? The hope is that these new dive sites will turn some heads, but also raise awareness of the importance and necessity of sharks in our waters.

There’s so much to discover and fall in love with that the British Virgin Islands quickly feel like a second home. Go and take it all in—from a cocktail on the white-sand beach to the Zen of sailing such calm waters—and you’ll know what locals mean when they say “BVI Love”: that feeling of perfect, blissed-out relaxation. After a year of uncertainty and postponements, we can’t think of a better place to celebrate getting back on track. So, whatever you’re celebrating, add the British Virgin Islands to your must-visit short list.

For those making immediate plans to visit, know that those who are not vaccinated can quarantine comfortably at their resort or aboard their yacht, while vaccinated travelers only need to present proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test taken within 5-days of arrival in the BVI.

For more information on the reopening of the BVI and to start planning your next getaway, visit their website.

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Did you know that 28.5 million passengers took a cruise in 2018? According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), that’s nearly a seven percent increase from 2017. While cruising used to be geared more for affluent travelers, they’re increasingly appealing to the masses (from budget-conscious and luxury seekers to families and singles), which might explain the rise in the number of cruisers.

To keep the base price affordable, most cruise line fares include room, board, and basic amenities, such as standard dining and entertainment. But if you’d like to eat at a specialty restaurant, access 24/7 Wi-Fi, or book a massage, be prepared to pay extra.

Unless you’re sailing on one of the more all-inclusive luxury cruise lines (like Paul Gaugin Cruises or Crystal Cruises), you might experience a little sticker shock when you see your final cruise statement. If you’re not a savvy cruiser, this can put a huge dent in your wallet—and quickly deflate that post-vacation buzz.

But if you adopt a few strategies from cruise experts, you can score more on your cruise, keeping in mind that a “good value” isn’t always about saving money.

Use smarter booking strategies

To get the best value, either book far in advance (to snag those early-bird prices) or take advantage of last-minute deals (when cruise lines must fill empty staterooms), according to John and Heather Widmer. The couple, true working nomads, have been travelling around the world together since December 2013, chronicling their adventures on their blog Roaming Around the World. To date, they’ve sailed on 16 cruises together across 10 different cruise lines. Not surprisingly, they know a few tips on squeezing the most value from every cruise.

Beside booking early (or last-minute), John advises looking for repositioning cruises, which are longer, one-way cruises based on seasonal changes in demand. This allows he and his wife to indulge in affordable luxury, as they travel in off-peak times and stop at a variety of ports.

Another option? Consider booking through a travel agent, who often has access to group specials. This essentially allows you to ride on the coattails of a group tour—even if you don’t know anyone in the group—to take advantage of lower rates, notes Laura Glenn, who co-owns Island Dreams World Travel with her husband David. Laura, who has sailed on roughly 50 cruises herself, likens it to buying a block of hotel rooms to lock in a good deal, then sharing that good rate with others.

Finally, think about splitting a cabin with friends or family. “The third and fourth passengers in a room generally pay less than the first or second person,” says Laura. “If you split the total cost of the stateroom four ways, this makes it more affordable for everyone.”

Say no (or yes) to a guaranteed stateroom

In terms of saving cold hard cash, letting the cruise line choose your stateroom is usually a money-saver. “If you don’t care where you’re going to be on a ship, book the least expensive category that you’ll be happy with,” advises Laura.

While you can typically save money by not booking a guaranteed stateroom, Laura advises taking other factors into consideration, too. Sometimes the value isn’t in the money you save, but in the convenience of your location.

For example, if you’re traveling with others and want to be next door to them, you have zero control if you don’t choose the staterooms yourselves. Or, if you’re a bit claustrophobic, you might hate an interior room and want an ocean-view room. Conversely, if you’re prone to seasickness, you might want an interior room on the lower deck, which is less likely to rock. “It depends on ship,” notes Laura. “Megaships have stabilizers, so you don’t even feel like you’re moving.”

And sometimes, you can even get a room upgrade simply by asking the cruise line. Don’t expect it, says Laura, but it can happen.

Take advantage of onboard freebies

Before you get caught up purchasing all the “extras”, don’t lose sight of what’s already included with your cruise fare.

For instance, standard dining is complementary in the ship’s main dining rooms—and the food can be absolutely fabulous. From shrimp scampi and escargot to crème brulee and raspberry cheesecake, you can explore world-class cuisine at every meal. And you can usually order multiple entrees or appetizers at no upcharge, says John.

As for the amenities, events, and entertainment, you can spend the entire day hopping to different activities—for free—and never get bored. Depending on the cruise ship, you can explore pools, water-slides, hot tubs, rock-climbing walls, ice skating rinks, fitness centers, basketball courts, arcades, karaoke, concerts, stand-up comedy shows, audience-participation game shows, movies, plays, art shows, liquor tastings, poolside parties, salsa dancing, scavenger hunts, and more.

Consider which extras are worth it

If you crave premium coffee, guzzle soda, or envision tropical drinks in your hand all day, you might want a drink package. But do the math before you plunk down the cash. On Royal Caribbean, for example, the deluxe drink package is $82 per person per day for unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. At roughly $5 a pop for a Starbucks coffee or soda and $8-$12 per beer, wine, or cocktail, drinks can add up quickly without a beverage package. But if you don’t think you’ll get your money’s worth, skip the package and shift those vacation dollars to something splurge-worthy—like a scuba-diving excursion.

Download the cruise line app

Most cruise lines offer a mobile app, putting vacation planning in the palm of your hand to pre-book onboard activities, make dinner reservations, and snag shore excursions. While this can save you money, it also eliminates the headache of planning your trip while you’re actually on your trip. Plus, for limited-seating activities (like excursions and specialty dining), booking early ensures you don’t miss out on key activities.

Cruise line apps help “to ensure that guests can enjoy vacations that are simpler, more efficient, and dramatically more connected,” explains Christina Caballero, Senior Manager of Public Relations at Royal Caribbean International. She notes, for example, that the Royal Caribbean app can help speed up the check-in process. “Guests take a quick selfie, scan their passports, and within minutes have their Set Sail Pass on their phones up to two days prior to departure. Guests who qualify for expedited arrival skip the longer lines and get from car to bar in 10 minutes.”

Plus, you can keep track of onboard expenses for your entire party, including any children with charging privileges. “Having the expense account at your fingertips is a perfect way to track and monitor your budget,” notes Caballero.

Lisa Beach is a seasoned freelance writer. Her work has been published in The New York Times, USA Today Go Escape, Good Housekeeping, Eating Well, and dozens more. Check out her writer’s website at www.LisaBeachWrites.com.

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When you run a business, you’re in the thick of everyday life no matter where you are; on this island, that means bikes on the beach and cold beer at sunset. An accommodating bureaucracy and active expat culture (think customer base and community) ease the process of setting up shop. Land and building materials are reasonably priced (of course, they’re somewhat higher on the island). Belize pegs its currency to the U.S. dollar (at two to one), which makes ex- change predictable. The setting makes the work worthwhile.

Sweat equity is a real equity. Jamaica for business might be a surprise, but an entrepreneur-friendly government and (relatively) streamlined licensing requirements speed the launch process. Expat owners of record studios, eco-lodges, restaurants and ships know this island country offers something special for those willing to invest and yes, sometimes literally sweat. Residents and visitors, employees and customers demonstrate a contagious Jamaican trait — loyalty. It’s not easy to start a business on any island, but it’s worth the work.

Walking on the beach at Wailea and paddling a board out of Maliko Gulch east of quaint Paia are even better when you’re invested in the place behind them, selling goods or services you believe in to your neighbors (aka friends). A start-up-friendly culture and a pronounced preference for locally owned businesses give Maui an entrepreneurial atmosphere. Artists, bakers, growers — lots of people here are working at what they love. Call that inspiration. Surfing, dancing at a friend’s luau, hiking an ancient volcano — call that your day of.

Doing business forces you to engage with the locals. This island’s diverse resident population and high visitor numbers mean potential commercial niches are myriad. Surf shop, coffeehouse, photo studio, excursion guide, interpreter — let your passion be your job. Advantages for business include a bilingual workforce (with lower labor costs than the mainland), good infrastructure, and the same legal system as the United States. For business purposes, it is the United States — and also a tropical island.

Drive down this long island of forests and fields and you’ll see a string of locally owned small businesses — wineries, cafes, boutiques — not to mention the steady stream of day-trippers who patronize them. (Although a trip to bucket-list-worthy Deception Pass might be a good enough reason to close up shop early one day.) Accessible from mainland Washington by bridge and ferry, the isle suffers few of the supply drawbacks of oceanic islands. And it’s alluring, with views across to the Olympic Peninsula.

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Good schools, good friends and good waves: these are the best islands to live on for families.

St. Croix, USVI

People here will ask how your family is doing because they actually want to know. Return the favor, and you’re on your way — probably to the beach with friends. Like St. Thomas, this larger Virgin Island has English as the common language and easy immigration thanks to being a U.S. territory. But it lacks St. Thomas’ greater tourist frenzy. Farms and rainforests make up much of the island, giving it a relaxed day-to-day feel, like a small town with seascapes.

Bali

The Balinese love kids. The attitude is infectious. Child care is low-cost. The art and music, long history and varied geography, languages and foods of an international cross- roads stimulate kids (and parents). You won’t see anything back home like the stunning cliffside Uluwatu temple. Indonesia can be a challenging place. Living here as a family can actually make that less, rather than more, stressful.

North Island, New Zealand

Beautiful and stable, clean and safe, welcoming and friendly — it’s easy to make a list of this country’s advantages for families. Natural and cultural wonders like the geothermal activity of Rotorua and the ongoing history of the Maori offer near-endless possibilities for weekend exploration. Immigration to New Zealand is restricted but not impossible. Public services and health care are straightforward and of high quality. The education system is also world-class — New Zealand has its family values in order.

Oahu, Hawaii

To say Hawaiians value family is an understatement. Family life is the center of everything here, and that attitude spills out into the community, manifesting in good schools and social services. The island also provides endless kid-friendly extracurriculars — hula and ukulele lessons, archaeology, Hawaiian language. Outdoor options include trails through the green Pali mountains to the big waves of the North Shore. The conveniences of Honolulu for shopping and travel add another family-friendly layer. And no visa required.

Viti Levu, Fiji

The Fijian version of Polynesian culture, like the Hawaiian version, centers on family. Generations gather for any reason here — a kid’s swimming race, say, or just because it’s a beautiful day outside. And the atmosphere is inclusive — a friend of the family is part of the family. This most-populated Fijian island has the shopping and services and international airport, with access to wilder Vanua Levu and the other islands. International schools in the capital, Suva, cater to expats with children without shutting them of from local culture.

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Just a two-hour drive and a ferry ride from hectic Cancun lies an island that feels like the other side of the planet, with a few hammocks (invented by the Maya here in the Yucatan — de nada) and 20 miles of white beach, a handful of low buildings comprising “downtown” and clear water for miles. Peaceful but impressive whale sharks visit ofshore in some seasons. Tourists also visit the island, but mostly for the same reasons people live here: warmth and peace.

One of the largest countries in the Caribbean, the DR has a distinctive culture with its own cuisine, literature and dance, which means living here feels less like a permanent vacation and more like real life in a real place. Working in the island’s varied economy (with longer- term work visas available) will integrate you even more. The DR has strong ties to the States and regular nonstop fights, in case you don’t want to start over completely.

Picturing a new life on a tropical island? You’re probably picturing Rarotonga — remote and quiet at Muri Beach with its iconic lagoon, or more remote and even quieter on Manuia Beach on the sunset side. Spend evenings chatting with fishers and pearl farmers. Getting here can be pricey as fights are few, but once here, the cost of living is low relative to other South Pacific islands, making this strand of paradise an even better deal.

On Thailand’s second-largest island, there’s always something going on, with a thriving local arts scene, sailing regattas, religious festivals and vibrant nightlife. If there’s a slow moment, get a Thai massage (not your average back rub) and enjoy the local version of Thai cuisine. The supportive expat community eases transitions and homesick- ness. Varied parts of the island suit various moods — hopping Chaweng for urban action, more secluded bays like Laem Sor on the southern coast for serenity.

This Portuguese island of the coast of Morocco has warm summers and mild winters, a climate close to perfect. People walk for transportation and recreation on a network of trails (about 600 miles worth) used to service irrigation canals called levadas that run through the mountainous interior. Tell what month it is here by what flowers are blooming — poinsettias in May, orchids in December. The sweet wine that shares the island’s name is available year-round.

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Read more in our Ultimate Best Islands to Live On Guide.

USVI

Big Island, Hawaii

Turks and Caicos

Dominican Republic

Penang

Puerto Rico, Northwest Coast

Ireland

Whidbey Island, Washington

Oahu, Hawaii

Florida Keys

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Read more in our Ultimate Best Islands to Live On Guide.

Bali

Ko Chang, Thailand

Aruba

Dominican Republic

Bahamas

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Best Islands to Live On | 10 Best Dishes in Trinidad

Sugar cane, Dominican Republic

No commercial plantations remain in the DR, but cane stalks can still be found on family farms. Don’t let the word “sugar” mislead you. Cane juice is as natural and potent as wheatgrass. Dominicans chew the stalk for a sweet way to reduce fevers and hydrate.

Wild Thyme Honey, Greece

Yeah, your honey is healthy. But the honey from the hills of Greece is legendary. Aristotle called it “a salve for sore eyes and wounds.” Some 2,300 years later it’s used unfiltered (the pollen is the key) to treat food poisoning, sore throats, burns and acne. And then there are the active elderly people all around. Hmm.

Coconut, Indonesia

Use the milk in moderation (one cup has 550 calories and 50 grams of saturated fat), and go nuts with the water. Coconut water is naturally high in electrolytes and B vitamins. Exhibit A: a 74-year-old Indonesian miracle man who says coconut is his only daily staple. “One a day. Every day.”

Dark Beer, Ireland

It isn’t Guinness that makes Ireland one of the worst countries for heart disease (we call blood sausage to the witness stand). No, Guinness has about the same calories as light beer but more hops (for lower cholesterol), antioxidants (to fight cell damage) and iron (for healthier blood). Raise a stout and an Irish toast: “May the good Lord take a liking to you, but not too soon.”

Peas, Carriacou

This island in the Grenadines has one 32-bed hospital. There are rarely more than six people in it, sometimes zero. Locals say they’re in tiptop shape because they eat peas and cornmeal porridge from infanthood to adulthood. “We eat what we grow,” says a cab driver named Ceepee, “and we only use animal poop to help it grow.”

Kukui Nut Oil, Hawaii

Ancient Hawaiians spent their lives in the sun and salt water, their skin under constant assault. But they had an all-natural remedy: kukui nut oil. It’s so potent they used the oil to emulsify their skin and waterproof their canoes. It’s now used in island lotions (like Island Essence).

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FIVE THINGS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. Are you the villa type?

Renting a Caribbean villa can be “the best thing short of having a rich friend with a summer house,” says Smith, and most travelers will lap up the personal attention and privacy that villas afford. But if you’re the type who needs to be surrounded by crowds and in the center of all the action, you might want to think twice – or, as Smith suggests, book a villa either within a resort or with access privileges. “Most of our homes have complimentary membership at resorts nearby, so clients can enjoy the best of both worlds,” she says.

2. What do you need?

There are thousands of Caribbean villas, and identifying your needs is critical to narrowing the choices to a manageable handful. Must you be beachfront, or will a pool do? Do you need a full-time retinue, or can you get by with daily maid service? Do you want an active vacation packed with excursions or a fuss-free beach getaway? Will you need child care? On Smith’s website, jamaicavillas.com, a questionnaire helps customers refine their choices, and booking agents continue the process over the phone, asking an exhaustive list of questions that cover everything from allergies to favorite desserts. “The better the information we get, the better the service and the better the experience our clients will have,” Smith says.

3. How big is too big?

You don’t need eight people to rent a private villa or home with four bedrooms. Many villas offer staggered rates, so depending on the size of the group, renters can pay either the one- to two-bedroom rate or a rate for three- to four- or five- to six-bedrooms and still enjoy all the amenities of a larger home. “You pay based on the number of bedrooms you need, not on the size of the villa,” Smith advises. So even if your group’s small, don’t limit your search to petite places; scope out a few larger homes too.

4. Who’s in your corner?

Particularly if you’re a first-timer, it’s smart to consult an agent. “The best have an intimate knowledge of not only the homes but also the destinations they represent,” says Smith. They’ll analyze your preferences, match you with the home that best meets your needs and be a valuable resource for local info – at no cost to you. Need a grand piano, kosher meals or gym equipment? An experienced agent can make it happen.

5. What’s the bottom line?

Be sure to verify exactly what the rental rate covers before you leave. “We tell our clients to budget for the three G’s: groceries, ground transportation and gratuities,” says Smith. Typically you’ll pay for airport transfers, food and drink, and additional services such as excursions, spa services and, in some cases, child care. Remember that gratuities are not optional: “We recommend 10 percent of the rental cost during high season and 15 percent in the summer,” says Smith. You can choose to prepay tips to your agent, who will distribute them to the staff, or use cash at the end of your stay.

WHAT TO ASK YOUR AGENT

1. Do you have personal knowledge of the villa?

You’re relying on an agent to be personally familiar with his properties, and staff members at the best agencies all should have visited the homes they represent at least once. Be wary if an agent can’t tell you with certainty how far away the beach is or whether bedroom two has garden or sea views. And don’t be afraid to inquire when someone from the agency last visited the villa. Wear and tear happens rapidly, and you want to be sure the home you’re renting looks the same as those pristine photos you saw online.

2. Can you put me in touch with former clients?

A reputable agent should be happy to connect you with former clients, so don’t be shy about asking for references. And when you do speak to past renters, make sure you ask the date of their visit; someone who stayed there five years ago may have had a very different experience from guests who just returned last month.

3. What if we have problems or questions while we’re there?

The whirlpool’s on the fritz, and you can’t figure out the security system. Who you gonna call? Hopefully your agency’s local representative, the concierge or the property manager. Before you jet off, ask for the contact number of someone on the ground who can sort out any snafus. When the air conditioning conks out on a 90-degree day, you’ll be glad you did.

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Getting There: Fly Etihad Airways direct from Washington, DC to Abu Dhabi.

Sleep Like a Sheikh at Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi | Coolest Resort in the Desert

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