Chasing Travel Destinations

Category: Caribbean

  • 🇩🇲 Discover Dominica: The Caribbean’s Beautiful, Untamed Nature Island.

    🇩🇲 Discover Dominica: The Caribbean’s Beautiful, Untamed Nature Island.

    If your idea of a perfect Caribbean escape involves lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, cascading waterfalls, and authentic culture instead of crowded resorts and cruise ship chaos, then Dominica should be at the very top of your travel list. Known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” this breathtaking destination offers raw beauty, adventure, and tranquility in equal measure.

    Unlike many of its neighbors, Dominica remains refreshingly undeveloped — a paradise for eco-travelers, hikers, divers, and anyone craving a deeper connection with nature.

    Why Visit Dominica?

    Dominica isn’t about all-inclusive luxury — it’s about immersive experiences. Think jungle hikes, hidden hot springs, black-sand beaches, whale watching, and vibrant local traditions rooted in Kalinago heritage.

    Highlights include:

    • Untouched rainforests and volcanic landscapes
    • Over 300 rivers and countless waterfalls
    • World-class hiking trails
    • Incredible snorkeling and diving
    • Warm, welcoming local culture
    • Minimal mass tourism

    This is the Caribbean for explorers.

    Must-See Places in Dominica

    🌿 Morne Trois Pitons National Park

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is the heart of Dominica’s wild beauty. Here you’ll find steaming fumaroles, dense jungle, freshwater lakes, and dramatic mountain scenery.

    The park is home to one of the Caribbean’s most famous natural wonders…

    🔥 Boiling Lake

    The second-largest boiling lake in the world, this surreal natural phenomenon looks like something from another planet. Reaching it requires a challenging 6–8 hour round-trip hike through rainforest, rivers, and volcanic terrain — but the reward is unforgettable.

    Travel tip: Hire a local guide. The trail is demanding and conditions can change quickly.

    💧 Trafalgar Falls

    Just a short drive from the capital, these twin waterfalls are among Dominica’s most accessible attractions. You can admire them from a viewing platform or scramble closer for a refreshing dip in nearby pools.

    Hot springs in the area make this a perfect half-day excursion.

    🐠 Champagne Reef

    Snorkeling here feels magical. Volcanic vents release streams of warm bubbles from the seabed, creating the sensation of swimming in champagne. Expect vibrant coral, tropical fish, and crystal-clear water.

    Dominica’s marine life is some of the Caribbean’s healthiest due to strict environmental protections.

    🥾 Waitukubuli National Trail

    Stretching nearly 115 miles across the island, this is the Caribbean’s longest hiking trail. It traverses mountains, villages, rainforests, rivers, and coastal cliffs.

    You don’t have to hike it all — many travelers choose a single segment for a day adventure.

    🏙️ Roseau

    Dominica’s colorful capital offers a charming mix of Caribbean and French colonial influences. Visit local markets, stroll the waterfront, and sample Creole cuisine at small family-run restaurants.

    Don’t miss:

    • Fresh tropical fruit and spices
    • Handmade crafts
    • Local rum punch
    • Historic churches and architecture

    Budgeting for Your Trip

    Dominica can be surprisingly affordable compared to more resort-heavy islands.

    💵 Accommodation

    • Budget guesthouses: $50–$90 per night
    • Mid-range eco-lodges: $100–$200
    • Boutique resorts: $250+

    Many accommodations focus on sustainability and nature immersion.

    🍽️ Food

    Eating locally keeps costs low and flavors high.

    • Street food or local eateries: $5–$12
    • Casual restaurant meals: $12–$25
    • Fine dining: $30+

    Try traditional dishes like callaloo soup, fresh seafood, plantains, and Creole stews.

    🚕 Transportation

    Public minibuses are cheap and reliable, though schedules can be flexible.

    • Bus rides: $1–$5
    • Taxi rides: $10–$40 depending on distance
    • Car rental: ~$60–$90 per day

    How to Get There

    Most international travelers arrive via Douglas-Charles Airport, typically connecting through other Caribbean hubs such as Barbados or Puerto Rico. There are no large international airports, which helps keep tourism low-impact.

    Best Time to Visit

    December to April — Dry Season

    • Ideal weather
    • Best for hiking and diving
    • Peak tourist season (though still uncrowded)

    May to November — Green Season

    • Lush landscapes and fewer visitors
    • Lower prices
    • Possibility of rain and hurricanes (Aug–Oct)

    Unique Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

    • Whale and dolphin watching (Dominica has year-round resident sperm whales)
    • Soaking in natural hot springs
    • Visiting Kalinago Territory to learn about Indigenous culture
    • River tubing adventures
    • Exploring hidden waterfalls deep in the rainforest

    Final Thoughts

    Dominica isn’t a destination you simply visit — it’s one you experience. It challenges you, rejuvenates you, and reconnects you with the natural world in a way few places can.

    If you’re searching for pristine beauty, authentic culture, and adventure without crowds, Dominica might just be the Caribbean’s best-kept secret.

    Mero Beach-famous for its black sand.

    https://expedia.com/affiliates/chasingtraveldestinations/dominica

  • 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia: The Caribbean’s Most Dramatic Landscape — A 5-Day Escape

    🇱🇨 Saint Lucia: The Caribbean’s Most Dramatic Landscape — A 5-Day Escape

    Few islands command attention like Saint Lucia. Rising dramatically from the sea, the iconic twin volcanic spires — Gros Piton and Petit Piton — create one of the most breathtaking skylines in the Caribbean.

    But Saint Lucia isn’t just beautiful — it’s cinematic. Steaming volcanoes, jungle-draped mountains, hidden waterfalls, black-sand beaches, luxury resorts tucked into cliffs, and villages pulsing with Caribbean life all coexist on one small island.

    Whether you’re traveling for romance, adventure, or a solo reset, this island delivers drama in the most unforgettable way.

    🌋 Why Saint Lucia Feels So Special

    The southwest town of Soufrière is the island’s adventure capital — home to volcanic mud baths, waterfalls, rainforest hikes, chocolate estates, and panoramic viewpoints.

    Up north, the energy shifts to beach clubs, shopping, nightlife, and marina luxury around Rodney Bay.

    The beauty of Saint Lucia is that you can experience both worlds in one trip.

    ✨ 5-Day Semi-Luxury Itinerary (Adventure + Relaxation)

    🛬 Day 1 — Arrival + Scenic Welcome

    Check into a boutique hotel or villa with Piton views. Spend your first day decompressing after travel.

    Perfect gentle start:

    • Sunset cocktail overlooking the Pitons
    • Casual beachfront dinner
    • Early night to prepare for adventure

    💰 Estimated day cost: $180–$260

    🥾 Day 2 — Gros Piton Hike + Mud Baths + Natural Springs

    Climbing Gros Piton is challenging but achievable for reasonably fit travelers. The reward? Sweeping views of the Caribbean and the island’s lush interior.

    Afterward, soothe sore muscles at the famous Sulphur Springs — the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano — where you can coat yourself in mineral-rich mud before rinsing off in warm waterfalls.

    Add-on: Nearby natural hot springs and river bathing spots locals love.

    💰 Costs:

    • Guided hike: $50–$80
    • Mud baths & springs: $10–$20
    • Transportation: $40–$80

    👉 Total: ~$120–$180

    🌄 Day 3 — Stairway to Heaven + Waterfalls + Chocolate Making

    The Instagram-famous “Stairway to Heaven” viewpoint above Soufrière offers jaw-dropping vistas of both Pitons and the coastline. It’s short but steep — and absolutely worth the climb.

    Continue the day with rainforest waterfalls such as Toraille or Diamond Falls, then dive into one of Saint Lucia’s sweetest experiences: a bean-to-bar chocolate workshop at a cocoa estate: Fond Doux Eco Luxury Resort.

    💰 Costs:

    • Viewpoint hike/tour: $30–$60
    • Waterfall entry: $3–$10
    • Chocolate experience: $60–$90
    • Transport: $30–$60

    👉 Total: ~$130–$220

    🐠 Day 4 — Snorkeling + Catamaran Cruise

    Saint Lucia’s marine life is spectacular, especially around the Pitons where reefs are protected.

    A sunset catamaran cruise typically includes snorkeling stops, drinks, music, and unforgettable coastal views.

    💰 Costs:

    • Snorkeling trip: $50–$80
    • Catamaran cruise: $90–$140

    👉 Total: ~$140–$220

    🛍️ Day 5 — Shopping + Beaches + Departure

    Head north to Rodney Bay for shopping, dining, and beach time before your flight.

    Visit the popular Baywalk Shopping Mall for souvenirs, duty-free items, clothing, and local products.

    Wrap up your trip with one last swim and a leisurely lunch by the sea.

    💰 Costs:

    • Transport: $40–$70
    • Meals & shopping: variable ($40–$150+)

    👉 Estimated: ~$80–$220

    💎 Semi-Luxury Accommodation Ideas

    Saint Lucia excels at boutique properties with breathtaking views.

    Typical nightly rates:

    • Boutique hotel or villa: $180–$320
    • Mid-range luxury resort deals: $300–$450

    Staying near Soufrière maximizes access to adventure, while Rodney Bay offers convenience and nightlife.

    💰 Total 5-Day Budget (Per Person)

    Category

    Estimated Cost

    Accommodation (4 nights)

    $720 – $1,280

    Food & drinks

    $250 – $350

    Activities & tours

    $390 – $620

    Transport

    $150 – $300

    👉 Estimated Total: $1,510 – $2,550

    Flights not included.

    For a destination this dramatic, that price range is surprisingly reasonable — especially compared to full luxury packages that can exceed $5,000+.

    🌴 Travel Tips for a Pocket-Friendly Luxury Experience

    ✔️ Split your stay between Soufrière (nature) and Rodney Bay (convenience)
    ✔️ Book excursions directly with local operators
    ✔️ Rent a car only if you’re comfortable with steep, winding roads
    ✔️ Visit outside peak holidays for better hotel rates
    ✔️ Pack sturdy shoes — adventure here is real

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    Saint Lucia feels like multiple vacations wrapped into one island: romance, adventure, wellness, culture, and natural wonder all layered together.

    You can hike a volcano in the morning, soak in hot springs at noon, snorkel coral reefs in the afternoon, and sip champagne at sunset — all without sacrificing comfort or blowing your budget.

    Luxury here isn’t just about where you stay. It’s about what you experience.

    And trust me… this island delivers experiences you’ll replay in your mind long after the tan fades.

    https://expedia.com/affiliates/chasingtraveldestinations/stlucia

  • 🌴 Is Curaçao Affordable for a Family of 4? 🇨🇼

    🌴 Is Curaçao Affordable for a Family of 4? 🇨🇼

    Travel hits different when you have kids.

    When our family of four visited Curaçao, we weren’t just thinking about beaches — we were thinking about cost, safety, and real-life living.

    So the big question became:

    👉 Could a family actually afford to live here — not just vacation?

    💰 Real Monthly Cost of Living in Curaçao (Family of 4)

    This is what comfortable living realistically looks like — not luxury, not struggling.

    🏠 Housing: $1,800 – $3,000 ⚡ Utilities & Internet: $300 – $450 🍎 Groceries: $700 – $1,200 🚗 Transportation: $350 – $600 🏥 Healthcare: $200 – $400 🏫 Schooling (optional): $600 – $1,600

    👉 Comfortable Monthly Range: $4,500 – $6,500

    🇨🇼Curaçao vs the Midwest USA 🇺🇸

    This surprised us.

    In many ways, Curaçao’s monthly overhead feels very similar to living in the Midwest.

    The trade-off:

    Curaçao = better lifestyle 🌊☀️ Midwest = easier income & convenience

    Curaçao isn’t a “cheap escape” — it’s a lifestyle upgrade if your income is structured right.