ANGUILLA
Located about 160 miles east of Puerto Rico. Uncrowded white-sand beaches, excellent snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, and coral reef viewing are Anguilla's main water attractions. Ashore, good open-air restaurants and barefoot beach bars plus very friendly people are the main draws. Go to Anquilla if you want to get away from everything and relax on fairly empty beaches, get to know the locals, and snorkel, scuba, jog, or bike. The island is also a good choice for people who like to dine on excellent fresh fish and lobster and who want to be pampered in quiet luxury at an elegant hotel. If you are looking for world-class shopping, gambling, or lush tropical/mountain scenery, you'd be better off going elsewhere in the Caribbean.

ARUBA
Beaches, shopping, casinos, water sports, restaurants, high-energy nightlife, and very friendly people are Aruba's foremost attractions. Don't expect, however, to partake in true island experience (Aruba resembles a flat desert) or find much distinctive Caribbean culture (it's very developed and modern).

BAHAMAS
Sunny beaches, golf, boating, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, historical sites, gambling, nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and boat cruises over coral reefs are the islands' main attractions. Though technically not in the Caribbean, the Bahamas are a good introduction to the Caribbean; the water's nice, and nobody will experience severe culture shock.

BERMUDA
Beaches, golf, tennis, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, nature preserves, sailing, surfing, food, shopping, and relaxation are Bermuda's foremost attractions. Bermuda is a clean, formal, semitropical destination with small but beautiful beaches. Don't go if your on a tight budget or believe this is a Caribbean destination - it's neither as tropical nor as informal. And don't go if you like to gamble - it's illegal.

CANCUN/COZUMEL
With clear water and a bright sun, it's no wonder the shoreline gets top billing in the Cancun-Cozumel area. But there's more than seaside at these seaside resorts, and because there is, all different types of travelers will enjoy them. No matter what type of vacation you're looking for, it's not hard to appreciate the natural beauty of the Yucatan coast: clear aquamarine waters, warm sunshine, and a wide variety of marine life surrounding the coral reefs. Divers have been drawn to these waters for years, and snorkeling from the beach is easy enough that everyone can get a good look at the undersea world. Here you can also experience great culture and history.

CAYMAN ISLANDS
Scuba diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, beaches, shopping, good food, and relaxation are the main attractions of the Cayman Islands. If you are interested primarily in water sports, beautiful beaches and exploring duty-free stores, you'll enjoy the Caymans. There's not much in the way of scenary (the islands are essentially flat), although there are several sightseeing attractions on Grand Cayman.

CURACAO
Shopping, nightlife, nature areas, Indian paintings, caves, diving/snorkeling, swimming, the Seaquarium, horseback riding, casinos, deep-sea fishing, and restaurants are the island's main attractions. Curacao is a good choice for veteran Caribbean visitors who want to do more than lie on the beach. Its friendly people, unique culture, varied resorts and casinos make it a pleasant mixture of all the best things in the Caribbean. But if your passion is water-lying along a beautiful coastline or exploring beneath the waves-you can find islands that will probably make you happier.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Beaches, historical sites, tennis, casinos, golf, mountain scenery, national parks, reef and wreck diving, windsurfing, and deep sea fishing are the country's foremost attractions. Travelers who are interested in hiking, golf, tennis, and history, combined with beach/sea activities, will be happy in the Domincan Republic. If secluded beaches and diving/snorkeling are your main goals, other spots in the Caribbean will probably be more satisfying. Dubbed "the new Caribbean"-Punta Cana-is located on the eastern shores of the Dominican Republic.

HAWAII
Beaches, beautiful (and rare) tropical flowers and plants, local music and dance, volcanoes, surfing, luaus, lush scenery, waterfalls, mountain climbing, Polynesian culture, relaxation, historical sites, shopping, water sports, and deep sea fishing are Hawaii's foremost attractions. Not all islands will appeal to everyone, but the only travelers that may dislike Hawaii would be those who will only be satisfied with casinos, wild game safaris, or alpine resorts.

JAMAICA
Swimming, diving, partying, horseback riding, Red Stripe Beer, beaches, mountains, world class resorts, golf, reggae, fishing, great food and coffee, caves, beautiful scenery, and historical sites are Jamaica's foremost attractions. If you appreciate water, scenery, music/dance and food, you will enjoy Jamaica. But the island isn't for those interested in great shopping or immaculate surroundings. Poverty is widespread and highly visible.

LAS VEGAS
"The city that never sleeps!" Just go to Vegas-you don't have to go anywhere else. Most of the places you might want to visit can now be found in the Nevada desert. You can find everything from the Eiffel Tower, Empire State building, the Emerald City of Oz, Egypt pyramids, and much more. There's something fascinating and appalling about all the flashing lights, rows upon rows of slot machines, and spinning roulette wheels. Its a city where anything is possible at any instant, which may explain the proliferation of all-night wedding chapels. The range of entertainment is vast--from stars so big the marquees just list their first names to outrageously elaborate revues to cabaret entertainment to magic shows. Las Vegas offers much more than just casinos. It is a short ride from the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam, just to name a few.

ORLANDO FLORIDA
Orlando is the world's favorite tourist destination. The city's cleanliness, friendliness, and climate make it a popular getaway for families, honeymooners, seniors, and solo travelers, all of whom will immerse themselves in the city's theme-park version of the whole wide world. Among the theme parks within Orlando and surrounding areas are: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World of Florida, and Busch Gardens, just to name a few. Downtown Orlando is also becoming increasingly popular. Nightlife there centers around the Church Street Station entertainment complex and branches off into piano bars, Irish pubs, and much more.

PUERTO RICO
Deep-sea fishing, gambling, historical attractions, horse racing, culture, nightlife, beaches, rain forest, shopping, golf, caves, hiking, horseback riding, world class surfing, and water sports are among Puerto Rico's main attractions. Travelers who want to get away from it all in comfort and those who enjoy exploring will like Puerto Rico.

ST LUCIA
Great beaches, friendly people, stunning scenery, the world's only drive-in volcano, plantations, bird watching, scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling, hiking, and good food are the foremost attractions of St Lucia. With all its natural beauty and hiking trails, it is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to visit a Caribbean island-especially if they prefer less developed areas. But anyone who loves great beaches amid beautiful scenery and plenty of peace and quiet will be very happy. With a few notable exceptions, there's not much in the way of nightlife. Anyone going to St Lucia should be prepared to see signs of poverty.

US VIRGIN ISLANDS
White sand beaches, snorkeling, diving, deep sea fishing, reataurants and nightlife, golfing, hiking and camping, parasailing, duty free shopping, historical buildings, and yachting are the foremost attractions of the US Virgin Islands. Travelers who seek duty free stores, some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and excellent snorkeling and diving without the risk of culture shock will enjoy the islands. Those seeking seclusion from US influences should probably go elsewhere in the Caribbean (or restrict their stay to St John).