If you thought either The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, or Jamaica would be the fastest-growing Caribbean destination right now, don’t sign up for Trivia Night any time soon.
Even we seasoned experts at Travel Off Path were surprised by a new report revealing 2 countries taking the Caribbean by storm.
One is an up-and-coming cluster of paradise islands that has slowly but surely been creeping up on travelers’ radars in recent years.
The other is perhaps South America’s last frontier for tourism, offering astounding nature and cultural delights rather than the turquoise waters and island vibes traditionally associated with the Caribbean — hence the shock factor.
Any way you slice it, this unsuspecting pair on opposite ends of the spectrum proves many of us overlook the diverse experiences the Caribbean has to offer, beyond flashy resorts and overhyped hotspots.
2nd In Line: Saint Vincent & The Grenadines 🇻🇨
What used to be a sleepy island to disappear and recharge is now a full-fledged vacation spot with brand new resorts, vibrant shores, and plenty of fun activities for all ages.
Saint Vincent & the Grenadines has been trending upward for years, but it lacks name-brand recognition to attract loyal travelers.
Of course, Sandals is a brand we all know and love, even though some of their advertisements look more like a Viagra commercial, but I digress…
As the Caribbean Journal points out, Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has put this island nation on the map for more travelers seeking to escape the same recycled itineraries on far more popular islands.
In fact, Americans are nearly single-handedly driving the uptick with a 58.7% surge in U.S. tourists year over year.
Besides the new Sandals property, there are 32 islands and 9 cays to explore and there’s no doubt Bequia is the most sought after.
In most spots, beach conditions are pristine and perfect for activities such as snorkeling. It is the “Critter Capital of The Caribbean” after all…
Most notably, you won’t break the bank vacationing here, whether it’s reasonably affordable flights or budget-friendly stays that you’ll feel you got your money’s worth.
1st Place: Guyana Is The Caribbean’s Fastest Growing Destination 🇬🇾
Now that 2025 reaches its final chapters, is this the most surprising travel news of the year?
Guyana may not have been on your Bingo card, but apparently, it has been for many, and a brief deep dive into this fascinating country, boasting lush Amazon jungles, welcoming locals, and surprising attractions, has become a trendy destination for the adventurous over the typical vacationers who don’t move from the swim-up bar all day.
Geography can be a real trickster, so don’t expect many postcard beaches here despite its literal Caribbean coastlines (though hard-to-reach Shell Beach holds rave reviews)
Instead, you’ll find caiman-infested waters not exactly as inviting as, say, The Bahamas, but there’s so much to enjoy here that you may not have expected.
Not that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines should be compared to apples to apples at all, but Guyana is a ‘Critter Capital’ in its own right — the vast Amazon rainforest.
It’s quite possible to run into wildlife here on professional excursions that may have never seen a human before, and that’s because Guyana’s entire population is under 900,000 people, and many live in the capital of Georgetown, your most likely gateway, boasting colonial architecture, colorful markets, and lively Caribbean flair.
But Guyana’s must-see attraction is deep in the jungle and truly a sight to behold — the staggering Kaieteur Falls that makes Niagara Falls look like a shopping mall coin fountain.
I’ve looked into visiting Guyana when I have a wanderlust itch I can’t help but scratch, and Pandama Retreat & Winery caught my eye as one of the most unique accommodations I’ve come across if you’re truly a nature enthusiast.
How Easy Is It To Reach Saint Vincent & Guyana?
Let’s be honest — many Americana travelers opt for certain Caribbean islands simply because of proximity.
I learned that lesson the hard way, that not all Caribbean islands are created equal, with my recent trip to St. Lucia (9 hours of air travel!).
But as Saint Vincent & The Grenadines has become more popular, the island can thank JetBlue for giving a tourism boost with a fairly new flight from New York (JFK) — plus popular routes from Miami via American and Atlanta via Delta.
As for Guyana, you would be shocked at how affordable and well-connected Georgetown is. Circling back to my prior plans, I once found a round-trip flight to Georgetown from San Diego under $450 round-trip with only 1 layover.
JetBlue also flies from JFK to Guyana, as does American from Miami (MIA). Delta does not serve Georgetown, but United does from Houston (HOU).
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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