There are few moments that top an afternoon in the Caribbean during golden hour. I’ve been visiting the region for decades now, and always make it a point to plant myself on the beach in the late afternoon for the show. The main characters? An orchestra of sounds and a kaleidoscope of colors that never disappoint, birds weaving between clouds, and a glowing rainbow above lulling, frothy waves. It’s a tropical fairy tale come to life — made even better if a bit of rum is involved. 

For many, the Caribbean is an escape from winter’s inevitable chill. Thousands of hotels, from beachside boutiques to private island hideaways, open their doors to more than 30 million tourists each year. Beachgoers stake their spot on shaded stretches of amber-colored sand, excited to snorkel among some of the greatest barrier and coral reefs in the world.         

For years, I, too, have eagerly shed my winter clothes and left the noise of the city behind. In its place, I welcome much more than just a paradisiacal beach — although I love that, too. For me, the Caribbean is the cluck of a rooster during sunrise, a coconut from a roadside truck to quell the afternoon heat. It’s a stroll through the open-air spice markets in Grenada, a taste of a juicy Julie mango in Trinidad, a sweaty dancehall battle on the yard in Jamaica, a visit with the indigenous Kalinago people of Dominica, and a sip of a world-renowned rum in Martinique. 

My favorite time of year, Carnival, is one of the region’s most lasting and powerful traditions. This preservation of history pushes against colonization’s influence and represents the Caribbean’s resilient past and determined future.

I’ve spent some of my most still moments in the Caribbean, unaware of time or day. Each time I visit, I recognize it’s a privilege to bask in the sun and move at a slower pace, all made possible by thousands of residents whose livelihood is so deeply tied to tourism. 

I’m excited for the region’s future, and I believe travelers who love the Caribbean as much as I do will consider what a sustainable tomorrow for this pocket of the world looks like. A region that sits in the middle of the ocean is vulnerable to climate change and overtourism, and I encourage every visitor to learn more about the hotels and initiatives providing solutions to these pressing issues. 

Whether you’re ready to delve into the Caribbean’s rich cultural traditions, experience an island’s flavorful cuisine, or simply find some time to slow down, these stories are sure to get you one step closer. — Kristin Braswell