Compass: Caribbean and Atlantic

“We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey.”
-John Hope Franklin
Feel the hypnotic rhythm, savor the explosive flavors and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean islands. The Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean region is known for inviting sandy beaches, crystal blue water, tropical flavors, amazing seafood, unique spices and a perfect blend of cultures. All of these things combine to make a wonderful holiday vacation in popular Caribbean islands. However, the Caribbean and Atlantic region is also tied to cultural and historical connections to slavery and European colonization.
Explore the history of the popular Caribbean islands and each island’s respective cultural heritage that was shaped by indigenous groups like the Amerindians, Kalinago people, Garafuna tribe, Carib and Arawaks. Learn how the influx of Asians and Europeans influenced architecture, gastronomy and traditions.The following Island countries make up the Caribbean region. Each of these islands also holds thousands of smaller islands within their domain.
Caribbean islands include: Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Netherlands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States Virgin Islands. Some continental countries like Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Venezuela also have islands in the Caribbean.

Five Bahamian Experiences Off-the-Beaten-Path
By Gregory HoganFor many people around the world, the Bahamas are emblematic of the Caribbean’s charms. When we think of these islands we generally picture pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green forests. Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Off the Beaten Path
By the Malecon: Havana Nights in Search of the Real Cuba
By Jennifer RichardsonA block from Havana’s famous Malecon, I found myself standing on a curb, sharing a bottle of rum with my good friend and traveling companion Sandra, and three strangers. We’d all met earlier at a nearby salsa club tucked in an alleyway between the Centro and Old Havana neighborhoods, a … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Off the Beaten Path Architecture
The Tiny Caribbean Museum That Inspired the Jurassic Park Franchise
By Cara SieraThe science fiction that binds Jurassic Park’s storyline together is that dinosaur DNA could be extracted from mosquitos and other biting insects preserved in amber. Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Off the Beaten Path
Discovering and supporting local gems in Turks and Caicos
By Tara TadlockSerene white sand beaches. Tropical cocktails garnished with slices of fresh fruit. Catamarans floating through turquoise water. Images like these tend to be the first to come to mind when thinking of the Turks and Caicos Islands. But this tropical destination, which has stringent COVID protocols, has much more than … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Experiences Food & Drink
The Island of Saba: Looking to the Future, Embracing the Past
By Breana JohnsonIt’s easy to imagine what Saba must have looked like two hundred years ago. Aside from the medical school and the single narrow ribbon of road, the island hasn’t changed much. Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Adventure Off the Beaten Path
Hope For A Partial Summer Holiday
Vacation planners who planned their 2020 summer vacation to sunny beach destinations like the Mediterranean and the Greek Isles months in advance can now start enjoying a partial summer vacation in some Caribbean Islands location. The optimism comes amid the coronavirus pandemic and some regions are still locked down especially … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Family Travel
St. Vincent pianist, Kendol Bacchus, shares healing music and updates from the island
Pianist Kendol Bacchus, who hails from the island of St. Vincent, is riding out the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida. He had a concert tour planned when he arrived in the U.S. two months ago so he is hunkering down until he can resume his concert schedule. Until that time comes, … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Literature & Music The Arts
Traveling to Puerto Rico and Cuba
The island of Puerto Rico was still recovering from the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria when a Magnitude 6.4 earthquake shook the island. As of this taping, Puerto Rico was hit by a 5.3 quake. Yet, despite these natural disasters Sarah Ratliff, owner of Purple Coqui tours and a resident … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Experiences
Why You Should Go to the Bahamas Right Now
By Breana JohnsonI sat at the edge of the little fishing boat, peering down into the clear Bahamian sea to spot my husband. Under the water, I could make out his shape as he took careful aim with his Hawaiian sling. Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Social Responsibility
Voluntourism: When Helping can Hurt
By Breana JohnsonVoluntourism can be a benefit to communities, but if done improperly, it can actually be more harmful than helpful. Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Volunteer Travel Social Responsibility
St Maarten Travels that Transformed Lives
The island of St. Maarten (Sint Maarten) is the common denominator in the stories of two different families whose lives were changed when they landed on the Caribbean island. Join us to hear why St. Maarten was the backdrop to their positive life transformations. First, we’ll speak to Erik and … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Transformative
Celebrating Bermuda Day
Every May the entire population on the island of Bermuda gathers to celebrate Bermuda Day, formerly known as Empire Day. The holiday initially marked the birthday of Queen Victoria across all of the British colonies. However, as the colonies gained independence this day shifted as a celebration to mark national … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Events & Festivals History
The Adventurer’s Guide to First Time Travel in the Caribbean
The Caribbean! This is no doubt one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It boasts of clean blue seas, sparkling white sand and the summer sun just makes everywhere else seem very drab. It is made up of more than 7000 different islands and each of them … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Adventure
Multiple Cruise Lines Scramble To Change Itineraries After Cuba Travel Ban
When the Trump Administration announced new travel restrictions to Cuba, it effectively barred cruise ships from going to the country. And, a day after the announcement, cruise lines stopped offering the service. With passenger ships no longer permitted to go to the island, cruise ships had to be quickly rerouted. … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic
Cuba Travel Still Possible Under Certain Guidelines Despite U.S. Ban
Due to the latest Trump administration regulations, group tours and cruise ships are no longer to stop off in Cuba. However, if travelers have already booked those trips or people still want to visit, is there anything that can be done? When the Trump administration announced that the most popular … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic