I’ve been to 20 Caribbean islands — these are the 5 I’d return to and the 2 I’d skip despite having great experiences.

• After visiting 20 islands in the Caribbean, I have lots of favorites and a few I wouldn’t return to.
• St. Lucia offers wellness activities, fun nightlife, and great food.
• Although I enjoyed my time on Grand Bahama, this island left me wanting more.

There’s a misconception that all Caribbean islands are the same. However, as someone who’s been traveling to the Caribbean for almost two decades, I’ve found that each island has its own distinct food, festivals, and cultural traditions.

After visiting 20 Caribbean islands, I can see why the area is such a hot spot for tourism. Here are the five islands I’d love to return to and the two I’d skip.