6 Caribbean Islands That Feel Like Europe
If a European trip isn’t in the cards this year, the Caribbean offers a closer alternative for travelers in the Americas, with pastel-hued villages and palm-fringed shores. Names like the French West Indies and Dutch Caribbean make it easy to see why parts of the region are often compared to their European counterparts.
Still, the Caribbean is unmistakably its own place, shaped by Indigenous cultures and millennia of people who have called the islands home. Its pull is magnetic, and travelers who visit once often find themselves returning again and again.
These islands offer a taste of France, Spain, and the Netherlands, but with a lot more sunshine.
S P R I N G
4.5 Million Blue Flowers Turn This Japanese Park Into a Sea of Color
Japan’s cherry blossoms may dominate spring headlines, but another bloom quietly steals the show. Each April, 4.5 million nemophila flowers blanket a hillside, creating a surreal sea of blue petals.
T O - D O
MARCH EDITION
Where to stay: This mirrored cabin in Italy’s Dolomites
What we’re loving: This monthly guide of the coolest cultural events in the US this year
T R A V E L
The Best Spring Break Destination in Every State
Not every spring break needs to involve crowded beaches and college parties. This guide highlights the best spring break trip in every US state, from quiet national parks to lively coastal towns.
S P O N S O R E D
Central Florida Is the Hottest New Stop on the Barbecue Map
Photo: Visit Central Florida
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VISIT CENTRAL FLORIDA
Central Florida sits about an hour from both coasts and just 30 minutes from Orlando’s theme parks, but the real attraction might be the barbecue. The self-proclaimed BBQ Capital of Florida™ is home to multigenerational pitmasters, family-run smokehouses that sell out before dinner, and fierce competition circuits. Here’s where to try it for yourself.
F I F A
How To Have The Best World Cup Experience in Vancouver, According To an Insider
Vancouver’s World Cup experience goes beyond the stadium. With matches at BC Place and easy access to mountains, coastlines, and wineries, the city is positioning itself as a base for exploring all of British Columbia.
S T A Y S
The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for a Worry-Free Beach Vacation
Photo: Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
“All-inclusive” in Florida doesn’t always mean what it does in Mexico or the Caribbean. These resorts come closest, offering beachfront stays where most of the essentials are bundled into the price.
Travel Well
The Matador Editorial Team