Dominica

Filed in archive Hidden Gems on July 23, 2007

While Americans flock from northern climes to Florida or the Bahamas in the winter, some of the Caribbean's less developed islands offer visitors a chance to enjoy the tropics and appreciate local culture. Dominica is one such island. The beaches here are typical of the Caribbean, palm lined and sandy, and the highland areas offer waterfalls (Trafalgar Falls being the largest) and hiking trails. Dominica has become a popular destination for eco-tourists because of its largely untouched jungles. There is a small population of Carib people living on the island. They are one of the last groups of pre-Columbian peoples still living in the Caribbean.

Dominica, unlike some of the region's other nations, is a very safe place to visit. Violence towards tourists has long been non-existent. The roads can be dangerous during rainstorms, but most people are cautious and drive at a sufficiently slow pace.