Southern Caribbean - Tampa

Tampa, in the US state of Florida, is a part of the metropolitan area most commonly referred to as the Tampa Bay Area. The city is divided into neighborhoods, many of which were towns and unincorporated communities that are now annexed by the growing city. Within the city limits are over 165 parks and beaches, and it is also home to a number of attractions and theme parks, including: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where visitors can interact with African wildlife; Adventure Island, an excellent water park; Lowry Park Zoo that features over 2,000 animals; and the Florida Aquarium known for its unique glass architecture. Read more about Tampa, USA

Roseau, a small, compact and most important urban settlement, is the capital and largest city of the island of Dominica, in the Caribbean. Dominica has been nicknamed the ‘Nature Isle of the Caribbean’ for its unspoiled natural beauty. Interestingly, it is built on the site of the ancient Kalinago Indian village of Sairi. There are some fine examples of West Indian architecture in Roseau. Read more about Roseau, Dominica

Charlotte Amalie is the capital and largest city of the US Virgin Islands, located on the island of Saint Thomas. It is famous as a deep-water harbor that was once a haven for pirates. Indeed, Blackbeard's Castle, named after the notorious pirate of the same name, is one of five National Historic Landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and it is located in Charlotte Amalie at the highest point of Government Hill. Read more about Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands (U.S.)

St John’s, the capital of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda (two islands) in the Caribbean, sits on the NW coast of the tropical island of Antigua that is home to magnificent beaches. St John's was hit significantly by Hurricane Irma (Sep 2017) but tourist infrastructure remained intact. St John’s reflects its British heritage with such edifices as Fort Barrington overlooking the shoreline, and 17th C Fort James. The national sport of cricket (think Sir Vivian Richards, Anderson "Andy" Roberts, and Richard "Richie" Richardson) highlights its predominantly British culture. Read more about St John's, Antigua and Barbuda

Castries is the capital of the volcanic island country of Saint Lucia, part of the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Its popularity stems from the tropical weather (the dry season runs from December through May), scenery, and numerous beaches. Saint Lucia's population is predominantly of African and mixed African-European descent, and while the official language is English, French-Creole is spoken by 95% of the population. North of downtown and across the harbour is Vigie Peninsula, host to the island's largest duty-free complex, where many tourists spend the entire day. Read more about Castries, Saint Lucia

Basseterre is located on the SW coast of St Kitts Island in the Leeward Islands group, and is one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Caribbean. Subsequently, it is very well known for its variety of architectural styles and fascinating buildings, set against dense tropical forests and a huge dormant volcano. The domed colonial Treasury Building, or customs house, is a reminder of the value of these islands as sugar colonies. Take a stroll around Basseterre and wander around the Circus, a diminutive roundabout, modelled after Piccadilly in London. Read more about Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis

San Juan, the capital and most populous city of Puerto Rico, is the oldest city on US territory. It is the Caribbean commercial hub, best known for its beautifully restored historic district of Old San Juan. It is situated on a rocky peninsula girded by thick walls jutting into the crashing Atlantic surf. With its 400 restored buildings from the 16th and 17th century Spanish colonial period, this area is steeped in history. Read more about San Juan, Puerto Rico

Tampa, in the US state of Florida, is a part of the metropolitan area most commonly referred to as the Tampa Bay Area. The city is divided into neighborhoods, many of which were towns and unincorporated communities that are now annexed by the growing city. Within the city limits are over 165 parks and beaches, and it is also home to a number of attractions and theme parks, including: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where visitors can interact with African wildlife; Adventure Island, an excellent water park; Lowry Park Zoo that features over 2,000 animals; and the Florida Aquarium known for its unique glass architecture. Read more about Tampa, USA