By Bridget Valeri
Daily Forty-Niner
Many of us go on vacation in order to relax and escape from our normal lives, but end up going to a place that is no different than what we are used to. If you are looking for a vacation spot where you can experience the lifestyles of a different culture, then St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the place to go.
Whether you want to go sightseeing, eat traditional West Indian food, or just relax on the pristine beaches. The island will accommodate your every desire. Unlike many of the other islands in the Caribbean, St. Vincent is not commercialized. You will not find hotel chains or fast food restaurants, what you will find are family owned hotels and restaurants that bring you closer to true Caribbean culture.
When looking for a place to stay, Young Island is the place to check in. Located just 200 yards off the southern shore of St. Vincent, Young Island is a secluded tropical island with service that makes you feel like royalty. The 35-acre resort has luxurious cottages with private outdoor showers and a patio that leads to the beach.
If you want to venture off the resort to do some sightseeing, there are many scenic places to choose from. On the island of St. Vincent, there is never a dull moment when it comes to seeing the tropical splendor. On the western side of the island, you can visit the Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Here you will find rare species of plants, flowers and trees.
A brief excursion through a lush rain forest will lead to Trinity Falls. This 40-foot waterfall separates into three cascades and ultimately leads to a circular pool where visitors can go for a swim.
If you make it to Wallilabou Bay, you will get a chance to feel as if you are in a movie because this is where "Pirates of the Caribbean" was filmed. At night you can go to club Shipwreck and dance the night away on board the actual ship that was used in the film.
Those who are adventurous can hike to the peak of the 4,148-foot volcano La Soufriere, which is located on the eastern side of the island. The Owia Salt Pond is another amazing spot that is a must see. This is a unique natural wonder because of its huge bathing pools surrounded by peaks and ridges.
The Grenadine Islands consist of 11 small islands off St. Vincent. The Captain Yanni's tour is a great way to explore several of the Grenadine Islands. The tour begins by taking an airplane to Union Island where you go aboard a catamaran to three remote islands for an afternoon of swimming and relaxation.
The best time to go to St. Vincent and the Grenadines is at the end of June for the annual carnival. Vincy Mas is the island’s national festival the celebrates the West Indian culture. For two weeks, you can experience dancing in the streets with the sound of soca and calypso music in the background. The carnival is the best way to personally experience what the culture is about.
So when it comes time to plan your next vacation, instead of going along with the traditional vacation spots, go somewhere that makes you feel like you are really in a different place. St. Vincent is the secret of the Caribbean that is waiting to be explored.
