There are so many reasons why people dream about a trip to the Caribbean.   Whether it’s for a perfect round of golf, the scuba dive of a life time, or an exploration of an island’s history; everyone planning Caribbean travel also wants relaxation, tropical beauty, and an escape.

However, many people just opt for the easy way out.  There are so many cheap and easy charter vacations and packages available, that it can be very tempting to just go for the one-stop-shopping.  Popular charter flights to the Dominican Republic are lovely, for certain.  However, because that’s what everyone else is doing, you’re exchanging cheap and easy for crowds.

What most people don’t realize is that the perfect dream of Caribbean travel, and a more private escape in that lush tropical paradise is just one added extra step.   Next time, why not consider beachfront vacation rentals?

It is true that there are no direct flights from the U.S. to some of the more exotic and beautiful islands of Montserrat, St. John, Virgin Gorda or Tortola, but it is still completely easy to get here.

There are many direct flights available to the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix in the Virgin Islands.  As well, there are lots of direct flights to nearby San Juan or Antigua.  From any of those places, it is easy to connect to your luxurious Virgin Gorda rental, pretty St. John vacation rentals, or villas in Tortola, by connecting flight, charter plane or boat.

If you’re interested in a secluded Montserrat villa, on what’s known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, hop a flight to Antigua, where the ferry to Montserrat leaves several times a day.

If you’re at all nervous about making your own travel  arrangements, don’t be. There are excellent travel agents in every neighborhood in every city, all of them willing, able and happy to make your flight plans for you, free of charge.

It really doesn’t take more effort to go to a travel agent than it does to click a few buttons on a website.  The payoff?  Instead of a crowded all-inclusive resort, where you have to get up at the crack of dawn to reserve a pool lounger, and stand in line for a buffet dinner every single night, you can plan to have a home of your own, with a private pool and a chef, all in a beautiful and exotic locale.

Yes, it can be a little more effort.  However, the rewards are endless.  You can find Caribbean travel at its best with tropical island villas all your own, in a setting that will take your breath away.