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How many times can we bar-hop between Hard Rock Café, Señor Frog’s, and Cabo Wabo Cantina before we realize we’re falling for a tourist trap instead of enjoying the magic of the unknown with culturally rich destinations?
As far as the Caribbean goes, Cancun, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay are fabulous, but there’s a missing link between flashy resorts and authenticity, where we’re magnetized like moths to a lightbulb by the comforts of endless buffets, swim-up bar cocktails, and crystalline infinity pools rather than the raw beauty of footprint-free sand in a place with a true sense of local character.
If you’re yearning for something beyond the usual vacation hotspot, we’ve gathered the most under-hyped destinations ranging from Mexican gems to unheard-of map-dot towns oozing charm, pristine shores, and unexpected delights across the Caribbean for a summer escape you’ll never forget!
Port Antonio, Jamaica
Most travelers think Kingston is a dump, serving more as a gateway instead of a beach town except for the hidden gem I found.
Most vacationers scope out Montego Bay and Negril for a paradisal retreat, but with posh amenities and curated experiences, culture goes by the wayside.
That’s where Port Antonio comes in. Lined with stunning coastlines with far fewer crowds and resorts spaced out enough not to feel overly touristy, the northern side of Jamaica is teeming with unspoiled landscapes rather than the cushy comforts of Montego Bay that you could get back home.
Boasting majestic waterfalls, postcard shores, a “Blue Lagoon” Iceland would blush at, verdant coffee farms, and hole-in-the-wall jerk chicken stands that would put Colonel Sanders out of business, Port Antonio is not only one of Jamaica’s best-kept secrets, but all of the Caribbean.
Barahona, Dominican Republic
Going back to what I said about Señor Frogs and itinerary bloat, Barahona is the complete opposite if you were to compare it directly to Punta Cana.
While there’s no denying that Punta Cana is still a raging success, more travelers are venturing off to the Dominican Republic’s up-and-coming resort destinations like Samana, Miches, and Puerto Plata. Rarely do you hear of Barahona, an untouched turquoise-water paradise known as “La Perla del Sur,” translating to “The Pearl of the South” for those behind in their Rosetta Stone lessons.
With resorts popping up everywhere in the aforementioned destinations, Barahona is one of the few in the nation that feels truly untouched.
Getting here is even easier than Samana, for example. Fly into the capital city, Santo Domingo, and hop aboard a 2.5-hour bus ride to a paradise even Jimmy Buffett could only dream of — except you might want to skip cheeseburgers in place of fresh seafood here.
Rather than a flashy resort, book a boutique stay at Hotel Yamir, boasting an impressive 4.8 Google rating and even more impressive rates at only $29 per night!
Chetumal, Mexico
Tulum might be losing its luster, but Chetumal only has upside with similar attractions like ancient ruins. Though, this cultural hideaway hugging the Mexico-Belize border is a far cry from Cancun, but that’s the appeal.
Rather than towering resorts lining the coast, Chetumal is wrapped by vibrant waters along the scenic Malecòn and quaint walkable downtown streets and alleyways that don’t feel touristy.
I’ve been to 16 destinations in Mexico and Chetumal was one of the biggest surprises with its affordable luxury, phenomenal cuisine, welcoming locals, and access to some of Mexico’s best off-path beaches like Mahahual and what’s quite possible the prettiest destination in Mexico — Bacalar.
Tela, Honduras
If Honduras is on your radar, it’s likely the stunning islands of Roatàn or Utila that have caught your eye.
That’s where tourists go, but locals favor Tela, just an hour and a half from San Pedro Sula, the most popular gateway into Honduras.
The slice of paradise on what’s essentially an undiscovered beach haven by the masses that opt for more notable names.
There’s not much pizazz here as far as beachfront stays go, rather sensational seafood shacks, sandy bars, and boutique stays like top-rated Hotel y Cabañas Villas del Mar.
Tela is very popular by local standards. For more seclusion venture to Punta Sal National Park nearby for crowd-free coves, crystal clear waters, and lush jungles.
Livingston, Guatemala
If you thought Guatemala was solely comprised of colonial towns, volcanic hikes, and astounding lakes, think again!
Most travelers don’t realize Guatemala has a Caribbean coastline, and Livingston is the one town you should scope out if you’re up for the adventure.
Accessible only by boat, Livingston is a delightful, remote hideaway worth the trek for the furthest thing from a typical Caribbean getaway with pristine beaches, no ritzy all-inclusives, and captivating Garifuna culture (a blend of African and indigenous traditions also displayed in Tela, Honduras).
There are numerous seaside eateries serving fresh local cuisine with sweeping views of the Caribbean and those who’ve make the trip have loved their stay at Hotel Villa Caribe.
Whatever you do, don’t skip the Siete Altares, a series of beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes nearby.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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