One of the key advantages of tourism in the Caribbean for Americans is the proximity of the region to the mainland United States. Visitors can disembark from Florida, making it just a short flight to one of the Caribbean's airports or a leisurely cruise to island beaches and resort towns. The need for less travel time means more time is left free for enjoying all that the Caribbean has to offer.
Caribbean tourism is also a simple affair because of the popularity of all-inclusive vacation packages. Rather than spending a great deal of time and effort planning a trip, or commissioning a travel agent, Caribbean visitors can choose to stay at an all-inclusive resort, where various activities, accommodations and even meals are included in a single price. Caribbean cruises also offer all-inclusive plans, making it simple to plan a Caribbean vacation on any budget.
Caribbean tourism also offers the advantage of a wide range of activities and types of vacations. For visitors wishing to relax there are beaches, swimming pools, casual fishing, shuffleboard, fine dining, golf and low-key nightlife. More active visitors can take advantage of outdoor activities like sailing, sport fishing, tennis, hiking, water skiing and horseback riding. Caribbean cruises also include casino gaming and lavish stage shows.
There is also a major economic advantage of tourism for the islands themselves. With few natural resources, Caribbean residents depend heavily on tourism for their income. Resort staff and retail sellers who cater to tourists feel the economic impact of any decrease in tourism and thrive when the flow of visitors is heaviest.
Another advantage of tourism in the Caribbean is the opportunity to spend time in a natural setting. Many of the islands are not heavily developed and problems like air pollution, noise pollution and light pollution are virtually non-existent. City dwellers especially may appreciate the Caribbean's peaceful atmosphere, which is becoming more and more difficult to find even in resort areas throughout the United States.
