Floating in warm Atlantic waters, the Bahamas is an island nation with more than 700 individual islands. As the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau's streets are well-worn from world travelers. Many cruise lines offer three- and four-night itineraries from Florida to Nassau that often include a stop at the cruise line's private island before heading home. Online retailers offer four-night vacation packages starting at $299 per person, as of September 2010. Cruises to the Bahamas can start as low as $439 per person.
A protectorate of the United States, Puerto Rico makes exotic travel for English-speakers easy. English and Spanish are official languages of Puerto Rico, and U.S. currency is accepted there. The island is only 100 miles long by 35 miles wide and is filled with pristine beaches and tropical rain forests. In San Juan, historical sites abound. Many cruises leave out of Puerto Rico. Online retailers offer four-night vacation packages to Puerto Rico starting at $399 per person, as of 2010.
No passport is required to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands--St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas--and English is the official language. Duty-free shopping is plentiful there. The U.S. Virgin Island's Tourism board offers online discounts to the islands, and online retailers offer five-night vacation packages beginning at $329 per person, as of 2010.
