14 Nights Caribbean, Southern

This vast array of wonderful beaches offers you opportunities to swim with the dolphins in a tropical lagoon and come face-to-face with alligators during an Everglades airboat tour. Or stroll through a tropical rainforest while hundreds of butterflies flutter above you.

The largest of the Netherlands Antilles has its fair share of Dutch colonial buildings, but its dry climate, barren soil and cacti are more akin to the U.S. Southwest. Its greatest beauty lies offshore?the island's coral reefs. Volcanic pebbles make up many of its rocky beaches.

It's always sunny in Bonaire, where the days last nearly twelve hours and the adventure never ends. The countless coral reefs surrounding its shores are home to more than 400 species of marine life, earning it the nickname ?Diver's Paradise.' But for some of the best snorkeling, head to the islet of Klein Bonaire. Or hop on a glass-bottomed gondola for prime undersea views? no swimming required. Cruise to Bonaire and do some onshore exploring at Washington Slagbaii National Park, which covers a fifth of the island. With its dramatic desert landscape, mangrove lagoons, famous pink flamingos and unrivaled dive spots, Bonaire offers endless outdoor adventures? along with a healthy dose of colonial charm.

Colonial architecture comprises much of Aruba's bright and breezy capital, which is located just south of the main resort area. Orangestad is extremely popular because of its abundance of boutiques and duty-free shops. Local bars provide great opportunities to socialize with the locals.

Barbados' capital and primary seaport was founded in 1628 by 64 British settlers. A significant amount of historical landmarks are located in Bridgetown including the Parliament Building, home to a 355-year-old Westminster style democratic tradition, and the Synagogue, the oldest Jewish building in the Western Hemisphere.

This Dominican island is renowned throughout the Caribbean for its straw work. Waterfalls, lakes, freshwater swamps and hiking trails serve as havens for naturalists and eco-tourists, and brightly painted buildings are eye candy for sightseers.

The Dutch capital of St. Maarten is widely known for colonial architecture. Its pastel buildings, often embellished with gingerbread and fretwork trim, surround shaded courtyards and hug cobblestone streets. Philipsburg has a well-earned reputation as a shopper's paradise, and local crafts, exotic foods and elegant imports are available at duty-free prices.

The capital of Puerto Rico and second oldest city in the Americas is a lively modern metropolis. Underscored by stunning beaches and cobblestone streets lined with churches, houses and mansions, the city is a unique fusion of resort atmosphere and world charm.

<table> <tr> <td valign="top" colspan="2" class="pageTextLrg"> The city that never sleeps is quite possibly the world's most illustrious city. Known for its brazen streets, glamorous lifestyles and intriguing crowds, the Big Apple is home to a dizzying number of world-renowned attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Fifth Avenue, Central Park and Broadway.</td> </tr> </table>