Off the Beaten Path in the Caribbean
Vast, incredible landscapes that host a vibrant way of life await for travelers who venture past the white sand beaches that line the Caribbean seashore. Take a virtual journey off the beaten path and live like the locals do to get a head start on Summer travel at home.
Watch a Sport Game
In the Dominican Republic, baseball (or  la pelota) isn’t so much a sport as it is a religion. It symbolizes a dream for a better future – the possibility of becoming one of the world’s legendary Dominican baseball players. The country’s Winter Baseball League plays from October to January, and it’s an experience to be reckoned. A typical game includes musical entertainment between innings and the spectacle of fans leaping out with every score.

Similarly, it’s hard to find someone who isn’t a cricket fanatic in the British-heritage islands. Barbados sets aside Sunday for church and cricket, where you’ll find local families picnicking and cheering for their favorite players. The occasion is free of charge, and any Barbadian will be happy to demystify the game for you.
Inter-Island Ferries
Bermuda’s public transport system has a nautical twist: take an inexpensive ferry ride with businessmen in Bermuda shorts commuting to work (seriously).

The ferry ride between St. Kitts and Nevis takes about 45-minutes and provides beautiful views of both islands. Six vessels work together to provide transport between Basseterre and Charlestown – leaving from the Southeast Peninsula and bringing vehicles to Nevis and back.
Experience Traditional Food and Music
Named after a beloved Brazilian soap opera, Paladares are a unique network of Cuban private homes you can dine in. You’ll be served a two-course meal featuring a choice of traditional Cuban food like ropa vieja (shredded beef) with congri (rice and black beans), fried bananas, and a variety of seafood, lobster included. And be sure to save some room for flan, the Cuban version of crème brulé.

After dinner, head out for a stroll and listen for a descarga (jam session). These spontaneous events range from a couple of old men playing traditional Cuban boleros on weather-beaten guitars to large groups of drummers banging out an irresistible Afro-Cuban beat. More often than not, a descarga will grow and develop into a colorful conga (mini street festival) – yet another fabulous way to get to know the locals. Bring a little taste of Cuba home, check out these recipes:
People-to-People Experience
The initiative People-to-People in the Bahamas is operated by the tourist board at no charge and involves hundreds of hospitable locals eager to show off their culture and way of life.

Some 2,000 travelers participate each year by visiting locals at home. You can enjoy great company and delicious traditional favorites, like conch fritters paired with an oh-so-tasty secret dipping sauce, peas and rice, and the delicious Guava Duff dessert that Bahamians are famous for. After dinner, wash it all down with an ice-cold Kalik beer, brewed right in the Bahamas, and top off the night with a rowdy game of Dominos.