What are some of the most popular Caribbean Islands?

The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the U.S. Virgin Islands are some of the most popular Caribbean Island destinations as defined by numbers of visitors, according to Lonely Planet. The popularity of these islands stems from their ease of access and shorter travel times from the U.S.

All of the islands can be reached with direct flights from many American cities, and they are ports of call for numerous cruise lines embarking from the U.S. The first four islands listed are closest to the U.S. mainland, making them great for weekend getaways. The U.S. Virgin Islands are farther out but do not require a passport for U.S. citizens.