We never get tired of saying it — the Caribbean is a wonderful summer destination. While the region’s allure as an escape from wintry climes never ceases, the summer months are a quieter, even more relaxing time to visit the region. Because the Caribbean is a year-round destination — period.

So we decided to put together of destinations to check out over the next few months, by specific beaches — not islands.

Because when you’re bobbing around in the waves on a perfect Caribbean beach, does it matter what month it is?

Here are 15 favorites to try now, from tiny cays to undiscovered coastlines to full-service party beaches.

Valley Church beach in Antigua.

Valley Church, Antigua There’s something almost uncannily intoxicating about the peculiar shade of blue of the water on Valley Church Beach. The water is calm, the sand is white and wide, and, well, you get the picture. The best part? There are 364 other beaches to try in Antigua and Barbuda if you ever want to diversify. It’s what makes Antigua such a remarkable beach destination.

The post 15 Caribbean Beaches to Visit This Summer appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Southwest Airlines is the latest carrier to announce plans to expand flights to Cuba.

The carrier will be launching a third daily nonstop flights between Fort Lauderdale and Havana beginning Aug. 7, the carrier announced this week.

The news comes after JetBlue announced a major expansion to Havana, including the first-ever flights between Boston and Havana, this November.

In April, United Airlines announced plans to expand its own service between Houston and Havana with new daily flights.

In light of the reimagined Cuba travel rules, it’s clear that Havana’s place as the central gateway for licensed US travelers to Cuba is only strengthening.

— CJ

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Panama-based Copa Airlines is ramping up its flight service to Mexico, the company announced.

Copa will be launching new flights between Panama City and Puerto Vallarta beginning Dec. 16.

Puerto Vallarta, set in the heart of the Riviera Nayarit, will become the carrier’s fifth destination in Mexico.

Copa will operating the service with two weekly flights.

“Copa Airlines continues to reaffirm its confidence in Mexico and support the development of its commercial and tourism sectors by inaugurating a fifth local destination,” said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. “We are pleased to announce this new route to Puerto Vallarta, an amazing destination that up until now did not have a direct connection with the rest of the Americas.”

The flights will operate on Thursdays and Sundays on Boeing 737-700 aircraft.

It’s the latest expansion for Copa, which also recently announced plans to launch new service to Barbados this summer.

— CJ

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Regional Caribbean carrier LIAT is expanding its flight network in the region next month, the company announced.

LIAT will be launching new routes from Trinidad’s Piarco International Airport to both Antigua and Guyana.

The nonstop flights will launch July 1.

“With the different summer festivals happening across the region as well as more persons looking for Caribbean destinations to visit, now is the ideal time to book a LIAT flight,” said Egbert Riley, head of sales and marketing at LIAT.

The new flights also give travelers the option to experience more island hopping getaways.

— CJ

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

InterContinental Hotels Group is adding a new hotel brand in the region: Avid.

The company, along with Mexico-based Operadora MBA, announced the signing of the first Avid property in Mexico, set in the city of Fresnillo.

“The first signing in Mexico of IHG’s new high-quality midscale brand, demonstrates further momentum for avid hotels,” said Jorge Apaez, Chief Operating Officer, Mexico, Latin America & the Caribbean at IHG. “New hotel signings continue to exceed expectations, and total more than 100 avid hotels across the U.S., Canada and now Mexico, almost one every other day since launch last year. This latest development demonstrates that owners believe in the strength of the avid hotels brand and the power of IHG.”

The new brand was developed to “meet the needs of everyday travelers who are looking for a high-quality, consistent experience from their hotel stay,” according to German Ongay, vice president for development in Mexico at IHG.

The first Avid in Mexico will include 95 rooms, slated to open in the middle of next year.

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