YAHOO!LIFE: SINT MAARTEN IS IN THE TOP 10 BEST TROPICAL ISLANDS YOU CAN GET TO FROM THE U.S IN UNDER THREE HOURS
As the weather gets colder, sometimes you just need to get away—especially to somewhere that doesn’t have piles of snow, ice on the roads, and wet slush that somehow infiltrates your shoes no matter how sturdy they are. But just because you want to get out of the cold, doesn’t mean you have to get bogged down with the anxiety of planning a big trip.
There are so many tropical islands, filled with beaches, snorkeling spots, and amazing food, out there to explore—and plenty of them are within three hours of the continental United States. You don’t need to undertake layovers and seemingly endless flights just to get out in the sun. Instead, check out the 10 best tropical islands that are within three hours of the continental U.S.
The Best Tropical Islands You Can Get to Easily from the U.S.
1. St. Martin
Located in the northeast Caribbean Sea, St. Martin is a relatively unique island—it’s divided about 60:40 between the French Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. So in one trip you can get a bit of French culture, Dutch culture, and a lot of Caribbean fun all in one island. Because of that, the island’s known as St. Martin in English, Saint-Martin in French, or Sint Maarten in Dutch.
Translating between French and Dutch isn’t the only thing to do on the island, though. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, hiking trails that lead from beach to beach, and snorkeling opportunities.
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