Many assume every Caribbean island offers the same experience. Yet after nearly two decades of visits I have discovered each destination features unique cuisine festivals and local customs.

Having explored 20 islands I understand the region's strong appeal for travelers. Below are the five spots I would gladly revisit along with the two I would pass on for future journeys.

St. Lucia offers engaging wellness options and excellent cuisine.

Although St. Lucia is often promoted for couples I enjoyed a solo visit and found plenty to do across the island.

Highlights included a soothing mud bath at Sulphur Springs a tour focused on rum and chocolate plus a scenic boat trip around The Pitons.

Locals prepare tasty street fare and know how to celebrate. I joined the energetic Friday night party in Gros Islet for fresh grilled conch and fried fish caught that day.

St. John features stunning beaches.

I celebrated my 15th wedding anniversary on St. John the smallest of the main US Virgin Islands. A memorable day unfolded at Trunk Bay.

This beach sits within Virgin Islands National Park and requires a modest fee that proves worthwhile. Lush mountains frame the shore while tall palms line the broad sandy stretch creating an idyllic scene.

The island avoids heavy nightlife yet its beautiful sunsets and natural beauty suit romantic getaways and milestone celebrations.

Dominica suits hiking and natural exploration.

Known as the nature island Dominica remains one of the Caribbean's hidden gems.

A standout outing was the hike to Trafalgar Falls a pair of impressive waterfalls roughly 20 minutes from Roseau the capital.

Additional adventures included horseback riding along black sand beaches and tubing through Titou Gorge which leads to a concealed waterfall and swimming area.

Turks and Caicos provide ideal beach relaxation.

Turks and Caicos attract celebrities yet anyone can enjoy their relaxed vibe.

Providenciales known locally as Provo serves as the main island and delivers a calm beach focused escape. Most resorts line Grace Bay a flawless expanse of white sand and clear turquoise water.

Activities such as jet skiing snorkeling and kayaking draw visitors though I preferred quiet days reading on the sand or swimming in the pool.

Grenada excels for snorkeling and its distinctive national park.

Residents on Grenada proved friendly often stopping to chat and check on my trip.

Beyond time at popular Grand Anse Beach I joined a tour of Grand Etang National Park to view the freshwater lake set amid dense rainforest.

My visit concluded with a snorkeling excursion to Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park featuring submerged artworks.

Grand Cayman ranked among the costliest islands I have seen.

Grand Cayman boasts fine resorts tasty meals and a short flight from Miami under two hours.

Seven Mile Beach with its soft white sand and bright turquoise water adds to its popularity.

Still I noticed higher prices during my trip as the fixed exchange rate makes one Caymanian dollar equal 1.20 USD so the dollar stretches less than elsewhere.

Other islands offer comparable beauty at lower cost such as Klein Curacao Beach in Curacao Crane Beach in Barbados and Palm Beach in Aruba.

Grand Bahama left me seeking additional activities.

An early Caribbean trip took me to Grand Bahama by ferry from Fort Lauderdale. My husband and I spent about a week there enjoying fresh conch and exploring the Port Lucaya marketplace.

While the relaxed pace appealed other Bahamian islands provide more sights and experiences.

For greater energy and options I suggest New Providence instead with its top restaurants hotels historic sites like Queen's Staircase and the lively annual Junkanoo parade.