The Big Apple is one of the world’s most iconic, cosmopolitan cities, a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. From the lofty heights of the Manhattan skyscrapers to the hipster hangouts of resurgent Brooklyn, New York City buzzes with energy and excitement, and there’s never been a better time to visit.

Laid back and low key, Saint Kitts is an island typified by rolling green hills, characterful beach bars and the lingering remnants of the sugar cane trade that once dominated here. Attractions include the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill fortress, the 18-mile Scenic Railway and the faded Georgian elegance of the capital, Basseterre.

There’s more to Barbados than just beaches; the delightful architecture of the old garrison in Bridgetown, the capital, is fully deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status, and the island interior is littered with old sugar plantations and natural wonders such as Harrison’s Cave.

Castries, Saint Lucia’s diminutive capital, is home to some interesting markets and colonial buildings. The island’s highlights are situated elsewhere, however, and we’d recommend either heading south towards Soufrière, where the iconic Piton mountains guard a beautiful bay, or north to the bars, restaurants and beaches of Rodney Bay.

The island of Dominica stands out from the rest of the Caribbean, a rugged natural paradise that remains blissfully free of mass market tourism. The capital, Roseau, is pleasant enough, but the island interior offers so much more, including thick jungle, bubbling hot springs, cascading waterfalls and abundant birdlife.

The Big Apple is one of the world’s most iconic, cosmopolitan cities, a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. From the lofty heights of the Manhattan skyscrapers to the hipster hangouts of resurgent Brooklyn, New York City buzzes with energy and excitement, and there’s never been a better time to visit.