Planes can open up a world of possibilities for adventurous Caribbean travelers

Catching Some Air
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Hundreds of islands make up the Caribbean. And since each has a wealth of beautiful and interesting sites for travelers to explore, there's no reason to limit your vacation to just one. Planes offer vacationers a fun way to island-hop without spending the whole day - or your whole budget - commuting.

The quickest way to get around the Caribbean islands is by taking advantage of the planes found in every small local airport. Whether you want to experience both the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, or simply want to take a shortcut through Jamaica, commercial flights and charter planes are ready to meet your needs.

First, it may help to understand the difference between some of your options. You can choose from inter-island, commuter, or charter planes.

Inter-island flights on major airlines will service many of the largest Caribbean islands and can connect travelers to other countries. For example, you could decide to start your vacation in Puerto Rico and later fly to Barbados or Aruba. Booking an inter-island flight is similar to booking a trip on any other international flight; you will purchase a seat on already scheduled flights.

Commuter flights are either small local airlines or affiliates of international airlines. Both types generally provide short, inexpensive service to nearby islands or towns. Commuter flights are a somewhat more flexible than their inter-island counterparts, but they also have established times and routes.

Charter flights allow you to completely customize your Caribbean itinerary. By hiring local pilots and small planes, you can chart your own island-hopping vacation. These flights may be a bit more expensive than other options, but they give you more control over departure times, routes, and stops.

Travelers who want to see several islands should not overlook the great opportunities afforded by planes. As the quickest, easiest way to see the Caribbean, planes are an invaluable resource for visitors eager to experience it all.

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