Mar 07 (newsonjapan.com) - The British Virgin Islands haven't always held the same prestige as other Caribbean destinations like Jamaica and Barbados, but this unique archipelago of islands holds some of the region's best experiences.
Because they are an up-and-coming destination, you can still taste the local flavour without having to wade through bus loads of tourists. In fact, it is this sense of being able to fully immerse yourself in the Caribbean culture that is really appealing to today's travellers.
What's not to love about the BVIs? Each island shares the same tropical landscape, with blue skies, white sandy beaches, and clear blue sea full of marine life. The temperatures are pretty similar all year round too, meaning that there isn't really an off season – although tropical storms are commonplace in the summer months.
Japan to the British Virgin Islands: Why You Need to Make the Trip
You'd be hard pushed to find two places more dissimilar, so it what you want from your vacation is to experience something completely different, then look no further. The wet season in Japan can be long and dreary, but the weather in the BVIs at the same time is warm and welcoming. No only that, but the air quality in the BVIs is one of the best in the world, in contrast to Japan, where it fluctuates between ‘good' and 'unhealthy'. Japanese people who live in the major cities could greatly benefit from a visit to the British Virgin Islands for a couple of weeks of clean air and sunshine.
You might not think that Japanese culture and Caribbean culture have much in common, but there are more similarities than you'd expect. Because both are island nations there is a huge emphasis placed on seafood and fresh, local ingredients. Caribbean cooking is full of flavour and made with love and you'll find many locally run restaurants showcasing amazing menus. Pick one that the locals love to go frequently, and you'll know you're in good hands.
One aspect of life where the Japanese and Caribbean cultures are completely different is their attitude to work and achievement. Japanese cultural expectations can lead to individuals feeling increased pressure and stress to succeed at work, which is why it's even more important to take the chance to get away from it all and relax. By contrast, everyone in the British Virgin Islands is laid back and relaxed, and it won't be long before you start feeling the same way too.
What to do in the British Virgin Islands
The Caribbean Sea isn't just used for gathering fresh fish, it also provides plenty of fun activities for holidaymakers. Snorkelling and Scuba Diving are really popular here. Because of the clear waters can see a lot of interesting features like coral reefs and rock formations, as well as a high volume of tropical sea life. Scuba Diving off Virgin Gorda will also bring you closer to the natural habitat of the local sea turtles, and if you book a nighttime dive, you might be lucky enough to see them sleeping on the seabed.
The BVIs are made up of four main islands, but there are plenty of smaller islands to explore as well. Some of these are privately owned and others are completely uninhabited, letting you see the land as nature intended. The best way to explore these hidden gems is through Yacht Charter BVI through a reputable company such as Borrow A Boat. They have thousands of available crafts of all different sizes. You can easily browse the website to see what is available and book with a few clicks – it's all automated and you won't have to worry about a language barrier. You can easily choose a boat with its own captain too, meaning you have nothing to do except relax and enjoy the ride.
The one place that turns up on every 'must see' list is the Baths and Virgin Gorda Island. A unique landscape of boulders that look like they have tumbled into the sea create a myriad of pools, tunnels, and caves, which you can spend all day exploring. Approach from the sea to get the best view of the amazing rock formations along the coastline. It's a great place to snorkel as there are many more boulders under the water which provide a special habitat for the island's marine creatures. The Baths is sheltered and secluded, giving you the feeling of being the only people there and you are certain to make some wonderful memories during your visit.
In Conclusion
The British Virgin Islands are the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday, away from the pressures of home and work. There's something for the whole family to enjoy, whether that's the local food, bar-hopping across the islands, or spending the days swimming in the clear, blue sea and sunbathing on the soft, white beaches. Chartering your own yacht can make this a truly unique experience. Let someone else take the rudder and sail you to paradise on one of the many uninhabited islands, or just weigh anchor in the sea for a swim in complete isolation.
