Among your choices, and there are others, is Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. People who live in these territories vote in our presidential elections, spend U.S. dollars, and a majority of them speak english. The climates are balmy with Caribbean breezes, lots of sun, and only occasional hurricanes and tropical storms. People are friendly, and are used to doing business with other U.S. citizens. They are part of US.

Puerto Rico has been constructing new, and newly renovated hotels for the past several years, and are now competing for a larger share of the tourism pie. They are very impressive with their selection of accommodations, and the have some excellent offerings for most any travel budget; you will do very well for your dollars in Puerto Rico. San Juan, the capital, and largest city is a major cruise ship hub in the Caribbean, and a major tourist center as well. In Puerto Rico you are reasonably safe, and can wander about as you might in many other places in the U.S.. Puerto Rico is trying very hard to become the favorite Caribbean destination for American tourists, and I believe they will make it.

The dominant language in Puerto Rico is Spanish, and a large majority of the population is bi-lingual with English as a second language; it is never difficult to be understood or to converse with local people. Cuisine “cocina criolla” includes lots of tropical fruit, fish, plantains, and coriander, tends to be Caribbean with a strong Spanish influence, and leans toward spicy. Puerto Rico claims distinction as Rum capital of the world, and it is home to many well-known brands including Bicardi, Captain Morgan, and the local favorite Don Q; because of a favored trade status, this is a very good place to buy rum.

When you say U.S. Virgin Islands you are talking about St. Thomas, St. John, And St. Croix which are nestled between the British Virgins and the Spanish Virgins which are actually part of Puerto Rico. St. John, mostly wildlife preserves, is a wonderful place to visit if you wish to be one with nature. It’s a great place to hike, relax on a beach, or do some shopping. St Croix is a beautiful island steeped in historic 18th century architecture and tradition with a Danish influence. St. Thomas, the most cosmopolitan of the three is the center of action, and a wonderful resort center. They are very different from one-another and a worthwhile travel destination. Of the three St. Thomas is the most popular, but each has its’ own way of charming us.

I will be telling you much more about the U.S. Virgins in my next installment which I only just now decided to make because there is much more to say than room to say it. I know you will all be waiting with bated breath (when you think about it, a really disgusting cliché term) for the next installment entitled “They Are Part of US, part 2 of 2″.

You are the best you there has ever been.