8 days in Caribbean Itinerary

With much of Culebra a nature refuge, the tropical island has been protected from overdevelopment, chain hotels, and the cruise set.

On the 16th (Sun), enjoy the sea views from Culebrita Lighthouse, step off the mainland to explore Culebrita Island, and then stroll through Zoni Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: enjoy the sand and surf at Flamenco Beach.

To find photos, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Culebra day trip planning app.

Phoenix, USA to Culebra is an approximately 14-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Phoenix to Culebra is 3 hours. When traveling from Phoenix in August, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Culebra: temperatures range from 89°F by day to 80°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) to allow time to travel to Santo Domingo.

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, remains the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the New World.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Tue): appreciate the history behind Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon) and then don't miss a visit to Zona Colonial. Here are some ideas for day two: observe the fascinating underwater world at National Aquarium, then steep yourself in history at Alcazar de Colon, and then contemplate the long history of Fortaleza Ozama.

To find other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Santo Domingo sightseeing app.

You can fly from Culebra to Santo Domingo in 6 hours. Another option is to do a combination of ferry and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) early enough to travel to Palm - Eagle Beach.

A long stretch of powdery white sand and aquamarine waters, Palm - Eagle Beach remains one of Aruba's most visited vacation spots.

Change things up with a short trip to Baby Beach in San Nicolas (about 48 minutes away). And it doesn't end there: kick back and relax at Eagle Beach, visit a coastal fixture at California Lighthouse, and stroll through Palm Beach.

For where to stay, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Palm - Eagle Beach road trip planning tool.

Traveling by flight from Santo Domingo to Palm - Eagle Beach takes 5 hours. In August, plan for daily highs up to 92°F, and evening lows to 81°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 22nd (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.