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It’s estimated there are as many as 7000 islands dotting the otherworldly blue Caribbean Sea.
You could have 6,999 guesses, and you still might not be able to guess which island is boldly aiming to become America’s favorite new vacation destination.
Vastly under-hyped and beyond your typical ‘hidden gem’, this cultural paradise has slipped under the radar as it’s often outshined by the likes of the Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, and of course, Jamaica.
However, Mother Nature’s wrath in Jamaica has put many travelers’ plans on hold, so why not venture to one of the Caribbean’s most overlooked cultural islands instead?
Sans jerk chicken, unfortunately…
Hoping to catch the eyes of more tourists — and thankful to escape Hurricane Melissa’s wrath — little-known Guadeloupe is brimming with crowd-free beaches, storied ruins, and an abundance of postcard nature waiting to be discovered by the masses — just the type of place we at Travel Off Path couldn’t be more excited to add to our wishlist.
From Off-Path To Quick Flight: New Flights Put Guadeloupe On The Map
Let me take a guess — when you’re planning on your Caribbean escapades, Guadeloupe didn’t make the top 10 choices, did it?
That’s reasonable because it’s long been a trek to reach as an off-path island as an overlooked blip on the map among the cluster of others.
Fair enough — it’s never been the easiest place to get to, just a tiny blip on the map lost among the Caribbean’s endless string of islands.
Without much fanfare, JetBlue began and ultimately ended winter service to Point-a-Pitre (PTP), Guadeloupe’s sleepy, yet unexpectedly vibrant capital city, but others have since picked up the slack…
American Airlines has a popular route from Miami, and our always-friendly northern neighbors have made it their go-to spot for winter sun with direct flights from soon-to-be bone-chilling Toronto and Quebec City.
A quick glance at Pointe-à-Pitre’s flight schedule offers a glimpse into the country’s unique culture, as the island is a blend of French delights and Caribbean beauty.
Croissants meet coconuts? Sign this American up!
Seriously, though — with Miami serving as an easy connector to what once seemed far-flung, there’s no reason why Guadeloupe can’t see at least the same level of hype as St. Lucia and Dominica.
Immerse In Fascinating Culture & Discover Ruins Guidebooks Miss
Prepare to brush up on your Rosetta Stone lessons as French is widely spoken here, given it’s technically part of France — baguettes, euros, and all.
Though you’ll feel the duality of Parisian flair and Afro-Caribbean spirit intertwined on a daily basis, as you may start your day with a velvety cappuccino at a French-inspired cafe and cap off your night with a plate of fresh Creole seafood.
Not a bad day if you ask me…
Diving deeper into the island’s history, certain sites have stood the test of time and are a real surprise to visitors, not knowing how richly preserved Guadeloupe’s past remains.
Such places as Fort Delgrès, a 19th-century fortress turned monument to freedom, and Parc Archéologique des Roches Gravées, where millennia-old petroglyphs etched by the Arawak are still visible to this day, are absolute must-visit places for days spent away from the beach.
Vacation Beyond The Norm: Guadeloupe Is A Crowd-Free Paradise
For now, if you’re looking to avoid winter crowds full of snowbirds or are concerned about the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Guadeloupe is a seamless fit.
While some Canadians are ahead of the curve, keeping Guadeloupe to themselves as a hush-hush hideaway, there’s still plenty of elbow room across an array of stunning beaches.
If you’re seeking quintessential Caribbean white sand, that type of setting is found mostly in Grande-Terre, while volcanic black sand is found in Basse-Terre.
According to TripAdvisor, St. Ann Beach is the #1 beach, where you’ll find crystal-clear water, nearby fruit stands, and plenty of space.
Coming soon in 2026, making Guadeloupe even more enticing, is Pullman Royal Key Wellness Resort in Le Moule on Grande-Terre.
Slowly but surely, Guadeloupe’s determined to become a household name, and this is just the start.
Therefore, it’s a perfect time to visit before it becomes mainstream, with the only headache being a layover in Miami if you’re not from South Florida.
Until then, Guadeloupe remains a cultural and very safe corner of the Caribbean to enjoy a slower pace without the same regurgitated itineraries in more commonly visited places.
Here, it’s reasonable to book a jungle tour and have picture-perfect waterfalls to yourself, or not have to wake up early to snag a poolside lounger at one of the existing resorts — and there are plenty to choose from.
De La Cousiniere, for example, holds a near-perfect Google rating and boasts posh ocean-view villas.
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Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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