No Passport to Paradise

The US Virgin Islands is a place with tons of activities to entertain the whole fam, but the best part is most definitely sinking your toes into the warm, white Caribbean sand. You can get the full scoop on everything the USVI has to offer at visitusvi.com.

The USVI is comprised of three islands (some say 4, but water island is teensy). Visiting all 3 would be lovely, but for a quick trip, St. Thomas and St. John are located right next to each other, about 40 minutes by air from Puerto Rico. Bring your passport and you can take day trips to the neighboring British Virgin Islands like Tortolla. Or if you are close friends with Richard Branson you can hop over to his private Necker Island, where Nick Lachey was getting married while I was in town.

Begin your trip on St. Thomas. This is the more lively of the two islands, with nightlife in Red Hook and many delicious restaurants to enjoy, along with high-end shopping at Yacht haven Grande, where Cruise Ships dock. This island is worth more than a day off a cruise though. Make sure to book a local tour through VI Eco Tours to get an inside look at the nature of the island.

Make sure to take the kids to Coral World, where you can see the sea life of the Caribbean and even have a close encounter in the water with sea lions. Yes, that's me smooching an actual sea lion.

There are many options on St. Thomas, from affordable condos with kitchens to private homes overlooking the water. We enjoyed the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas, which has a kid's club for drop off fun every day of the week. The view from our room's balcony wasn't bad either.

Well, my husband's name is Carleton, so this picture is kind of obligatory.

Everyone looks prettier with the island sun and breeze, but make sure to pack the sunscreen!

Next you'll head to St. John -- which is another world from St. Thomas. A quiet, dreamy island that is exactly the kind of paradise you would imagine. It is primarily a nature reserve donated to the US by Laurence Rockefeller -- and it is sublime.

Caneel Bay is a sprawling serene property with seven private beaches where you can choose from rooms or small homes. The on-site childcare facility hosts daily activities and hikes so the kids feel like they're at summer camp while you soak up the sun, play tennis, or snorkel.

Grab a lift to Trunk Bay, the most beautiful beach in the world. Rent some snorkeling equipment and follow the underwater plaques to find rays, fish, and all sorts of magic.

St. John is home to wild donkeys, deer, and other wildlife, who roam freely and without fear.

Caribbean food is wonderful -- don't forget to try local specialties like Conch Fritters. For an amazing meal on St. Thomas visit The Old Stone Farmhouse where you can pick your fresh cuts from the kitchen with the chef. On St. John, the view and food at Asolare will blow your mind.