The highly anticipated ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 will begin on Sunday, June, at Texas' Grand Prairie Stadium.
This year's edition of the T20 World Cup is noteworthy since it is the first major ICC tournament held in the United States, as well as the first World Cup hosted by North America since 2007. The United States of America is co-hosting the tournament alongside the West Indies. It is only natural that many Indian fans will go to the United States and the Caribbean to witness such a historic and thrilling event.
READ HERE | Kensington Oval via Central Broward Park: Stadiums that will host T20 World Cup 2024
The matches held in the West Indies are scattered across several islands of the Caribbean. When you are not in the stadiums cheering on your favourite team, there is a lot to explore and enjoy at these archipelagos. Here is a traveller's guide for the cricket fans who have booked their tickets for the T20 World Cup matches held at West Indies.
1. The Bahamas
The Bahamas is an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean, near the southeast coast of Florida and north of Cuba. Although it is not geographically located in the Caribbean, it is regarded to be part of the West Indies region. It is famed for its beautiful sand and clear water beaches and has about 700 different islands to visit.
There are also several large resorts in the Bahamas that draw millions of tourists each year, including Atlantis, Paradise Island, and the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. The Bahamas offers a variety of interesting activities, like scuba diving, snorkelling, birding, fishing excursions, and more. There are additional distinctive spots, such as the pink beaches of Harbour Island, the third-largest barrier reef, and the famed swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, which have become a popular tourist attraction. With such attractions, it's no surprise that the Bahamas is one of the top holiday destinations in the Caribbean.
2. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is an island nation in the eastern Caribbean that is less well-known than other Caribbean countries. It is known as the "jewels of the Caribbean" and contains 32 islands, with Kingston serving as its capital. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, like other Caribbean nations, has gorgeous beaches and a diverse marine life, but it is also well-known for sailing and sport fishing. St. Vincent also has black sand beaches due to the country's volcanic nature.
Hiking and exploring the country's many islands are other popular activities for nature enthusiasts. The botanic gardens in the center of Kingston are home to exotic flora and a variety of animals that have been conserved for over 200 years.
3. Jamaica
Jamaica is the Caribbean's third biggest island country, and it has a rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It is also a popular holiday location, with over 4.3 million visitors every year. Unlike the other entries on this list, Jamaica boasts a variety of habitats, including deep rainforests, extensive mountain ranges, and magnificent coral reefs. It is also known for its smooth white sand beaches and distinctive black sand beaches.
Jamaica is the source of world-renowned reggae music, and its cultural identity is a fusion of European and African influences. Jamaica is a magnificent treasure trove waiting to be explored, with its vibrant traditional costumes, rich musical heritage, and distinct dancing steps.
4. Barbados
Barbados is the Caribbean's easternmost island. It is an island made nearly entirely of coral limestone produced by coral reefs, with more than 200 beaches. With a pleasant tropical environment and crystal blue waters, it is a must-see location for everyone visiting the Caribbean.
Barbados has one of the greatest nightlife scenes in the Caribbean. It is the birthplace of rum, and Friday nights in its capital, Bridgetown, are famous for rum and reggae cruises, as well as live music. There is also the island's sole sea cave, the Animal Flower Cave, which is also the oldest tourist destination in Barbados and is known for its sea anemones, from whence the name derives.
5. Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 925 kilometers southeast of Miami, Florida. The name "Turks and Caicos Islands" is thought to have arisen from the Turk's Head cactus, which originates on the islands. As a British foreign territory, the islands are regarded quite safe and have a well-developed tourism infrastructure. It also has the world's third biggest barrier reef, as well as Bright Reef (Coral Gardens), one of the world's most popular scuba diving destinations. The coral reef is made up of a single major ridge that stretches around 350 feet from the coast. It is also home to a variety of aquatic species, including sea turtles, barracudas, lionfish, and indigo hamlets.
ALSO READ | T20 World Cup 2024: Where to go shop-hopping in New York after India vs Pakistan game?
Providenciales, in the Turks and Caicos, features one of the world's best white sand beaches, as well as a plethora of luxury hotels, villas, and shopping centers.
6. British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are a British overseas territory made up of four bigger islands: Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke, as well as 32 smaller islands and islets scattered across the region. It is one of the Caribbean's most upscale and premium tourist destinations, known for its luxury villas and huge resorts. Their magnificent beaches, as well as the silky white sand beaches, have earned them global reputation. The British Virgin Islands' stunning turquoise sea is a popular destination for sailing, diving, and snorkeling excursions.
7. Antigua
Antigua is a Caribbean Island country that forms part of the Antigua and Barbuda archipelago. It has an incredible 365 islands and is the prime location for travellers who prefer spending time on beaches. Some of the more popular beaches are Valley Church Beach, which is known for its tranquil ambience away from the crowds, Fort James Beach, which was built on the remnants of an old fort, and Dickenson Bay, which is the biggest and most popular beach on the entire island.
You may also visit the famed Nelson's Dockyard, which was originally a naval station in the 18th century, and Shirley Heights, a former military lookout from which you can see the island's picturesque views from above.