Summer is a time when families frantically try to plan the perfect family vacation. Whether it’s to a beach in Florida, a resort in Mexico, or some adventurous road trip, its always something new and exciting. This year, The British Virgin Islands should be on everyone’s list of vacation spots. The unique and stunning islands that make up this destination provide endless opportunities for amazing memories. Sailing through the sparkling Caribbean Sea and going on infinite adventures is the only way to spend this summer’s vacation.

Charter a Catamaran

Chartering a catamaran is the only way you can really travel the British Virgin Islands. Sailing around to different islands provides a new adventure for each day, with the water right at your fingertips, and a new destination just a few coordinates away. There is something so magical about waking up on a boat surrounded by crystal-blue water, and watching the sun rise and set in paradise. If you don't have any sailing experience, charter a catamaran with a captain and chef to provide for your whole crew! Check out visailing.com to explore your options! If you do have experience sailing, take the reigns yourself and search for a bare boat!

Have a painkiller (or two) at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke

This famous drink was created here and will definitely show you a good time. Soggy Dollar Bar is the best beached bar in the BVI with so many fun people to meet, from locals to travelers. Located in the White Bay, you can anchor your boat and prepare for a good time. Beware, you must swim into the island, for if you take your dingy, you are bound for shame from the islanders. As the slogan for the island goes: “Swim in. Drink. Swim out.” They even hang up the wet dollar bills for the champions who swim in without plastic.

Visit Cow Wreck's Beach Bar on Anegada

Anegada is one of the most unique islands in the BVI. Located further away from the other islands, it provides you with an adventurous two hour sail across the waves of the Sea, with a beautiful island of culture and fun waiting for you. Indulge in delicious beverages as you watch the waves roll in, and enter in a competition of the ring-toss game with your friends and family. Eat lobster on the beach for dinner and watch the sun go down for a perfect evening anchored in the bay of Anegada. Fun Fact about Anegada: the highest elevation is around 17 feet, which is less than a two-story house.

Take a walk on the beach of Sandy Cay

Sandy Cay is known as the picture-perfect Caribbean beach. With nothing to do but walk through the soft sands and explore the very few acres of land, it is a must on the stop of islands. You might recognize this beach; it was used in the opening scene of the old TV show Gilligan's Island.

Swim in the Bubbly Pools

Now this is a hidden gem of the British Virgin Islands. There is nothing like the Bubbly Pools that you stumble upon when walking on little Jost. Swim in the pools and watch the waves spontaneously crash over the beautiful rocks, and get some great photos while you’re at it.

Explore The Baths of Virgin Gorda

The Baths are an essential part of everyone’s BVI experience. With a rich history of its rock formation, we see erosion that collides beautifully into magnificent boulders on the edge of Virgin Gorda. Swim into the island and follow the path through the pools under the boulders for a unique and enriching experience. End your path at Devil’s Bay with a cool drink and memories of a lifetime. It could even be named the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Hang your college's t-shirt at Foxy's Bar

Located in Great Harbor is the famous Foxy’s Bar. It’s a one of a kind place where the famous “Foxy” provides everyone with entertainment, retail and the best drinks around the island of Jost Van Dyke. Covered from head to toe in memorabilia from all the travelers of the BVI, you can see the many people who have visited before you. Hang a t-shirt, a college flag or even an old, and leave your mark on the bar!

Jump off the ledge at Willy-T's floating Bar

You cannot leave the islands until you conquer this! Willy-T’s Bar is the only bar that exists in the middle of the ocean in the BVI. Once a floating restaurant and bar in 1985, the bar has transitioned into one of the most popular watering holes of the British Virgin Islands. With a two-level architecture, it is covered with rowdy tourists and people excited to jump the 15-foot drop off the top ledge! It is a must for entertainment spots in the BVI.

Snorkel the Indians.

There is nothing more amazing than being immersed in schools of fish as you snorkel the beautiful Indians located in the midst of the Caribbean Sea. Strap on your mask and snorkel and prepare to see some of the most amazing underwater sights you've ever seen.

A trip to the British Virgin Islands is unlike any other. It is a unique, enriching, and unforgettable experience that every family should take advantage of. No need to stop for gas on the highway, or walk back to your hotel room at night: it's all right there in front of you. Take a trip to the real paradise and make sure to do it right.