Currency:

Euro, U.S. dollar widely accepted

When to go:

Late spring or early winter for good weather and off-season prices

Known for:

Dutch/French border, gourmet food, shopping, spices, rum

Languages:

French, Dutch, English widely spoken

Nearly 200 miles east of Puerto Rico lies the French and Dutch island of Saint Martin. Split between the northern, French, Saint-Martin and the southern, Dutch, Sint Maarten, the entire area covers only 33 square miles. Saint-Martin is 30% larger than its Dutch counterpart, although Sint Maarten has a 30% larger population and is more developed.

Visitors (and residents) can travel freely around Saint Martin (the island), as there are no internal border controls. Head to Sint Maarten for nightlife, partying and beaches and to Saint-Martin for clothes, shopping and dining. Learn more about St. Martin at www.st-martin.org.