Saint Martin // Sint Maarten
Saint Martin and Sint Maarten are two sides of the same island — specifically, there’s the side that was colonized by the French (Martin) and the side that was colonized by the Dutch (Maarten). Spread across the isle are shared specialties: callaloo, johnnycakes and spareribs are top of mind. If there’s one thing you can’t miss, it’s guavaberry rum. The locally grown guavaberry plant imparts a woody, fruity, spicy, bittersweet flavor to the liquor that is wholly unique.
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a pair of islands comprising the southernmost country in the Caribbean — they’re spitting distance from Venezuela. With African, Indian and South American influences converging here, the streets ring out in calypso and spice mingles with the sea breeze. Street food is king: Doubles — a sandwich of chickpeas, coconut chutney and grated cucumber or kuchela smothered in sauces between two pieces of fried bread — is the most popular foodstuff. Pair it with chow — chopped mango or pineapple, smothered in black pepper, garlic, chadon-beni and lime juice — to relish the full flavors of the island while you’re on the go exploring it.