The British Virgin Islands are well known for their lack of large hotels and casinos and they remain unspoiled and beautiful. Tortola is the largest of this chain of about 50 islands, cays and islets and it has some of the best sailing in the Caribbean. Though the island is only 10 sq. miles, driving around takes quite a bit of time as one is "forced" to drive slowly. Not only are the roads up and down the green hills really steep and twisting but the views are spectacular. Tortola's mountainous geography also offers lots of hiking trails and camping, especially in Mount Sage National Park. This laid back island isn't famous for nightlife though the capital, Road Town has several places, which are very entertaining and always busy. Because of the boat life, there are lots of shops with everything from clothes to spices as well as a very diversified and wonderful range of restaurants, which are scattered around the island.

In addition to superb sailing, Tortola has several pretty palm-fringed white sand beaches, which are wonderfully crowd-free. A few of the nicest are Elizabeth Beach, Cane Garden Bay, Smuggler's Cove and Long Bay. The diving is great especially around Conspicuous Rock, The Indians and at the RMS Rhone, site of one of the Caribbean's best shipwreck dives. As all Virgin are close to one another, it's fun to charter a boat for day trips, snorkeling and picnics. Or take the short ferry across to Virgin Gorda to swim in the famous "Baths", where immense boulders are scattered along the beach forming magical grottos and pools.

The local currency is the US dollar. Fly to Beef Island/Tortola via American Eagle or LIAT from San Juan, St. Thomas or St. Maarten. There is also ferry service from St. Thomas.