If you're seeking a varying mix of cultures with all the frills of a beach vacation, hop a flight to St. Maarten and enjoy the mix of Dutch and French influence that surrounds this Caribbean island. The French and Dutch have shared this island for centuries - the Dutch on the southern half, the French to the north. Travelers booking flights to St. Maarten (also referred to as St. Martin) are in for a unique vacation experience.
Flights to St. Maarten arrive on the Dutch side. Dutch St. Maarten is widely known as a tourist hotbed for shopping. The duty-free shops welcome thousands of tourists a year who come via cruise ship or flight to St. Maarten. While the Dutch side is arguably more populated and offers more for the first-time visitor to explore, the French side is scenic and calm, providing a the necessary respite for tourists needing a break from everyday life.
