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The southern portion of the island has been deemed uninhabitable due to ongoing volcanic activity. Following the volcano’s devastating impact, two-thirds of Montserrat’s population fled the island. The British Overseas Territory of Montserrat was a popular getaway for well-heeled travelers before the Soufrière Hills volcano, which was believed to be dormant, erupted in 1995. Soufriere Hills Volcano David Stanley/Flickr The latter is known for its offshore snorkeling, where geothermal vents heat the surrounding coral reef and seafloor. Dominica’s beaches, which include crescent-shaped Batibou Beach and Champagne Beach, never fail to impress either. For ultimate relaxation, stop by the hillside village of Wotten Waven to dip in the natural hot sulfur springs. If the six-hour round-trip trek to Boiling Lake isn’t your cup of tea, the trails to Middleham Falls or Trafalgar Falls are brief and take in lush jungle scenery on the way. The 200-foot-wide lake can be reached by a four-mile trail from Titou Gorge, a gorgeous swimming hole and waterfall set between two steep rock faces. Boiling Lake is arguably Dominica’s most striking natural feature. Additionally, tourism is critical to supporting the island’s recovery efforts. This means you won’t have to vie for space along Dominica’s mountain trails and sandy coast. Annual tourist arrivals total in the tens of thousands, even before the damage brought by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Commonly referred to as the “nature island,” Dominica’s ecological assets are its greatest draw for visitors.