Each day, people flock to Maho Beach on the Dutch side of St. Martin to watch the planes land at Princess Juliana Airport, touching down just beyond the beach in dramatic fashion.

Left: Saint Martin, the French side of the island, where travelers can hope for a serene, quite getaway. Right: Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of the island, with bars, casinos and an active nightlife.

Left: Saint Martin, the French side of the island, where travelers can hope for a serene, quite getaway. Right: Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of the island, with bars, casinos and an active nightlife.

Ferries departing the dual-nation island of St. Maarten and St. Martin offer easy sailing to surrounding destinations at bargain prices. Frugal Traveler Ferries departing the dual-nation island of ...

Left: Saint Martin, the French side of the island, where travelers can hope for a serene, quite getaway. Right: Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of the island, with bars, casinos and an active nightlife.

Left: Saint Martin, the French side of the island, where travelers can hope for a serene, quite getaway. Right: Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of the island, with bars, casinos and an active nightlife.