•A Day In The Life Of A Vacationer In Cancun
Unlike any other city in Mexico, Cancun truly offers the best of both worlds. No other city can claim the unique distinction of being a glamorous, modern resort destination right in the middle of the ancient Mayan kingdom and vibrant nature of the Yucatan Peninsula. With ease, you can explore the ancient Mayan ruins or nature preserves during the day and enjoy world class shopping and dining in the evening. The following is a sample itinerary for a day in Cancun, incorporating both the city’s...
•A Perfect Honeymoon In Aruba
When making lists of the world's most romantic destinations and best sites to enjoy a honeymoon, travel experts always include cities like Paris and Venice. In the last few years, the island of Aruba has found its way onto many of these lists. With luxurious accommodations, gorgeous beaches and an incredible array of activities, it is no wonder that so many newlyweds have fallen in love with this Caribbean destination. The island of Aruba even offers special discount packages through many of...
•All-Inclusive Is Not For All Travelers
Located throughout the Caribbean, all-inclusive resorts lure visitors with affordable vacation packages. Encompassing airfare, lodging and onsite activities, these Caribbean beach resorts are enjoyed by families and couples hoping to relax in the sunshine. Yet, many visitors have left such all-inclusive resorts with a bitter taste in their mouths. If you – like many of the travelers disappointed by the inflexibility of all-inclusive resorts – want to establish your own itinerary, sample...
•Beating The Winter Blues In Aruba
While snow is falling throughout the U.S., the Caribbean island of Aruba is enjoying never-ending summer. With an average annual temperature of 82°F (28°C), visitors are guaranteed a balmy climate regardless of season. In fact, no month has an average high temperature lower than 85°F (29°C) or higher than 89°F (32°C). Low temperatures typically range from 76°F (24°C) to 80°F (27°C), allowing visitors to enjoy the nightlife all year long. Yet, because so many of us suffer the winter blues at...
•Caribbean Countries Unite To Make Travel Easier
Between February 1st and May 15th 2007, 10 Caribbean nations will join together in an unprecedented effort to simplify travel restrictions. Inspired by the hosting of the Cricket World Cup – the third largest sporting event in the world – these Caribbean nations will allow visitors to travel between the islands without the hassle of international customs or visas. Furthermore, all 10 nations participating in the Cricket World Cup are located relatively close together, allowing travelers to...
•Check It? Or Carry It On? - A Review Of Travel Restrictions Affecting Your Vacation To Aruba
After you have planned your vacation to Aruba, you may be wondering what to pack. To ensure that you don’t experience any unwelcome surprises at either your departing airport or the Aruba Airport, make note of the guidelines in this article. The following is a convenient outline of what you can and cannot pack when traveling to Aruba and some added travel tips to make your vacation as enjoyable as possible.
First, make sure you pack all your important personal belongings such as travel...
•Cruise Over to Garrafon Natural Reef Park For Some Family Fun
Located just 25 minutes by cruise from Cancun, the Garrafon Natural Reef Park is one of the region’s best places to experience all the wonders of the Caribbean Sea. From kayaking and hiking to snorkeling and swimming with dolphins, the park offers a wealth of activities for all ages. Best of all, the Garrafon Natural Reef Park now features an array of affordable day-trip packages that include transportation, meals and activities. If you want to enjoy everything the Mexican Caribbean has to...
•Discover The Mountainous Rainforest Above Puerto Vallarta
Just beyond Banderas Bay and the city of Puerto Vallarta, the Sierra Madre Mountains create an epic backdrop to one of Mexico's premier destinations. Within the valleys and canyons of this mountain range, a lush rainforest serves as home to an incredible variety of plant and animal life. Though human residents are few within the Sierra Madre's rainforest, tourists visit this enchanting natural environment everyday for a number of unique activities. On any given day in the rainforest, you can...
•Do I Really Need Travel Insurance In St. Thomas?
When planning your vacation to St. Thomas, you may want to consider whether or not travel insurance is a worthwhile investment. When making this decision, the most important aspect to consider is your personal level of risk. As part of a Caribbean vacation package, travel insurance would firstly protect your investment should any unforeseen events occur that prevent your travel, such as you or a family member are admitted to the hospital before your vacation, a car accident occurs en route to...
•Exploring Old Town In Puerto Vallarta
Most visitors to Puerto Vallarta are familiar with the beaches and resorts of the Hotel Zone and Marina Vallarta. Yet, many tourists overlook historic Viejo Vallarta, the most authentically Mexican section of this amazing city. Here you can experience a true ‘South of the Border’ environment with a friendliness not known in the more tourist-dominated areas.
Viejo Vallarta, also known as Old Town, is a maze of cobblestone streets lined with charming inns, independently-owned restaurants and...
•Exploring The Abc Islands
As a group, the ABC islands offer an incredibly distinctive Caribbean vacation. Consisting of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, the ABC Islands were under the control of the Netherlands as the Netherlands Antilles until 1986. In that year, Aruba gained independence, though the island is still aligned with the Dutch Kingdom. Today, the Willemstad, Curacao serves as the capital of the Netherlands Antilles, a colonial grouping which also governs Bonaire and the smaller islands of St. Maarten, St....
•Exploring The Ruins Of Tulum
While Cancun is home to beautiful hotels, resorts and numerous attractions, the area surrounding the city is known for its wealth of Mayan ruins. About 2 hours south of the city rests one of the most beautiful ancient sites in Mexico, the ruins of Tulum. This beautiful site is one of the finest attractions for a Cancun vacation. Though smaller than the well-known Chichen Itza, Tulum’s majestic setting sets it apart. Perched above the Caribbean Sea on a rocky cliff, the ruins are simultaneously...
•Find Inspiration at Curacao's Creative Mecca - Landhuis Bloemhof
Known for its historic architecture, Curacao is home to a wealth of unique colonial buildings and picturesque sites. For art lovers, one destination stands above the rest. The remodeled plantation known Landhuis Bloemhof – a collection of galleries, workshops, sculpture gardens (‘Bloemhof’ is Dutch for ‘flower garden’) and archives – has a deep connection with the island’s creative past. Once a private meeting place for Curacao’s most creative individuals, the site has been open to the public...
•Finding Your Inner Tourist In St Thomas
As you plan your trip to St. Thomas, you will probably find that one of the favorite activities for St. Thomas vacations is duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie. While shopping and walking the streets of this colonial capital might be a great start to a St. Thomas vacation, St. Thomas tourism certainly has more to offer than simple shopping and dining. From the historic colonial sites scattered throughout the island to the natural beauty of the Caribbean, St. Thomas has something to offer...
•Hell Hath No Meaning As In Grand Cayman
On the picturesque Caribbean island of Grand Cayman, there is place known as Hell. Just a short drive from five-star resorts and pristine beaches, rests an ominous field of brimstone with a fascinating geological history. There are certainly several versions to the story of how Hell got its name. Yet, most variations involve a local official seeing this strange limestone field for the first time and saying, “This is what Hell must look like.” Whatever you may think of this unique version of...
•How Sugary Sweet Is St. Kitts
For centuries, sugar cane was one of the most important crops in the world. As sugar cane grows best in tropical climates, European settlers saw an opportunity for wealth in Caribbean islands like St. Kitts. After colonization, forests were razed and replaced with sugar plantations to benefit the production of molasses, rum and raw sugar. As the oldest and wealthiest English colony in the Caribbean, St. Kitts once boasted 68 profitable plantations on just a 68-acre island. Things began to...
•How To Pack For Your Caribbean Vacation
Though many people worry about how and what to pack before traveling to the Caribbean, the process are often far simpler than it seems. Everyone already knows that the Caribbean is known for its beaches, clear water and fantastic weather. Therefore, the best method of packing for the Caribbean lies in traveling light, but preparing for the unexpected. If you follow the tips outlined here before packing for your Caribbean vacation, you shouldn’t have any trouble packing the right items and...
•How To Relax And Revive In Cancun
You probably already know about Cancun’s reputation as a tropical beach paradise, complete with luxurious resorts and decadent nightclubs. What you may not know is that when the party is over, relaxation options are not limited to merely sunbathing or shopping for trinkets. From sightseeing to spa treatments, Cancun’s Mayan heritage colors all aspects of the area’s recreation and relaxation.
Mayan Historic Sites
For instance, in the center of Cancun's Hotel Zone are the Ruinas del Rey (Ruins...
•Immerse Yourself in the Unique Tradition of the Moko Jumbies
Plenty of travelers are aware of the African influence on Caribbean tradition, but very few seek out the most unique elements of this incredible culture. In St. Kitts, traces of African culture can be found throughout the island in everything from artwork to cuisine. Yet, the island’s traditional performers offer one of the best ways for tourists to enjoy the diverse culture of St. Kitts. The most well-known of these performers are the moko jumbies, the famous stilt dancers recognized...
•Jeep Rental Versus Taxi In Aruba
Aruba is an island of paradox. Despite the presence of numerous luxury resorts and gourmet restaurants, much of Aruba remains uninhabited. For the tourist, this simply means there is more to explore. For example, nearly 20% of the island is devoted to the sprawling Arikok National Park. Inside and outside the park, you will find gorgeous views, unique historical landmarks and ecological wonders. The roads winding through Aruba’s distinctive desert landscape offer visitors a chance to enjoy the...
•Join the Celebration of Aruba's Rich Cultural Diversity
Though the Caribbean is known as a colorful and historically rich region, few travelers are aware of the remarkable cultural diversity represented in Aruba. Originally inhabited by native Arawak Indians, Aruba changed European hands throughout the colonial period. After living under Spanish rule for many years, the island came to be part of the Dutch Kingdom near the end of the colonial period. Though the island maintains its ties to The Netherlands, more than 40 different nationalities are...
•Journey to the Intimate Side of St. Thomas - Red Hook and the East End
St. Thomas has long been known as an incredible destination for shopping and dining. However, when traveling outside of the island's primary cruise port and capital - Charlotte Amalie - visitors are often surprised to wide variety of activities and cultural sites. Located on the east end of St. Thomas, the quiet town of Red Hook features an array of red-tiled homes and small businesses overlooking Pillsbury Sound and the neighboring island of St. John. In the streets of this tightly-knit...
•Mind Your Travel Manners In Aruba
There are plenty of travel stories about “ugly Americans.” Usually, these travelers aren’t aware they are doing anything wrong while on vacation. But if you aren’t aware of local customs and etiquette, offending those around you may be inevitable. Though you will find that the uniquely Caribbean hospitality and slower pace of Aruba tourism are markedly different than anything in the U.S., adjusting isn’t nearly as difficult as it seems. As you enjoy all of your activities in Aruba, here are...
•More Flights To Mexico
Consistently ranking as one of the top international destinations for U.S. travelers, Mexico has seen steady growth in airline and tourism options in recent years. American interest in Mexican resorts and spas has grown in tune with Mexico’s long-term tourism plan, a focus that contributes over $12 billion dollars annually to the nation’s economy. In fact, Mexico has become so popular with travelers that Cancun now ranks third behind London and Rome in international air bookings placed at a...
•Off The Beaten Path In Curacao
Curacao may be one of the most underappreciated islands in the Caribbean. As many cruise ships make brief stops at Curacao’s ports, visitors only get to spend a few hours on the island. Hence, Curacao may seem like any other Caribbean destination on the surface – beautiful weather, pristine beaches and plenty of shopping and dining. However, Curacao possesses a truly unique small-town ambiance and a diverse cultural heritage unknown anywhere else in the world. With a wealth of activities...
•Palm Beach, Eagle Beach Or Baby Beach? - A Review Of Beaches In Aruba
Collectively, Aruba's beaches are consistently ranked among the cleanest, widest and most beautiful of the Caribbean and the world. On the island’s southwestern coast, tourists will find one beach after another, each with its own distinct atmosphere and diverse possibilities. As nearly all of the beaches are public, access is a breeze. Furthermore, several Caribbean beaches have change and shower facilities, shade huts and water sport equipment provided by Aruba resorts and hotels. For...
•Pirates Still Running Wild in Grand Cayman
Though the pirates found in Hollywood features might be things of the past, there is a Caribbean island that is keeping the more entertaining aspects this unique culture alive. For the last 30 years, Grand Cayman and her sister islands have hosted an entire week of pirate-related festivities during the month of November. Highlighted by street parties and heritage festivals, Cayman Pirate Week is one of the island’s most popular events and a can’t-miss experience for visiting families. This...
•Planning A Destination Wedding In St. Thomas
As couples have become more mobile in recent years, destination weddings have greatly increased in popularity. Most Caribbean weddings come as customizable vacation packages with all details accounted for by the resort or planning service. As a result, you and your guests can spend time relaxing on the beach rather than scrambling through last-minute preparations. Though it would seem far more difficult to plan a wedding from thousands of miles away, the reality is that a wedding in St. Thomas...
•Puerto Vallarta: The City of Festivals
After Puerto Vallarta found its way onto the international tourism map following the release of “The Night of the Iguana,” the city became a meeting place for artists, musicians and anyone seeking a cosmopolitan destination amongst incredible natural beauty. As a result, numerous festivals have developed in Puerto Vallarta, celebrating everything from independent film to haute cuisine. Throughout the year, these events welcome awestruck visitors from throughout the world and add to Puerto...
•Snorkeling And Diving In Curacao
Home to over 80 miles of pristine coral reef, myriad tropical fish, sponges, sea turtles, seahorses, eels and dolphins, the waters surrounding Curacao beg to be enjoyed and photographed. Besides boasting the clearest water in the Caribbean, with average visibility between 80-140 feet, year-round water temperatures of 78-83°F allow the ocean to be enjoyed regardless of season. Whether you want to snorkel or scuba dive, there are plenty of experienced dive operators providing daily boat trips...
•Soaking Up The Sun And Taking In The Sites In Aruba
In addition to white sand beaches and Caribbean beauty, Aruba has a wealth of history and exceptional sites to offer. Though you may not want to leave your plush beach resort, you should certainly explore some of these sites located throughout the island. Here are some helpful travel tips for the adventurous traveler.
Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, adventurers traveled throughout the Caribbean in search of wealth and treasures. One of the most precious sites of that era was the...
•Taking Advantage Of Your Concierge In Cancun
Travelers often dismiss concierges as meaningless middlemen. Yet, when vacationing in Cancun, your hotel concierge can supply you a world of information and opportunity. These jacks-of-all-trades can be found at most resorts and know Cancun as well as anyone. While some concierges may have more valuable connections than others, any one of these hotel professionals can provide invaluable tips for your stay. Best of all, their assistance and advice are free of charge. When in Cancun, you’ll...
•The Birth of Cancun: Remarkable Scenery and a Bold Idea
Today, Cancun is known for its luxurious resorts and beautiful beaches. Yet, just 40 years ago, the island that is now Cancun’s Hotel Zone was home to a mere three residents and a large coconut plantation. Though travelers visit Cancun to relax in the sun, enjoy the world-class accommodations and experience Mayan history, the remarkably successful development of the area represents one of Cancun’s most fascinating, but overlooked stories.
During the high period of the Mayan Kingdom, the island...
•The Luxurious Side Of Cancun
Cancun is certainly the most luxurious destination in the Mexican Caribbean. Offering all of the finer things in life, the Hotel Zone and downtown areas of Cancun are brimming with top notch entertainment and relaxation opportunities. With everything from couture shopping to gourmet dining and exquisite spa treatments, Cancun is the place to indulge and treat yourself like royalty.
With the splendor of the Mexican Caribbean in the background, Cancun spas and resorts blend traditional Mayan...
•The Malecon: Puerto Vallarta’s Famous Boardwalk
One of the most popular activities in Puerto Vallarta is a stroll down the city’s famed boardwalk, the Malecon. Lined with shops, restaurants and artwork, the Malecon provides great entertainment for all ages and budgets. The young and fashionable can shop during the day and hit the restaurants and clubs at night. Families can enjoy the scenery, find plenty of friendly people and activities and rest on any of the boardwalk’s many rustic benches. There is something for everyone down on the...
•The Natural and Historic Beauty of Curacao's National Parks
While most people visiting Curacao spend their time on the gorgeous beaches or exploring some of the world’s best coral reefs, there are also a number of fascinating destinations within the island’s interior. If you are looking for adventure on land in Curacao, there is no better place to start than one of the national parks. Christoffelpark, Curacao’s largest and most ecologically-diverse nature preserve – Shete Boka, a site dedicated to sea turtles and the beautiful northern coastline – and...
•The Natural Side Of Aruba: Arikok Park
Of Aruba’s many activities, a tour of Arikok Park may be the most unique. From sand dunes and cacti within the park’s desert interior to the limestone cliffs and hidden coves on the Caribbean shore, Arikok Park offers as much ecological diversity as any place you’ll ever visit. Unique historic sites within the park’s boundaries shed light on Aruba’s agricultural and mining past. Arikok Park is also home to numerous unique species, supported by the microclimates of the park’s geography. Several...
•The St. Kitts Sugar Cane Railroad
Early in the 20th Century, a 30-mile railway was constructed on St. Kitts to aid transportation of sugar cane crops to the island’s colonial capital, Basseterre. Today, this unique narrow-gauge railway has found a new life. As part of St. Kitts’ expanding tourism industry, the St. Kitts Sugar Cane Railroad now serves as one of the best ways to see this gorgeous island in its entirety. In addition to being the most enchanting rail tour in the Caribbean, this railway provides one of the most...
•Tips For Smooth Traveling On Your Holiday Vacation
As crowds are bigger and delays longer, traveling to the Caribbean during the holiday season can sometimes be difficult. When traveling during the holiday season, you will find that most of the delays confronting you involve the airport. Most of these troubles can be avoided, however, with a little preparation. You must organize all the details of your vacation, especially your air travel, before you depart to prevent any unwanted surprises. Here are some important travel tips to spare you...
•Touring the Northern Shore of Aruba
Aruba is an island of great contrasts. Most people are familiar with the luxurious resorts set along white sand beaches. However, within just a few miles of the pristine beaches and calm water, there is a vast array of unique environments and tourist sites – from the limestone cliffs and crashing waves found at the California Lighthouse to the otherworldly rock formations of Ayo and Casibari. Many such sites rest along a dirt road that hugs the northern shore of Aruba, a place of natural beauty...
•Vacationing With The Family In Curacao
Of all the Caribbean’s many destinations, Curacao may have the most to offer children and their families. From the family-friendly resorts to the island’s small-town ambience, Curacao is an ideal destination for a Caribbean family vacation. To get the most out of your trip, consider including some the activities outlined here in your Curacao vacation package.
Perhaps the most unique of Curacao’s family attractions is the Curacao Seaquarium. Constructed in 1984, this oceanfront complex is...
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