Visit Caribbean Travel

Antigua and Barbuda are situated in the Eastern Caribbean in the middle of the Leeward Islands. With temperatures ranging in the mid-seventies in the winter months to the mid-eighties during the summer, these islands are perfect for a vacation, no matter what the calendar says. They are the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and like most of the islands, they have low humidity and a continuous cooling breeze blowing in from the northeast.

So why choose Antigua and Barbuda of all of the Caribbean islands?

Is it coincidence that there are 365 days in a year and 365 sandy beaches? The beaches are comprised of white and pink sand and if you go to one a day for a year, it would be pure bliss. The water is sparkling clear and the pure color of turquoise. Barbuda boasts a 17-mile stretch of pink shell beach that used to be a favorite of Princess Diana.

Antigua and Barbuda are a two for one deal, allowing you the two destinations in the proximity of just one. They are only four hours travel from the United States coastline and only an hour and a half boat ride between the two. The locals are friendly and helpful, and since English is the native language, you won’t have any communication issues.

History and culture are abundant on the islands. Enjoy the yearly Carnival celebration and authentic Caribbean cuisine and visit some of the many historical sites, such as Betty’s Hope sugar mill, St. John’s Cathedral, and Nelson’s Dockyard. The natural beauty of the island extends beyond the beaches and into the rainforest. Be sure to visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and Devil’s Bridge. Underground caves at Indian Town are a stunning sight and believed to stretch to Guadeloupe.

Antigua and Barbuda are perfect for all age groups. Family friendly activities keep the kids entertained and water adventures abound, including scuba, snorkeling, boating, and much more. For the past two years, Antigua has been named the best destination for weddings and it has also been ranked by Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine as the Best Island for Celeb Spotting. You can be pampered in luxurious spas or win big at the largest casino on this side of the Caribbean. Shopping is duty-free and sailing is as common as driving a car.

It is no secret that Caribbean offers one of the world’s best vacation destinations. If you like sun, beaches, islands, adult beverages, unique cultures, and a vibrant night life, then this is the spot for you. But trips to the Caribbean are not always cheap. Especially on the heels of the worst economic period since the Great Depression, vacationers are going to want the best the deals that they can possibly find. The only thing that beats a spectacular vacation is a spectacular vacation with plenty of money left in the bank account. Use the following tips to find the ideal vacation at the best value for you and your love ones:

*Research, Research, Research: It cannot be emphasized enough how important this is if you are looking to save money. If you do not care about how much you spend, just do an online search, click on the first result, and go through the online checkout. But for those who are looking for value, you are going to have to do quite a bit of research to find the best deal. This includes browsing the web, talking to travel agents, calling possible destinations, etc.

*Be Flexible: Finding the best vacation rates depends on flexibility. The two best areas to find value are to be flexible in both time and location. Not all Caribbean islands are created equally, but many offer similar experiences – especially if you are intending to stay at a resort. Having more options as to where you can go will almost always result in the opportunity to book a cheaper vacation. When you go is also a huge opportunity to save money. If you demand going during spring break or Christmas, you will have a hard time finding affordable rates. But if you are willing to go during August/September, you are much more likely to find a bargain. True, that is hurricane season, but the small risk of a storm can lead to incredible savings.

*Consider Bundling: Sometimes good things come in packages. Many travel/lodging businesses will offer the opportunities for savings if you bundle certain things together. This includes flights, hotel/resort, rental car, tours, and other items. Just make sure that you are bundling things you will actually use, otherwise it may result in a higher rate than would have been obtained on its own.

*Look for Coupons: Just like for the supermarket, vacation coupons do exist. Sometimes you have to look a little bit to find them, but they are out there. A good place is to start is by visiting the companion pages. For example, look at the websites for the attractions for your intended destination.

*Unique Events: One way to earn some of the biggest savings is to look for unique events that offer vacation packages as prize. The most common of these often involves viewing a timeshare (or ilk) presentation and getting travel to the destination for free. It is very important to beware of scams in this case. Make sure that you understand the angle of the offering company to best protect yourself from possible fraud.

Irish culture is alive and well on the “Emerald Isle” of the Caribbean.

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated as a national holiday in only two places in the world – the country of Ireland, and the Caribbean island of Montserrat. The national flag of Montserrat depicts the legendary female Irish figure Erin playing an ancient Irish harp.

And the green shamrock is stamped on every visitors passport upon entry to the island, and the shamrock is also carved on the door of the Governor’s house.

The national dish of the island, Goat Water, also has an Irish origin. It is a stew made of kidney or mutton, and is spiced with cloves and rum.

As you travel around Montserrat, you’ll find familiar sounding Irish names such as Kinsale, Delvins, St. Patrick’s and Cork Hill on the streets, establishments and towns. And, the islands phone directory lists the generations of the Ryans, O’Briens, Daleys, Sweeneys, Gibbons, and so many more.

You have to go back to 17th century history to find the first origins of this lasting Irish culture. The English defeated the Irish, and sent them to the island of Montserrat to serve as indentured servants, and they worked along side the African slaves.

As the Irish served out their servitude, some migrated to other islands in the Caribbean, but the majority of Irish decided to make Montserrat their home. It was in this period that six of the islands 17th century Governor’s were of Irish descent.

Together the decendants of the original Irish prisoners, and African slaves blended a society that maintained the strong Irish influence mixed with the African culture. The present day society is certainly one of the most unusual in the history of the Caribbean islands.

Montserrat is currently making a comeback with tourism. Visitors are surprised to find the island rebounding from the destructive volcanic eruption in 1997 which buried the former capital city of Plymouth in ashes.

While the former capital remains buried, and is an unusual tourist site in the region, the rest of the island offers breathtaking green scenery. Volcanos bring new life, and Montserrat is no exception with its emerald green mountains, exotic dark sand beaches, and pristine reefs just waiting to be explored.

Montserrat, prior to the eruption, was once a vacation paradise for jet setters and movie stars. This island is posturing itself for a renewed tourist industry with a new capital city, and brand new airport. Visitors will find affordable lodging, plenty of restaurants, secluded beaches and a first class diving destination.

This isn’t a destination for everyone, but if your idea of a Caribbean vacation is lots of natural beauty, extensive hiking trails, first class diving, uncrowded beaches, and an opportunity to see a former city that is a modern day Pompeii, then the Emerald Green Isle is the only place in the Caribbean that will deliver all that, and perhaps a bit of Irish culture.