Archive for: ‘January 2012’

Best Time of Year to Travel to the Caribbean

January 23, 2012 Posted by admin

When planning a vacation on a tropical island in the Caribbean, weather and the cost, are the two main components used in deciding when to go.

For most people weather is the number one concern, most Caribbean Islands lie in proximity to the Equator, and enjoy one season – summer. Temperatures are generally in the 80′s all year long, caressed by ocean breezes that cool the islands and keeps the humidity down. Hurricanes occur each year, starting late July through October, and is another weather condition to be considered. Rain is common on all the islands, that is why they are so lush and tropical, the rainy season varies from one island to the other, usually between May to early December, while on some islands there are rain showers in January.

The most expensive time, to visit the Caribbean, is usually during the Christmas and New Years season, as well as during the months of January to Late April. Hotel rates usually rise during the holiday season, because of the demand of travelers. In many countries around the world, winter is January to late March or even to early April and residents of those countries seek out tropical locations and are willing to pay the cost of getting away from snow and freezing weather.

During the early part of the year the weather is more dependable, rain seldom, if ever, intrudes on the sunny days. The oceans are naturally calmer and clearer, allowing vacationers to plan diving, scuba and boating trips, without a worry that the weather might cause their plans to be disrupted.

For many, planning a vacation to a Island in the Caribbean, the decision must be based on visiting after the hotel rates and airfares go down, hoping that there will be no storms, hurricanes or rain, to disrupt their daily activity, and thus save money. Or should they plan on a time when the rates are higher, but when one is almost sure that their holidays will not be disrupted by unwanted weather conditions.

Another factor, to be considered, are the holiday seasons – Easter and Spring Break vacations, usually see a rise in rates. Special events on the islands, such as Jazz Festivals, Golf Tournaments, sailing regattas and Carnival in Trinidad (which is one of the most popular) are among reasons that Hoteliers and tour companies raise their rates.

Those who plan on participating or visiting during these events, do not have much of a choice, but for the rest of those who are planning a trip to a Caribbean Island, a little research can result in a a wonderful vacation at considerable saving.

Bequia – Caribbean Island Seclusion

January 23, 2012 Posted by admin

Most travelers to the Caribbean may not be familiar with the tiny island of Bequia in The Grenadines. Yet divers and yacht owners from around the globe know this is one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean.

In recent years the real estate market has developed substantially as many Americans and other world travelers have discovered this idyllic getaway.

What makes the island of Bequia (pronounced Bek-way) so special?

Unlike the more prominent, busier island destinations, this tiny jewel offers travelers seclusion, excellent pristine water and uncrowded beaches. There are no high rise hotels on the island to spoil the awesome 360 degree views.

Much of the islands lush landscape is undeveloped, and gives visitors a real glimpse into what a true island looks like without the usual tourist development. In essence, Bequia reminds one of the traditions and culture of the old world Caribbean.

The island is a true tropical rainforest with hills densely covered with tropical flowers in all colors of the rainbow – especially orchids. The island has numerous yellow birds, hummingbirds, and many other colorful bird species.

In contrast as you move into the countryside, you will find cattle and goats lazily grazing, along with old sugar mills and outdated telegraph wires completely being reclaimed by the thick tropical growth.

Only 6,000 locals reside on Bequia, and the majority live in modest yet colorful cottages. You will discover an interesting ethnic mix of African, Portuguese, Scottish and Carib Indian ancestry.

Bequia personifies a true sea faring island economy where residents earn their income from the sea and through world class boat building. One of the most popular souvenirs are the expertly hand crafted model boats and ships.

Each day the local fishermen blow their conch shells to announce the arrival of the fishing boats return to the capital city Port Elizabeth – the islands scenic commercial hub.

Visitors looking for fresh seafood will not be disappointed – particularly if you have a preference for fresh, juicy lobster. The local restaurants in Port Elizabeth are quite affordable, and offer a smorgasbord of fresh seafood – along with local produce and exotic island fruits.

One of the more fascinating local establishments is the Whale Boner Bar & Restaurant. As you move through the restaurant and head out to the beach seating, you pass through an archway of two extremely enormous whale ribs. The bar seats are constructed from parts of the whale, and the whale rib encompasses the full length of the bar area..

The clear, pristine waters feature some of the finest beaches in all the Caribbean. For such a small-scale island, there are a number of outstanding beaches such as Princess Margaret Beach, Friendship Bay, Lower Bay, Hope Bay, Spring Bay, Moonhole, Industry Bay, and Park. Also right off the harbour is a small strip called Belmont Bay which is the ideal beach lovers nirvana.

Among the islands more unique attractions is the Old Turtle Sanctuary. Guests enjoy up close encounters with the endangered Hawkbill turtles. The sanctuary offers amazing, panoramic views of the island and turquoise sea.

Discover The Best Caribbean All Inclusive Resorts For Your Next Vacation

January 23, 2012 Posted by admin

Without a doubt the best Caribbean all inclusive resorts are relative from person to person. But, a lot of details to think about go into booking your all inclusive vacation package. So many completely different ways to travel about spending time at a resort within the Caribbean will build your head spin. Some select to go to the Caribbean for a vacation vacation and get pleasure from spending time with their loved ones. Some select to book business meetings in the always lovely Caribbean beach front hotels to impress and express loyalty to business executives.

If the beaches filled with white sand are what you desire, along with the finest restaurants and bars, you have found your spot when booking your best Caribbean all inclusive resorts expertise. Snorkeling activities offer adventure and genuine fun to your magical vacation getaway. Be positive to consult your required resort to be told about any guided snorkeling tours that will be offered. Since you will most likely be new to the realm, and even may be new to snorkeling altogether, a tour lead by professional guides can take all the chance and concern out of viewing nature at its finest.

One issue is for certain, after you visit the Caribbean islands, you will be stopped dead in your tracks at the sheer beauty of the landscape. The simplest Caribbean all inclusive resorts which offer finer accommodations can be found in places like Jamaica where the heart of reggae music attracts you in. Or St. Lucia’s mystery and attract attributed to its history of volcanic activity. Antiqua, with its exotic beauty, beckons to others as they explore for the best in Caribbean luxury. With therefore several choices the Caribbean provides, everybody’s read of luxury is positive to be glad.

There are a few areas of the resorts that is adult solely, but there’s plenty of fun to be expertise by all age teams who visit the Caribbean. Vacationers who look to take it easy can lounge on the beaches and take in the village sights.

Below are just a few of the most effective Caribbean all inclusive resorts to find before your next trip:

Sandals Antigua

Sandals Antigua is however another notable Sandals Caribbean all inclusive vacation resort nestled on the breathtaking Dickenson Bay. This Sandals Caribbean all inclusive vacation resort primarily offers the charm of a quaint Caribbean village together with the best luxuries of the planet category all inclusive, making it deserve the title “World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort”. At this Sandals Caribbean all inclusive vacation resort, you will greatly get pleasure from the beauty of the pristine beach, and with their exotic cone-shaped cottages equipped with private pool, there is no wonder that you’ll experience an final vacation.

Beaches All Inclusive Caribbean Family Resorts

A division of the Sandals Empire, the Beaches significantly operates four all inclusive Caribbean family resorts, three of these are situated within the island of Jamaica, and one within the Turks and Caicos. Generally, the Beaches all inclusive Caribbean family resorts embody all the fun, journey, also luxury that families wish most, elevating then the family vacation to standards that are world class on the most effective beaches of the Caribbean. At the Beaches all inclusive Caribbean family resorts, the kids can share their vacation with Elmo and friends as Beaches caters to exclusive Caribbean adventures with Sesame Street.

Sandals Royal Bahamian

Sandals Royal Bahamian has long been known as the winner of the celebrated Five Star Diamond Award. This Sandals Caribbean all inclusive vacation resort in fact stands alone as the most famous destination for couples who demand only the very best of Sandals assortment. This has wonderful beachfront rooms that are as massive as many seaside villas, and some suites that are noted for his or her excellent class that can little doubt offer you a full new meaning to the word “perfection”. From the elegant rooms and suites of this Sandals Caribbean all inclusive vacation resort to its world class dining in eight gourmand restaurants, Sandals Royal Bahamian greatly satisfies the foremost demanding tastes.