A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
When travelers think of Caribbean music, they often think of “reggae.” This is not surprising, given that reggae music—a bass-and-drum-driven style—originated in the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica, during the 1960s. While reggae indeed serves as the soundtrack to many Caribbean vacations, the island music scene boasts a variety of genres, including rock, jazz, and blues.
Finding a hotel or resort in Aruba is easy: nearly all are located on the island’s northwest coast along a roughly 10-mile stretch of beachfront between the capital city of Oranjestad and Palm Beach, the most densely developed tourist area on the island. Although Aruba has major resort districts, it can be a romantic destination, and there are many diverse places you can stay when visiting.
Caribbean all-inclusive resorts have evolved from budget properties with limited arrival dates and big buffet lines to offering a broad variety of offerings — including five-star luxury — with amenities appealing to everyone from singles to seniors.
If you long to get away for a secluded, yet luxurious Caribbean beachvacation, Anguilla is the island for you. Celebrities flock here due to the island’s tradition of protecting privacy, its upscale resorts, and a selection of more than 70 restaurants. Reef and wreck diving are popular diversions; however, you’re more likely to spend your evenings savoring gourmet meals than dancing until dawn.
Music and boating are essential parts of Anguilla culture and are sure to be part of almost any major celebration on the island. Moonsplash is the most famous music festival on Anguilla and one of the best in the Caribbean, but the island also boasts a popular summer festival that combines elements of Carnival with good old summer fun!
Buck Island offers an unparalleled experience, featuring one of the world’s finest beaches alongside an exceptional snorkeling site. Located just 20 minutes by boat from Christiansted, St. Croix, Buck Island represents only one percent of the Buck Island Reef National Monument. This unique park is designed to protect the fragile coral reef and marine ecosystem around the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Reputable dive charters operate under a special license from the U.S. National Park Service, providing a responsible and guided experience.
The duty-free shopping capital of the Caribbean features block after block (and alley after alley) of jewelry stores selling precious gems, watches, and more at bargain prices. You will also find the usual souvenir shops, and there’s a market along the waterfront with vendors selling jewelry, clothing, and knockoff designer handbags.
This article provides essential tips and strategies for finding the best airfares to the Caribbean. By being flexible, exploring various travel options, and taking advantage of off-season rates, travelers can significantly reduce their travel costs.
The southern, eastern, and western compass points in relation to the Caribbean reflect common cruise itineraries rather than any useful geographic designation. Different cruise lines mix these itineraries in various ways. Generally, a southern Caribbean cruise explores the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles or the Dutch islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. The eastern Caribbean typically includes the U.S., British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Antigua. Western Caribbean itineraries often embrace the Mexican Caribbean and the Cayman Islands, including destinations in Jamaica, Belize, and Honduras.
The Caribbean region is characterized as a seismically active area, where the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates converge. This region experiences fault lines due to the interaction of these tectonic plates. As one plate slides beneath another, the intense heat melts the rock, leading to volcanic eruptions.
Whether you’re looking for a last getaway before your first baby arrives or a much-needed mid-trimester break, the Caribbean sun and sand offer a beautiful option for a pre-partum vacation. Dr. Jan Rydfors, co-creator ofThe Pregnancy Companion: The Obstetrician’s Mobile Guide to Pregnancy, advises that expectant mothers can enjoy a Caribbean vacation while following essential guidelines to maintain their health and that of their baby.
There are more than 7,000 Caribbean islands. Some are household names, like Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Aruba, while others are little more than rocks jutting out of the ocean.
Planning a trip to the Caribbean should start with a few simple questions:
Caribbean culture is a rich tapestry woven with influences from Africa, Europe, indigenous peoples, and even Asia. Each month in the Caribbean, you’ll find celebrations that welcome visitors to experience the warmth and diversity of the islands. Whenever your schedule allows you to venture down to the islands, good times will await.
Taxis in Bermuda are plentiful, and drivers are generally professional and polite. However, they are not inexpensive: in addition to distance, there is a charge for larger groups (maximum seven people) and for luggage. You can easily find taxis at the airport, cruise port, hotels, and popular tourist areas. Moreover, drivers can be hired as island guides on an hourly basis.
Bonaire has a handful of museums and cultural attractions, but most people visit this tiny Dutch Caribbean island first and foremost for its incredible diving and snorkeling. The island’s barrier reef is well-protected and recognized as one of the most vibrant and healthy ecosystems globally. Additionally, visitors are attracted to outdoor activities, such as mountain biking and landsailing.
Seven Mile Beach is not only the most popular beach on Grand Cayman Island but also one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean. However, it’s far from your only choice for surf, sun, and sand when visiting the three main Cayman Islands—Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac—and every beach in the Caymans is open to the public.
Rising dramatically from the sea, the drowned mountain chain that constitutes the majority of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a trueboater’s paradise. In contrast to the U.S. Virgin Islands, the BVI remains a relatively tranquil Caribbean destination, well-known for its marinas, secluded beaches, and cheerful beach bars.
The 60 islands that make up the British Virgin Islands feature an array of annual celebrations that draw visitors from around the world, especially the yachting community. Here are some of the best events and festivals to plan your next visit around.
