Jamaica, one of the largest Caribbean islands, is known for its bright tropical vegetation and its white sandy beaches. Island visitors will be greeted by friendly people, robust nightlife and wonderful cuisine. The Island also is home to many unique tour adventures that visitors won’t want to miss. If your vacation plans are taking you to this Island of pure beauty be sure to check out some of these Jamaica tours.
One of the Island’s most spectacular tours is the Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour. This downhill adventure is an amazing way to see all the magnificence Jamaica has to offer. Your tour will wind you through Jamaica’s lush tropical rain forest where you will see cascading waterfalls, bright colorful birds and tropical plant life. The tour includes all the necessities, a tour guide, equipment including your bike, snacks and lunch. As you venture down the mountain you will be able to stop and take photos to capture your trip.
Caliche Adventure Tours offer two different river excursions, one that is subdued and relaxing and another that is anything but. The rainforest river tour is suitable for the entire family from the young to the elderly. This delightful ride takes you through the Jamaican rainforest on a raft. There will be opportunities along the way to swing on vines and swim in a mineral pool. The canyon river rafting is for those seeking a true adventure. You will take a wild and crazy ride through rushing waters as you travel down the great river. You will go over waterfalls, around boulders and get to ride the rapids. A trained tour guide will help you navigate your way. Guests must be at least 12 years old to partake in this adventure.
Reliable Adventures Jamaica boasts one of the most unique Jamaica tours you will find on the Island. The tours are hiking tours that allow you to explore the Bluefields Bay area of the Island. You will be guided up into the mountains where you will have a rare opportunity to meet local Jamaican people in their communities. You will get to visit with them as they partake in their daily work on their hillside farms. Along the way you will also get a peek at breathtaking views of the Island’s Southern Coast. Bluefields and the southern coast of Jamaica are unspoiled and beautiful.
Aruba, one of the smaller of the popular Caribbean Islands, is a breathtaking place to visit. The Island’s tropical warm breezes allowing for perfect tropical weather, sandy white beaches and crystal blue waters attract visitors looking for a warm get away. Amazing food, water sports and a variety of night life activities add to the Island’s charm. Overlooked by some tourist is the abundance of Aruba attractions, some unusual, that visitors won’t want to miss. Here is a look at some of the top visited attractions on the Island.
Arikok National Wildlife Park
About 20% of the Island is occupied by this wildlife area. The dessert landscape offers walking paths that span over twenty miles. Visitors will be delighted by the tropical birds, lizards, cacti and kwini trees. The highest peak of Aruba is also located inside the park, Mount Jamanota. Other park highlights include ruins of gold mine operations, remnants of colonial Dutch settlements and ancient drawings. You can venture through the park on your own or hire a tour guide.
Alto Vista Chapel
Otherwise known as the Pilgrim’s Church, this picturesque chapel is over 250 years old, built in the 1750’s by the Indians and the Spanish. Sitting on top of a cliff, the church provides breathtaking views of the sea.
Butterfly Farm
The Butterfly farm is one of the most visited Aruba attractions. This nature conservatory offers 30 minute guided tours where visitors can walk through gardens and observe over 100 different varieties of butterflies.
Aruba Numismatic Museum
This museum is not one you would typically tend to find on a Caribbean Island. The Aruba Numismatic Museum houses a large collection of coin and paper money from places around the world.
Aruba Aloe Factory Museum
Aloe at one time was one of Aruba’s main economic means. The Island was one of the largest suppliers of aloe, at the time, in the world. Today aloe is still grown here and the museum will give you a look into how aloe is grown and harvested today.
California Point Lighthouse
This lighthouse is one of Aruba’s most popular landmarks. It is named for an offshore wreck that sits on the ocean floor. The lighthouse offers visitors breathtaking views of the Aruba’s sandy beaches and coastline.
Guadirikiri Caves
On the south side of the Island you will find a cave that visitors to the Island frequent. This Aruba attraction is known for a hundred foot tunnel that winds into the cave and leads to an area that is an active bat cave.
Many people visiting Aruba don’t get off of the beach except to go into the capital city, Oranjestad. Be sure to get off of the beach one day and visit some of Aruba’s attractions.
Booking your cruise is the easy part; all the planning for your departure is what takes the most effort! Careful planning will help ease last minute stress and assure that you have everything you could possibly need when you are ready to set sail.
Three to Six Months Before Departure
The time period of three to six months before your cruise departs is an important time period. You will need to find out what documentation you will need for your cruise. A passport is not always necessary, but is highly recommended. Be sure to check with your cruise line. If you need to apply or renew your passport do it early. If you wait too long you risk not receiving it in time. You will also need to apply for any visas you may need for countries you are visiting.
Two and a Half Months Before Departure
60-75 days before departure is when you most likely will have your final payment due. Each cruise line is different and you certainly will not want to miss this payment. Also during this time you will want to make your packing list, go through your wardrobe and shop for any clothes you plan to purchase for the trip. Make kennel arrangements for your pets and arranging for a house sitter is also recommended at this stage.
One Month Before Departure
30 days prior to your cruise you will want to double check your airfare and check into getting seat assignments if your airline allows it. No later than 30 days prior to departure you will also want to make hair, manicure, pedicure and any other personal appointments to ensure you can get an appointment before you go if this is important to you. Digging out your luggage is also recommended in case you discover you need to replace any of your luggage pieces.
Two to Three Weeks Before Departure
2-3 weeks before your cruise you should receive all of your cruise documents. Be sure to look them over for accuracy. The cruise line also usually sends along important cruise information that you should read.
One Week Before Departure
1 week before finalize your packing list and start to gather items you will need. Get your camera ready with extra batteries. Make a trip to your bank for cash or travelers checks. Fill any prescriptions you will need. Making photocopies of your passport and other ID’s is also recommended. Leave a copy at home. Around one week before departure you should also arrange to have your mail and paper deliveries stopped and make a copy of your itinerary to leave with family or friends.
Three to Four Days Before Departure
3-4 days before departure you should confirm your airline tickets, fill out luggage tags, complete any cruise paperwork for boarding and complete any last minute laundry. It is now time to start packing.
The Night Before Departure
The day before departure drop your pets at the kennel, pay any last minute bills, water plants, set indoor light timers and clean out your refrigerator. Organize your wallet, leaving anything at home that is not necessary for traveling. Finish packing your suitcases.
The Big Day!
On departure day wake up excited and ready to go. Adjust your home thermostat; turn off the water and complete any other last minute things around the house. Be sure to head off to the airport with more than enough time to make your flight. Make sure you have your flight information, cruise documents and identification ready. There is now nothing left to do but to enjoy your trip.
Coffee dates back to the 15th century and is still a drink enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Coffee is unique in that it can be grown in a variety of climates. This is why the flavor of coffee grown in different locations throughout the world has so much variance. Most would agree that the best flavored coffee is grown at high altitudes in the mountains. While it takes longer to grow in these areas, the result is rich flavor.
Coffee has been grown in the Caribbean for a number of centuries. The geography of the region allows for the beans to grow in warm weather, volcanic soils and high altitudes. The combination, by many avid coffee critics, is believed to be the perfect conditions for growing the best coffee beans. This is perhaps why coffee growing in the Caribbean is quite popular.
Jamaican coffee is possibly the most well known of the region. Coffee beans grown in Jamaica, especially the Jamaican Blue Mountains are thought to produce some of the best coffee in the world. Coffee from these mountains is globally protected and highly regulated in order to ensure that only coffee grown in this region can be labeled as Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. The coffee grown here is very expensive and some of the best comes from the estates at Wallenford, Mavis Bank and Old Tavern. Drinkers of the coffee say it is mild lush coffee that lacks bitterness.
Puerto Rico has also been known for its coffee since the 1700’s. Their coffee is described by drinkers as being full bodied, balanced and having great aroma. At one time the Puerto Rican coffee business thrived on exports. In recent years however, the coffee industry there has been scrutinized. After a loss in crops, growers were accused of bringing in coffee and blending it with Puerto Rican beans then passing it off as authentic.
Haitian Coffee also has a wide reputation. In the past, their coffee was thought by drinkers to be medium bodied, sweet and smooth. Since 1995 Haitian growers have shifted to growing beans to create a new, special blend. They use shade growing practices, hand pick the coffee cherries and use the technique of wet processing. The result is a unique blue-green colored bean that ground makes a rich, sweet low toned flavored blend. Buying Haitian Coffee at this time will provide some much needed help to the economy.
If your next vacation plans take you to the Caribbean, a fun way to take a peek at your destination is to watch a movie that was filmed there. Throughout the years numerous box office hits have been filmed in the waters and islands of the Caribbean. The area provides film makers a backdrop of lush tropical scenery, historical buildings and sandy beaches. Here is look at some of the films that were shot in paradise:
Earlier films shot in the Caribbean include 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Swiss Family Robinson. Both movies are from Walt Disney Pictures. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, released in 1954, was filmed in various areas in the Bahamas and Jamaica. Swiss Family Robinson, released in 1960 was filmed in Trinidad and Tobago. Swiss Family Robinson today is still one of Disney’s most successful films.
Popular films of 1970’s shot in the Caribbean included The Godfather II and Apocalypse. Both films had scenes that were shot in the Dominican Republic. During the filming of Godfather II production was delayed for a month while Al Pachino recovered from Pneumonia on location in Santa Domingo.
In the 1980’s films made in the Caribbean included some major box office hits. Cocoon I & II were filmed in the Bahamas. The Dogs of War was filmed in Belize, Never Say Never Again was filmed in the Bahamas, the Final Scenes of Trading Spaces were filmed n the US Virgin Islands and Splash was also filmed in the Bahamas.
The 1990’s saw numerous movie crews travel to the Caribbean for filming. Movies released during this decade include:
Amistad which was filmed in Puerto Rico. While watching the movie take note of the Slave Fortress. An old colonial fort in San Juan was used as the location of the Fortress.
Captain Ron which was filmed in Puerto Rico.
The Thomas Crown Affair which was filmed in Martinique. In the movie, Crowne’s Caribbean getaway was a home on the Island first owned by one of the original 30 families to settle there during the 1600’s.
The Shawshank Redemption which was filmed in the US Virgin Islands.
The Silences of the Lamb’s final scenes were filmed in Bimini, Bahamas.
Contact was filmed in Puerto Rico.
Goldeneye was filmed in Puerto Rico.
Speed 2: Cruise Control was filmed off the shore of St. Martin. Final scenes of this movie cost more than the entire filming of Speed, its predecessor.
Over the last decade, Hollywood has continued to use areas of the Caribbean for on set movie locations. After the Sunset and Into the Blues were both shot in the Bahamas and Open Water was shot in the Virgin Islands. Walt Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl and its sequels were all shot in the Caribbean. St. Vincent, The Grenadines, The Dominican Republic, The Bahamas and Bermuda can all be found in scenes throughout this movie trio.
If you are young or just young at heart and are ready to live it up and have a great time, you should definitely consider a getaway to the tropical Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico. Also called the Island of Enchantment, this tropical paradise offers visitors exotic beauty including miles of dusty white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, breathtaking mountains, lush tropical valleys and numerous other natural wonders. Everything from high end luxury resorts to small, privately owned hotels await to accommodate visitors to the Island.
To many visitors delight, when the rest of the world goes to sleep, the Island wakes up. Puerto Rico and especially it’s capital city San Juan, is known for its amazing nightlife and provides a party paradise for locals and visitors alike. In fact, most would say it has some of the best nightlife in the world, as the nights here don’t end until the sun rises.
As you head out for the evening expect to be entertained as your taste buds come alive. Bring plenty of cash with you to pay for food and drinks as island food and drink is pricey. No matter what city you are in, get ready to experience the night of your life.
Local bars are big on entertainment and visitors can expect to find local bands playing live music. Island music is a favorite and the setting is perfect for it. As the music plays get ready to enjoy hot Latin dances including the salsa, performed by locals.
If island music and Latin dancing is not for you, don’t fret. There are plenty of other night life options for you to pick from. Retro clubs, jazz bars and even sports bars line the streets. You will certainly have time to check out a few places as the night wears on.
Rum, of course, is the alcohol of choice on the island. Get ready to taste the Island’s specialty, potent rum beverages. Drinks are all freshly made with mojitos and rum punches being the favorites. Don’t worry if you prefer other types of alcoholic beverages as just about everything under the sun is available.
One of my favorite nightspots in all of the Caribbean is Club Brava. Located in the El San Juan Hotel and Casino this hot spot has been the place to party with Puerto Rico’s elite for many years. You’ll find the young crowd dressed to impress as the hotel and club enforces a semi-formal dress code. The action does not really get going until after midnight. 787-641-3500
Another longtime favorite nightspot is Club Lazer. Named after the special lazer effects inside, Lazer is known for it’s raggaeton and hip hop. Enjoy this hip nightspot in Old San Juan. 787-725-7581
If raggaeton is what you are searching for search no more – head on over to Club Flow on Ponce de Leon Avenue. You’ll find talented bands here with the volume pumped up. Watch out – this place is young and hot, hot, hot.
Some of the most gnarly and sought-after waves are found in the Caribbean, especially on the eastern coasts where the waves have journeyed uninterrupted across the Atlantic ocean, creating the ultimate surfing experience. Barbados may have some of the best waves to catch but Rincon Bay, Puerto Rico is a self-proclaimed Caribbean surf capital. Excellent Caribbean surfing locations include Barbados, St. Martin, Guadeloupe, Anguilla amoung others not to be missed by surfing enthusiasts.
Barbados waves are especially best on the East coast where they’ve traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, landing in an uninterrupted crescendo! There’s a coral reef surrounding its coastline which makes it a surfer’s dream. Check out the small town of Bathsheba and the nearby beaches. Just learning? Avoid the eastern coast and check out the calmer west coast. Regardless of the beach, you will find the perfect Barbados surfing swells waiting year round in the eastern or the southern part of the island.
St. Martin offers 36 public beaches to surf. Hurricane and northwest winter swells are the biggest but always remember to watch for the rocky outcropping. Cupe Coy beach, on St. Martin’s south coast, is a pristine narrow beach with sparkling blue waters and caves and white cliffs lining both sides.
St. Lucia’s warm, sparkling warm waters and secluded coves are quite inviting for surfers and swimmers.
Anguilla is a coral island with 33 white sand beaches which offer perfect surfing conditions.
Aruba is a windy desert island, off the Venezuelan coast. It has challenging waves which test the abilities of surfers of all levels of experience.
Guadeloupe’s peak surfing season is from October to May, but surfing conditions can be excellent year-round. Guadeloupe is actually two islands, Grand-Terre and Basse-Terre, with a connecting bridge. Along with an extended surfing season, there are numerous surfing locations to choose from.
Whether you choose Barbados, Puerto Rico, or the smaller islands of Anguilla or St. Martin, some of the best swells of the Atlantic Ocean await you in the Caribbean isles. The Caribbean offers an array of countless surfing beaches and vacation destinations. Hurricane season may bring some temporary dreary weather conditions, but that should be short lived. If you’ve only experienced what the U.S. coasts have to offer, then come experience the ultimate surfing conditions on the islands of the Caribbean. Make it your vacation of a lifetime. Once you catch some of the most gnarly waves you will ever surf and you may never want to surf back home again. Other Caribbean islands to indulge your surfing desires on include Montserrat, St. Eustate, St. Vincent, Dominica, and Trinidad.
Some of the most breathtaking and exclusive golf courses are located in the Caribbean. Many major professional tournaments have been hosted at these greens. Most of these courses are designed with both amateurs and professionals in mind. In and around Antigua, there are a number of golf courses including Cocobay Resort, K Club, Cedar Valley and Jolly Harbour; the latter being adjacent to the Jolly Harbour Villas and Resort.
Cedar valley is an 18-hole, par-70 pristine course that is fashioned for an eager beginner or the seasoned pro. This breathtaking course has hosted such tournaments as the British ProAm and Eastern Caribbean Golf Championship. Cedar Valley also offers a clubhouse, driving range, and pro shop. They offer membership for singles, couples, and families or you can pay a fee for a day on the course.
Jolly Harbour offers the setting of a tropical park with seven challenging lakes, on their 18-hole 71-par course. On the grounds, they have a pro shop, clubhouse, and highly recommended restaurant. Jolly Harbour membership ranges from single, couples, corporate groups, and homeowners for those who own property in Jolly Harbour.
Another hotspot is Cocobay Resort Antigua, which is located in Valley Church, just five miles from the capital, St. Johns. This course presents a challenge for golf enthusiast of all levels. Even if your golfing is bad, your day will still be great with the breathtaking views of this pristine course.
The luxurious K Club is a five-star resort in Barbuda with a small, exclusive 9-hole golf course. When you arrive at the airport, a K Club jeep will be waiting to escort you and your guests back to the resort. Barbuda is a small island, accessible from Antigua via a short twenty-minute flight or by boat.
No matter which golf course you choose, they are each bound to offer you a golfing challenge as well as an unforgettable visit. Cedar Valley, Jolly Harbour, Cocobay, and K Club alike all offer exclusive golf courses, pristine surroundings, and breathtaking views.
Your wedding day is the one day in your life that you want to look back and remember as being special, romantic and memorable. Perhaps this is one reason so many couples today are forgoing the traditional church wedding and opting for a destination wedding with a picturesque backdrop. Tropical destinations top the list offering bright sunshine, blue skies, crystal clear waters and sandy beaches year round. The Caribbean has all of this and so much more to offer couples on their magical day. As a travel planner, I have helped to plan dozens of honeymoons throughout the islands.
The first thing you will need to do is determine your wedding budget. There are a variety of options available and whether your budget is small or large, and with some creative planning you can have the wedding of your dreams. One way to keep costs low is to plan your wedding during the off season and many couples opt for a small wedding in order to keep it affordable.
After you have determined your budget the next step is to look at locations. There are so many romantic Island destinations to choose from, each offering its own unique tropical setting along with a variety of services. Couples will need to take a look at several Islands to decide which one will accommodate what they deem as their dream wedding. While looking at the different Islands, be sure to check out marriage requirements. Many Islands require you to stay on the Island for a period of time before the wedding and some even require a blood test.
As you are looking at the different Islands you should also be thinking about what you want your wedding background to be. Do you want to be barefoot on a beach, stand in front of a cascading waterfall, be surrounded by tropical flowers in a botanical garden or opt for a simple resort wedding perhaps getting married in the resorts gazebo. Some Islands offer white sand beaches while others offer black. All of these things should be considered when deciding on your destination. You will also want to consider what the Island offers in terms of activities for your guests and what honeymoon options are available for you. Of course you could also choose to get married off land either on a small more private catamaran or opt for a cruise ship wedding at sea.
Now that your location is chosen there are all the other details to consider. Who you will invite, will there be flowers, a reception, a cake? Who will perform the ceremony and what will you wear? Many couples looking to tie the knot in the Caribbean hire a wedding planner to help out with all of these details. This is something I would highly recommend. If you are getting married at a resort, many times the resort will have a wedding planner on staff and often they are included in the cost of your wedding. If you are opting for a wedding somewhere else, there are numerous companies that offer Caribbean destination wedding planners to help you plan your special day. ”A wedding planner from your destination of choice knows the local weather patterns, culture and produce, authentic cuisine, customs and traditions, creatively incorporating them into your festivities for a Wow factor all your own,” says Lisa StC Hutchinson of Weddings Beyond your Imagination, a premiere wedding planning service in Barbados.
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