Caribbean travel tips and tricks
Caribbean travel, islands, all inclusive vactions and more!
Archive for November, 2009
Aside from its Major League Baseball fame, the Dominican Republic is an intriguing retreat of colonial history amid progressive development and tranquil white beaches fringing mountainous wilderness. World renowned resorts dot the Punta Cana coastline of the Dominican Republic while the nation claims the oldest city in the New World, Santo Domingo, along its southern shore. For such a small nation, it is fairly easy to book cheap and convenient airfare to the Dominican Republic through any of the four international airports; however, most travelers will find airfare to the Dominican Republic through the capital of Santo Domingo or the resort region of Punta Cana.
Geographically, the Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with the independent nation of Haiti. While two very independent nations today, the history of the island is far less clear cut. The first European settlement of the New World was established on Hispaniola after Christopher Columbus landed in today’s Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo is the landing site of Columbus as well as the original colonial center ruled by Columbus’ brother Diego. The Museo Alcázar de Colón is a fantastically restored museum within Diego’s original home. The French were granted the western third of the island now known as Haiti.
Dominican history dates back earlier than most of the Caribbean islands, possibly to 2600 BCE. Since then several waves of Antillean people have come and gone until the Spanish conquest in 1492. Indigenous culture can still be observed in the very remote central mountain ranges of the island, but the populations are sparse. Santo Domingo and the second largest city of Santiago offer several museums, festivals and art exhibits dedicated to the history of the island as a whole.
From Dancing to Diving in the Dominican Republic
For a less cultural journey to the Caribbean, the ideal destination for most is the eastern coast of Punta Cana and the surrounding turquoise and white island communities. Spend your days lavishly lounging in a resort designed by Oscar de la Renta near Tortuga Bay or take part in some killer windsurfing and kiteboarding on the breezy waters of Cabarete. Family friendly all-inclusive getaways are sprinkled among vacation rentals in the outlying areas for the more independent, outgoing types (or those who prefer a secluded beach experience).
There are also several options for nightlife. Funky bars serve tropical drinks with a twist and decked out discos play an eclectic mix of beats and rhythms. The exotic dance known as Meringue also originated in the Dominican Republic and many hotels and clubs offer on the spot lessons for beginners through advanced.
The Dominican Republic lies just west of Puerto Rico and east of Jamaica. Although the other Caribbean island nations may be more than a boat ride away, they are readily accessible by air. Get to the tropical Caribbean this season.
Elyse Morgan
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/something-old-something-new-the-dominican-republic-dominican-republic-travel-information-96661.html
read comments (3)Caribbean Island Profiles - Anguilla Beaches
Author: admin
Anguilla is located in the Caribbean Sea, the northern most island in the Leeward Island chain. It’s nearest neighbor to the south is St. Martin/Sint Maarten. It has a population of just 12000 inhabitants, is sixteen miles long and three miles wide at its widest point.
Anguilla is perhaps one of the lesser known Caribbean islands. It is renowned for its natural beauty and serene tranquility and is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of every day life. It is the perfect vacation getaway for families and couples alike and is a popular holiday destination among holiday makers.
Anguilla is also famous for its beautiful, white sandy beaches which are hugely popular among tourists and local inhabitants. Anguilla boasts 33 beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters and deserted sands which add to the tranquility and relaxation of the island.
One of the most popular Anguillan beaches is Shoal Bay East. This is one of the bigger beaches on the island and also one of the most serene. Shoal Bay East is scattered with beach bars and covered in white powdery sands and this is perhaps the reason for why it has been voted the beast beach in the world on numerous occasions by top tourist magazines.
Another popular beach is Barnes Bay which is situated on a secluded island which means the beach is virtually always empty. Like Shoal Bay East, this beach has beautifully white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters.
The final beach that will be covered in this article is Sandy Ground, which like the other two beaches, has white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, however it does also have one stark contrast. Sandy Ground is a lively and eventful beach with a heck of a lot of people and boats as people from around the world dock their boats here when they visit. This beach may not be the perfect for relaxation, but it’s great if you’re ready to have one big party!
The three beaches outlined in this article are just the tip of the iceberg. Each with their white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are a tourists dream and you will be left speechless by the natural beauty of the beaches. There are also thirty more attractive, elegant and picturesque beaches and as many should be visited on your trip to Anguilla. Anguilla may not be one of the most famous islands of the Caribbean, but it sure does have some spectacular beaches.
James Penn
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/caribbean-island-profiles-anguilla-beaches-72621.html
Be an “Eggspert” in the “Eggciting” party
Author: admin
Wondering how to entertain those party kids coming to your home? This article will help you to become a perfect host. Some games and activities are listed below, try out and have a great Eggciting birthday party.
Next on the agenda was an egg-cracking contest. Each contestant held an egg in his hand, small end up and challenged someone to crack his egg. The challenged lad then with his own egg tapped the egg of the challenger. If the challenged cracked the egg of the challenger he won the challenger’s cracked egg. If his own was cracked he turned it over to the challenger. The boys continued to challenge one another until only one uncracked egg remained. The possessor of that egg was declared “The Great Uncracked.”
After so much activity the boys were perfectly willing to sit down while each peeled his cracked egg ready for the next stunt. This stunt is not new, but it’s always fun and surprising for each new group that tries it. Each boy is given an empty milk bottle, clean of course, with the request that he put the egg into his bottle. The peeled egg is larger than the top of the bottle. The boys pushed and squeezed on the slippery eggs but made no progress. Sandy produced a match and showed his friends the trick. He dropped a lighted match into the bottle. He placed the egg on the mouth of the empty bottle and they all watched the egg slide into the bottle. It was not long until each bottle contained an egg. One thoughtful youngster wanted to know why.
Sandy explained that the lighted match in the bottle used up the oxygen in the bottle thereby creating a partial vacuum. Then the outside air pressure forces the egg into the bottle.
To get the eggs out of the bottles was something else again. With all the shaking, jiggling, and jouncing the eggs would not come. Sandy very nonchalantly claimed it was very simple. He just turned the bottle upside down and blew into it, and the pressure of air then forced the egg out of the bottle. The lads were delighted with their know how and were promising themselves a lot of fun outwitting their own families.
By this time we were ready to call the boys for eats the likes of which is not usually considered birthday-party fare. But it was in accordance with Sandy’s idea and made a hit with the gang.
Scrambled eggs and bacon with slices of buttered brown bread and tall glasses of milk disappeared in unbelievably short order. The birthday cake was decorated with candy Easter eggs stuck in the frosting. In saying Good-bye the lads assured Sandy his party had been an Eggciting affair.
Though they are a bit grown up for Elmo and Tweety, but they still likes to have fun and be funny. The above given eggs games will surely bring your guest in funny and fun mood.
Mitch Johnson
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/be-an-eggspert-in-the-eggciting-party-53566.html
I currently work in the nonprofit sector, so I don’t know anything about retail / sales for products and I am looking for some direction. Do I need to work with a distributor to sell my product, or should I try to work with each individual store? If I need a distributor, how do I find one that works in the tourism industry and do they take a cut?
You should get yourself a website, with a website your buyers at the caribbean islands tourist stores can see what your selling.
If you need a website I can build, design and maintain it for you, check my site out all the info is there.
dream-site-design.viviti.com go to contacts and see my current email address if you intrested.
I currently work in the nonprofit sector, so I don’t know anything about retail / sales for products and I am looking for some direction. Do I need to work with a distributor to sell my product, or should I try to work with each individual store? If I need a distributor, how do I find one that works in the tourism industry and do they take a cut?
You should get yourself a website, with a website your buyers at the caribbean islands tourist stores can see what your selling.
If you need a website I can build, design and maintain it for you, check my site out all the info is there.
dream-site-design.viviti.com go to contacts and see my current email address if you intrested.
Turks And Caicos Travel - A New Experience
Author: admin
Pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise water and near perfect weather are just a few reasons you might consider Turks and Caicos travel, a different experience from your typical Caribbean destinations. The natives to these islands are known for their friendly spirits; they will ensure a vacation that entails a truly relaxing and comfortable stay. If you are looking to de-stress from the pressures of daily living, look no further.
These beautiful islands are home to the third largest coral reef system and some of the best tropical beaches in the world. With over 230 miles of beaches, Turks and Caicos is a premier destination for family vacations, adventure seekers, ecotourism and of course for romance. An ideal location for diving and snorkelling, it is considered to be one of the top 10 in the world. Perhaps this is just one of the reasons why over 60% of visitors choose to keep returning to the incredible beaches Turks and Caicos offer.
The weather is very consistent; it is hot, sunny and rarely experiences rain. October and November are the wettest months of the year and by Caribbean standards, it is not really that wet at all! Of the 40 different islands, only 8 of them are still inhabited. A great way to truly experience the Turks and Caicos Islands, is to visit each island in the chain. Most of the islands are only about 10-25 minutes by air from Providenciales and most can be reached by boat as well.
Providenciales, or more commonly known as “Provo,” is the most developed island in Turks and Caicos. Found on the west side of the islands, it offers all the modern conveniences and is the most populated, while remaining a destination for those looking to escape their busy lives and relax. You can find a full service grocery store, a casino, retail shops, a golf club and offers a wide choice of Providenciales hotel and resort accommodations. One of the most beautiful beaches Turks and Caicos has to offer, Grace Bay, can also be found here.
North Caicos is the lushest of all the islands and boasts the largest flock of Pink Flamingo on the islands. Here you will find Whitby Beach, a 7 mile stretch of white sands that covers most of the northern coast. North Caicos is also home to the famous Three Mary’s Cays where you can go snorkelling to find a huge Osprey Nest on the third Cay.
Grand Turk is the capitol island that features historical buildings and an unforgettable rustic charm. One of the main attractions of Grand Turk is diving. There are many dive operators and schools that cater from novice snorkels to experienced divers. Here you will find an incredible protected coral reef that drops to 8000 feet and is close enough to shore for beach dives. One of the most popular excursions just off Grand Turk is Gibbs Cay. It is an uninhabited island that is perfect for a picnic on the beach and offers you a chance to feed the beautiful stingrays that swim right up to the shore!
No matter what you are looking for from your Turks and Caicos travel, you are sure to find it among the incredible beaches and resorts that are found here. From diving excursions to fun in the sun, the friendliness and warmth found here on the islands is unparalleled. Your vacation dreams are sure to be found amongst the islands of Turks and Caicos.
Sarah White
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/turks-and-caicos-travel-a-new-experience-92332.html
Cheap Caribbean Vacations: Checklist
Author: admin
It’s been a tiring year (what year isn’t!) and you’re looking to get some R&R before having to take on adult responsibilities again. So you’ve decided to search through some cheap Caribbean vacations to see if anything comes up that suits your tastes.
The Caribbean is made up of a good amount of islands such as The Cayman Islands, St. Lucia, St. Martin, Aruba, Bahamas, etc. Not all islands are known for the same types of settings and activities. Aruba for instance, though it does not supply the lushness and tropical island feeling as a Hawaii would, it does provide comfy weather, above average shopping, good-natured folks, and casinos if that’s your thing. For other casino hot spots, consider Antigua.
The U.S. Virgin Islands may be ideal for a romantic getaway if you’re planning on traveling with a significant other. St. Johns particularly is an excellent place to simply wine and dine under the sun in serene calm and relaxation.
Also whichever island you decie to go on, be certain to keep tabs on hurricane season and if the island you are interested in is in the hurricane belt of islands. All the aforementioned was just the tip of the iceberg.
There is so much to do in the Caribbean that it’s not even funny. You can go on a multitude of cruises, go on a golfing retreat, go vacationing, jet skiing, etc. Pretty much anything and everything you want out of rest and relaxation- you can attain with an inexpensive Caribbean escape if you conduct some thorough research.
John Thompson
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/cheap-caribbean-vacations-checklist-63686.html
Consumer Reports recently disclosed the results of their study that focused on predicting the reliability of new vehicles for the 2007 model year. Once again, Asian car makers fared well in terms of reliability and the European brands excelled in performance. Meanwhile, US brands has received a mixed performance on the tests and studies conducted by the leading information source for consumer products.
The three big car makers in the US fared not so well. But they did not do so badly either. Ford, for example, has a good number of vehicles which garnered good reliability ratings. This fact should help Ford finish higher in the leader board of the most reliable brands in the market. But about a quarter of their vehicles received below average ratings. The end result is that Ford remained unchanged and took position in the 16th place.
General Motors, currently the biggest automobile manufacturer, also has reliable vehicles produced. The brand received average or better ratings just like the Yukon SUV from GMC. But, just like Ford, about a third of their vehicles did not fare so well in the reliability study conducted by Consumer Reports.
Chrysler, another American car maker has the lowest average test score among the big three car manufacturers which are based in the US.
In the said study, Consumer Reports found out something that will be good for the reputation of Ford Motor Company and General Motors. Engineers who tested the different cars considered in the study found out that some recent models from the two aforementioned US car makers are serious competition to Japanese and European brands. The Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and the Cadillac CTS are cited as some of the American models which are at par with their Japanese or European counterparts.
The most notable cause of the below average rating of American made vehicles are in terms of reliability, fuel economy, braking and handling. All of these attributes are what Asian and European car makers excel at. Reliability and fuel economy are the strongest selling points of Asian brands. The Toyota Prius hybrid electric vehicle is one of the main reasons for the popularity of Asian brands when it comes to fuel economy. European brands, on the other hand, are known for their superiority in performance.
General Motors has 42 models considered by Consumer Reports in their study. Of that number, a handful performed great during the tests conducted by CR. The Chevrolet Avalanche and the renowned Corvette performed so well that they were almost at the top of their class. But the better-than-average ratings garnered by these models are countered by lackluster performance of many GM models which did the American car manufacturer no good at all. Outdated minivans and compact pick up trucks are some of the GM models which performed poorly on the tests CR performed on them. GM vehicles that have suffered low ratings are due to the fact that their performance in braking and handling is below par. Fuel economy is also an issue that GM needs to address in order for their vehicles to improve.
As for Ford, their lineup of vehicles showed good handling capability and ride comfort. The majority of their trucks and SUVs also received praise for their adequate space and utility provided. Their problem is in braking, refinement and fuel economy. It seems that American brands have a problem with fuel economy that is why aftermarket parts are used widely to improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, just like the Plymouth cold air intake system.
Chrysler has a lot of work to do to improve their vehicle’s performance. Noisy engines, bad visibility and cheap interior are what they need to work on still.
Lauren Woods
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/us-car-makers-has-mixed-performance-on-consumer-reports-tests-111927.html
Review All
Author: admin
Review by Ian Cutmore (MSCA, MCSE) all reviews have been quality reviewed by me and you the public. http://www.review.info
Duration : 1 min 23 sec
Scuba World Television Series - Cayman Brac
Author: admin
Scuba World's Television Crew visits Cayman Brac for another Adventure In Paradise. This episode is a diver to diver report on Cayman Brac's fabulous diving waters, resorts, travel, and the history of this island paradise. The 100 ft. visibility in Cayman Brac's clear blue waters provides stunning underwater video.
Duration : 18 min 29 sec