Caribbean travel tips and tricks

Caribbean travel, islands, all inclusive vactions and more!

Archive for the 'Caribbean Islands' Category

Caribbean Beaches

Author: admin
03 15th, 2010

Some of the best beaches in the world are located in the Caribbean Sea. For sure is the zone of the planet that has the best water, the most shining sand and the greatest hotel infraestructure in order to have everything resolve and just enjoy of the summer.

Some of the best beaches in the Caribbean are located in the multiple islands that this misterious sea has to offer. Once a shelter of pirate and thiefs, the islands of the Caribbean offer besides the incredible beaches, all the magic and ghost stories that the pirate world has given. In this context, the best beaches in the Caribbean are:

Los Roques, Venezuela, an amazing, unknown and wild place to enjoy some of the best views of the Caribbean Sea.

Tulum, Mexico, with spectacular Maya ruins, having the particularity that is the only place in the coast that the Maya culture has build one of their

Cancun, Mexico, the famous springbreak destination where you can find the calmest water and the craziest nights

Placencia, Belize, the most famous beach in Belize, and is in fact a peninsula of sixteen mile surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Placencia Lagoon

White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke, the tiniest island of the British Virgin Islands, has a population of 150 and his name came from a famous Dutch pirate that used to came to the island

With some of the best summer spots in the world, the Caribbean Sea is home of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are several reasons for that, and one of them is that the Caribbean water temperature average is 27 °C and it does not change beyond 3°C. The Caribbean offers a wide variety of beaches, hotels, wildnights and summer activities like diving, snorkelling or just lying on the beach.

 http://www.thecaribbeanbeaches.com

http://www.themexicobeaches.com

beaches
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/caribbean-beaches-688506.html



03 12th, 2010

Ok i’ve been looking up research on caribean Islands cause i am planning on going all inclusive in a couple months what is the best island right now St. Lucia seems the best is there one nicer ?

St.Lucia is not a bad choice but it would all depend on what you are looking for in a vacation.
Rising like an emerald tooth from the flat Caribbean Sea, St Lucia definitely grabs your attention. Glossed over as some sort of glam honeymoon spot, this mountainous island has much more to offer then just posh digs.
Who says the Caribbean is all about lying on the beach? If that’s all you do in St Lucia you’re missing out. The rainforest-choked interior is made for hiking; a canopy of green covers the island like a haze.

St.Lucia:

http://www.stlucia.org/

http://www.geographia.com/ST-LUCIA/

http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/brochures/caribbean/holidays/caribbean/st_lucia/

Things to do in St.Lucia:

http://www.viator.com/St-Lucia/d38-ttd

http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/263/top_things_to_do/Caribbean/St-Lucia.html

You can also try Barbados as well.
Barbados is a beautiful island. Lots of lovely scenery and so much to do, morning noon and night. You can never get bored because there is something for every type of person to take part in. Barbados is also romatic. Activites for kids and older ones…you will not regret visiting! The island has great beaches and is wonderful for shopping too! In Barbados you can also swim with Turtles. Wonderful sandy beaches with clear blue waters.Why not make this your destination?

http://funbarbados.com/

http://www.barbados.org/

http://www.visitbarbados.org/Splash.aspx

Things to do in Barbados:

http://www.funbarbados.com/Activities/

You can also try Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico is known around the world for its hospitality, lovely weather and incredibly beautiful women; where everybody - from the taxi driver to the governor - wants to make you feel at home. Puerto Rico offers you a wide scope of adventures and new experiences.

http://welcome.topuertorico.org/index.shtml

http://www.gotopuertorico.com/

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/puerto-rico

Things to do In Puerto Rico:

http://gopuertorico.about.com/od/planningyourtrip/u/WhatToDo.htm

http://www.viator.com/Puerto-Rico/d36-ttd

I hope this information helped you to make your decision!



03 12th, 2010

Ok i’ve been looking up research on caribean Islands cause i am planning on going all inclusive in a couple months what is the best island right now St. Lucia seems the best is there one nicer ?

St.Lucia is not a bad choice but it would all depend on what you are looking for in a vacation.
Rising like an emerald tooth from the flat Caribbean Sea, St Lucia definitely grabs your attention. Glossed over as some sort of glam honeymoon spot, this mountainous island has much more to offer then just posh digs.
Who says the Caribbean is all about lying on the beach? If that’s all you do in St Lucia you’re missing out. The rainforest-choked interior is made for hiking; a canopy of green covers the island like a haze.

St.Lucia:

http://www.stlucia.org/

http://www.geographia.com/ST-LUCIA/

http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/brochures/caribbean/holidays/caribbean/st_lucia/

Things to do in St.Lucia:

http://www.viator.com/St-Lucia/d38-ttd

http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/263/top_things_to_do/Caribbean/St-Lucia.html

You can also try Barbados as well.
Barbados is a beautiful island. Lots of lovely scenery and so much to do, morning noon and night. You can never get bored because there is something for every type of person to take part in. Barbados is also romatic. Activites for kids and older ones…you will not regret visiting! The island has great beaches and is wonderful for shopping too! In Barbados you can also swim with Turtles. Wonderful sandy beaches with clear blue waters.Why not make this your destination?

http://funbarbados.com/

http://www.barbados.org/

http://www.visitbarbados.org/Splash.aspx

Things to do in Barbados:

http://www.funbarbados.com/Activities/

You can also try Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico is known around the world for its hospitality, lovely weather and incredibly beautiful women; where everybody - from the taxi driver to the governor - wants to make you feel at home. Puerto Rico offers you a wide scope of adventures and new experiences.

http://welcome.topuertorico.org/index.shtml

http://www.gotopuertorico.com/

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/puerto-rico

Things to do In Puerto Rico:

http://gopuertorico.about.com/od/planningyourtrip/u/WhatToDo.htm

http://www.viator.com/Puerto-Rico/d36-ttd

I hope this information helped you to make your decision!



03 12th, 2010

If you are a beach lover who enjoys sunbathing, getting a tan, and listening to the waves, you will definitely have fun during your Caribbean vacation.  You not only get to do the things that you love, you can also appreciate the white sand of the Caribbean Island beaches. 

If you are the adventurous type who enjoys such water sports as surfing, you may want to check out the islands that are situated in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.  The waters in these areas are noted for the waves, which never fail to give most surfers the high or challenge that they are looking for.

If you are the type who prefers to appreciate the different creatures underwater, then you will definitely enjoy the tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea. 

If these activities are not what you have in mind, there are still many water activities that you can do during your Caribbean vacation.   These include dolphin watching (and you may even swim with the dolphins if you want!), windsurfing, and sailing.

Two of the most popular tourist destinations for Caribbean vacations are the islands of Jamaica and Barbados.  But a lesser known island located near the Leeward Islands, Antique, is slowly starting to become a favorite among tourists.  

What most tourists love about Antigua are the beaches.  It is said the island has 365 beaches, though this information is still subject to debate.  Whether the island truly has 365 beaches or not, it still has more than enough beaches to satisfy the picky tourist.   Some of the most notable beaches include Dickenson Bay, Half Moon Bay, Long Bay, and Rendezvous Beach.   Food and lodgings are not a problem as there are several hotels and restaurants located on and near the beaches.    You may even come across some offices that offer and organize cruises (boat and catamaran) and trips (scuba diving and snorkeling). 

Aside from the beaches, you can also enjoy other places in Antigua such as Nelson’s Dockyard and Long Street in St. John’s town.  Nelson’s Dockyard was once bustling with activity.  At present, it is considered a living museum.   You can find several old buildings at Long Street in St John’s town.  You can also sample West Indian cuisine at the restaurants located in the same street.

Anand
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/enjoying-caribbean-vacation-683588.html



Our daily briefing summary. Klaus, our Mountain Travel Sobek travel guide, tells us what to expect. We have a "wet" landing on the most beautiful white sand beach, full of sea lions, marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Gail from RomanoTravelOnline.com made all our travel agent arrangements. (2:33)
Real People having Real Fun! You can view this video & other travel videos in full screen near-DVD quality, slideshows & more, all with NO ADS, at jpmeyer.com. Mountain Travel Sobek (MTSobek.com) pioneered small group adventure travel in 1969. More than 100 adventure travel destinations, worldwide. Visit RomanoTravelOnline.com to arrange this adventure, or any of your other full service travel agent needs.

Duration : 2 min 33 sec

Read the rest of this entry »

Technorati Tags:



03 9th, 2010

Worried about the drop in your 401k and the uncertain economy however still considering a holiday but concerned about the cost? Well it is possible to have a holiday in the Caribbean and save money. This article will provide you some of the ways you can reduce your Caribbean vacation cost and still have a wonderful time.

Hotels
These are the times in which it pays to shop around. The economic slowdown in the United States and Europe is causing many hotels in the Caribbean to have empty rooms and so lower rates are available. By researching the various hotels and the packages they offer you can find hidden bargains.

Another way to reduce your hotel cost is to remember that hotels that are not directly on the beachfront but within walking distance of the beach usually cost less than hotels on the beach.

What type of hotel
Ask yourself the question, how much time do I really spend in the hotel room and the hotel? If your answer is that you spend a lot of your vacation time out of the hotel room, then do you really need to stay in a large hotel? On all the Caribbean islands there are small hotels that offer much lower rates than the large hotels.

Another vacation saver is to consider self-catering hotels. Many self-catering hotels provide all the conveniences of a regular hotel room with the added benefit of a decent sized kitchen or kitchenette. By being able to prepare some of your meals (at least breakfast) you can reduce your vacation food bill. When researching self-catering hotels ask for photos of the kitchen area so that you can see if it will be adequate for your needs. Also find out if there are any supermarkets within walking distance of the hotel.

If you choose a self-catering hotel, when you visit the supermarket, buy local brands rather than simply buying the brands that you use at home. You will generally find that local brands cost less.

Eating Out
One of the pleasures of a Caribbean vacation is dining, as there are numerous restaurants on each island serving all types of cuisine. One way to save money during your Caribbean holiday is to eat where the locals eat. You will invariably find that the prices at these establishments are lower as these places cater for locals who do not have the purchasing power of tourists. Part of the benefit of a vacation is to experience the culture of the island and local cuisine is a great way to experience local culture. How to know where to eat; use the time tested method: if it is lunchtime and there are many people lining up then the food must be good and the price must be reasonable.

Alcohol
Almost every hotel in the Caribbean has a bar because relaxing with a drink is part of the holiday experience. Visiting the bar everyday however can eat into a holiday budget. One way to save money and still have your alcohol is to visit the supermarket. By purchasing your alcohol at the supermarket and having some of your drinks on your hotel balcony while watching the sunset, you can save money. When buying alcohol in the Caribbean you will find that local and regional brands of beer cost significantly less than U.S. and European brands of beer, so buy local. The same is true with the cost of rum when compared to other distilled spirits such as whiskey and vodka.

Getting Around
Most people on a Caribbean vacation want to do some sightseeing and visit the places of interest on each island. Renting a car is a great way to do your sightseeing. Many of the attractions on each island can be found once you are armed with a good road map. In addition, having a car allows you to widen the circle of places where you can choose to have dinner. In deciding to rent a car however you should think of the amount of time the car is parked in the hotel parking lot while you are relaxing on the beach in front the hotel or taking an afternoon siesta. While the car is parked and you are not using the car you are still paying the rental for the car for that entire period.

One method of having the benefit of a car and still save some money is to plan your holiday in advance by researching the sights. The Internet has made researching sightseeing attractions much easier and one of the web sites where you can learn about the places to visit on different Caribbean islands is at the Island Adventures Page of the Caribbean Outdoor Life web site. Once you have completed your research you make a list, then rent a car for only 2 or 3 days and do all the sightseeing on those days. In this way you save on the car rental. On the days that you have the car you can choose to visit restaurants that are not in walking distance of your hotel.

Another potential vacation saver can be found in the area of car rental insurance. Check if your home auto insurance or credit card will provide insurance on a rental vehicle while you are on vacation in the Caribbean, thus saving you from purchasing insurance from the car rental company.

On the other days when you do not have a car you can use local transport for getting around. All hotels either have taxis at the hotel or arrangements with taxis who will quickly come to the hotel once they receive a call from the front desk. A much cheaper alternative however is to use the local bus service. The front desk staff can usually provide you with directions and advice on using the bus service.

Tours and Attractions
Every Caribbean island has retained much of its natural vegetation and so hiking to visit waterfalls and scenic points is one of the attractions of a Caribbean holiday. All islands have at least one local hiking club and/or Field Naturalist Club that will organise hikes for its members. All of these clubs will allow non-members to participate on their organised hikes. While these clubs will charge a fee for you to participate in their hike, the fee will be much less than the fee charged by a tour guide. One point to remember however is that these hikes are organised for their local members and will therefore be on a weekend.

Many of the attractions on the various islands charge a fee for entrance. There are however many other attractions that you can visit for free, particularly historic buildings especially churches, the smaller forts and government buildings. The capital of each island is one location where you are certain to find historic buildings and monuments that are free places to visit.

So if you are thinking about a vacation, consider the Caribbean, with a little planning you can have a wonderful vacation at a significantly lower cost.

brian ramsey
http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-finance-articles/saving-money-on-a-caribbean-holiday-712739.html



On a trip to the Caribbean, the thought of a sub tropical climate, white sandy beaches and a great place to relax are the first thoughts that come to the mind. The Caribbean is studded with over 7000 islands, islets, forests and mountains, and deciding which are the top 10 places to see can be quite difficult. Of course, looking for beaches to relax on, or places for scuba diving and snorkelling is easy, as there are plenty of places for this in the Caribbean islands. But to really see Caribbean islands a visit to the sanctuaries, plantations and towns is also required for getting a real feeling for the place.  

                                                                                                                          

Those who are looking for peace and quiet to unwind and to start their vacation with, must first head to Virgin Gorda. It is empty, laid back and not easy to get to, but once there it is an ideally suited place to relax and unwind. St. John is also a good choice, being one of the least populated and least developed of the islands. For an authentic Caribbean experience, Nevis with its flat coast line, rain forests and Mount Nevis - and a rather small population - would be the place to visit. Also, there are no ugly high rises on this island. Most of the luxurious hotels and villas are situated on Anguilla, with its lovely coastline and miles of beaches making it an ideal spot for a relaxing vacation by the sea.  

No visit to the Caribbean would be complete without a visit to Bermuda. The place bustles with people and the atmosphere is always festive. If shopping is required then a hop to Harbour Island is in order. There are colourful cottages along the harbour and old palatial residences. This is one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas, and the feel of the past still remains in this town. Looking for adventure would require a trip to Saba, where there is a dormant volcano that can be reached by a thin winding road. There is plenty of wild life to be seen in this beautifully preserved island.

The Dominican Republic is a choice of many vacationers that offers two different types of beaches. The Caribbean side boasts white sandy beaches and the gulf side does not. Cayman Islands have a beach called 7 Mile Beach, and the beach just continues into the horizon. For duty free shoppers St Thomas offers stores loaded with electronics, emeralds, diamond and duty free liquor shops. It also has a stunning beach. Luxury hotels and casinos are in Aruba - and also some of the friendliest people.

A trip to the Caribbean without visiting the rum capital of the world, Jamaica, would be considered incomplete. The people are relaxed and friendly and one can ride a bike around Jamaica.  

There are so many islands, and each boasts their own individuality, that one is really hard placed to decide which the best are as each one of them is unique.

David R HUghes
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/going-to-the-caribbean-10-places-you-have-to-see-695006.html



Galapagos Islands, Rabida, Island survey from the ship.
Our daily briefing. Overview of the island from the ship, with it's orange sand beach.
jpmeyer.com

Duration : 2 min 59 sec

Read the rest of this entry »

Technorati Tags:



As our journey begins, we will be looking at some of the best places on all three points of the Caribbean. From the Lesser Antilles of the Eastern Caribbean to the vibrant, colorful, ancient Mayan ruins of Mexico touching the Western Caribbean to the fabulous duty free shopping of the Southern Caribbean, we will take a first hand look at what cruising to these spots has to offer vacationers.

We begin first with the Eastern Caribbean Cruise itinerary, both rich in culture and offer breathtaking scenery. The itinerary usually includes the Bahamas (located in the Atlantic Ocean) and islands of the Eastern Caribbean which include St Thomas, St. Maarten – St. Martin, Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. Most cruises to the Eastern Caribbean begin in Florida, with some departing out of Texas and sometimes when the Ship is repositioning, it will depart out of one of the North East ports.

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and is a hub of activity. With its colonial forts and interesting sites, Nassau’s downtown area is perfect for walking and offers some great shopping opportunities. Atlantis, a world-class resort is located in Nassau, and must be seen to be believed. Nassau is a must see on your trip to the Bahamas.

The scenery alone are worth the visit to the lush island of St. Thomas, USVI, not to mention the duty free shops and treasure –filled boutiques that are abundant for shopping aficionados. Some points of interest include Fort Christian, a US National Landmark and the oldest standing structure in the Virgin Island and Government house, which has been the center of government in St. Thomas since the mid 1860’s.

The cultural aspect of St. Maarten – St. Martin, split between a French side and a Dutch side, makes it unique. St. Maarten, the Dutch side, is lively with casinos and a bustling nightlife. This nightlife is known to be the most energetic in all the Caribbean. St. Martin, the French side, is more docile with very little nightlife, but it does have the opportunity to taste some terrific food. Beautiful beaches surround both sides of this wonderful island.

With its beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder the Dominican Republic brings visitors back again and again. Christopher Columbus landed here during his exploration of the new world and declared it in the name of Spain – Santo Domingo, today, is home to some of the oldest buildings in the Western Hemisphere. Covered with spectacular white sandy beaches, and warm waters perfect for your water activities, Dominican Republic is one stop you won’t soon forget!

Some great cruise deals going on to the Eastern Caribbean are:
1. $379+: 7nt Bahamas Cruise Vacation Deal
2. $1079+: 8nt Caribbean Cruise on RCCL

Sailing mostly out of Florida and Texas, the Western Caribbean cruises invite you to experience such places as the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Key West, Florida. Each with its unique distinctions, these spots have a world to offer any traveler.

Cozumel, an island off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is a popular destination renowned for its snorkeling and scuba diving. This vibrant, colorful island is home to the ancient Mayan ruins and ultra-modern resorts. It also has some of the whitest powder sand and the clearest blue water you will ever see!

Although Jamaica has quite a few different spots to visit while on your Western Caribbean Cruise, make sure your itinerary includes Dunhill River Falls and/or Negril, Jamaica.

Ochio Rios, a city on the northern coast of Jamaica, has gained popularity among tourists as it is touted as being one of the safest areas for tourists in Jamaica. Two must sees when you go to Ochio Rios is the Dunn’s River Falls and Dolphin Cover, where visitors are able to swim and interact with dolphins.

Negril has been rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world by many travel magazines. South of downtown Negril is West End Road, known as the cliff area. This area offers good water for snorkeling and diving, and if you’re really daring, jumping points reaching more then 40 feet high. Rick’s Café is the place to watch the cliff jumpers. Consider one of the 1,000 places to go before you die, Rick’s Café not only entertains you with cliff jumpers, but has some of the best sunsets are some of the best in the world.

Another stop on your Western Caribbean cruise is Key West. Lying near the end of the chain of islands known as the Florida Keys, Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States. Located north of Cuba and southwest of Miami, this laid back spot offers fun with its trolleys, great bars and music, and a plethora of water activities such as jet ski tours, kayak tours, and some of the best fishing anywhere in the world. If you are still around Key West during the early evening - don’t that you are in one of the most magnificent spots to view the sun set.

Take a closer look at some great deals to visit these and other islands in the Western Caribbean.
1. $499+: 7nt Western Caribbean Cruise
2. $599+: 7nt Western Caribbean Cruise – President’s Week

Finishing off the Caribbean cruise excursions is the Southern Caribbean.  Mainly departing from Puerto Rico, cruisers enjoy stops including Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, and Curacao. 

Antigua is the absolute ‘beach-bum’ vacation destination.  Priding themselves on having a different beach for every day of the year, Antigua’s beaches are lined with soft white sand which attract people from all over the world who simply want to get away from it all.  Although Antigua’s British past is still evident with several forts dotting this island, people come here not for the history lesson, but rather to experience the crystal-clear waters and velvety sand.

More water adventures can be had in Aruba.  Part of the Netherlands Antilles, this island was virtually undiscovered by the tourist industry until a few years ago.  Miles and miles of white sandy beaches and desert-like landscape make up this piece of paradise.  Outside of the hurricane path, the island receives only a few inches of rainfall yearly making warm weather a given at any time of the year.  Palm trees swaying in the warm breeze and turquoise water lapping over a white sandy shore-line is music to anyone’s eyes.

Barbados, sometimes known as the “England of the tropics”, is famous for its miles of pink and white sand beaches – and who could argue with that?  Other then the clear water of the Caribbean Sea, Barbados is steeped with colonial history.  Buildings on the islands capital, Bridgetown, recall time of British rule.  A tad bit of history in Barbados, but the call of beautiful sandy beaches is what keeps people coming back to this magnificent island.

Along with Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao makes up the ABC Islands of the Lesser Antilles.  These are the only islands outside of the hurricane belt, so this would be the best itinerary to choose during hurricane season. Curacao is the perfect spot for those folks looking for warm water, an excellent nightlife and a unique cultural experience.  Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, is like visiting a small European city with all of the charm – and shopping.   These waters are great for snorkeling and scuba diving, particularly at the Curacao Underwater Park.  There are also several interesting sites inland such as the Hato Caves and the Curacao Seaquarium.  If the Southern Caribbean is your choice to cruise, give this island a close look.

You can view some great cruise deals to the Southern Caribbean here:
1. $449+: 7nt Southern Caribbean Cruise
2. $609+: 7nt Caribbean Cruise on RCCL

Of course, there is more to the Caribbean then the places above. A whole world of adventure and relaxation await you on any of the three points of the Caribbean. Enjoy your time exploring!

Rich Gonzalez
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/a-closer-look-at-caribbean-cruise-itineraries-717335.html



02 28th, 2010

When asked which of the Caribbean islands is the most beautiful, the debate is endless and almost always without consensus. Barack Obama may well change that. Very few travelers who have hiked the trails through La Sierra de los Organos to the spectacular Vinales Valley , or strolled the white sands of Varandne will vote for anyplace other than Cuba . The only factor standing between Cuba being a travel destination of choice for the U.S. traveler is of course, the U.S. Policy toward Cuba .

But what if the U.S. Policy would change? What are the implications for Cuba , as well as the Bahamas and the Caribbean nations whose economies depend almost entirely on tourism? When Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009, there will be change. Only the nature and pace of the change is as of yet unknown.

During a campaign swing through Miami , celebrating Cuban Independence Day, Obama said, “My policy toward Cuba will be guided by one word: ‘libertad,’ the Spanish word for liberty. His promise to the Cuban-Americans was to lower travel restrictions for Cuban-Americans visiting family members, plus an increase in the allowable money transfers to Cuba . Many expect this promise to be honored in the first 30 days of the Obama Presidency. He is also expected to expand the people-to-people exchange policy initiated by the Clinton administration, and all but eliminated under the Bush administration. The number of academics, church groups, students and other groups without commercial purpose traveling to Cuba would increase dramatically.

The real question is whether Raul Castro will respond favorably to these changes in U.S. Policy and begin his own policy changes affording the Cuban populace more personal liberties. If that door opens would Obama and the U.S. Congress consider lifting the embargo and allowing unlimited commercial and personal travel? And what would that mean?

The U.S. traveler will win; Cuba ’s economy will win, but I wonder what of the other countries of the Caribbean and their need for the tourist dollar? Is there enough to go around? While the residents of the Bahamas and the Caribbean countries overwhelming favored Obama for president, citing “change” as the critical factor, many experts are concerned harder times are coming for the tourism industry. These difficult times would only be exacerbated by an increase in Cuban tourism.

Furthermore, the government coffers of many Caribbean countries have grown fat with the influx of high end resort developments spending, and promises to spend, hundreds of millions of dollars to develop large tracts of land, often very remote, into high end developments featuring golf courses, casinos and marinas built for the largest luxury yacht. These vacation, investment or second homes often are priced well over a million dollars. A cornerstone of the Obama campaign was his promise to raise income taxes for anybody who could afford one of these properties. An entry from an expat blog, the Belize Gringo, “………the tax reforms that Obama plans to put in place would severely cut the disposable income that this income tax bracket previously spent on vacationing and investing in Belize ” is representative of the concern.

For those Caribbean countries whose financial and banking sectors generate a significant source of national income, Obama policies may also have an impact. He is a staunch supporter of eliminating tax havens in the Caribbean , having proposed the “Stop Tax Haven Abuse Bill” while in the Senate. The French and Germans have suggested a primary blame for the world wide banking crisis is the existence of these tax havens and have discussed embargos to force change. It would be strange world if at the end of the Obama presidency the trade and travel restrictions now imposed on Cuba have been moved to the Caymans and other “tax havens.”

The first ninety days of any presidency is often viewed as a measuring stick for the next four years. No group will be watching the Obama Presidency closer than the Caribbean community.

Roger Washburn
http://www.articlesbase.com/hotels-articles/the-obama-factor-tourism-in-the-caribbean-673852.html