One of the most beloved features of the Caribbean islands is the idyllic weather. Rain or shine in some other part of the world, you can expect to have the perfect weather here. That’s because a whole range of climate is afforded you – from the striking deserts of Aruba to the misty jungles of Dominica, from balmy breezes to soothing sunshine, and everything in between. And the best way to enjoy the Caribbean’s lovely weather is to go on a Caribbean travel cruise.

Sure, you can always take a plane ride to the Caribbean. That’s the quickest and probably the cheapest way to get to your island destination. But if you want to combine transportation with leisure views of the islands from the ocean, then a Caribbean travel cruise is best. Indeed, there’s no better way to enjoy an island paradise than from the deck of a luxury line cruise ship.

If you agree, then you’re amongst crowds. Approximately two million travelers take Caribbean travel cruises each year to enjoy the beautiful beaches and warm weather. Caribbean travel cruises are popular because of the activities and amenities available on board the ship. In addition, many of these ships make stops at various islands along the way, giving you a chance to enjoy several aspects of the islands all for the price of one.

If you decide to take a Caribbean travel cruise, plan ahead. There are many factors that you ought to consider, not least of which is price. Admittedly, Caribbean travel cruises are a bit on the expensive side compared with all-inclusives and other packages. But if you plan well, there’s no reason why you can’t get a good deal with your Caribbean travel cruise.

Depending on the season, cabins may get fully booked months before the Caribbean travel cruise is scheduled to depart. So if you want to make it your chosen cruise, book early by calling the cruise line or making an online reservation. Or if you want, you can also work out the details of your own Caribbean travel cruise through an online or in-person travel agent.

Always keep in mind your vacationing goals. For instance, if you’re taking a Caribbean travel cruise with your kids, stick to the Disney cruise because if anything, this is guaranteed to have activities designed specifically for children. If you’re traveling as a couple, then look for one of those romance-themed cruises that provide you with a quiet atmosphere, like the Princess cruise for instance, the line used by the Love Boat TV show. On the other hand, if you want to sail on board the most luxurious ships, then look to liners known for their top notch Caribbean travel cruise services, such as Crystal, Silversea, or the new Queen Mary II.

There are many ocean liners offering Caribbean travel cruises. Each of them offers a variety of price, schedule and island stop options. Whether you seek an extravagant vacation aboard a floating luxury hotel, a romantic getaway with your loved one, or an activity-filled family voyage, just choose your dream ship and you’re all set.

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We strive to locate cheap cruises for our visitors. Some of the locations we offer cheap cruises 2010 our Western Mediterranean cruises, Eastern Mediterranean Cruises, Cruise Caribbean, St. Thomas Cruises and Cruises to Mexico.

An Expert Guide for Southern Caribbean Cruise Deals 2010 & Cruise Reviews.

For years the Southern Caribbean has been the most underrated of the tourist spots in the Caribbean region. There were tourists who were regulars at the eastern or western Caribbean cruises who didn’t even think of detouring to the southern parts. But the ensuing air scare post 9/11 meant that tourists became keen to venture to new places they could reach without flying. Thus, the hitherto unpopular Southern Caribbean Cruises soared in popularity.

The islands of Aruba, St. Berth’s, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Antigua, St. Kitts, and Nevis are the more popular ones among the lot.

The best Southern Caribbean Cruises have won favor with the tourists in such a short time mainly due to the fact that they offer a varied palette. You have beaches and the associated sundry beach activities in Aruba, Antigua and Barbados, while Guadeloupe’s charm lies in the myriad forms of scenery found here. You have here tropical rain forests, mountains and volcanoes. You have a slice of France at St. Barth. Here you will find quaint roadside cafes, swank boutiques with a mind-boggling array of merchandise, upscale restaurants for fine dining experiences, and a hip beach culture. The ambience is so French that you will almost feel that you would walk into the Eiffel Tower at the next turning.

Grenada and Dominica, not yet evolved as tourist hotspots, have retained their old world and laidback charm and this adds to their attraction. After all, there’s never a dearth of city slickers who yearn for a piece of quiet once in a while.

Though ships, the luxury liners and the budget ones, ferry all throughout the year, still winter is the best month to visit the Caribbean islands. For one, you can escape the sweltering summers and also avoid the ferocious tropical storms that pound the region every year during June to November.

The southern Caribbean cruises should feature in every traveler’s itinerary, for this is a region which offers both scenic beauty and a multifaceted cultural milieu, which make for a truly enriching experience. Remember, the best southern Caribbean cruises are to be experienced in the spring or fall.

For More Information Please Visit Our Site: http://thecruisetalk.com/southern-caribbean-cruises.html

Christopher Columbus is a celebrated historical figure, renowned for his navigational brilliance in ‘finding’ the Caribbean islands and America for the West. Thanks to him, we can take our holidays to Cuba, Grenada, the Bahamas and even the USA, but how much do we hear about the mistakes he made?

Columbus Tours Cuba and Takes Souvenirs

We all know that when Cristóbal Colón embarked from Spain he was looking for something other than a place to take a holiday. Cuba actually got in the way of his quest for quick access to the Indies and the spice trade riches they possessed. So when Columbus and his convoy reached land after a voyage of more than two months, he got lucky when he found a different form of wealth: new land fit for colonisation and resources to claim for his country.

In October of 1492, on the first of his four Caribbean sightseeing tours, Cuba, Hispaniola, and some of the Bahamas were discovered. He landed on one of the small Bahaman islands first, but which one in particular has been forgotten. A few weeks later, the expedition stumbled into the island upon which Columbus would take many Cuba holidays over the following decade.

Upon landing in Cuba, he sent out a party of his men to find the Emperor of China. They came back instead with news of indigenous natives who rolled leaves into something called a “tabaco” which they smoked through their nostrils. Columbus took about twenty-five of these cigar-smoking natives home to Spain as souvenirs. But taking trophies was just the start of his heavy-handedness in the country.

Things would get much worse for the natives in the years following Columbus’s first expeditionary tour. Cuba, at the time of the discovery, had a population of more than 200,000 aborigines. Most of these would be wiped out by the diseases that the Spanish brought to the island, the rest would become slaves.

Columbus Finds Islands, But Loses Ships

It was not all sunshine and cigars for his crew either. Three months into his charting of the Caribbean, the flagship Santa Maria was wrecked in a storm. This was to be his first wreckage in these waters. He managed to lose eight more in his voyages of 1493, 1498, and 1502. As a result, scuba enthusiasts taking wreck diving tours in Cuba today might be unknowingly exploring the wrecks that once carried Columbus from Spain.

As European interest in the region grew, more and more ships fell victim to its shallow waters and hidden reefs. Some historians reckon there are still about a hundred wreckages scattered in the waters around the Caribbean islands waiting to be discovered.

On the last of his voyages Columbus lost two ships and was marooned in Jamaica for a year. Not such an unpleasant fate to endure, you might think, but it goes to show that the Caribbean was a treacherous place to sail in back then, and although Christopher Columbus was undoubtedly a great navigator, his voyages weren’t all plain sailing.

With stunning landscapes, crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and a sunny year round climate, the red hot Caribbean has hundreds of exciting destinations for every lifestyle. Below are a few Caribbean travel agency you can check out for some help on your Caribbean trip.

Bluewater Travel

Specializing in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bluewater Caribbean Travel Agency works at finding the best travel rates for your national and international travel. Whether its hotels and vacation villas, bed and breakfasts, and airfares and cruises, this Caribbean travel agency is able to put together the best packages.

To start you off, Bluewater Travel lets you choose what type of package you are looking for. Packages may include airfare, accommodations, car rental, as well as scuba diving, snorkeling, and horseback riding in St. Croix. In addition, their travel agents will also search out other destinations for you.

Travel Impressions

Since 1974, Travel Impressions has been servicing travelers in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Hawaii, United States, Central America, and South America. This Caribbean travel agency was awarded the ‘Best Tour Operator, Sales and Service’ at the 2005 Travel Weekly’s Reader’s Choice Awards. What they are offering are high-quality, reliable and value-oriented vacation packages.

Travel Impressions offer the latest in hotel promotions, all listed in their Caribbean Promotions page, which is updated daily. So check back here often if you want to know about any changes to that new hotel promo you want to take advantage of.

Funjet Vacations

Funjet Vacations is another great Caribbean travel agency that offers to help you find the best deals in the market. You can search for deals at this agency by using the online form available at their website. Just choose what vacation type you want whether Air and Hotel Package, Air Only, or Hotel Only, your destination, and your desired time of departure. And then, press on Go and this Caribbean travel agency will show you a list of packages that would suit your needs.

The Funjet specials are best value. Currently their list of specials include the following:

50 More Reasons to Use your Mastercard, where you can save an extra $50 from your vacation
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Expedia

City breaks, beach holidays, last minute, family deals, ski deals, Easter breaks, and whatever else you can think of – Expedia has it all. This Caribbean travel agency lets you create your perfect trip through their online trip customization tool. Discover the world and spend as little as possible with Expedia’s great hotel and holiday rates. The site even gives you some ideas for your next trip so you never run out of fun things to do on your Caribbean vacation.

CaribbeanWay

When it comes to Caribbean travel agency networks, the CaribbeanWay has one of the most comprehensive set of tools for both travel agents and travelers. This Caribbean travel agency offers Caribbean vacation rentals to their luxury villa clientele in every point of the islands.So if you want a unique Caribbean experience that you will love and never forget, then try CaribbeanWay and choose your island destination.

The name Caribbean is almost synonymous with Sea, Sun and Sand. Magnificent beaches abound ranging from dazzling white sand, to pink sand to rich golden brown sand through to beautiful black sand beaches. These beaches seem to call you to dive into the sparkling blue water and then relax on the beach soaking in the sun and admiring the beauty of the scene. For those who want more activity at the beach than reclining on a lounge chair sipping a cold drink, Caribbean vacations offer a range of beach activities. On almost every island you can find jet skis, ocean kayaks, parasailing, surfing, wind surfing, kite boarding, water skis and banana boat rides at the major beaches.

The opportunity to go surfing is a key element in deciding on a vacation locale for a growing number of people and Barbados is the surfing paradise of the Caribbean. The island’s location far out in the Atlantic Ocean allows waves to travel thousands of kilometers across the sea before finally unleashing their power over Barbados’ coral reefs. Barbados receives waves to surf from all directions thus providing for unlimited surfing conditions all over. The number one surfing location in Barbados is the internationally recognised Soup Bowl in Bathsheba. All over the island however there are beaches suited to surfing, from Brandons Beach near Bridgetown to Accra Beach. South Point Beach has a fairly powerful and clean wave while the shorebreak at Inchcape on Silver Sands Beach seems to break 365 days a year. For those who do not know how to surf but want to learn while on vacation, Barbados has many surfing shops to provide instruction.

The Dominican Republic is known as the kiteboarding capital of the world and for the past four years the Kiteboarding World Cup has been held in the Dominican Republic town of Cabarete. Along this region of the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, nature has created the perfect blend of wind, water and waves to generate incomparable kiteboarding and windsurfing conditions. In June of every year, Windsurfers also flock to Cabarete for the annual World Cup Windsurfing Competition.

As fun-filled as Caribbean beaches are, today there is much more to a Caribbean vacation than activities at the beach and these activities are both beyond and behind the beach. As you move beyond the beach there is a range of activities including Deep-sea Fishing, Dolphin/Whale Watching and Diving.

Fishing is a recreational pastime on every Caribbean island and throughout the Caribbean certain pelagic game fish can be found with some of the more sought after species being sailfish, marlin, tuna and wahoo. As these species are migratory fish they are more abundant at certain times of the year on each island but there are other species that can usually be found year round at different islands. The game fishing off the waters of Tobago is a sport angler´s dream with some of the world´s most exciting game fish, including blue marlin, white marlin, swordfish, wahoo, tuna, barracuda, dolphin (mahi-mahi) and shark. Jamaica’s northern waters are also well-known for deep-sea and sport fishing. Anglers can hook a large number of fish, including mahi mahi, wahoo, blue and white marlin, sailfish, tarpon, barracuda, and bonito.

Visitors can now go whale and dolphin watching in a number of Caribbean countries including: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines. In fact, there are an amazing thirty species of whales and dolphins in the Caribbean. The most frequently spotted species include humpback and sperm whales, and bottlenose, spotted and spinner dolphins. Whale watching vessels are usually medium to small-sized vessels carrying less than 75 people, which offer an excellent opportunity to get a great view of the whales. While each of these islands offers whale watcing, the activity has developed in Dominica to the point where Dominica has become known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean.” The island boasts a 90% success rate in spotting whales or dolphins during a whale watching excursion. The island offers excellent year round whale watching opportunities including spectacular sperm whale mother-calf pairs, whose spouts can sometimes even be seen from shore.

Those sparkling blue waters that provide so much enjoyment topside also provide a world of adventure below its surface. The Caribbean is one of the top regions for scuba diving and snorkeling with breathtaking marine life. The Cayman Islands are one of the premier areas in the world for diving with crystal clear turquoise waters that run deep with wondrous walls, shallow coral reefs, new and old wrecks and some of the most dynamic marine life. Tobago is another island that offers a myriad of diving opportunities for both the new and experienced diver plus the holiday snorkeler. Home of the elusive manta rays and the Caribbean’s largest brain coral, Tobago is a year round scuba diving destination.

Behind the beach on each Caribbean island there is also a range of vacation activities that can include hiking, bird watching, river tubing, visiting natural attractions, history tours and enjoying a vibrant nightlife.

The natural landscape with abundant rain forests makes hiking a popular vacation activity in the Caribbean and Trinidad has a range of hiking opportunities with hikes varying in difficulty from 1 to 8. There are tour guides for those who want guided tours and almost every weekend hiking groups visit various natural attractions. The 32-kilometer trail from Blanchisseuse to Matelot on Trinidad’s north coast is considered a jewel. Along the hike one alternates from unspoiled rainforest to untouched beaches. The trail rambles over a succession of small ridges, crossing several small streams and passing through abandoned estate lands with cocoa, coffee, tonka bean, nutmeg and papaya (pawpaw).

Dominica, lying in the Eastern Caribbean between Martinique and Guadeloupe, calls itself the Nature Island and rightfully so. Its landscape is covered with lush untouched natural rain forest. Within those forests are tall cascading waterfalls, hidden fern grottoes, mountain lakes, boiling lakes, hot springs and mysterious regions of volcanic activity. All these natural wonders within a 29 mile by 16 mile island that has almost 300 miles of footpaths, so that in almost every part of the country, trails weave their way into gorges and across valleys, climbing up to 4,000 foot mountains, creating a hiker´s paradise. In Dominica, there are trails for every level of hiker, varying from easy 30-minute walks to more moderate 45 minute to 2-hour hikes to strenuous 6-hour treks. All of these in a land that seems to bear fruit everywhere, so that all over you see oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, bananas, papayas, guavas, star fruit, breadfruit, passion fruit.

The natural landscape of the Caribbean also allows bird watching to be another popular year round vacation activity. Trinidad and Tobago has some of the most diverse bird species to be found in one location with over 460 species in a combined land area of 1,868 square miles. Asa Wright Nature Center, is Trinidad and Tobago´s premier birding location and it has been widely recognized as one of the most successful eco-tourism stories in the world. Asa Wright, with a listing of 159 bird species, is a 270-acre conservatory, located on a former cocoa-coffee-citrus plantation partly reclaimed by secondary forest and largely surrounded by impressive rainforest. The center has several cottages that are available for rent and one can choose to spend a night, a weekend or even longer. There are numerous trails throughout the property and very knowledgeable guides. Two of the highlights are the short walk to the manakin leks to see these beautiful little birds dance to attract a mate and to see and hear the Bearded Bellbird. Another special attraction of the Asa Wright Nature Centre, is a breeding colony of the nocturnal Oilbird, or Guacharo (Steatornis caripensis). Located in Dunston Cave, this is the only known easily accessible colony of this species. These visits must however generally be booked in advance as the number of visits and visitors is limited.

Wet, wild and wonderful are the words that describe yet another popular outdoor Caribbean vacation activity; River Tubing. On Grenada’s Balthazar River, Dominica´s Layou River, Jamaica´s White River or Great River you can spin and swirl in large modified tubes as the river currents take you on a thrilling ride down river. Along the way you can enjoy the scenery of natural untouched rain forest and at the end of your ride you can swim in the river´s natural pools.

Nature has blessed the Caribbean in innumerable ways and provided it with a host of natural attractions. On the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands is a national park known as The Baths. Here giant granite boulders are scattered about a beach lapped by the blue Caribbean Sea. Standing almost 50 feet tall, these massive boulders form a series of grottoes in which to play and explore. Within this seaside labyrinth are many placid pools that create a truly romantic locale.

St. Lucia boasts of one of the most unique Caribbean natural attractions with what is probably the world´s only drive-in volcano. Located at La Soufriere you can drive your car to the semi-active volcano and then take a guided tour. The five acre wide hissing crater is a red, blue and green tinged landscape, which has 24 steaming vents that hint at deposits of iron, copper oxide, magnesium and others minerals bubbling to the surface. The entire area gives a fascinating picture of what the earth must have looked like 400,000 years ago when the dome of molten lava collapsed.

The bioluminescent bay found at Puerto Mosquito (Mosquito Bay) located on the southern shore of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico has to be rated as one of the things you must see before you die. A trip into the bay on a balmy night is a magical experience because when the calm waters around the bay are disturbed, the microscopic organisms in the bay emit a blue-green light and so swimming or kayaking in the bay is like floating among the stars. The 2008 Guinness Book of World Records has officially declared this magical bioluminescent bay the brightest recorded in the world.

The Caribbean was considered desirable property in the 17th and 18th century, which led to numerous battles between France, England, Spain and Holland and many islands changing ownership several times. The need to protect these islands resulted in numerous fortifications, while the change of ownership led to varying architectural styles. Many of these historic sites are well preserved and provide interesting glimpses of the past. Two of these sites are Brimstone Hill in St Kitts and the Garrison Historic District in Barbados.

The Brimstone Hill Fortress has been converted to a National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of historical, cultural and architectural significance. The fortress is considered one of the best preserved historical fortifications in the Americas. It has been described as “a monument to the ingenuity of the British military engineers who designed it and to the skill, strength and endurance of the African slaves who built and maintained it”. Tours of Brimstone Hill are conducted daily, and highlights include the hospital, ammunition stores, artillery officer’s quarters, the Prince of Wales Bastion, and the Citadel of Fort George. In addition to learning about the historical significance of the fort, a visit affords one the opportunity to enjoy attractive panoramic vistas of forested mountains, cultivated fields, the historical township of Sandy Point, and the neighboring islands of Nevis, Montserrat, Saba, St. Martin and St. Barts.

The Garrison Historic Area in Barbados surrounds the Garrison Savannah, which is the center of much of the sporting and recreational activity in Barbados. The Savannah however is a historic location for much more than sport. The historical significance of the Garrison Savannah goes back to 1650 when Charles Fort was erected in the area and then in 1705, St. Ann´s Fort was added. This area developed into a military complex and being the site of a military complex, numerous buildings were constructed from the 1660´s to the 1800´s. These buildings today give the Garrison area much of its historical and architectural interest. On any walk around the Garrison area you cannot miss seeing the numerous cannons that are located in the area. These form part of the Barbados National Cannon Collection, which constitutes the largest cluster of 17th Century English cannons in the world. One of the prominent buildings in this area is the Main Guard building facing the racetrack. This elegant Georgian building from 1802 with its handsome clock tower and wide verandah is now an information centre and houses exhibits about the West Indian Regiment. As you continue around the Savannah there are numerous 17th- to 19th-century military buildings constructed from brick brought as ballast on ships from England and also several memorials. Another significant building in this area is the Barbados Museum, which is housed in a compound that was formerly a military prison, and centered around a large airy courtyard with trees and flowering shrubs.

When night falls your activities do not end as the Caribbean has an array of bars, clubs and world class restaurants. For true local flavor however, the weekly street parties are unmatched. On the island of St Lucia the fishing village of Gros Islet transforms itself every Friday night into a colorful carnival scene, featuring soca and reggae music and a “jump up” (dancing in the streets). The Fish Fry on Friday´s in Grenada´s village of Gouyave provides you the opportunity to sample an array of freshly caught local seafood to the backdrop of calypso rhythms. Not to be outdone the Sunday School in Tobago´s Buccoo Village held every Sunday night allows you to dance to the music of the steelband while looking out on the fishing boats gently rocking in the bay.

With so much to do on a Caribbean Vacation, your only difficulty is to choose an island.

One of the best and most affordable Caribbean vacation spots is a lovely little Belizean seacoast village just a few hours from the USA.

Placencia, Belize, is one of the most laid back, pretty and interesting places in the Caribbean. This friendly little village situated on the tip of a long sandy peninsula in south eastern Belize is an affordable, uncrowded little gem of a tropical paradise.

With sixteen miles of sandy beaches, the impossibly blue Caribbean on one side, a mangrove-fringed lagoon teeming with life on the other, Placencia is indeed very special. And just offshore are myriad cayes, or small islands, dotting Belize’s Barrier Reef, the second largest reef in the world. Uncrowded diving,snorkelling, fishing, kayaking and island exploration trips are less than an hour away, and you’ll also get to meet some of the friendliest people on the planet.

As Caribbean holiday destinations go, Placencia is still relatively untouched, and retains an air of a place where people live, rather than a place where people visit. Everyone seems to know each other, and the main thoroughfare, a 4,071 foot long by 4 foot wide footpath recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the narrowest main street in the world, is usually alive with conversation and laughter.

Scattered along Placencia’s sidewalk and fronting Belize’s Caribbean Sea is an assortment of affordable, comfortable, casual bars and restaurants that tick over slowly during the day and come alive when the sun goes down. Attire is emphatically informal, with the “no shirt, no shoes no worries” rule firmly in place throughout Placencia village.

If you’re looking for a more serene Placencia experience, the resorts scattered along the peninsula are quieter and often have their own beach front amenities. Since we were enjoying a second honeymoon vacation, my wife and I opted for one of the Jungle and sea packages offered by The Lodge at Chaa Creek and found ourselves atRobert’s Grove, a beautiful bit of luxury on 22 acres of white sand and coconut trees. Chaa Creek’s affordable packages are some of the best to be found anywhere in Belize, and we were not disappointed with this combination of rainforest and pristine beaches. We stayed close to this lovely resort and beach our first few days and were wonderfully lazy.

When you’ve had enough relaxation, there’s plenty to do along the Placencia Peninsula and in the sea. Placencia is universally regarded as having the best beaches on the Belizean mainland, and they’re perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or just reading and sunbathing. And the nearby Belize Coral Reef system, the second largest in the world and dotted with some 200 cayes, constantly beckons.

Reef excursions and dive trips are all easily booked from town, with certified, affordable PADI and NAUI scuba instruction available year round. The dive shops have come a long way over the years, and can cater to the most demanding diver. The Blue Hole, featured in the famous Cousteau/Calypso documentary, is easy to get to, and Placencia is definitely the best place to see huge whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Caribbean turtles, manatees, dolphins, giant rays, conchs and lobsters are all native to the Belizean seacoast and commonly seen even while snorkelling.

For those more comfortable above the water, trips to Laughing Bird, French Louie, Silk and other Cayes are popular, with kayaking and all the other water sports one expects from a Caribbean island vacation. There are catamarans and sailboats with or without crews to hire, incredible sport fishing with knowledgeable guides, and relaxed, informal water tours of the Belizean reef system.

But many people find that Placencia Village itself offers enough entertainment and relaxation to fill their days. Spend an hour at village watering holes or up the coast at Kitty’s Resort, Maya Beach or Robert’s Grove and you’ll quickly learn what’s going on and when. Bicycle around or walk the seven miles of uninterrupted palm lined coastline to the Village of Seine Bight, where you can experience first-hand the unique Garifuna food and culture. Birding in Belize is excellent, and the Placencia Peninsula is no exception.

We enjoyed a magical week in Placencia and could have easily spent another. As an affordable Caribbean holiday goes, it would be tough to beat Belize’s laid back and lovely Placencia Village.

All the islands in the Caribbean are blessed with white sand beaches and sunny days yet each one of them offers a distinct and unique holiday experience. Vacationing in the Caribbean is an easy decision to make but the trick lies in selecting the right island that suits the visitor’s tastes and needs. Here is a concise list of the unique characteristics of some Caribbean islands in order to make the right decision for the perfect holiday.

A Quiet and Peaceful Destination

The secluded island of Nevis is ideal for the urban traveler seeking a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Many plantations and resorts are tucked away on this beautiful island which has a rich history as well.

Holiday by the Beach

All the Caribbean islands have excellent beaches but Aruba’s beaches are ranked as the most clean and attractive. In addition, the soft surf and water sports also highlight its popularity.

The Place for Party Animals

A rocking nightlife awaits visitors at St. Lucia and Jamaica. As the Jamaican sun sets, an all-night party filled with rum and reggae music takes over the island. Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are good bets as well.

For Spa Lovers

The Turks & Caicos is full of luxury resorts and world-class spas. This spa destination offers many signature treatments which can be enjoyed amidst its white sand beaches.

Casino Lovers Paradise

Puerto Rico is the Mecca for gambling in the Caribbean and is reminiscent of Las Vegas. The credit for the most number of casinos in the Caribbean however goes to the Dominican Republic.

Water Adventurers

Among the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean is the island of Turks and Caicos.

Best Golfing

The golfing experience on the world-class golf courses of Barbados and Jamaica are unparalleled in the Caribbean.

Ahoy Sailors

The calm waters of the British Virgin Islands are perfect for sailing, snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.

A Taste of Europe

St. Martin has an unmistakable French and Dutch connection with a Caribbean twist which can be experienced through its numerous restaurants. It is also known as the ‘Dining capital of the Caribbean’.

The Caribbean doesn’t seem so impressive when you look at a map of the location. It’s just a bunch of little specks surrounded by tons of ocean water. Names like Caicos Island, Turks, and Nevis… Saint Kitts, Anguilla and Montserrat aren’t exactly household names.

But, just because the names aren’t all too familiar, it doesn’t change the fact that the Caribbean is a very popular vacation destination. The little specks on the map are actually island paradises. There are over seven-thousand islets, reefs, islands and caves in the Caribbean just begging to be explored; so many of them are nearly unpopulated and absolutely gorgeous.

In choosing your Caribbean vacation, the largest challenge you are apt to face is exactly where to go. All nations in the Caribbean have beautiful weather. Most of the islands feature lovely beaches. The warm, beautiful, crystal waters are immensely enjoyable and just as with any other island nation, the locals will welcome you with warm smiles and open arms. Picking the destination is indeed the toughest challenge. Here are some great resources that will help you do the necessary research to choose the best locale for your holiday.

Barring the ability to walk on water, the arrival by cruise ship, or the insanity of an ocean kayak journey, you’re probably going to want to fly. You should find out which destinations are frequented by the most visitors as those will be the cheapest airports for your arrival. Don’t’ be afraid to comparison shop, but do start way in advance to give you time do the necessary work. This is especially true if you plan to take a trip to the Caribbean over the Christmas holiday season. If you procrastinate too long in booking your flights you just might find that the price tags for those tickets just keep going up and up as the Christmas holiday draws near.

There are a wide variety of accommodation choices when you visit the Caribbean. You can stay in the nearest shack on the beach to the 5-start luxury hotels. You can do an internet search to find out more about Caribbean hotels; you can see pictures, get virtual tours… this should give you some idea about what to expect. A tighter budget might leave you hard-pressed to find great accommodations, but there are also some hostels in the Caribbean that can be money-savers. There are also your typical cheap hotels, as well. Your best bet is to simply do a thorough search to find the best accommodations to suit your specific needs and budget.

There are a great number of people who choose to go the cruise route. There are absolutely no shortages of fine cruise offers and deals that will take you on beautiful journeys through the region. There are usually some great rates and discounts at certain times of year; you may want to consider taking a cruise in the “off” season if you can.

With all if these things in mind, you should have no problems planning a wonderful trip to paradise.

With its pristine white sand beaches and clear blue warm waters, Barbados presents visitors on holidays to the Caribbean with the best the islands have to offer. Well-known as an attractive destination within the region, holiday in Barbados are lucrative, with friendly and hospitable locals, and wonderful sights of nature around every corner. That’s not even mentioning the opportunity for ultimate relaxation of lazing on the beach under the Caribbean sun!

The climate of the Commonwealth countries is particularly alluring to guests in more northern reaches of the world, as the temperature averages 25 to 28 Celsius year-round, with low humidity, whilst a cool breeze always the palm trees are swaying, and ensures against it feeling too hot.

Of course, the gorgeous weather isn’t the only natural wonder of this Caribbean island, as many geographical oddities dot the small island nation. Those on holiday in Barbados would be remiss to pass up the chance to visit the fascinating Harrison’s Cave, a cavern featuring underground streams, lakes and waterfalls providing hours of exciting exploration. Adventurous holidaymakers might also choose to travel through the island’s verdant interior on a 4×4 tour.

Many on holiday on Barbados might prefer to take to the sea, though, as its crystalline waters beg visitors to take a dip. Barbados facilitates by offering many aquatic activities scattered about its shores. If you’ve ever watched films or television and seen riders catching waves – well then, maybe it’s your turn! Many surfing instructors and rental facilities call Barbados home and often, you needn’t have any experience to sign up. With the proper instruction, you could be ripping a killer wave by the end of your stay!

For a more laid back, underwater adventure, take to the warm gulf waters for an opportunity on holiday to swim along Barbados’ large sea turtle population, as the gentle, social creatures can be seen around and about the island’s many reefs. Plunge to further depths with a snorkelling excursion, where holidaymakers can explore the ocean floor and its diverse flora and fauna. Alternatively, those seeking a laid back jaunt might want to explore Barbados’ coast on a catamaran tour, were you can leisurely cruise about the island, sipping drinks on the calm waters.

All of these features make Barbados a tremendous draw for extended holidays and special occasions like weddings and honeymoons, creating a serious demand for holidays in Barbados. Many couples make the journey to the Caribbean to tie the knot in the idyllic settings of the sun-kissed sands of the island of Barbados.

The Caribbean is known for its golden beaches and is certainly the main attraction for going on a holiday there. There are many islands to choose from however Barbados is the one that comes to most people’s mind when you mention the Caribbean.

There is 70 square miles of beach to enjoy along a 21 mile stretch so it’s never far to venture to get to the seaside. If it is beach you are after (there are many other things to do in Barbados or on the other islands) then it is all at your disposal. For such a luxury place there are NO private beaches, every metre is available to the public despite hotels placing themselves right next to the beach in order to give that perception. Therefore you can swim or sunbathe on any place you see fit.

With the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea both surrounding Barbados you have the choice of the calmer clear blue seas and white sands that are found featured on the typical postcards or if you want a more adrenaline filled adventure head to the east of the island where the crashing waves are filled with surfers.

However you came to the island, via plane or the increasing popular Caribbean cruise and stay holidays, you will find a holiday type to suit your nature. Diving is well catered for in the Caribbean with it being possible to obtain the PADI divers’ qualification at all levels. Even if you don’t go for the qualification, diving is something definitely worth experiencing with the beautiful coral reefs to take in and for the more experienced there are around 20 sites to explore.

There is plenty of seeing in the Caribbean so if you go with the Caribbean cruise and stay option ensure you give yourself enough time to fully enjoy the island.