CHEAP CARIBBEAN HOLIDAYS

When people think of the Caribbean it’s the big islands that normally spring to mind, but there is much more to this area of the world than Jamaica, Barbados and the Bahamas.

Aruba is one of the farthest islands from the main cluster of the Caribbean and sits only 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Having passed from the Spanish to the English and on to the Dutch, Aruba is a real melting pot of cultures and the bright orange architecture of Oranjestad really reflects their Dutch heritage. This cultural mixture has also shaped the language of Papiamento, the most widely spoken language on the island, which is made up of bits and pieces of English, Dutch, French, a few African dialects, Portuguese and Spanish. Along with the wonderful cultural buildings and history, Aruba is also home to sumptuous beaches and year round warm temperatures.

Another often overlooked island is the crescent shaped Bonaire. A tiny island surrounded by stunning, unspoilt coral filled with a wide array of marine life. A haven for those with a penchant for snorkelling and diving, Bonaire’s secret existence has saved it from the rigours of the busy tourist spot and helped maintain its spotless beaches and perfect coral formations.

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