Author: Isla Campbell
Long, white beaches, stunning scenery, warm, tranquil waters and a unique relaxed attitude to life are all factors that draw millions of visitors to the islands of the Caribbean every year, looking for their own ‘taste of paradise’. It is the quintessential relaxation destination for American, British and European visitors wishing to splash out on something special.
Also named the West Indies – due to Christopher Columbus mistakenly believing he had reached India when he first sailed into an unknown landmass – the Caribbean is made up of more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays, and is grouped into 27 territories. It is situated southeast of North America and east of Central America, ensuring tropical weather and warm waters all year round.
Possibly the best-known island, Barbados is a well-developed tourist centre, with grand hotels and resorts, calm waters and steel band culture, while the history buff will be fascinated by the capital of Antigua, St. Johns. Further west, the Victorian town of Port Antonio offers a view of the area’s colonial past as well as views of the Blue Mountains, and the wildlife of the Bahamas will attract all seasoned flora and fauna devotees.
The area offers more than an opportunity to sunbathe though, and this is something many tourists chose to exploit. The warm waters are ideal playgrounds for a range of sports. Jamaica’s north coast, for example, provides ideal conditions for a variety of activities, including sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving, whereas Dickinson Bay in Antigua is perfect for canoeing or trying to avoid falling off a jet-ski.
Possibly the centre of Caribbean water sports, however, is Barbados. The island can offer scuba diving with fantastic year-round visibility, calm and majestic sailing, and even a high-octane ‘Thrill Seeker’ experience, which includes jetting at high speeds in a 35′ Scarab off-shore powerboat, custom designed for complete comfort and safety, but mainly for speed. Tours like this, interspersed with leisurely snorkeling and swimming, take full advantage of the ideal conditions provided by Barbados, and by the Caribbean in general.
Although lazing on a beach with a colourful cocktail in hand may sound like many peoples’ idea of heaven, holidays in the Caribbean can offer far more. The history and culture of the area is vastly unique but also varied, and the wildlife alone is worth a visit.
The Caribbean’s beaches and seas rate among the most beautiful in the world, so it’s easy to see why they are the main draw for most tourists. Many visitors, however, want a little more than just relaxation, so the islands have developed into an ideal playground for holiday-makers in search of a little excitement. Perhaps most impressive, is that the Caribbean can offer both – thrills and relaxation – depending on what each visitor is looking for.
1. The main attractions of the island are the beaches that liberally adorn its coastline. A trip to the beach is a must for every visitor to Barbados. Statistically, the beaches account for a staggering 70 miles of the coastline. The beaches of Barbados are grouped according to locations: north, south, east and west coast. Barbados offer travellers a beach for every kind of activity one could wish to indulge in; for those seeking to relax under the Caribbean rays where the waves are gentle, the West coast beaches are the best choice. As a general rule of thumb the beaches on the west coast are best for families with small children, and as one moves further to the north or south beaches, travellers are sure to find water sports and fun activities in abundance.
2. The second fun activity in Barbados is the underwater tours that the island offers. The flora and fauna beneath the surface of the ocean defy belief with their shapes and colour. Some exotic species that can be seen include the green turtles and parrot fish. Also, there are coral reefs to marvel at, and relics of old ships resting on the bed of the ocean. Wrecks are best seen in Carlisle Bay, and diving in the S. S. Stavronikita is sure to be an unforgettable experience for divers. For non-divers, there are submersible tours to take one through the mysterious depths.
3. Crop over, Barbados’ largest, loudest and most popular summer festival is a five week party event held annually on the island dating back to the 1780s, a time when the island was one of the largest sugar producers in the world. At the end of the sugar cane harvest there was always a huge party to commemorate the successful season. The tradition continues today with the ceremonial delivery of the year’s sugar cane and the crowning of the carnival King and Queen. This five week event is packed with thousands of revelers from around the world who enjoy the mix of live music, dancing carnival, markets, cultural presentations and much more! When? 07/03/2010 – 08/02/2010
4. This November Barbados you can enjoy delectable food, exceptional wine and rum over four fun filled days. The Food & Wine and Rum festival will bring together the Caribbean’s finest food, wine, rum & culture; all framed by the beauty of the most luxurious and desirable destinations! When? November 19, 2010 – November 22, 2010
5. There are two caves that must be visited by all adventure lovers in Barbados; namely, Animal Flower Cave and Harrison’s Cave. The first is situated along the cliffs, near the northern edge of the island. It is a study in natural history and geology and has a great deal of local folklore associated with it as well. The cave’s appellation is derived from its numerous sea anemones, locally known as animal flowers. Harrison’s Cave is only accessible using specially designed transport and has majestic stalagmites and stalactites in its caverns.
Tropical golf heaven – blessed with breathtaking scenery, unforgettable signature holes and championship course designs, it’s no wonder why the Caribbean attracts so many golfers from around the world!
The draw of the Jamaican golf scene is as powerful as the slice of a champion’s swing. The greens offer an exciting diversity of challenge that keeps the pros coming back again and again, while novices hone their skills on some of the world’s most scenic courses. Sophistication and elegance make the clubhouses popular gathering spots, and well-stocked pro shops can meet just about every need.
- known as one of the best and most challenging tests of golf in the Caribbean, Provo Golf Club is a relaxing green oasis, set amongst the natural flora and fauna of the island. Fairways feature natural limestone outcroppings and are lined with native bush and inland lakes. The front nine features water on six holes, while the tight back nine has a further four ‘lake holes’, home to a colorful array of water birds including flamingos, pelicans and various types of heron. Great facilities, no restrictions on tee times, good tempo rounds, a cooling island breeze and a great round of golf – what more could you ask for!
Without a doubt, the beaches in the Caribbean are some of the world’s sexiest – some clothing optional too!
St. Maarten’s Mullet Bay. Just about everyone who visits St. Maarten heads to Mullet Bay Beach as it’s one of the prettiest and most popular beaches on the island. The beach is very active on weekends and holidays as tourist and locals alike flock to the beach for island barbecues and surfing.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, March 1, 2010 – Barbados has made further progress in its bid to penetrate the French Caribbean with major Martinique tour operator, FOYAL Tours, scheduled to launch a charter between the two islands for the Easter and summer periods.
Now’s the time to book the fabulous beach getaway of your dreams for much less than you thought possible. Combine the current major flight sale plus up to 60% off Caribbean hotels for an unforgettable trip at an equally amazing price. And don’t forget you can pay for part or all of your hotel stay with AAdvantage® miles! Put as few as 500 miles toward the cost. Fly for less and stay for less in the best destinations in the Caribbean! Choose from a wide range of islands and properties.
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Bequia, St Vincent and the Grenadines
Tortola, British Virgin Island Paradise
JetBlue Orlando nonstop Montego Bay, Jamaica!
Budget Travel Tip #1 
