Traveling the Caribbean A - D

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Traveling to the Caribbean A - D

Most of you know by now that I love to travel. You too can travel and enjoy much of the world. This can be done on a budget and still have all the amenities. There has never been a better time to travel. There are so many deals. However, do be cautious and use a reputable travel agent or site that you trust to book your travel plans.

The Caribbean, as you can imagine is extremely popular to folks in my area of the world especially in the winter when the warm sun is very enticing.

Barbados

Barbados is a tiny island that is only 432 square kilometers in size. It is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide at the broadest section. It a picturesque location that boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its Eastern location in the Caribbean may be tiny but it draws many tourists. Barbados is an independent nation, with the Queen as the head of state. It is growing in population and has some of the highest literacy and living standards in the world.

Barbados has many historical, cultural and natural attractions. There are not only beautiful beaches but beautiful rocky shorelines as well. Scuba divers and snorkelers know they will not be disappointed. Many visitors enjoy the island’s most famous landmark Harrison’s Cave found here.

Barbados offers a perfect climate year round. The gentle sea breezes make it a wonderful getaway or a place to live.

Bonaire

Bonaire is part of the ABC Island grouping. Many of the Caribbean islands are surrounded by coral reefs. Bonaire is a reef. It is shaped like a boomerang and rests above a submerged mountain. It is a diver's paradise. There is pure joy as there are many treasures lying beneath its pristine turquoise blue waters. Like Barbados, it is small. It is only 285 square kilometers. Due to its easy accessibility from South America many a visitor arrives from South American. Bonaire is part of the Dutch or Netherlands Antilles.

If you are a nature lover, Bonaire is for you. There are many beautiful and colorful birds that include flamingoes, parrots, ans, hummingbirds, snipes, parakeets, herons, and terns in their natural habitat. It is said that the flamingoes here outnumber its population of people. Bonaire is very careful to preserve its wildlife and maintains its green space. Bonaire was among the first Caribbean nations to get involved in ecotourism. No spear-fishing is permitted. Divers are not allowed to disturb or destroy any coral or any other living animals from the sea.

Bonaire is relatively untouched by modern hands. It boasts a very casual atmosphere with little traffic and few high rise resorts. Thus, if you are seeking a place to slow down and enter a very easy going environment among some friendly people, Bonaire is for you. However, when the sun goes down, don't count these people out. The nightlife here is quite good. There are a number of clubs and bars to kick up your heels in. There are world class restaurants and some of the most gorgeous sunsets on the planet.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgins Islands, located in the West Indies, were first discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second journey to the Caribbean. Today the British Virgin Islands is a very stable country. Its name tells it all. It is an overseas British territory. It is a grouping of 60 odd islands each having its own characteristic that sets it apart from the others. Tortola, is known for its beautiful mountains and a multitude of activities, Virgin Gorda is the most secluded of the resorts. Peter and Necker Islands offer posh and resorts. The Dogs is viewed as sanctuary for many birds and marine life making it another favorite for scuba divers. The tiny island of Jost Van Dyke is an island where tourists may sit back and chill. Anegada has beautiful corals and birds, iguanas and wild goats.

The British Virgin Islands cover an area of about 153 Square Kilometers. The balmy climate, ongoing trade winds and lack of strong tides make it perfect for sailing year round. Of all the isladns, Tortola offers the majority of the accommodations. For those with plenty of money to spend, Peter Island is home to the luxurious Peter Island Resort, while Necker Island offers one of the world’s most luxurious retreats. This island is the private estate of Sir Richard Branson.

Although the British Virgin Islands were once known for its many pirates due to the hidden coves it offered, it now boasts fabulous cruising and island hopping excursions filled with adventure. No one will get bored here or feel uncomfortable as the people are warm and friendly and live a relatively stress free life.

The Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands actually consists of three islands with a total land area of approximately 100 sq miles. Cayman Brac is the largest of the islands. It has the largest population of the three. Cayman Brac is the most eastern of the islands. Little Cayman is the smallest and remains the most untouched by human hands. Its residence is slightly over 100 people. The capital is George Town, a cosmopolitan city, is located on the island of Grand Cayman. An interesting thing about George Town is its relatively small size and its wonderful traditional wooden buildings. Visitors and residents enjoy duty free shopping. It is truly a shop till you drop atmosphere.

The Cayman Islands are a draw as it offers some incredible treasures underwater filled with old shipwrecks, coral reefs and a wealth of marine life, which makes it a diver's paradise.

The Caymans are made up of massive underwater mountains. Amidst the mountains lie trenches which house some of the deepest waters in the West Indies, which is why there is such an abundance of marine life.

The Cayman Islands are known as being one of the biggest banking centers in the world. There are more than 700 banks on the Grand Cayman Island, but surprisingly most of them are hidden and extremely secretive. The fifth largest financial center in the world after New York, Tokyo and Japan is the Cayman Islands.

Cuba

Cuba is a virtual tropical paradise. Palm trees line the beaches. Tourists lie on the sand and enjoy view of stunning blue waters. Cuba is the largest country in the Caribbean at 110,860. There are more than 11 million people living in Cuba. The people are warm and friendly despite its reputation of being a socialist regime. The beaches are spectacular and the night life is not rivaled as it offers some of the best music in the region, perhaps the world.

Central Cuba offers pristine beaches. In Varadero and Trinidad, you can enjoy some excellent snorkeling and diving. Valle de los Ingenios is another World Heritage site in Cuba. Santa Clara is also famous for its monument to Ernesto Che Guevara. Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in the country, is located in Eastern Cuba. This city was the former capital of Cuba. It is frequently called the cradle of the revolution. Baracoa is also located in the same region and offers some very enjoyable beaches and exquisite and diverse flora habitats.

Havana, the capital, offers historical experiences with its fascinating art and the architecture. The nightlife boasts some of the most vibrant and sensuous places in the world with its steamy nightlife. Additionally, you can enjoy hiking, caving, horseback riding and climbing. Cuba’s most famous exports are its cigars and salsa.

Curacao

Curacao is small but beautiful Dutch Caribbean Island of approximately 180 square miles that was formed centuries ago by volcanic rock right below the hurricane belt. It sits north of Venezuela. Curacao draws tourists due to its fabulous reefs and beautiful secluded beaches where they may dive from high areas.

Curacao has a rich history. The Arawak people migrated from South America some 6000 years ago. The Caiquetios, a subgroup of Arawaks first found this island first and donned it “Curacao.” Later, Alonso de Ojeda and Italian Amerigo Vespucci, Spanish explorers voyaged through it as did the Dutch West India Company under the Dutch explorer Peter Stuyvesant and Jewish families from Amsterdam.

The English and the French vied over Curacao due to its strategic location as a profitable trade route. Curacao joined the Caribbean independence after WWII. It became an administrative center for the Netherlands.

It is a moderate dry climate that stays mostly warm and sunny with a few strong but casual winds. Willemstad is the capital and the major port of Curacao. Almost 130,000 residents live around Curacao. Most live in the southernmost areas. Although, there are a few villages on the northern coast and, the largest bays are located along the central-east and the east end of the island.

With its sparkling blue oceans, secluded beaches and breathtaking coral reefs and diving spots, anyone is assured a great and memorable experience in Curacao.

Dominica

Dominica, another small island of about 750 square feet, is the closest thing to the Garden of Eden that any human may be fortunate enough to view. The landscape is picturesque. It is sometimes called the nature island of the Caribbean. Its fertile emerald lush and dense rainforests remain untouched by development. It is truly an eco-tourist paradise to go diving, hiking and exploring many nature trails. You may enjoy the bubbling hot springs, the roaring waterfalls and enjoy volcanic sites.

A Carib population of about 3000 Indians yet remains in Dominica. You may truly see a unique people in their own cultural setting.

The year round tropical climate that the trade winds provide draws tourists to Dominica in great numbers. The mountains offer cooler weather. The best time to visit Dominica is between February and June when the weather is cool and dry.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic, 48,717 square kilometers, shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. It is one of the most famous vacation destinations in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic is known for its tall palm trees on white sandy beaches. The indigo waters are not to be rivaled in this West Indian nation. Along the northern coast there are some of the best windsurfing and kite boarding in the world. You may enjoy whale watching in the capital, Santo Domingo, which is also the political, economic and cultural hub of the country. It is also where the majority of the population is. It is located on the Samana Peninsula. Santo Domingo is also home to many firsts in the Caribbean such as the hospital, the first paved road, the first university, the oldest European made fortress, the oldest church, the first double story home and the oldest European made fortress and the oldest monastery as well making it full of tourist attractions and worth exploring.

The highest mountain in the Caribbean and stands over 10,400 feet is located in Pico Duarte in The Dominican Republic.

In the Dominican Republic, visitors may go white water rafting, hiking and biking. They may go exploring properly to see the best the country has to offer.

Christopher Columbus discovered the Dominican Republic and claimed it for Spain. However, The Dominican Republic declared its independence from Spain in 1821. It wasn’t long after and Haiti invaded the country in a bid to unify the island. However, they were unsuccessful and in 1844, Juan Pablo Duarte in a bloodless takeover made to make the Dominican Republic an independent nation once again.

You will find some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic along the southeast coast. Bavaro and Punta Cana are two of the most stunning beaches in the area. If you are looking for some action head to the north of the island, which offers some great surfing, diving and mountain biking, all of which are centered in and around the city of Cabarete.

To be continued...Read Travel to the Caribbean G - P and Travel to the Caribbean S - U