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Posts Tagged ‘Caribbean’

Friendly Belize

September 18th, 2009 No comments

Belize City. Most people picture run down buildings, crime and remnants of hurricane damage. Very few take anytime to actually explore the town instead choosing to hop on a water taxi and head out to Ambergris Caye.

Whatever your vision of Central America is, check it at the door before entering this beautiful and welcoming country. Many travel guides will tell you to “get out of Belize City and head for the islands.” It is too bad really, because they are causing people to miss out on meeting the very proud and helpful citizens of this vibrant town.

Cruise ships stop here regularly and whisk tourists off to Tikal in Guatemala, or to Amgergris Caye off of the coast. The port is well developed and you can spend time walking around the shops in the comfortable terminal. However, walking around the city is where you get the true Caribbean flare.

Settled by the English in the late 16th century, Belize City is a mix Colonial buildings and Creole Culture. Eat international cuisine, or enjoy the local fare at Jembel’s Jerk Pit or Big Daddy’s Diner. Music pumps from inside shops as smiling people great you speaking perfect English, only to turn to their companion and talk in rhythmic Creole. The official language of Belize is English, but you will often hear a mix of Spanish, Creole, Mayan and German throughout the land.

Now that you have actually explored Belize City and realized that it isn’t the big bad city that you thought it was, you can catch a water taxi with peace of mind. You aren’t running away from anything, you are simply moving on to see the rest of beautiful Belize. From downtown, you can catch a water taxi for $10 to take you out to the Cayes on the Caribbean Sea.

The laid-back vibe of the island has an air of Jamaica, and reggae booms from bars and restaurants. Walk along the dirt roads to look for a beach front hotel and you can spend as little as $20 for a room. Only golf carts drive on the island, so you won’t have to worry about exhaust pollution or noise. The resident’s work hard to preserve their culture and large-scale development is not in its future.

While there, you have to take in the sites and the number one excursion is to hire a guide and boat to take you out to Shark Ray Alley. Located 1 mile from shore is the Belize Barrier Reef. A protected marine preserve for since 1996, it has a healthy stock of marine life and coral. The highlight of the trip however is having the chance to swim with a group of nurse sharks and manta rays that inhabit the reef.

Many divers in the world travel to Belize for one reason only, and that is to dive the famous Blue Hole. Jaques Cousteau introduced it to the world and it is an awesome site. A collapsed cave in the middle of the sea attracts divers that want to go deep. Drop down to 150 feet and dive under overhangs as hammerhead and reef sharks swim in the chummed waters above. This dive is not for new divers.

If getting into the water with natural predators isn’t your cup of tea, take a sailing trip to visit other Islands. Belize has several islands and you can take a trip to have a picnic lunch on the beach or enjoy an island drink at an upscale resort on Ambergris Caye. You can find a company to go with by simply walking down the main sandy street where operations line the path.

Caye Caulker may not be overly developed, but you can still enjoy great food ranging from Seafood, to pasta and barbecue. The nightlife isn’t wild, but you can find a nice bar to enjoy a drink or two, look out over the water while swinging on a hammock or listen to some live music well into the evening.

There is so much more to do in beautiful Belize that you need at least two weeks to see it all. Jungles and caves, wildlife and sanctuary’s Belize has something for everyone. Even Mayan ruins can be found in the country and beaches aren’t only out on the islands, Placencia actually has the most beautiful beach in the country and it is located on the mainland.

It isn’t Mexico, The Dominican or Jamaica yet, but it won’t be long until everyone starts thinking of Belize as their vacation destination. So what are you waiting for, book your trip today and discover Belize.

Deb Corbeil and Dave Bouskill are an adventure travel couple from Canada. Together they have trekked, hiked, biked and climbed to over 30 countries all over the planet. Check out their website theplanetd.com for more tips, advice and information on travel and adventure locations. To view their photo gallery from their world travels go to picturetheplanet.com

A Remarkable Tour Of Cuba

September 4th, 2009 No comments

A tour oriented to promote the roots of the Cuban Culture and traditions has been released by one of the leading tour operators arranging Cuba holidays especially for the British market.

Old Havana Ltd trading as San Cristobal UK has planned a fantastic program full of adventure which covers what is considered by many the most interesting locations in the occidental half of Cuba.

The Jewels of Cuba Tour has been designed for the English speaking market and it accommodates an average of 10 passengers per departure. This way the information is more accessible and the tour is more personalized.

Upon arrival, travelers will be welcome by the tour guide at Havana Airport and then transferred to Havana?s Old Town to stay in a beautiful 4 star boutique hotel. Guests arriving to airport?s other than Havana will be collected and transfer to Havana City.

While staying in Havana there is something new and exiting every day. Drive in Old American cars from the 40?s and 50?s, horse and carriage tours of Havana and even a ride on a boat around the littoral cost of Havana will keep you busy day and night.

All the transfers are done by an air-conditioned mini van and guests will enjoy the same knowledgeable tour guide through out the course of the week. In some cases travel distances are long and this will be a good opportunity to learn about the history and culture.

From Havana the tour then moves on to Las Terrazas National Park and from there on to Cienfuegos, Santa Clara and Trinidad. It really covers the best of Cuba in an action packed itinerary full of adventure.

This seven day tour will certainly appeal tourist interested in knowing the Cuba Culture, history and traditions. Because of its duration is also ideal to extend it with few nights on a beach resort making the whole experience in Cuba truly memorable.

Before booking your holidays in cuba. Visit www.bestbeachesincuba.co.uk by Jose Mauricio Maurette for more information on the best locations and Cuba beaches.

How To Spot A Cruise Holiday Bargain

August 29th, 2009 No comments
by Douglas Bonds

The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage–at least it seems that way. If you’ve been thinking you need to know more about cheap Caribbean cruises and holidays in Spain, here’s your opportunity.

Cheap holidays to the Caribbean are more likely to be found during the rainy season which falls during our summer. Even with the rain the resorts still boast soaring temperatures and guaranteed sun. Cheap holidays are not always a bargain. A cheap last minute holiday is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get value for money; but only if the hotel is up to a reasonable standard. They might be low cost holidays, but you do not need to scrimp on quality.

Cheap holidays to Bermuda should embody a little decrease and fun time. Cheap holidays to Marmaris, Turkey in Spring and Summer 2010 are now on sale with early booking discounts. Cheap holidays in Benidorm set the scene off as one of the party capital’s of not only Spain but also Europe as well. Cheap holidays to Majorca (Mallorca) are enjoyable and exciting, you just have to plan your days to include a little of everything. Once you have seen and done everything you wanted to do, enjoy a relaxing day on the beaches in the hot white sands that look out over the beautiful Mediterranean sea and feel the warn sea breeze.

Is everything making sense so far? If not, I’m sure that with just a little more reading about cheap Caribbean cruises and holidays in Spain, all the facts will fall into place.

There all the information is provided and a point to point analyzing is possible to compare and find the best very cheap holidays offer. Flights are available to almost all the corners of the worlds. Prices start to drop during the month, with cheap holidays in September 2010 appealing to couples and groups who have flexibility to travel whenever they like, and choose to travel outside of the school holidays.

Cheap holidays grant families, friends or even businesses to enjoy their holidays or socialising without worrying about paying over the odds for the experience. Cheap holidays to Gran Canaria have a value over others as it is great where food is concerned. An organisation of people is expected to get improved place to live as they would in all luck book an unit or one-story dwelling that is not usually distant some-more atmospheric than a hotel, though a organisation can hope for their own food in a kitchen with a equipment paid for from a open marketplace of a island. Cheap holiday sites provide important information for our holiday outings. You could read and go over different holiday destinations as well as the ways on how to enjoy the holiday.

There are guides you can follow or consider for cheap holidays, so you can still enjoy a getaway at a lower price. If you are looking for cheap holidays to Magaluf then there is plenty to choose from. One of the most important things that you do when you are searching for cheap holidays is to talk to a online travel agent. They have the contacts needed for arranging the types of packages or deals that you are looking for.

That’s how things with cheap Caribbean cruises and holidays in Spain stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

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Caneel Bay Honeymoons

August 7th, 2009 No comments
by Pamela Kazmierczak

Many brides and grooms choose the honeymoon destination together. It is one of the wedding planning items that the groom has no problem participating. Talking about and planning your honeymoon can be a great stress reliever during an otherwise busy and stressful time.

Caneel Bay, located in St. John Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a fabulous spot for a honeymoon. Caneel Bay is a luxury beach resort where the bride and groom can relax and be themselves after their long, tedious wedding planning is over! It is a great place to have a romantic stay, just the two of them.

Caneel Bay can be the perfect honeymoon choice as it may be everything you are looking for. This resort offers so much including beautiful rooms, seven different beaches, numerous activities to participate in and tons of amenities to make any honeymoon or vacation scream luxury.

When you depart the plane onto the island you will be picked up at the airport and given a bottle of island rum, what a nice way to start off your honeymoon! Among the many things you can do while you are there beach activities rank pretty highly. Some of the activities you might choose to participate in include swimming, kayaking, scuba diving and underwater slideshow.

Of course you can also just spend countless hours at the beach, sunbathing in the beautiful weather where you can enjoy the view of white sand and tranquil water. You can enjoy a good book, good company or have a drink or something to eat with the one you love. Of course you can discover your inner child while you are on vacation away from the big city and build a sand castle or two.

Still think there is not enough to do or enjoy, looking for some down time that does not necessarily have to be in the water or on the beach? Caneel Bay can help you out there too. Just like any other vacation or honeymoon spot you can enjoy nice dinners, drinks at the bar, art and tennis lessons and of course access to relaxing massages.

Caneel Bay is an excellent honeymoon spot but if you really want to spend even more time here you might even consider getting married at Caneel Bay. This would be the perfect spot for a beach wedding, so if you are even considering getting married under blue skies it is a great idea to look more into Caneel Bay.

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Habana’s Cathedral, A Site Worth Visiting.

July 10th, 2009 No comments
by J. M. Maurette

It is not possible to mention the beauties of Havana without including The Cathedral Square. With its cobbled streets and beautiful facades it captivates visitors from all over the world.

In earlier times it was named Plaza de la Cinaga (Swamp Square), and later on “Plaza de la Catedral”, it is a place that has much to do with the beginning of Havana, founded on the 16th Century in the proximities of Havana’s harbour.

Late in the 18th century and after many refurbishment to a religious building which eventually became The Cathedral of Havana Cathedral the Square was to be known as The Cathedral Square. The Cathedral it self is just amazing. On its facades the best baroque architecture of Havana can be appreciated which contrast with its complete Neoclassic style in the interior. Beautiful buildings surround the this church harmonizing with the splendour of the square.

As an additional touch, since 1994, as an initiative of the tourist company Habaguanex S.A., its square holds dinners, official gatherings and for amusement too (chosen by important enterprises and agencies), related to travel and emblematic products such as the Habanos. The view is marvellous, to a very well preserved architecture, the cultural richness of the Cuban and the food-making in the restaurants in the surroundings.

Only few steps away La Bodeguita del Medio restaurant can be found. This together with el Floridita restaurant are the most famous and emblematic restaurants in Cuba. It serves the best Cuban cuisine and its walls are decorated with pictures and autographs of many famous personalities such as Ernest Hemingway, Mario Benedetti, Pablo Neruda or Errol Flyn and so many others.

The list of celebrities is very long and it has been like that for decades now. Today holiday makers can enjoy one of the best restaurants not only in terms of the food but also in terms of character. Its bar is very intimate, small and cosy and like in many other bars in Havana music is always played by a small traditional Cuban band.

Many people spend time chatting in this site which is always amusing due to the presence of guitarists and singers, as it has happened for more than six decades, when its founder Angel Martinez (deceased), used to personally inquire about the likes of his guests.

The best hotels in Havana are just few minutes walk from this square. To avoid taxis and unnecessary hassle just book your self in one of the boutique hotels in The Old Town and you will be able to just walk outside and enjoy a caf in any of these captivating squares. If you need any assistance or advice you can always contact us as we will be very happy to share our expertise with you.

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