Montserrat is an island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico. This island used to be very popular for vacation, but during the decades of 80 and 90 it suffered blows from hurricanes and Montserrat Volcano eruptions that led to the abandonment of the former capital - Plymouth and the south of the island is uninhabited.
For someone looking for something different in a Caribbean island, Saba may well be the place for you. Saba is a small island in the Netherlands Antilles, whose area of only five square miles makes it the smallest of The Netherlands' Caribbean islands.
Saba is home to a now inactive volcano, known as Mount Scenery. The island's flora and fauna have helped it to develop into a centre for eco-tourism. Many tourists visit Saba to climb the mountain, hike and scuba dive. The quality of the coral formations in Saba is said to make it the best island in the area for diving and the island has the benefit of hyperbaric facilities in the event of a diving emergency.
Saba is an extremely pretty island, with plenty of greenery, and Dutch style villages, shops and inns. The views from the top of Mount Scenery, for all those who are able to reach the peak are tremendous on a clear day, with the islands of St Martin/St Maarten, St Bart's, St Eustatius and St Kitts and Nevis all being visible.
There are several mooring points scattered around the island, making Saba a great place to call into if you are sailing this area of the Caribbean. Saba has only one road on the island, quaintly known as The Road. The Capital of the island is The Bottom.
The official languages of the island are Dutch and English, although English is the more commonly used. Whilst the official currency is the Netherlands Antilles Gilder, the United States Dollar is accepted in most establishments.
Travelling to Saba is possible by boat, by air from St Maarten into its small airport or, the most straightforward way, by ferry ride from St Maarten which houses Princess Juliana International Airport, an international hub, which takes regular flights from the United States and Canada and Europe.
If you want a typical beach holiday in the Caribbean with lots of white sandy beaches and beach activities, the Saba is probably not for you. If alternatively, you want to savour the astonishingly lush scenery and the breathtaking coral formations of the Caribbean, Saba is as good a place as many and far better than most!
Author: Billy Phillips. Check out a Great Caribbean Resort in his Best Travel Comparison Websites directory, with links to the Best United Kingdom Comparison Sites.
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In this, one of our series of articles that takes a brief look at the magnificent islands of the Caribbean, we visit Anguilla, located in the Leeward Islands. Anguilla is one of several British West Indies islands.
Anguilla is renowned for its flat landscape and is distinctive because of its long thin topography. In fact, its name derives from the French word for eel - "Anguille."
Anguilla is an island that is dependent upon tourism for its income and is the preferred location of many of the rich and famous, due, in no small part, to the privacy offered by many of its high class hotels and villas, in addition to its beaches.
Despite its relatively small size, in comparison to some of the other Caribbean islands, Anguilla has around thirty-three separate beaches, scattered around the island.
The island is also popular with the yachting and sailing fraternity, with many yachts mooring off one of the beaches for a night or two as part of a Caribbean sailing trip. The capital of the island is The Valley.
Although the official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, the United States Dollar is universally accepted.
To get around the island you can either take a car rental or travel in one of the many taxis that are available, although most people elect to chill out on the beach for the day rather than travel around.
There are many friendly beach bars where food and, of course, drinks are served throughout the day and often well into the night!
Anguilla can be accessed by private boat, by air, into its small airport or, preferably by a short ferry ride from the neighbouring island of St Martin, which has, on the Dutch side of the island, Princess Juliana International Airport, which takes regular flights from the United States and Canada and Europe.
Although it is small, Anguilla is an island that is well worth visiting, if not for your entire vacation, then at least for a day or two if you are visiting one of the other nearby Caribbean Islands. If you do visit, you will no doubt agree that Anguilla is truly one of the gems of the Caribbean.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billy_Phillips http://EzineArticles.com/?Best-Caribbean-Islands---Anguilla&id=5110253
HOW TO BOOK THE BEST CARIBBEAN VACATION
Travelling to the Caribbean does not need to be all about 'package holidays'. Sometimes in life, you have to treat yourself to the best that life has to offer and why not! Yes the Caribbean is seen as 'millionaires paradise' but that does not mean that you have to be a millionaire to get there. Here are some tips on Maximising your Buck and enjoying the luxury vacation in the condo, villa or apartment of your dreams on an island in the Caribbean of pure Paradise...
1. CULTURE Do your research online to find the TYPE of island you will like best. Obviously they all have lovely sandy beaches, beautiful palm trees and blue waters. But what kind of CULTURE would you like to experience? Latin (Puerto Rico, Cuba)? French (St Martin, Guadaloupe)? Dutch (Curacao, Saba)? British (British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St Kitts). Each will have its own type of food and religion and history. So choose a language and culture that will also interest you as well as the beaches!
2. ACTIVITIES Closely linked to culture is activities. Saba is all about climbing and beautiful forests, Cuba has a little of everything, St Martin is renowned for tax free goods, partying and the Heineken Regatta! What other activities do you want to undertake besides snorkelling, boating and fishing (available on all islands!!)
3. ALLOWANCE Across the world at the moment, it is definitely a better deal to use the American Dollar. In some Caribbean islands they are using the Euro which can be a little expensive depending on your taste. So check out what currency is accepted and if they do deals with Euro or the currency you use. Can you pay on arrival rather than with a credit card and receive a better value pricing structure?
4. TRAVEL IN 'OFF SEASON' In the Caribbean the High Season tends to run from October to end of March so if you want to get some great value rentals or deals then the best time to do this is from April to September/October (in some parts of the Caribbean it is hurricane season from September to Mid November so check that before you book!)
5. SIGN UP FOR TRAVEL ALERTS There are some fantastic travel sites out there than offer specials or keep you updated on good deals. So register on their site and create a new email account so that it doesn't clog up your main email account and you can check it regularly. In addition go into Facebook and put in Caribbean Vacation Rentals and see what deals you can find that come up in the search box and if they have a list or group to join. Join it and you will get alerts in your Facebook account. (You can also use Twitter and LinkedIn for this)
6. Get REFERRALS Talk to your friends and family, who have stayed in a great place. How did they find it? What sites did they use? Did they find it on Social Media or did they already attend a wedding or event in the Caribbean? When you get a referral for a rental or rental site, its more powerful than advertising! So just ask!
We want you to have the most amazing Caribbean Vacation as we know how wonderful it is to be here. We look forward to meeting you at some point in the future. In the meantime enjoy your most fabulous CARIBBEAN VACATION EVER!
Hello we are a company that specialises in creating fabulous holidays within vacation rentals in the Caribbean. We are also a portal for owners or agents of owners in order to have direct contact with clients who wish to rent luxury villas, condos and apartments in Saint Martin, Barbados, Bahamas, St Croix, St Thomas, The British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St Barths to name a few. If you need any assistance do go to http://www.caribbeanvr.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mervyn_Friend http://EzineArticles.com/?6-Top-Tips-on-Caribbean-Islands---How-to-Find-and-Plan-Your-Luxurious-Caribbean-Vacation!&id=6222096
The following is a sample of a few of the Caribbean's best islands and just some things they can offer:
Anguilla: One may want to take an early morning stroll on one of the most revered beaches in the world, the magnificent Shoal Bay beach and experience the breathtaking views and healing properties of its sands. One can feel the soothing massage of the coral-based sand as they walk along the shore and feel their feet actually receiving a good exfoliation from the granules. By the end of the walk they actually feel much more relaxed as if they got a luxury foot scrub and massage.
Antigua: Visit Stingray City and get up and personal with these fun-loving creatures. The baby ones are called pups and they actually behave like that, fawning over guests like they were their first love. This venue has been a long time favourite of visitors to the island.
Barbados: Attend the most famous surfing competition in the Caribbean at Bathsheba or join the thousands of tourists that have fallen for the all-inclusive holidays offered by so many world-classed hotels and resorts on the coastline of this truly lovely land.
Grenada: Get into the spice isle. See where the world's number one supplier of nutmeg gets its name from, visit a weekend market or sample Grenada's rich cultural heritage through its foods. As one of the more reasonably priced island destinations, Grenada has made its mark once more on the tourism calendar.
Dominica: Known as the nature isle of the Caribbean, visitors should book one of the famous rainforest treks where they can appreciate the many waterfalls and waterways this island has to offer. Dominica's brilliant beauty makes it a must-see for eco-tourists or those just wanting to see nature in its raw form against the backdrop of the beauty in the Caribbean.
Jamaica: One can just sink themselves into one of the most widely known Caribbean cultures in the world. Experience the original reggae sounds from bands playing daily at hotels along the Negril beach and understand why Jamaica is truly addictive to visitors.
Nevis: Pink sanded beaches? Yes it actually exists and it is found on one of the most beautiful strips of land on the Caribbean. Nevis is known for its peace and tranquility and does not disappoint those looking for that total getaway from the noise of or modern lives.
St. Lucia: Whether getting married, enjoying a honeymoon, celebrating love between two or an entire family, this is the place. With world-classed service and so much to do for the young and old, this island is another world favorite. Why not try the zip lining adventures through the forests or a famous Piton mountain hike.
St. Martin/St Maarten: Two countries living in unison in the Caribbean for so many years. One can experience the fun-loving culture of the Dutch and the quieter sophistication of the French by simply driving from one end of the island to the other. Why not try the casinos on the Dutch side and take any winnings to a wonderful gourmet dinner on the French side later.
St. Vincent: Try going over to Yonge Island for a mid-morning brunch and let them bring their array of freshly baked breads to choose from, and yes, they allow sampling before choosing. A famous getaway of the rich and famous but accessible to all, Yonge island and its restaurant is a nice way to spend a small part of your Caribbean Holidays
Tobago: Known as Robinson Crusoe Island and when one gets there it is not a surprise why it has gained this name. Visit one of the islands tropical rainforests and see why it is a nature lover's paradise for its peace, quiet and gorgeous flora and fauna.
Trinidad: The home of the "greatest show on earth" Visit Trinidad for its annual Carnival celebrations and join the thousands of visitors that keep on returning every year. Absolutely unique for its Caribbean flavours and sheer beauty, it is a celebration not to be missed.
USVI: Experience sailing splendor in these lovely islands. From novice to expert, there is something for everyone in this sport. Some of the best boats are seen in the many sailing competitions held in the high season which coincides with so many countries winter seasons, what can be better!
Certainly the diversity of the Caribbean is easily seen by visitors to the region. one can come here and experience a range of beauty, relaxation, culinary delight, adventure and romance like no other place on earth. The region eagerly awaits your arrival and when you leave they will be waiting for your return.
Visit http://www.caribbeaninsidersguide.com/ for more information on this topic and several more interesting and informative guidance to the lovely Caribbean islands
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aneil_Mahadeo http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Best-Caribbean-Island&id=6668748
