Why the Caribbean Islands Are Great

The Caribbean Islands are made up of some 7000 islands, atolls and cays throughout the Caribbean Sea. They are a very popular destination for tourists not just from North American countries such as the United States and Canada, but also from Europe and all over the world. The main reason why a holiday in the Caribbean Islands is so great is because of the stunning views of pristine white beaches, blue and green oceans, coral reefs teeming with fish and other sea life and the endless opportunities that abound for tourists of all tastes, whether extreme or leisurely or anything in between.
Ease of Access
One reason why the Caribbean Islands are great is the ease with which tourists can get there. Almost all the islands have an international airport that has connections to most major North American and European cities. Hubs such as Miami, Boston, New York, Montreal, Toronto, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, London, Paris and Berlin all have flights that are either direct or with only 1-2 transfers.
Apart from flying, it's also possible to explore the Caribbean Islands on lengthy but memorable cruises. Cruise ships will typically depart from North American or European ports and then head south to pick up passengers along the way and slowly make their way through many of the Caribbean Islands. The highest quality entertainment is available both on the ship and on shore when the ship is docked for several days or even weeks at a time.
Cost
These days you don't have to pay thousands of dollars from your retirement fund to go on a cruise or spend a few weeks on a Caribbean island. In fact, one of the reasons why the Caribbean Islands are great is because getting there is so affordable. Most flights just cost a few hundred dollars and you can stay in a hotel for anywhere between $50-100 per night. The hotels are usually very good as most Caribbean Islands are highly developed and have a lot of revenue that comes in from tourism. Swimming pools, spas, saunas, water sports, leisure sports and many more activities are all available at low cost. In fact, many people will pay for some sort of package deal which includes accommodation, food, travel to and around their chosen destination and many times even guided tours and organized activities.
Variety
The sheer variety of activities, food, culture and endless fun is another reason why the Caribbean Islands are great. In the Caribbean you can go scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, swimming, boating, canoeing, sailing and many more. Apart from these water sports, hiking, golfing, walking and cycling are also very popular activities. Fishing, either on some of the inland lakes, rivers or lagoons, or off the seashore or even deep sea fishing in chartered boats is also a very popular activity. Camping, staying in a villa or a luxurious hotel are all possibilities as well. Caribbean food is also extremely tasty and memorable as is the mix of Dutch, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Indigenous and African cultures.
All of the above are just a fraction of the reasons why the Caribbean Islands are great.
Matt loves the warm weather and beaches of the Caribbean and has put together many Caribbean travel tips for you as well as tips for traveling to Curacao, his favorite country.
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Caribbean Islands - Explore the Antilles

There are many Caribbean islands to choose from if you are looking for a tropical beach vacation. The islands have different historical origins. Some are British, some French, some Spanish and some are of Dutch origin. There is something different in every one of them and in this article we take a brief tour of four distinct islands in the Antilles, which could form the basis of a great island hopping vacation.

St Martin/St Maarten

Distinctive, in that ownership of the island is shared by France and The Netherlands Antilles and that there is no border between the two sides, the island is popular for its magnificent beaches and the lively night life on the Dutch side. You can enjoy French cuisine on the beaches of the French side. The island is reached by air from Europe and the USA. It is also the destination for many cruise ships, particularly during the winter months.

Anguilla

One of the smaller British Commonwealth islands, Anguilla lies close by St Martin and can be reached from there by Ferry. Playground for the rich and famous, Anguilla is more tranquil than some of its counterparts and privacy is the order of the day. Its white sand beaches attract travellers from all over the world.

Saba

Saba is a Dutch owned island, which is famous for its fauna and flora. Ecological travellers will enjoy a climb to the top of its mountain, which can be challenging. Not an island to visit if all you want to do is to soak up the sun due to its lack of top quality beaches.

St Bart's

St Bart's, or, to give it its French name, St Barthelemy, is known as the St Tropez of the Caribbean. Owned by France and part of the European Union, St Bart's has many high-class hotels and rental villas and wonderful beaches, St Bart's ranks as one of the most chic of all Caribbean islands and can be reached from St Martin by ferry or a short flight.

So, if considering a Caribbean vacation, why not look at making the most of the time that you spend by visiting each one of these islands. Although closely situated, you will find a wealth of differences between them, making a trip to each one a new adventure. Remember, although they all have a different currency, the US dollar is universally accepted.

Author: Billy Phillips. Check out Caribbean Travel here. To find some of the major travel comparison sites, visit his Best Travel Websites directory, with links to the Best United Kingdom Comparison Sites

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Why Honeymooners Choose the Caribbean Islands Over Hawaii

Newly married couples take a honeymoon to get over the stress of the wedding. They take this time to spend together before settling done in the married lifestyle. Many couples plan months in advance on the wedding, but they have also taken the time to plan a honeymoon getaway. Hawaiian Island Honeymoon are usually a first choice but they are far more expensive than a honeymoon in the Caribbean.

Couples are choosing the lush Caribbean Island Honeymoons because they are cheaper. If the couple lives in the eastern parts of America then they will spend a total of 12 hours on a plane to get to the Hawaiian Islands, which is a long ride on an airplane. It only takes them a few hours to reach the island paradise in the Caribbean.

The water in Belize beaches crystal compared to the beaches in Hawaii. It hosts the world's second major barrier reef, which happens to come roughly to the shore at one spot. Diving and snorkeling are spectacular. Belize has Mayan ruins for its visitors to visit inland. Each island in the Caribbean has its own personality, which is very different based upon the individual history.

St. John is absolute paradise and has virtually zero crime. Every Caribbean island is unbelievable. They are waiting for someone to explore them.

The Caribbean offers a number of the most romantic and exotic locations. The privately owned beautiful Guana Island is a perfect Caribbean honeymoon site. Generally, they permit only 32 guests on the island. Lodgings incline to be vacant from early November to late August. Guana Island has striking top of hill cottages that over-look the cerulean sea.

The North Beach can offer a more exclusive lodging and features a living room, kitchen, many terraces and a private saltwater pool. It has around 850 acres with natural beauty, 7 beautiful beaches and only 32 guest allowed at one time. This makes it easier to see why your honeymoon can be secluded.

Jamaica can be one more distinguished location to take a Caribbean honeymoon. It offers invigorating excitement or serene relaxation at many of the fine resorts or reserved villas.

The Cayman Islands is another alternative for an exotic honeymoon scene. It is about 480 miles just south of Florida. It is this small string of islands, which are huge on unforgettable sandy beaches, privacy, romance, snorkeling and exceptional diving adventures.

Aruba's is rich in history. It visitors will find the Archeology Museum in Oranjestad. There is an incredible view of the city from the top of Hooiberg. Honeymooners can see the ancient painting on the multi-ton rocks.

Couples may find themselves longing for a romantic getaway in an exotic island paradise. The honeymoon can take the stress of everyday life away while you spend time discovering each other. A Hawiian island honeymoonn might suit many people, but there is no better honeymoon than an exotic Caribbean Islands honeymoon?

hi i am Richard, I have been in the travel industry the last 36 years. I have traveled all over the world. I focus on the Caribbean islands. If you want a good travel source and inside tips about Caribbean Honeymoons, all inclusives, seniors travel to the Caribbean, Caribbean cruises. visit my website for free downloads and Caribbean news. http://www.caribbeanvacations-scn.com

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The Best Caribbean Island

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

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