Vacation Ideas

The Turks and Caicos Islands are situated approximately 575 miles southeast of Miami and 39 miles south east of Mayaguana in the Bahamas. Turks and Caicos Islands have one of the longest coral reefs in the world, making it a very desirable diving destination.  
The white sandy beaches cover 230 miles in total and are surrounded by crystal clear waters. The islands are relatively flat but depending on the island, the terrain can vary from sand dunes to lush green vegetation. There are eight major islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, East Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales and West Caicos. The people on the islands are known for their friendliness. East Caicos and West Caicos are uninhabited.

Turks and Caicos gets its main revenue from the tourist industry. The fishing industry also continues throughout Turks and Caicos. On the islands of Providenciales and Grand Turk you will find International style hotel accommodations, each one has its own unique set up and surroundings. Native dishes are served along with international cuisine, you will find this at most of the restaurants. More casual and serene accommodations can be found on the other islands and smaller cays. 

Grand Turk is the capital of Turks and Caicos and the financial center of the islands. It has the second largest population of around 3,720 people. Grand Turk is one of the main historical points of Turks and Caicos. There are many old buildings and ruins, along with The Turks and Caicos National Museum. Grand Turk’s main attraction is diving, with many dive operators and schools. It caters to novice snorkelers and experienced divers alike and the major income for the island is dive-orientated tourism with the island’s outstanding protected coral reef.
Located on Grand Turk, Cockburn Town is the administrative capital and the historic and cultural center of the islands. It was believed to be where Columbus landed during his discovery of the New World in 1492. One can tour the town itself on a walking tour.

Bermudan style architecture representative of the salt era of the 18th and 19th century line Duke and Font Streets. Two of these buildings are now popular inns. Other buildings make up the governor’s residence, other government offices, the public library, churches and private residences and fraternities. A popular tourist spot to visit is the Turks and Caicos National Museum where a central exhibit tells the story of the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck discovered in the Western Hemisphere (dated around 1505). The museum also outlines the rich cultural and natural diversity of the islands. Other historic sites include the Lighthouse which offers a spectacular view of the island, the prison, Fire Hill and the Hawks Nest Anchorage. It is well worth hiring a taxi and driver/guide to tour the island to give you first-hand information on the history and places to see. Another interesting attraction we witnessed during our tour was an abundance of feral horses and donkeys inhabiting the island, roaming free.

Providenciales, or more commonly called “Provo”, covers an area of 38 miles and is the most developed island in Turks and Caicos. Provo, with a population of over 6,000, is found on the west side of the islands and offers all modern conveniences, including superb hotels, a casino and a Golf Club. Provo is considered a great destination for those who want to escape their busy schedules and relax. Provo has the largest non-native population made up of Haitians, Dominicans, Canadians, Germans, French and Americans. The growing population is mainly due to the completion of the airport in 1984, which is capable of dealing with large planes.  

The most beautiful beaches are found on the north of the island, near Sapodilla Bay, along with a long coral reef rich in aquatic life. Towards the south of the island, Chalk Sound, offers a large lake with striking turquoise water and an array of small cays. South Dock found east of Sapodilla Bay is the island’s commercial port and has the capability to deal with containerized goods.  

The two main and oldest settlements on Provo Island are Bight and Blue Hills, both of which have a real Caribbean feeling. Provo shops offer a good range of boutiques at Turtle Cove and downtown one can find a range of retail shops, business offices and travel agents.   Provo is the main island for hotels and resorts, with many accommodation and recreational facilities options available.

A great attraction to the islands is the varied and bountiful wildlife and sea creatures they offer. The islands are arranged around the edges of two large limestone plateaus called the Turks Bank, that has deep offshore waters which serve as major transit points for Humpback Whales, spotted Eagle Rays, Manta Rays and Turtles. From late December through April, it is believed that as many as 2,500 Humpback Whales pass through the shores on their annual migration to the Mouchoir Bank. During the summer, divers may encounter many Manta Rays cruising the face of the walls, and encounters with dolphins are not uncommon. 

Bordering the edges of the islands are lines of coral reefs and some of the most impressive walls of coral in the Caribbean. From the legendary walls of Grand Turk, West Caicos and Provo’s Northwest Point to the historic wrecks south of Salt Cay, a dozen world class walls have become important for the serious diver. 

The same rich waters are used by anglers fishing for Tuna, Wahoo and Blue Marlin. Also, the salt ponds and inland marshes serve as excellent feeding grounds for resident and migratory birds. One can be on the lookout for Great Blue Herons, Flamingos, Osprey, Pelicans, Egrets, Terns, Frigates, Boobies and other water birds. As part of the National Parks system more than twelve small cays have been set aside and protected for breeding grounds. 

On some of the less disturbed and smaller islands of Little Water Cay or Great Sand Cay one can find the Turks island Iguana, which is endangered and delicate. It thrives on these deserted islands, away from the influence of man. These islands are also protected by the National Parks system. 

A beach vacation to the Turks and Caicos Islands would truly be a memorable experience. It would be wonderful to visit each island, but even if you were only able to see one, the beauty and pristine beaches would make it a worthwhile vacation.

Jamaica is one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean Islands, as you will see if you ever are fortunate enough to vacation there. Their beautiful white sand beaches and distinct Island culture make it a place worth visiting, check how awesome and comfortable these Villas in Jamaica looks !

The tranquil beaches surrounded by crystal clear ocean waters make it an ideal spot for sun-lovers and water sport enthusiasts alike. The visitor can indulge in fishing, wind surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, or swimming. They can hire fishing boats or sailboats for further adventure, or there are also many other attractions that can keep the Jamaican vacationer happy.

Evening entertainment offers fine dining at your resort, or more leisurely choices at local bars, roadside stands or hotspots. Of course, trying the spicy local flavours that Jamaica is famous for, such as jerk pork, curry chicken or a hot Jamaican Pattie, is not to be missed. They also offer wonderful seafood dishes, from lobster to crab delicacies. Try them all, and follow it up with a smooth rum punch made with true Jamaican rum.

Nightlife in Jamaica is certainly ‘hopping’ with their unique reggae music. Vacationers can sway to and fro to the beat of famous Jamaican artists like Bob Marley at the local bars and nightclubs.

Meeting people in Jamaica is easy because of their warm, friendly people. Jamaican’s come from a rich, diverse culture blended from around the world. Their motto “Out of Many, One People” sums it all up. The language spoken in Jamaica is English, but you will often hear slang or “Patois” which often sounds like a foreign language. The commonly heard phrase of “Irie mon” simply means everything is cool or good.

Jamaica has its own currency, the Jamaican Dollar, but US money is widely accepted.

The best tourist spots to visit are on the north coast. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are the most popular, but Negril, which is located on the west coast, is also widely visited. A must-see in Ocho Rios is the famous Dunn’s River Falls, where visitors, lead by a Jamaican guide, can climb up a series of cascading falls. The location is certainly picturesque and vacationers can have fun experiencing the adventure of the climb.

Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second largest city and the original tourist hotspot, also features many attractions for visitors. They offer plantation tours, one of which is to the great Wyndham Rose Hall Plantation, and bamboo river rafting. There is charter fishing, cycling, golfing, horseback riding, scuba diving, or many other vacation activities, as well as the gorgeous beaches.

Negril has a wide expanse of pure white sand beaches perfect for lounging in the sun. It has been labelled the “Capital of Casual” and some of the beaches are even clothing-optional. Scuba diving in Negril is said to be Jamaica’s best, but other visitors can enjoy deep-sea fishing, parasailing, glass bottom boat trips, catamaran cruises or other water activities. And, an exciting place for visitors is the famous Rick’s Café where you can relax with a drink and watch the cliff divers, or better yet, be more adventurous and brave the cliffs yourself.

Visiting Jamaica’s sparkling azure waters and beautiful white sand beaches is a must on any vacationer’s agenda. And, experiencing the unique culture of this Caribbean Island is one a tourist will not easily forget.

If you are looking for a fantastic Caribbean destination to travel to, you need look no further than the Cayman Islands. From the pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters for swimming, diving, snorkeling, or sailing the Cayman Islands are a vacation spot that is not to be missed. If you enjoy traveling to a destination that has it all, you should consider planning a trip to the Cayman Islands.

Originally the Cayman Islands were named Las Tortugas because of the turtles that were often found sunning themselves on the beautiful beach sands. But, eventually the named changed to reflect the indigenous crocodile called “Caymanas”. The Cayman Islands consist of a group of three islands: Grand Cayman, the largest, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. The island chain is located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica.

The Cayman Islands are a territory of the United Kingdom, colonized by the British during the 18th and 19th century. The islands became part of the Federation of the West Indies in 1959, but when the Federation dissolved the Cayman Islands chose to remain a British territory. [Read more…] about Visiting the Cayman Islands

Cuba is an enchanting Caribbean vacation spot that is virtually undiscovered. The pristine white sand beaches and crystal blue waters are a vacationer’s delight. And, the snorkeling and scuba diving is second to none. Cuba has a vast amount of rich culture, spectacular sunsets and memorable experiences to offer the tourist.

Due to the fact that Cuba is a relative newcomer to the vacation marketplace, prices for all-inclusive packages are usually very reasonable. The resorts there offer all the same amenities you can expect at other places, including spectacular free-form swimming pools (many with swim-up bars), great service, white sand beaches, water sports, fishing, night clubs, local entertainment, arts and craft markets, and much more. Most resorts offer all-inclusive packages that include flights, meals, drinks and entertainment.

Cuba has more of a “family” vacation spot appeal and does not normally have the large crowds and exciting nightlife that many other vacation spots have to offer. On a Cuban vacation, you can expect more of a relaxing getaway, although most resorts still have nightclubs and disco’s and some night-time entertainment if you want it. [Read more…] about Travel to Cuba

If you’re going on a beach holiday this year then you might have already got everything you need, and are just counting down the days, Alternatively, you might not really know what to wear, and are worried you won’t have what you need.

Here’s what you need.

1. You’ll want a fantastic bikini or swimsuit to make the most of your figure and so you can enjoy the weather. Perhaps a particular style is best for you, or you have certain requirements from your designer bikinis, or perhaps you just like a certain brand of designer swimwear.

2. A sarong is ideal for when you need to be covered up, or to protect you from the sun, or for when you aren’t on the beach. Why not choose a matching, or contrasting cover up, or with a bold or understated design? [Read more…] about Planning a Beach Vacation?