Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Thousands of islands make up the region known as the Caribbean located to the southeast of North America in the Caribbean Sea. Formerly part of the Netherlands Antilles, tourist destinations Curacao and Bonaire along with Dutch-owned Aruba have a rich culinary culture. Many countries, including the Netherlands, helped shape the food of the Caribbean. Typical Dutch Caribbean food consists of Caribbean Creole cuisine, including numerous rice dishes cooked with various spices, fruits and vegetables.
Campus Crusade for Christ, an interdenominational, inter-college Christian organization began by Bill and Vonette Bright in 1951, seeks to "win the campus today and change the world tomorrow." Campus Crusade also coordinates summer projects in which teams of staff and students volunteer in almost 200 countries around the world.
The Turks and Caicos Islands are in the heart of the Caribbean Sea and its beaches serves as a getaway spot for couples and families. Due to the area's warm temperatures, the resorts and hotels on these islands are open year-round. These islands have heavy tourist spots -- Grand Turk and Grace Bay Beach -- and remote destinations. Visitors to the Turks and Caicos beaches can snorkel and scuba dive.
The U.S. Virgin Islands encompass three Caribbean islands: St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, whose sunny weather, clear seas and resorts attract visitors from around the world. While St. Thomas offers many types of lodging and restaurants, all-inclusive resorts can be good value for travelers looking to package their vacations into one fee. At an all-inclusive resort, you can expect to receive all or most meals, snacks, beverages and activities as part of your package, as well as gratuities. St. Thomas is home to three all-inclusive resorts as well as hotels that offer all-inclusive add-ons.
Providenciales, or Provo, as it is widely known, is the most developed island of Turks and Caicos and one of the islands' hot spots for tourists. Grace Bay, in the northern part of the island, is where most of Provo's hotels, restaurants and shopping centers are located. It is far from what someone could call a vibrant tourist destination though, as Turks and Caicos have been -- and continue to be -- a destination to escape your daily routine and relax.
Three islands comprise the U.S. Virgin Islands: St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix. With convenient flights from the East Coast, radiant beaches and smoldering sunsets, the Virgin Islands may be the perfect place to spend your first days as a newlywed couple. Walk hand-in-hand on the beach, dive among pristine coral reefs or dance the night away at resorts in the Virgin Islands.
While the Caribbean has enjoyed much success with all-inclusive resorts, Bermuda has not fared so well. Club Med and The Harmony Club, both all-inclusive resorts, were unsuccessful in the small island country, according to the website Bermuda4U. As of February 2011, only one hotel, the Grotto Bay Beach Resort, offers an all-inclusive package that can be enjoyed by travelers arriving from Florida. There are however all-inclusive cruise vacations options.
All-inclusive hotels and resorts provide guests with food, games and amenities for one fixed price. These resorts are traditionally popular for travelers in locations including Mexico, the Virgin Islands and other tropical locations. All-inclusive hotels and resorts can also be found in the United States for guests to enjoy.
Finding the best beach on the Hawaiian islands depends on the needs of the visitor. Different beaches are noted for swimming, surfing and snorkeling, while others are famous for watching the sunset. The summer months are the best time for a visit, as the waters are calmer than during the higher waves of winter. Always pay attention to beach notices and weather reports to be on alert for dangers in the water.
Port Republic is located in northwestern Virginia between the Shenandoah Valley and George Washington National Forest. Visitors to the area can enjoy the beauty of the valley as well as the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearby is Harrisonburg, home to James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University and the Virginia Quilt Museum. Visitors to the area will find accommodations at individually owned Bed and Breakfasts, complete with southern hospitality, inns and chain hotels.
Known as the "Maple Sugar Capital of the World," the northwestern Vermont town of St. Albans has only a few motels, but is rich in history and character. It is close to natural attractions like the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain. St. Albans is small enough that its mayor invites visitors to stop by his office for chats and personalized tours.
Curacao is a small, Caribbean island located 40 miles north of the Venezuelan coast. Despite it's proximity to Venezuela, Curacao is a territory belonging to the Netherlands. Curacao's coastline provides excellent hotel accommodations, many offering beach access. Curacao has pristine, crystal-clear water, and offers famous snorkeling locales such as Airplane Wreck, Barracuda Point and Black Rock.
Shoal Lake is a 286-acre lake located in northcentral Minnesota. The lake, which offers public boat access on its southeast corner (off County Road 532), is excellent for fishing, especially for Northern pike and bluegill but also crappies, largemouth bass, and sunfish. While the nearest town is Nashwauk, area hotels are primarily found in the nearby town of Grand Rapids, which offers accommodations ranging from small motels to cozy bed-and-breakfasts.
The Antilles are a string of islands in the Caribbean Sea, ranging from the "greater" islands of Jamaica, Cuba and Hispaniola to the "lesser" islands of Grenada, Barbados and St. Lucia. The area offers a wide variety of options for beaches, hotels and things to do. While cheap isn't necessarily the name of the game when it comes to vacationing in the Antilles, you can find somewhere reasonable to stay on most of the major islands.
The Atlantis Resort is a luxury vacation resort on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas. With more than 20 restaurants, hundreds of guestrooms and 360 degree ocean views, it is no wonder why. Activities at the Atlantis Resort include the resort's private water park, private beach and the opportunity to take part in a number of water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming with the dolphins.
St. Thomas is one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Located on the island of St. Thomas is the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, a luxury resort frequented by Caribbean vacationers who enjoy sun, sand and fun. In and around the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort are many shops, from jewelry stores to clothing boutiques, some of which are duty-free. Whatever you are shopping for on St. Thomas, you may find it during your stay at the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort.
Falmouth, on the northern coast of Jamaica, is noted for being one of the Caribbean island's best preserved Georgian towns. Less visited by tourists than its neighbors Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Falmouth was set to become a cruise ship port in early 2011. The town prepared by restoring its historic buildings and repaving its roads. Visitors will also find plenty of bars where they can relax and enjoy the ocean breezes and tropical ambiance.
From the beaches of Bali to the fast-paced streets of Singapore, Asia has much to offer the single traveler. Ideal for tourists and visitors who wish to go solo for their stays in Asia, many resorts offer convenience, scenic beauty, friendly staff and options for recreation and entertainment. Depending on your travel and leisure interests, these resorts allow you to work on your tan on a beautiful, secluded coast, or peruse the posh shops and nightlife of the city.
Many hotels and resorts dotting the coastline of Montego Bay on the northwestern coast of Jamaica feature activities for children. Montego is called the "Second City in Jamaica," as its the second largest city. It is a popular Caribbean tourist destination for its many all-inclusive resorts, including those for traveling families. Many of Montego Bay's resorts and hotels occupy former sugar cane plantations.
As a tourist destination southeast of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean, the Bahamas has many vacation accommodations and attractions for just about any budget. Visitors can stay in an economical hotel and spend some time enjoying the free attractions the Bahamas has to offer, such as beaches and historic sites. Vacationers can also look for a good deal at a more inclusive resort with on-site entertainment for singles, couples and families.
Turks and Caicos offer visitors quiet beaches a short, one-hour flight from Miami. There are about 40 islands here, but just eight of them are inhabited. Although commonly thought of as in the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos is actually in the Atlantic Ocean. About 30,000 people live on the islands full-time, but another 200,000 tourists visit each year. English is the official language and the U.S. dollar the currency.
Queen's Park Hotel in Trinidad and Tobago, built in 1893, was considered the finest hotel of its time. It surpassed the other hotels offered to travelers with its modern amenities and reasonable inclusive rates. The hotel was situated adjacent to Queen's Park Savannah which presented a view of the glorious park for its guests.
Cuba, as one of the largest islands in the Caribbean, attracts many travelers from all over the world to its warm climate. Its beaches and hospitality make Cuba a desirable place for gays and lesbians to visit. Although the gay community will find no specifically publicized gay resorts in Cuba, many hotels and accommodations are friendly to gays and lesbians.
The Caribbean is filled with hotels and resorts with luxurious swimming pools. Themed swimming pools which include pools with bars and pools with individual structured architecture and design are also found on the many islands of the Caribbean, as are pools with slides.
The Caribbean island of St. Martin features of a number of exceptional all-inclusive resorts. The island is divided into two territories: Saint Martin, which is the French side to the north; and Saint Maarten, the Dutch side to the south. Resorts on the northern part of the island offer a more elegant, boutique type of atmosphere, while the resorts in the southern region feature an abundance of nightlife and adventure.
St. Martin is a unique island located in the northeast Caribbean. What makes the island unique is that it belongs to two different nations --- France and the Netherlands. The French side, which is larger, offers luxury resorts, secluded beaches and lavish accommodations; while the Dutch side offers a wide array of beaches, casinos and nightlife. Whether you visit the French side, Dutch side or both sides, there is no shortage of things to do in St. Martin.
Club Med Turks and Caicos is an adults-only resort that is perfect for the active vacationers. Along with plenty of sports and activities, Club Med offers its guest a chance to explore the island through a variety of excursions. Snorkeling, sunset cruises, horse rides and a heart of the islands ecotour are a few excursions they can take advantage of.
Sainte-Anne is located on the southwestern coast of the French Caribbean island of Martinique. Its ideal climate features little rainfall and year-round water temperatures ranging from 77 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Tourism comprises a major part of this small town's economy, with approximately 700 residents working in tourism-based businesses such as hotels, restaurants and transportation.
The Secrets chain of luxury resorts specializes in providing romantic, relaxing settings against the backdrop of a beach paradise. Secrets has a number of different locations around the world, including Jamaica and others parts of the Caribbean. These all-inclusive resorts provide what Secrets refers to as "Unlimited Luxury"-- as much food and as many drinks and activities as you want.
Marigot is the capital of the French side of the island of St. Martin, which is located in the Caribbean near the island of St. Thomas. The other half of St. Martin is controlled by the Netherlands Antilles. About 200 miles east of Puerto Rico, St. Martin is the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two different nations. Marigot is home to many outdoor bars and restaurants, particularly in the Port Marina Royal area, and live local street entertainment weekly. Marigot is home to many different types of hotels, ranging from five-star to all-inclusive resorts to…
According to the Hotel Price Index, a review of international hotel prices put out by hotels.com, Bermuda has one of the highest hotel prices in the Caribbean area. Although Bermuda is in the Atlantic and not technically in the Caribbean, it is still usually grouped with the islands. Few hotels are available for less than $200 a night in Bermuda. However, visitors can find affordable accommodations if they look at inns, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses. These accommodations provide the same services as basic hotels, with in-suite washrooms, Wi-Fi and central locations at a more affordable price.
Runaway Bay lies on Jamaica's northern coast between the cities of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. The tourist Caribbean coastal town features white-sand beaches that are protected by an expansive coral reef. Runaway Bay also is home to the well-known Green Grotto Caves and the Pear Tree River. The nearby lush tropical mountains provide outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for inland adventures. For vacationers, Runaway Bay offers several resorts, most of which offer all-inclusive beachfront accommodations.
An island located in the North Atlantic off the East Coast of the United States, Bermuda is replete with pink-sand beaches, cerulean blue ocean waters and historic attractions. Vacationers to the island can visit Crystal Caves, the Botanical Gardens, the Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo, and the Royal Navy Dockyard. Economical hotels in Bermuda offer a variety of on-site amenities and many are located near the ocean, where guests can go snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing and waterskiing.
For couples looking for a getaway from the daily grind, there are many places to relax and recharge. Some hotels and resorts cater to couples offering romantic rooms and fun activities to make the most of their getaway. Whether the getaway is by the ocean, in the mountains or in the wine-producing countryside of California, couples can enjoy a complete change of scenery while reconnecting with each other.
Travel to the Caribbean can be either an expensive or affordable undertaking. Finding Caribbean hotels for less can be done by doing some research on the area you are planning on traveling to. Using some tactics for securing a good hotel deal can make that dream vacation closer than what your budget may have previously allowed.
The Exuma string of cays in the Bahamas was once a favorite hide-out of the pirate, Captain Kidd. It still draws visitors, hundreds of years later, with the white-sand beaches that were shot as backdrops for "Pirates of the Caribbean." There are several hotels to chose from in the Exuma, Bahamas, on its more than 360 islands. The largest cay is Great Exuma, at 37 miles long. It's joined to Little Exuma by a bridge.
Each year families gather together in order to decide on the best place to spend their vacation. The Caribbean island of Barbados is a popular choice for many families. Barbados is on the eastern coast of the Caribbean and is only 21 miles long and 14 miles long. Although the island is small, it offers an enormous amount of activities for visiting families.
Runaway Bay, Jamaica has become a popular tourist destination with all of the advantages of Ocho Rios without the high volume of visitors that plague some of the more densely populated areas. Runaway Bay is particularly interesting from a historical perspective, as it was the first impression of Jamaica as seen by Christopher Columbus. There was long colonial Spanish history in the area which can be seen in customs, architecture and culture.
The Caribbean is a popular vacation destination. This region includes many islands. The white, sandy beaches attract tourists, as do the warm temperatures and the sheer volume of available activities---everything from fishing to boat tours to clubs to tours. While enjoying your Caribbean vacation, you'll want a hotel where you feel comfortable. For some, that means a secluded hotel with private, uncrowded beaches and a serene atmosphere.
Whether you prefer exploring culture-rich cities, water sports or relaxing on white, sandy beaches, the Caribbean has several picturesque locales that fit the bill. In addition to offering culinary delights, museums and a vibrant nightlife, these destinations are home to sprawling oceanfront hotels and resorts. For the more discerning guest, however, the Caribbean's modern boutique hotels offer one-of-a-kind accommodations.
The Out Islands of the Bahamas are a popular tourist destination for their pristine beaches and desirable year-round warm climate. Located just a 90-minute flight from southern Florida, in the heart of the Caribbean, Great Exuma is the largest of the Exuma Islands, part of the 365 islands that form the Bahamas. A number of hotels and resorts are available around Georgetown, the capital of the Exumas and home to just 900 people.
The Caribbean is well known for its reggae musical tradition but jazz is also an important part of the musical scene. Several festivals attract local and international artists and they contribute to tourism. The festivals have the added bonus of being hosted in beautiful scenery with first class resorts.
Jamaica is an island in the Atlantic Ocean located just south of Cuba. The country's picturesque scenery and elegant resorts attract millions of visitors each year. The island's resorts provide guests with luxury accommodations and a seemingly endless amount of amenities and activities.
Although Cuba has been under scrutiny for some time as a country to travel in with caution, the nation nevertheless maintains some amazing hotels and luxury resorts for foreign visitors. Cuba's location in the Caribbean sets the country up in an ideal geographic location for a classic vacation filled with sun, surf and delicious local food and drinks. Guests can enjoy some of the nicest, upper-end hotels that the country has to offer.
The privately owned International Dominican Republic Airport is located in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The country is a busy tourist destination within the Caribbean and just like any other airport, flights can be delayed and canceled. There are bed and breakfasts and hotels close to the airport that are available for those emergency stop overs.
From the center of the banana export business in the early 1900s to almost a ghost town in 1969, Oracabessa, Jamaica has once again come alive. Though the town consists of just one main street, you will find the it offers a beautiful white beach, a covered produce market, shops, bars, restaurants and a choice of accommodations to its visitors.
Hanover is one of the smallest counties in Jamaica, with an area of 173.9 miles. It is located on the northeastern tip of the island. Its capital, Lucea, is one of the most picturesque towns in Jamaica. With the ocean right in its backyard, Hanover possesses some of the best oceanfront hotels and beach property in the country.
Located in the Southern Caribbean, Barbados is a popular destination for honeymooners, cruisers and couples in search of a relaxing, romantic getaway. Barbados features pristine beaches, friendly locals and abundant water activities. Like many Caribbean islands, Barbados is formed of coral, is mostly flat with lush, rolling hills and abundant tropical plant life. It is also home to unique geological formations, such as underground lakes that make it stand out among Caribbean destinations.
When you're looking for the perfect venue to hold your next business or social banquet, choose a restaurant with stunning views, a vast array of menu choices and an experienced event planning staff. Several San Fernando Valley restaurants with banquet facilities employ teams of professional banquet planners to provide you with the right food, beverage, decor and entertainment choices to personalize your banquet to match your budget and tastes.
Aruba, with crystal clear blue-green water and miles of white sand beaches, is a long-standing vacation destination choice. With casinos, live shows, tropical resorts and numerous dining options, along with beach and sea activities, Aruba has plenty to keep visitors busy . . . or relaxed--depending on your preference. The island is situated in the southern Caribbean just north of Venezuela. Aruba has many hotels to accommodate its tourists, with a small number of them located on the prestigious Palm and Eagle Beaches.
