THE GREATER ANTILLES, “SPECTACULAR CARIBBEAN”

CAYMAN ISLANDS, "WHITE SUGAR BEACHES"

BY CLAY LARROY

Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be a thrilling time you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons of things to do and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? To help you sort out the options, check out the tip below.

Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carryon bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. Your smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags around the Caribbean. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Things to see and do in Cayman Islands

Camana Bay

Restaurants, events, shopping, movies, music, business, fashion, sports, school – it's all here at a bespoke-built new town of Camana Bay (www.camanabay.com) which is ever growing. The 200 hectares (500 acres) of this extraordinary project are beautifully-designed from scratch. The effect is of a high-end, safe small US town where everything is within walking distance. You won't believe you're in the Caribbean when you stroll along the Paseo. The master plan is a multi-decade, multi-million pound project by Dart Realty.

Cayman Brac caves

The Bluff that runs along the centre of Cayman Brac is riddled with caves, many of them with tales to tell about the islanders who have sheltered there during hurricanes. One of the popular ones is Bat Cave, which for obvious reasons, is a photo opportunity in the making.

Cayman Motor museum

Believe it or not, Grand Cayman is home to the original Batmobile – one of nearly 90 cars at the privately-owned Cayman Motor museum (www.caymanmotormuseum.com). There's also one of the first cars ever produced, an 1886 Mercedes-Benz. Well worth a visit.

Cayman Turtle Farm

At this commercial turtle farm visitors can watch sea turtles at various stages of their development. There's also an artificial predator reef, a snorkelling lagoon, an aviary, a crocodile and a cultural centre. The farm has come under much fire for its high levels of government subsidy each year and there have also been doubts cast over the living conditions for the turtles. Ironically, even whilst you admire these noble, ancient creatures, you can do so from the Turtle Farm's own bar and restaurant – which serves turtle steaks, turtle burgers and turtle stew.

Experience the Atlantis Submarine

Delve beneath the deep completely wetsuit-free with the Atlantis Submarine (www.atlantisadventures.com), which offers hour-long trips to view the spectacular reefs. The submarine is fully kitted out for tourists and is unsinkable, fully-pressurised and suitable for all ages. It's a great way to get under the water without the hassle, expense and restrictions of gaining your PADI dive qualification.

Go Booby-spotting

Visit Booby Pond on Little Cayman, which hosts the world's largest colony of red-footed boobies. A natural, land-locked saltwater lagoon, it also has Magnificent Frigatebirds nesting around and was designated as a Wetland of International Significance in 1994. The visitor's centre is built in traditional Cayman style and is home to the National Trust. Over on the Brac, there's the Parrot Reserve which is home to the endangered Cayman Brac parrot. The Sister Islands are also home to the equally-endangered Rock Iguana.

Go fishing

The deep waters surrounding Grand Cayman are prime fishing grounds, offering various species of large fish. The annual International Fishing Tournament (www.fishcayman.com) takes place in April.

Hell

Go to Hell and back - literally. The peculiar rock formations of this area of Grand Cayman have evolved from shells and corals solidified by salt and lime deposits. A close examination reveals petrified forms of sea life that could be up to 20 million years old. There is a post office there which has one of the most unique local area stamps you will find. Look out for the devil himself – aka local shop owner, Ivan Farrington, replete in flame-red costume.

Hike the Mastic Trail

Hike through the mangrove swamps and ancient forest along Grand Cayman's Mastic Trail (www.nationaltrust.org.ky), linking Frank Sound to Old Man Bay. The trail dates back to the 18th century and passes through a variety of flora and fauna. This protected area represents some of the last remaining examples of Caribbean subtropical forest. You may spot a native Cayman Green Parrot, Caribbean Dove, West Indian Woopdpecker, butterflies, lizards, frogs and more. Special tours are available and the trail takes approximately three hours. You will need to be reasonably fit to join this pedestrian route.

Snorkelling at Stingray City

Snorkel alongside southern stingrays at Stingray City in North Sound on Grand Cayman. These shallow waters are home to a profusion of stingrays and visitors can get right up close with these otherworldly, gentle creatures. As the story goes, when fishermen of yore cleaned their catch, they'd throw the unwanted innards overboard. Over a number of years, the stingrays came to associate the noise of the returning boats with a free feed and as a consequence both Deep Stingray City (near the reef) and the Sandbar have become popular sites for tourists. The stingrays aren't tame but are very used to visitors. They do have a barb which can sting if they are scared or provoked. Be aware that lifting them out of the water is considered cruel; stroke them gently along their fins and you'll get on just fine. They don't bite, but might leave you with a hard-to-explain hickey if you get too close. It is possible to feed them by hand.

Surfing

Need to polish up your board skills before hitting the beach? Learn to surf in a wave tank at Black Pearl Skate and Surf (www.blackpearl.ky), in Grand Harbour. Waves aren't going to be six-footers in Cayman because of the reef, but there are plenty of spots in the right weather.

Wander Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

Wander around the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (www.botanic-park.ky), a 26-hectare (65-acre) heritage garden boasting a vivid array of cacti, shrubs and native flowers. The park has become the focus of a highly successful conservation programme to protect the endangered Cayman blue iguana which is constantly threatened both by new development leading to habitat loss and the invasive, non-indigenous, bigger, brasher green iguana.

REFERENCE SITE

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Because of the fact that being a professional actor is not a career that is widely pursued back home in the Cayman Islands, I never thought it was a viable profession. It didn't even cross my mind. So when I knew I wanted to do theater, I didn't think 'actress,' even though I loved to perform.

— Grace Gealey

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!

THE GREATER ANTILLES, “SPECTACULAR CARIBBEAN”

CAYMAN ISLANDS, "WHITE SUGAR BEACHES"

BY CLAY LARROY

Across the America many couples are having wonderful wedding after months of planning. The bride and groom will need a honeymoon to rest and recuperate.  Vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Couples that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Couples vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience especially in the Caribbean. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

With beautiful beaches, world-class diving, the unique experience of swimming with semi-tame stingrays at Stingray City, mangrove swamps and all, a trip to Cayman is the stuff of bucket lists for most people. The extraordinary beaches on all three islands are perfect for lazing about on, whilst the surrounding waters are a treasure trove of marine life, with unprecedented visibility due to the lack of rivers feeding silt into the ocean.

The islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – are home to around 50,000 people, a significant number of these being expatriate workers filling jobs in everything from high finance to bartending, diving staff to low-paid jobs in the service industry. The financial industry looms large over most initial discussions about the islands, and there’s no income tax, leading many to believe paradise really does exist here. Still, the high duty on consumer goods, food and fuel makes the cost of living sharply felt.

The locals refer to the islands as ‘Cayman’ (never ‘The Caymans’), a collective noun that encompasses all three islands, whilst the Sister Islands is the collective name for Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. But that wasn’t the first name these small specks in the centre of the Caribbean enjoyed.

None other than Columbus named the islands Las Tortugas for the large numbers of turtles on the islands, making them a valuable stop-off for passing ships to replenish meat stocks. Indeed, in future years, turtling was a major part of the local economy both as a work and food source. To this day, Cayman has the oft-controversial Turtle Farm providing meat to local restaurants.

The word 'Cayman' comes from the Carib word for marine crocodile, caymanas, suggesting that the islands were also well-populated with somewhat snappier reptiles. Occasionally crocs do pop up, having journeyed from Cuba, Cayman’s closest neighbour. One particular croc – renamed Smiley – now has her home at the Turtle Farm.

These days, there are more gourmet options available; there’s a fine array of top class restaurants – over 200 on Grand Cayman alone – including the exquisite Blue at the Ritz-Carlton by Eric Ripert, head honcho behind New York’s fine dining fish restaurant Le Bernardin.

All things culinary are celebrated each year at Cayman Cookout – a top-end event attended by world famous chefs including Anthony Bourdain, Jose Andres and more – and the local celebration of Taste of Cayman.

Pirates Week festival celebrates local culture in the company of pirate crews from around the world, drawing well over 5,000 to its events. It all begins with an invasion of the hoary old soaks, who capture the (mock) governor each year and create as much chaos as you’d expect. Each district competes in a float parade, whilst sporting and family events make great entertainment, and Heritage Days allow visitors to can sample the local food, entertainment, history and atmosphere of the island in even more detail.

Another must-see is Batabano – Cayman’s own version of Carnival, complete with floats, extravagant costumes, steel bands and all the dancing you can muster. So pour out a glass of the local drink Swanky, grab a spot on Seven Mile Beach (or one of the many other incredible options), sit back and enjoy the show.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

I grew up in the Cayman Islands. I didn't play video games or watch TV. I would basically come home from school, throw down my backpack, grab my machete, and go hike and chop down trees to make a fort.

— Armie Hammer

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

THE GREATER ANTILLES, “SPECTACULAR CARIBBEAN”

JAMAICA, "LAND OF WOOD AND WATER"

BY CLAY LARROY

It doesn't matter if you take a trip across the state line or the border, being far from home can be exciting and also a bit stressful. When considering traveling, it is important to think of the best mode of travel. Traveling by car can offer many more sights and opportunities for side trips. Traveling by train can offer a chance to relax and get some work done if they wanted. Planes can cover ground fast but don't allow much movement and one cannot get off the plane in flight. Each mode of travel has its own advantages and disadvantages to be considered. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 Things to see and do in Jamaica

Blue Mountains

Follow one of many hiking and climbing trails up the Blue Mountains to heights above 2,100m (7,000ft). Shrouded by mists that give the peaks their bluish tinge, the Blue Mountains are home to more than 200 bird species and 800 species of plants.

Bob Marley Museum, Kingston

As the heart of 'true' Jamaica, Kingston beats the island's rhythm. That rhythm is reggae, and as such, a visit to 56 Hope Road is a must for most, and a pilgrimage for many. This is the city's most visited address. Formerly the home and studio of the legendary Bob Marley, the modest wooden house now serves as both museum and shrine.

Carnival time

Be sure to take to the streets to witness Jamaica's riotous fun-filled carnival. Parading musicians, skimpily dressed dancers and floats typify this world famous street party. Expect outlandish behaviour to the sound of soca, steel bands and beating drums.

Columbus Park

Pop into the 24-hour open-air museum and see relics of Jamaican history at Columbus Park, a commemorative park to mark the 1494 landing of Christopher Columbus in Discovery Bay.

Dolphin-spotting

Surrounded by tropical rainforest, Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios is the largest dolphin natural lagoon home to numerous bottle nose dolphins. The chance to interact and swim with these magical creatures is sure to make for an unforgettable experience.

Explore the Rio Grande

Hop aboard a bamboo raft to explore the Rio Grande for a thrilling trip through banana and sugar cane plantations. Set sail from the peaks of the Blue Mountains at Berrydale before winding down to Margaret's Bay along one of Jamaica's largest rivers.

Explore the mountains

Ride a bicycle downhill through an elfin forest of stunted soapwood and redwood trees, home to hundreds of species of bird and blossoming plants. Speed through the world-famous Blue Mountain coffee plantations or meander at a leisurely pace along hedgerow-flanked lanes.

Kingston

Kingston's reputation may include crime crowds and shanty-towns, but for a real insight into Jamaica's island life nowhere else will do. Stay smart and you'll enjoy a fascinating and authentic experience encompassing grand historical sights, a beautiful harbor-front, frenetic markets and pulsating street-life.

Limestone caves

Check out a huge labyrinth of limestone caves on Jamaica's north coast, a stunning natural phenomena. Characterized by stalactites, stalagmites, overhead crags, tunnels light holes, and in its depths a subterranean lake, the Green Grotto was once used as shelter by the Arawak Indians (Tainos).

Lover's Leap

Head out to Lover's Leap, a sheer 518m (1,700ft) cliff overhanging the sea east of Treasure Beach. It was here that two slave lovers leaped to their deaths rather than to be separated. Those with vertigo should stand well away from the edge - the view is terrifying.

Milk River Spa

Take a rejuvenating dip in the curative waters of the aged Milk River with a visit to the unique government owned spa located here, and enjoy a naturally radioactive mineral bath. Discovered in 1794, these spring-fed therapeutic waters reach temperatures of 33°C (86°F).

Montego Bay

Chill-out or party hard Jamaican-style in Montego Bay, the island's most buzzing city. Whether lounging all day on laid-back Doctor's Cave Beach or cruising through the gaudy delights of Gloucester, this is the spot where Jamaica lays its 'big sell' on the world's tourists. Many never make it any further.

Port Royal

Don't miss a chance to visit the Port Royal in Kingston, a fine museum on top of the peninsula bordering Kingston Harbour. It honours Jamaica's ancient capital city, submerged under the sea after an earthquake in 1692.

Shaw Park Botanical Gardens

For truly vibrant blooms check out the exhibits at Shaw Park Botanical Gardens, a 10-hectare (25-acre) collection of exotic Caribbean flora in Ocho Rios. Situated high on a hilltop overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the gardens has a waterfall as a centrepiece.

Spanish Town

Stroll around the ancient streets of Spanish Town, Jamaica's former capital, on a historical walking tour. It was once a magnificent and impressive metropolis and some fine stately red-brick homes and grand monuments remain, including a resplendent plaza.

Treasure Bay

Comprising three golden sandy bays on the south of the island, where palm fronds sway, azure waters lap, and local fisherman cruise their colourful boats to fish amongst the cays on the horizon. This is the Jamaican paradise you saw in the brochure before you came.

Underwater gardens

Dive in some of the best underwater gardens Montego Bay Marine Park, located along the west and north coasts where sunken wrecks, black coral and rope sponge host a multitude of multicolored tropical fish. Montego Bay's waters are protected, and here you're likely spot nurse sharks, eagle rays, upside down jellyfish, tobacco fish and snapper in shallow spurs and grove reefs amidst an assortment of caverns.

Walking paths

Explore the hundreds of paths connecting villages and settlements around the mountains, including several non-tourist utilitarian paths around Newcastle on the Kingston to Buff Bay Road where trails lead to Catherine's Peak and Mount Horeb.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.travelresearchonline.com

Twenty or 30 years from now, I'm going to be on a beach in Jamaica. 

Idris Elba

 

Live, Love and Travel to create memories that will last a lifetime!

THE GREATER ANTILLES, “SPECTACULAR CARIBBEAN”

JAMAICA, "LAND OF WOOD AND WATER"

BY Clay Larroy

A vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated. Whether you are just now starting to plan your next vacation, or are merely looking for travel ideas and suggestions, read all the articles about the Caribbean. So take away some of the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to plan an exciting vacation contact me!

The third-largest island in the Caribbean is also one of the most colourful. Idyllic white sand beaches and vibrant tropical blooms sit on a backdrop of blue mountain peaks. As the adopted home of the Rasta, Jamaica is also a riot of red, gold, and green.

Renowned as the birthplace of Bob Marley, reggae remains at the island's musical heart. Rice-and-peas, rum, coffee and cricket are its soul. Excellent tourist facilities and attractions range from leafy parks to handsome colonial towns and neon-lit nightlife. Negril and Montego Bay are Jamaica's two main coastal resorts, attracting tourists with exquisite sands, lively clubs, fine restaurants and world-class golf. Laid-back Negril boasts 7 miles of beach, while sizzling Montego Bay boasts the reputation as party-town.

Venture a short distance along the coast to discover 'the real Jamaica', amidst street markets of ackee, yam and breadfruit and vendors hawking kulu kulu rum. Explore the sleepy fishing villages of Treasure Beach, Port Antonio and Oracabessa which offer a glimpse of Jamaica's quieter side. Music is inherent to Jamaica, be it roots, rock or reggae and in Kingston, the island's spirited capital, grand Georgian plazas and elegant mansions are serenaded by soca rhythms and the pulsating buzz of the city. You’ll soon be seduced by the rhythm of life on this famous paradise island.

Hotels

Accommodation catering to all tastes and on wildly vary scales can be found all around the island’s coast, as well as more and more establishments inland in areas of outstanding natural beauty such as the Blue Mountains. Montego Bay and Ochos Rios are the main ‘volume tourism’ and cruise ship destinations, and they have many of the principal hotels, sights and shopping areas. At the western tip of the island, lining a spectacular seven-mile stretch of beach and some equally pretty cliffs, Negril is popular but with a very different feel, smaller-scale excusive hotels and a more laid back air. Port Antonia is also a calmer and quieter corner of the island boasting some of the most attractive countryside. Coastal areas such as Treasure Bay, Discovery Bay and Runway Bay have gained such a reputation over the years that they have become destinations in their own right, and of course a range of hotel accommodation can be found in the capital Kingston, the lively heart of Jamaica.

Boutique Hotels: Jamaica realized some years ago that there were many potential holiday-makers keen to visit its shores and looking for hotel accommodation, but put off by the stranglehold of the massive chain resorts. Since then a profusion of small and intimate, luxury boutique hotels have flourished around the island, many being converted from revamped B&B establishments. If you’re put off by large resorts but don’t want to go completely ‘local’ either, the intimate, elegant surroundings and more personal service offered by these hotels could be the answer.

All-inclusive Resort: Jamaica boasts more all-inclusive resorts than any other island in the Caribbean. In fact there are over thirty dotted around the island’s most popular coastal locations, with something to suit every budget, and the advantage of having your holiday completely taken care of before you arrive, from meals and drinks to airport transfers. All-inclusive resorts are usually large affairs, well equipped with more than one pool and several options for restaurants and bars. By and large they fall into two categories; ones designed to cater for family holidays and those reserved for couples and honeymooners.

Grading: Hotels are government-controlled in four categories: A, B, C and D.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com

I love running in nature. I don't like running on the streets, I don't like running in the city, 

I don't like running on the concrete. I love running in nature, so Jamaica provides a lot of that for me. 

Ziggy Marley

 

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

THE GREATER ANTILLES, “SPECTACULAR CARIBBEAN”

PUERTO RICO, “ISLE OF ENCHANTMENT”

BY CLAY LARROY

Do you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. Not only will you feel less anxiety before the trip, but you can rest assured that once you arrive where you're going you will have a good understanding of what's going on there.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

The article below offers an enchanting viewpoint on travel in Puerto Rico.

Discover The Top Things to do in Puerto Rico

by Amanda Jane Brines

in Travel / Destinations    (submitted 2012-01-04)

Puerto Rico, tropical paradise belonging to the Caribbean is considered the world's major visitor areas. Its array of fun activities and marvelous fascination yet bring travelers just for this pristine island. It is just a large number of historic locations by using exceptional galleries that display Puerto Rico's workmanship and also abundant lifestyle. Moreover, it's 270 miles of beaches of great help for swimming and cruise journeys. Also, with the daring unique subterranean caves of Rio Camuy to your ancient El Morro, there is a constant tire out things to do in Puerto Rico.

You'll discover greater than a 100 things to do in Puerto Rico with regard to styles of visitors whether or not they invest several hrs, a few days or numerous nights. As soon as you can get free of the roads of San Juan possess a preference of Puerto Rico's must-try sweet treats in high street restaurants or kerbside shacks or join the Stories of Puerto Rico and get a diet plan and eating tour in best of luck spots in San Juan. Don't miss to relish the Mofongo, Puerto Rico's personal tasty mixture of mashed plantain with vegetable, meat or sea food refills to pick from.

If you appreciate shorelines and also other water pursuits Island Adventures' 90-minute boat tour is definitely important through amid all those moonless evenings in Vieques, or maybe you're the productive kind you can savor kayaking or maybe scuba diving with all your kids and family in Cayo Afuera and also a incomparable ecofriendly trip in Vieque's bio-bay. In addition to this you may also try diving in several Professional Association of Diving Teachers (PADI) licensed diving centers in Fajardo. Beach liking peers will likely love running around the sandy beach, play volleyball with buddies or grill quite a few fresh fish and shellfish in Playa Ca±a Gorda. Among Puerto Rico's best swimming locations often is the beautiful Flamenco this beach is virtually enclosed by eco-friendly hillsides that will make sure the tranquil waters.

The best things to do in Puerto Rico for you to shouldn't miss is a stop by a Bahia Bug in Visque. Generally known as the Bioluminescent, this wildlife sustain it's stated by people as the world's greatest power of phosphorescent dynoflagellates and going swimming within this lagoon is a lot like going swimming with stars on the horizon.

Great places to visit to in Puerto Rico likewise incorporate canon's p San Cristobal that may be only a number of miles from Aibonito, a fantastic area to climb this wonderful canyon houses the island's supreme waterfall. A different neat method to view will be the Observatorio p Arecibo produced as an alien spaceship, it's amongst the world's best radio telescopes. The eye-catching Teatro Yaguez in Mayaguez is among Europe's greatest architectural functions can be one location worth popping to.

Outlet consumers must go to the earlier San Juan's Calle del Cristo due to the fantastic dining establishments, partaking free galleries along with stores. This particular avenue can be another nice destination to snap a couple of shots from the San Jose Chapel or stroll about Pigeon Park wherever an array of wild birds await.

Everything was outlined are a dozen on the never-ending things to do in Puerto Rico. If you are planning to acquire your holiday, Puerto Rico's high season extends from December to April after the conditions are sunny as well as the temperature are great. But when you should spend less while you are taking advantage of the excellent weather conditions, better take your getaway during the entire month of November or May.

About the Author

The author is a blogger and a constant traveler who has been fascinated by the beautiful travel destinations around the world including Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is beautiful. I mean, I love it. But it's hard to film here. It's hard to film an 

action movie here where you're outside, and you're running around all day. 

Jeffrey Dean Morgan

 

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!

THE GREATER ANTILLES, “SPECTACULAR CARIBBEAN”

PUERTO RICO, “ISLE OF ENCHANTMENT”

BY CLAY LARROY

A vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated. Whether you are just now starting to plan your next vacation, or are merely looking for travel ideas and suggestions, read all the articles about the Caribbean. So take away some of the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to plan an exciting vacation contact me!

With tropical rainforest, warm turquoise waters and soft yellow sand, Puerto Rico (Rich Port) is certainly abundant in natural riches. Most visitors are attracted to the island's beaches, and understandably so. From San Juan's calmer Atlantic waters to Rincón's ripping surf breaks, and from Culebra's picture-perfect Flamenco Beach (rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world by the Discovery Channel) to Vieques' nearly deserted beaches where wild horses roam, there really is sand and surf for every type of beach bum in Puerto Rico.

There are many other attractions besides the beach, however, which is perhaps surprising given that this island is relatively small in size (approximately 161km/100 miles by 63km/39 miles). The island has three of the world's bioluminescent bays, glow-in-the-dark bodies of water that you can kayak or motorboat into for a nighttime lightshow (the dinoflagellates in the water make it sparkle like glitter).

The interior of the island has a mountain range with impressive views, a massive system of limestone formations and caves, and the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. The southeastern interior has a desert, complete with cacti! The island's interior also has interesting opportunities to learn more about Puerto Rico's history and culture through the Fideicomiso's (Nature Conservancy's) network of sites, including Hacienda Buena Vista (an old coffee plantation) and Hacienda Esperanza (an old sugar plantation). Venture off the beaten path and you'll likely find yourself the sole adventurer in the island's beautiful interior region.

In addition to the mainland of Puerto Rico, there are several smaller ‘sister’ islands that belong to Puerto Rico which are popular among visitors. Culebra and Vieques, off the mainland's eastern coast, are favourites of tourists and locals alike. And the mysteriously named Caja de Muertos (literally, Coffin Island) is a favourite of people who love wildlife watching.

Culturally, the island of Puerto Rico is a vibrant and multicultural destination, integrating and remixing what it calls its three ‘roots’: Taino (an indigenous group), Spanish and African. The country is in the Caribbean but not wholly of it, influenced both by Latin America and the USA, with which it has a colonial relationship. This blend of cultures makes for interesting music, food, and celebrations, as well as some curious aspects of daily life, including language (rather than use the Spanish word for ‘parking’, for example, you're likely to see ‘Parking’ or ‘Parkin'’).

Islanders embrace all that is modern (you'll see police riding motorcycles with their cell phones tucked under their helmets, talking while driving), while cherishing and preserving their past. Many buildings in historic Old San Juan, home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, proudly preserve their original Spanish style. Visitors are typically enchanted by blue cobblestone streets and pastel-painted colonial buildings. Here, it feels as if you can reach out and touch history.

Visitors to the island rarely come just once. The warm weather is rivalled by Puerto Ricans' friendliness. Travelers here often make lifelong friends out of acquaintances they've met while sharing lechon asado and tostones (roast pork and plantain chips), or while dancing salsa at a popular club like the Nuyorican.

REFERENCE SITE

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Puerto Rico is one of those places you can be as quiet or as crazy as you want, 

because there's so much nightlife. I have to take the craziness carefully. 

Bruce Forsyth

 

Travel  and create wonderful memories for your family!

THE GREATER ANTILLES, “SPECTACULAR CARIBBEAN”

PUERTO RICO, “ISLE OF ENCHANTMENT”


BY Clay Larroy

There is nothing more exciting than travelling. Whether you are going for a road trip to see something new in your own state, or heading off to the Caribbean for the very first time to visit a city you have always dreamed of, there are some travel basics that you should know. Travel in the off seasons to avoid crowds, save money and enjoy temperate weather. In those months, many families with children cannot travel due to school commitments, making many tourist attractions much less crowded. This may also result in lower costs for airfare and hotels. As an added bonus, the weather in May and October is usually perfect for traveling -- not too hot and not too cold.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

Things to see and do in Puerto Rico

Arecibo Observatory

Get starry eyed at Arecibo Observatory (www.naic.edu), site of one of the largest radio telescopes in the world. Located in the unusual karst country of Puerto Rico, the 8-hectare (20-acre) dish can be seen from an observatory platform at Arecibo's visitors' centre.

Bioluminescent bays

Puerto Rico boasts three of the world's bioluminescent bays (also called phosphorescent bays), and all three welcome night-time visitors to see this show of natural lights dancing in the water. Caused by dinoflagellates and a cluster of conditions that make their movement visible, the biobays are located in Fajardo, the town of La Parguera, and at Mosquito Bay on Vieques.

Castillo Serralles

Castillo Serralles sits on a hill overlooking Ponce; the former home of rum magnate Serralles is open to the public for tours. Equally impressive is La Cruceta de la Vigia, an observatory shaped like a cross; from the top, you can see all the way to the Caribbean Sea.

Crashboat Beach

This frequently photographed beach on Puerto Rico's west coast is appealing because of the number of colorful boats resting on its shore. Other excellent beaches on the mainland include Luquillo Beach in Fajardo, with its postcard-perfect palm trees; Escambrón in San Juan, frequented by local families; Combate Beach on the southwestern coast, which is ideal for sunset-spotting; and Flamenco Beach in Culebra, named one of the world's best by Discovery Channel.

El Capitolio

Puerto Rico's capitol building is a must-see for architecture and history aficionados. The majestic marble capitol sits directly in front of the Atlantic Ocean as you enter Old San Juan. Don't just take photos outside; the interior dome features a gorgeous, colorful mosaic depicting the island's history. The Puerto Rican constitution is also on display.

El Yunque Rainforest

El Yunque is the only rainforest in the US Forest Service's system. Popular walking trails include La Mina, which leads to a waterfall and natural swimming pool (yes, you can get in!) and the less strenuous Piscina Grande (Big Pool), which you can't take a dip in. On a clear day, climb the look-out tower in the park for a view of mountains and ocean.

Fideicomiso Sites

Fideicomiso, Puerto Rico's nature conservancy, is dedicated to preserving properties of historical and cultural importance and opening these sites to the public for guided tours. Ranging from old sugar and coffee plantations to biodiverse nature parks, these sites are among Puerto Rico's best-kept secrets.

La Pared

Puerto Rico's most popular diving spot, La Pared (The Wall) is a 35km (22 mile) coral reef located off the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico. Water depths range from 16m (52ft) to 457m (1,500ft), offering something for every type of diver.

Loiza

Though there isn't much to see here officially, this town is important because it is the birthplace of bomba y plenamusic and it's the cradle of Afro-Puerto Rican culture. The Maria de la Cruz Cave is an interesting peek into Puerto Rico's indigenous past; Tainos are said to have lived here. Check out the town's main church, San Patricio, and ask about the history of the black St Patrick.

Mata la Gata

Located off the coast of La Parguera, Mata la Gata is not an attraction well known (if at all) to most tourists. Ask a local boat captain at La Parguera's piers for information about motoring out to Mata la Gata, a swimming area that's popular with local families.

Museums

San Juan hosts an array of interesting museums: Casa de los Contrafuertes houses the African Heritage Museum; Casa del Callejón is a traditional Spanish-style home that holds the Museum of Colonial Architecture and the Museum of the Puerto Rican Family; the San Juan Museum of Art and History is in a 19th-century building, and its patio often used for concerts.

Old San Juan

The wonderful colonial Spanish fortresses of El Morro and San Cristobal are both perched on cliffs, and most of the old city remains enclosed by a wall built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The wall follows the peninsula's contour, providing attractive views of Old San Juan and the Atlantic Ocean, and leading, finally, into the only remaining original doors leading into the old city. Blue cobblestone streets, intimate plazas, and colonial-style homes provide many opportunities for memorable photos.

Plaza de las Delicias

Plaza de las Delicias (Plaza of the Delights), Ponce's main plaza, is one of the island's most eye-catching and lively squares. A red and black firehouse, a cathedral, fountains, and statues all beg to be photographed. King Cream, a family-owned ice-cream shop, sells unusual flavours, including maní (peanut) and parcha (passionfruit); the queue is always long, but it moves fast.

Ponce

See the beautiful town of Ponce, on the southern side of the island and connected to the capital by a toll road. Ponce, called 'La Perla del Sur' or 'Pearl of the South', is Puerto Rico's second largest city and its architecture, while also colonial, is quite different from the styles typical of San Juan. Visit the excellent Museum of Art in Ponce, which contains more than 1,000 paintings and 400 sculptures, ranging from ancient classical to contemporary art. Its collection of 19th-century Pre-Raphaelite paintings is considered among the best in the Americas.

San José Church

See the second-oldest church in the Western hemisphere. This is where Ponce de León's body was interred for almost three centuries before being moved just down the street to St John the Baptist Cathedral. San José has been undergoing restoration since 2002 after being listed on the endangered list of the World Monuments Fund, and is considered by scholars to be one of the best examples of Spanish Gothic architecture in the Americas.

Tibes Indian Ceremonial Centre

Explore the Tibes Indian Ceremonial Centre, an ancient Indian burial ground near Ponce. A replica of a Taino Indian village has been built here and multiple guided tours are offered daily. There is also an on-site museum with Taino artifacts.

REFERENCE SITE

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Culturally, the arts of Puerto Rico is really unmatched by any other island.

 Fat Joe

 

Travel, have fun and create wonderful memories for your family!