THE WINDWARD ISLANDS, “MAGNIFICENT CARIBBEAN”

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES- "The Gems of the Antilles”

BY CLAY LARROY

We lead such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to different activities that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We usually do not have time to sit around the dinner table and ask our children what they did today. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience especially in the Caribbean.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

Things to see and do in St Vincent and the Grenadines

Bequia

Visit Bequia, an island 14km (9 miles) south of St Vincent and the largest of the Grenadines. Observe Bequia's age-old traditions of boat building and fishing, largely retained due to its seclusion. In the marine park, spearfishing, snares and nets are prohibited. The islanders themselves are the world's last hand-harpooners and their activities do not affect marine stocks.

Boat builders

Watch men building their boats by hand in Admiralty Bay, Bequia's natural harbor and a favorite anchoring spot for yachtsmen from all over the world. The attractive region around Lower Bay has good opportunities for swimming and other watersports.

Botanical Gardens

Take in the oldest Botanical Gardens in the western hemisphere, which occupy 8.1 hectares (20 acres) to the north of Kingstown, St Vincent, and contain a display of tropical trees, blossoms and plants, including a breadfruit tree descended from the original one brought to the island in 1765 by Captain Bligh.

Canouan beaches

Take in the beautiful beaches on Canouan. The island claims some of the best in the Caribbean with long stretches of powder-white sands, wide shallows and coral.

Falls of Baleine

Take a boat trip to the Falls of Baleine, at the northern tip of St Vincent. The 18m (59ft) freshwater falls stream from volcanic slopes and form a series of shallow pools at the base.

Fishing villages

Head to the fishing villages of Questelles, Layou, Barrouallie and Châteaubelair, all of which have charming pastel-colored cottages and excellent black-sand beaches from which fishermen set out daily in small brightly painted boats.

Kingstown

Visit the lively port and market town of Kingstown; the capital of St Vincent. The town contains 12 small blocks with a variety of shops and a busy dock area, which is the center of commerce for the islands. The Saturday morning market, comprising many stalls piled high with fresh fruit and vegetables, brings everyone to town.

Luxurious Mustique

Mustique, a gem in the ocean taking up only 4.5 sq km (2 sq miles). Mustique is privately owned, with a landscape as gentle as its lifestyle - verdant hills roll into soft white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. This island has long been a hiding place for the rich and famous, including members of the British Royal Family.

Mount Parnassus

Head to Mount Parnassus on Union Island, which soars 275m (900ft) from the sea guarding the entrance to the southern Grenadines. The 850-hectare (2,100-acre) mountainous island is fringed by superb beaches and is the stopping-off point for yachtsmen and visitors heading to some of the smaller Grenadines. Clifton Harbor, the main town, is small and commercial.

St Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral

Head to the center of Kingstown where you will find St Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral. Built of grey stone, it is a graceful combination of several European architectural styles displaying Romanesque arches, gothic spires and Moorish ornamentation. Its architecture has led Kingstown to become known as the City of Arches.

Tobago Cays

Head to the numerous islets and coves of the Tobago Cays where you can see some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. Visitors can sail, snorkel and beachcomb in complete seclusion. The only way to get here is by chartered yacht.

Volcanic hiking

Hike up La Soufrière volcano (1,200m/4,000ft) in the north of St Vincent, which is popular, though strenuous. The 5km (3 mile) journey rewards you with a wonderful bird's-eye view of the crater and its islands, and all of St Vincent.

Watery pursuits

Hit the water and try some sailing, scuba diving or snorkeling on Bequiam which is encircled by gold-sand beaches, many of which disappear into coves. Lodgings vary from luxurious resort cottages to small, simple West Indian inns. Much of the nightlife centers on the hotels and beachside barbecues, invariably accompanied by a steel band.

Young Island

Visit Young Island, which is only 180m (590ft) off St Vincent and rises from the sea to form a mountain blanketed with tropical foliage and blossoms. Young Island provides an excellent view of the procession of yachts sailing into the harbor of St Vincent. The entire island comprises one resort called Young Island Resort, which consists of 29 rustic cottages set on the beaches and hillsides.

REFERENCE SITES

www.travelresearchonline.com

“The waves of the sea help me get back to me.”

 – Jill Davis

Travel  have fun and create wonderful memories for your family!

THE WINDWARD ISLANDS, “MAGNIFICENT CARIBBEAN”

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES- "The Gems of the Antilles”

BY CLAY LARROY

The preparation for a vacation is almost as exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I think that some of the best destinations in the world are located in the Caribbean. So I am continuing my tour across around the Caribbean Islands. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Vincent, like all the Windward Islands, is a staggering vista of contrasts where lush mountain peaks sit alongside striking volcanic black-sand beaches. The Grenadines are equally stunning, with secluded coves, spectacular coral reefs, rainforest hiking and superb sailing conditions being among the main tourist attractions.

With 32 islands to choose from there are plenty of white-sand expanses and crystal-clear waters in which to find some solitude and tranquility. Those looking for more activity should head to the capital of Kingstown on St Vincent, with its colonial architecture and buzzing vibe.

The smaller islands that make up the Grenadines offer a quieter pace of life, whether it's on the budget-kind island of Bequia to the luxurious hideaways of Mustique. The best way to experience the stunning islands is to hop between them by boat, discovering remote coves that were once the stomping ground of pirates and are now the setting for the swash-buckling antics of the Pirates of the Caribbean films.

Where to stay in St Vincent and the Grenadines

Hotels

From casual and economical to elegant and exclusive, lodgings in St Vincent and the Grenadines offer something for every taste and budget. The choice ranges from a rustic cottage on the beach or a historic country hotel in the mountains, to a luxury resort with an island to itself. All hotels are small and emphasise personal service. A list of rates is available from the St Vincent Department of Tourism and all its overseas offices. All rooms are subject to a 7% hotel tax.

Grading: Many hotels in the Caribbean offer accommodation according to one of a number of plans. FAP (Full American Plan): room and all meals supplied (including afternoon tea, supper, etc); AP (American Plan): room and three meals supplied; MAP (Modified American Plan): breakfast and dinner included with the price of the room plus, in some places, British-style afternoon tea; CP (Continental Plan): room and breakfast only; EP (European Plan): room only.

REFERENCE SITES

www.travelresearchonline.com

“Your only worry should be if the tide is going to reach the chair.” 

– based on Zac Brown Band lyric

Enjoy and travel to create great family memories!

THE WINDWARD ISLANDS, “MAGNIFICENT CARIBBEAN”

TRINIDAD–“Land of the Hummingbird”  and  TOBAGO– “Robinson Crusoe Island”

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling can be a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead you to unexpected places. The Caribbean is a close locations to take vacations. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Things to see and do in Trinidad and Tobago

Aripo Caves

Trinidad's most extensive cave system sits, appropriately perhaps, beneath its highest mountain, El Cerreo de Aripo. The stalactites and stalagmites here are sublime. Speleologists will also be intrigued by the Tamana Caves, boasting 11 species of bat, and, on the islet of Gaspar Grande, the subterranean treasure trove of Gasparee Caves.

Beaches

Take a dip at one of Tobago's fine beaches. Each has its own flavor, from the brown pelicans at Turtle Beach to fantastic snorkeling at Man O'War Bay. Store Bay, Mount Irvine, Bacolet Bay and Pigeon Point are also well worth a visit.

Buccoo Reef

There's something very special about Buccoo, in south-western Tobago. Mainly this is due to the jaw-droppingly beautiful coral reef that stretches around the coast from the island's highest point, Pigeon Point, to the arcing Buccoo Bay. There are some 40 types of coral here, and you can take a glass-bottomed boat tour out to see this underwater extravaganza. But Buccoo is also home to some of the best cultural events in the country, including the Sunday School Street Party (weekly street food, steelpan music and dance) and even a goat race (see events).

Carnival in Port of Spain

Celebrate Carnival, Trinidad's most wildest and most magical event. The world-renowned festivities climax at the beginning of Lent, although the run-up to Carnival starts immediately after Christmas when the Calypso tents open and the Calypsonians perform their latest compositions and arrangements. All this means January through March are usually taken up with the preparations and festivities: they don't call in carnival season for nothing.

Chaguaramas

Comprising the entire peninsula which juts out to the west of Port of Spain, this is one of the best places in the country to try your hand at kayaking, with sheltered Williams Bay a great place to start. You can book a tour of the isles peppered off the coast here: visiting a lighthouse, cave systems and a (former) leper colony.

Cricket at Queen’s Park Oval

Catch a cricket match at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, where the best national and international matches can be seen. Here, on the ground that gave the world cricket record-smasher Brian Lara, is the only time you'll see football challenged as the national sport, and the enthusiasm of the crowds are as entertaining as the games themselves.

Fort George

Fort George, built in 1804, is, on the western side of Port of Spain, one of the nation's most important historical buildings. The most interesting feature is a signal box designed by an African prince. It yields superb vistas of the city and the mountains of northern Venezuela. High above the city, it's a good chance for a spot of fresh air and, indeed, bird-watching.

Frederick Street

See Port of Spain's highlights, including the shopping district centered on Frederick Street; the Royal Botanic Gardens; the Red House (a stately colonial building, now the seat of government); the National Museum and Art Gallery; and the 19th-century gothic Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Go fishing

Fish for Spanish mackerel, wahoo, kingfish, bonito, dolphin fish, yellow tuna, grouper, salmon and snapper in the islands' abundant waters. Both deep-sea and freshwater fishing are rewarding and there is an increasing number of boats available for hire.

Hike the Tobago Forest Reserve

Get active with a long hike along the excellent trails of Tobago's Main Ridge Forest Reserve. Some of the country's best hiking can be had here. The Argyle Falls, a three-tiered cascade and one of the island's most iconic landmarks, is here, as is Flagstaff Hill, a dramatic viewpoint on the northern tip of the island. Mainly, though, it's the beauty of the lonely trails that will draw you out here.

Mountain biking in rural Tobago

Tobago's lush, hilly interior has some fabulous biking trails, such as those in the Adventure Nature Reserve and around the Main Ridge Forest Reserve. Get guided excursions to suit all ability levels with Mountain Biking Tobago (www.mountainbikingtobago.com).

Pitch Lake

Head to Trinidad's mellow southwest for one of the weirdest phenomena the nation can boast. Pitch Lake is the largest natural deposit of asphalt anywhere in the world and is self-replenishing to boot. You can swim here in sulphur pools if accompanied by a guide.

Port of Spain

A hefty dose of cosmopolitan life in all its colourful shapes and forms is the reason to make the Trinidadian capital Port of Spain a must-see. It's a far more diverse city than most visitors expect: bazaars throng beneath modern skyscrapers and mosques rub shoulders with cathedrals. The architecture of the city incorporates a mixture of styles from Victorian houses to Stollmeyer's Castle, an imitation of a Bavarian Castle. Port of Spain is also, of course, home to the carnival for which the country is most renowned.

Queen's Park Savannah

Don't neglect Port of Spain's outskirts. The magnificent Queen's Park Savannah is a mixture of natural and manmade beauty, with attractive trees and shrubs (including the African Tulip). A highlight here is the Royal Botanical Gardens, where you can see many of the islands' 622 species of butterfly and 700 plus species of orchid alongside indigenous trees, shrubs, ferns and cacti. There's a zoo, some botanical gardens and a scattering of grand mansions, including the historic President's House, as well as a year-round program of sporting and cultural events.

Royal Botanic Gardens

See some of the islands' 622 species of butterfly and over 700 species of orchid. The latter are best seen in Port of Spain's Royal Botanic Gardens (along with a wide selection of indigenous trees, shrubs, ferns and cacti). The Emperor Valley Zoo has a good selection of local wildlife.

Speyside and Little Tobago

Speyside is the diving capital on an island famed for its diving. Head to north-eastern Tobago to this colorful beach settlement. From here you can take a trip out to Little Tobago, aka Bird of Paradise Island, a bird sanctuary and an essential stop-off for twitchers. Those wishing to spot the Scarlet Ibis, Trinidad & Tobago's national bird, should visit the Caroni Arena Reserve on Trinidad.

Spot the scarlet ibis

Spot the national bird, the scarlet ibis, in Trinidad's Nariva Swamp, the Aripo Savannah, the Asa Wright Nature Centre and the Caroni Bird Sanctuary where it is conserved. Hummingbirds are ubiquitous on Tobago and Little Tobago Island is highly recommended for twitchers.

Steel bands

Listen to the big steel bands bang their drums around Queen's Park Savannah, a large park in Port of Spain. Panorama, the Grand Steel Drum (pan) tournament is staged a week before Carnival. The preliminaries and local finals in Tobago are also well worth a visit.

Tobago villages

Tobago is far more isolated than larger, more cosmopolitan Trinidad, and as such dropping in on some Tobago villages is a cultural eye-opener. On the Atlantic (windward) side of the island are many tiny villages including Mesopotamia and Goldsborough, the town of Roxborough and several beautiful bays. On the north coast are the beautiful villages of Castara and Parlatuvier.

Turtle-watching on Tobago

On the back of being voted top ecotourism destination by the World Travel Awards in 2009, immersion in nature has never been so popular with visitors, and the most magical activity of all has to be turtle watching. Three types – the giant leatherback, hawksbill and green – frequent the coast. The animals are legally protected, but you can take a guided tour to see the Leatherbacks come ashore on Black Rock, or the Hawksbills in the northeast of the island. March to August is the time of their infamous mating rituals.

Visit Arnos Vale sugar plantation

This former sugar plantation, the country’s oldest, is now a hotel (www.arnosvalehotel.com) but the disused sugar mill complete with formidable crushing wheels, made in 1857, is still on the grounds. A well-presented museum rounds off what is all in all a fascinating testimony to a major chapter of Trinidad & Tobago’s history. The hotel itself sits perched above the sea in the back of the 450-acre protected Adventure Nature Reserve.

Watersports

Take advantage of the excellent watersports facilities at the beaches along the north and east coasts of Trinidad, and all around Tobago. Speyside and Buccoo Reef, just off the southwest coast of Tobago, which has some of the Caribbean's finest reefs, offer exciting scuba-diving. Trips in glass-bottomed boats are very popular.

REFERENCE SITES

www.travelresearchonline.com

“At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun.”

  – Sandy Gingras 

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

THE WINDWARD ISLANDS, “MAGNIFICENT CARIBBEAN”

 TRINIDAD–“Land of the Hummingbird”  and  TOBAGO– “Robinson Crusoe Island”

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!

The home of carnival, calypso, limbo dancing and Angostura Bitters, Trinidad and Tobago's worldly contributions have always been an assault on the senses. From Hindu to Hispanic and from Muslim to Christian, this diverse little nation mixes a raw cosmopolitan vibe with a wondrous line-up of festivals and punches way above its weight in the scenery stakes too.

Gluing all this together are the Trinidadians themselves. They’re a relaxed, ingratiating people specializing in liming (talk for talking’s sake) and often masters in the other national pastimes of football, cricket, dancing and partying hard.

Port of Spain, surrounded by verdant rolling hills, is the main city on oil-rich Trinidad. Bazaars throng beneath modern skyscrapers and mosques rub shoulders with cathedrals, all of which bounce to the beat of Carnival, arguably the planet’s greatest parties. Beyond the capital beckon volcanoes, a self-replenishing asphalt lake and magnificent bird reserves.

Tobago, 32km (20 miles) northeast of Trinidad, is an altogether wilder isle. Recently voted world’s best ecotourism destination, this is a place to explore coral reefs, watch turtles nest, hike lonely mountain trails or dive crystalline waters. Easy choice, really.

Climate

Best Time To Visit

The tropical climate is tempered by northeast trade winds. The dry season is from November to May, but it is hottest between June and October. The climate in Tobago is pleasant most of the year and although May, June and July can be wet at times, the differentiation between the wet and dry seasons is much less acute.

Required Clothing

Tropical lightweights are required. Rainwear is advisable, especially for the wet season.

Geography

Trinidad and her tiny sister island of Tobago lie off the Venezuelan coast. Along the north of Trinidad runs the Northern Range of mountains, looming over the country's capital, Port of Spain. South of Port of Spain on the west coast the terrain is low, and the Caroni Swamps contain a magnificent bird sanctuary largely inhabited by the scarlet ibis. On the north and east coasts lie beautiful beaches. Central Trinidad is flat and largely given over to agriculture.

REFERENCE SITES

www.travelresearchonline.com

Every time I stand before a beautiful beach, its waves seem to whisper to me: If you choose the simple things and find joy in nature’s simple treasures, life and living need not be so hard. – Psyche Roxas-Mendoza

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

THE WINDWARD ISLANDS, “MAGNIFICENT CARIBBEAN”

MARTINIQUE, "ISLAND OF FLOWERS"

Caribbean Paradise Found - Martinique   

by Cheryl Matthews

in Travel    (submitted 2011-05-31)

If your idea of a heavenly holiday is somewhere between going to France to enjoy its culture, heritage and gastronomic delights, and lounging around in Caribbean luxury hotels, here's good news for you: there's a way to do both! Go on a holiday to the French Antilles!

Decidedly French, Decidedly Caribbean

Spreading across 350 miles between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the French Antilles includes two volcanically-active islands, and is the one place where you can enjoy the culture, food and lifestyle that the French are known for, while also enjoying the peace and quiet of an authentic paradise in the Caribbean. Luxury hotels, shopping, recreation, entertainment and other amenities are available, however, as tourism is a large component of the economy of the French Antilles.

The larger island of Martinique is one of the two main regions of the French Antilles, the other one being Guadeloupe. It is a wonderfully warm and sunny island made up of little French villages, where the culture of France and the customs of the Caribbean merge to form a slower, lazier, yet no less fashionable version of its European motherland. You can enjoy its authentic French cheeses, Parisian styles and its colonial architecture. If what you're looking for is a fashionable retreat that provides you with sophisticated shopping, dining and other pleasures when you step outside those Caribbean luxury hotels, this is the perfect place for you!

The Beaches, Of Course

Long glistening beaches - both black and white sand - and great diving are the main attractions on the island. In fact, you'll never have to walk far from the gates of the wonderful Caribbean luxury hotels in Martinique to find all that and more. Traditional fishing villages are also plentiful, offering visitors a plethora of delightful things to experience away from the water.

The High Life

 Fort-de-France, the island's harbourside capital, is the place to be seen when you feel like venturing out from your Caribbean luxury hotels for a night out on the town. While the nightlife may not be quite as noisy and hectic as that on the other more-touristy Caribbean islands, it's still a place where you can count on some trendy dining and the latest styles - particularly when the chic set converge for their holidays in the sun.

Back To Nature

If nature hikes and bird watching are how you wish to spend your time away from those indulgent Caribbean luxury hotels, Martinique's rainforests, mountains, exotic flowers and colourful birds are also there for you to enjoy. Trek through the old sugar cane, banana or pineapple plantations where you can enjoy Creole cooking as well as the ever-popular rum at the end of the day.

Unlike the more highly developed tourist islands of the Caribbean, Martinique laid-back and far less crowded - a great place for you to unwind. Consult a good travel professional who will be able to tailor-make arrangements for you to make sure you'll enjoy every minute of your holiday in Martinique- whether it's inside Caribbean luxury hotels, or outside!

About the Author

Cheryl Matthews works for the Essential Hotel Collection, who offer a handpicked portfolio of privately owned Caribbean luxury hotels with a personal knowledge of each property. We provide the perfect Caribbean luxury hotels and advice to make your island dream a reality.

Catch a wave and you’re sitting on top of the world. – The Beach Boys

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

THE WINDWARD ISLANDS, “MAGNIFICENT CARIBBEAN”

Martinique, "Island of Flowers"

by clay larroy

Traveling can be an important part of your life, whether for business or for pleasure. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. With all the chaos, jet-lag, partying and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot of stress on your mind and body. By the time most vacations are over, another one is needed to recover so taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will make it easier for you to resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

With croissants and palm trees, all perched near a live volcano, Martinique is the definition of a refined French-Caribbean island – fashionable and elegant, with an abundance of flora. Filled with ruins and monuments, Martinique has been French, with a few interruptions, since 1635, and as an overseas department of France (since 1946), it revels in French history and savoir-faire. A leading destination for European vacationers, it offers gorgeous beaches, great food and a variety of accommodations - small, medium and resort. 

Tourism is important, but so are banana farming, cane raising, and the rum business. With two world-class monarchs among its progeny - Napoleon's empress Josephine, and Aimé Dubuc de Rivery, who was kidnapped at sea and made Sultana Validá, mother of Turkey's Sultan Mahmoud II - the island delights in historical oddities. Its many small museums focus on curiosities such as banana farming and ancient island civilizations.

The outdoorsy - especially hikers and horseback riders - will find plenty of guided adventures among the steep, lush hillsides. Novice boaters are warned off the choppy Atlantic side; windsurfers and board surfers will welcome the challenges.

Things To Do

Family Attractions – From sightseeing trains to the Butterfly Gardens and Mangofil, Martinique has much to offer families. There’s even a U.S.-style water park called Aqualand featuring water slides, wave pool, and young kids play area complete with its own pirate ship.

Ecotourism – Martinique’s natural wonders, headlined by majestic Mount Pelée, inspire awe and wonder among eco-travel enthusiasts. Two-thirds of the island is designated as protected parkland, affording visitors a wide range of nature-themed vacation adventures – hiking the island’s 27 well-marked trails, kayaking, canyoning, horseback riding, enjoying a 4x4 tour, and more.

Cultural Heritage – Birthplace of the famed poet, Aimé Césaire, Zouk and Napoleon’s bride, Empress Josephine, Martinique boasts a rich cultural heritage kept alive in the island’s 25+ museums and exciting annual festivals.

Rhum – The Rum Capital of the World, Martinique is home to 12 brands, each produced utilizing a unique rhum agricole method yielding blends comparable to fine cognacs. Martinique rhums are the only rums to carry the exalted Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation formerly reserved for the finest wines. Free tasting is available at all of the island’s distilleries.

Scuba Diving – The best-kept secret in Caribbean diving, Martinique offers abundant marine life, historic shipwrecks and healthy reefs. The highlight is Diamond Rock, an offshore island with a deep undersea cavern.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.caribbeantravel.com/caribbean-islands/martinique

 “Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.”

 – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Enjoy and travel to create great family memories!

THE WINDWARD ISLANDS, “MAGNIFICENT CARIBBEAN”

DOMINICA, “NATURE ISLE OF THE CARIBBEAN”

BY CLAY LARROY

The purposes of traveling are different for different people. There are some people who travel for the sake of pleasure. The people that are heavily burdened either at their domestic front or at their offices move too far off places for relieving their worries and anxieties. The poets and writers make a trip to distant places for collection of facts for their writings. Businessmen also visit various places to enquire as to whether there are scopes for expansion of their business. Travelling provides the benefit of sightseeing and gives pleasure to the visitor. In addition, it gives a scope to an individual to have firsthand knowledge of variegated people inhabiting the world. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

The Caribbean island Dominica is a medley of brooding volcanic peaks, gushing mountain streams, dense forests, quiet lakes and spouting geysers; this is a diverse and beautiful land. Given its natural assets and warm and welcoming locals, Dominica should be a bustling tourism hotspot, and despite being one of the poorest in the region, crime is relatively low.

A marked lack of pumping nightlife and no direct flights to Dominica from the UK means it remains off the radar for many travellers, but those partial to hiking amid thick tropical rainforest and gazing at bubbling lakes, will find this sunny green isle has many charms.

Travel to Dominica

Getting There By Air

The main airline to serve Dominica is LIAT (LI) (www.liat.com); American Eagle also flies to Dominica (www.aa.com). There are currently no direct, non-stop flights from Europe or the USA, mostly because the two airports are too small for jets. Popular routes from Europe are via Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, Guadeloupe or Puerto Rico, then a local flight to Dominica. 

Passengers can also arrive in Dominica by boat from Martinique, Guadeloupe and St Lucia.

Departure Tax

EC$55 (US$20). Transit passengers continuing their journey on the same day and children under 12 years of age are exempt.

Getting There By Water

Woodbridge Bay, Roseau and Prince Rupert Bay, Portsmouth.

Cruise Ships

Cruise liners stop at Woodbridge Bay, 5km (3 miles) outside Roseau. There is a cruise ship jetty at Prince Rupert Bay, Portsmouth.

Ferry Operators

Geest and several other island-hopping freight lines stop in Dominica. Generally, passenger accommodation is comfortable but numbers are limited, so book well in advance. L'Express des Îles, a scheduled ferry service, connects Dominica with Guadeloupe, St Lucia and Martinique on a 300-seat catamaran. Caribbean Ferries also operate regular services between Dominica, Guadeloupe and Martinique.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“Only at the beach can we go a splishin’ and a splashin’.”

- Kate Summers

Live Well, Laugh Often and Travel Much!