THE LEEWARD ISLANDS, “CARIBBEAN UNPLUGGED”

GUADELOUPE, "THE BUTTERFLY 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!

There's no doubt Guadeloupe possesses a certain je ne sais quoi—a spark that separates its sun-washed coasts from other Caribbean getaways. Sparkling white- and black-sand beaches extend into calm, cerulean waters, and verdant forests border the imposing La Soufrière volcano. And just a few miles south, quaint villages welcome visitors to centuries-old distilleries and remote sugar plantations. Put simply, Guadeloupe features an unspoiled natural setting with rustic charms. But that's not all this picturesque cluster of islands has to offer. Where else can you savor the sweet aroma of sugar and rum wafting through the air, taste tantalizing French-Creole flavors, and lay your towel down along untouched stretches of sandy bliss?

Things to see and do

Active volcano hike

Take a hike to the top of La Soufrière, a still-active volcano that it hasn't shown signs of erupting since 1976 (it didn't erupt then, but there was widespread panic in the capital when it looked like it was about to go off). It's a strenuous one-and-a-half-hour climb to the top, but it's worth it for the views.

Beaches

Guadeloupe's beaches are good for swimming, and the sand varies depending on the area: Grande-Terre has white sand, the sand on the Leeward coast is brown, while black-sand beaches can be found on the western end of Basse-Terre. Topless bathing is acceptable on all beaches.

Food festival

The Festival of Women Cooks (Fête des Cuisinières) is one of Guadeloupe's most spectacular events. The festival features a banquet of Creole and French foods that open to all and that lasts for hours. Many of those attending come in traditional Creole costume. Dancing and parades proceed the event.

French fort

Fort Louis Delgrès, in the town of Basse-Terre, situated at the foot of La Soufrière, was built in 1605 and is now restored and converted into an historical museum. While in Basse-Terre, don't miss the 19th-century cathedral and market place.

Galion waterfalls

Hike to the Galion waterfalls - follow the route to La Soufrière from Saint Claude until the Bains Jaunes, where the trail leads downwards through the rainforest. It will take about 90 minutes to reach the falls, which drop about 40m (131ft).

Hindu temple

A lot of Indian workers came to Guadeloupe in the 19th century, hence the Hindu temple at St Marie. The bright wight walls contrast with the colorfully painted sculptures of Hindu gods. It may be possible to see religious ceremonies taking place.

Place de la Victoire

Allow time to explore Pointe-à-Pitre, the commercial capital of Guadeloupe, on Grande-Terre. A guillotine stood in the Place de la Victoire during the French Revolution and more than 850 people lost their heads. Today it is surrounded by a busy market.

Rock carvings

At the Parc Archeologique des Roches Graves, near Trois Rivières on Basse-Terre, you can see some of the earliest evidence of man in the Caribbean. Rock carvings made by the Arawak Indians, including the head of a Carib chief, are believed to date back to AD300-400.

Rum tastings

Learn how sugar cane is made into the Caribbean's favorite drink at the Rum Museum at Bellevue, near St Rose, Basse-Terre. The visit ends, of course, with a chance to sample some of the rum.

Schoelcher Museum

The museum is in Pointe-à-Pitre and dedicated to Victor Schoelcher, the man accredited with helping to abolish slavery in the Caribbean. The Museum St John Perse, in a 19th-century colonial house, is dedicated to the islands' poet laureate Alexis Saint-Léger.

Underwater world

The best places to dive or snorkel are around the preserved underwater sanctuary of the Pigeon Isles in the crystal-clear Cousteau Reserve, which is filled with multicolored fauna. Glass-bottomed boats operate at several marine nature reserves on Petite-Terre and Basse-Terre.

Walks in Grande-Terre

There are 263 hectares (650 acres) of mangrove swamp and a marine park where you can see birds such as pelicans and doves - and along the cliffs of the Atlantic coast. You can also take a kayak or pedal boat into the mangroves from the village of Port Louis.

Waterfall walks

The National Park of Guadeloupe provides around 300km (188 miles) of marked trails leading into the rainforest, where visitors can observe many tropical animals and plants. The scenery on these walks often includes waterfalls (such as the Cascade aux Ecrevisses) or lakes (such as the Grand Etang).

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.worldtravelguide.net

http://travel.usnews.com/Guadeloupe/Travel_Tips/

I liked going to the Caribbean, just having nice holidays, 

do you know what I mean? 

Dizzee Rascal

 

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

THE LEEWARD ISLANDS, “CARIBBEAN UNPLUGGED”

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS,"NATURE'S LITTLE SECRET"

BY CLAY LARROY

When you choose to travel, whether it is for business or pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Here are some tips to help you.

Don't be afraid to cash in your airline miles. Many travelers let their miles accumulate and never bother using them. Reap the rewards of your traveling and spend the miles you've earned! Miles have expiration dates, so be sure to use them before they expire. Travelling to the Caribbean is a great way to use your airline miles.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Things to see and do in British Virgin Islands

Anegada

Wildlife abounds on Anegada: the island is home to several rare species, including the endangered Anegada rock iguana.

BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival

Sea lovers can set sail in the annual BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival (www.bvispringregatta.org) or take it easy on a luxury crewed charter.

Beaches

Visitors can sink into the sand and gaze upon shimmering aquamarine waters in beaches such as Smugglers' Cove, Long Bay, Brewer's Bay and Marina Cay.

Botanic Gardens

Tortola's Botanic Gardens are perfect for a relaxing stroll and breathing in the scent of lush, tropical plants native to the British Virgin Islands.

Dead Chest National Park

Visitors can snorkel amidst the stunning Coral Gardens of Dead Chest National Park. The island is said to have been named when the infamous pirate Blackbeard put 15 mutinous men ashore with only a bottle of rum between them.

Fallen Jerusalem National Park

The park is home to the endangered red-billed tropic bird as well as brown boobies, laughing gulls, noddies and brown pelicans, plus sandwich, royal and bridled terns.

Norman Island

There is a world of sea-shanties and tales of treasure in Norman Island, the legendary setting for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island.

Rhone Marine Park

The wreck of the RMS Rhone in the Rhone Marine Park off Salt Island is a popular diving site. The mail ship sank during the hurricane of 1867 and now lies in two sections in waters between 9m (30ft) and 27m (90ft) deep.

Ridge Road

The drive along the Ridge Road in Tortola offers spectacular panoramic views of Cane Garden Bay.

Shopping & nightlife in British Virgin Islands

Special purchases include carved wooden items, straw-work, jewelry made from conch (pronounced 'konk') shell, rum, local spices and sauces and the attractive batik material, designed and made locally.

Nightlife

Many hotels have special nights with live music or dancing. There are several bars offering live music and/or DJs on both Virgin Gorda and Tortola. A full moon party takes place on the beach at Apple Bay, Tortola every month. There is one cinema (on Tortola). The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board publishes details of all forthcoming events in its publication, The Welcome, which appears every two months (www.bviwelcome.com).

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

http://www.bviwelcome.com/

 In the Caribbean the temperature never changes, the sun just goes down. 

Kris Marshall

 

Travel to experience life and create spectacular memories!

THE LEEWARD ISLANDS, “CARIBBEAN UNPLUGGED”

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS,"NATURE'S LITTLE SECRET"

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. Here is a suggestions that will make your travels a little smoother.

Travel in May and October 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!

Sloping hills of green, lush mountainous terrain, extensive coral reefs and famous shipwrecks sum up the thrills and spills of the British Virgin Islands. With myriad nautical pursuits on offer, the 50 idyllic islands are a slice of paradise, though for travelers who prefer to watch the sea rather than get into it, there is the breathtaking chance of spotting dolphins and whales criss-crossing the surface.

Norman Island, was supposedly the location that Robert Louis Stevenson based Treasure Island on. Today's visitors might not stumble across swashbuckling pirates or half-concealed treasure troves, but they will find a highly prized booty of soft sand and gentle, teal waters. Paradise does come at a cost. Overall, the British Virgin Islands are quite an expensive destination. But, for some, this is the necessary price of saving a Caribbean gem from over-commercialization. If this is the intention, the British Virgin Islands are, for now, a resounding success.

Where to stay in British Virgin Islands

Hotels

A wide range of hotel accommodation is available, from luxury resorts to boutique inns; the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board has a comprehensive list (www.bvitourism.com). A 7% hotel accommodation tax is added to all bills.

Camping Caravaning

Only permitted on authorized sites. Details of sites and facilities are available from the tourist board.

Other

Villas, houses and cottages can be hired on a weekly or longer basis. Information on properties is available from the tourist board.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/blog/index.php/destination-guides/

http://www.bvitourism.com/

“The island is ours. Here, in some way, we are young forever.”
― E. Lockhart

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

THE LEEWARD ISLANDS, “CARIBBEAN UNPLUGGED”

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, "LAND OF 365 BEACHES" 

BY CLAY LARROY

Leisure travel is a wonderful experience that everyone should have in their lifetime. Even business travel can be made enjoyable. There are some aspects of travel that can detract from your enjoyment.  When planning to fly for a trip, don't forget any frequent flier miles you might have racked up. It does you no good to hang onto those once you've already gone on your big vacation. Even if you don't have enough miles to cover the whole trip, many airlines will allow you to discount your rate using your miles. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Things to see and do in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua's Rainforest

Get a bird's eye view of Antigua's rainforest. Boldly stride or nervously creep along a high wire course made up of zip lines, swings, suspension bridges and a controlled parachute jump (www.antiguarainforest.com.)

Barbuda

Visit the less-developed Barbuda for its wild beauty, deserted beaches and heavily wooded interior abounding in wildlife. The main town, known as the village, is Codrington. It sits on the edge of a lagoon. Laid-back and old-fashioned, visitors share the winding streets with donkeys and goats, and fast food outlets and noisy bars don't exist.

Beaches

There are hundreds of beaches on Antigua but some of the best include Half Moon Bay, stretching for nearly a mile on the south eastern coast and popular with windsurfers and snorkelers. For those seeking peace and quiet, the southwestern point off Johnson's Point is tranquil and the nearby Turner's beach has great views out to Montserrat. On the north coast Dickenson's Bay is safe and popular with families, and nearby you find quieter beaches and can even sneak off to uninhabited inlets such as Prickly Pear Island.

Betty’s Hope

The islands' colonial history is brought home at partially-restored Betty's Hope, Antigua's pioneer sugar plantation. The surviving structures are two stone sugar mills and a still house which form an open air museum and good picnic spot. It was built by Sir Christopher Codrington who named it after his daughter Betty.

Bush Safari

Go for a bush safari in Barbuda. Stop for a picnic in the shade and watch for the wildlife amongst the sparkling salt ponds.

Cricket

Cricket is played to the highest international standard as well as by enthusiastic amateurs in villages all over the islands. Antigua produced one of the finest cricketers the game has ever seen, Sir Vivien Richards and the country's national stadium in St Johns is named after him. The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium was built for the 2007 Cricket World Cup and is found close to the airport. It is possible to visit the stadium.

Fig Tree Drive

Antigua's most picturesque drive takes you down the scenic route of Fig Tree Drive. The 32km (20miles) of winding roads travel through the lush tropical hills and rainforest and rise to the steep farmlands around Fig Tree Hill before descending to the coast. Fig is the Antiguan name for banana and along the way you'll see not just bananas but mangoes and coconut groves.

Frigate Bird Sanctuary.

Situated in the Codrington Lagoon, the Frigate Bird sanctuary is a forty minute boat ride across the water. It is a spectacular sight even for non-bird watchers. In the mating season from September to April this rare bird displays a huge red breast to attract a female mate and they lay one egg on a nest built precariously on the mangrove.

Great Bird Island

Take an excursion to Great Bird Island from Dickenson Bay. Glass-bottomed boats afford leisurely views of the reef, and a restored pirate ship sails around the island and takes passengers for day or evening trips, with food, drink and entertainment included.

Highland House

At Barbuda's highest point of 38m (125 ft) are the ruins of the estate once run by Sir Christopher Codrington. Highland House, formerly known as Codrington House, dates back to the 18th century. Just 5km (3 miles) from Codrington Village still stands the 17m-high (56 ft) Martello Castle and tower, a fortress with a raised gun platform that was originally built by the British to defend the island. Both spots offer great views.

Indian Town Point

The wild side of Antigua can be seen at Devil's Bridge, a limestone arch on the shore of Indian Town Point on the eastern side of the island where at high tide the Atlantic waves come crashing through boreholes in the rocks near the bridge. Indian Town Point is thought to have been an Arawak campsite before the Europeans colonized the islands. Guided tours are available.

Local Markets

Salivate and haggle over the riot of colorful fruits, vegetables and spices available at one of the best local markets in the Caribbean, situated in the south end of town at the junction of Valley and All Saints Roads.

Museum of Antigua and Barbuda

Discover Antigua and Barbuda beyond the beaches and resorts: the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is Antigua's oldest building. It is housed in the old Court House, built in 1750. Exhibits explore Antigua's geological origins as well as more modern exhibits such as Sir Viv Richards' cricket bat.

Nelson’s Dockyard

One of Antigua's most famous landmarks, Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour dates from 1745 and was home to Admiral Horatio Nelson until 1787. It has been lovingly restored after years of decay and today these historic buildings house a museum, craft and souvenir shop, restaurant, hotels and marina. The surrounding national park includes the whole of English Harbor and Shirley Heights which can be visited from the Dockyard.

Potworks Reservoir

Potworks Reservoir is the result of the Potworks Dam, completed in 1970, and is the largest expanse of freshwater in the Eastern Caribbean holding about one billion gallons. The western edge is great for bird-watching.

Redonda

The deserted island Redonda, an uninhabited rocky islet, lies about 56km (35 miles) northeast of Antigua and is the third island that makes up the nation of Antigua and Barbuda and Redonda. The island is famous for its unusual monarchy – no less than four people have laid claim to the 'throne'- and it has an eccentric and amusing history and small population of burrowing owls, a bird now extinct on Antigua.Boat trips to the island are available.

Shirley Heights

The view from Shirley Heights extends across the harbor and out to neighboring Caribbean islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe. This collection of gun emplacements and military buildings is the atmospheric setting for a barbecue with live music every Sunday. Close by is the cemetery, containing an obelisk commemorating the soldiers of the 54th Regiment.

St John's Cathedral

Although it has been rebuilt three times because of hurricane damage, the present day St John's Cathedral with its dramatic white towers is an imposing landmark built in 1845. It is worth a visit and contains some items from the churches that previously stood on the same spot and the bronze figures of St John the Baptist and St John the Divine are said to be taken from a French ship in 1756.

Stingray City

A drive to the pretty fishing village of Seatons (www.stingraycityantigua.com) introduces visitors to the delights of interacting with rays, followed an exhilarating speed boat ride takes you to one of Antigua's off shore islands and a shallow stingray pool where one can touch, play with and feed stingrays in a safe environment.

Two Foot Bay Caves

The Caves at Two Foot Bay are popular with visitors to Barbuda and easily accessible although a guide is recommended. Bats, crabs and tropical birds can be seen as well as petroglyphs or rock drawings made by Barbuda's early settlers, the Arawaks. Access is through a circular chamber through a hole in the cave roof. There are a number of other caves to explore on the island, some with interesting vegetation and wildlife.

Warri

You can't avoid Antigua and Barbuda's national game of Warri - an ancient board ('count and capture') game that was traditionally played using shells placed in cups: you see it played on most street corners and may even be asked to join in. A National Warri Festival is held every year.

Watersports

Antigua and Barbuda offers an impressive range of watersports including windsurfing, water skiing, beach-combing, surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, kayaking, hobie and sunfish sailing. With over 365 beaches to practice on you'll be proficient in no time.

Yachting and Sailing

Antigua hosts many international yachting events and regattas throughout the year, but even inexperienced yachtsmen and women can take the helm. A number of hotels offer sailing lessons and experiences, while seasoned sailors can charter their own yachts. Those preferring to seek out a secluded cove or sheltered beach and anchor for a day of peace and quiet can do so by hiring a dinghy.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/blog/index.php/destination-guides/

“The island is ours. Here, in some way, we are young forever.” 

― E. Lockhart

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

THE LEEWARD ISLANDS, “CARIBBEAN UNPLUGGED”

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, "LAND OF 365 BEACHES" 

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 enjoy researching all the sights at the location I will see once I arrive at my destination. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Antigua and Barbuda are the quintessential Caribbean islands: powder white beaches, swaying palm trees and a relaxed tropical atmosphere come standard. Renowned for their 365 beaches - one for every day of the year - and offering a cocktail of sun, sea and sand activities, the twin islands are naturally dominated by their stunning coastline.

Forming part of the Leeward Islands group in the northeast Caribbean, Antigua hosts regattas including the famous Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and Antigua Sailing Week which attract sailors from all over the world. Hotels offer sailing lessons, boat trips, bone fishing and caving whilst the coral reefs are ideal for divers and snorkelers. Beach-combing and of course sun worshiping are popular pastimes.

Giorgio Armani and Oprah Winfrey, among others, have expensive homes on Antigua which continues to be a magnet not just for yacht lovers, but also families and honeymooners. Cricket fans can indulge in their favorite sport and may bump into Antiguan cricket legends Sir Vivian Richards and Richie Richardson.

Away from the glamour, island life here is simple, carefree and relaxed. The twin-island destination has many attractions ranging from its natural rain-forests to sites such as the military lookout Shirley Heights, with its views over English Harbor and Nelson's Dockyard, the only remaining working Georgian dockyard in the world.

Nature lovers can discover the delights of Antiguan trails leading to the lush Body Pond valley and hikers can scale Mount Obama (formerly known as Boggy Peak) which is Antigua's highest point. There are also national parks and blow holes including the Devil's Bridge, a natural phenomenon crafted by the colliding of Atlantic and Caribbean surf.

People watching and shopping at the buzzing Saturday market in the capital St Johns is entertaining, with a mix of coconuts, mango and guava for sale alongside antiques and crafts. Here the white baroque towers of St John's Cathedral dominate the busy town.

Antigua springs to life at night, with dozens of places to party including historic Shirley Heights itself, which is the setting for Sunday night 'jump ups' (street parties) featuring live music where the rum punch flows.

Antigua's little sister Barbuda is a low-lying coral island which lies 43km (27 miles) to the north. The main town housing the tiny airport is Codrington, officially the capital but referred to by all as 'The Village'. Codrington consists of just a handful of streets and offers a glimpse of the Caribbean as it used to be.

Although small, there is much to do and Barbuda is an unspoiled natural haven for wild deer and exotic birds, and boasts the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. The island also has some important Amerindian rock carvings at Two foot Bay but most visitors stay around Barbuda's smooth coastlines edged with long pink and white sand beaches protected by barrier reefs. The pink beaches of the southwestern shore stretch as far as 16km (10 miles) without interruption and are a favorite with honeymooners.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/blog/index.php/destination-guides/

“After a visit to the beach, it’s hard to believe that we live in a material world.” 

Pam Shaw

Enjoy and travel to create great family memories!