riding on the beach ©photoloni/Flickr

With its ever interesting creole culture and famous duty-free shops, the Caribbean island of St Martin is an appealing beach destination. Whether you decide to go on the French side or the Dutch side, you will find this island to be an entertaining destination – a place where it’s hard to get bored.

Moreover, St Martin is one of those destinations that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. While couples and big groups will love the island’s restaurants and shops, families will children will find plenty of places and activities that will allow them to spend quality time together. Here are a few suggestions:

A trip at the beach

It would be a pity to travel to any Caribbean location and not make the best of the fabulous beaches and water. Especially when traveling with kids, which seem so fond of splashes and sand castles. When it comes to St Martin, some beaches are more family-friendly than others. Galion Beach is highly recommended for kids of all ages. The clean, shallow waters allow everyone to enjoy the sea, and are perfect for snorkeling. Older kids can learn surfing and windsurfing.

snorkel gear ©GoodNCrazy/Flickr

The Carousel

Carousels are an all time children’s favorite attraction. There is only one attraction of this kind in St Martin, which is near Simpson Bay. It is not the largest or most sophisticated carousel in the world, but it does its job. And, most importantly, it has one of the biggest and best ice cream parlors on the island.

St Martin beach ©Loimere/Flickr

Kidsworld-SXM

It is often hard to travel with toddlers, and few places seem perfectly suitable for kids of their age. This is why a place like Kidsworld-SXM can be so popular with families. There are numerous kid-friendly activities in this mini amusement park, and a few which address toddlers in particular. Older kids might also enjoy the park’s pedal karts and funky mirrors.

Horse Riding

Horse riding is one of those classic activities that kids enjoy, and luckily there are several resorts and businesses in St Martin that offer this activity. Adults and kids alike will be delighted to discover the island and its natural beauties from a new perspective. Horses are well-trained so you don’t even need to much experience to go on a private tour. Some of these tours can be very exciting, as they might involve horseback swimming. Also, there will be ponies for the smaller children who are keen of riding.

riding on the beach ©photoloni/Flickr

Guadeloupe bungalow © Toprural/Flicrk

If you fancy spending your next holiday on a tropical island, with hot golden sand under your feet, an ultramarine sea in front of you and the mysterious jungle at your back, then maybe you should consider booking a trio to Guadeloupe.

With its French heritage and tens of fabulous diving spots, Guadeloupe attracts visitors from all ages and categories, from adventurers to luxury-seekers. Most importantly, Guadeloupe can be one of the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean, presuming you know a few tips and tricks:

Budget Travel to Guadeloupe

The golden rule when it comes to traveling in the Caribbean on a budget is ‘choose your travel period wisely’. In the slow season (May-November), both travel and accommodation prices might drop till as much as 50%. Booking a travel+hotel pack might save you a few hundred dollars, as well. DIY travelers should start searching for an air ticket well in advance.

Guadeloupe panorama ©manuel | MC/Flickr

The most important aspect when traveling to Guadeloupe remains the transport between islands. This is no problem if you plan on staying on just one island, but if you want to explore you must know that ferries charge at least 100$ for a cross. For transport on the islands, the two cheapest alternatives are renting a scooter and renting a bike.

Budget Accommodation in Guadeloupe

It is not hard to find inexpensive accommodation in Guadeloupe, but before you start searching you must decide what exactly is what you looking for. A week stay at a medium-priced all-inclusive resort might start at 1000$, however this includes both food and accommodation. Le Village de Canada, Le Jardin de Malaga, Langley Hotel fort Royal or Le Neem are just a few examples of inexpensive hotels in Guadeloupe.

Guadeloupe bungalow © Toprural/Flicrk

Budget Activities in Guadeloupe

Once the issue of accommodation has been settled, the next thing to consider are daily expenses. And this is one aspect of visiting Guadeloupe on a budget which can allow you to save some good money. Just think about it: with so many wonderful beaches around, you can enjoy sunbathing and swimming at no cost, and first class snorkeling spots at the modest costs of basic snorkeling equipment. Budget travel gurus will tell you that the best things are often for free, and nothing can be more true when it comes to Guadeloupe. Hikers will have several wonderful islands at their disposal, and there will also be some nice biking trails. Traveling in a group might also help you cut the costs of popular activities such as fishing trips, canyoning excursions or sailing trips.

snorkeling in Guadeloupe ©Jérémie Janisson/Flickr

Puerto Rico beach ©ronny./Flickr

It’s hard to imagine a more romantic place than a secluded and exotic beach. And in terms of beautiful beaches, Caribbean islands are hard to rival with. A top romantic destination, the Caribbean has something to offer for every couple, whether it is newlyweds or couples that have been married for years.

The advantage of picking the Caribbean as your destination for a romantic getaway is that you will have so many choices. For example, you could go on a cruise, or stay in a luxury all-inclusive resort were you will be pampered like royalties. Or, you can rent a villa with your own piece of heaven, and forget about modern civilization. Here are some great romantic destinations to consider:

Bermuda

There is much to say about Bermuda when it comes to the subject of Caribbean romantic escapes.  With its iconic pink-sand beaches and rugged coastline, Bermuda offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Caribbean. You will find Bermuda’s diving and snorkeling spots to be some of the nicest in the region. And, most important, the island hides an impressive number of small, secluded beaches that are perfect for a couple in search of privacy.

Bermuda beach © Wendy Piersall/Flickr

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of Caribbean’s best party islands, but it can also suit a romantic couple. The nature of the island is absolutely stunning, and if you fancy yourself swimming in a natural pool under a waterfall or hiking in a luxuriant rainforest than Puerto Rico is the place for you. With its picturesque colonial architecture, the capital San Juan is considered to be the pearl of the Caribbean – and can be also an ideal setting for a romantic afternoon walk.

Puerto Rico beach ©ronny./Flickr

Jamaica

For those couples who want to have everything – and maybe something more – Jamaica is a destination that never ceases to amaze. No only does this island have some of the finest sands you can find in the Caribbean, but it is also quite affordable if you know where to look for. Not to mention the interesting culture and fabulous nightlife, which I’m sure you heard so much about.

St Croix

Are you a fan of romantic sunsets? If yes, then you might want to consider a holiday to the island of St Croix, in the US Virgin Islands. In addition to sublime panoramas, the island is also home to several natural parks, including a marine park which offers fantastic diving opportunities. Last, but not least, the old plantation houses and colonial villas contribute to the island’s distinctive charm.

St Croix ©NOAA’s National Ocean Service/Flickr

Palm Island ©Mike’s Birds/Flickr

There are more beautiful beaches in the Caribbean that one can imagine: small beaches, big beaches, pink beaches, silver beaches, public beaches and secluded beaches. But what can be better or more romantic than having a heavenly beach all for yourself?

Well, the good news is that there are plenty private beaches in the Caribbean. And while some of these are reserved to those incredibly rich and famous persons who can afford to buy their own island, many are accessible for the common folk who wants to indulge. Here’s a list of possible destinations:

Petit St Vincent

As the name tells you, Petit St Vincent is a smaller replica of the island St Vincent. Covered by tropical woods and surrounded by shallow waters and picturesque beaches, the island is home to 22 luxury villas, which together form a private and very exclusive resort. While the luxury of the villas will make you feel spoiled, the tranquility and intimacy of the place will make you feel like you’ve reached your dream island. There are no phones, no TV, no internet, nothing but sky, water, sand and forest.

Isle Petit St Vincent ©lyng883/Flickr

Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos

Ever wondered where those celebrities who don’t own their private island go when they want to enjoy a quiet beach vacation in the Caribbean? Well, Parrot Cay happens to be one of those few resorts that offer the privacy and opulence that celebrities prefer. While the beauty of this private will enchant even the most harsh critic, the services are worthy of a king: each sea-front villa has its own butler, hot tub and pool. Plus, guests get exclusive access to a superb, mile-long beach.

Secret Bay, Dominica

Dominica is in itself more private than other Caribbean destination, and the Secret Bay resort is even more so. Situated in a less populated part of the island, this boutique eco-resort offers you the experience of a lifetime. The two private beaches are some of the best on the island, the fresh food cooked with local products is fabulous, and there’s and endless list of activities you can try.

Dominica shores ©cisc1970/Flickr

Casuarina Beach, Palm Island

St Vincent has quite a few private islands, however it is not often that you will find such a superb portion of uninterrupted beach as the one in Palm Island. This is by far one of the most spectacular private beaches in the Caribbean. And there is much more to enjoy at the Palm Island resort: let me just mention the calm and crystalline waters, the sumptuous rooms, the palm forest and the waterfall pool.

Palm Island ©Mike’s Birds/Flickr

Aruba © Salvatore.Freni/Flickr

For many newlyweds, the beautiful and exotic Caribbean islands sound like an ideal spot honeymoon destination. And they may be right: the beauty of the Caribbean is hard to compete with. And although some might argue that other destinations like Seychelles or Tahiti are just as picture-perfect, the truth is that no other exotic beach destination can outmatch the Caribbean in terms of cultural diversity, affordability and easy access.

So where in the Caribbean you will find that serene piece of heaven? Well, this pretty much depends on your expectations, but to give you a taste of what the region has to offer, here are some prospective destinations for 2013:

Aruba

If your idea of an exotic honeymoon vacation includes silver sand beaches and endless stretches of fine sand beaches, then you should definitely head for Aruba. You won’t find any jungles or volcano peaks on Aruba, but you won’t even need one. There is plenty to do here, from scuba diving and sailing to shopping and partying till the break of dawn.

Aruba © Salvatore.Freni/Flickr

St Lucia

Outdoorsy couples will love the island of St Lucia. You won’t find anything very fancy here in terms of accommodation or catering, but the natural beauty of the place is more than enough. There are marked hiking paths taking you into the depths of the Caribbean jungles, and marvelous diving spots exposing the incredible richness of the reef.

Tobago

Tobago is widely known for its carnival, but for the rest of the year this Southern Caribbean island is very quiet and laid-back. Environmentally-aware couples will feel like home in Tobago – the island has some of the best eco-resort in the region. The beaches and food are also excellent, and you’ll hardly have time to get bored.

Tobago ©Abeeeer/Flickr

Grenada

Famous for its natural parks and spice plantations, Granada is a definitely a destination to consider. Out main reason to include Granada among top five Caribbean honeymoon destinations for 2013 is the island’s lack of all-inclusive resort glamor. In few other places will the natural setting make you feel so sheltered, or will the locals make you feel so welcome.

Nevis

A patch of green in the Eastern Caribbean (Lesser Antilles), Nevis is among the tiniest Caribbean Islands – and also one of the most secluded. The volcanic island is only 7 miles long, which means it can be crossed by foot in about two hours. Few Caribbean islands will grant you as much intimacy, not to mention that Nevis’ landscapes are so beautiful that the island was proclaimed the ‘Queen of the Caribbes’.

Nevis ©Virtual BCM-Bobb & Company Marketing/Flickr

Trafalgar Waterfalls Dominica © Anthony Quintano/Flickr

Dominica is truly a spectacular destination in the Caribbean and this is not the first, nor the last time you will hear this from us. The island is unrivaled in terms of sustainable travel, and its refusal to accept big companies and resort developers have helped Dominicans preserve their lush tropical woods and rich fauna almost untouched.

And this is just one reason to visit Dominica. With its mountains, thermal features, lakes and beaches the island offers countless opportunities for adventure travel. Here are a few examples:

Canyoning

Mountaineers will love Dominica, a volcanic island whose peaks dominate the horizon. These mountains are covered by luxuriant vegetation, and hide lots of natural wonders such as fresh water streams, boiling lakes, pools and waterfalls. In certain points, Dominica’s rivers form spectacular gorges, which make them suitable for canyoning. Canyoning excursion can be booked in the capital Roseau and last several hours. You will hike, swim, climb and abseil down waterfalls.

Dominica hikers © Titanium The Dog/Flickr

Kayaking

Dominica’s coastline is incredibly beautiful, but you’ll hardly get a chance to admire it with your own eyes while you’re on the island. But no one stops you from touring the island in a kayak boat. The calm and clear waters make kayaking suitable for beginners, and the amazing views and abundant sea life guarantee that you won’t get bored.

Snorkeling

As in most Caribbean islands, snorkeling is a popular activity with tourists in Dominica. There are several beaches that are suitable for snorkeling, but what makes Dominica unique is that some of its snorkeling spots have underwater thermal springs. The fresh hot water resulting from volcanic activity meets the cool sea water, and the result is as bubbly as a bottle of champagne.

Jungle Trips

There is no other activity that is as popular in terms of adventure travel in Dominica as hiking. You can hike for days along Dominica’s trails, without ever taking the same route twice. There are short hikes for families and cruise ship passengers without much time, but also strenuous hikes for the professional hikers.

Trafalgar Waterfalls Dominica © Anthony Quintano/Flickr

The secret in making the best out of this hikes is to take your time. You will find plenty of attractions and distractions in your walks through the jungle, and they all deserve attention. A lake of boiling water, some crystal clear fresh water pools and some beautiful waterfalls surrounded by ferns and moss are just a few of the hidden gems of Dominica jungle that can make your trip an unforgettable one.

Dominica Boiling Lake ©Titanium The Dog/Flickr

Curacao sunset ©laszlo-photo/Flickr

A sunny island in the Southern Caribbean, Curacao is an all year beach destination which is famous for its scuba diving and snorkeling spots. There are many things to see and experience in Curacao, from tropical beaches to colonial architecture.

Overall, Curacao is an affordable family destination, but it is also home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean. So if you are planning to indulge yourself and have the best accommodation and services  you can get, take a look at the following Curacao resorts:

Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino

Situated in Curacao’s lively capital, Willemstad, this modern resort combines 5-star amenities with a colorful design. Various types of rooms are available, but if you are determined to travel in style then the lavish majestic suite equipped with a private whirlpool might as well suit your needs. Alternatively, you can book one of the fabulous rooms that offer an ocean view.

Willemstad © cphoffman42/Flickr

Baoase Luxury Resort

Baoase Resort in Curacao is an oasis of tranquility in the midst of a tropical paradise. The resort combines the natural beauty of Curacao beaches and palm forests with the serenity of a Zen garden. The resorts rooms, suites and deluxe villas are scattered among tall palm trees and beautiful gardens. There is also a bar, gourmet restaurant, golf club and wellness center. All guests receive a complimentary breakfast on the beach.

Kura Hulanda Resort

Scuba diving aficionados will love this Curacao resort. Located along a rugged portion of Curacao’s coastline, just a short drive from the airport, Kura Hulanda offers some of the best views on the island. All rooms, suites and villas were made to face the ocean. The resort has a common pool and tennis court, but, most importantly, its own beach club offering exclusive diving excursions, snorkeling  equipment and water activities.

Lodge Kura Hulanda ©cphoffman42/Flickr

Avila Hotel

If you are an adept of classic luxury, you will most likely fall in love with this elegant seafront hotel. Developed around a charming colonial villa from the 18th century, the resort grew to become one of the best luxury resorts in Curacao. The luxurious rooms and suites and the numerous arts events (especially live music performances) are two of the major assets of Avila Hotel. This is also one of the only hotels in the Caribbean to have its own museum: a historic house that has once hosted the famous South African revolutionary Simon Bolivar.

Curacao sunset ©laszlo-photo/Flickr

Sandy Lane detail ©javajoba/Flickr

Holiday travel in the Caribbean might be a relative recent invention, but people have been traveling in the region for centuries, for business or for exploration. And while resorts and hotels have sprung faster than mushrooms after a summer rain, there are still many places that have preserved their historic charm.

Old colonial towns, ports and plantation houses have often been transformed in chic and lavish hotels. Also, there are resorts in the Caribbean that are several decades old: to the point that they can be called ‘historic’. We invite you to discover a few of these amazing Caribbean resorts:

Hotel Ingalterra, Havana

This historic four star hotel in Havana is considered to be the oldest in Cuba. The whitewashed neoclassic facade of Hotel Inglaterra is fits perfectly into the architecture of old Havana. Although the hotel was built almost 150 years ago, the central location and classic luxury have helped it built a sturdy reputation. For a total immersion into the atmosphere of old Havana, don’t miss a visit to the hotel’s own restaurant and cafe.

Hotel Inglaterra Dining Room ©ahisgett/Flickr

Crane Hotel, Barbados

Barbados’ oldest resort is definitely worth seeing. The resort was opened in 1887, but you will find that some of the buildings that are much older – more than 200 years old. The Crane is as encompassing and comfortable as it is old: it features luxurious sea-view, several public infinity pools, restaurants, shops and sports facilities. Another reason to come here is that Crane Hotel is also one of the most popular with celebrities – look around cause you never know what Hollywood star or famous singer sits next to you.

The Crane © lns1122/Flickr

The Gallery Inn, San Juan

Situated in the picturesque capital of Puerto Rico, the Gallery Inn is unique in its combination of vintage furnishings and artistic events. Half a hotel and half an arts center, this is the kind of Caribbean beach resort that artsy travelers will fall in love with at first sight.  When not joining a jam session or taking part in a debate, you can relax in one of the numerous interior gardens, or simply wander around the charming streets of old San Juan.

Sandy Lane, Barbados

This is probably not the first, nor the last time you will hear about Sandy Lane. This lavish Barbadian resort has built a strong reputation as one of Caribbean’s best luxury hotel. Located in a beautiful, secluded beach, Sandy Lane is ideal for honeymooners, but equally friendly with families. An awarded restaurant, world-class golf club and a spa complex compliment the elegant rooms and suites.

Sandy Lane detail ©javajoba/Flickr

Eco-resort ©World-wide-giftscom/Flickr

The Caribbean have witnessed a fast development of tourism in the last few decades, becoming one the the world’s most desired holiday destinations. Almost everywhere you go in the Caribbean you will find either a huge cruise ship anchored in the harbor, a luxurious villa complex or welcoming family resort.

But there are also exceptions. Countries like Dominica have refused to allow big hotel chains on its lands, focusing instead on the development of local and sustainable tourism. But you can find eco-friendly resorts almost anywhere in the Caribbean if you care to look for them and some of these are quite luxurious. Here are a few examples to show you what I’m talking about:

 Papilotte Wildreness Retreat, Dominica

Where else but in the ‘Nature Island of the Caribbean’ could one expect to find one of the best eco-resorts in the Caribbean? Situated in the middle of a lush tropical garden, and surrounded by the scent of orchids and the rustle of hot springs, the resort combines the simplicity and comfort of Caribbean style cottages with the exceptional natural setting. Also, the natural spa is the perfect place to heal your sore feet after a long day of hiking through Dominica’s forests.

eco-lounge ©World-wide-gifts.com/Flickr

Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, Jamaica

Jamaica is another destination popular with environmentally-aware tourists. Hotel Mocking Bird Hill in Port Antonio is one of the best examples of how nature, comfort and luxury can work together. There are 10 spacious rooms, each with their own bathroom and garden view. Rooms are decorated to the standards of a boutique hotel, yet using eco and local materials. The adjacent Mille Fleurs restaurant awaits guests with fresh seafood dishes and delicious Caribbean treats.

Natura Cabana, Dominican Republic

Natura Cabana in the Dominican Republic is a boutique hotel that puts a lot of effort in minimizing waste and protecting the environment. The resorts consists of several uniquely designed bungalows, built mainly from wood and stone. You’ll also get access to a common pool, a superb beach called ‘Cabarete’, and ‘Natura’ restaurant, where cooks take their ingredients straightly from the hotel’s garden.

Eco-resort ©World-wide-gifts.com/Flickr

CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, Anguilla

You couldn’t tell this chic eco-resort in Anguilla from any of the luxury resorts spread all over the Caribbean. Its white-washed hotel and surrounding garden evoke a Roman villa on the shores of the Mediterranean sea. But the most unusual feature of this hotel is the number of restaurants – five – all supplied by a huge green house which is adjacent to the hotel.

CuisinArt Resort © therealaxalady/Flickr

beach party ©PTICA10/Flickr

Planning to travel to the sunny Caribbean this summer? If yes, then congrats for making such a great choice! If no, no problem, you still have time to change your mind and organize

You’ve probably seen countless pictures of Caribbean beaches so far, and you mind is saturated with images of ultramarine waters and coconut trees. But as soon as you set foot on a Caribbean island, you will discover that there is much more to discover here than beaches. Take parties, for example. Some of the hottest parties take place in the Caribbean, and by reading the rest of the article you’ll also get to learn about the exact locations:

Barbados

Barbados is an excellent nightlife destination. And what else could one expect from island whose main exports are good-quality rum and the R&B singer Rihanna, than lively clubs and memorable parties? Barbados has them all, from intimate pubs where you can warm up to noisy clubs where the party only ends at the break of dawn.

Dj party © Ben Sisto/Flickr

Jamaica

When it comes to partying, the island of Jamaica has no equivalent. It is practically impossible to avoid taking part in at lest one party while vacationing in Jamaica. This is because partying is a second nature to Jamaicans: you can find them everywhere, from expensive clubs and cruise ships, to beaches. Also, Jamaica is the annual host of some of the best music festivals in the Caribbean, which are nothing but huge street parties with thousands of participants.

Bahamas

A favorite destination with American college students, Bahamas is ideal for a short beach break in the company of your friends. Just like in Jamaica, you will find people partying directly on the beaches, but you will also be amazed by the number of clubs and party events. The great thing about Bahamas are the music bars, which employ their own bands and where you can enjoy excellent live music on an almost daily basis.

party boat © Click-mallorca.com/Flickr

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is another hot Caribbean party destination for 2013. Puerto Rico’s charming capital San Juan becomes a huge party scene at night, as its chic clubs and bars turn up the volume and signal the start of the party. 24-hour people will feel like home in Puerto Rico. Any occasion is a good occasion to party here, just like any place can be turned into a dance floor. Improvisation is the key to a great party, and there is no other place where this is more clearly visible than in Puerto Rico.

beach party ©PTICA10/Flickr