Holidays » Holiday Guides » Caribbean Holiday» Find out about some of the facinating islands in the caribbean
Caribbean Travel - Choosing the Perfect holiday Spot
By : Jennifer Smith
While some islands are, indeed, known for their beaches, others, like Saba, hardly have any. There's a whole world of activities in the Caribbean; it's just a matter of knowing where to look. Learning a bit about some of the islands can help you get a feel for the many differences you'll find here.
Basic Island Differences
Surprisingly, weather can be quite different from island to island, in Aruba cacti and aloe grow more readily than fragrant hibiscus in its desert climate. Meanwhile, islands like Puerto Rico offer mountain hikes to adventure seekers, as well as cooler temperatures high in its ranges.
Culture is another important difference among islands. If you're looking for a taste of Paris alongside a bit of tropical sunshine, turn to Martinique. Holidaymakers can also enjoy islands where Dutch colonial style still reigns in the Netherlands Antilles, or take tea in the British West Indies. Some islands have been territories of many nations throughout their history, and the cultural mix can be delightful.
Activities, though, can make or break a holiday, so it is important to make the right choices. There are plenty of natural sights to see, both above and below the waves; mountainous peaks rise high into the sky, and historic buildings attract many visitors. Cultural festivals like the famous Carnival are also popular draws to these islands.
Great holiday bargains for all the Caribbean islands.
View Latest Caribbean Package Holidays Deal at Expedia
Place-by-Place
Jamaica attracts many visitors. Whether you're heading to Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Kingston, or somewhere else entirely, Jamaica has plenty of culture to offer. Golf on the grounds of a former plantation or explore its famous Blue Mountains. There's plenty to see and do on land. And, of course, who can forget the food and crafts? jamaica is not really a good place for snorkelers and divers, they may leave this island feeling a little disappointed.
The Bahamas has plenty of popular ports and beaches, but the crowds in the cities can be too much for some travelers. The Outter Islands, however, are some of the most popular areas for holiday makers looking to escape the crowds. Whether you're off to see Ernest Hemingway's Bimini, enjoying the hustle and bustle of popular cities like Freeport, or sailing and fishing between any of the islands, The Bahamas a great spot for a unique holiday not far from the Florida coast.
Cancún in Mexico is the perfect spring break holiday spot. The surrounding areas have plenty to offer as well. Cancún may have gorgeous beaches and plenty of nightlife, Cozumel also offers incredible underwater sights to dazzle intrepid divers. The area known as the Mayan Riviera includes secluded spots like Playa del Carmen, which many families love, while Tulum hosts larger than life Mayan ruins.
Puerto Rico has plenty of advocates as well, since it offers travelers everything from mountain vistas to a bit of diving and snorkeling. It's best known for its history and its rainforest. While Old San Juan is popular, visit Ponce on the southern coast for something a little different. El Yunque, the only rainforest in the U.S. National Parks system, is a good stop for nature lovers. Shopping, casinos, and nightlife are all important aspects of San Juan's popularity, and don't forget to spend a bit of time at one of the beaches as well.
Island Groups
Get ready to sail when visiting the Virgin Islands. You'll find crystal clear waters and plenty to do. St. Thomas offers shopping; St. Croix features historic Dutch buildings; and St. John is home to a wildlife preserve. Snorkelers and divers will find beautiful sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands are much more secluded, and locals welcome holiday makers with their warm smiles and British hospitality.
If you would like a taste of something British you can stop in at Barbados and have afternoon tea with the Bajan locals. Visitors to Bermuda can explore some of the cultural heritage, and stick around for a game of golf. Despite Bermuda's distinctly non-Caribbean location, it is still a popular tropical location and is often grouped with other Caribbean islands. The sister islands of Antigua and Barbuda are also known for beautiful beaches and rich British history, as well as incredible sailing.
Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, known as the ABC Islands, are three of the Netherlands Antilles islands, located just north of Venezuela's coast. With the added distinction of being outside the Caribbean's "Hurricane Belt," this trio of islands offers some unusual desert climates, fascinating history, and nature unlike anything you'll find in the rest of the Caribbean.
Bargain Caribbean holidays starting under £500.00 at DoViva UK.Create your own island adventure. Choose from dozens of Caribbean hotels from the Bahamas to Antigua.
Check For Latest Caribbean Vacation Packages
Other Isles
The Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Saba, Belize, and Dominica are well known for their natural beauty. With mountains, rivers, tropical forests, and underwater scenes to explore, Each of these islands has a different culture and intriguing aspects. Whether you're curious about The Dominican Republic's popular surfing beaches or St. Lucia's famous volcanic peaks, you're sure to find something interesting that you can explore.
Every traveler has his or her own idea of what makes a great getaway, and building that trip is easy in the Caribbean. With just a bit of reserch , everyone can be satisfied on their holiday to the Caribbean.
About the Author
Jennifer Smith writes for Caribbean-Guide.info, Jamaica-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites.
© 2005, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc. Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links remain live.