A Journey of Lively
Caribbean Culture & Stunning
Beaches

San Juan (Puerto Rico)

The capital city of Puerto Rico, San Juan
is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean and home to a third of
all Puerto Ricans. Nearly every visitor to the island arrives at
San Juan, many on cruise liners. It's one of the largest home-based
cruise ports in the world, hosting many vessels with more being
added each year.

San Juan is divided into three distinct
districts: Old San Juan, the historic walled city; the beach and
resort area; and the outlying suburbs. Tourists mainly visit Old
San Juan, the site of most restaurants, shops, entertainment venues
and some exquisite beaches.

The old city is linked to the new by the
largely residential barrio of Puerta de Tierra and a series of
modern highways leading to the Condado beachfront, which is
reminiscent of Florida's Miami Beach with its high-rise hotels and
apartment blocks.

It is not only tourism that keeps the
financial mills grinding in San Juan. The city is an important
centre for petroleum and sugar refining, brewing and distilling,
and the manufacturing of cement, pharmaceuticals, metal products
and tobacco products.

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle,
there are numerous attractions in San Juan to amuse, entertain and
interest many tourists, and the city is a perfect base for
exploring the rest of what this small Caribbean island has to
offer.

Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch Sint
Maarten. It has two main streets, Front Street (Voorstraat) and
Back Street (Achterstraat), connected by several bustling
thoroughfares and filled mainly with duty-free shops, cafes, hotels
and courtyards overflowing with flowers.

The town enjoys an unusual setting, located
on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay, on the south coast
of the island, and the Great Salt Pond (a huge marsh). It is the
port of call for hundreds of cruise ships, their daytripping
passengers coming ashore to sample everything from Italian leather
goods and Japanese cameras to local crafts and Philipsburg's
nightlife, regarded as among the liveliest in the Caribbean.

Architecturally, the town, founded in 1763
by John Philips (a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy), is quaint,
with characteristic pastel-coloured West Indian houses lining the
streets, and a few Dutch colonial landmarks, including Fort Willem,
built in 1801, and Fort Amsterdam, constructed nearly 200 years
earlier in 1631.

Terre-de-Haut

On visiting Terre-de-Haut, an island commune part of the French overseas collectivity of Guadeloupe, you can expect a true Caribbean paradise. The island is only two square kilometers, but it boasts a population of 2,000 people who are passionate about their island home.

From the moment your boat or plane arrives, you’ll be welcomed by the vibrant natural beauty of the island. With its rolling hills, lush tropical vegetation, and sparkling turquoise waters, Terre-de-Haut is an inspiring and energizing place to be. Sunsets here are gorgeous and the night sky glitters with stars in every direction.

The main village, also called Terre-de-Haut (after the island itself), rests on a high hill in the center of the island. Here you’ll find quaint little cafes, local eateries and stores, plus some of the best views of the harbor around. Additionally, the village offers several historic sites worth visiting, including Pigeon Island – a little hill in the center of town said to have been an important strategic point during the various wars that have taken place in this area.

But it’s what lies beyond the village that makes Terre-de-Haut truly special. The surrounding waters are a dream come true for snorkelers and divers. You can expect to find stunning coral reefs, vibrant fish of all colors, and even occasional sightings of dolphins and whales. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a guided tour of the mangroves on the east side of the island – you won’t regret it!

Everywhere you go on the island, you’ll find friendly locals eager to share their stories and offer insight into their culture and way of life. There’s even an annual Terre-de-Haut music festival filled with locals and visitors alike who come together to celebrate music and dance.

Terre-de-Haut is a perfect spot for those seeking adventure, rest and relaxation, and cultural experiences. From its unique cuisine to its stunning landscapes, this little island has something for everyone – even if only for a few days.

Saint George

St George's was Bermuda's original settlement and one-time capital until 1815. It is situated at the east end of the country and provides a pleasant and relaxed day's sightseeing. There is a slide show on the Parish which may be of interest to visitors. A walking tour is a good way to explore the museums and quaint shops and one can meet the Town Crier along the way whilst stopping here and there to sample the fare at the charming restaurants.The hub of town life is King's Square featuring stocks a pillory and whipping-post where criminals were punished in days of yore. The Town Crier appears here on occasion in traditional costume to re-enact scenes such as committing the town drunk to the stocks and securing the town gossip on the Ordnance Island ducking stool. The Town Hall fronts the square and behind it is one of Bermuda's oldest buildings the State House dating from 1619. Located close to this is an art gallery and several museums.The town is a delightful one in which to walk around. It has many narrow lanes leading away from the harbour which were originally the footpaths to the houses. The dwellings are picturesque with their well-maintained gardens coloured by banana and paw-paw trees. There are horse-drawn buggy rides as a means of transport and a bus service runs to locations of interest such as Clearwater Beach St David's Island and Fort St Catherine.

Castries

The main reason for the existence of the town of Castries capital of St Lucia is as a port of call for hundreds of cruise ships that dock in the deep harbour every year disgorging thousands of day-trippers who shop till they drop in the market and duty-free shopping malls. Visitors who linger find the town has a certain charm surrounded by hills although little to offer in the way of sightseeing or architectural heritage. Most of the buildings are fairly new with Castries having been destroyed several times by fire during its history most recently in 1948. There is a very vibrant and colourful market on the go every day except Sunday some good waterfront restaurants and a few remains of the defences of the island's various occupiers to claim the attention. Castries also serves as a good base for island exploration whether it is by road or water.

Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is a coastal city located in the Dominican Republic and is renowned for its lush, tropical beauty. Visitors flock to the area to experience the sun, sand, and crystal-clear waters. From the bustling city center to the nearby beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Puerto Plata.

First and foremost, Puerto Plata is known for its stunning landscape. The city is nestled between beautiful mountains and the Caribbean Sea. White, sandy beaches stretch along the shoreline, and lush green vegetation blankets the hillsides. Visitors can spend their days soaking up the sun or exploring the nearby caves and waterfalls. A popular destination for beach goers, the waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply tanning on the sand.

In addition to its natural beauty, Puerto Plata is full of cultural attractions. Explore the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants, offering fresh seafood and traditional Dominican dishes. Visit the colonial-style fort of San Felipe and learn about the city’s history. Shop ‘til you drop in the vibrant markets and discover unique souvenirs and handmade crafts from local artisans. Or take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic city center and marvel at the vibrant colonial architecture.

No visit to Puerto Plata is complete without a visit to Ocean World Adventure Park. Here, visitors can take part in exciting activities such as swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, jet skiing, and boating. They can also explore the nearby caves or take a thrilling zip line tour over the Caribbean Sea.

When nightfall arrives in Puerto Plata, there are plenty of ways to keep busy. Sample some Latin food at a local bar, listen to live music and salsa dancing, or simply relax with an evening stroll along the beachfront. If you’re looking for a night to remember, head to one of the city’s nightclubs and dance until the wee hours of the morning.

For travelers who want to experience the real Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata is an ideal destination. With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and endless entertainment options, it’s easy to see why this city is so popular among visitors. A visit here promises to be an unforgettable experience that you’ll never forget.

Miami, Florida

The party and cruise capital of the word, Miami is a bright,
brash, playground city that 15.5 million tourists flock to every
year. The Roaring Twenties saw this town bloom into a seaside
capital, blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, diverse
cultures, and natural wonders enough to satisfy any
holiday-goer.

Being the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, Miami has
a large Cuban presence, evident in the vibrant neighbourhood of
. Art lovers can meander around the art districts like
Wynwood and the Coconut Grove, while others can lounge on the miles
of sandy beaches. For families there are kid-friendly attractions
like the
and Metrozoo. The nightlife is sophisticated and
varied. The city also gives easy access to Florida's popular Gold
Coast resorts and attractions, as well as the natural wonder of the

.

It is no wonder Miami is America's favourite holiday destination
and the hub of a vibrant cruise ship industry, its port constantly
jammed with sleek passenger liners. North of the city, the miles of
beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast are hemmed in by southeast
Florida's major tourist towns: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano
Beach, and Palm Beach.