An Extended Journey through
Caribbean Cinematic Paradise

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.

Gustavia

The beautiful beaches of St Barthelemy have captivated visitors from around the world for centuries. With its stunning white sand, crystal clear waters and lush tropical scenery, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with this charming island paradise. Whether you’re looking for a family vacation, romantic getaway or a place to party the night away, St Barthelemy has something for everyone.

Begin your beach vacation with a visit to Grand Cul-de-Sac, an area made up of stunning beaches that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure with snorkeling and jet skiing or just a place to relax with beautiful views and a gentle breeze, Grand Cul-de-Sac is sure to please. Take time to lounge on the beach with your feet in the sand and unwind with the sound of the waves crashing nearby.

Continue down the shoreline and experience the serenity of Anse du Gouverneur Beach. Here, you’ll have plenty of room to soak up the sun and lounge on the sand. Enjoy a nice picnic lunch by the sea and be sure to watch for dolphins swimming in the distance. Bring along your snorkeling gear if you’d like to explore the vibrant underwater world before continuing on your adventure.

For those who are looking for a bit of adventure and fun, head to Grand Fond Beach. Here, the surf is perfect for bodyboarding and surfing and there’s plenty of room to take part in beach games. After a long day at the beach, take a dip in the ocean and enjoy the cool water.

After a full day exploring St Barthelemy’s stunning beaches, be sure to check out the local culture and cuisine. The restaurants here offer a range of delicious dishes from international flavors to traditional Caribbean fare. Spend the evening exploring the area’s vibrant nightlife and enjoy some drinks with friends.

No matter what type of beach vacation you’re looking for, St Barthelemy will provide an unforgettable experience. From stunning views to exciting activities, this Caribbean paradise has it all. So, pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime to St Barthelemy’s stunning beaches!

Saint John's

St. John’s is the vibrant capital of Antigua and Barbuda, and one of the most alluring cities in the Caribbean. Situated on the island of Antigua, St. John’s is a bustling city that is both exciting and picturesque. From the Caribbean-infused cuisine, to the historical landmarks and lively attractions, St. John’s is a place that should be at the top of your travel itinerary.

The city is alive with activity, including plenty of colorful markets and shopping areas, and is known for its diverse population. As you explore, you’ll find yourself surrounded by music, art and culture. Strolling through St. John's Old Town will give you a delightful glimpse into the past, as local craftsmen display their wares in British colonial-style buildings. From there, head to the lively Independence Square and take in the sights and sounds.

Catch a glimpse of local wildlife at the nearby Antigua Recreation Ground, or head to deep sea fishing for fun and adventure. St. John’s also plays host to a few annual festivals, like the April Carnival which features a mix of costume parades, stilt walkers, drum circles, floats and masquerade performers.

For those looking to relax in the sun, the city’s numerous beaches are ideal. The pristine sand and crystal-clear waters make them a prime destination for swimming, snorkeling, and more. If you’re looking for a peaceful time with friends and family, why not have a picnic on an isolated beach? Or try an island tour and explore the waters on a guided boat cruise.

With its combination of sun-soaked beaches, expansive parks and traditional buildings, St. John’s is a place that everyone can enjoy. Its friendly locals will welcome you with open arms, and its diverse selection of restaurants will satisfy any taste buds. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, St. John’s has it all waiting for you in Antigua.

Tortola

Tortola is the largest and most populated island in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a beautiful group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea. With its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and lush green hills, Tortola is a tropical paradise that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

One of the main draws of Tortola is its spectacular beaches. Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, swim in the warm waters, or try your hand at water sports like snorkeling and kayaking, Tortola has a beach for everyone. Some of the most popular beaches include Cane Garden Bay, Smuggler's Cove, and Brewer's Bay. These beaches offer calm waters, palm-fringed shores, and a relaxed atmosphere that encapsulates the essence of a Caribbean getaway.

Beyond its beaches, Tortola also boasts a diverse and vibrant culture. The island's capital, Road Town, offers a charming mix of British colonial architecture and Caribbean charm. Here, you'll find colorful buildings, bustling markets, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars that cater to both locals and tourists alike. The combination of local cuisine and international flavors creates a culinary experience that is truly unique to Tortola.

For those interested in history and culture, Tortola has a rich heritage to explore. The Virgin Islands Folk Museum in Road Town provides an insight into the island's history, culture, and traditions. The 18th-century Callwood Rum Distillery and the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum offer a glimpse into Tortola's colonial past and the island's once-thriving sugar industry.

Nature enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy on Tortola. Sage Mountain National Park, located at the highest point on the island, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and lush rainforest trails to explore. The park is home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna, including the rare Virgin Islands dwarf gecko. Smaller islands like Norman Island and Jost Van Dyke are great destinations for day trips, offering opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and hiking.

Tortola's warm and welcoming atmosphere extends beyond its natural beauty and cultural offerings. The locals, known as "Belongers," are friendly and hospitable, ensuring that visitors feel welcome and at home during their stay. The island's laid-back vibe and slower pace of life make Tortola the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in a tranquil and serene environment.

In terms of accommodation, Tortola offers a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Luxurious resorts, cozy guesthouses, and self-catering villas can all be found on the island, providing ample choices for travelers.

Getting to Tortola is relatively easy. The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport serves as the main gateway, with flights from various international destinations. Alternatively, travelers can also reach Tortola by ferry from neighboring islands such as St. Thomas or St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In conclusion, Tortola is a tropical paradise that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. With its stunning beaches, vibrant local culture, and abundance of outdoor activities, Tortola is an idyllic destination for those in search of a memorable and rejuvenating vacation.

Road Bay

Road Bay is a charming and bustling coastal settlement located on the northern shore of the island of Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. Known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and serene atmosphere, Road Bay serves as the main port of entry for sea vessels and plays a vital role in the island's economy. As a hub for both commercial activity and tourism, it's a location where visitors can experience the harmonious blend of local island life and the hospitality that Anguilla is famous for.

The bay is surrounded by powdery white sand beaches that are perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. These beaches are often less crowded than those on more well-known Caribbean islands, offering a more private and tranquil beach-going experience. The calm, clear waters of Road Bay are also ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Snorkelers and divers are particularly fond of the area due to the abundant marine life and coral reefs that are situated nearby.

For those interested in sailing and boating, Road Bay provides a picturesque anchorage. The natural harbor is a safe haven for yachts and sailboats, making it a popular stop for boaters exploring the Caribbean Sea. The annual Anguilla Regatta, which hosts a series of boat races and sailing events, attracts sailors and spectators from around the world and is one of the highlights of the local calendar.

The waterfront along Road Bay is lined with a variety of dining options where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Caribbean cuisine. Several beach bars and casual eateries offer the opportunity to sample local flavors and refreshments while taking in beautiful ocean views. Dining by the seaside, visitors can often enjoy the sounds of live music and the laid-back rhythm of island life.

The area behind the beachfront is the commercial heart of Road Bay and Sandy Ground, the neighborhood which serves as its backdrop. This district is filled with a mix of businesses including duty-free shops, small boutiques, and convenience stores, where both visitors and locals can find a wide array of goods and services.

One of the distinctive features of Road Bay is its deep cultural heritage. The Old Salt Factory and Pumphouse are historical landmarks located in the vicinity, a reminder of Anguilla's salt industry past. These preserved sites offer a glimpse into the island's history and the importance of the salt trade in its development.

Road Bay is not just a daytime destination. As the sun sets, the nightlife begins to flourish with bars and clubs opening their doors and welcoming patrons with a mix of Caribbean rhythms and international tunes. The area becomes a festive scene where locals and tourists mingle, creating a warm and vibrant nighttime atmosphere.

Accessibility to Road Bay is straightforward, with the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport situated only a few miles away. The proximity of the airport to the bay area allows for easy transitions from air travel to enjoying the sandy beaches.

As a key component of Anguilla's maritime tradition, Road Bay encapsulates the island's blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and friendly community spirit. It remains a jewel in the crown of Anguilla, bringing together sailors, vacationers, and locals in a picturesque and lively setting that epitomizes the best of Caribbean charm.

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.

Cruz Bay, Saint John

Billed as the 'land of opportunity', for more than 500 years, people have travelled to the United States of America seeking a better life. The territory was fought over by colonial powers for 300 hundred years, and finally won its independence from Britain in 1783.

Despite the near-annihilation of the Native American population, a bloody civil war, and centuries of ingrained racism (Native Americans were not granted citizenship until 1924 and racial segregation was the norm until as late as the 1950s), the American people have succeeded in forging one of the world's most democratic and tolerant nations. This has resulted in a fascinating melting-pot of cultures, and the undisputed military and economic heavyweight of the world.

A country of this size, with a history this colourful, truly does present endless opportunities for travellers heading stateside. World-famous attractions like the Statue of Liberty in New York City, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and the Grand Canyon in Arizona don't even begin to scratch the surface of what the US has to offer visitors.

Depending on where and when you travel, a holiday in the United States can offer sizzling desert mesas, labyrinthine cities, chilly snow-covered forests, tropical jungles, or rolling flower-covered prairies. With an area of roughly 3,794,083 square miles (9,826,630 square km), the US is the perfect place to take long road trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Pacific Coast Highway, or Route 66, gaining a broader understanding of this vast nation along the way.

Whether you want to see the celebrity stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the majestic summit of Pike's Peak, or the world's largest ball of twine in Darwin, Minnesota, the United States has something for everyone.

Deshaies

The islands of Guadeloupe are radiant gems of the Caribbean, offering travellers a unique combination of Creole culture, incredible beaches and simply fantastic French food. Guadeloupe is shaped rather like a butterfly, with Basse-Terre and Grand Terre as each of its wings.

Better developed Grand Terre enjoys exceptional beach towns and plenty of fun nightlife along its shores. Basse Terre is more wild, home to Parc National de la Guadeloupe and topped by the spectacular La Soufriere volcano.

First discovered by Columbus in 1493, the islands were known to the local Caribs as Karukera: 'the islands of beautiful waters'. In the 20th century, Guadeloupe became an overseas department of France, enjoying French protection and economic support. Guadeloupe is less well known than Antigua, its neighbour to the north and so enjoys a somewhat laid-back atmosphere and less developed infrastructure by comparison.

The beaches are quite magnificent and remain the main draw card for the steady stream of tourists, the majority of whom are French. Unusually for a tropical island, there are many other attractions such as tropical forests, towering waterfalls and a hard-hitting museum of slavery. The diving is also excellent, particularly on the 15 mile (25km) long coral wall of Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, just off the coast of Grand Terre.

Getting around the islands is a breeze, with a decent public bus network and plenty of bicycle rental spots presenting better options than expensive taxis.

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.

Bridgetown

Bridgetown originally called 'Indian Bridge' is the capital and commercial centre of Barbados with about 80 000 inhabitants. It is a busy port with a natural harbour inlet known as the Careenage and is well utilised by pleasure craft and fishing boats.Bridgetown has a long and colourful history as a British settlement from the 17th century. A bustling city with many attractions for travellers its mix of modern and historic buildings are interspersed with markets monuments and a number of lush gardens.The main street Broad Street is where one finds banks department stores and duty-free shops. At the top of Broad Street is the Parliament Building (the Barbados Parliament is the third oldest in the Commonwealth dating from 1639) facing National Heroes Square. Bridgetown is home to a number of historical buildings that will interest visitors including the Garrison Historic Area which is a must-visit for military history buffs.Another attraction in Bridgetown is a massive Baobab tree (said to have been brought to the island from Guinea Africa around 1738). It takes 15 adults with outstretched arms to encircle the trunk.Tourists in Bridgetown will find much to see and do: cricket games at Kensington Oval which hosted the 2007 Cricket World Cup; the Barbados Derby at the racetrack in the Garrison area; and many other events and activities. A range of duty-free shops near the harbour sell staples like Mount Gay Rum while more colourful shopping options include the Cheapside Market and the Swan Street pedestrian mall. Local restaurants in the Careenage serve up fresh lobster and fish with Caribbean flair.

Little Bay

The beautiful island of Montserrat has a distinctly explosive history that has drawn intrepid travellers to its awe-inspiring shores. It seems quite clear the earth is trying to rid itself of this small Caribbean island, as its recent history is a list of major natural disasters.

A hurricane swept over the island in 1989, damaging 90 percent of the buildings. Following a hurricane in 1989, Montserrat's volcano, the Soufriere Hills, erupted in 1995 after staying dormant for hundreds of years.

It erupted again two years later, covering the capital city, Plymouth, in ash and mud, while limiting the 39 square mile (101km) island to a much smaller, inhabitable safe zone in the north of Monserrat. Most of the 12,000 inhabitants got the message and emigrated.

For those that stayed, tourism on the island is slowly growing and curious visitors are now eager to take tours of the active volcano where an ominous dome over the volcano's crater rebuilds and periodically collapses sending great plumes of ash into the air. Much of the island is within the 'volcanic exclusion zone' which was previously inaccessible; however, Montserrat tourism now conducts guided tours into the ashen wasteland in the south.

Despite the destruction caused by the Soufriere Hills, the volcano has also made some fascinating changes to the natural environment. Divers can see unique coral formations that have grown healthier from the volcano's substrate; sun lovers can relax on soft, volcanic sand at a number of beaches; and the nature walks and hikes have lush vegetation from the fertilised soil. As a result, Montserrat is looking to establish itself as a major player in global ecotourism.

The country often refers to itself as the Emerald Isle, an homage to its Irish settlers escaping religious oppression. The Caribbean is an unlikely place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but the national holiday highlights Monserrat's unique charm. Unlike Columbus, who sailed right past the islands, visitors to the Caribbean should make this a place to explore. Flights from Antigua and some surrounding islands arrive daily.

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.