An Extended Journey through
Island Joys & Volcanic
Majesty

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.

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.

Isla Catalana

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.

Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke

Great Harbour is a stunning and tranquil bay located on Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the four main islands of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Known for its picturesque scenery, crystal clear turquoise waters, and soft white sandy beaches, Great Harbour is an oasis for beach-goers, sailors, and adventure enthusiasts alike. Spanning just about three square miles, Jost Van Dyke hosts a small population, but it boasts an outsized reputation for its vibrant nightlife and welcoming community.

One of the most notable features of Great Harbour is its well-protected anchorage, which makes it a haven for yachts and boats throughout the year, especially during the peak sailing season. The harbour's natural geography provides shelter from the prevailing winds, creating a perfect natural marina. This has led to Great Harbour becoming a key stop on the Caribbean sailing circuit, with many sailors choosing to drop anchor and enjoy what the bay and its surroundings have to offer.

Upon arriving at Great Harbour, visitors are greeted with a laid-back vibe that is quintessential to the Caribbean way of life. The beachfront is lined with a selection of casual bars and restaurants that become hubs of activity as the sun sets. Among the most famous establishments is Foxy's Tamarind Bar & Restaurant, known for its beach barbecues, live music, and the legendary Old Year's Night (New Year's Eve) party that attracts party-goers from around the globe.

The village surrounding Great Harbour is charming and small-scale, allowing for an authentic island experience. The streets are often quiet, save for the bustle around the local businesses, which include quaint shops selling handcrafted goods, island apparel, and essential supplies for those continuing their sea voyage. The locals, known for their friendliness, are happy to share stories and offer recommendations to visitors, contributing to the harbour's reputation for warm hospitality.

For those looking to engage in watersports, Great Harbour does not disappoint. The clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, with vibrant coral reefs just a short swim away from the beach. Additionally, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and sailing are popular activities that allow visitors to explore the area at a leisurely pace. The nearby Sandy Cay and Sandy Spit offer additional opportunities for exploration and are excellent spots for a beach picnic or a day of seclusion and sunbathing.

The island's lush, volcanic terrain provides opportunities beyond the beach as well. Hiking trails wind through the hills, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the expanse of the Caribbean Sea. Naturalists and bird watchers will delight in the diversity of flora and fauna found on the trails.

Great Harbour's appeal is not only in its natural beauty but also in its cultural events. Beyond Foxy's famous New Year's bash, the harbour hosts celebrations like the Jost Van Dyke Music Festival and the Halloween Party, which showcase local music talent and bring the community together in a lively and joyous atmosphere.

While Great Harbour has gained popularity as a tourist destination, it remains unspoiled and continues to offer an authentic island experience. The mix of relaxing beach life, friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and year-round sailing opportunities make Great Harbour a cherished spot in the British Virgin Islands, appealing to travelers of all stripes — from those seeking serenity to those eager for the next great beach party under the Caribbean stars.

Basseterre, Saint Kitts

Basseterre is the capital city of Saint Kitts and Nevis, in the West Indies. It is also the main port and commercial center for the island nation. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the early days of European colonization.

The city was named by the French after Christopher Columbus, who stopped here on his second voyage to the New World in 1493. The city was then known as Basseterre de Guadeloupe, or Basseterre of Guadeloupe. It was one of the first European settlements in the Caribbean and quickly became an important trading port.

In the 17th century, the British took control of the island and renamed it Basseterre. The city remained an important port and commercial center under British rule.

Today, Basseterre is a busy and vibrant city with a population of around 13,000. It is a popular tourist destination, with its beautiful beaches, historic buildings, and lively nightlife.

Charlotte Amalie

St Thomas is the second largest and most
sophisticated of the Virgin Islands, serving as an extremely
popular port for cruise ships. There's a strong Danish influence,
especially evident in the main town and capital of Charlotte
Amalie.

Being the most accessible of the islands
also means it's the most heavily developed, with visitors from
around the world attracted by the town's reputation as an
international shopping and cruise hub.

But it's also beautiful, with numerous
headlands, coves, and forested hills providing stunning vistas over
the Caribbean. St Thomas also has some of the best white-sand
beaches in the region: Magens Bay Beach is acclaimed as one of the
finest in the world, and the sparkling waters and coral reef of
Coki Bay are superb for snorkelling. Fabulous panoramas can be
viewed from Drake's Seat, a high point in the centre of the island
from where Sir Francis Drake used to watch for enemy ships.

Combining natural beauty with first-rate
amenities, St Thomas offers numerous activities on and off the
water, fine international cuisine and a variety of accommodation
including luxury hotels and villas.

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

The capital of Dutch St. Maarten stretches about a mile (1½ km) along an isthmus between Great Bay and the Salt Pond and has five parallel streets. Most of the village's dozens of shops and restaurants are on Front Street, narrow and cobblestone, closest to Great Bay. It's generally congested when cruise ships are in port, because of its many duty-free shops and several casinos. Little lanes called steegjes connect Front Street with Back Street, which has fewer shops and considerably less congestion. Along the beach is a ½-mile-long (1-km-long) boardwalk with restaurants and several Wi-Fi hot spots.Wathey Square (pronounced watty) is in the heart of the village. Directly across from the square are the town hall and the courthouse, in a striking white building with cupola. The structure was built in 1793 and has served as the commander's home, a fire station, a jail, and a post office. The streets surrounding the square are lined with hotels, duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafés. The Captain Hodge Pier, just off the square, is a good spot to view Great Bay and the beach that stretches alongside.

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.

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.

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.

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.