St Barthelemy, located in the French West Indies is the Monte Carlo of the Caribbean, without the traffic jams but with the added advantage of flawless beaches. Shortened to Saint Barth in French and St Barts in English it is an exclusive eight square mile (21 sq km) embodiment of 24-carat French chic. It attracts millionaires on luxury yachts, movie stars and French expatriates fleeing the European winter. It is a Caribbean island where relaxation and Gallic style under a tropical sun have been refined to perfection.

Few islands worldwide, can match the unique blend of style, nature and history that is St. Barts. This tiny island has significant appeal where 'quality' is most certainly more important than 'quantity'... an island far away from the normality of life, making it the perfect vacation destination.

After an international flight into the hub of St Maarten and a short 15 minute connecting flight to St Barts it's now time to kick back and stroll the beaches. There are 22 beaches on St Barts renowned for being some of the most beautiful and pristine in the world. Many are found in small coves, which have been protected from development by strict environmentally friendly zoning. Unlike many of its neighboring Caribbean islands, it has not been overrun with prefab condos and large chain hotels.

Explore history and culture throughout the capital Gustavia. Take in the sunset view from the lighthouse, visit the museums and churches. There is evidence of the Swedish settlers from the late 1700's throughout the streets of Gustavia.

Water sport activities are vast, jet ski around the island, surfing, wind surfing, kite boarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, deep sea fishing and even a Yellow Submarine that goes from Gustavia's pier thru the Marine Park and around Gros Ilets, towards "Les Petits Saints" discovering schools of colorful fishes, turtles, and 3 ship wrecks including the one motor yacht named "Non Stop".

Charter a 65ft luxury power boat or luxury sailboat to tour around St Barts for half a day. Book a full day charter to neighboring islands of Saba, St Maarten, Tintamarre, Pinel, and Anguilla. Then on the return journey to St Barts stop just outside Gustavia harbor to watch the sunset and have a glass of champagne to celebrate the day.

On land activities include tennis, horseback riding, archery, yoga, fitness centers, massages, spa treatments, wine tasting and shopping. St. Barts is rated as one of the premier shopping destinations in the Caribbean and is also a duty-free port. Gustavia is the principal shopping area of the island. There are boutiques and emporiums for the most sophisticated shoppers, featuring luxury brands such as Cartier, Hermes, Dior to name a few.

St Barts has several hiking trails, some that take you to the highest points of the island like Mount Vitet, 286 meters high and others that circle around the widest points like the magnificent bay of Colombier . At the far end of Gouvernour Beach ( a 20 minute trail ) it is said that the infamous pirate Montbars the Exterminator buried his treasure during the 1670's somewhere in the caves. Rent a scooter or quad bike and tour the island to photograph these natural tropical settings.

The most divine activity of St Barts is taking in some of the most exquisite cuisine and French wines of the Caribbean. The island has over eighty restaurants featuring culinary styles ranging from classic French to Asian to West Indian. Many of the restaurants attract gourmet chefs trained in France to oversee their kitchens. These chefs can also be reserved to serve guests in the intimate privacy of their own villa for a special event or treasured evening.

Nightlife of St. Barts is diverse as well. Visitors looking for late-night pleasures can listen to live jazz at a café or dance the night away at one of the local discos or after hour clubs. Be sure to call in advance to reserve a VIP table for the evening.

With so much to do and see while vacationing on St Barts, activities reservations and arrangements are best made well in advance with a local destination management company that is well connected with the best vendors on the island.

By: John Day
President
Premium IV - Destination Management
Les Galeries du Commerce
St Jean , 97133
St Barthelemy
Phone: 0590 290 007
From the US - 011 590 590 290 007
Fax : 0590 290 008
From the US - 011 590 590 290 008
Email: johnday@premiumiv.com
Website: http://www.premiumiv.com.

Discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, the Dominican Republic is a mosaic of beautiful beaches, majestic hills, and lively people. The Island of Hispaniola, as Columbus named it, has always been described as one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. Columbus refers to it as, “"a beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys" in one of his journals. Today, the Dominican Republic is one of the top tourist spots in the Caribbean offering a range of activities to those seeking peace, excitement, and a connection with nature in its purest form. Go back in time to the 1500s in colonial Santo Domingo, go scuba diving in the blue waters of the Caribbean, or dance the merengue all night long in one of the many beach clubs and resorts, the choice is yours.

Where to Go

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic and the oldest city of the New World, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city features the first cathedral, first university and first hospital in the Americas. There is no need for a time machine when you are walking on the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo. The place will transport you back in time. There are plenty of museums and historical buildings in this area including the famous Alcázar de Colón (Castle of Columbus). This castle was built in the 1500s by Christopher Columbus’ son Diego and features artifacts that belonged to the Columbus family.

In the East Coast, you will find the area of Punta Cana/Bavaro, which is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Punta Cana offers a variety of all-inclusive resorts for individuals and families seeking peace and relaxation in ocean-front luxury suites. The sugar-colored beaches attract people from all over the world looking for secluded areas. Although Punta Cana has become a popular destination for Americans, the majority of tourists are European. Some celebrities like Oscar de la Renta and Julio Iglesias have purchased their summer retreats in this coast.

The North Coast, also known as the Amber Coast due to the prevalence of this gem, features the popular towns of Puerto Plata, Cabarete and Sosua. This area boasts jungle forests, mountain ranges, blue waters and golden beaches. It was here that Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Hispaniola, and it is precisely here where a new museum focusing on Christopher Columbus’ discovery will be opened. Jurassic Park fans may also want to know that the amber mosquito seen in the movie is housed at the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata.

The North East Coast offers an intimate connection with nature. The Samana peninsula is an ideal destination for eco-tourists and nature lovers seeking unspoiled beaches, coral reefs, mountain waterfalls, rain forests, and humpback whales. In fact, this coast offers one of the best spots in the world for whale watching. Samana is also known for its unique diversity and culture mixing traditions from French, Spanish, Italian settlers and African-American immigrants.

What to Eat

Although culinary specialties vary from region to region, you will be able to find something that suits your taste. Traditional Dominican dishes have a strong Antillean and Creole influence – rice, fish, seafood, meats and vegetables. Some also add light spices and coconut for some extra flavor. The Sancocho prieto, which includes a combination of seven meats, including goat is an authentic and popular Dominican dish for those with daring palates. Seafood restaurants are, of course, the more popular choice for those visiting the beaches. All-inclusive resorts feature Seafood restaurants, buffets, and ethnic restaurants.

Where to Study

Many US universities offer study abroad options for the Dominican Repubilc. The two most common cities hosting exchange students are Santo Domingo and Santigo. You can also review Study Abroad agencies that offer Spanish and academic programs in the Dominican Republic.

Visas & Documents

Visas are not required by citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries except nationals of Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia and Malta. Also, citizens of Argentina, Chile, South Korea, Ecuador, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Peru, Liechtenstein, and Uruguay do not require a visa. Nationals of certain countries may require a tourist card to enter the Dominican Republic. For more information, contact the Dominican Republic embassy or consulate in your country.

By: Denisse Romero
Study Abroad and Travel Advisor
http://www.MACQUIL.com.

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Along the western shore of Grand Cayman rests a stretch of sand known throughout the travel community as one of the world's best beaches. With placid waters and endless amounts of pure white sand, Seven Mile Beach is what makes Grand Cayman special. Though the beach comes up a mile and a half short of its name, there is certainly no shortage of space to relax in the sun. Furthermore, as you walk along the beach you will notice activities that range from cafes and bars beneath the palms to scuba diving and snorkeling. When you visit Grand Cayman, you will immediately see why Seven Mile Beach is at the top of so many lists.

Courtesy of the calm water and casual atmosphere, Seven Mile Beach is known as one of the most family-friendly recreation sites in the Caribbean. The warm water has a sandy bottom, making it a great place for children to swim. Families can rent all types of water toys, from snorkeling equipment and paddleboats to jet skis and windsurfers for the grownups. There are also a few spectacular scuba diving sites off the shore of Seven Mile Beach. Where the gently sloping shoreline meets the coral wall surrounding the island, you will find the popular reefs known as Paradise and Aquarium.

Seven Mile Beach is also the site of the island's best resorts and restaurants. Even if you aren't staying on Seven Mile Beach, many of the resorts have facilities that are open to the public. As many of the resorts open directly onto the beach, you will find several bars and snack stands equipped with peaceful lounge seating. Throughout this area you will find several world-class restaurants, serving everything from rustic Italian fare to fresh seafood with a Caribbean twist. The resorts also make it easy to rent water sport equipment without leaving the beach. Most importantly, all these activities (and, of course, the beach itself) are open to the public, whether or not you are lucky enough to spend your nights here.

At the southern end of Seven Mile Beach is one of Grand Cayman's favorite family attractions - The Butterfly Farm. Inside the farm's tropical gardens, you can view the life stages of butterflies amongst exotic flowers and peaceful ponds. Many early morning visitors are granted the pleasure of seeing new butterflies emerge from their cocoons to take their first flight. On guided tours of the facility, specialists will allow you to handle both caterpillars and butterflies. As butterflies are attracted to bright colors and perfumes, those who want some personal attention from the fluttering creatures should dress to impress. Open daily at 9 AM, The Butterfly Farm also allows visitors to return throughout their vacation with one paid entry. If you don't see a butterfly emerge from its shell the first time around, you can stop by and snap more photos any time you like.

Most of Grand Cayman's other premier sightseeing opportunities are located within a few miles of Seven Mile Beach. To the south of the beach is the island's capital city, Georgetown. This historic capital features plenty of great boutiques, art galleries and shopping areas set amongst a stunning array of colonial architecture. Georgetown also has several great dining and nightlife options.

North of Seven Mile Beach, you will find popular attractions such as Hell and The Cayman Island Turtle Farm in the small town of West Bay. Known for its devilish black coral formations, Hell is a favorite of witty travelers hoping to send friends and family correspondence from the underworld. On the other hand, The Cayman Island Turtle Farm is a great family destination where children can interact with these endangered creatures. Besides its conservation efforts, The Cayman Island Turtle Farm also calls to mind the colonial history of the island. Upon arrival, Christopher Columbus named the islands "Las Tortugas" (The Turtles) in honor of the multitude of sea turtles along the coast.

Whether you want to relax in the sand, find adventure in the water or experience world class dining and attractions, a stroll down Seven Mile Beach will put you in the heart of the action.

By: Justin Burch
Justin Burch writes articles about travel in Grand Cayman for the Marriott Resorts. travel in Grand Cayman for the Marriott Resorts.

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A Tobago vacation is something special, wherever you go, there will be a Tobago beach just right for you, and wherever you choose to stay there will be a Tobago resort, Tobago Hotel, or a Tobago villa that is just right for you.

So what will you find when you go to Tobago on your Tobago vacation.

There is no doubt you will find picture postcard beaches with beautiful coral reefs containing some incredible wildlife including Manta Rays and giant Turtles.

Tobago is situated in the South Caribbean Sea being just 8 miles wide and 26 miles long, just north east of the island of Trinidad, and South East of Grenada. It is blessed with great weather and it doesn't suffer from hurricanes being south of the hurricane belt. This makes it small enough that you can explore all the island in a couple of days, but not so small as to be claustrophobic.

When you explore Tobago you will find the locals are incredibly friendly, and you feel very safe. As you travel around Tobago you will find lovely uncommercialized little hamlets and villages with a background of either dense forest, calm blue Caribbean Sea or steep hillsides.

So what exactly has Tobago got that the rest of the Caribbean doesn't have?

You won't get dozens of five star glitzy resorts, nor will you get nightlife, so if that is what you want a Tobago vacation is not for you.

The pace of life in Tobago is a cross between slow and even slower!! Tobago is a place to chill out, so just arrive, sit back and relax!!

People who have taken a Tobago vacation will tell you that even as they step off the plane, they can feel the stress just slip away almost immediately. All you will see are huge broad smiles from the taxi driver to your hotel receptionist. On the way you will see the turquoise blue Caribbean, then either a cold Carib beer or a rum punch on arrival at your destination, where the best thing of all is that Tobago makes you feel welcome.

A Tobago vacation is a one off, this is unlike anywhere else in the world, and the number of repeat visitors is evidence of that.

By: Ian SG Smith
Ian Smith writes about Worldwide Vacation Spots.

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One of the Caribbean's best-kept secret holiday destinations, the Turks and Caicos Islands are ringed by white-sand beaches and set like jewels amid warm turquoise waters.

Located at the southeastern tip of the Bahamas, 575 miles south east of Miami, Florida Florida, the Turks and Caicos Islands are a vacation paradise famous for their stunning water color, endless wide beaches, world-renowned snorkeling and scuba diving, humpback whale migration, deep-sea and bone fishing, as well as, all types of water sports, golf, shopping and cultural activities.

Fishing & Diving

The Turks and Caicos Islands are fortunate in having some of the only unspoiled reefs left in the Caribbean. With 1,000 square miles of coral reef, the Islands are well-known among scuba divers for spectacular wall dives, turtles, manta rays, humpback whales and the oldest known shipwreck in the western hemisphere.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a year round bonefish heaven and deep-sea big-game fishing is awesome as well.

Beaches

For those visitors that are not fishing or diving enthusiasts, you can look forward to wondrous, lazy days of sun, sea and sand.

The Turks and Caicos Islands boast some of the most exquisite beaches in the entire Caribbean. Grace Bay Beach on Provo where courting couples find the perfect setting for a wedding is a 12-mile-long stunner voted best beach in the world on two occasions by readers of Conde Nast Traveler.

Best of all is that you can find many deserted beaches, small secluded coves and bays, which provide sheltered areas to swim, snorkel, sail and explore without the crowds except a pelican or two!

The rich and famous have known this for years with a long list of celebrities slipping away to the secluded shores of the Turks and Caicos for endless days of quiet relaxation.

Bruce Willis and Keith Richards have homes here and Justin Timberlake, Penelope Cruz, Ashton Kutcher, Julia Roberts, Michael Douglas and many others have visited.

Accommodations

Whether you're a young single, a couple or parents with kids you're sure to find accommodations to suit your tastes and needs.

The Turks and Caicos Islands offer choices ranging from quaint inns to small boutique resorts, a few larger hotels with all inclusive options and luxury resorts with fantastic spas considered some of the best anywhere in the world. Renting a condo or private villa is also a popular option.

Many Islands To Explore

Providenciales is the most populated island with most of the hotels and tourist facilities, but Parrot Cay, Pine Cay, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Salt Cay and Grand Turk are particularly alluring for those looking to get off the beaten path. On these islands you'll find tiny towns, small personable hotels and pristine solitude.

Cockburn Town on Grand Turk is the Island's capital with a truly fascinating, one-of-a-kind museum. Cliffs and ancient caves await your exploration on Middle Caicos and you can watch the annual humpback whale migration right from the beach on Salt Cay.

Quick Facts

The Turks and Caicos are officially English speaking with a population close to 30,000 people made up of both "Belongers" (citizens) and expatriates. Most live on the main tourist hub of Providenciales or "Provo" as it's commonly called. The official currency is the US dollar and major credit cards are accepted, as well as, travelers checks.

Traveling to the Turks and Caicos is typically more expensive than developed tourist destinations like Cancun or Nassau, Bahamas, but then that's typical of most Caribbean islands. However, the Turks and Caicos Islands are much less crowded and developed (for now) then most other Caribbean islands.

Known internationally as a leading tax haven and financial center for investments and business, tourism is still in the early stages. However, recent development trends are fueling fast growth in the Turks and Caicos economy and real estate market where condos and vacation homes are experiencing rapid appreciation.

Travel & Transportation

Direct flights from New York, Boston, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Miami make traveling from the United States easy, and allow visitors to be relaxing on the beach within a few short hours.

All US Citizens traveling by air to the Turks and Caicos Islands must have a valid US passport. Canadians can enter with a birth certificate and photo id.

Transportation is readily available through local agencies and major car rental companies at the airport and around town. It's best to book your rental well in advance especially if visiting during the peak winter season. Many resorts offer shuttle service from the airport. Taxis and small buses also serve the island.

Start Planning

The Turks and Caicos Islands are truly magnificent. If you want to get away from it all, you'll certainly enjoy lounging on the beautiful white sand beaches.

For more adventure, the numerous national parks, nature preserves, sanctuaries and historical sites give you plenty of options for unique and interesting excursions. Of course, the bone fishing, big-game fishing and scuba diving will have you coming back for more.

Plenty of inns, hotels and resorts are available perfect for young singles, couples or parents with kids. If you'd like to visit a Caribbean island that isn't crowded or over-developed then the Turks and Caicos are your best bet.

By: Ryan Burden
Author Ryan Burden loves the beach. Ryan is a self-professed expert beach bum, traveler and publisher of Turks and Caicos Beach Vacation.com Turks and Caicos Beach Vacation.com a guide for planning all your Turks & Caicos adventures. Like Ryan, maybe YOU would like to turn your passion into online profits. Learn how easy it can be with Websites that Work.

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One of most beautiful islands on the Caribbean, Aruba is tiny by comparison to neighboring islands but a giant in adventure. Like many of the surrounding islands, Aruba has turquoise waters and white sand beaches that invite visitors to take a step away from the many other modern attractions.

But if you are looking for an adventure, the comparison stops right there. Aruba has forty-two different dive sites that make the island a diver's haven. If you want to discover the secret treasures of Aruba's underwater world that are hidden from the landlubber, scuba-diving is a must. Exotic coral reefs, teeming with marine life, a variety of tropical fish parading in vibrant colors, manta rays, barracudas and other sea creatures, are seen at close range for a spectacular show under the sea. The opportunity to explore sunken ship wrecks of World War II vintage only serves to make the experience more unforgettable.

Aruba, with its trade winds, is also perfect for sailing and windsurfing. Those who like staying close to shore can enjoy snorkeling which affords a magnificent view of the coral formations and marine life. Kayaking along the coast provides a breathtaking sight of mangrove forests and secret caves.

Fishing charters in Aruba offer an exciting adventure visiting the marine life and witnessing one of the most valued adventures in the island. Whatever fishing charter you choose, you will surely enjoy the adventure knowing that the Aruba waters give you the opportunity to catch trophy fish. At the same time you will be fishing with some of the best crews that you may ever encounter. Arranging passage on one of Aruba fishing charters can lead to a day of sun, fun and excitement when you reel in a mahi mahi.

What if you like land? Well, there is plenty of adventure for you to enjoy. Horseback riding through the diverse landscapes, from the sand dunes to the desert-like plains allows you to discover the untamed beauty of Aruba's wildlife.

If you like SUV commercials that show a vehicle ascending a peak overlooking the ocean, you rent a four-wheel drive for an island tour along the North coast with its rugged terrain, giant cacti and the popular divi-divi trees. A top tourist attraction is the Natural Bridge, the Caribbean's highest and most impressive coral structure that stands twenty-five feet above sea level.

Want to go underground? Exploring Aruba's subterranean caves shows a different landscape from those famous white beaches. Spelunking offers another view of Aruba's exciting and mysterious side. Secret caves sprinkled throughout the shoreline make for fascinating exploration. Legend has it that these caves were by the pirates of the Caribbean as their hideouts, a story which adds a touch of romance and adventure when visiting the caves.

An adventure vacation in Aruba can give your Caribbean vacation an extra-special memory. Exploring and discovering the exciting side of Aruba may be what your lifestyle needs. Remember to bring a camera and take pictures to create your own travel log that you can share of your exciting Aruba adventure.

By: Dave Pipitone
Dave Pipitone is a professional communicator, spiritual entrepreneur, dedicated husband and father. For more information on planning an Aruba Carribean travel vacation, please visit http://www.travelcarribean.info/aruba_c ... index.html.

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