Friday, June 28, 2013

Vancouver, BC

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Vancouver, British Colombia is world-renowned for its breathtaking natural setting and a cosmopolitan flair, complimented by beautiful parks and gardens, beaches, and a variety of cultural and recreational facilities.

Whether the visitor chooses to laze on one of the many sandy beaches; enjoy the wide-open spaces, the majestic rainforest and rugged West Coast mountains; join in the beach volleyball games; or windsurf on the ocean, Vancouver's prime location is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors. In addition to the cities scenic location, visitors also enjoy beautiful gardens, the seawall in world famous Stanley Park, and the nearly 200 city parks. Vancouver also offers world-class entertainment, fantastic cuisine, malls with individual stores representing the many cultures of the city and much more.

Downtown Vancouver is the commercial core with several major tourist areas. Where there was once a rain forest, now there is concrete jungle. But among the remaining evergreens, with a backdrop of the harbor and nearby snow-capped mountains, even the glass and steel high-rises of this city look good.

Gastown, the city's birthplace, is a neighborhood of hundred-year-old hotels, outfitters, and warehouses born again as restaurants, stores, and condominiums. Chinatown is a contrast of aging clan-association headquarters and professional new Hong Kong-style shops. In Yaletown, airy redbrick warehouses have become loft residences, stylish boutiques, and nightspots for hip young professionals. The West End, with high-rise apartment buildings and modern condominiums, is the most heavily populated part of the city.


Vancouver's close association with its natural environment (the water, beaches, forests, and mountains) is what makes the city attractive to many visitors. It is possible to ski in the morning, go sailing in the afternoon, and then attend the symphony in the evening. And, throughout the year, visitors can experience the customs of people from various countries who now call Vancouver home. This vast range of cultural aspects gives Vancouver a broad appeal and has turned the city into something more than just another pretty place.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Luxury like these in Dubai

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The United Arab Emirates are a prime tourist destination because they stand out as a remarkable example of how petrodollars can be used to improve the lives of Arabs. In contrast to the poverty for which so much of Arabia is renowned, Dubai features skyscrapers and futuristic amusement parks. Modern Dubai is the product of 20 years of intensive planned development; prior to this, it was a small fishing port of little importance.

The United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is 32,000 square mile political union of seven sheikhdoms, formed when the British left the Gulf region in 1971. The total area of Dubai is approximately 1000 square miles, and it is the second largest emirate in the UAE, after Abu Dhabi. In addition to a federal president and prime minister, each emirate has a separate ruler who oversees the local government. Dubai, a small fishing settlement, was taken over around 1830 by a group of Bani Yas tribesmen from the Liwa oasis, led by the Maktoum family which still rules the tiny nation today. For most of its history, main economic activities were agriculture, fishing and pearl production.

The ruling clan of Dubai was exceptionally progressive, and did their best to make their tiny nation attractive to traders from nations including India and Persia. These businessmen settled in the growing city of Dubai and made it a leading entry port for trade goods. In 1971, the independent emirate joined with the other small sheikhdoms of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and, in 1972, Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation of United Arab Emirates.

The discovery of oil in 1966 transformed the region by providing funds for the development of a modern, western infrastructure. The Maktoum family, unlike many middle eastern rulers who hoard oil wealth for their private use alone, ensured that the oil revenue was deployed in national development. Much of the modernization is due to the efforts of Sheikh Rasid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ruled from 1958 to 1990.

Well informed of the risks of oil-dependency, Sheikh Rashid actively promoted industrial ventures to build his nation's infrastructure. The Aluminum and Cement factory are the result of this endeavor. He also established the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone, the fifth largest free trade zone in the world. Within 10 years of its inception, it attracted over 900 international companies that include global giants such as General Motors, AEG, Aiwa, BP, Ciba, Geigy, Daewoo and Heinz.

Dubai is appealing to tourists as well as business executives. Like the rest of the U.A.E., it has also been actively promoting itself as a vacation destination. In June 1996 World Travel prizes ceremony held in Las Vegas, USA, it won the gold prize for the best destination in the Middle East.

Dubai features the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, the Dubai World Trade Center which hosts innumerable international events and fairs, the Dubai Air Show, the Dubai Summer Surprises, the world's tallest skyscraper, an undersea hotel and even indoor alpine skiing at the Ski Dubai Dome.


The Dubai International Airport is reputed to be the world's second best transit airport. It currently handles 7.3 million passengers per year with a growth rate of 12% that is double that of any other airport in the world. The emirates, which will begin receiving Airbus A380 superjumbos starting April 2007, will hire 8,000 new staff members as cabin crew for its rapidly expanding air fleet. It is investing $20 million to expand its crew training facility at the Emirates Training Center in Garhoud.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Belize City

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Belize is marvelously diverse and unique; a traveling adventure like no other. It is perhaps the most ecologically protected and environmentally varied country in the entire world. Featuring the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, the beaches and keys are fascinating sites to explore. The history of Belize reaches back 4,000 years, when the Mayan empire ruled the land. Around 900 A.D., the Mayan empire began to decline, and during the 16th century, Europeans took over. The cultural mosaic that comprises the mood of Belize comes from influences brought on by the Spanish, Scottish, Garifuna, and British. The citizens, while culturally diverse, remain committed to the land and unified when it comes to preservation of natural resources. Conservation laws protect about 36% of the land in Belize, proving that Belizeans are leading the fight to save Mother Nature. By attending a program sponsored by the Tropical Education Center, you can learn all about the steps being taken to protect the human and natural resources of Belize. The land's heritage is well known and respected, and the Belizean culture is like no other.The life in Belize is truly un-Belize-able. Jaguars, mountain cows, and howler monkeys reside in the rain forests. When expeditions are held, dozens of new bird species can be found every day. Over 70% of the animal life in Belize is nocturnal, and, as a result, by venturing on a tour early in the morning, you can discover an incredible array of creatures. The tropical rain forests remain unspoiled, and it is home to over 700 kinds of trees and over 500 species of birds. Wild orchids and many other rare flora are being found all the time, and this is why it is so important that the land remain protected. These forests also house herbs and medicines to cure all kinds of ailments, with other resources no doubt remaining untapped.The population of Belize City is just over 200,000, made up of people from Creole, Garifuna, Mayan, Mestizo, and European descent. All of them live in a state of harmony, and tourists are treated like neighbors. Locals are almost always eager to assist you on your travels, and greet you with a kind smile. Belize is also the only English speaking country in all of Central America, and this is always a plus with tourists from the United States.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Vacationing in the Charleston Area

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Rich with history, dense with beauty, and brimming with beach-themed activities, Charleston, South Carolina and its surrounding area is a worthwhile destination for anyone in the mood for a sunny, southern-tinged, and relaxing vacation. Whether you settle down in the city or on the beach, you'll be happy to call this blessed bit of land your temporary home.

The weather is fine and dandy year-round and there is much to do that will allow you to take advantage of this. Most people do end up coming for the summer, though, when the beach is at its best and it feels most appropriate to let responsibilities fade into the background for a few precious days. Follow the city folk to a place where swimming, shopping, and eating seafood take first priority and forget all about less important things.

You've heard it's historic, but what exactly will you see in Charleston? Homes that are hundreds of years old, preserved plantations, churches, museums and a general atmosphere of charm and hospitality will greet you around every corner of your downtown adventure. Take a guided tour of a rice field, the crop responsible for making this city successful, and keep your eyes open for the wildlife that inhabits the abandoned gardens today.

Also on dry land you'll find tons of tennis courts, golf courses, and bike paths. Rent a cycle and cross the longest cable-stayed bridge on the continent (don't worry, it's easier than it sounds) or hop on a horse and take a trail ride through a picturesque park. If these activities tire you out, book a spa treatment and get pampered, or burn off some steam by going for a walk or a run along the beach. Mother Nature is a friendly figure in Charleston, so get out and enjoy her riches.

On the water, there's perhaps even more to keep you busy and to reconnect you to the natural world. No experience is necessary to rent a kayak and head out for a one-of-a-kind tour of the Carolina coastline, where you'll likely encounter dolphins, osprey, and river otter. Whether guided or not, as you explore the waters of the barrier islands you'll learn something about where you are while forgetting about where you're not (the cubicle, the office, the dry cleaner's... ). Birds and alligators have a way of taking you to a whole new level of consciousness, and that'll be a very good thing.

If you like to fish, there are plenty of places to charter a boat for a day of reeling in a few great catches. Head out into the open sea or stick to shore in a canoe; either way you'll feel happy to be alive. Catch a whopper, watch the experts do their thing, learn to sail, or even choose to step onboard a dinner cruise where you'll be treated to a fresh meal while you watch the sun go down. Boating is a way of living here, so be sure to bring your sea legs.

A sillier water activity involves heading to the area water park for some slipping and sliding, and there's always time for some old-fashioned playing around on the beach. Build a sand castle or roll up your shorts and go for a wade, as long as you take advantage of this time on the ocean you'll feel that your vacation has been complete. Sand and surf aren't available every day, remember.

Charleston is known for much more than all of this, including dining options, culinary classes, and special events and festivals. Shop for souvenirs, look at local art, catch a movie or a show, or take a day trip to a nearby resort area. You and your traveling companions will be as busy as you want, or more importantly, as busy as you don't want.

A smart option in this region would be to rent a vacation home to ensure your days and nights are cozy and comfortable, making it easy to fit in a nap or a game of cards without dreading a return to your boxy hotel room. Charleston SC Vacation Rentals come in all shapes and sizes, so you're sure to find the ultimate compliment to your planned trip somewhere along the coast or in the city area.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

The British Virgin Islands

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The British Virgin Islands, located in the northeast Caribbean, are a collection of gorgeous islands that used to be inhabited by pirates and sailors. Lying 60 miles east of Puerto Rico, they are exquisite tropical destinations, visited by tourists from all over the world. These islands are comprised of hidden caves and fascinating inlets, and for the most part they are incredibly small in size. Only Tortola and Virgin Gorda are of reasonable stature in geographic terms. The colony of Tortola itself is only 24 square miles, and its capital, Road Town, has emerged as a haven for yacht chartering. This came about after the development of Wickhams Cay, a 70-acre marina and landfill. The southern coast of Tortola mainly consists of great mountains, and the northern coast a fabulous white-sand beach with beautiful bays and banana trees. Virgin Gorda, only a 12-mile ferry ride away, is equally glorious, with just as rich a history. Both Tortola and Virgin Gorda are controlled by the British, but are controlled loosely, and they are basically free to do as they please. They are governed well, and you will find yourself safe and comfortable in both of these destinations. The locals are friendly and eager to assist you, and for being such tiny locations, there are a wonderful amount of activities to choose from, and plenty of tremendous sight-seeing locations and fun to be had. A wonderful array of water sports is available to the tourists of Tortola and Virgin Gorda, and the restaurants are quite pleasant as well. Taking a ferry or motorboat to any of the other 40 islands in the vicinity is also a great way to spend an afternoon. There are plenty of relatively unexplored, uninhabited regions for you to jaunt around and see what you can find. Taking guided island tours are very enjoyable, as they are both informative and exciting. The boulder-covered beach known as The Baths has made Virgin Gorda famous with travelers. Christopher Columbus actually named the island, translated to read "Fat Virgin." He thought that the mountain framing of Virgin Gorda looked similar to a protruding stomach. One of the most private and solitude tourist centers in all of the world, Virgin Gorda became slightly more bustling after Little Dix Bay Hotel opened there and started to thrive in the 1960?s. One thing for sure, Tortola and Virgin Gorda remain tranquil yet lovely and are wonderful locations to visit.

Monday, June 17, 2013

The Best Beaches in California

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Malibu Lagoon Beach: A beautiful lagoon beach with 22 acres
of wetlands, gardens and sandy beach. It's considered one of the worlds premiere
surfing beaches. On the east side of the Malibu Creek Bridge is the Malibu Pier,
which is excellent for saltwater fishing. On the west side is a nature area.


Venice Beach:
No trip to Los Angeles would be
complete without a trip to this iconic beach. Street performers, artists and
"the beautiful people" mingle and stroll all the way to Santa Monica along the
famous boardwalk that runs through this inimitable California beach
town.

El Capitan Beach:
This shady, sandy, Santa
Barbara beach features rocky tide pools along El Capitan Creek. It's perfect for
swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A long stairway gives access
from the bluffs to beach and a bike trail connects the park with Refugio State
Beach.

Ocean Beach:
O.B. as the locals call it is a
laid-back beach-community know for its surfers and liberal politics. It is an
eclectic beach community with a leash free "dog beach", a fishing pier,
swimming, surfing and volleyball. It has separate swimming and surfing zones,
which is definitely a good idea.

Rio Del Mar Beach:

This long, sandy beach is found in the town of Aptos, California, in Santa Cruz
County. It features fire rings and a barbecue and picnic area and is a popular
summer beach. It is also the home to the "cement boat" a long stranded freighter
ship.

Muir Beach:
This beach is less than a half
hour drive from San Francisco down scenic Hwy I. It's one of the most glorious
regions of Northern California in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Fishing, surfing and campfires are allowed, and there are many coastal trails
above the beach for hikers to explore.
Black Sands Beach at
Shelter Cove:

This splendid black sand beach is a great place for
Whale watching. Located north of the small hamlet of Shelter Cove in a remote
region of the "Lost Coast", it's the trailhead for the famous King Range hike.
This is a day only beach, so campers will have to head for the mountains.


La Jolla's Beaches:
La Jolla means "the jewel," a
fitting name for the precious beaches of La Jolla's coast. Surfers prefer
Windansea beach, harbor seals love the Children's Pool, La Jolla Shores is
popular for swimming and sunbathing, while the Cove is a favorite snorkeling
spot.

Drake's Beach:
This vast stretch of white sand
can be found at the Point Reyes National Seashore. The areas strong winds and
choppy seas make it at little too violent for most swimmers, but sun worshippers
will be delighted by the opportunity to work on their tans in a beautiful
California outdoor hotspot.


Sunday, June 16, 2013

Some of The Best Florida Beaches

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Fort De Soto Beach is a historic fort built during the Spanish-American War
located on Mullet Key. This 900- acre park has 7 miles of beaches, 2 fishing
piers, picnic and camping areas, a small history museum and a 2,000-ft. nature
trail.

Florida's Gulf Coast, Caladesi is one of the few remaining large
undeveloped barrier islands in Florida, and is only accessible by boat. It is an
perfect locations for swimming, fishing, picnics, diving, hiking and nature
study.

Key Biscayne's beaches in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park's
visitors can stroll by the Atlantic, charter a deep-sea fishing boat, ride a jet
ski, or just relax. It's one of the best places in Greater Miami for golf,
sunbathing & water sports

Perdido Key is a natural paradise is home
to plentiful native wildlife. The clear green waters and miles of soft white
sand are perfect for sunbathing or water sports and it's considered one of the
America's best swimming beaches.

South Beach is a happening hot-spot
with a chic night life. The "American Riviera" is great for couples on spring
break (that can afford it anyway) since rowdy crowds of teenagers are rarely
seen on its upscale sands.

Greater Fort Lauderdale has 23 miles of
sun-drenched beaches and is perfect for people watching or shopping and dining
at any number of great beach shops and restaurants that line the clean and
eco-friendly beaches.

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park's miles of white
sand beaches and striking dune formations characterize this Florida Panhandle
area. Boating, saltwater fishing, camping, canoeing and hiking are all popular
St. Joseph Peninsula activities.

Clearwater Beach offers nearly every
water and beach activity conceivable, and nearby Pier 60 Park has a family
recreation complex with playgrounds, fishing and concession stands.


Anastasia State Park is home to several rare, threatened and endangered species.
Located on Anastasia Island, near St. Augustine, this beach provides
opportunities for Camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, beach volleyball,
boating and more.
St. George Island State Park sits on 9 miles of
undeveloped beaches and dunes. It is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and
Apalachicola Bay, and is a perfect setting for a quiet Florida getaway.


Daytona Beach is called the "World's Most Famous Beach". Visitors can drive
automobiles on the sand by day and stroll the boardwalk by night, stopping
occasionally to enjoy the arcades. Daytona Beach is also a major surfing
hotspot.

Siesta Key is one of the most popular the beaches on the
southwest coast of Florida and is famous for its soft white sand. Amenities
include lifeguards, concessions, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers &
volleyball & tennis courts.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Save money while on vacation

 
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A holiday does not have to cost you an arm and a leg if you know how to look
for and take full advantage of the many exciting money saving offers that are
available to you throughout the internet. Many companies offer specific online
savings and packages that you cannot find anywhere else. These online savings
and offers are available to you online only, so you will have to visit their
websites to take advantage of them, and they are not made available to those who
visit them offline.


Many travelers can enjoy a bundle of savings by booking hotel reservations,
airline tickets, or car rentals online. Additionally, they can also find
packages that will allow them to do many things they will enjoy for a fraction
of the cost. These packages can often include many exciting attractions you can
see within an area, hotel, transportation, and sometimes certain meals are
included with in the packages. Packages are geared towards every interest, for
example, they could be geared towards specific destinations world wide, such as
Paris, Italy, Florida, Hawaii, and the like.


Other packages could be geared towards specific events or activities, such as
hiking, camping, jungle adventures, cruises, singles events and trips, couples
geared outings, musicals, major shopping trips, or site seeing in exciting new
places. There are many websites on the internet that are available to you by
simply using one of the many popular search engines. Websites like expedia.com
offer a one stop shopping source for flight tickets, trains, car rentals, and
hotel reservations. In addition, they offer advice on traveling, points of
interest, and an easy to use online reservation request.


The internet has made it so much easier to plan a trip that the whole family
can enjoy, you can plan your entire itinerary right on the internet and find
some excellent travel and safety tips that you could use. If you need to
purchase new items to take with you on your holiday you can also do that online
with many special deals from online retailers that sell the products you
need.


Take full advantage of all the internet has to offer by booking your entire
holiday online and safe a ton of money in the process. After all a holiday is
enjoyed so much more, when it is a bargain and money saving one. It will leave
you more money to spend on necessities and fun things you want to do.

Planning a vacation? How about Disneyland?

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After working hard all year long, everyone deserves a vacation to relieve all the stress and to enjoy time with friends and family. This is why it's important to choose a destination that will fulfill all expectations...Disneyland!
As many go on holiday with family, it is essential that there is something to enjoy for all members of the family, and this is certainly the case at Disneyland. Surprises are always welcomed, but if you have children and you decide to spend your vacation in a city that has nothing fun to offer them, then the surprise turns into a nightmare. Going away from friends, even if for a week, seems to children something that requires an effort, so try and make then want that vacation by offering them exciting with plenty of things to do, things that can combine education and pleasure.
The choice of Disneyland vacation destinations is entirely yours. Depending upon a number of factors you may choose to visit Disneyland in Paris, Florida, California, or Tokyo. This will depend on how far you are willing to travel, your vacation budget, and if there are any other attractions that you may wish to visit whilst there. All offer great features for kids and adults to enjoy, and there is always plenty going on at all times of the day to ensure that no-one gets bored.
Maybe Disneyland isn't for you, but of course there are wonderful places to visit all around the world. If budget allows it, you can make a trip around the world to visit the seven world's wonders, which will be something that you will never forget. The Pyramids for instance are mysterious buildings, dated since the ancient Egyptians, enclosing a technology and architecture that can hardly be matched even in today's world. Go and walk through these world wonders to try and understand the mystery, to see for yourself the simplicity of the people and the splendor of the country.
Vacation can simply be spent at home also. We can just relax and catch up on lost sleep if we feel too exhausted to travel. Meeting friends, having barbecues, sitting by the pool and playing with children will make us forget the hard year that passed. However, make sure one of your vacations is spent at Disneyland; it really is a "must-do" vacation that shouldn't be missed.


Friday, June 14, 2013

Manila, Philippines

 
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Manila is a city bursting with life and excitement. The facilities are well-maintained, and the government of the Philippines has made plans to update the amenities to top-notch sites, and give the entire city a face-lift of sorts. So now is the perfect time to visit this sprawling, lively city by the water. The restaurants offer great food and surprisingly good service . The museums and historical sites in Manila are quite fascinating, and offer insight and knowledge into the history and culture of the area. The Filipino heritage is a unique and interesting one, and you can explore it in depth at a number of destinations. Mount Pinatubo is one of the wonders of the world, an exquisite location that is a must see. A few days may be enough for Manila, but they will definitely be an action-packed and exciting few days. The city is very warm the entire year, and the heat can be stifling during the spring and summer months. You may encounter days of rain, but the parade never stops. A little rain or heat certainly won't stop the Filipino locals from having a raucous party. A little weather will not stop you either, because you are sure to get caught up in the fun and excitement of the city. There is a plethora of water sports available in Manila, and dining or relaxing on the beach is quite enjoyable.You can also attend sailing and whitewater rafting excursions that are outstanding.It may seem that the city is disorganized and difficult to navigate, but that's okay, because the taxi service in Manila is reliable and affordable. Getting around is easy, and this is a good thing, because there certainly is a lot to see and do.

Miami, Florida

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This was one of the US's last frontiers, its populations repeatedly devastated by disease and warfare. At the beginning of the 20th century, Dade County had fewer than 1,000 persons in an area stretching from Indian Key to the Jupiter Inlet, an area that now includes Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Then visionaries moved in and the world of south Florida would never be the same.

Julia Tuttle was one of those early visionaries, prophesying that a great city would arise and become a center of trade with South America and a gateway to all of the Americas. Across the river lived William and Mary Brickell, who had quickly established themselves as shrewd real estate investors. Julia asked her friend Henry Flagler to extend his railroad down to the old Fort Dallas area, but he said he wasn't interested. Then a freeze destroyed the crops farther north, and Julia was quick to point out to him that their crops were uninjured and continued to thrive. Flagler quickly changed his mind, and negotiated an exchange of prime real estate from Tuttle and the Brickell family for his railroad. He also laid the foundations for the new city of Miami and built a magnificent hotel near the confluence of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay.

In spite of all this, it still took the development of air conditioning systems to make the south Florida climate bearable for most people. Since that occurred, the population has grown to proportions that must exceed even the wildest visions of Julia Tuttle, Henry Flagler, and William and Mary Brickell. Make no mistake, Miami is here to stay!

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Carribean Vacation

 
 

Some call the Caribbean Sea and its hundreds of islands paradise. As with any heaven-on-earth, there is much to enjoy, see and do. The most important things that the Caribbean is known for are its beaches, boats, banks and bikinis. But the number one playground for the Americas is also exquisite beauty, palm tree covered mountains, lush green valleys of sugar cane and bananas, and seashore in abundance.

The Caribbean includes all of the islands in the Caribbean Sea from the Bahamas, past Cuba and all the way down to South America. They are influenced by many different cultures such as British, Dutch, Spanish, American, French, Danish and there is even a Swedish town named Gustavia.

Caribbean cities were established long before the car and their communities' magnificent architecture reflects it. Capitals such as Havana and Santo Domingo are perfect for walking tours. In these islands you can enjoy every imaginable land and water sport, with some of the best snorkeling and diving anywhere in the world; not to mention exotic fine dining, electrifying nightlife and glorious historical sites. For an unforgettable vacation, the islands of the Caribbean will never disappoint you!

The Caribbean Sea gets its name from the original inhabitants of the Caribbean - the Carib people. These indigenous Indians inhabited the region at the time of arrival of the first Spanish explorers. The Caribbean Sea is one of the world's most colorful and marine-rich bodies of water.