All-Inclusive, Cheap Last-Minute Caribbean Vacations

The Caribbean is one of the world's top destinations for relaxation. As such, many travel companies offer affordable trips even for the last-minute traveler. In fact, some of the best deals come at the last minute for the savvy researcher, with companies trying to fill all open slots before departure.

Cheap Caribbean

• Cheap Caribbean prides itself in offering luxurious accommodations at the lowest available price. As of 2011, it guarantees the lowest online prices on added nights to any given package. No need to worry about a cloudy day ruining a vacation, because Cheap Caribbean offers a $100 discount on the next vacation booked with the company. Weather and hurricane insurance are also provided.

  Trips include the Bahamas, Riviera Maya and Jamaica. Prices start as low as $299 for a four-night trip with air included.

Travelzoo

• Travelzoo boasts of over 21 million subscribers worldwide. Depending on the season of travel, deals may be found for under $100, though this is rare. As of 2011, most all-inclusive trips range from $299 to $599, when found at the right time.

  Some popular sites include Bermuda, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Normally the travel deals are priced per person, but sometimes it's possible to obtain a larger discount when booking accommodations for a couple or a group.

Funjet Vacations

• Though Funjet began as an airline, due to the rising demand of all-inclusive vacations, it has widened its horizons to offer air, hotels and activities. Many resorts even offer spa credit, dining and entertainment. During less-traveled vacation months of the year (winter months), it's even possible for children to stay free.

  It is easy to find destinations within a 30-minute distance from the destination's airport. As of 2011, an all-inclusive three-night trip to Cancun is $429, and $549 to Jamaica.

Hotwire

• Hotwire exhibits an all-inclusive variety of homes, hotels, cars, cruises and flights. Hotwire offers last-minute Caribbean trips to Cancun, Jamaica, Punta Cana and Cozumel. The Cancun package varies from a five-star hotel to a beach bungalow. Activities include the Mayan ruins and the nearby 988-acre ecological park.

  For those seeking a low rainfall destination, Punta Cana is a prime candidate.  most trips range from $309 to $1,099 per person, depending on the time of travel.

Read More ..... »

Cheap Conservative Places to Live in the Caribbean

The Caribbean features many locations with low cost of living, affordable education and beautiful scenery. If you live in a city full of skyscrapers and unfriendly people, the Caribbean islands are a very pleasant change of lifestyle. Caribbean countries preserve their traditional values and oppose changing the natural beauty of the land. If it is tropical scenery and a laid-back atmosphere you seek, the Caribbean is a great place to live.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an excellent destination for both visitors and residents. It is located at the Central American isthmus, on the border of the Caribbean Sea. Costa Rica is an inexpensive place to raise a family. At the time of publication, the average water bill for a family of four is around $18, an electric bill is $50 and a digital cable television bill is $40 per month. Groceries cost around 60% of what they do in the United States. Costa Rica is booming in state-of-the-art medical technology, with 25 medical device companies residing there. At the time of publication, the exchange rate is approximately 501 Costa Rican Colons for $1.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is surrounded by long, relaxing beaches and is covered with freshwater lakes, volcanoes and hills. It is a conservative country that preserves its traditional values and history. The tenth-largest lake in the world is Lake Nicaragua. The islands on the lake were created hundreds of years ago when the Mombacho Volcano exploded. If you are planning to live in or retire to Nicaragua, the country features excellent incentives if you are over 45 and have a monthly income of at least $400. These incentives include paying no taxes on any out-of-country earnings and being permitted to bring in up to $10,000 worth of household goods, duty-free. Cost of living is much lower than the United States. A 30-minute consultation with a United States-trained physician is approximately $35. You can buy a two-week supply of beef for around $65. At the time of publication, the exchange rate is approximately 22.3 Nicaraguan Cordoba per $1.

Panama

Panama is located in South America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Its economy relies heavily on tourism. An estimated 1.7 million tourist visited the country in 2010. Panama has very affordable living costs; electricity costs approximately 10 to 12 cents per kilowatt-hour and trash collection is only around $7 per month. A can of beer from a store or a cup of coffee in a restaurant cost around 30 cents. Panama also has very affordable beachfront land, without sacrificing beauty for price. At the time of publication, beachfront lots start at $32,000. The government offers incentives to those who move to Panama and live in old, restorable houses and buildings. A few of these incentives are tax exemptions and low mortgage rates.

Belize

Belize is on the east coast of Central America, in the Caribbean Basin. It is part of the British Commonwealth, but is not a British colony. Regardless of the high taxes in England, British people can move to this tropical paradise and live virtually tax-free. The beautiful scenery and low cost of living makes Belize a desirable destination for retirees. At the time of publication, a large house in the Cayo District of Belize can be rented for $300 per month. Starting at age 45, a person that moves to Belize can take advantage of the Retired Person’s Incentive Program, which offers tax-free living. At the time of publication, the exchange rate is 1.95 Belize Dollars per $1.

Read More ..... »

What to Pack for a Jamaican Vacation

A Jamaican vacation can be a lot of fun for everyone, but not if you don't pack properly. Jamaica is completely surrounded by water, and as such there are certain things that one should pack. For those that want to have the time of their life in paradise, thoughtful, careful packing is a must.

Prepare for the Weather

• Travelers can rest assured that they will be able to spend a great deal of their Jamaican vacation outside, but it is important to note that it rains often, especially in May and June and from October through December. Outside of the rain, the average temperature is about 80 degrees with high humidity. For this reason it is important to pack extra clothes, and for all kinds of weather. Pack clothes for hot weather and clothes for rainy weather. In Jamaica, coats are not necessary although a light rain slicker might be a good idea.

Don't Forget the Mosquito Repellent

• Mosquitoes all over the world carry diseases, and with the dense mosquito population in Jamaica, mosquito protection is especially important. Don't be afraid to spend a couple of extra dollars on high-quality, potent insect repellent. You will need to spray it on every time you leave the hotel, so be sure to have plenty of it available.

Pack a Swimsuit or Two

• Bathing suits are a must-have. Any Jamaican vacation spot is never too far from a beach or pool, and taking a dip in the Caribbean is a great way to cool off from the heat of a Jamaican day. If you forget to pack your swimsuit, you will regret it before too long, and Jamaican swimsuit prices are inflated for convenience.

Stay Protected from the Sun

• Jamaica is a sunny vacation destination, and that is one of the reasons it is so popular. The very same sun that makes for such beautiful days can also harm the skin, so sunscreen is critical. Pack sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for optimum protection. Slather it on every time you leave the hotel, even if it doesn't look too sunny and bright.

Pack What You Need for Pictures

• Whether you are old fashioned or not, be sure that you have everything you need to take plenty of pictures in Jamaica. If you have gone fully digital, invest in a good-sized memory card. If not, pack plenty of film so you can capture all of the memories of your unforgettable Jamaican getaway.

Read More ..... »

The Best Caribbean Beaches for Snorkeling

The Caribbean is known for its sandy beaches and warm weather. Visitors to the region's many islands can also enjoy snorkeling in some of the world's bluest and clearest waters. There are numerous snorkeling sites, and they can be found at some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.

Champagne Beach and Scotts Head Bay, Dominica

• The Commonwealth of Dominica is one of the Caribbean's few remaining 'undiscovered' islands. According to the website Away, the island's Champagne beach and Scotts Head Bay are two of the top snorkeling destinations in the region.

  Champagne beach features underwater volcanic vents that feature warm bubbling water. Scotts Head Bay features various fish and other creatures swimming among sparkling coral.

Antiguan Beaches

• Frommers recommends Antigua's beaches as some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Considering that the waters off the coast of Antigua have visibility between 50 to 140 feet, that recommendation is understandable. In addition, much of Antigua's waters are very calm.

  Visitors to Antigua have several beaches from which to choose including Cades Reef and Deep bay which features the wreck of the Andes, a ship which sank in 1905 and is home to many schools of fish.

Curaçao Underwater Marine Park, Curacao

• Opened in 1983, the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park runs along 12 miles of Curacao's southern coastline. The park was created to prevent the degeneration of the habitat and the creatures that live there. Visitors can see miles of coral and many shipwrecks that have been there for more than 100 years. The many fish that call the area home add to the snorkeling experience.

Buck Island, St. Croix

• Located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Buck Island is an 840-acre area that features exciting snorkeling and other attractions. It is a national park that is protected by the U.S. National Park Service and was designated a top snorkeling location by Frommers.

  Snorkelers can see corals, crustaceans, sponges and more in the crystal clear waters. The island is also home to turtles, snakes, birds and several plant species.

Provo Island, Turks and Caicos

• Both Frommers and "Caribbean Edge Magazine" list Provo Island as a key destination for Caribbean snorkeling. Situated in the Turks and Caicos, the island is home to two government-designated snorkeling site. These sites, Smith's Reef and Bight Reef, are located at Grace Bay Beach and feature coral reefs, which are located right off the shoreline, and thus are very accessible.

Read More ..... »

The Cheapest & Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is filled with dozens of islands that offer year-round sunshine, sandy beaches and blue seas. It is one of the most visited places worldwide. But the costs of traveling, accommodations and dining can make a Caribbean vacation pricey. Still, there are affordable and beautiful destinations, including Jamaica, Barbados, the Dominican Republic and Anguilla.

Jamaica

Jamaica is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean primarily because the island has a lot to offer. Jamaica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. You can find them in tourist hot spots such as Montego Bay, Negril and Port Antonio. Luxurious places to stay in Jamaica can carry a hefty price tag, but an all-inclusive vacation package can make the island affordable. These packages offer deep discounts on everything from the trip and accommodations to food and transportation.

Barbados

The island of Barbados is a tropical paradise, with crystal clear turquoise water white sandy beaches. Barbados is also known as a coral island; it has coral reefs, underground lakes and caves. A tropical forest, wildlife reserve and botanic gardens give Barbados a diverse beauty. If you go to Barbados, try one of the many inexpensive guest houses. They offer nightly rates for well under $100. And there are all-inclusive resorts and hotels with discount accommodation and meal packages. As for meals, turn to food stalls and restaurants for very inexpensive breakfasts and lunches.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic offers scenic attractions such as white sandy beaches, clear blue seas and historical places of interest. In Jarabacao, tourists can find several waterfalls, among them El Limon Waterfalls, the Ojo de Agua Waterfalls, the Baiguate and the Salto de Jimenoa Waterfalls. Other tourist attractions are the Alcazar and the Ozama Fort in the city of Santo Domingo and the Tres Ojos, a cavern with an open roof and underground lake. The many inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic make it an inexpensive place to visit

Anguilla

The island of Anguilla is a 35-mile stretch of land situated near St. Martin and St. Barts. The relatively flat island consists of coral and limestone. There are 33 beaches and turquoise seas surround the island. The tranquility and beauty of the island coupled with its historical places of interest make it a very attractive tourist destination. The budget traveler can benefit from Anguilla’s multiple guest houses, hotels and villas. Local restaurants and beach bars offer meals of local dishes that are more affordable than the expensive restaurants at the luxury resorts on the island.

Read More ..... »

Tropical Places to Go Where You Don't Need a Passport

Passports take up to six weeks or more to process. If you want to take a tropical vacation sooner than that, there are a number of warm places U.S. citizens can travel to without a passport. Among these are the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, Hawaii in the south Pacific and Key West on the southern tip of Florida.

Puerto Rico

Located two hours south of Miami by plane, Puerto Rico is a U.S. possession and, therefore, U.S. citizens can travel there without a passport. Puerto Rico boasts an average temperature of 80 degrees as well as miles of white sand beaches, casino gambling, rain forests to explore and historic sites like Old San Juan and El Morro Castle, a former Spanish fort. The people of Puerto Rico are welcoming and most speak English in addition to their native Spanish.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Because they are U.S. territories, U.S. citizens can travel to the Virgin Islands St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John without a passport. These Caribbean islands, located east of Puerto Rico, are noted for their beaches, snorkeling, duty-free shopping and American customs in a tropical setting. On St. Thomas, visit shops in the capital of Charlotte Amalie, play a round of championship golf or explore one of the several forts dotted around the island. On St. Croix, visit a rum distillery or snorkel off of Buck Island, one of just three underwater national monuments in the United States. Smaller St. John is home to St. Johns National Park and miles of hiking trails and wildlife.

Hawaii

Hawaii is America's own slice of the South Pacific. The island chain, the 50th U.S. state, offers a variety of beaches--some of which are made of black lava--as well as orchid farms, some of the world's best surfing, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the still-active Kilauea volcano. Hawaii offers some of the most unique culture and cuisine, and some of the most spectacular sunsets, on earth.

Key West

Key West is on the southernmost tip of Florida, just 106 miles from Cuba. This casual, relaxed island offers history, interesting sites like the house where Ernest Hemmingway lived, small cove beaches, palm tree-lined streets and a nightly sunset party at the end of Duval Street. It's almost always warm in Key West; the average monthly high temperature ranges from 75 degrees in January to 90 degrees in August.

Read More ..... »

The Best Caribbean Beaches With White Sand

The islands of the Caribbean are home to many of the world’s most spectacular beaches. In fact it is not hard to find a beach that will take your breath away. But, believe it or not, some beaches are better than others. Thankfully, Frommer's guidebook has taken the time to set some of the regions beaches apart from each other. And it just so happens that the white sand beaches below stand out from the rest.

Palm Beach, Aruba

• Situated on the southwestern coast of the island, Palm Beach is renowned for its fine white sand and turquoise blue water. The beach is also home to several of the world’s best holiday resorts. As a result, it has a tendency to be crowded, but that is a testament to its beauty. Palm Beach was named the best family-friendly beach in the world by The Travel Channel. It was also designated one of the best beaches in the entire world by "Condé Nast Traveler" magazine.

Grande Anse Beach, Grenada

• Located in the eastern Caribbean, Grenada is nicknamed the spice island for its large production of cinnamon, clove, mace, nutmeg and vanilla. The island is home to more than 45 spectacular beaches. Among the many options, Grande Anse beach is considered one of the best on the island and in fact, in the Caribbean. The beach spans two miles and is repeatedly featured in advertisements for the island. A favorite of residents and tourists, visitors can enjoy water sports and other activities.

Playa Dorada, Dominican Republic

• Playa Dorado is home to sand that is not quite white, but off-white. It is still considered one of the world’s most beautiful white sand beaches and was rated as such by Frommer's. Because the beach is on the Atlantic Ocean as opposed to the calm Caribbean Sea, the waters can be rough. Beyond the water are reefs that make for excellent snorkeling. The beach also features many water sport activities such as kite-boarding, water-skiing and windsurfing.

Luquillo Beach, Puerto Rico

• Not far from Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan, Luquillo beach offers a picturesque setting: white sand, blue water, green mountains and several coconut trees. There are offshore reefs that keep turbulent water away, leaving the waters closest to the beach calm and serene. The beach is home to food stalls, souvenir shops and music that plays all day long. And once a week, the “Sea Without Barriers” program enables disabled visitors to enjoy the beach alongside their family and friends.

Read More ..... »

Pros & Cons of Caribbean Tourism

Caribbean countries such as Jamaica and Barbados have, since the 1970s, experienced increases, to varying degrees, in tourism. Islands that are old hands in the tourism industry are seeking to maintain or enhance their share of tourism, while those more new to tourism are working to expand tourism in their countries. Before measures are put into place to expand Caribbean tourism, though, countries should determine whether the pros of tourism exceed the cons.

Economic Pros of Tourism

• Tourism is a promising means of sound economic development, earning foreign exchange, creating jobs at the local, state and government levels, and providing governments with revenues. Moving away from the cash-crop economy that dominated the Caribbean since colonialism may be conducive to the stability of Caribbean economies. Furthermore, the growth of tourism in Caribbean economies has indirectly sparked the growth of related industries, such as service- and tourism-related enterprises. Aruba's hotel capacity and construction industry, for instance, have grown multi-fold since 1985.

Positive Social Impacts

• Proponents of tourism further argue that tourism has led to an increased appreciation for Caribbean culture, increasing internal consciousness of Caribbean culture and celebration of Caribbean indigenous historical sites. Many local arts and crafts trades, for instance, have been made more visible by tourism and have become profitable local industries, due to tourist-related commerce. Historical sites, thanks to tourist interests, have been renovated and better maintained than they otherwise would have been, and local festivals and cultural events have been developed and supported because of heavy tourist participation.

Negative Economic Impact

• Caribbean tourism makes Caribbean economies particularly vulnerable to the whims of the outside world: currently, the Caribbean is four times more dependent on tourism than any other region in the world, and this dependence will likely only increase, due to threats to the Caribbean's agricultural, mining and textile industries. Furthermore, critics contend that most inflow of money, due to tourism, goes to foreign investors who own the hotels, communication systems, and transportation systems pertinent to tourism, and that tourism has actually created strong wage divides between menial labor and management workers.

Negative Social Impact

• Critics of tourism widely blame it for fostering the development of an unregulated criminal sector, including prostitution and drugs, due to countries' inability to control the influx of goods and people. Furthermore, the influx of luxury goods and services that accompanies increased tourism has caused what many perceive to be an increase in materialism in Caribbean culture. Finally, the concerns of local people are often sidelined for those of the industry: for instance, beaches and lagoons are being destroyed for the sake of building commercial tourist structures, which are more profitable than saving the environment.

Read More ..... »

Types of Government in the Caribbean Region

When most people think of the Caribbean, they think of beaches, good music and vacations. The Caribbean is generally a politically stable region and the various types of governments result from the specific histories of each island.

1. Constitutional Monarchy

   • Grenada is a constitutional monarchy -- the recognized head of state is Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain. Grenada was once a British colony and became independent in 1974. The queen is represented by a governor general. However, Grenada's internal affairs are run by the prime minister and a cabinet that is appointed by the governor general. A senate, with 13 seats, also plays a role in government. Members of the Senate are appointed by the government while the House of Representatives, which has 15 seats, is elected by the people.

   Parliamentary Democracy

   • The Commonwealth of Dominica was the last Caribbean island to be colonized by Europeans. It gained independence from Great Britain in 1978 and was also the first Caribbean nation to be run by a woman. Since then, the country has maintained a parliamentary democracy that consists of a president, a prime minister, a cabinet and a house of assembly. The president has few powers; the prime minister wields the most power. The cabinet is appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister. Members of the 30-seat house of assembly are voted into office by the public.

   Communist

   • With the Bahamas to the north and Jamaica to the south, Cuba is the Caribbean's only communist state. The country adopted communism in 1959 when Fidel Castro led his opposition troops into the capital, Havana. Since then, the country has rejected capitalism and instead adopted socialist policies. The country's government is led by the president. Cuba has two vice presidents and a council of ministers. The country's legislative branch is the National Assembly of People's Power, which consists of 614 seats.

   American Territory

   • Once ruled by the Spanish, Puerto Rico became an American territory after the Spanish-American war. The island's citizens have American citizenship, but it is not an American state. Instead, it is a semi-independent territory, and its day-to-day administration is managed by a governor. The governor is assisted by a cabinet that he selects. Puerto Rico also has a senate, a house of representatives and a resident commissioner. She is elected by the public to represent Puerto Ricans as a non-voting member of the U.S. House of Representatives

Read More ..... »

Cause & Effect of Natural Disasters in the Caribbean

The Caribbean's warm weather, sandy beaches and beautiful views help make it a key destination for visitors every year. However, many are unaware that much of the region is prone to natural disasters. These disasters, and their consequences, can cause property destruction and, in many cases, death.

Hurricanes

• The North Atlantic region, within which the Caribbean is situated, is prone to hurricanes every year. Hurricanes derive their power from the heat created by warm tropical waters and can form when the sea temperature reaches 80°F. They whip winds in excess of 74 miles per hour (mph), which pick up objects that can crash into structures and people. The hurricane season spans from June 1st to November 30th. Hurricanes are also preceded and followed by heavy rainfall. That rain can wash away crops and even buildings that are not properly built. It can also cause rivers to swell, which can in turn cause flooding. In 2010, Hurricane Tomas hit the region and killed 14 in St. Lucia.

Earthquakes

• The islands of the Caribbean are situated within the vicinity of two tectonic plates: the North American plate and the Caribbean plate. As a result, the region's seismic activity is rated moderate to severe, with a major earthquake occurring approximately every 50 years. An earthquake on June 7th, 1692, completely destroyed the pirate haven known as Port Royal, Jamaica. And on January 12th, 2010, a 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, killing 230,000. Apart from collapsing structures, these earthquakes can sometimes cause liquefaction, when soil falls apart. That, plus building collapses and possible tsunamis can create further destruction and loss of lives.

Volcanic Eruptions

• Caribbean islands were created through volcanic eruptions. Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saba, St. Lucia and St. Vincent form a volcanic arc in the region. While many volcanoes are dormant, some remain active. There is one active underwater volcano located just offshore from Grenada. Depending on their severity, volcanic eruptions can cause tsunamis. Such force can wipe out smaller islands. Volcanic eruptions can also cause mud and lava flows, which can also cause death and destruction.

Landslides

• Landslides can stem from a variety of factors, including hurricanes, torrential rains, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In the Caribbean, landslides can occur as rockfalls with material falling off mountain ranges. These rockfalls can block roads located below and drop rocks on homes and people. Landslides can also cause mud flows.

Read More ..... »

Three Types of Settlement in the Caribbean Region

For many, the Caribbean is the closest thing to paradise on earth. With pristine beaches and consistently warm, sunny weather, it is no surprise that the region is a favorite for tourists and locals alike. But it was not sun and sand that brought the first three major groups of settlers to the Caribbean. Some came because of the need to discover new locales, others were brought there forcibly and others came in search of economic prosperity.

Arawaks & Caribs

• The first people to arrive in the Caribbean were the Arawaks. They migrated northward from South America in search of adventure and populated many Caribbean islands. The Arawaks were eventually wiped out by the Caribs, whose descendants referred to themselves by different names depending on the island they inhabited. In the Bahamas, they called themselves the Lucayanos. People of Arawak descent called themselves and still refer to themselves as Borequinos or Boriquas in Puerto Rico. The Carib Indian population was forced close to extinction, but in Dominica, however, there is a Carib Indian territory where many Kalinago people, as they call themselves, live.

Europeans

• Europeans came to live in the Caribbean after Christopher Columbus visited the region in 1492. The abundance of precious resources, such as gold and silver encouraged Europeans to settle on various islands. Upon settlement, the local population were forced into slavery. In due time, various European monarchies colonized certain islands. For instance, the French colonized the islands that became known as Guadeloupe, Martinique and Marie Galante. The Dutch colonized Saba, Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten. The British claimed what became Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the Bahamas. Each country sent citizens to live on their claimed islands, where many of their descendants still remain.

Africans

• Raw materials and resources of the Caribbean were removed and shipped back to Europe to enrich monarchs and wealthy patrons who financed exploratory expeditions. These included precious metals, spices and sugar cane. To access these resources, the indigenous population was forced to work and many Carib Indians were wiped out. To maintain the needed labor levels to keep Europe wealthy, Africans were forcibly brought to the Caribbean to work as slaves. About 1.6 million Africans were brought to the British Caribbean between 1640 and 1808. Eventually, Africans outnumbered European settlers and remain the majority group across the region.

Asians

• Once slavery came to an end, former slaves on the islands of the British Caribbean had to work for their previous owners for four years. Once that period ended, several chose to do other work, which caused a labor shortage. To counter the problem, Asians were encouraged to emigrate to the Caribbean. The largest group of Asian immigrants came from India to work as indentured servants. However, many came from China as well.

Read More ..... »