Costa Rica is a country with abundant gifts from Mother Nature making it one of the world’s leaders in eco-tourism. The bio-diversity of this place is one-of-a–kind. Environmentalists, nature lovers and enthusiasts of extreme sports like water rafting, quad biking, surfing and zip line tours through the rainforest canopy will certainly fall in love to this country. Botanists and gardeners alike will also admire Costa Rica’s breathtaking plant life whose grandeur is evident in the country’s national parks.

Strong influences from the Europeans are seen in the culture and tradition of Costa Rica’s society from the use of Spanish language and the architecture style to the tastes of the delicacies in the markets and restaurants. The mix of colonial Spain with Caribbean flavours is an exciting combination. Indeed, the country is not only bio-diverse but multicultural as well.

San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica. Ticos (Costa Rican citizens) fondly call the city ‘Chepe’. San Jose is the complete opposite to what travel ads say about Costa Rica as a whole. Instead of finding the emerald rainforests, Chepe has more of the hustle and bustle of cities like Guatemala city and La Paz in Boliva. San Jose may be a noisy smoky mash up of a city but it is a city where you can find superb museums, excellent dining experience and fun bar hopping.

Our Top 3 must do’s in Costa Rica are :

1. Manuel Antonio National park
2. Arenal Volcano
3. Hit Pavones for a surf : http://www.surf-costarica.com/surfing-destination-pavones.shtml

Enjoy!

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The tiny country consists of three main islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman which make up the bulk of the island area.

While the nation boasts an abundance of gorgeous looking beaches, spectacular views, and amazing weather for all to bask in, it is often overlooked by tourists, who spend their time in the more known spots like Cuba, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

While the Cayman Islands might not be as well known as theses hot spots, they certainly do not lack anything in the scenic sense.

In fact, to be honest, the nation is basically identical to most islands in the Caribbean region, and just like its neighboring islands, it is home to some lovely, friendly, and welcoming locals.

The country is located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica. The territory is a major offshore financial centre in the Caribbean.

An interesting stat about the place is that it has more radio stations per capita than any other nation in the world.

And, it seems the islands are completely catered for tourists, with everything in the English language, and culture taking a back-step to tourism.

Weather it is winter or summer, the weather changes very little, with average temperatures of 25 degrees in the colder months, and 30 degrees in the hotter seasons.

The Cayman Islands really is close to paradise on earth….

Here is a list of major events happening in Barbados in 2010 – just in case you fancied popping over…

(Bridgetown, Barbados), October 14, 2009 – Barbados is gearing up for another action-packed year with the unveiling of its 2010 Calendar of Festivals & Events.  With lively music, performing arts and film festivals, as well as exciting surfing, polo, cricket, domino, golf and horse racing tournaments throughout the year, there has never been a better reason to visit Barbados.  www.visitbarbados.org:

Hike Barbados – Starting in January, every Sunday through December
Guests experience the natural beauty of Barbados by hiking through the very middle of its cane fields, gullies, tropical forests and coastal communities. Hikes are scheduled weekly and depart each Sunday morning and afternoon from different locations on the island, lasting three hours in duration.  Morning hikes, departing at 6am, vary in intensity based on hikers’ experience levels and taste, starting with the two mile long “Grin and Bear”, the six mile long “Stop and Stare” and nine mile long “Medium” and “Fast Medium” treks.  Afternoon hikes start at 3:30 p.m. and Moonlight Hikes begin at 5:30 p.m. and both follow the “Stop and Stare” route. Hike Barbados is a free activity, but gladly accepts donations to help the Barbados National Trust preserve the built and natural environment.         

Barbados Jazz Festival –January 11-17
Bringing some of the best local, national and international jazz performers to the stage, this annual event is popular with jazz aficionados and attracts music fans from all over the world. Concerts take place at various venues across the island. 

Open House Program – Starting in January, every Wednesday through March
Sponsored by the Barbados National Trust, this program provides entry into rich historic homes that reveal a range of lifestyles, architecture and historical features, giving locals and island visitors the opportunity to visit private properties that usually remain closed to the general public.

Slam-a-Dom Extravaganza – January 21, 23, 24
Slam-a-Dom is the annual international tournament, created by competition domino players to promote the sport.  The sport of dominos is not only a favorite pastime of Barbadians, but one that they excel at and have even claimed the World Champion title.  The competition is played in both four-hand and three-hand formats and winners are rewarded with monetary prizes. 

Barbados Horticultural Society Annual Flower Show – January 30-31
Held at the Ball Plantation in Christ Church, this popular two-day show offers visitors the opportunity to see an incredible range of flower displays and show gardens.  Barbados has won 12 gold medals in the Queen’s Gold Medal at the famous Chelsea Flower Show in London and continues as a leader in international floral competitions.  The Annual Flower and Garden Show, which is organized by the Barbados Horticultural Society, includes live musical performances, trade stalls and numerous food and drink stalls.

Waterman Festival – February 6-7
The Waterman Festival lasts for three weekends and celebrates surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing with an exciting series of competitive events. Activities take place all over the island with most events composed of invited professionals, but amateurs and touring professionals also have the opportunity to participate. Hot social events are the surfer buffet and the sunset “deAction Beach Party” at Brian Talma’s ‘Irie Man Action Shop’ in Silver Rock.

Holetown Festival – February 14-21
The week-long celebrations of the Holetown Festival kick-off with a bang at the Holetown Monument in the centre of the town. The event marks the arrival of the first settlers at the site now known as Holetown on February 17, 1627. The festival provides visitors with an introduction to Barbadian culture and traditions through a varied program that includes concerts, live music, street parades, beauty pageants, craft fairs, historical exhibitions, sporting competitions and food and drink events.

Sandy Lane Gold Cup – March 6
From its humble beginning in 1982 the Barbados Gold Cup, sponsored for the first fifteen years by Cockspur Rum and since 1997 by Sandy Lane Hotel, has grown to be the most prestigious and significant horse racing event in the Caribbean.

Holders Season – March 6-27
Barbados’ exciting season of opera, classical, jazz, Latin and Caribbean music which takes place in the open air gardens of historic Holders Plantation House, owned by Wendy Kidd. The 2010 line up includes professionals from across the globe comprising a world-class program of artistes. 

Barbados Polo Open – March 14-21
These two tournaments, which are jointly sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) and Columbian Emeralds, in association with Simpson Motors, Mount Gay Rum, Raffles Resort, Terra Caribbean Ltd, Barbados National Bank, Ocean 2 and Courtesy Garage, feature some of the top names in international polo over the course of these four-match series.

Barbados Game Fishing Association International Tournament – March 27-30     
Anglers from Europe, the U.K., Canada, North & South America and compete with regional anglers to land Blue Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna and Wahoo at this exciting annual competition.

Oistins Fish Festival – April 3-5
Held in the scenic fishing town of Oistins Barbados’ south coast, the annual Oistins Fish Festival is a day of celebrations for those that work in the local fishing industry. Visitors can expect live calypso and reggae music, craft fairs, family games and stalls selling delicious seafood dishes. Popular events and attractions include the fish boning tournament, boat races and the fun grease-pole competition.

Sir Garfield Sobers Festival of Golf – April 23-25 
One of the biggest and best-loved golfing events on the island, the annual Sir Garfield Sobers Festival of Golf is a four-day tournament. Lured by the fine courses, hospitality and prospect of great weather, the festival attracts players from all over the world. Golfers compete in teams of four and there is also a ladies’ competition. The festival is hosted and compared by Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary Barbadian cricketer.

Mount Gay Regatta – May 13-16
The annual Mount Gay Regatta in Barbados offers visitors the chance to experience great sailing, entertainment and hospitality.  Events kick off with a barbecue on the registration evening and then continue throughout the weekend with plenty if aquatic activities and entertainment.  The regatta comes to a close on the Sunday evening with a big party and awards ceremony.

Barbados International Masters Football Festival – May 20-24
Attracting teams from across the Caribbean, America and Europe, the Barbados International Masters Football Festival bring a close to the island’s domestic season.  Played over the Whitsuntide weekend, the soccer tournament attracts a lot of senior players who still have the energy, passion and enthusiasm for the game.  In addition to the soccer, attractions, live entertainment and a legendary beer tent draw crowds.

Gospelfest – May 22-30
Featuring top local, regional and international gospel talent, the annual Barbados Gospelfest is one of the most popular Christian music festivals in the Caribbean. The event was first held in 1993 and covers different styles ranging from traditional gospel choir music to a modern gospel DJ set.

Sol Rally Barbados – May 29-30
Sol Rally Barbados 2010 is the 21st running of the Barbados Rally Club’s premier two-day tarmac rally event and the Caribbean’s biggest annual International motor sport occasion.

Crop Over Festival – July 3 – August 2
Crop Over is Barbados’ biggest, loudest and best-loved festival which sees the whole island taken over by the party spirit. Dating back to the 1780s when the island was one of the biggest sugar producers in the world, the end of the sugar cane harvest was always celebrated with a big party, and the tradition continues today with added extravagance and flamboyance.  The festival culminates with the ceremonial delivery of the last sugar canes of the harvest and the crowning of the carnival king and queen. Events continue for the next five weeks and revelers can expect a heavy mix of live music, dancing, carnivals, markets, cultural presentations and more. Kadooment Day – August 3: This celebratory day marks the end of Crop Over in Barbados with a festival and parade, complete with bright costumes, music and plenty of rum.

Banks International Hockey Festival – August 22-28
Attracting teams not only from the Caribbean but from Europe, the US, South America and other parts of the world, the Banks International Hockey Festival is a real international affair.  The tournament is divided into men’s, women’s, veterans and mixed-team divisions and the games are fiercely contested.  Although, a friendly atmosphere pervades throughout the festival and there is plenty of entertainment for guests.

National Independence Festival of the Creative Arts – October 2010 – dates TBD
NIFCA showcases the artistic talents of Barbadians and encourages Barbadians of all ages to showcase their talents in the fields of music, singing, dance, drama, writing, fine art, photography, arts and crafts. The festival runs throughout November and concludes with a gala presentation.

Sun, Sea & Slams International Bridge Festival – October 19-23
Bridge fans from all over the world come each year to this fun, yet competitive, festival.  The festival features events for pairs and teams, as well as championship matches and concludes with an awards dinner.

Sizzlin’ Sand Barbados Sunsplash Volleyball – November 6-7
The best beach volleyball teams from across the Caribbean, including teams from Canada go head to head with the best of Barbados in this tournament for prize money.

Barbados International Film Festival – December 1-5
This annual festival brings together the best of world cinema and international film culture and provides a major showcase for the exhibition of the Caribbean, Latin America and world-wide independent film.

Run Barbados – December 3-5
The Run Barbados festival takes place annually on the first weekend in December.  The event comprises a 10k, a Half-Marathon, and a Marathon.

For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, or contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1.800.221.9831.

Seven Mile Beach is major tourist attraction of Negril. The beach stretches over 11 kilometres down the west coast. The whole beach is surrounded by golden sand, adding to its overall glory. The beach is famous for family vacations although there are quite a few nudist beach spots for adults only.

During a Negril vacation you will find various enjoyable beach activities and adventure sports to enjoy. Some of the activities include windsurfing, water skiing, parasailing, sailing, scuba diving and deep water fishing.

Negril is also a shopper’s paradise being home to various markets and shops full of handmade and mass-manufactured goods. It also has a thriving nightlife where tourists can enjoy many nightclubs and bars. The Rock’s Café is a preferred spot for both locals and visitors and is situated at West Point of Negril. The place is famous for lapping up the sunlight, while adventure lovers can take on a 30 foot thrust from the rock face.

Day cruises are similar to traditional cruises, but many are not as glamorous and overnight accommodations typically do no exist. Relaxation on the water and sightseeing are just a few of the many reasons why daylong boat cruises are so popular.

St. Thomas has amazing beaches and beautiful shorelines. If you are interested in taking a daylong boat cruise, it is likely that you will be able to see everything that St. Thomas has to offer. In addition to seeing the shoreline, the clear waters often make it possible for you to get a clear view of the exotic marine life by snorkelling or scuba diving in the beautiful Caribbean waters.

In addition to its wonderful scenery, St. Thomas is a great location to go on a daylong boat tour because of its amazing weather. Known for its balmy tropical weather, St. Thomas is the ideal place to spend a daylong boat cruise. The ideal weather creates a calm, cool and relaxing environment – even better for when you want to relax, wind down and enjoy your time aboard a luxurious cruise ship.

Day cruise ships are usually equipped with all the facilities and amenities you need. They generally have onboard dining facilities and serve you a number of meals throughout the day as well as snacks and beverages. The cost of food and drinks is usually included in the cost of the day cruise, making it ideal for those who want to go travelling and do not want to be confronted with unexpected costs that blow the budget.

In addition to onboard dinning, it is possible that you may find fun onboard activities. These activities most often come in the form of entertainment and dancing venues. A large number of daylong cruises are also referred to as dance cruises. Individuals of all ages enjoy dancing aboard a cruise ship. Almost all daylong cruise ship dances are geared towards individuals of all ages. This means that whether you are vacationing with your partner or your children, everyone can enjoy themselves on a daylong dancing cruise.

Whether you are interested in sightseeing, dancing, or just relaxing on the water, a daylong boat cruise around St. Thomas may be just what you need. And if a day cruise isn’t enough, you will surely be able to find weekend cruises for a little bit more luxury for longer.

Scuba diving and snorkelling are amongst the most popular activities you can find on the island. Visitors are also invited to learn about the rich history of Jamaica, dating back to the days of plantations and slavery, on various cultural tours and guides. The main cities of interest on the island are the capital, Kingston as well as Ocho Rios, Negril and Montego Bay.

Montego Bay is best known for being visited by Columbus in May 1494 and named Montego Bay “El Golfo de Buen Tiempo,” or Bay of Good Weather. Home to wealthy planters and still visited by the rich and famous today, it has remained one of the most famous destinations in the world. The Bay has some fantastic beaches with superb sea views from the hills. Sam Sharpe Square is the main tourist area whilst other major resorts and hotels are to the north, conveniently located close to both the town and the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport.

Another reason Montego Bay has earned its name as one of the best destinations for a luxury holiday in Jamaica is because it has the best collection of golf courses in Jamaica. Tyrall is an 18-hole golf course, making it one of the best in the Caribbean. Many tournaments are held here and the course was originally built on a 19th Century sugar plantation. Reggae worshipers will want to visit the Bob Marley experience, a 68-seater theatre celebrating the life and works of the great musician.

Ocho Rios is also located on the northern side of the island and is the second major tourist town. Attracting more than 700,000 tourists each year, Ocho Rios offers excellent accommodation, beaches and lush vegetation. Described as the garden centre of Jamaica, the area of the Dunn’s River Falls is particularly a sight to behold. A series of waterfalls cascade from the mountains towards the sea and can be experienced first hand as Jamaican guides navigate groups to climb their way up the falls. Other attractions include the town of Oracabessa, famous to 007 fans that know it as the town home to James Bond Beach, just west of Ocho Rios. Activities include taking a helicopter tour or go horseback riding along the beach.

Apart from these popular tourist locales, Kingston is the capital of the island and lies on a wide plain with the sea to the south and the St. Andrew Mountain in the north as its backdrop. The town was originally established on the beautiful waterfront and has the seventh largest natural harbour in the world. Kingston is home to many people who like to spend their days enjoying the sunshine, conversing and buying the local produce. A modern and bustling city, Kingston rarely sleeps and as a result has many cosmopolitan attributes about it including luxurious resorts, first-class facilities and prestigious entertainment venues.

Lose yourself in the rhythm and experience of Jamaica…it’s what sets it apart from other luxury Caribbean holidays.

Located in the southern Caribbean, it is made up mostly of coral limestone and fringed with coral reefs. The northeastern part of the island or The Scotland District that runs through the parishes of St. John, St. Joseph and St. Andrew is actually composed of sandstone and clay. This area in particular is known for its lush vegetation and spectacular scenery that visitors can see in most (if not all) island tours.

Most of the development on the island is located along the south and west coasts with Bridgetown as its centre. The majority of hotels on the island are also located on the south or west coasts with the south being more popular for tourists looking for 2 to 4 star accommodation.

The translucent turquoise ocean surrounding Barbados beaches provides the perfect setting for days spent on the beach engaged in water activities such as jet-skiing, surfing, kite boarding, windsurfing, kayaking, parasailing, sailing, water skiing, snorkelling, wakeboarding and scuba diving. If that list isn’t long enough, there is also deep-sea fishing, boat cruises and boat charters on offer as well. Lessons are available for almost all activities as well.

Transportation on the island is also excellent with both taxis and public transport available to get visitors to any conceivable destination. There are also various rental car companies who cater to those who want a more independently run vacation.

Nightlife in Barbados is very varied and ranges from quiet drinks at rum shops to nightlong dancing at modern rumba nightclubs. There are of course beach bars, pubs and gourmet restaurants for those who want a more leisurely night.

Population: 282, 000
Capital: Bridgetown
Languages: English, Bajan, Hindi
Currency: Barbadian dollar, AU$1 = Bds$1.53
Religion: Christian
Neighbours: Saint Vincent, the Grenadines and Saint Lucia
Area: 431 sq km
Time: UTC – 4
Seasons: Dry – December to June, Wet – July to November
Visas: No visas required for Irish or UK passport holders

A trip to Jamaica will show the island’s unique character and the nature of its population. Home of Bob Marley, Jamaicans love their music, history and culture and visitors can truly appreciate their time in Jamaica by embracing its natural state of being. Aside from its people, Jamaica has much to offer to the weary, curious, adventurous or even thirsty traveller. Jamaica is home to The Blue Mountains – the origin of the world’s best coffee.

Jamaica boasts world-class reefs for diving at destinations like Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios, whereas the stretches of palm-fringed sands at Treasure Beach or Frenchman’s Cover are equally alluring.

Or for a holiday off the beaten path, Jamaica offers bush-medicine hiking tours, pristine waterfalls, wetlands harbouring endangered crocodiles and manatees and unforgettable sunsets.

Population: 2, 804, 000
Capital: Kingston
Languages: English, Jamaican Patois
Currency: Jamaican dollar, AU$1 = J$68
Religion: Christian (65 %)
Neighbours: Cuba, Hispaniola
Area: 11, 100 sq km
Time: UTC – 5
Seasons: Wet – May to June and September to October, Dry – December to April and July to August

Even the names of islands within the Caribbean region sound exotic – Aruba, Barbados, Cuba, Grenada and The Virgin Islands. Depending on where you come from, you might not even have to worry about getting an entry visa as many of the islands are UK, European or US overseas territory.

You can visit volcanic peaks or scuba dive through extraordinary reefs all the while being able to retreat to your luxurious resort at any time. And contrary to popular belief, the Caribbean is not just a luxe playground for the wealthy – rather it is becoming more affordable for even those on a modest living to enjoy its beauty.

A surprising mixture of sea and land, the diverse local culture of the Caribbean can captivate and enthral.