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Some great family travel ideas to the Caribbean....
ORANJESTAD, ARUBA
This tiny island off the coast of Venezuela has an exceptionally
dry climate that is considered one of the most desirable in the
Carribean. Its desert landscape, with divi-divi trees, cactus, and
aloe vera set against the backdrop of azure skies and the blue-green
water of the sea provides the perfect setting for a holiday of relaxation
and renewal of energy. The beaches are carpeted with silky white
sand, The cooling trade winds, low humidity, and an average year
round temperature of 82° complete the picture of a tropical paradise.
Sun, friendly and courteous service, modern and efficient amenities,
golf and tennis clubs, casinos, fabulous beaches, duty-free shopping,
and remarkably varied cuisine are all factors that help fill Aruba's
many hotel rooms. The island's distinctive beauty lies in its countryside,
with its rocky deserts, native trees, cactus jungles filled with
the chattering of wild parakeets, secluded coves, and crashing waves....
MORE
ST THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
The three islands and the 60 cays that comprise the US Virgin Islands
include some of the most magnificent coast on earth. The area is
host to nearly two million vacationers each year. Most of the islands,
cays and jutting rocks that make up the territory are clustered
around the 30 square mile island of St Thomas which lies 1000 miles
south of Miami, 75 miles east of Puerto Rico and just southwest
of the British Virgin Islands.
St. Thomas has a year round temperature averaging 78°F. The ever-present
trade winds keep the air from being unbearably hot. In addition,
the region reports lower humidity levels than many of the other
places in the Caribbean, making it a vacation paradise in both summer
and winter. On nearly any day of the year, there are many hours
of sunshine. Rain showers do come, but they're usually a welcome
relief and pass quickly.
St. Thomas is the busiest cruise ship harbor in the West Indies.
The cruise from the US to St. Thomas is as enjoyable as the time
spent at this idyllic destination. Busy Charlotte Amalie ( uh-MAL-ya:
named for the wife of King Christian V in 1691), at the heart of
the island is the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and it remains
the shopping hub of the Caribbean. The beaches on this island are
renowned for their white sand and calm, turquoise waters. National
Geographic rated the island as one of the top destinations in the
world for sailing, scuba diving, and fishing.... MORE
GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS
Grand Cayman, (pronounced K-mun) the largest of the Cayman islands,
has become a premier tourist destination in recent years. With more
than 500 banks, its capital, George Town, is the offshore banking
center of the Caribbean. Retirees are drawn to the peace and tranquility
of this British Crown Colony, site of a major condominium development.
The Caribbean climate is pleasantly constant. The average year round
temperatures for the region are 78°F-88°F.
Island life focuses on the sea. Snorkelers will find a paradise;
beach lovers will marvel at the powdery sands of Seven Mile Beach
Downtown shopping areas will of course be uncomfortably hot at midday
at any time of the year, but air-conditioning provides welcome relief.
Visitors travel to the Caymans to slow down and relax in a setting
of comfort and beauty. The best strategy seems to be to stay near
the beaches most of the day, where water and trade winds provide
just the right temperature for enjoyment. Shopping is recommended
for early or late in the day.... MORE
BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS
Easternmost of the Carribean islands, Barbados is a paradise where
it is always summer. It is one of the most densely populated countries
in the Carribean. The stunning white sand beaches on the Carribean
side of the island contrast sharply with the rugged Atlantic coastline,
which is reminiscent of the huge boulders and crashing waves of
Big Sur. Roads paved in coral are bordered by fields of cane, royal
palms, rolling hills and terraces.
Tropical flowers bloom in profusion such as oleander, frangipani,
jasmine, cassia, bougainvillea, hisbiscus and lady of the night.
Scarlet flame trees and coral walls surround the well tended lawns
of colorful houses. Bridgetown, the capital, has the English atmosphere
which is the island's heritage. High quality British made clothing
and Scottish and English fabrics are excellent buys in Bridgetown
shops, and afternoon tea at "half after four" is routine throughout
the city.... MORE
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