Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands

The moment you think about Islands, it gives a holiday mood. One may think about a stress free adventure with friends and family. Cayman Islands are place to visit when you just start thinking about fun filled days.

Introduction:

It covers the brief history of Cayman Island with its three beautiful islands, its climate, food and the people of Cayman Island.

Brief History:

In 17^th century Cayman Islands was an untouched place, it was not a populated place. The inhabitants by and by settled at this place, which are all interracial mix population. Some of these were shipwrecked sailors, absconders from Oliver Cromwell’s army which was in Jamaica, some of them were slaves, even pirates and investigators. All were very different from each other cast and creed. The treaty of Madrid in 1670, took over Cayman Islands along with Jamaica and the rulers was Great Britain. After this in 1730’s many temporary settlement began on the Island. Cayman Islands were very well known for its Tax-Exempt in the past history. The Caymanian were rewarded by King George III, not to impose tax on them as one’s they have rescued many Jamaicans merchants from a ship convoy which got struck at the reef of Gun Bay, it happened in 1788. The Cayman Islands ones used to be administered and depend on Jamaica but from 1959, it made its self-governing colony in 1959 and now it became an independent Overseas British Territory.

Cayman Islands Climate:

Talking about climate it is like what an island should have, the operated winds ensures that it does not let the climate too hot, means that the weather is good throughout the year. For every place you have a peak season, here with Cayman Islands it runs between December and April, consequently followed by rainy seasons which are from May to November. This season is a hurricane one, so the visitors are advised to keep a track on the weather as it would helpful to them before and after they are on the Island. It is said that the rainy seasons are best for a visitor to visit as the rooms and the hotels become very cheap to stay, even the beaches are with less crowd. The rains on the islands are not very prickly so it does not ruin the holiday mood of the visitors.

Cayman Best Known Islands:

 Cayman Islands consist of three beautiful Islands. Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman and Little Cayman, they are just 480 miles away from the south of Miami. They are called as the little paradise of Cayman Islands as they are blessed with deep sun shining beaches and water with beautiful gold fishes, it is known as one of the best diving places in the world.

Cayman Brac is said to offer one of the best dramatic scenery of the country because it has the charm and friendliness of a sea fearing traditional community.  It is also known as a ‘Treasure Island’ in Robert Stevenson’s Novel. And today also it seems so much true as because of its traditional beauty. The landscape is sculpted with unpredicted panorama carved caves and a variety of flora and fauna. You can also take a look at the light house from the bluff which gives you a breath taking sight. The caves and the sinkholes all around are alluring and can be explored above the high sea water. The unusual plants and flowers are spread all though the place and can feel it when you go through the woodlands. The views from Bluff are elegant in itself, one of them is the bird watching. The rare seen Cayman Brac parrots are also seen in this natural environment. The Brackers are very warm and independent populations which are not so much in numbers. They are proudly share their homeland with the visitors. The Caymanian houses are beautifully surrounded by the lovely tropical flowers which are naturally found all through the year. Brac Island will give you its peaceful freshness with an astonishing contrast throughout your adventure on the Island. The most important feature of this Island is its diving part, the visitor’s newest attraction is the ship which was wrecked in the year 1996 it was the Cuban naval frigate in the northwest coast. Now it was all around the sea beaches now if we go a little offshore we ca find the Cayman Brac Museum. It has variety of caves to watch with nature trace exploring the bluff, the traditional homes are also beautiful with sea fearing architectural styles. As mentioned before the charming and loving people are someone very extraordinary group of people. Grand Cayman here means with stunning and extravagant beauty. This Island is the most largest, happening and developed of all the three islands. This is a modern place with all modern convenience to make your stay comfortable with all possible activities around. The capital city which is the George Town seems to be the home of Grand Cayman, which is very famous for its finest shopping centers and cooking in Caribbean. You have choices for you when you are at Grand Cayman, can take up a party and dance all night or can visit the sea to see the wrecks or can go out for sightseeing. The interest is yours and the choice is also yours. If you want to visit the latest beaches of the Caribbean they it is at Grad Cayman, which is seven miles long. It is said that it is all sand as far as you can stretch your eyes to see. The other attractions are the National Trust’s Mastic Trial which is 2 miles long with traditional footsteps which seems to be untouched in the woodlands. Then you can enjoy the Queen Elizabeth’s Botanic Park which is 65 acres in land and worthwhile to watch. You can watch the Caymans National Museum, the historic sit of Pedro St. James, Boatswains Beaches, and National Historic Sites which are restored and are made again under the guidance of National Trust. Finally you have a Rum Point, which is must to see it will give you sunny beach, a good snack to eat or a delicious meal or can take a dip in the crystal clear water of  Grad Cayman. Little Cayman is said to be the least developed of all the three Caymans islands. It has very less people living in it, but it gives you magnificent beaches with all alone atmosphere with radiant beaches and specially the untouched tropical beauty of Little Cayman. We can find the rare birds out here which are more in numbers. The best thing is if you believe in privacy then this is the best Island to visit. Here you can venture to a small lagoon and swim in privacy, or can take a boat and go to small islands and visit the remotest of place with total nature at its command, it is truly a place to relax your body and soul.

The Caymanian:

The islands are special, so are the people. These people are very captivating in nature. They welcome the visitors with their warm smile by plying music all over the Island. The other three islands can be visited our can sit with the Caymanian and eat their rum cake, know a little about their traditional and ancient culture and can soak the warm and beautiful sunshine. The Caymanian is best known for their friendly behavior and spiritualism, as they are regular church goers. They are proud of their rich and multicultural with multiracial people settle on this Island. English is their official language. The people are very bold not so shy ones as they greet and mix with people very fast and easily. If you meet any Caymanian, they will guide you properly if you are on your visit to the place as they have the names of the spot at the tip of their tongue. These people boast of Caribbean to be the safest place of all as the crime rate is very low.

Caymanian Food:

The best place to find the diverse taste of food with 140 nationalities that what they call it as their home. They have dining on the beachside, if the visitors are comfortable to sit inside then they have a beautiful place inside for food, fast foods at the street side. It is said that no matter whatever your choice for food is you will find each and every item t satisfy your appetite in reasonable price to meet all the occasions at Cayman Islands.

Summary: 

Cayman Islands has fun filled places were you must travel ones with your family and friends. You can meet the nature which is at its peak with radiant beauty. If one needs peace of body and soul then can go the any of three Islands which is unique in itself with lot of activities all around you. It is like if God has blessed this place with all special places which is exceptional in itself. You have fishing, boating, delicious food, beautiful nature, untouched beaches, warm and friendly people and their traditions which make this island beautiful and a place to visit.

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari

Introduction

A city in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari is said to be one of the most beautiful city in the Indian Peninsular. Along with a rich tapestry pf history, the city is a treat for all tourists owing to the various amazing tourist attractions the city has to offer. It is a guarantee that one you would never get bored for even a minute on your visit to this place of scenic beauty.

Accommodation

Kanyakumari, being a place of a lot of religious activities along with having some of the best tourist spots in India, attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. Due to this, Kanyakumari offers to all its visitors a wide variety of accommodations ranging from luxurious expensive hotels to hotels that are comfortable yet not expensive.

Kanyakumari hotels offer fine accommodation facilities to tourist visiting the city. Hotels in Kanyakumari are from high end luxury hotels to economy and budget hotels. For budget travelers, Kanyakumari has a variety of budget hotels and mid-priced hotels. Tourists in search of luxury hotels in Kanyakumari can book a luxury room in any of the five star or four star hotels in Kanyakumari.

All the prominent Hotels Accommodation have well selected rooms and suites with in room amenities such as attached bathroom, running water that could be warm and cols water, mini bar, tea and coffee maker, television with cable connection, telephone with direct dial, internet access, balcony and room service. 

Most accommodations with the dining facility have a bar attached to it. More than often international cuisines along with hot and cold beverages are served here.

Apart from hotels, the city offers accommodations in lodges and Dharamshalas. Though the city is filled with these accommodations, it is advised to book it well in advance to avoid the rush.

As Kanyakumari is not a very big town most of the hotels can be found to the north of the main market. Both private and Tamil Nadu Tourist Development Corporation (TTDC) run hotels can be found here. For tourists that are students, TTDC run youth hostels would be preferable where dormitories are available.

Most of the hotels have a grandeur ambience and the welcome is warming. As mentioned earlier, Kanyakumari always attracts a lot of tourists. Due to this reason, the hotels are always expecting a lot of guests. This results in the continuous practice of top notch service time and again. So all tourists can be assured that the service and facilities offered by the hotels and resorts are the best.

History

Kanyakumari takes its name from Kumari Amman or Kanyakumari Temple, situated in the town, on the sea-shore, the very confluence of the three water-bodies - Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. Kanyakumari has a wealthy and ancient history. The city bears a lot of Christian, Jain and Muslim influence. It is said that one of the 12 apostles of Christ, St. Thomas had come to the Indian subcontinent and in 52 AD and established a church here.  

Kanyakumari district, once known as "The Granary of Travancore" is situated at the southwestern part of Indian peninsula. It was in Travancore for a long time and then combined with Tamil Nadu in 1956 under the State Linguistic Reorganization Act.

In the year 1949, Kanyakumari was declared a part of the reconstituted Travancore-Cochin Union. The Tamil mass of Kanyakumari was not happy with this. Ultimately in 1956 bowing to a mass agitation under the leadership of Thiru M.A. Nesamani Government of India amalgamated Kanyakumari District with Tamil Nadu.

Geography

Kanyakumari is the southernmost city of the Indian mainland. The land mass in and around the town are hilly and not level, with many commercial buildings and hotels at the upper crest of the land mass with the sea visible below.  Kanyakumari lies at the meeting position of three bodies of water that are the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. It is situated in 8º 4' 20 N., 77º 35' 35 E., and is the ending point of the Western Ghats. The town has a agro-climatic conditions, which favors growing of crops.

Language, Culture and People

The city of Kanyakumari has a rich diversity of language and there are numerous languages spoken in this district of India. Though most of the people in Kanyakumari speak in Tamil and Malayalam, English is spoken in the urban areas of the city.

The culture, aptitude, religion, beliefs, habits and talents of Kanyakumari show how the district presents itself to others. Hindus and Christians form a majority of the population but there are also a number of Muslim dominated regions in the city. In spite of this the people live in peace and harmony here. There is no caste system here.

Rice is the staple diet of Kanyakumari. Poorer sections of the town also use tapioca. Tea and coffee are widely consumed by the people of this city even in rural areas.

Places to visit

The beautiful Gandhi Memorial was completed in 1956 and is built as a memorial to the Father of the Nation.  A vase of Mahatma Gandhi was kept here for the public to pay homage before its submerging. Mahatma Gandhi visited Kanyakumari twice, once in 1925 and then 1937. In tribute of these events a beautiful monument has been constructed here. 

One more monument Kamarajar Manimandapam was raised and dedicated to Late.  Sri. Kamarajar who was The freedom fighter, Former Chief minister of Tamil Nadu, President of Indian National Congress.  He was popularly known as Black Gandhi among the people and king maker during congress regime.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial is another place in Kanyakumari which attracts a huge number of tourists.  As its name implies, it is basically a sacred monument, built by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee to commemorate the visit of Swamy Vivekananda to “Shripada Parai” during 24th, 25th and 26th December 1892 for deep meditation and enlightenment. 

A breathtaking view of the Sunrise can be seen in Kanyakumari through out the year at The Bay of Bengal. Sunset can be seen from View Tower through out the year apart from the months of June, July and August.

The Government Museum, located on the Beach Road offers a good collection of sculptured artifacts and crafts of South Indian Temples and is one of the places in Kanyakumari that should be visitied.

The Guganathaswamy Temple is a 1000 year old temple and is said to have been built by the King Raja Raja Chola.  The architectural style of the Cholas is quiet obvious in this temple.  It is situated near Railway Station. 

Kumari - Hall of history is situated south side of Kanyakumari Railway Station and exhibits the pictures of historical wonders and also comprised rare photographs Kamarajar, Gandhiji and other freedom fighters.

         

Udayagiri Fort was rebuilt in the sovereignty of Marthandavarma, the Venad King, during 1741-44.  Under the supervision of De Lannoy, the Belgian General, who served as the Chief of the Travancore army; East India Company’s troops were stationed there till the middle of the 19th century.    Foundry for the produce of guns, mortars and cannon balls were also established within the fort under the supervision of the General. 

The Mathoor Hanging Trough is the tallest as well as the longest trough bridge in Asia, having a height of 115 feet and a length of one kilometer. Built in 1966, this bridge has become a place of tourist importance and hundreds of tourists visit this place

St. Xavier’s church records show that the church was built in the year 1600 A.D.  In the year 1865, the Church was enlarged and the shrine of our lady was also renovated and vaulted over.  In 1930, the church was raised to the status of a Cathedral.    

About 43 km. from Nagercoil the Pechiparai Dam has been constructed.  This dam in Kalkulam Taluk, was constructed during the days of the Maharaja Sri Moolam Thirunal across the river Kodayar.  The construction of the dam was designed on the model of the Periyar dam in the Madurai district. The weather is very pleasing and hence attracts a large number of tourists.

The well-known beach at Muttom is located about 16 kms from Nagercoil and 32 kms from Kanyakumari. Muttom is famous for its stunning landscaping and high rocks dipping into the sea at the beach-side. The sun set view point at Muttom is one of the most beautiful view points in the district. Another appeal of Muttom is the century old light-house built by the British. However so far this attractive beach has always been unsafe for the tourists since the rocks on which tourists go to see the sea view are slippery and a number of fatal accidents have occurred over the past few years

The Chothavilai Beach is about 10 Kms from Kanyakumari, is one of the best natural beaches of the district. The beach has low water and High sand dunes on the back ground. The tourists can reach the beach through the newly laid coastal road which is a very striking drive along the sea-coast.

Baywatch, The water theme amusement park at sunset point presents a unique way to experience the exotic grandeur of Kanyakumari in its integrals.  Baywatch comes up with a healthy family entertainment saga of rapturous experience, which leaves you at a point of nonstop excitement in a thrilling and bewitching water world.  Great fun styles equivalent to international standards keep you on the ecstatic brink of frenzy.  Fun filled rides like Bumping Car, Sky Cab, Crazy Chairs, Hot Tea Cups, Giant Wheel, Columbus, Wave pool, Milky Way, Multiple Splash.

Transport and Communication

The town is well connected through roads all through its different corners. The roads are broad and facilitate advancement in the economy of the country and also help in good communication as well.

There are also a large number of railways, which connect other parts of the county to Kanyakumari through its large network system. These two means of transport are not parallel but inter-dependent.

There are many fast trains that ply from this southern city to other parts of India. The well-developed broad gauge railway lines are well maintained and assist in distant communications. There are many facilities presented by the railway department to its passengers.  

Conclusion

So if you want a vacation filled with fun yet explore the rich cultural heritage of the country India, be sure to visit the beautiful city of Kanyakumari.

Haiti

Haiti – A tourist beautiful tourist destination.

INTRODUCTION

Ever considered going to an island for a beautiful holiday, then Haiti is the right place for you. One of the most beautiful of the Caribbean islands, Haiti entertains tourist from all over the globe. A tour of Haiti provides all tourists with sights that include various facades of the historical transformation of the country. For all those shopping lovers Haiti would be a treat for them as the county provides a wide range of shopping opportunities. The island is filled with natural wonders, parks, lakes, monuments and historic sites.

ACCOMODATION

The Haiti accommodations are categorized into five star, four star, and the three star resorts, villas and hotels. Large number of hotel is available in Haiti where the tourists can spend their vacations. The accommodation here consists of resorts and hotels which offers world class services and amenities to make your stay a wonderful experience.

 Large numbers of accommodations are located either close to the beach, the mountains or in the heart of its cities. The hotels and resorts of the country offer all sorts of facilities that are planned to suit the needs of the modern day travelers.

Some of the hotels and resorts that one can find over here include Hotel Montana, Mont Joli, Cormier Plage, Kaliko Beach Club, Kyona Beach, Roi Christophe, Club Mediterranee, Moulin SurMer, Village Labadie, Wahoo Bay Beach Hotel, Hotel Cyadier, Kinam Hotel, Coconut Villa, La Villa Creole, Visa Lodge, EI Rancho Hotel and others.

                                                                              Here both deluxe and budget accommodations are available. Thus one can prefer to stay in any hotel as per ones convenience and budget. The budget hotels are accessible for rates as low as $56 per night while expensive ones can be booked for rates as low as $200 per person. The various Haiti accommodations recommend a fantastic view of the beaches, sea and the surrounding landscapes. They have all the services like concierge services, wedding facilities, meeting rooms, laundry services, 24-hours information desk and others that make your stay a comfortable one. The rooms in the hotels and resorts are spacious and mark huge comfortable beds, closets, ceiling fans, writing table and chairs. In villas, the rooms also have private balconies, which offer a perfect view of the outside scenery. They also include attached bathrooms with showers and washbasins. The amusement options are good over here. The villas and resorts have swimming pools and game rooms along with fantastic restaurant, which serve tasty foods and exotic drinks to the guest everyday. The staff in the resorts and hotels is particularly friendly and take all steps to make your stay a comfortable one.

HISTORY

Haiti was formerly one of the French Colony and was quite well to do. Due to this the country still has a large population of French speaking people. It was the first republic led by a black. The country can boast of being the first nation that emerged from a successful slave rebellion. Haiti also is the first and the oldest nation in Latin America to declare its independence on January 1, 1804.

CULTURE, PEOPLE AND TRADITION

The nation’s official language is French, the language spoken by majority of the people is kreyol. During Festive occasions like baptismal parties, first communions, and marriages the cuisine always includes the tradition Haitian colas, cake, a spiced concoction of domestic rum (kleren), and a thick spiked drink made with condensed milk called kremass. People of the middle class and the elite celebrate the same festivities with Western sodas, Haitian rum (Babouncourt), the national beer (Prestige), and imported beers. New Year's Day, a traditional soup made of pumpkin called Bouyon is eated. Other food enjoyed by the natives is Griyo, which is fried pork, Mayi moulen that is actually cornmeal, Sòs pwa which is bean sauce, Sos poul commonly chicken in sauce and Poisson which is otherwise known as fish. Sweetened milk and rice and banana fried in butter is one of the popular Haitian dessert there

Christianity is the religion followed by the natives of Haiti and most of the natives are Roman Catholics. Vodou, an ancient religion is still practiced in many parts of Haiti. This religion has many traditions and customs that is a fuses the Central traditions with the Western African tradition as well as the Europe and Taino religions.

PLACES TO VISIT

A tour of Haiti would be incomplete without a visit to the Labadie Islands. The scenic beauty leaves all its visitors spell bound. The island has a charm of providing few of the most exotic and beautiful beaches of the Caribbean. Not only do they provide a bit of history of the county, they also are colorful, bright and full of art and people. One could have the opportunity to see the reefs of the Bay of Acul.

Sightseeing in Haiti will offer you with an experience of an enchanting tour of the beautiful island country, which is located in the Caribbean within the Greater Antilles. The island of Hispaniola is one of the most enticing of all the places. It is shared with the Dominican Republic. Sightseeing in Haiti is a very captivating experience. This country is filled with enormous beauty. The coastline of the country is scattered with beautiful beaches. The Gulf of Gonave, the island of La Tortue in the northern peninsula, the lush subtropical vegetations adorn the country. The capital of the city is Port-au Prince. The array of tourist attractions in Haiti rests in its capital city. The city also has a beautiful natural harbor at the end of a deep horseshoe bay. This is one of the reasons that most of the Haiti Sightseeing during the tour of the country, will be constituted in the capital city.

The trips of Sightseeing in Haiti are mainly to the centers around Port-au-Prince, the North Coast, The Cape Haitien ,and the Jacmel. They are all the full of life Haitian Towns.

Port-au-Prince bustling capital of Haiti. One of the best markets in Haiti known as the Iron Market is located here. You will find two cathedrals, the famous Museum of Haitian Art, The Statue of Unknown Slave, the Gingerbread Houses and the Delfy Mansion located here. Apart from that, the Petionville is a breathing space to relax at some of the best restaurants, bars and galleries in the city. The suburb of the Boutillier is another appealing destination.

Cape Haitien and the North Coast is another site near the coast of Hispaniola, The wreck of Santa Maria being one of the greatest attractions in Haiti. A visit to the beautiful Labadi Beach will be another compelling experience as a whole, during sightseeing in Haiti. There are many other excellent beaches and several panoramic mountains, the Spanish style houses which will add up to the interest of the travelers. The tourist attractions mostly frequented by the tourers in Cap Haitien , are the ruins of the Sans Souci Palace which is situated about 40 kilometers south of Cap Haitien and is a remarkable fortress in the place. From the ruins and half an hour drive would lead you to the Citadell.

Jacmel and South Coast is itself a great attribute in the map of sightseeing in Haiti. The town is strewn with various Victorian stuccoed palaces with filigreed balconies. There are various temples in this region. During the Carnival season, the town takes a colorful look. The dancers dress themselves in the ' papier mache' costumes and theatrical performances take place on the streets. There is also the town of Kenscoff, which is the summer resort of Haiti. The Parc Macaya, one of the most spectacular national parks in Haiti, is a lush rain forest. During the sightseeing in Haiti, it is great to hike around the trails of it enjoying the mountainous scenery. The Bassins Bleus, a series of three pools joined by a waterfall is another popular place for excursions in Jacmel. You can reach there on horseback.

Haiti Tours will also give you the large range of shopping opportunities. The most vibrant destination for shopping in Haiti is the Iron Market at the capital city of Port-au-Prince. It is a great place for buying the attractive local Haiti made products, like, carvings, printed fabrics, leather works, paintings (the exclusive 'naif' style Haitian paintings), straw hats, seed necklaces, jewelery, cigars and attractive food items, which are also good buys. Bargaining scope is very broad in this market.

WILDLIFE

The wildlife in Haiti mainly concentrates in the pine forests which are found at high elevations. Wildlife in Haiti can also be found in the mangroves to be found in the swamps of the country. Semi desert scrub covers the ground in the drier parts of the country. Coffee and cacao trees are distributed across the mountains in dotted clumps. There are quite a few wildlife destinations in Haiti. Wildlife in Haiti is preserved in its national parks also. The La Visite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Haiti. It is located 22 kilometers south-southeast of Port-au-Prince. La Visite National Park covers an area of 2,000 hectares on the ridge of the Massif de la Selle near its western terminus. There are quite a few natural forests within this park.

Wildlife in Haiti can also be explored if you pay a visit to the Pic Macaya National Park. The Pic Macaya National Park is located in the massif de la Hotte Mountain Range in the southern peninsula of Haiti. This particular park protects the natural habitats of several animals, native to the country.

Wildlife in Haiti is mainly subjugated by Caimans and flamingos. Some of the other animals found in Haiti are Hispaniolan Trogon (Temnotrogon roseigaster), White-winged Ground Warbler (Xenoligea montana) and Grey-crowned Palm Tanager (Phaenicophilus poliocephalus). Formerly, there were many forests in Haiti. Most of the perplexed charactered animals could be located in these forests. However, with the clearing of forests for generating farms and woods for charcoal, Haiti has lost many of its valuable native trees. Wildlife in Haiti is nowadays spotted only in the remaining pine forests and semi desert areas.

US Virgin Islands

US Virgin Islands

INTRODUCTION

Why choose The US Virgin Islands for a holiday? If you are looking for a holiday destination which can offer everything then you must consider The US Virgin Islands. Even the weather has something for everyone. The island is bounded by ocean which is warm all year and suitable for water sports all year round. These islands are lucky enough to be placed so that it seldom experiences hurricanes, there are earthquakes, but even these are unlikely to be severe enough to upset your holiday. The US Virgin Islands is more than just an island; it is a whole group of islands, each one with something special to offer.

ACCOMODATION

Plan visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The gentle pace of Islands life is an ideal setting for grown-up quiet time; a many island accommodations offer an ever-increasing slate of kid-friendly activities. There are resorts which offer roomy family suites and villas but be sure to watch for resort’s promotions that often let “kids stay free”. The clubs are also available which offers field trips and “dive in” movies along with swimming pools, sailing and tennis lessons, sandcastle construction, iguana feeding and crab races. Many hotels here are located at seaside where people feel themselves as in adventurous movies. Many of the hotels here offer fine dining and spa treatments to boutique shopping and dive spots known throughout the world. And in lots of hotels there is plantation, which has been restored to original 1700s appearance for its beauty to watch. When you are on visit to these places, check out for its special packages for families, which can include a rental car, champagne for mom and dad, and tennis for kids. Spacious rooms easily accommodate large families which are offered by some of hotels. And all the rooms have refrigerators in some hotels. Here both deluxe and budget accommodations are available. Thus one can prefer to stay in any hotel as per ones convenience and budget. The various accommodations recommend a fantastic view of the beaches, sea and the surrounding landscapes. They have all the services like concierge services, wedding facilities, meeting rooms, laundry services, 24-hours information desk and others that make your stay a comfortable one. The rooms in the hotels and resorts are spacious and mark huge comfortable beds, closets, ceiling fans, writing table and chairs. In villas, the rooms also have private balconies, which offer a perfect view of the outside scenery. They also include attached bathrooms with showers and washbasins. The amusement options are good over here.

Some of the hotels and resorts available are The Palms at Pelican Cove, The Buccaneer-St, Croix,  Gallows Point Resorts, Riytz-Carlton St. Thomas, Caneel Bay, A Rosewood resort, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Carambola Beach Resort and Spa, Chenay Bay Beach Resort, Secret Harbour Beach Resort and many others.

HISTORY

Historian manuscripts show that the first residents, the Ciboneys, arrived on the islands during what is considered the Pre-Ceramic Culture. Arawaks were the next to arrive, launching sites around 100 AD on St. John and St. Croix. Probably the best-known residents, and those to arrive next, were the savage Caribs and the more peaceful Tainos. Confirmation of their time in the islands has been unearthed in recent years, and includes stone griddles, zemis (small carvings depicting the faces of their gods) and petroglyphs which are rock carvings visible on St. John’s Reef Bay Trail.

CULTURE, PEOPLE AND LANGUAGE

The U.S. Virgin Islands is a delight with so much more to offer than the traditional beach vacation. Visitors wishing to submerge themselves in a profound cultural experience can enjoy historical tours, culinary encounters, artisan fairs, parades, storytelling and other special presentations. Walking sightseeing on St. Thomas and St. Croix mark the diverse architecture, evidence of nations that colonized the islands in the 17th and 18th centuries. If you’re feeling brisk, walk one of the many street steps, the most famous being the 99 steps on St. Thomas, a frequent way of getting to higher ground. The cultural journey continues with a look at the life and creations of artisans and crafters who earned a living creating functional and decorative pieces. Re-established great houses now serving as museums, like Haagenson House on St. Thomas conserve this past, displaying masterfully created mahogany pieces, delicate linens and original art. Local craft cooperatives, art galleries and artist colonies show the works of today’s tradition-bearers. Annaberg Plantation wrecks in St. John’s National Park offers daily cultural demonstrations, including cooking the old-fashioned way – on a coal pot over an open flame. English is spoken everywhere among the native of these island.

PLACES TO VISIT

As the U.S. dollar is renowned as the official currency, the U.S. Virgin Islands possesses some 2 million visitors a year. Consisting of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island, The US Virgin Islands is most popular among tourists looking for an exotic vacation without feeling like they are in a "foreign" country. Most of the natives will make the capital city of Charlotte Amalie their home base for the most modern hotels, amenities and swinging nightlife — not to state that the deep sea harbor is a favorite port of call for the largest cruise ships sailing throughout the Caribbean. Close at hand, the quieter atmosphere of St. Croix also summons visitors with some of The US Virgin Island's most stunning natural beauty, along with historic sites, art galleries, restaurants and lots of duty-free shopping. For an even more serene getaway, St. John has been nominated a national park throughout almost its entire extent and remains one of the most undeveloped and laid-back of all the three chief islands. Only two resorts are there on the island, with many of its beaches left in their natural state and unspoiled by large hotels. Free souls who truly want a quiet escape should sail (by ferry, from St. Thomas) to the most new addition to the U.S. Virgin Islands, known as Water Island. Gauging only 492 acres and sparsely populated, Water Island's only concession to tourism is a number villas and cottages available for rent to visitors.

St Thomas Island, St Croix Island, and St John Island all have rental car means, and all things considered, a car is most likely the best way of getting around each of these respective islands. Rent a car, and you'll have the freedom to head off to various beaches as you please, comparing and contrasting their various qualities as you go along. When you arrive in one the larger cities in the region, you might park the car and opt for a walking tour. Even the US virgin Island’s capital city of Charlotte Amalie is small and compact, so getting around by foot is pretty much the way to go. If you don't rent a car, taxis are quite common, and you might be surprised to know that taxi tours are quite popular here. Adding extra blaze and substance to US Virgin Islands vacations are an array of interesting events and festivals. Catch one of these yearly events, and it can make for some memorable travel memories. The various events and festivals certainly justify to be mentioned among the other US Virgin Islands tourist attractions, so when deciding when to go on your US Virgin Island trip, you might take them into account. The St Thomas Carnival is just one of the interesting US Virgin Island events to consider, as is the Flavor of St Croix Festival. The sky appears to be the boundary when it comes to making the most of US Virgin Islands vacations. Also, if you are thinking of having a target wedding, the US Virgin Islands should absolutely make it onto your list of possible spots. Some of the top resorts here offer appealing wedding packages, and there may be nothing better than starting your honeymoon immediately after your ceremony! Whether you get married in the US Virgin Islands, or simply come here to get away from it all, the choices for accommodations and attractive things to do will most certainly have you thinking of a return trip as soon as it comes time to go.

While soothing on the St Thomas beaches, St Croix beaches, and St John beaches is desirable enough, scuba diving is just one of the ways to enjoy stunning Virgin Islands views. All of the main islands here have idyllic beaches, and they are purely spectacular. However, some of the best US Virgin Islands sights can be found under the ocean's surface, and scuba diving is the best way to see them. You can always go snorkeling if you like better, but snorkeling usually can't compete with scuba diving. Moreover, lots of resorts here offer dive shops and dive training and certification courses, so even beginners can embrace the sport.

When it comes to advising US Virgin Islands attractions, Buck Island definitely deserves mention. Establish just a mile from the northeast coast of St Croix; Buck Island is a hugely well-liked destination for The US Virgin Island day trips. The Buck Island Reef National Monument constitutes of the island and the coral reefs found in its area waters, and both the snorkeling and scuba diving here are about as good as it gets. Also, the island is the dwelling place of some pretty enticing hiking trails, so you might interest yourself in a trek. Possibly you will prefer lunch on the beach after exploring the famous underwater snorkeling trail here. The US Virgin island of St John is the least developed of the three main islands. Covering some 12,600 acres of St John you could find the Virgin Islands National Park, which is certainly one of the top US Virgin Islands attractions. There are more than 20 miles of nature trails in the park, and its beaches, hills, and valleys have a most charming setting. Two of the beaches here, Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay, are amid the most highly-touted St John beaches, and there is a campground here if you want to camp.

PLACES FOR AMUSEMENT

When looking for fun things to do in the US Virgin Islands, you might think about visiting this interesting rum factory on St Croix Island. The Cruzan Rums are recognized worldwide for their quality, and during your time here, you can not only see how the factory makes rum, but you can also enjoy some tasting. Also, the barrel makers here stick to traditional barrel-making practices, which is nice to watch. Among the highlights here is the old windmill, which gives knowledge about the plantation-related history of the US Virgin Islands.

The US Virgin Islands are the top shopping place in all the Caribbean, so if you enjoy shopping, you'll love this island region. Shopping is one of the many things to do in the US Virgin Islands that can be enjoyed on all of the three main islands. St Thomas and St Croix present more shops than St John does, but you can still find some fascinating goods in St John. The capital city of Charlotte Amalie, which is found on St Thomas Island, is one of the finest places to go shopping in the region. Duty-free negotiation are aplenty in the US Virgin Islands, and there is no sales tax here, which means that finding a great bargain, or bargains, is usually part of the deal.

CONCLUSION

So if you are planning a holiday in the near future, and plan on doing all the above mentioned things along with enjoying plenty of scenic beauty, the US Virgin Islands make for an excellent choice.

Panama

Panama

INYRODUCTION

Like a rainbow that colors the infinite sky, Panama paints the world with her magical hues. Panama is a dream holiday that rewards every traveler with her endless tourist attractions. To explore Panama is to discover a land gifted with everything that makes up for a perfect travel package.

ACCOMMODATION

In order to contest the steady flow of visitors Panama City Beach boasts of numerous hotels; Panama City Beach hotels are the finest in the country providing deluxe lodging, homelike comfort and the world class amenities. All these hotels are situated in and around the beaches allowing you to witness the sugar-white beaches, warm, emerald waters and other major attractions of the beach. Some of the popular hotels in Panama City are Days in the Beach, Emerald Bay INN, Georgian Terrace and Casa Loma.

                                                                                                                                  Most of these hotels acquire of the world class hotel amenities like swimming pools with latest features, health clubs and centers that include health spas with and fully equipped gyms personal trainers, indoor and outdoor game facilities, special parking facilities and facilities for children. Some hotels also boast of fully equipped business centers with space for meetings and conferences. The room in these hotels features ultra modern amenities to make your stay in the hotel comfortable and luxurious. All rooms have features like warm and cozy interiors, extra large beds, fully furnished and equipped attached bathrooms, cable ready color television with remote, internet access facility upon request, personal safe. Few rooms also have large elaborate windows and grand balconies ensuring that you remain witness to the spectacular glimpses of the beaches. The hotels offer services like 24-hour room service, laundry and dry cleaning service, wake up services and in room dining services and a mass of other services to choose from.

HISTORY

Till 1821 The Republic of Panama was a Spanish colony. Later it was taken over by Grand Colombia. After Panama became a U.S territory, the construction of the Panama Canal started in full-fledge. In the year 2000, Panama was announced independent by the Government of the U.S. The people of Panama largely are from Native American and Spanish backgrounds. There are also a large number of immigrants who have come from various countries of America and Europe and have settled in Panama.

CULTURE, PEOPLE AND TRADITION

It can be seen from the history of Panama culture that the native people of Panama lived alone for many years till the Spanish explorers came to the province in the 16th century. The obvious outcome of this was that Spanish traditions, lifestyle and culture embedded into the quality of Panama culture. The resulting interesting Panama culture is what is observed in the present age. Nevertheless one culture in Panama which has remained unaffected is that of the Kuna tribe. They still follow their inherited customs. This tribe continues to have closely-knit communities and matriarchal societies. Every region in Panama reflects the traditional folklores of the country. The conservative dances, food, music and songs of Panama perfectly portray the folklores. Some Catholic churches in Panama, such as Los Santos and Herrera are built according to Spanish traditions.

The remarkable aspects of Panama society and culture are reflected in the food, music, dances, languages and religions of the country. Cuna is a famous tribe in Panama and is known for its matriarchal societies and closely-packed communities. The various provinces in Panama believe in their own distinctive folklores. The religion followed by the masses in Panama is Roman Catholism. A big day of celebration for Panamanians is the Black Christ Festival. The national language of Panama is Spanish, but English and various local dialects are quite popular. Panama is the place, which has made certain forms of music such as salsa, jazz, calypso, Vallento and Mento very famous. Folk dances in Panama, such as Tamborito, Pasillo and Contradanza are enjoyed thoroughly throughout the nation. The cuisine of Panama shares much distinctiveness with the food of Latin American countries and involves lots of corn, seafood, shellfish and fish.

PLACES TO VISIT

Panama is filled with the parks, beaches, national reserves and wildlife forests that illustrate the culture and the tradition of the country and the strong roots of the past that the country and its people still harbor in their buzzing lifestyle.

The beaches are the principal resort for relaxation and calmness and the city centers with their numerous malls and plazas offer the luxury that one can only dream of. The reserve forests are the dwelling place of some of the most beautiful animals and plants. Amidst the sweet sounds of bird songs, one is sure to forget all the worries and delve into the bounty of Mother Nature. Some places ahead are the sober isolation of islands that are ideal for a meditative mood.

Some of the best Panama tourist attractions include Amador Causeway, Centennial Bridge, Mi Pueblito, Panama Viejo, and Bridge of the Americas. Other Panama Tourist Attractions include Ancon Hill, Balboa Avenue, Metropolitan National Park, Panama Canal, Panama National Parks, Casco Viejo, Panama Beaches & Islands, Panama Reserves and Panama Wildlife Refuges.

The Amador Causeway is historically significant. It was made from the stones that were used in the erection of the Panama Canal. The Amador Causeway provides a breath taking view of the Panama Canal. To the entrance of the canal, one can spend hours in the Amador Causeway, watching the ships and ferries entering the canal and trailing under the Bridge of the Americas.

Flawless beauty and grace is all that defines Balboa Avenue. The streets and the alleys are filled with difference and style that draw the attention of numerous tourists. The Balboa Avenue has a widespread landscape stretching from the gateway of the historical village called the Casco Viejo, sprawling past the monument of the Vasco Nunez de Balboa and the Marbella district and finally ending the trail in the Punta Paitilla district. Adding to the beauty of Balboa Avenue is the excellent view offered by the grand contours of the Panama Bay, Casco Viejo and the Panama City skyline. The Balboa Avenue offers abundant things to do, especially in the luxurious malls, hotels, restaurants and parks. The night life in Balboa Avenue is fascinating with the night clubs, the bars and the restaurants.

The Bridge of the Americas is the result of increasing traffic pressure on the two small service bridges at the Gatun Locks and the Miraflores locks, the second having been constructed in the year 1942. These two service bridges were the only connection between the two ends of the Panama City and the North and South America. This gave rise to the requirement for a separate construction across the Pacific and the Bridge of the Americas was built in the year 1962 with the commencement of the American government. With an investment of US $20 million the bridge created an important milestone in American history and also contributed in enhancing the beauty of the country.

The Beaches at Panama are among the best in the world. Together with incredible beauty, the beaches of Panama also offer excellent accommodation facilities to the tourists. The landmarks of the Panama Beaches are White sand and crystal clear water. Bacos Del Toro and Isla Grande, which are important islands of Panama, are sanctified with a large number of beautiful beaches. Beaches from here are covered with coral sand. Tobago beaches are one of finest among the beaches in Panama. People can enjoy various activities like snorkeling, diving, sunbathing and windsurfing in the beaches of Tobago. There are 13 beaches in Contadora which make for excellent picnic spots. Another important detail about the Panama Beaches is that they offer different types of interesting activities to the tourists to participate in. For example, people can surf in beaches like El Palmar, Punta Barco, Rio Mar and Playa Venao.

In a country where the sun rises over the Pacific and sets in the Caribbean, Panama has some of the most accessible rainforests and high altitude cloud forest on earth. In Panama, even the most knowledgeable travelers can discover wonders of creation that open eyes and minds to a deeper understanding of incredible richness and infinite variety of wildlife Panama has to offer. One can find a wide range of tropical landscapes that are turning Panama into a major place for eco-adventure with a diversity of attractions available to rediscover the breath-taking harmony of nature: innocent, pure, inviting. In Panama will find more than 10.000 varieties of plants and more than 933 species of birds - more than can be found in all of North America and Europe combined - including, some of the rarest on Earth.

CONCLUSION

Panama is taking tough measures to protect and promote one of its best kept secrets: a national park and wildlife refuge system that is equal to or more extensive than any other in Central America. Currently 29 percent of Panama's total area is protected. There are altogether 15 parks, reserves and refuges, including five national parks within hours of Panama City.. Considering all this, Panama is an excellent holiday destination. One would not be disappointed after a visit to this beautiful country