If you are a fly fishing enthusiast then you probably spend time looking for new places to go participate in your sport. A lot of fly fishermen stay in the United States going to locales in Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska to try their hand. I would like to introduce you to a new world of fly fishing, the Caribbean.
In the heart of the Caribbean lies the island of Antigua with incredible coral reefs and beautiful crystal clear azure water which is filled with the likes of marlin, tuna, Wahoo, tarpon, and permit. Bonefish are a particular treat in Antigua and are a favorite of those who fly fish anywhere in the Caribbean. These fish have three times the stamina and strength of a comparably sized rainbow trout and will really test your tackle.
If you really want a treat have your guide take you out "jumping tarpon". Tarpon are one of the most magnificent fish of all to catch inshore. The giants often approach 200 pounds and are a spectacular sight to see when they begin leaping out of the water. I have seen these giants jump as many as eleven times once they feel the pressure of the hook. If you are a northern fisherman who has always fished for pike, the tarpon will make you forget all about them as their performance pales in comparison.
One great fly fishing spot in Antigua is the Codrington Lagoon. This twelve mile long strip with an almost endless pink sand beach is thriving with an abundance of all sorts of sea life. It is not as advanced as a lot of the other locations that have their own ports and marinas but the natural beauty of the area is overwhelming and will leave you breathless.
The topography of the area is friendly with a maximum elevation of only 125 feet and the waters are relatively shallow which makes them a perfect place for going after bonefish and tarpon that love the local flats. This is the perfect destination for those who like to get away from it all as it is very primitive and the area only has 1500 residents.
If you are the type who wants more creature comforts on your fly fishing trip you should consider the Falmouth Harbor Marina. It was specially built to accommodate large boats and has docking available for vessels with drafts of up to 20 inches. This marina which is located on the English Harbour main road has all the facilities of a resort town with shops, bars, and restaurants all in walking distance.
So there you have it, two completely different choices for fly fishing in Antigua. What are you waiting for? Go book a trip.
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The Maldives is a remarkable tropical destination, loved by all who visit. Read about the amazing beauty of the Maldives holiday islands and how time may be running out for this paradise in the Indian Ocean.
Paradise Found
When you step outside of the airport in Male you will be struck by the warmth of the air and the strength of the sun. You will likely want to take a cold drink in the shade of a nearby cafe as your transfer is organised and the bus is boarded. For those taking a seaplane transfer, the flight from Male to your island resort is the first treat of Maldives holidays, providing a special view of the country. From the air you can appreciate the way these sandy islets spring from the shallow sea, and see the shape of the atolls and reefs below the surface of the water.
The beaches here are miraculous. By wading out just a few metres into the water you can find fish swimming around your legs, so snorkelling here is a delight, too. It is usual for the Maldives resorts to stage feeding displays once a day. This gives you a chance to view the fish that live around the island as they scramble to gobble up what is dropped into the clear shallow water from the piers or wooden walkways.
One of the more outlandish fish you can see is the guitar fish, which is a species of ray. It has a square box head and body with a long slim tail so it resembles a guitar from above; however, from the side it is easily mistaken for a shark, having a similar silhouette. So a guitar fish may get your pulse racing if you see it while you are Scuba diving.
With clear, warm water and shallow sandy sea floors around the islands, Maldives holidays are excellent for learning to Scuba dive, and most Maldives resorts have their own diving schools. If you are PADI accredited, you can venture to the dive sites beyond the reef shelf. There you'll find the deeper water where the coral reefs are festooned with colourful and vibrant sea life. You might see turtles, eels, small sharks, and a dazzling array of brightly decorated tropical fish.
Paradise Lost?
The waters that make Maldives holidays so special may soon bring an end to the luxurious lifestyle here. The Maldives is famously one of the many beautiful locations in the world that are under threat owing to climate change. Amazingly, the highest point in the country is only about six feet above sea level, so as the oceans rise because of global warming, the islands are vulnerable to flooding.
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of the Maldives has talked about purchasing more land for his countrymen, worried that they will become refugees as the land is depleted in future decades. At the moment though, the country is a paradise, and the Maldives resorts are some of the finest in the world.
Time may be running out to take Maldives holidays in the lowest country in the world, and this impermanence makes these island gems seem even more precious, with the knowledge that in a few decades they could be sunken treasure.
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All inclusive holiday with Spa - Recommendation please?
We are looking for an all inclusive lie on the beach holiday for end October hopefully with a spa. Can't be adult only as this a mum/daughter (aged 14) trip! Just a week so we don't really want to be flying for too long although may consider Caribbean, Egypt, Oman, Dubai, etc. Want at least 4* resort I think - somewhere lovely for a real relaxing break for us both. Rapid response please.
this is a great website http://www.LouMarTravel.com to book your trip. I highly Recommend Punta Cana or Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Aruba also has some great resorts as well.
Whether you want to spend your days lounging on the sugar white beaches dotting its coastline, spend the afternoon in one of its many museums, dance the night away, get off the beaten track on an eco-tour, or simply relax in a café and sip a beer, Cuba has something to offer for everyone. Rich in culture, and inhabited by warm and friendly people, Cuba offers a safe holiday spot enjoyed by couples, seniors, families with children and adventurers alike.
Known as a culture rich in musical tradition, the hotels in Cuba offer access to numerous music houses where visitors can dance to Afro-Cuban rhythms, discover Cuban jazz, catch the cabaret at the Tropicana or take in Cuba's own "Son" music made famous in the days of Havana's social clubs. Whether in Havana, historic Camagüey or Santiago de Cuba (Cuba's musical heart), you will most assuredly see a musical performance in one of these cities' main squares or while touring one of many historic homes.
Many of Havana's hotels occupy beautifully restored colonial buildings where guests are surrounded by the charming Old World ambiance all the while enjoying a comfortable setting, equipped with all the modern conveniences. Just a short drive to the turquoise waters of Cuba's pristine beaches, get to know historic Havana on an open bus tour of the city. Departing from Parque Central tours begin at 9 a.m. and run through 6:30 p.m. Take a break from the Caribbean sun at one of Old Havana's taverns which inhabit the city's Historic Centre. Here you'll find refreshing home-brewed beers served with delicious, affordable meals as you take in the 18th century architecture surrounding you. After a break, take a stroll and discover the remnants of the Havana Wall originally built in the 1600s to ward off pirates.
Paris is not the only city Ernest Hemingway called home. In the 1930s the author made Havana his home and wrote several of his famous works in the bars, cafes and small hotel rooms here. Some locations feature small museums dedicated to Papa. The more famous Ernest Hemingway Museum can be found just outside the city. Finca La Vigia is the villa Hemingway bought in 1939 and resided in until 1950. Visitors can tour outside the structure where they may come across a descendant of one of Papa's six-toed cats which inhabit the property, currently under renovation.
Looking for Spanish colonial architecture, historic churches and museums? Travel to Trinidad's colonial streets. Nature and adventure more your style? Travel west of Havana to Sierra del Rosario for Cuba's newest offering, an exciting canopy tour of this environment rich with wildlife indigenous to the island.
Cuba's rainy season runs from May to October. Hurricanes are common in September and October. So, plan your visit from November through April for the ultimate experience.
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Where in the Caribbean has the best weather in September/October?
I really want to go there for my honeymoon, but don't want much rain while Im there....
any suggestions?
Most the Caribbean has great weather year-round. However, September/October is the last couple months of the hurricane season...to avoid bad weather try one of the islands closer to the south of the Caribbean like Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, or one of those out of the hurricane zone altogether like Bahamas.
The entire Caribbean may be affected by hurricanes, the islands mentioned are just those least affected.
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Our Hawaii Vacation series continues with the island of Kauai, the fourth and final island described in this series.
This tiny island has an incredible variety of landscapes. Sculpted over six million years by the forces of nature, its spectacular scenery ranges from the Na Pali cliffs on the North Shore to the dramatic Waimea Canyon. Kaui's slower pace seems best-suited to a quiet family vacation or a rugged outdoors adventure.
The oldest and northern most of the four major Hawaiian Islands, Kauai covers only 553 square miles, is a distinctive, "round-shaped" island with a population of 51,000 residents.
Much like the other Hawaiian islands, the warmest and coolest months differ only by 8 degrees or so. The ocean temperature is remarkably consistent, hovering between 72 to 76 degrees all year long.
Kauai is known as "The Garden Island" because of its high population of plant life. The rainforest climate is the wettest of the Hawaiian Islands, and Mt. Wai'ale'ale is the wettest
spot on EARTH!
The island's people are among the friendliest in the country according to an annual poll of vacationers. Two of Kauai's resorts--the Hyatt and the Princeville Resort--are consistently rated in the top twenty tropical resorts in one popular travel magazine.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (Formerly Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort & Spa) is located on the sunny side of the island. With 602 rooms, 4 tennis courts, golf course, 5 restaurants, cocktail lounges, child care, multiple pools and health spas, this is a luxury resort.
The Pinceville Resort Kauai is located on Kauai's north shore. This is a premier resort, and is always on the top of the Kauai accomodation list. Puu Poa Beach is a few steps from the main lawn, and the Princeville Golf Club, considered one of the best courses in Hawaii, sits nearby on 390 acres with ocean views from every hole.
However, it is the rugged beauty and the opportunity for adventure that attracts many people to the island. If you dream of hiking or kayaking in a beautiful tropical environment, Kauai is a great choice.
The southern and western shores have long, white beaches. And there are the majestic, sweeping valleys, such as the Kalalau Valley on the Na Pali Coast.
The most notable and well-known scenery includes the Waimea Canyon and the breathtaking cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Waimea Canyon--aptly named the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"--and Koke'e State Park, in Lihue, are open year-round. The canyon stretches 10 miles from Captain James Cook's famous landing site--in 1778--to Koke'e State Park.
This canyon has been the site for a number of movies including Jurasic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark. In fact, more than two dozen Hollywood movies have been filmed on Kauai!
Hiking trails in the park offer unbelievable views of the canyon and lush "forest" environment. The canyon itself is also accessible for hiking, fishing and camping.
Kauai's Na Pali Coast cliffs, are pure, rugged beauty, featuring deep, narrow valleys ending sharply at the sea. Waterfalls, swift-flowing streams, and extensive stone-walled terraces remain on the valley bottoms where ancient, native Hawaiians once lived.
The 11-mile Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the coast. The trail crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys, then drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau.
But much of the island can be see only by air. To see Kauai by helicopter is like nothing else in the world, with its remote waterfalls, hidden canyons and uninhabited valleys.
The majestic Napali coast provides the opportunity for some world-class snorkeling. No other place in Hawaii offers such unique formations as those on Niihau, shaped by ocean currents and waves for those 6 million years! On your list of Hawaii vacations, Kauai is a place to enjoy
whether for a family vacation or adventure on land or sea.
Here are a few of the best of Kauai's beaches: Hanalei Bay Beach is a perfect semi-circle of white sand on shimmering tropical waters with a backdrop of 4,000-foot waterfalls. It is often described as not only the most beautiful Kauai beach, but also the most beautiful in Hawaii. The beach is about 125 feet wide and framed by the Waipa River to the west and the Hanalei River to the east, on Kauai's north shore. The bottom slopes gradually down, making it a wonderful beach for youngsters, and there are large coral reefs at both ends of the bay.
Haena Beach, with its grainy yellow sand and limpid waters set off by emerald cliffs, has appeared as the stereotypical tropical strand in many Hollywood films. Summer months offer excellent swimming and snorkeling. However,winter produces big waves that are fun for surfers but dangerous for everyone else.
Tunnels Beach is the superb snorkeling spot on the North Shore. The two-mile-long Kauai beach runs from Hanalei Colony Resort to Ha'ena Beach Park. The center portion has a huge half-moon shaped reef just offshore where snorkelers can encounter eels, turtles, and other colorful sea creatures. Excellent in summer, Tunnels Beach has large waves in winter that can make it dangerous to swim.
Shipwreck Beach on the South Shore is a body surfer's heaven. This Kauai beach on Keoneloa Bay is one of the largest expanses of beach in the Poipu area. During much of the year, Shipwreck Beach is better suited for strong swimmers and surfers. This is due to the powerful and potentially dangerous waves, which break close to shore.
Whether you favor a quiet and relaxing time at a resort, or an oudoor adventure in a tropical paradise, the island of Kauai is a good choice.
I hope you have enjoyed this series and that you will soon be able to enjoy your own Hawaii vacation. Considering all that these islands have to offer, the hardest part may be choosing where to start. Just remember, you won't see everything in one trip, so do your planning with this in mind and you will likely be a happier traveller.
If you are looking for a forgotten, hidden gem in the south, South Carolina is it. Romantic destinations in South Carolina take you back to another intimate time that only the Deep South can offer.
One of the smallest states in the Southern United States, South Carolina was one of the original thirteen colonies of America. This gem of the South has many different areas within its terrain to explore, from the sea level Lowcountry to the high elevation of Sassafras Mountain. The Blue Ridge Mountains are partially located in South Carolina, as are many historical sites from battles that took place during the Civil War. Known for its warm, humid climate, this state is a perfect place to take a vacation during the cold winter months. Romantic destinations in South Carolina can definitely help to chase away the winter blues.
Charleston, South Carolina is the state's capital region, and many different attractions and amusements are centered in this area. A historic region, the Charleston area is also home to bed and breakfasts and inns that are happy to make your dreams of a romantic stay a reality. One such inn is the Palmer's Pinckney Inn, located within the historic Market district of Charleston. Within walking distance to many different quaint shops and restaurants, this inn offers guests the charm and hospitality of a Southern home.
There are five different guest rooms located at the Palmer's Pinckney Inn, with two of the rooms including two person Jacuzzis. Each room is distinctly decorated, with themes ranging from the Parisian Room to the Bombay Room. Breakfast is served each morning and is continental in nature (including baked goods and fruit juices), or guests can choose to dine on a full breakfast at the owner's other establishment nearby, the Palmer House. You can also choose to make your stay here truly special by adding one of the Inn's romance packages. These include such amenities as a gift certificate for dinner, champagne and chocolates in your room, a full breakfast and afternoon snacks at the Palmer House.
The Inn at Middleton Place, also located in Charleston, is an award winning establishment that makes for simply breathtaking romantic destinations in South Carolina. Located on 65 perfectly landscaped acres of property, this 53 room inn offers accommodations on a larger scale than most bed and breakfasts, but also includes the pampering touches you've come to expect in a b and b. In room refrigerators, bathtubs for two and complimentary gift baskets are all amenities included with your stay here, as well as a large Southern breakfast and afternoon cocktail hour.
Staying in South Carolina for your next romantic trip is a good way to enjoy all the South has to offer, as well as a way to leave colder climates behind for the warmth of the area.
Cruising is considered one of the luxurious vacation treats you can have on your own and with your family. Sailing on a cruise ship to majestic, wonderful and peaceful destinations is perfect for a vacation. Variety of cruise lines offer different cruise packages both to rich and average clients.
If you are considering a cruise vacation, then you might want to take the option of sailing with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. They offer great vacations with a wide variety of options for you. They are definitely one of the most reputable cruise lines in the industry today and the amenities that they are providing to their passengers on-board the ship are all rated first-class.
If you are unfamiliar with these cruise lines, you might think that its cruise ships are only sailing to the Caribbean. Although they also include the Caribbean in their cruise itineraries, they also sail to different locations like Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, the Panama Canal, and the transatlantic destinations as well.
They also have great tours, which includes an escorted land tour that happens before or after your cruise. It is done with a first-class motor coach or train and gives you an option whether you want to see more of the country to which you are traveling to.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is operated by the Royal Caribbean International which is based in Miami, Florida. It has more than 19 cruise ships in service. All their ships have names ending in "of the Seas".
Each of their ship includes the signature top-of-ship lounge known as Viking Crown Lounge which offers you a panoramic ocean view. It also has a program called Adventure Ocean that is created and intended for kids on-board.
So what are the best deals that they offer to their passengers? First are the informative lectures and advice about your destination and the cruise ship itself. You will be toured around the cruise ship where you will find lots of amenities on-board such as on-board Casino and ice skating rinks. You will not be missing your classic Roulette game in Las Vegas.
What about relaxing? There is an on-board massage center and spa that will keep your body relaxed. There is also an acupuncture center, where you can experience the Chinese style of healing and massaging.
As mentioned earlier there's also an Adventure Ocean Youth Program for your kids. It includes Aqua Tots for toddlers and Fisher-Price Aqua babies. There is a children-friendly rock-climbing wall that will surely make your children happy plus they will be pre-occupied by their own activities while you are on a land tour.
Cruising for disabled or elderly persons is not a problem. Their cruise ships are designed to cater to all the needs of aged or mobility-impaired passengers. Cruise ship staffs are also trained and ready to attend to their needs as well. There are also qualified medical services for everybody on-board, which includes an emergency clinic with CPR equipment placed on all of their ships. This is staffed by an English-speaking doctor and nurses to take care of your safety.
Dining activities are also a major attraction when you go on-board. They offer a wide variety of delicacies- Southern, Italian, European-these can be found in their dining facilities, either in the cafeteria or in the main dining area on-board.
All you have to do is to make a booking for a cruise is simply log on to travel agents online and ask them to book you on a cruise. They are offering discounts on varying instances and amazing specials designed to fill up empty spaces on the ships all the time. Whether you book early or late, there are great deals reserved for you on every destination that you will choose to go to.
With all these pleasant and first-class services and affordable prices, there is no reason for you not to include the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines on your next cruising vacation.
We are going on our cruise in Dec. Majesty of the Sea is the ship. I was wondering the dress code? Anything will be helpful. How short for shorts? what about tops can it be tank tops? What type of bathing suit? (1 piece or 2) What to wear during the day? What to wear in the evening? For formal night what type of dress? Short or Long? Straps or strapless? Can it be velvet? Thanks
I have been on many RC ships among my many cruises. Here's what to expect.
The dress on ship is casual all day until 6:00PM. So take swim wear, shorts, sandals, beach shoes, your snorkel equipment if you have it, sun glasses and sun screen, lotions, a cap or big hat for the sun, a book if you are a reader, your music player, sneakers and clothes to workout in if you like to use the gym, your camera, and other personal toiletries. Swim wear can be bikini to 2 pieces, there are no rules on shorts and tank tops are OK too. The only rule is they want you covered, a "T" shirt or wrap, when you are headed to the pool/hot tubs in swim wear. And, no swim wear at any time in the dining room or the buffet (Swim wear is OK in the buffet if its covered and you have shoes/flip flops OK on your feet.
After 6:00 PM they request that you wear "sports casual" attire. That's attire that you would expect a person to wear in a business office, shirt with a collar, slacks, skirt, blouse, etc. You can still wear shorts and swim wear in the pools and spas but not in public areas like dining rooms and restaurants, show rooms, bars, casino, etc.
Most 7-day cruises have two formal nights when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the ship’s Captain. The formal nights are REQUESTED not required attire. But most people do dress up in a tux for men and a long dress (any color) for women. Some men just wear a suit and tie and some women wear a nice dress but not a gown; long or short is OK. You will not be denied access to the dining room or anything else if you choose not to dress up. (we usually take off the formal stuff after dinner and pictures anyway).
Some other tips for cruising:
Its best to pack using soft-sided luggage because with space limited in your cabin it fits under the beds better if its not hard sided luggage. Take a small carry-on bag for the last night of the cruise. On the last evening you will be required to put your luggage outside your cabin by about 2:00 AM so that they can start taking it down to the lower deck for offloading the next morning. So you will need a small bag for your toiletries and and your clothes that you sleep in.
-Join the cruise club so that the cruise line will send you their specials and so that you can get discounts on future cruises with them. The discount will typically be $50 to $100 per person. If you will be celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday during the cruise, be sure to tell them, they will do special stuff for that.
- Cruise lines charge a lot for the photos they take so take your own photos around the ship when you get the chance, especially on the formal nights. Ask other passengers to take photos for you, they generally are very willing.
-Review the listing of tours offered on your cruise and decide whether you want to pay for a tour or go on your own. On most Caribbean islands you can get a taxi or tour in port for much less than the cruise ship tours. HOWEVER, the one big advantage of going on ship sponsored tours is THE SHIP WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU if your ship sponsored tour is late getting back to the ship. If you will be in a port for 12 to 16 hours you are probably safe to go on your own for most anything. But if you are only there for six to eight hours you may want to stay close to the ship or go on the ship tours.
- Take a 6-pack of water and/or soft drinks in your carry on for your cabin.
- take a cup or mug with a lid for cold drinks when you are around the pool, most plastic glasses on cruise ships are small.
- take a small bottle of hand sanitizer; the ship usually has a big dispenser at the entrance of eating places, but carry your own and use it.
- take an extension cord for charging your camera, music player and for anything else you need to plug in. The cabin will have a plug but not in the best places.
When a town receives the sobriquet Ski Town, USA, the rage of its winter thrill becomes very evident. Steamboat Springs, which up until the nineteenth century was nothing more than a trapping and ranching community, inconsequential on the map of the known world, has today transformed into the foremost skiing destination worldwide.
Much before skiing became an Olympic sport; skis were used in Steamboat Springs as a mode of transport across the snow. It seems that skiing is almost in the blood of the locals and the city has churned out more skiing champions than any other region in North America. As a town dedicated to the winter sport, it is obvious that Steamboat Springs offers all imaginable service to its visitors who come for an experience in the snow. Skiing can be an expensive form of recreation and Steamboat Springs ski packages are perhaps the most economical options available.
A package tour, as the names suggests, is a deal neatly wrapped up in organized schedules that squeezes in every ounce of enjoyment possible. A ski package is designed to make every travel arrangement for the travelers and leave them free to have all the fun they can. Travel agencies organize everything, including transport facilities from the departure point, accommodations at Steamboat and the things that are to be done on the trip. The transport facilities cover nearly every city but some travelers might have to make it to a pick-up city on their own. Most hotels and resorts in Steamboat cater to visitors on travel packages and have reservations for travel agencies all year round. The agencies generally let travelers pick their desired accommodations for a specified list prior to departure.
Perhaps the most debatable aspect of Steamboat Ski packages is that the have a pre-determined skiing schedule, often created without the consent of the travelers. The ski lift tickets and the slope usage fees are usually paid before arrival and the booking cannot be cancelled or transferred. Also, the trails and slopes are pre-picked and the hours spent on each are limited, As a result, travelers have to ski when they are told to, where they are told to and for how long they are told to and not otherwise.
As one of the UK's most popular family holiday destinations, Devon provides many family attractions. Some are farm based, some are adventure based, some are quirky, and some are huge attractions that cater to all age groups. As a Devon native, I've visited many, and these are my favourite family attractions for visiting with toddlers.
1) Living Coasts, Torquay
This coastal zoo's small size makes it well suited for a half day visit, and ideal for a toddler's attention span, as well as older children. Designed for sea birds and coastal wildlife, it has penguins, which are always popular!
2) Haldon Forest Park, Kennford (south west of Exeter)
Haldon Forest Park has a family play trail with a playground (best for slightly older children) at the beginning, little wooden buildings, playgrounds and sculptures dotted around in the middle, and giant wooden musical instruments for the children to play with at the other end.
The trail itself is quite long, making 2 - 3 hours' walk with small children, so bring outdoor clothes, plenty of supplies and a sturdy pushchair if you're planning to walk the whole way round.
3) World of Country Life, Exmouth
World of Country Life is big enough for a whole day out, and has many indoor and outdoor play areas suitable for toddlers, including outdoor playgrounds and play houses, and indoor soft play areas for different age groups, with ball pits and ride on toys for the little ones. They also have areas with farm animals and pets, and a mini train ride to feed llamas.
4) National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
The National Marine Aquarium is built on several floors, and you start at the top, where there is a children's soft play area and cafe (be warned - if you've paid to get in, you might want to whizz through that part and leave it till after-wards!)
The top floor is aimed more at older children, but the next one down has a tank for coastal animals and plants along one side of a room, at just at the right level for toddlers to look into, with a rock pool area in the middle. You'll need to lift up toddlers to look in the tanks along the next corridor, but around the corner there is a huge two storey room with a fish tank taking up the whole wall, and model whales overhead.
Corridors from this room lead to the shark exhibit, the coral reefs exhibit, and of course the lift, which has buttons to push and a colour-changing waterfall - probably at least as interesting to toddlers as the fish themselves!
5) Beer Pecorama
Beer Pecorama has rides on little trains - need I say more! Toddlers will have fun exploring all the hidden pathways, and you'll find it also has some very pleasant walled garden areas, outdoor playgrounds, an indoor area with model trains, and a stage area for children's entertainment.
Given the many excellent family attractions provided in Devon, I know this list is nowhere near complete, but I hope it might be a good starting point for those with very young children. Devon can be a great family holiday destination for all ages, so if you're planning a family holiday in Devon, I hope you and your toddlers have lots of fun there!
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Best caribbean vacation for 2 adults plus a 3 year old.?
I have been researching trips for my family, and just wanted some advise from people who have traveled with toddlers to the caribbean. What would be the best destination to keep our toddler happy, but also enjoy ourselves? Thanks...
Also, do all 3 of us need passports now?
Barbados .
It's extremely scenic and quieter as a country !
And I went twice when I was 6 with 2 other siblings my age and 3 adults .
Here's a Video about best caribbean vacations for toddlers:
The geography and climate of the Caribbean are as varied as the culture and demographics of its inhabitants. Typically warm and forgiving weather is an additional incentive for tourists. The variety of the Caribbean region leads to significant land forms and a surprising variety of climatic conditions.
The Caribbean consists primarily of the archipelago of islands from Bermuda and the Bahamas to Trinidad and the Dutch Antilles. In a geo-political sense, the Caribbean also includes Belize, Suriname and French Guyana - countries that are located in Central and South America.
For a region that lacks glaciers, tors and inselbergs, the landscapes of Caribbean countries are enough to whet the appetite of an avid geography enthusiast. The most notable are:
Volcanoes
As a region whose formation was influenced by volcanic activity, the Caribbean has a number of active volcanoes. Soufriere immediately comes to mind, as it is a name associated with a number of volcanoes in the Caribbean, including Montserrat's notorious Mt. Soufriere. Volcanoes are also present in St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada (Kick-'em-Jenny being one) and other islands. Even Trinidad has active mud volcanoes.
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
Mountain ranges exist, in Cuba, Belize, Hispaniola, Jamaica and even smaller islands like Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and Dominica. Historians state that Trinidad got its name from Columbus' sighting of three hills (Trinity hills). Some other notable mountains and mountain ranges in the Caribbean include the Northern Range (Trinidad), Mount Gimie (St. Lucia), Blue Mountains (Jamaica) and Morne Diablotins (Dominica).
Waterfalls
The largest (not tallest) single-drop waterfall in the world is the Kaieteur Falls in Guyana. Its combination of height and water volume makes it the most powerful waterfall in the world. Most Caribbean countries (small as they are) have multiple waterfalls. Many waterfalls are found in mountainous regions across the Caribbean like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and several smaller islands like St. Lucia and Grenada- to name a couple.
Rainforest
While rainforests are normally associated with the humid regions of South America, there are a few of them as far up the island chain as Jamaica and Dominica. These rainforests facilitate great hiking experiences and they offer surreal lush green surroundings. The existence of exotic flora and fauna is also attributed to the presence of rainforests in the Caribbean.
Swamps
If you wish to see a pretty Scarlet Ibis, colourful Toucans or the water-fond manatee, there are Caribbean swamps- especially in Trinidad that can satisfy your desire. Be careful to avoid the caiman- a reptile that is a smaller relative of the crocodile. Notable swamps include the Nariva Swamp and Caroni swamp.
Beaches and coral reefs
Beaches are notable not only for the white-sand and multi-coloured water, but the prevalence of the coral reefs on many islands. Coral reefs are major geographical features in the Caribbean. Apart from the marine biodiversity encouraged - they are a major tourist attraction. The Buccoo reef in Tobago is a popular attraction, where tourists can get a close-up view of the shallow reef.
Sand bars also make some of the Caribbean beaches very interesting. The long sand bar at Pigeon point causes the waves to appear to break a couple hundred metres away from the shore. Other geographical features of some parts of the Caribbean include deserts, miniature islands, caves, bays and inlets.
Climate
The existence of some of these geographical features is related to the climate of the Caribbean. The Caribbean doesn't have four seasons. The Caribbean climate is typically warm and humid, with dry and wet seasons. The dry season spans from January to May, while the wet season spans from June to December.
Some parts of the Caribbean - like Margarita and the Dutch Antilles - experience semi-arid conditions that lead to the formation of deserts. Cloud cover is generally sparse or absent in these areas for many parts of the year as well. The climate of Trinidad - as the southernmost Caribbean island - is similar to that of Guyana with a very prominent "rainy season" and high humidity.
The rest of the islands experience marginally higher temperatures with seasonal rainfall that is influenced by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The ITCZ sometimes yields torrential rainfall for days on end in the Caribbean. Beyond Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Antilles, the Caribbean islands lie within the hurricane belt. The "hurricane season" starts in June and ends in November. Tropical storms are also the norm in this period.
The range of temperatures in the Caribbean is not extreme. The average temperature (night and day) across all of the Caribbean countries is about 28 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature on average is 22 degrees Celsius (71.6 Fahrenheit). The highest temperature is about 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 degrees Fahrenheit). In the latter part of the year, when the days are shorter, the diurnal range is even smaller (23 degrees to 32 degrees). Naturally, mountainous regions are cooler (because of the higher altitude) and the Windward Islands are cooler than the Leeward Islands.
This is by no means a comprehensive overview of the diversity of the Caribbean region. After all the Caribbean region has many different sub-regions with different climatic and geographical influences. To experience the true diversity of the region, it is advisable to do some island-hopping.
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Here's a Video about soufriere hills volcano on caribbean island montserrat:
Montserrat: Emerald of the Caribbean (Part 7 of 9)
The best way for a "first timer" to get a feel for the Hawaiian Islands is to take a cruise.. You get a small amount of time on each island, but, you also get to decide where you would like to come back and visit. Almost all of the larger cruise lines go to other places, along with Hawaii. Only Hawaii Nautical and Norwegian Cruise Lines offer Hawaiian Island only cruises.
Cruising is a fun way to see anything! On the ship they have legal gambling on the open seas, entertainment, and a tour guides with sign ups for fun things to do on the islands. To save money, book your own land excursions. Booking early, before you leave on your cruise, is the best way to ensure you are able to get the excursions you want! Check with the cruise lines for deals on golfing. Sometimes they can negotiate a better golf rate than you can. You don't have to go on any excursions. Simply ask the cruise director to point you to some of the best beaches or shopping. They will be happy to assist you!
You need to pick an itinerary first. Next, choose your ship. Every cruise line has its own style that appeals to different vacationers. Use an experienced travel agent to help you find the cruise line that fits you best.
Royal Caribbean offers cruises that stop in Maui, Oahu and the Big Island. Royal Caribbean is known for being all things to all people. They offer more land excursions than any other cruise line.
Holland America is known for service and elegance. Their ships go to Maui, Hawaii, Kauai and Oahu.
Princess Cruises are known for being luxurious. They also go to Maui, Hawaii, Kauai and Oahu. They might be pricier, but they are worth it!
Celebrity Cruises are more detailed. They are not as family friendly as other cruise lines. However, their service and attention to detail make them a highly desirable company. Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, and Oahu are covered on their trips.
Carnival "fun ships" have a great itinerary for families as well as adults only. They offer many activities to do onboard and off. Maui, Hawaii, Oahu, and Kauai are stopping points for these ships.
Hawaii Nautical offers cruises on their catamarans, yachts, and sailboats. Of course, you will pay more, but this is for a private cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Lines is basically the only company that offers inter-island cruises. They go to Maui, Oahu, Hawaii, and Kauai.
Once you have picked your ship and cruising adventures, go out and have a great vacation!
My husband and I are wanting to take a cruise in the caribbean. What islands should we visit?
Your best bet is to take a cruise from San Juan. From there, you can get a great presentation of the other islands in a week-long cruise. I did a Royal Caribbean cruise from there that went to St Thomas, St Maarten, Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados. Each island had its own charm.
Here's a Video about caribbean island cruises:
The Lonely Island - I'm On A Boat ft. T-Pain - Cruise Ship Version - Caribbean 2010
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