Formerly known as St. Christopher, many regard this island as the jewel of the Caribbean. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, during Columbus's second voyage to the new world. He named it Saint Joerges, however, due to inaccuracies in maps at the time, naming islands was extremely difficult. The island became Saint Christobel, (Columbus's patron saint) and later changed to Saint Christopher.

In 1623, Englishman Thomas Warner landed on the island and claimed it for England. Establishing a colony there a year later it became the first British Territory in the West Indies. In 1625, a French ship, badly in need of repair after encountering the Spanish Armada, appeared in the harbor. After taking pity on them Warner allowed them to land in St. Kitts. This made St. Kitts the first French Colony in the Caribbean.

Being one of the Leeward Islands it is situated about 1300 miles southeast of Miami Florida. With a population of about 35, 000, the tiny island is only about 18 miles long and 5 miles wide.

As with many other Caribbean Islands, St. Kitts has a long history of being occupied by several different Indian tribes and European countries. Sugar cane and tobacco were the principle sources of income in the past, in the present day, however, tourism is the current staple.

St. Kitts is the home of Brimstone Hill Fortress, the largest fortress ever built in the Eastern Caribbean. St. Kitts is also the site of Warner Park Cricket Stadium where the 2007 World Cup matches were held. This distinction makes it the smallest nation to ever host a World Cup Event.

In 1967 St. Kitts along with it's sister Island Nevis, became an associated state of Great Britain and became fully independent while gaining full nation status in 1983.

St. Kitts has much to offer the visitor, with it's intriguing coves, hiking paths, dramatic vistas, palm lined beaches, there is little time left to visit Brimstone Hill Fortress, Romney Manor, Mt. Liamuiga, and the many other attractions.

If traveling to the island via cruise ship, book your tours early, the island railway, which was built to haul sugar cane from the fields to the processing plant, "is "a must do. " It's function in today's world is to transport visitors around the various scenic spots on the island, it does sell out early, so put this on your list of things to do and book on line before you leave home.

Whatever you decide to experience while there will make your stay an enjoyable experience and will leave you wanting to come back for more.

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Do I need a passport to go on a cruise to the Caribbean Islands?

Also what country owns the Caribbean Islands?

You do NOT necessarily need one. If you are leaving from a US port you do not need one to cruise to the Caribbean islands. On entering the ship they will issue you with a ship pass which you are going to use to leave the ship, re-enter the ship, return through the ports and for purchases on the ship. You can also use your pass to shop duty free in the different islands. This same pass is like a credit card on the ship since your credit card will be linked to is so that is what you will use on the ship for entry into the restaurants as well as for entering your cabin.

Nevertheless, it is advisable to have a copy of your passport to take with you on the islands.

The British Virgin Islands (Tortola included) are owned by the British, US Virgin Islands are of the US, Martinique and Guadeloupe are owned by the French and Puerto Rico is a territory of the US. Places like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados among others are all independent islands.

As of June 1, if you do not have a passport for cruise travel yoiu can still use a pass card or other form of ID.

Read this carefully so that you can see you could use an approved document. You will NOT be able to use oral declaration. Also check the link below.

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL

The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

* CURRENTLY:
All U.S. citizens must show proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the countries of the Caribbean by land or sea.

Acceptable documents include: U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. citizens who do not have a single document verifying identity and citizenship must present both an identification and citizenship document; for example, a driver’s license and a copy of a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

* LATER:
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

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Caribbean Island Hopping on No Reservations

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Why is the United States wasting its time and money helping that island out in the Caribbean?

Cuz Obama isn't a sociopath... unlike you.

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If you have never traveled to the islands of the Caribbean you don't know what you're missing, it is truly paradise if such a place exists. The Caribbean Sea runs from South America up to the Gulf of Mexico and meets with the Atlantic Ocean on the East.

It is not surprising that it is the vacation destination of choice for North and South America with natural beauty rarely seen any where else on the planet. Some of the islands feature lush mountains lined with coconut trees and valleys filled with sugar cane and bananas but it is the beaches and the azure waters that bring people back time after time.

When you see how beautiful the Caribbean Islands are you will understand why the British, Spanish, and the French fought over them for centuries after the area was found by Columbus when he got lost trying to find a short cut to India. You will still find the influences of the former colonial dictatorships on St. Croix, Bermuda, Aruba, and other islands with a mixture of both the native cultures and the culture of the colonists who settled there.

There are well over fifty distinctive island vacation spots to choose from with some of them, like the Bahamas, having dozens of islands themselves. One thing is sure; you will never be cold in the Caribbean!

The island of New Providence in the Bahamas is sometimes called Nassau by mistake because that is where the capital of the Bahamas is located. This island, which is a short hop from the east coast of Florida, is home to the majority of Bahamians and is also an offshore financial center with millions of dollars being invested and sheltered there. There is also of course, the famous shopping on Bay Street and the little side streets nearby. Be sure to take in the flavor of the local music as well, which is as famous as the azure waters around the islands.

Another top choice in the Bahamas is Eleuthera, one of the outermost islands and also one of the least developed. If it is your goal to go to a beautiful place that is sparsely populated and a little more primitive, this would be my suggestion. Eleuthera has little night life to speak of, unless you consider the little bar, Elvira's where Lenny Kravitz is known to hang out sometimes. Lenny owns a house there, his mom is Bahamian.

Almost anyplace you stay will be walking distance to the beach and the different areas of the island are so diverse you would probably have to make several trips to be able to appreciate them all. We stayed for a month and still didn't get to see everything we wanted. You will definitely want a rental car though because the taxi service is unreliable at best and there is no public transportation. Picking up hitch hikers is an everyday occurrence and a fun way to integrate into the culture.

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Tours of Jamaica with JamaicaMAX.com

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Geography help needed. Pretty easy?

Let me first say that I am not asking you to do my homework. I am completing a study guide for finals tomorrow, and I HAVE LOOKED. I just can't find the answers to these questions. Thanks so much

Where do monsoons occur and how can they be deadly?
What are the 3 island groups of the Caribbean?
What type of government is there in the USA?

Monsoons occur in Arizona also (Seriously!)

Bahamas (to the north)
The Bahamas consist of over 3,000 individual islands and reefs.
The most popular of these islands are Nassau and Freeport.

Greater Antilles (centrally)
Cuba
Jamaica
Puerto Rico
Hispaniola
Haiti (occupies roughly 1/3 of the island)
Dominican Republic (occupies the balance)

Lesser Antilles (southeast) – divided into two groups

Leeward Island
Antigua and Barbuda
St. Kitts and Nevis
British Virgin Islands – about 50 (mostly uninhabited)
Anegada
Tortola
Virgin Gorda
Anguilla
Montserrat

Windward Islands
Dominica
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Grenada
Barbados

And yes, the USA is a democracy

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St Lucia guide

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Boat people trying to enter the U.S. come from the island of ____________ in the Caribbean.?

Choose the best answer from the options below:
A Martinique

B Puerto Rico

C The Bahamas

D Haiti

The answer is D which is Haiti. That is the only logical explanation.

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The Sexy Singing Dentist sings on the French Caribbean island of Martinique!

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Which Caribbean Country?

It :
Situated between the 2 French island of guadeloupe and Martnique and located 15 32' N and 61 18' W
Was Rated # 2 for 2007 for best scuba diving destination in the atlantic by the reader's choice awards
Branded as the Whale Watching Capital of The caribbean
Has 365 Rivers
2nd largest boiling lake in the world-Largest of its kind and only one in the western hemisphere
Has the highest % of area covered under natural vegetation
Only windward island with an existing Carib Indian Village
Has the Carib Indian Name "Waitikubuli" and Arawak name "Kairi"
Uncountable waterfalls some being discovered to this day
The Last Caribbean Country to be colonised

Dominica

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Virtual Dive: Shark Feeding (Grand Bahama Island)(www.AquaSportsInc.com)

Vacationing with your kids sounds like a great idea to create more meaningful family memories and engage in activities that can increase the amount of quality time you spend together. But in reality, finding a venue that keeps kids engaged and active - and lets parents enjoy the vacation experience, too - can be daunting.

Fortunately, today's cruise lines offer a wealth of vacation opportunities for families of all sizes, and for kids of all ages, from distracted and energetic preschoolers to hard to please teens. With a predictable pricing structure, exciting on-board activities, and unique shore excursions, cruise lines that cater to families and their individual and group needs abound.

Whether your child loves art, lives for video games, or enjoys movies, videos and music, there's something for everyone on today's cruise lines. Onboard swimming pools and other activities keep kids engaged - many cruise lines even offer water parks, surf pools and rock climbing activities, all without leaving the comfort of the ship.

Cruise lines that cater to families also offer a variety of food and drinks, and usually have flexible dining schedules and all-inclusive package deals that keep kids satisfied without emptying mom and dad's wallet. In addition, many kids' activities are supervised, age-regulated, and for kids only - meaning mom and dad are free to enjoy other activities while knowing their kids are being cared for and watched over.

For these reasons - and a lot more - many families are turning to cruises when planning their family vacations. If you think a cruise could be ideal for you and your family, consider the following tips when selecting and booking your cruise.

Check the Cabin Layout

Some cruises offer large rooms that can accommodate up to five or six people, while others offer adjoining rooms, allowing both kids and parents a modicum of privacy. If you're traveling with teens, ask your travel agent about cruise lines that offer discounts on separate rooms for them. Many cruise lines today are offering family suites, which feature sleeping rooms and a common living room area, all in one suite layout.

Ask about Cruise Lines that Are Specifically for Families

While Disney Cruises may be best known for catering to younger kids, Royal Caribbean and Carnival go all out to please kids of all ages, especially teens, with Internet cafes, dance clubs and video game arcades that encourage socializing. Other cruise lines may be less well known for their family themes, but may still offer a strong component of family activities, and may also feature specific cruises featuring family-themed fun and activities. A travel agent with strong cruise connections can be an invaluable resource here.

Find the Right Travel Agent

Speaking of travel agents, be sure to choose one that is familiar with family cruises and all they can offer. You want to choose an agent or agency - online or in person - that can find you deals specifically tailored to the entertainment needs - and budget needs - of your family. Choose an agent that is well established and has a good reputation among travelers.

If you're working on expanding your family - that is, if you're pregnant - ask about medical restrictions. Many cruises will not book to parties including a woman in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Also, be sure to ask you agent if your kids need a photo ID? Even if it isn't required, it can be a good idea. Also be sure to have proper identification for all members of your family for international border crossings.

Ask about Cancellation Policies

Unfortunately, kids are prone to illness and injury, and it may be that just as you and your family are packing to go on a fabulous cruise, your son or daughter breaks out in chicken pox. Be sure to ask your travel agent about possible cancellation penalty fees, and consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance (your travel agent can help you get the best rates for this invaluable service, too).

Research the Fees

Unexpected or inflated costs and fees are one of the prime factors parents worry about when embarking on a traditional land vacation. Many cruises offer all-inclusive - or nearly all-inclusive - package deals that take the financial worry out of the picture, and are one of the major reasons why cruises have become so popular among families in recent years. Ask about what's included in the cost of your cruise, and be sure to ask about tipping policies. Some cruises include gratuities, and some do not.

With a full array of on-board activities and shore excursions, coupled with predictable pricing and exciting experiences for all, it's no wonder cruises have grown to become one of the most popular vacation options among families today. A little preplanning and an understanding of the options available to you and your family will ensure your cruise is the best it can be.

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If you have a long holiday to Bali then a little escape will make your holiday even more memorable. The best option for this purpose is Lombok. Separated from Bali with a strait, Lombok is comfortably reachable in a short trip that makes even an overnight escape worth it. I would suggest at least two nights though.

Covered by the shadow of Bali, Lombok is less developed and therefore less crowded compared to Bali, however, it term of holiday facilities, it has anything needed including five-star resort hotels. And in term of holiday attractions, there are no less attractive than Bali.

If Bali has Kuta and Sanur, Lombok has Kuta and Senggigi. If Bali has Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Ceningan, Lombok has Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. If Bali has Bedugul, Lombok has Puncak Pusuk. If Bali has Mount Agung, Lombok has Mount Rinjani. If Bali has Gitgit Waterfall, Lombok has Sindang Gile, If Bali has ayam betutu, Lombok has ayam taliwang.

Main problem to those thinking to go to Lombok is transportation. So far there are three options, by air, by public ferry, and by fast boat, each with their own drawbacks.

Flight from Bali to Lombok takes a mere 30 minutes by small propeller aircraft. Not that frequently and only available at daylight as the airport in Lombok is not sufficiently equipped for night landings. Small propeller aircraft is a bit less comfortable and even horrible to some. And probably due to the age of the aircrafts, delays and cancellations are almost certain. Price is rather expensive. With the same price you can buy an AirAsia ticket from Bali to Kuala Lumpur.

By public ferry it takes between 4 to 8 hours depending to weather. The ferries are quite large and carry vehicle as well, including large coaches and trucks. Passenger compartment is roughly adequate. Most complains come from the time consumed and in bad weather strong wind and soaring wave can make the trip a horrible one. In Bali, they are embarked from Padang Bai, about one or one and a half hours drive from Kuta.

The last option is popular in the last few years, fast boat. It cuts the trip into only two hours and embarked at Bali's main harbor of Benoa, only 15-20 minutes drive from Kuta. The operators also offer stopovers in fabulous tiny islands including Bali's Nusa Lembongan and Lombok's Gili Islands.

Accommodation options are available from cheap backpacker's lodges which costs less than $10 per night to five-star resorts operated by world class chains such as Sheraton and Novotel. If you are indulged by the luxury of private villa accommodation in Bali, you can also rent Lombok villas. Not as many as Bali but you can find one for every price range, from budget holiday villas to luxurious beachfront villas.

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