Archive for April, 2005

caribbean island flights

caribbean island flights

When it comes to island vacations, Africa is one great destination for some of the most luxurious hideaways.

This is no surprise. Blessed with pristine white sand beaches, private islands, and rich marine life, many resorts already have the perfect setting for great tropical island getaways.

If you want to stay in one of the most luxurious tropical resorts in Africa during your island holidays, you might be interested in checking out the following hotels which offer great amenities, romantic villas and suites, and 5 star world class service fit for the perfect island vacations.

St Anne Resort, Seychelles

St Anne Resort is luxury accommodation on its own island which is surrounded by a protected marine park. It is only about 15 minutes by boat from Mahe, the capital.

This tropical resort in the Indian ocean belongs to Beachcomber hotels which is one of the leading providers for luxury accommodation in Africa.

St Anne's Resort has 87 villas set amidst tropical surroundings. It has its own private garden that leads to the beach and its own gazebo to lounge in and spend romantic evenings and days at. It is also well known for its exceptional Spa by Clarins.

With a protected marine park around it, it is not only great for swimming and lazing by the beach but there's also excellent underwater marine life to explore. The island itself is also host to a range of flora and fauna which you can see if you've had enough of the white sand beach and the clean aquamarine sea.

Fundu Lagoon Luxury Resort, on Pemba Island ( Zanzibar's sister island )

With only sixteen bungalows, this tropical island resort is one of Africa's most exclusive accommodation made for romantic and quiet holidays.

Set on an idyllic beach on Pemba island, 40 kilometers north of Zanzibar, it is accessible by boat or chartered flights from Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam.

Simple yet elegant, all the bungalows have thatched roofs and have either an ocean view, or are oceanfront. There are also bungalows set in a very secluded tropical jungle setting for those who want time and space only for themselves. For even more luxurious accommodation, some of these bungalows have a private plunge pool.

Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius

If tropical resorts can be breathtaking, Le Prince Maurice accurately fits the bill. From its lush gardens to its impeccable architecture and charm, staying in this resort is an experience in itself.

Overlooking a lagoon and barrier reef, the resort is set on 60 acres of land. There are over 89 suites which are artistically set over it's very private resort setting. Choose from the one-bedroom junior suites to the senior and princely suites which have private swimming pools.

Le Prince Maurice is undoubtedly one of Mauritius's best 5 star luxury resorts for great island vacations, not only for its great setting and elegant accommodation, but also for the various activities which you can enjoy here.

It has very easy access to two world class golf courses and there are also many land and water sport opportunities for more active guests.

The Residence Tunisia

If you're looking for luxury resort accommodation in Tunisia, The Residence, which is the country's first 5 star hotel is the only place to go.

The rooms are designed in rather dramatic North African architecture and have marble floors, dome ceilings and an elegant décor.

The Residence easily fits the needs of all kinds of guests. From couples on holidays, to people who want to get away, and even for families spending a vacation together.

This is best exemplified by its wide range of facilities ranging from a relaxing massage centre and spa to a children's playground and swimming pool.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Pilots who work for major airlines?

Hi,
if you are a pilot working on long haul flights for a major airline e.g. British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, then i just have a few questions.
How many times are you away from home each month. How many trips do you go on each month. When you are away from home, what do you do e.g. if you are in the caribbean for a few days can you relax on the beach in Havana or Barbados or whatever Caribbean island it is or when you are in a city like Tokyo or New York do you go and look at the city and go shopping etc.

One of my best friends is a long haul pilot for Delta. He usually only ever flies to Hong Kong, Tel Aviv, Nairita, and Sydney. Each of these is a 12+ hour one-way trip. He is typically gone from early tuesday am through late thursday night 3 times a month. When he's away he is usually too tired to do anything but lay around the hotel at destination on wednesdays and when he gets home he usually spends all day friday laying low and sleeping a lot too. He lives in Atlanta so doesn't have to commute to or from work, leaving Saturday, Sunday and Monday for free time with one week off a month.

Here's a Video about caribbean island flights:

Flight from San Pedro to Belize City

caribbean island monkeys

caribbean island monkeys

Every summer the waters around Holbox Island Mexico are teaming with giant hungry feeding sharks. So why are so many people getting into the water with these ravenous beasts? No special cages or protection are used yet thousands of people flock from around the world to take their chances swimming with sharks! While many people may think the idea is crazy, swimming with Whale Sharks is actually very safe and a once in a lifetime experience.

Whale Shark season is from mid May to mid September off the Coast of Holbox Island near Cancun Mexico. The largest fish in the world reaches lengths of over 40 feet (13 meters) with a weight in excess of 21 tons. Whale Sharks return to the waters around Holbox year after year due to the unique environment and timing of available food which occurs each spring and continues through most of the summer.

The Whale Shark is a filter feeding fish with a primary diet of plankton and other microscopic plants and animals and has been observed on occasion feeding on very small schooling fish. The conditions around Isla Holbox are ideal during the summer months as it is uniquely situated near the merger points of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. This joining of three oceans creates a rich seasonal explosion of life.

The Whale Shark poses no threat to humans on a snorkel or diving expedition; in reality it is a wonderful opportunity to change the false perception that sharks are man eaters. The Whale Sharks around the Island of Holbox actually seem to enjoy and welcome the human interaction and are quite gentle and slow moving. The experience of swimming with these magnificent fish is awe inspiring.

Isla Holbox provides the ideal and closest land location in the world to experience an encounter with these very large majestic and peaceful creatures with access only 20-60 minutes from the island by boat. Tours and expeditions from this Mexican island location have been featured by National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, Shark Diver Magazine and many others.

The typical Whale Shark swimming experience requires only a snorkel, fins and mask though most tour operators also require and provide a life vest. After a briefing on guidelines and safety you'll take an early morning boat ride from Holbox Island to the feeding areas of the Whale Sharks where they lazily graze on plankton near the surface. You are then escorted in small groups or pairs with your biologist guide into the water where you swim along side one of natures oldest and largest creatures, it truly is a Jurassic experience!

The calm and slow swimming pace of the Whale Shark makes access to these great fish easy for most people, kids as young as 5 years of age and as old as 90 have swam with the Whale Sharks. The direct interaction with these incredible animals is a once in a lifetime experience. Getting to the sharks is an adventure in itself with schools of dolphin common and a variety of tropical birds including; Flamingos, Pelicans, Cranes and a wealth of others indigenous to the area.

If you are interested in this amazing experience there are a number of wonderful hotels on the island, from luxury boutique hotels to cabanas on the beach, a night or two at least on Holbox is worth the trip. Isla Holbox is a friendly fishing village hosting a population of around 1500 permanent residents, mostly fishermen, hoteliers and tour operators. Golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation on this sleepy Tropical Island and natural playground.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Is anyone suprised that the Gorillaz new home is now Plastic Beach?

I have now seen the new videos on Gorillaz.com of footage of Plastic Beach and heard Murdocs Pirate Radio 1 program. It seems like all the signs of this coming were obvious becuase of the last 3 Gorillaz songs on Demon Days. Well, if you listen to Fire Coming Out Of the Monkeys Head, it sounds kind of piraty. Don't Get Lost In Heaven sounds like a beach boys song, and Demon Days sounds like a caribbean island reggae song. You can even hear waves in the song I think. So I think Plastic Beach is the result out of Demon Days. Its phase 3! I really dig the new look and whole piraty vibe going on. Murdocs Pirate Radio 1 is awesome. Cool tunes on the program. So what does everyone think? Am I on to something

maybe, i love the gorillaz

Here's a Video about caribbean island monkeys:

Monkey Island by Geoff Gallice

caribbean cruise line carmen electra scam

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Request from 207.7.86.109 is throttled.

Here's a Video about caribbean cruise line carmen electra scam:

southern caribbean cruise february 2010

southern caribbean cruise february 2010

Saving up for the next big vacation for yourself or your family included? Then you might want to look into going on a cruise either alone or with loved ones. Caribbean cruises can offer you so much when it comes to activities.

So where can you start? There are many shipping lines and travel agencies that have just the right Caribbean cruises that you can be one. It really depends on who you are as a person. Want to do something quiet? Then look into some sightseeing trips. But if you really want to turn things up a notch, then why not take advantage of the many water sports packages that you can buy as well? And the best thing is that if you have saved up a lot of money, then you can splurge it at different destinations!

When you are on a vacation, you should be party it away, not just taking a break. Go on Caribbean cruises that will make sure you are in a party with every night that passes. All shipping lines always have some form of entertainment going on in their ships. This is also a great way to spend your time with a special someone or with your family.

Do not limit yourself to just the few options that you know about. Get out there and make sure that you find out about all the available options that are waiting for you. There is information on the web and you can also get in touch with a reputable travel agent so that you know exactly what you can get.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Request from 207.7.86.109 is throttled.

Here's a Video about southern caribbean cruise february 2010:

Southern Caribbean Cruise Preview

caribbean vacations in october

caribbean vacations in october

Looking to get some cruise ship advice before you go on your cruise? It's always very exciting to go on a cruise vacation and you want to prepare as much as possible so that you can get the most out of your trip.

To ensure the best experience ever, these tips can help make your first day of cruising more convenient.

Do's

  • Prepare some one dollar bills for the baggage handlers at the pier. You can usually tip $1 or $2 per bag and maybe depending on how heavy your bags may be. The baggage handlers at the pier are not really cruise line staff but are members of a separate union.
  • Be sure to fill up the needed travel documentation before leaving your home. It's really hard to scramble for a pen when you're standing at the line on embarkation day. You'll be doing the other passengers a big favor if you don't fill out your forms at the embarkation desk.
  • If you're taking the plane and staying at a hotel, be sure to go through your documents regarding baggage instructions. Cruise lines will no longer deliver your pieces of baggage. You will have to get them from the airport, to your hotel and then to the ship on embarkation day.
  • Review your dining room seating arrangement as soon as you get your hands on them. If you see an error you can discuss it with the assigned staff in a lounge.

Don'ts

  • Don't rush and wait in long lines if your on-board account wasn't processed during check-in period. Your account can be accepted without being processed for the first day or two. You can always have it validated after the lines are gone and after the ship sailed.
  • Don't get bummed out when you see long lines at the buffet. Don't go rushing in buffets the minute they begin serving. There will always be enough food for everyone.
  • Don't pay $4 for a tiny bottle of water. There are water fountains all over the ship that are safe and drinkable. Just bring your own bottle and you can fill them up. You'll be saving yourself $30-$50 for the entire trip.
  • Say no if you're being offered a souvenir glass on your dinner table unless you want to buy one. They are really expensive and most people don't even know that they paid for the souvenir glass because they will only leave it at the table when they're done.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Best vacation for January?

My husband and I are trying to decide on a trip for January to get away from our Wisconsin winter. We don't want to travel in the US or Canada. We considered the French Polynesia, but January is a bad time to go. We're going to the Galapagos next October and a cruise in April to the southern Caribbean.

Any ideas for a good January trip?

I know you are wanting to get away from the cold.... but my favorite place in the winter is Iceland!

You can get a place at one of the resorts next to the geothermal hot springs, get a massage, and enjoy the beauty of the Northern Lights.

Right now, the exchange rate is more favorable for the dollar than ever... I would seriously look into this.

http://goiceland.org/news.php

Here's a Video about caribbean vacations in october:

Playa del Carmen Street Musicians

caribbean resort south carolina

caribbean resort south carolina

In the past, hotel restaurants in America were merely a place to fill up after a long day of sightseeing or a late flight into the destination. Even the most luxury hotels weren't renowned for their eateries - they provided decent enough fare for hungry guests, but outside customers could rarely be tempted in and the food was certainly not a reason for making a booking.

Now, however, things have changed dramatically and they have really pushed the boat out - some of the most elegant and exclusive restaurants in America can be found within the walls of luxury hotels. Here's the lowdown on the latest hotel dining spots to be voted into the top five.

1. French Room - The Adolphus Hotel, Texas

A gorgeous grand dame of a hotel in downtown Texas, The Adolphus tops the bill with French Room for its menu but also its décor and service. The atmosphere is pure old-world romance with subtle lighting and hand-painted ceilings - and the food is an unpretentious yet fabulous fusion of French and American cuisine.

2. Fountain Restaurant - The Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia

The Four Seasons is an American institution and a byword for superb luxury. Here in Philadelphia, the Fountain continues to be a firm favourite in the city and beyond thanks to the classic dishes served up by chef Martin Hamann in the New French-Continental style.

3. Dining Room - Little Palm Island Resort, Florida

This romantic getaway hotel is a boat ride away from the keys, set on its own private island. Both the hotel and restaurant promise a magical setting and they don't disappoint. The food is just as exceptional; the French-Caribbean themed menu adds to the exotic vibe of the location.

4. The Inn at Little Washington, Washington

A luxurious Virginia inn, the prestige of the hotel spills over into the dining room where chef Patrick O'Connell uses only the freshest ingredients and seasonal produce for a New American menu. With its romantic décor, the experience of the out of town hideaway is complete.

5. Maestro - Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner, Virginia

This elegant restaurant has all the impeccable style you would expect from the exclusive Ritz-Carlton hotels, but with a modern twist - an open kitchen to watch the master Fabio Trabocchi at work. The wine list (put together by sommelier Vincent Feraud) is something any restaurant in Italy would be proud of, whilst the flavours and dishes bring the kind of depth and subtlety that reflects their Italian heritage to perfection.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Request from 207.7.86.109 is throttled.

Here's a Video about caribbean resort south carolina:

Toll Brothers Taste of Coastal Delaware 2009

best caribbean islands in february

best caribbean islands in february

The best months for a Caribbean vacation generally depend on the intersection of push and pull factors. While determining the best months for travel is inherently subjective, you can identify those that are generally considered the best months by external factors. These include weather, cost, frequency of events and travel demand.

Weather is arguably the most important factor affecting the best months for a Caribbean vacation. The period from July to November is normally excluded, since this period typically represents the height of the hurricane season. At best, you would witness a lot of precipitation if you travel to the Caribbean between July and November. Although the Dutch Antilles and Trinidad and Tobago are not in the hurricane belt of the Caribbean, prevailing weather systems around the region may hamper access to and from these territories. Therefore, the best months for a Caribbean vacation should be somewhere between December and June.

Travel during peak periods seems desirable, since the peak periods normally represent the colder months in North America and Europe. The pull factor is that the period from January to April is normally the warmest and driest period in the Caribbean region as well. However, travel to the Caribbean during the peak period has merits and demerits. The main demerits are that costs are higher and tourist services are overwhelmed by high demand. If you do not mind the hassle and like having fellow tourists around, peak travel might be best. Otherwise, the best months might be May and June- months that straddle the peak and off-peak seasons.

Many tourists come to the Caribbean just to have fun. For this group of tourists, the best months to travel would be when the fun is. Across the Caribbean region, this is generally between February and August. Trinidad's Carnival celebration is normally in the month of February or early March. Barbados' Crop Over festival is normally as late as August. In between, some of the smaller territories like Grenada or St. Kitts host their Carnival celebrations. In addition to Carnivals, many Caribbean countries host jazz festivals where popular artistes and music legends can entertain you in a real Caribbean atmosphere.

Generally, the best months to travel to the Caribbean are between mid-December and April for peak travellers. Those who want to avoid peak travel must also avoid having their Caribbean vacation during high-risk months. The best months for off-peak travellers are usually May and June. The most important aspect of travel to the Caribbean is the risk posed by weather systems. Other than that, the best months to travel to the Caribbean are normally those that straddle the peak and off-peak seasons. However, the best month for your Caribbean vacation ultimately depends on the purpose of your visit, your schedule, preferences and your means.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

The Modern Caribbean The Modern Caribbean
Sale Price: $26.60

Here's a Video about best caribbean islands in february:

Surfers Paradise Barbados january february 2009

caribbean islands dance

caribbean islands dance

Barbados is a jewel in the Caribbean islands, and has much to offer to visitors. Barbados was named by the Portuguese and means 'bearded one'; this could be because of the fig trees that have long hanging roots, or the foam created by waves breaking on the cliffs. But whatever the reason, Barbados is the perfect tropical island to spend a vacation - or even get married on. Barbados has an international airport, where there are daily flights coming in and leaving for destinations all around the world. There are a number of good hotels and resorts to stay in while vacationing in Barbados. Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados, and there are 11 administrative parishes in Barbados.

For those who want to soak up the sun and relax on the beach, Barbados has a 60 mile coastline. In Barbados there are plenty of activities that can be enjoyed on its sun soaked beaches such as swimming, scuba diving, sea sports, sailing, and light surfing. There are sailing and motor boats that can be hired to sail or tour around the island on, or you can visit one of the neighbouring islands using the boat.

Shopping is also very attractive as there are plenty of duty free shops in Barbados and impulsive shoppers find them a huge attraction. The mangrove swamps of Graeme Hall Nature is filled with brackish water and two varieties of mangroves - and thousands of egrets return here for the night, which makes it a place to visit for nature lovers. The St Lawrence Gap, just known as 'the gap', is a mile and a half stretch of bars, dance clubs, restaurants, resorts, inns, and shops. There are some internationally acclaimed restaurants located here. It's a popular place filled with tourists, especially in the evening.

Mount Gay Distilleries have been producing the world famous Mount Gay rum for over 300 years, and are one of the oldest distilleries in the world. Sailors would bring back a barrel of Mount Gay rum to prove they had been to Barbados. The distillery is worth a visit. For those interested in horticulture, the Andromeda Gardens are worth visiting. It was started as a private collection and was then opened to the public to raise funds.

There are a number of interesting places to visit in Barbados, and if there is a cricket match on then the Kingston Stadium is filled with spectators as all West Indians love the sport.

A number of festivals are held each year which are lively, fun filled, and are certainly most enjoyable to participate in. The West Indians are a fun loving, easy going, and friendly people and they love their homeland, cricket, and rum. There are golf courses for people who love golf. However, playing golf in Barbados is very different as the climate is tropical and it can be quite windy at times.

Getting around Barbados can be quite a fun loving experience, as the route taxis are small buses that follow the most scenic routes and will pick up the maximum number of passengers on the way. As the entire atmosphere is relaxed, a ride in these taxis can be a lot of fun.

A vacation in Barbados is always exhilarating, relaxing, and very refreshing. It is the ideal place to visit for unwinding and having some fun.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Request from 207.7.86.109 is throttled.

Which Caribbean island is for us?

I am a current student at Cal, graduating May 2010. My plan is for my fiance and I to move to a Caribbean island for a month or two once I graduate so that I can relax and party while I begin studying for my CPA exam. We are a young and lively couple that loves watersports, sipping drinks on the beach and going dancing and clubbing at night. We would like an island that is Europeanized or Americanized so we are not roughing it too bad, but an island that is not going to break the bank.

Which islands sound best for us?
We are looking on craigslist and in local classifieds to find a rental for a month or two and have found several for good prices. We are not looking for resorts or hotels, but for a condo.

Kristina is absolutely wrong because Puerto rico is the Most Americanized island in the caribbean. Just look:

http://www.geog.nau.edu/courses/alew/ggr346/ft/overseas/index.html

------------------
ADDED: PR is the only caribbean island with movie theatres. They have the caribbeans biggest mall called plaza las americas, zoo's, waterparks, an iceskate rink, an aquarium being built and all the convienices of the US. People from other islands take trips to PR to shop. PR has Walmarts & Walgreens everywhere & the water is safe to drink. Also some smaller islands don't even have major hospitals for emergencies, keep that in mind too.

Here's a Video about caribbean islands dance:

Dance contest pt1- Island Fest 08 - Hampton University CPAC

caribbean islands st martin

caribbean islands st martin

Wow! There are some fantastic cheap cruise options around and lots of people who've never cruised before are now dipping their toe in the ocean and finding out that the water's very warm indeed. In some cases, a cheap cruise can be less expensive than the same length of time in a hotel in a resort town when you consider the cost of meals, accommodation, transportation, entertainment and sundry expenses. Once you're on board the ship, your budget is very easy to manage. You've paid for nearly everything up front and you can economize as much or as little as you want.

Thus, the draw of exotic locations and pampering at sea is becoming more of a reality for people who never considered a cruise before as a vacation possibility. Booking a cheap cruise doesn't mean stowing away in a dormitory-style, sub-ocean type accommodation. It doesn't mean feeling like one of the herd crowded into claustrophobic cabins and watching "C-grade" entertainment to while away the hours at sea. You'd be surprised at the standard of living on cruises, and the ports of call that are available for affordable prices. Here is a sample of cheap cruise options that are currently available through various companies. Be aware that the prices shown are for off-peak travel. But, would you mind traveling to beautiful, temperate Mexico in January?

3-Night Baja Mexico cruise (January) - from $219

Interior: $219; Oceanview: $249

Departs from Los Angeles, CA

Ports of Call: Los Angeles, CA and Ensenada, Mexico

This beautiful vessel features a five-story shopping lobby with specialist boutiques plus a Champagne bar and entertainment that parallels that found in New York and Las Vegas.

7-Night Bahamas cruise (April) - from $829

Interior: $829; Oceanview: $999

Departs from New York City and visits Port Canaveral, FL; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas and Key West, FL.

This ship features 10 restaurants, 13 bars and lounges, a bowling alley, two swimming pools, six hot tubs, a day spa and a fitness center.

8-Night Bermuda cruise (April) - from $899

Interior: $899; Oceanview: $949

Departs from New York City and visits Kings Wharf, Bermuda; Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I. and St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Passengers also receive free travel insurance, a free gift and up to $150 of on-board credit per cabin.

11-night Southern Caribbean cruise (February) - from $949

Interior: $949; Oceanview: $1,199

Departs from San Juan, Puerto Rico and visits Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts; St. Johns, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; Margarita Island, Venezuela; Willemstad, Curacao and Oranjestad, Aruba.

Free travel insurance and a free gift are included. Imagine 11 glorious nights visiting some of the most stunning locations and never having to unpack your suitcase more than once!

At the prices shown above, a cheap cruise is an affordable option for a wedding gift, or a special surprise for a 25th or 50th wedding anniversary. The low prices mean that families can go on vacation together and be happy in the knowledge that the financials are taken care of.

Start planning what you will do for your next vacation. Consider taking a cheap cruise. You can go away sooner and enjoy yourself more when you go.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Is marijuana legal on the island of Saint Martin? Saint martin is a province of the Netherlands.?

If it is legal, are there coffee shops there just like in the Netherlands?

Here is some more information on the island of Saint Martin:

St. Martin is a tropical island in the northeast Caribbean, approximately 300 km southeast of Puerto Rico. The 87 km² island is divided roughly in half between France and the Netherlands; it is the smallest inhabited sea island divided between two nations.

* The southern Dutch half comprises the Eilandgebied Sint Maarten (Island area of St. Martin) and is part of the Netherlands Antilles.
* The northern French half comprises the Collectivité de St.Martin (Collectivity of St. Martin) and is a dependency of France.

Collectively, the two territories are known as "St.-Martin/St. Maarten". Sometimes SXM, the IATA identifier for Princess Juliana International Airport (the island's main airport), is used to refer to the island.

Most helpful answer gets 10 points!

Thanks

No, marijuana is not legal in St. Maarten. It isn't in the Netherlands either, mind you. What happens in the Netherlands is that the authorities allow the sale of up to 5 grams in coffee shops to people 18 years and older. Growing marijuana is forbidden. Individuals are permitted to grow marijuana, yes, but no more than 5 plants. A lot of people actually grow marijuana in their backyard, as they are real easy plants, I don't know if you have any experience with them. Going back to St. Maarten, you are not going to find any coffee shops there. The Dutch islands are very strict regarding drugs, drugs trafficking and such things. Remember that they are touristic islands, depending largely on American visitors and they cannot allow themselves to suddenly be put on the US Department of State's list of drug havens. Of course, people can still buy marijuana quite easily on St. Maarten and on the other Dutch islands in the Caribbean and the police will not grab you and throw you in jail just for smoking a joint, but it is certainly not legal.

Here's a Video about caribbean islands st martin:

Maho Bay Beach Planes Landing - St Maarten Island Caribbean

For the first time in nearly fifty years the United States has an opportunity to normalize relations with Cuba. The inauguration of President Barack Obama offers the chance for a clean break with the policies that have separated the US from our closest Caribbean neighbor.

The Cuban people have suffered under the rule of Fidel Castro and living in a time warp where little has changed since the Communist leader lead the revolution and ousted Batista in 1959. Cars from the 50's held together by rope and human ingenuity, buildings deteriorate an decaying and revolutionary slogans painted on the walls make Cuba a land that time has forgotten.

The embargo itself was initiated by Robert F. Kennedy in 1962 after Fidel Castro took control of the country and he nationalized the economy. The embargo has been in place since and has failed in its efforts to initiate an overthrow of Fidel Castro. The embargo has been supported by the Cuban-American community of South Florida for many years, however recent polling suggests this is changing.

By ending the Cuban embargo, President Obama has the opportunity to help both the Cuban and American people. By allowing travel to the island nation, Cubans can get a taste of the freedoms we as Americans take for granted. Cubans will be exposed to our fashion, music and technology which will stimulate a desire for freedom and personal wealth.

Travel to Cuba will also generate much needed dollars for the Caribbean Nation which was devastated by four hurricanes last year.

The European Union has already ended their embargo and recently the United Nations, in a 183-3 vote, called for an end to the embargo worldwide.

Many US business groups have been advocating the end of the embargo as well. Many business groups including the American Farm Bureau Federation, Business Roundtable, US Chamber of Commerce, National Retail Federation and Grocery Manufacturers Association have called for an end to the embargo. Currently only certain agricultural and medical products are exempt from the embargo.

The US economy will be greatly affected by ending the Cuban embargo in a very positive way. At a time when the US economy needs it most, we would enter a nearby market that has nearly 11.5 million people and nearly 43,000 square miles.

Our recession battered construction industries would also benefit greatly as engineers, carpenters and skilled laborers could help the Cuban people rebuild their country. Building supply industries would start manufacturing again and natural resources would be consumed.

Travel industry segments such as cruise lines and airlines would prosper as tourists explored this beautiful country. Port would be rebuilt, airports would be improved and hotels constructed, all with the help of US industries.

Cuba also appears to have a large expanse of untapped oil resources. China and Venezuela would like to tie those resources up for themselves which would not only cut the US market from the oil, but could create the opportunity for an Eco disaster for the Caribbean and Southeastern United States.

Politically, ending the Cuban embargo just makes sense, Russia is looking to Cuba to establish a Caribbean presence. Since the demise of the old Soviet Empire, Russian influence in Cuba has waned. But in December of 08, Russia sent three warships to visit the island nation. In January Raoul Castro visited Russia to seek trade and money. Be assured that Russia would like to expand their presence in the region and this is a great opportunity to do so.

President Obama has another chance to make history by ending the embargo and promoting freedom, however this window of opportunity won't be open forever.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Request from 207.7.86.109 is throttled.

Here's a Video about which caribbean islands are not affected by hurricanes:

The global climate is changing: Cayman Islands