Curacao is an island, that some call a hidden and undiscovered jewel, in the southern Caribbean Sea, 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela, between Aruba and Bonaire. The New Country of Curacao, which includes a very small un-inhabited island, Klein Curacao, is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Prior to 10.10.10, Curacao was one of the five islands of the former Netherlands Antilles.

The slave trade in the 17th and 18th Century made the island affluent and let to the construction of colonial buildings. Curacao features architecture influence from the Dutch and Spanish colonial styles. The capital city of Willemstad earned a well-deserved place on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Former plantation states - Landhouses and West African style huts are scattered all over the island. Samples that have been recovered and some that have not can be found in great numbers.

South America's proximity to Curacao has also had a standing influence in architecture specially parts of Willemstad in the 19th Century. You can find similarities between Venezuelan architecture and the architecture in Curacao,

The combination of buildings, architecture, Caribbean colors and tropical sun light make a delight for the eye and the cameras. Late afternoon, colors become vivid and crisp, the sun turns yellow into gold and white into silver.

The waterfront of Punda, Handelskade, is composed by a row of buildings showcasing how individual colors can tell a story of its own. Curacao's architecture can also be found in other parts of the island. Lots of examples are scattered all over, constantly contrasting with the blue sky.

Curacao's architecture is also influenced by other Dutch characteristics. Otrobanda, opposite to Punda, is full of narrow alleys and plazas. Beautiful gables sit on top of buildings in Scharloo, Pietermaai and Schottegat.

Curacao is full of architectural photo opportunities, besides colorful buildings, almost sitting on water, bridges and forts also produce fabulous images. More than 750 mansions, shop houses, townhouses and small popular dwellings give the photographer daily opportunities to let their creativity flow. There is always a story to tell while capturing images that can be turned into paintings.

American Way magazine recently featured, in their October's edition, Curacao. If you have the opportunity visit this unknown island, just 2 ½ hours away from Miami, you will enjoy the best-kept secret of the Caribbean and you'll camera will work overtime. Make sure to carry enough memory cards and batteries.

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Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort by CheapCaribbean

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WOW! Blue Marina Saint Maarten Caribbean Real estate and villa rentals By Sunshine Properties

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Caribbean Sale - Jan 2010 at Liberty Travel

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Best non-tourist place to travel in Caribbean/Mexico?

My girlfriend and I, and possibly some other couples too, are looking to travel some where in the Caribbean for spring break.

We are looking for somewhere with the true Caribbean waters and feel around it.

We are also hoping for a place less known for tourists and partying, and more known for the great adventures to be had: snorkeling/scuba diving, beautiful hiking, maybe zip lining, etc.

We are also trying to do this on a budget-ish... essentially we are looking for the best value.

I've heard that renting out villas on beaches can be cheaper and more authentic, but I've also heard great things about inclusive hotels.. so I'm not sure which is the better route

A friend of mine recommended St. Johns Island off the coast of Mexico, but I would like some more input.

I'm an off the beaten path type of guy and am looking for a great vacation, can you help me?

I know of an awesome deal going on right now in Jamaica. If you bring two other couple's you room is FREE at the all-inclusive resort! It's a brand new resort on a private beach just down the road from Dunn's River Falls, a very famous water fall and park in Jamaica. There is ziplining and ATVing near by and snorkeling and diving are included in the all-inclusive resort price. There is SO much to do in Jamaica you'll run out of time before you run out of things to do!

Plus, you can also take a private tour of some famous spots in Jamaica that most tourists don't visit. I know an AWESOME guy who runs a tour company down there. I always use him when I go to Jamaica, and I always send my clients to him. His name is Dudley and he is from Big Ship Tours (http://http://www.bigshiptours.com/) His prices are very reasonable for groups.

Anyway, if you would like more information on the resort with the FREE room deal, let me know. They are running the special until for travel until July 2011 but it must be booked by Oct. 31st (this weekend) so let me know.

I'd be happy to help you find other options too. I am a travel agent and get great deals all the time for plenty of places. My services are FREE as long as you book with me.

-Kira
Owner of My Paradise Planner travel agency
Email: info@MyParadisePlanner.com
Website: http://www.MyParadisePlanner.com

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Hotel Villas HM Paraíso Del Mar in Holbox, Mexico

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Where to purchase affordable vacation home?

I am looking to purchase an affordable vacation home, in a family friendly tropical environment. Any suggestions? I am thinking in the Caribbean. It would need to be a location easily accessible from Canada. 2 or 3 bedrooms, preferably a house, but condos are considered. By affordable, I mean no more than USD 200 000

Thank you

My little bit of advise.
Rent first. You can rent homes, extremely affordable, even large condos.
Ex: Puerto Rico
You want to know the area well before you buy.
You want to make sure there is little crime, be aware of how slow things move.
Also how expensive furniture is, since it has to be shipped.
Rent in about 5 areas (each vacation you take, stay somewhere different).
No need to buy.
And in actuallilty if you run the numbers sometimes it is much cheaper to rent than to buy.
(the same sized apartments or condos).
This will avoid that after you own the home for 4 or 5 years you won't hate the area and then sell.
This could be a financial disaster...

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The Royal Caribbean Cruise Vacation DreamWorks Experience

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Which holiday destination is safer and more child friendly?

Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi)
Caribbean (Dominican Republic)
I still do want to emigrate to Australia BUT at the mo Hubby is doing an IT course of which is going to take a year. So at the mo we have not put in our visa applications.
John W

My children are regular fliers. We have flown to Australia via Thialand! They actually enjoyed the flights. nowadays with all the in flight entertainment etc they were not at all bored. And surely it's a good thing for children to experience travel and unique experiences?!!!
MY kids have visited malta, France, Lapland- twice, Australia extensively and Fiji. They are always asking where are we going for our next trip.
No offense meant but it's our choice as a family to travel.
Not being funny John but having re-read your comments you sound like a boring old fart!

Your suggestions are, to be honest , RIDICULOUS.

I am well and truly "psised" off after a flight of that length. - So how are your kids going to feel.

Never mind what YOU would like to tell your friends and colleagues about the exotic places you have been holidaying - go to places not much more than a couple of hours flying for the comfort of the kids.

Greece and/or the Canaries would be far enough for me.

Unless it is a special - (we flew to Brazill so that Grandma could see her grandkids a few years ago = about 11 hours flight - but our kids and grandkids do as they are told - and were quiet !!) - for your own comfort and and that of other passengers comfort, keep the flight short..

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can I study Radiology technology or sonography in Dominica?

Does anyone know if it is possible to study to be an Ultrasound technician or radiology technician in Dominica (The Island in the Caribbean)?

check this out, about 1/2 way down the page for universities in Dominican Republic.

http://www.dominicanrepublicindex.com/dominican_republic_schools.php

hope this helps

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Cabarete Beach - Tropical Caribbean Island - Dominican Republic Beaches

Now that spring is upon us and summer is right around the corner, you couldn't pick a better time to take a fantastic beach vacation. If you're like me, then you're probably not a big fan of winter. Not that there aren't great vacations to be experienced during the colder months, because there certainly are. But many of us would rather bask in the warm sun in some exotic tropical location sipping out of a coconut rather than hit the slopes in hopes of fresh powder (and hoping not to break a leg for some of us).

If you're looking for an awesome beach location, there are plenty of options but it's tough to beat Hawaii. I'm not sure if I'd want to live there year-round, but visiting for a few days or weeks is definitely high on the list, as is the case with most people. You should be able to find some great deals on Hawaiian vacations coming up soon, whether you want to simply hang out at one of the relaxing resorts, take an adventure tour and discover the island's volcanic past or "shop till you drop".

Then of course there's the Caribbean, another popular favorite. For those of us on the east coast of the US, it's a little closer and probably more affordable. The only problem might be deciding which island to visit, but I guess that's a good problem to have - that just means you'll have to make a couple of return trips to check them all out! Some popular options include Jamaica and the Bahamas of course, along with the Virgin Islands or Aruba. But don't neglect some of the smaller, less touristy islands too if you really want to get away from it all and explore this wonderful part of the world.

Whether you decide to head to the Pacific or just want to island hop through the Caribbean, you can find some great travel deals with a little research. As far as planning your trip, your options include using a traditional travel agent to plan things for you, joining a travel club (and probably getting some really great deals) or simply throwing caution to the wind and planning your own trip online. Either way, you'll likely be able to dig up some amazing beach vacations offers for a reasonable cost. And of course, if you're looking for something that's the top of the line in terms of luxury, perhaps for a honeymoon or other special occasion, a cozy beach hideaway is a tough offer to beat. Whichever destination you choose, just be sure to take a good camera and plenty of film to capture all those great memories you can enjoy for years to come.

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Leaders In Travel presents Allure Of The Seas Aqua Show

If you want to take a relaxing vacation where you are totally pamper, you may want to go on a cruise. The best and most sought after vacation spot for a cruise is that of a Caribbean cruise. If this sounds like something you want to do, then discover the best Caribbean cruise lines available. If you are unsure of which Caribbean cruise lines to choose from, then please read on to learn about Caribbean cruise lines that are the best on the market.

The top rated Caribbean cruise lines are the best ones to consider. One of these Caribbean cruise

lines is that of Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean has a 5 star rating. They are the biggest and

most innovative of all of the Caribbean cruise lines. Their accommodations are the most superb

and luxurious of all of the Caribbean cruise lines as well. On board you will be pampered by a well

trained staff. There is free 24 hour room service and all meals are also included at any of the

restaurants or buffets. The only extra thing you will have to pay for is the gambling at the

onboard casino! There is also a spa treatment facility, a pool, hot tubs, and many other amenities.

The prices for this cruise line varies by how long you wish the cruise to last and by what kind of

room you stay in. There are 3 rooms to choose from: indoor, ocean view, and balcony.

The next top rated Caribbean cruise lines you should consider are that of the Carnival Caribbean

cruise lines. Carnival Caribbean cruise lines have received a 4 and a half star rating. Carnival

cruise ships are somewhat smaller than the Royal Caribbean cruise lines and not quite as luxurious.

But if you have kids or a family, Carnival Caribbean cruise lines is the way to go. This is

because they have many kid oriented activities on board and they cater to children more than most other

Caribbean cruise lines. They have pools, saunas, shops, bars, restaurants that are all included

with your ticket fee, and many other amenities. The cost again varies by how long you stay on the

cruise, and by what kind of room you choose.

Both of these Caribbean cruise lines were the top rated and the most highly sought after for

people vacationing on a cruise to the Caribbean. Before you decide which cruise liner you wish to use,

do some research online. If you want a more adult oriented cruise, then go with a Royal Caribbean

cruise. If you are taking children, then go with a Carnival cruise. With all of this in mind,

you should be able to select between the 2 best Caribbean cruise lines!

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What is the Best Caribbean Cruise Line?

Olivia cruise line!

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Royal Caribbean Cruise on the Monarch of the Seas Bahamas 2010

Choosing where to sail is one of the first decisions made when planning a cruise vacation. Most cruise travelers select a 7-day Caribbean cruise for their first experience at sea. When you search the Internet or read cruise brochures, the most common itineraries offered are Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean. Which is better? The answer is either! It all depends on what your interests are, so in addition to selecting the right ship, you need to research the ports of call before you book. Both itineraries will provide cruisers with opportunities to sail, swim, snorkel, and shop. But there are differences. Let's take a quick look at the two most popular Caribbean cruise itineraries.

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Most cruise ships sailing to the eastern Caribbean on 7-day itineraries board from Florida. Ports of call on an Eastern Caribbean schedule regularly comprise the Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. John (USVI), Puerto Rico, and perhaps St. Marten/St. Martin. If you want minus sailing (i.e. time at sea) and more shopping and opdocksunities to go to fantastic seaside's, then an Eastern Caribbean schedule might grab more to you. The islands are relatively close together, slighter, and seashore detours lean to be more geared to seaside or water activities.

Western Caribbean Cruises

Cruise ships sailing to the western Caribbean board from Florida, New Orleans or Texas. Ports of call on a Western Caribbean schedule regularly comprise Costume or Playa del Carmen, Mexico; excellent Cayman; Key West, FL; the Dominican state; Jamaica; Belize; or Costa Rica. If you look at a map, you will see that while the docks of call are foster distant, more sailing is regularly intricate on a western Caribbean cruise. So you may have more time at sea and minus time in docks or on the seaside. The docks of call in the western Caribbean are sometimes on the mainland (Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica) or at superior islands (Jamaica, Dominican state). Thus, the seashore detour options are more various. You can explore obsolete Mayan ruins, tramp the shower forests, or go snorkeling or SCUBA diving in some unforgettable locations.

If you are now thoroughly perplexed, that's approve! The Caribbean Sea is a cruise lover's heaven--sapphire seas, sunny seasides, and interesting docks of call. You will get all of these whichever path you cruise. East and West are both great--and then there's the Southern Caribbean and Northern Caribbean, but that's for another day!

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royal caribbean cruise line drinking age?

i know that if you are traveling in south america or europe you are allowed to drink if you are over 18 and have a consent for signed by a parent. i was wondering if st. martin and st. thomas are considered south america and where i would find the consent form?

St Martin & St Thomas are not considered part of South America, they are considered part of the Caribbean. St Johns is part of the US Virgin Islands and St Martin I think is French (but don't quote me on that). The drinking age on any major cruise line going to these islands will be 21. I believe that the drinking age is 18 on both of these islands but you won't be able to bring alcohol back to the cruise ship (unless you sneak it in water bottles or something).

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Oct 2010 - Southern Caribbean Cruise