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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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..

Here's a Video about caribbean holidays dominican republic:

Thomson Video - Caribbean Hotels,Dominican Republic,Gran Bahia Principe La

Barbados and its capital, Bridgetown, are booming. No matter your budget, vacation requirements or desires, there is someplace on the island of Barbados that will fulfill your every desire and should take priority on your Southern Caribbean cruise itinerary.

Glitz and glamor abound, but the island is still imbued with its deep classic calypso rhythms and famous rums flowing, so you can easily escape the high life in pursuit of peace and tranquility, easily found in a world class museum or on a white beach gently touching the azure water that illusions are made of.

A sports person's dream, the island offers legendary surfing, wind-surfing, diving and hiking.

History, natural beauty, botanic wonders and wildlife flow abundantly on the island of Barbados, so it is highly recommended that you plan your day trips carefully to encompass as many sights and as much beauty as you can fit in. This could include visits to rum distilleries, safari parks, botanic gardens, beaches, sea caves, fishing villages, museums and much, much more. So, arm yourself with a comprehensive brochure before entering port.

Weather and When to Visit Barbados

While the weather is sunny and warm most of the year round, the high season is from December to April, which is mainly dry with an average temperature of 23°C (74°F). During this season, the prices are significantly higher and the crowds thicker. Of course this adds to abundant social and night life on the island.

September and October are the most humid months on the island of Barbados with the highest hurricane risk, although the last destructive hurricane to hit Barbados was in 1955.

Getting There on Your Cruise Ship

Many Southern Caribbean cruise ships dock at Bridgetown annually, carrying around 450,000 visitors to Barbados. Bridgetown Harbor is about one kilometer from the city center, and there is an abundance of cab and shuttle buses to whisk you away and into the hustle and bustle of this fascinating town.

Private moorings are available around the island. However, anchoring on a coral reef carries stiff penalties!

Currency

The local currency of Barbados is the Barbados Dollar, although the US Dollar is widely accepted across the island. The Barbados Dollar is fixed to the US Dollar and does not fluctuate, and the rate is $1.98 BD to $1.00 US.

Whilst planning your Southern Caribbean cruise 2010, plan your stop over in Barbados carefully to ensure you take in all that this luxurious island has to offer.

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Caribbean, St Lucia or Barbados ?

I am thinking of visiting either Barbados or St Lucia next year in July !
I have never been to the carribean but it looks amazing in the brochures, Altho I have read that July is the rainy Season ,so am worried about spending all my savings on this holiday and not having good weather ? Which island would have the better weather for July and least likely to rain alot ?
Also I know St Lucia has had a hurricane recently and all the pictures of the island lookreally bad, and the weather looks terrible, will the island be back to normal by july ? Also I have heard that barbados has better weather is july ? Any other caribbean islands you could recommend would be appreciated as these are the two that caught my imagination first ! Am also interested in Jet-ski hire, horse riding along the beach and zip-lining ! Do these two island offer these activities ? If so will they still be operational in July ?

Many Thanks,

Well,I lived in french carribean,spending holliday there will cost a certain amount of money,you should try different islands and travel to one another with cheap flight( try to choose secure compagny thought)
he carribean islands are really beautiful,don't worry about the weather because it can change really fast,it will never be cold,but sometimes freshy.Where I was living july/august are the period of hurricanes generally,but really nothing to worry about,it's pretty rare to have a dangerous huricane.
In most of carribean island,even most the most toursitic ones,you musn't worry about security but be aware of certain areas,don't show too much curiosity over ghettos,the locals are usually nice and hospitable when they feel respected.If you have some notions of french you can go to guadeloupe and martinique,but the employees do speak english,so french will be useful if you go out of the touristic areas.It's the same thing if you fo to spanish islands like st-domingue.

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2010 CARIBBEAN HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS

If you're looking at spending your vacation in fantastic slopes, Switzerland ski resorts and ski holidays may be the one for you. Many people will agree that Switzerland doesn't only have fabulous heights and slopes, it also has other wonderful places, particularly shopping attractions and night spots. Probably, the only reason why many are afraid to go to this country is that they believe that everything is expensive in Switzerland. In reality, however, there are many winter holiday rentals near the best ski resorts in the country that are both amazing and affordable.

In Moritz-Dorf, you will find not only one of the oldest ski resorts in the world, but also the one that offers the most popular venue for Switzerland ski resorts and holidays. This place is also home to the oldest ski school in the world.

So if you're the kind of person who doesn't only visit a place for its slope but also for its history, then resorts near Saint Moritz are ideal for you. Saint Moritz is considered a good venue for cross-country skiing not only because it contains five ski complexes, but also over 161 kilometers of uninterrupted tracks. What's more, there are also many old and interesting chalets and lodges that are available for winter vacation rentals in the area so you don't have to worry about where you will stay.

If you think that this country is only good for its banks and watches, you can never be more mistaken. Remember that the fantastic Swiss Alps, the world-renowned snow-covered mountainous region, actually hosts the most famous Switzerland ski resorts and holidays that can rival the best in the world. If what you want is awesome mountain villages, rickety old trains, breathtaking scenery and fantastic cheese fondues, then you should go to the Adelboden-Lenk. Aside from skiing, you'll also enjoy bobsleighing and other winter activities that are available all around the region. Lastly, you can also visit small huts in Adelboden that are famous producers of Swiss cheese. In fact, some of these old huts and lodges may be available for vacation rental if you want to truly have a taste of the local culture.

Switzerland ski resorts and holidays can not be more expensive that your winter vacations in other parts of the world. All you need to do is find ways to save money. Holiday rentals are actually the most affordable accommodation for a family or a large group of tourists. For more information about ski chalets and lodges that are available for vacation rental for your family or friends, just visit our website.

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Is there any place in the Caribbean that is comparable to this resort in Bora Bora?

I'm looking at all of these gorgeous, on-the water hut resorts in Bora Bora, but they're soooo expensive and I don't want to travel that far.

Is there an area or certain resorts in the Caribbean that are comparable to things like this place:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/pr...

Clear blue water, rooms built atop the water with stairs going right down to the water, etc.....

PLEASE help me out!
EDIT - HERE is the link, I don't know why the one up top didn't work:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1743

Thanks for the suggestions kate, but those are a little more posh than I am hoping for, and pretty expensive too. The most important thing is crystal clear, blue waters and white sandy beaches. Not crowded, and not too expensive.

Well, the St. Regis it's fantastic and this one in Bora Bora is incredible.
Anyway the Caribbean is incredible too, i was there many times and i love, there is white sand,blue water, no fish in the water (that's important at last for me!!!).
Why you don't look the Guanahani hotel in St. Barth?. That must be something like you're looking for, or there is other very nice island called Mustique but i don't remember hotels, but it's super eexclusive,must be very good ones.
Good luck!!!

Here's a Video about caribbean resorts huts:

Royal Decameron Club Caribbean All Inclusive Runaway Bay Traveler Photos - TripAdvisor TripWow

Resorts are located all over the world for your enjoyment on your vacation. One of the most recognized is Sandals Resorts. Sandals ultra all-inclusive resorts offer couple only all-inclusive which is a collection of the twelve most romantic beachfront resorts on earth that have been exclusively designed for couples only that are in love. The beautiful Sandals resorts include Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, and the Bahamas. Sandals also offers great package deals such as resorts for the entire family, weddings and the honeymoon as well as the Royal Plantation package which includes true sanctuary for anyone who seeks pampering and relaxation on their vacation.

You can search on the World Wide Web to find the best available going rate for a Sandals Resort getaway package. All of your reservations can be made right online or by calling 1-800-SANDALS. You can visit the FAQ section of the website to have all your questions answered like what is included, or what is not included? Is a passport required to travel to Sandals? Do you have special rates for groups?

Is there a dress code for Sandals? The dress code for the restaurants at night is casual, casually elegant, and elegant. Most of the dress codes depend on the type of restaurant you choose to eat at. There are many other questions listed on the page with the answers and for any other questions you may have, an operator will be ready to help you on the phone.

The Sandals resorts offer luxurious accommodation, all meals, scuba diving, nightly entertainment, anytime snacks, roundtrip airport transfers, gourmet dining and much more. Some resorts offer Golf, and waterskiing that is included in the resorts package. Phone calls, taxes, and spa services such as Swedish massage, hydrotherapy and facials are not included in the Sandals resorts package.

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Recommendations for affordable destination all inclusive weddings?

Looking at the Caribbean or Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) area. I do not like Sandals Resorts something a little nicer, but affordable. I’ve noticed that most of the “all inclusive” resorts only offer wedding packages and do not have “a la carte” option. We do not need all the extra stuff that’s included in the packages (flowers etc) trying to keep the ceremony SIMPLE and affordable. Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks! (January 2012)

Most of the all inclusive places like Sandals do weddings for free if you stay for at least a week. In most places like the DR Sandals is actually one of the nicer resorts.

One of the biggest expenses is airfare. The DR, Bahamas, and Jamaica are all affordable to get to, and have resorts for any budget. When you start to get further south, price increases by a lot.

Also, consider booking alternative lodging for your guests. Help them to find nearby hotels that might be more affordable than an all inclusive resorts, but give them the option for either.

Here's a Video about all inclusive caribbean resort packages:

Dominican Republic Vacation NH RoyalBeach All Inclusive Luxury Resort Punta Cana

If you have time constraints or financial concerns about the cost of your honeymoon, don't worry. You can plan a wonderful honeymoon within the continental United States, instead of traveling abroad.

Though these honeymoon destinations may be less expensive than other options, they can be just as romantic.

Here are some of the top choices for your domestic honeymoon.

Napa Valley, CA
Tour the countryside and visiting the picturesque vineyards in wine country. Napa Valley is a great honeymoon choice because it's romantic, beautiful and just an hour or so away from San Francisco.

Taos, NM
Spend your honeymoon at a beautiful retreat in the Taos Mountains of New Mexico. Learn about Native America culture, enjoy the waterfalls and other natural elements, and just be at peace.

Miami, FL
If you are looking to spend your honeymoon partying in the sun, head to Miami. South Beach offers some of the hottest nightclubs and restaurants in all of the United States. It's a great choice in the late summer or even the fall, when it's still warm but not that busy.

Bennington, VT
Enjoy the simple pleasures of Vermont. From the historic sites of Bennington to the ponds and hike trails of the Green Mountains, Vermont is the perfect backdrop for a romantic honeymoon.

Las Vegas, NV
Believe it or not, Las Vegas isn't just for quick weddings; it's also a top honeymoon destination. Flights to Vegas are relatively cheap from most major U.S. cities. Avoid traveling near holidays or major convention dates and you'll be sure to find an inexpensive hotel room or suite. There's plenty to do in Vegas from lying on the beach at Mandalay Bay to taking a helicopter ride over the city.

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What is the best cruise line for a honeymoon?

My finance and I want to go on a cruise for our honeymoon. The things we are looking for are:
-Nicer rooms (it's a honeymoon after all....)
-Not full of obnoxious and loud drunks
-Good food
-Laid back (do what we want when we want)
-Good pools (wave pool a big plus)
-Prefer not to pay for soft drinks

We are not picky on destination, but probably Caribbean or Bahamas.

My first inclination based on your preferences would be to recommend Princess first or Royal Caribbean second. I think Carnival will be a bit too partyesque for your tastes, and Holland America will probably be a bit too geriatric, though I do enjoy cruising onboard HAL. I don't know a lot about Celebrity, but that might be an option for you also. I can't really recommend Norwegian, though some people would disagree.

Good luck!

Here's a Video about caribbean honeymoon destinations:

Honeymoon in Bora Bora { Tahiti } Best honeymoon destinations.

The Buccament Bay, a luxurious beach resort in St. Vincent in the Caribbean Islands is arguably one of the best luxury resorts in the world. The Buccament Bay boasts of all the exotic luxuries in the world an individual can covet. No doubt then that the place has been the cynosure of eyes for a long time. The Buccament Bay has another great advantage to its credit.

The properties in Buccament area are being utilized as a tool for financial investment and as an instrument that can easily ensure very good returns. In other words, you can either buy a property here or participate in the property development by investing. Either kind of participation can enable you to earn high returns on your investment.

About the construction: The phase I of Buccament Bay is set to open on the July 1st, 2010 and the official pre launch event is scheduled to be held at Wembley on 24th and 25th April.

About the Buccament Bay: The place, located in St.Vincent of the Caribbean Islands, is roughly a 45 minute drive from the airport and will be a drive of about 1 ½ hours from the proposed international airport. It is superbly positioned on the western coast of the Caribbean Islands. This makes it the most coveted as this part of the Caribbean islands is calmer, quieter and the sea is more sedate. No wonder then that the property prices are higher.

After the Buccament Bay comes up, it will be a combination of properties, from 4 bedroom plantation homes on landscaped grounds to studio apartments. The cabanas would typically make up all the infrastructural facilities of the proposed hotel that will supply five star spaces that will also give freedom to be in private villas.

These cabanas will typically be fully furnished that will be fully air conditioned and will enable the owner to stay rent free for a month in a year. Of the one month however, two weeks must be in the high season and the remaining two during the low season.

What makes the Buccament Bay financially rewarding? As stated earlier, the Buccament Bay is deemed to be a destination that is immensely rewarding financially. You can buy a property and sell it later.

Each Buccament Bay property, because of the amenities and the location convenience, is expected to appreciate a great deal in terms of the monetary value. You can also use the Single Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) plan to make investments in the property and reap rich rewards.

Overall, the Buccament Bay is a mouth watering prospect, both from the entertainment and luxury and from the financial rewards and investment perspective.

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Here's a Video about small luxury caribbean resorts:

Luxury, Golf & Spa - The Red Prawns of Vatulele

With the prices of just about everything increasing, many engaged couples are looking for inexpensive yet elegant alternatives to the traditional wedding. Eloping and destination weddings have increased in recent years because they offer an affordable option while giving couples the class and sophistication they are looking for. With Caribbean being one of the top honeymoon destinations for newlyweds, many resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Virgin Islands are offering "free" wedding packages as part of an overall honeymoon package.

Couples Resort Jamaica: Couples resort of Jamaica touts itself as the "Caribbeans most inclusive and most romantic all inclusive resorts". As it's name states, it is for couples only and includes four boutique style resorts at Tower Isle, Sans Souci, Negril and Swept Away. Their "Complimentary" wedding package does require a minimum three night stay in any type of room, with the rates beginning at $375 per night. The wedding itself includes a stateside wedding coordinator. They can assist you in understanding what you will need to obtain a marriage license and help to coordinate the details locally; you will also receive an on-site wedding coordinator once you arrive at the resort that will manage things for you. As with most elopement or destination wedding packages, your officiant is included, as well as a small cake and bottle of wine. Couples Resort also throws in your bouquet, boutonniere, matching "just married" t-shirts and a couples massage. You will need to pay for photo and video services and the government and license fees will run you in the neighborhood of $200. We like Couples Resort because it is both inclusive and exclusive as well. It is a small resort that does a great job of catering to the adult-only couples only crowd. The grounds are beautiful and the staff are very friendly and accommodating.

Sandals of Jamaica, St Lucia, Bahamas and Antigua: Sandals is the opposite of Couples Resort in that it is much larger and more widely known. They have resorts on just about every Caribbean island. They've recently introduced Martha Steward Weddings. These are a collection of five exclusive wedding themes designed by none other than Martha Stewart herself.These themes include floral arrangements, menu, cake, place settings, etc and range in price from.It should be noted that only the "Beautiful Beginnings" package is included as part of the complimentary service and a six night stay minimum is required. You will also receive an orchid bouquet and boutonniere, wedding consultant, officiant, wedding cake, small reception for four and help with preparing some of the documents. The room rates begin at $640 and once again, there is a minimum stay of six nights.

Having the elegant, affordable wedding and honeymoon of your dreams is easier than you may think. Open your mind to the possibilities and you will be surprised at what unfolds before you!

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Caribbean In September? Need advise on resorts and weather.....?

I am getting married in September and would love to go to the Caribbean for our honeymoon. My fiancé and I have never been to an island (except the ones in Georgia, St. Simon's, etc...) I know September is hurricane season but I am determined to find a nice place to go and hopefully luck up and miss any bad weather. Has anyone ever been in Sept and can tell me about their stay?

I'm looking for an all inclusive resort, swim up pool bar, relaxing ( not crowded) beautiful crystal beaches where someone will serve you drinks and fun nightlife. Also trying to stay away from the outdated, smelly places.

btw, I've looked at Aruba as that is supposed to be a safer bet as far as hurricanes but the reviews on the resorts were not that great.

Someone please tell me there's HOPE!!

Thanks a million!!!

Um.. you DO KNOW that SEPTEMBER is the HEIGHT OF THE HURRICAINE SEASON in the Caribbean.. right?

JUNE........... TOO SOON
JULY......... STAND BY
AUGUST..... ALMOST
SEPTEMBER.. REMEMBER
OCTOBER.. almost over (for another year)

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What is the best resort or destination in the caribbean for tanning topless?

I enjoy going to beach destinations and tanning especially topless, but will only shed my top if other women are doing it, too. Where would you recommend going in the caribbean or mexico to do this? Please recommend hotel, too if you know of one. Thank you!

The French side of St Martin is all topless. Many hotels in and around Orient Beach. I would look there. At the end of Orient there is a nude area but there tends to be lots of older people there. Was more comfortable in the topless area.
Do try St Lucia it is frowned upon there.

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Green Zebra Adventures - Earn Your Stripes!

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Best Caribbean island to honeymoon on.?

It all depends upon what you're looking for in a honeymoon. do you want peace and quiet or lots of action in the towns?

I've been to St. Thomas...it's nice, but St. John next to it is nicer and quieter. St. Lucia...where we stayed had a wedding every half hour it seemed in an all inclusive spot, sorry but I forget the place where we stayed. The weddings were driving us nuts! All you heard was "here comes the bride".

Check out iBtraveling.com's Caribbean page and you'll find your answer there. The Caribbean link is located on the left hand side under states, mexico ... click on Caribbean.

Best wishes to you both!

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Aruba - Honeymoon With My Honey