Great Caribbean Islands to Visit During the Holidays

Are you looking to spend your Christmas or New Years somewhere other than at home?  Then why not plan a wonderful Holiday Season vacation in the Caribbean.  The atmosphere and enthusiasm which surrounds the Caribbean at Christmas time makes it different from the rest of the world.  One of the most cheerful occasions of Caribbean Holiday is the fact that Christmas music is played on almost every street; people are seen dancing to the music wearing masks and having a joyful time.  Christmas is seen as a festival which celebrates the birth of Jesus.  Every individual takes part in the festivities associated with Christmas and the season.

Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is a favorite vacation destination for many tourists.  The island is filled with a wide range of history from the mix of cultures that are apart of the island.  Enjoy the flavorful food that can be found throughout the island.  Sit back and drink a delicious glass of rum-punch.  The island is truly beautiful, and is sure to not disappoint!  The night life is also very lively and fun.  Danny Buoy's is one frequently visited destination that offers live music and sometimes a kareoke night.  Take full advantage of all the fun the island has to offer!

St. John

Once a quiet island, the new development on the island has caused more traffic the island of St. John.  The island is the smallest of the Caribbean Islands with less than 20 sq. miles of lush gardens filled with a vast amount of tropical beauty.  Most of the residents are West Indian of African descent.  The US Virgin Island contains a big amount of sugar cane plantations, and is home to the 29th National Park which has around 5000 acres of well-preserved land.  While there, a trip by charter or ferry should be made to Jost to explore the Town.

Anguilla

Sitting north of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean lies the amazing island of Anguilla.  The island is known for its numerous picturesque pristine sandy beaches throughout the island.  There is also plenty of history to be explored as well.  The Big Spring Cave is one must-see site that houses over 20 Amerindian petroglyphs that have over 1000 years of history attached to them.  The Old Salt Factory, Pumphouse, and the Wallblake house are also fun places to visit!  Enjoy the night life of the country and be immersed in the native sounds of reggae, calypso and other music while dancing the night away!  Anguilla is a place filled with multiple adventures around every corner.

Tortola

Tortola serves as the capital of the British Virgin Islands and illuminates traditional Caribbean heritage.  Exploring the island is best done underwater!  Take a visit to Smuggler's Cove and bask in the tranquil atmosphere while underwater.  Hop on a jet ski and ride across the waves or smoothly sail across the waters inside a boat.  The white sand beaches are simply beautiful and look like something that belongs inside a magazine.  The lovely Cane Garden Bay is also a popular place on the island.  It features multiple bars and restaurants and will allow you to fully relax out on the beach while sipping on a refreshing glass of rum punch.

Barbados

At only 21 miles long, the last island you should visit during the Holiday Season is Barbados.  Even though the island is relatively small, it is one of the most developed islands in the Caribbean.  Grab the whole family and hop into a submarine  to visit a shipwreck 130 feet under the ocean.  The Harbor Lights Beach Extravaganza dinner show is the place to go for an incredible dinner and entertainment!  Thrilling performances can be seen from the various acts in the show.  This includes stiltmen, fire eaters, an acrobatic green monkey, and much more.  Trade in your winter jackets for sunscreen and a bathing suit this upcoming Holiday.

fathom: How to Take a Cruise and Do Some Good at the Same Time

Cruises were once known for all-you-can eat buffets and ultimate lazing as you sailed from port to port, squeezing in some sightseeing along the way.  But Carnival, the largest cruise line in the world, is hoping to change that with its new "impact travel" brand: fathom (and yes, that's with a lowercase "f").

The seven-day trips offered by fathom will serve as "volunteer vacations," with a focus on serving communities they visit.  The cruise line's first cruises will depart from Miami in April 2016 and head to the Dominican Republic on the 710-passenger ship Adonia.

In the Dominican Republic, passengers will be able to take part in traditional excursions such as windsurfing or hiking.  But they will also have a chance to participate in "social impact" activities like teaching English in Dominican schools, working in a local women's cooperative to produce artisan chocolates and helping build water filters for families in need.

"we created fathom to meet the real hunger in the world for purpose, while at the same time tackling profound social issues through a sustainable business model," said Tara Russell, president of the newly-formed brand.  "We harness the assets and resources of the world's largest travel and leisure company and combine them with the talents and hearts of those working in social enterprises around the world."

In addition, in May of 2016, fathom has just announced it has been granted permission to cruise with US travelers to Cuba.  The line plans to provide "cultural, artistic, faith-based and humanitarian exchanges between American and Cuban citizens."  The 7-day social impact sailing on the Adonia will be begin alternating between weeklong cruises to Cuba and the Dominican Republic at that time.

According to Carnival, fathom will cater to a variety of demographics; people in their 20s and 30s who want to make a difference, parents who want to show their children other parts of the world "in a meaningful way," and adults age 50 and up who want rewarding ways to give back aside from just writing a check.  Rates for the weeklong trips will include all meals aboard the ship, volunteer activities, taxes and fees, and onboard social-impact immersion experiences and certain on-the-ground cultural immersion activities.

12 Must-Do's in Cancun

Whether you are planning a Cancun spring break vacation or a trip for the family, there are many amazing and fun things to do in Cancun. Here is a list I have compiled of the twelve absolutely best things to do in Cancun.

1. Xcaret Park - This is a wonderful eco-park where visitors may enjoy beautiful wildlife within their natural habitat.  Visitors will marvel at the magnificent flora and fauna as well as enjoying snorkeling and swimming in the underground river.

2. Dolphin Swimming - This is one on the must-do things to do in Cancun with kids.  The entire family will love swimming along these gentle creatures.

3. Interactive Aquarium Cancun - This is one of the most popular things to do in Cancun.  Guests will be able to enjoy swimming along with dolphins and even sharks.

4. A Day at the Beach - Every trip to Cancun should include at least one day visiting the famous beaches, such as Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy where they can enjoy the magnificent seabirds, snorkeling, and swimming alongside the whale sharks.

5. Relax at a Spa - Cancun is well-known for its magnificent spas.  Enjoy many different types of massages such as hot rock massages, traditional Mayan Massages as well as bodywraps and many anti-aging treatments.

6. Mayan Ruins - While finding things to do in Cancun, visitors must check out one of the many wonderful ruins, many of which are within a bus or car ride from Cancun.

7. Cenotes - These amazing underground rivers are one of the interesting and fun things to do in Cancun.  Enjoy swimming, snorkeling as well as exploring the caves and caverns.

8. Cancun Nightlife - If your are looking for exciting things do to in Cancun, there is no shortage of nightclubs to enjoy.  Enjoy clubs such as Pancho and Willy's for the over 30 crowd.  You may also enjoy a party hopper tour which includes about 7 hours of drinking in many of the famous Mexican bars and clubs.

9. Pirate Assault - Enjoy authentic pirate adventures on the Caribbean Sea.

10. Shopping - Spend a few hours enjoying the amazing indoor malls or outdoor plaza's where tourists may purchase anything from souvenirs to designer clothing and traditional Mexican handicrafts.

11. Bonanza Ranch - If you are looking for outdoor things to do in Cancun, this is the place for you!  You will be able to enjoy horseback riding along the beach as well as through a jungle.

12. Golf - With its many wonderful championship golf courses such as the Riviera Maya Golf Club, Hilton Golf Club as well as the Cancun Golf Club at Pok ta Pok, there is no shortage of places for the golf enthusiast to get some golf time in during their vacation.

It is obvious that whatever your expectations are of your Cancun vacation, there is no shortage of fun and exciting things to do while staying in Cancun