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

Travel Tips To Cancun

With many families starting to plan their winter and spring break holidays, one of the most popular destinations is the region surrounding the city of Cancun in Mexico.  Here are a few things everyone should know for their next vacation to this beautiful region.

Taxis
You can get a taxi from anywhere in Cancun, the cost is variable depending on the zone, fares to the hotel zone are the most expensive, and I suggest you arrange the price with the driver first. Local taxis are not allowed to transport passengers from the airport; they can take you over there for your departure only.  To go to your hotel from the airport you can use any transportation line located in the two terminals, but be aware of unauthorized persons working at the airport.  They are commonly called pirates and you could end up paying much more than the regular rate.  I suggest you pre-book your airport transportation service, it is more convenient, safe and easy.


Exchanging Money
All stores and restaurants will take US dollars and travelers checks.  Odds are however the exchange rate will be in their favor.  The best exchange rates can be found at a bank (the best option), exchange places (casa de cambio) or in the hotel (check the rate as some do not give you the best rate).  NO ONE rakes US coins, bills that are ripped, or damaged.


Other Stuff

- Don't drink the water even if the hotel has a purified water system, it tastes funny.  Mexican bottled water is 1/3 the price of the US.

- Set taxi fares before getting in.  If you have a problem, take his number off the taxi & report it to your it to your hotel.

- Most hotels are not  downtown.  Go explore.  Prices are better downtown.

- Don't let people change your mind about a restaurant.  Every restaurant pays a commission to concierges, taxis, bell boys, front desk clerks sharks, monkeys etc.  The commission could be as high as 15% of your bill and of course that fee is added to the menu price.

- Most people speak 'JOB English' meaning they get by when you ask them questions they answer daily.  Speak slowly & clearly.  Don't use uncommon words.  Don't expect everyone to understand your accent.

- Ocean temperature year round is 80F so jump in.

- If you where 2 hours from the pyramids in Egypt would you go?  If yes, go to Chichen-Itza.

- Ice is safe in drinks.

- Always carry change! 5, 10, 20 pesos.  Amazing how many stores don't have change and it will be your fault.

- Watch out for the hot salsa!  It's the next day that bites.  Well, bites...

- Best thing to do?  Get up at 6:30 am and walk on the beach.  THE BEST!

- If someone says 'I understand', they don't.  It is that simple.

- Tip your maid daily; a buck or 2.

- And finally; how to speak better Spanish?  Drink more tequila!

Great Kid-Friendly Cruise Itineraries

When planning a family vacation, parents come back to a cruise vacation idea again and again.  That's because cruises continue to be one of the all-time best values for families - and they provide a low-stress way to unpack once but travel to several different ports of call.

Cruise lines are generally family friendly, and offer amenities that earn the respect of children everywhere - but not all cruises are created equal.  From rock-climbing walls to cupcake bakeries to off-boat adventures, here are some of the best itineraries for cruising with kids.

1. Alaska's Inside Passage

What Kids Love: Your reluctant students may complain about school from time to time, but the fact remains that kids are inquisitive; they enjoy learning from someone who's passionate about the topic.  Most cruise lines sailing Alaska hire naturalists to give lectures and lead hikes on land and skiff exploration on the water.  Special kid-focused itineraries customize the experience for the younger set.  Kids come away from their Alaska adventure having seen whales, sea lions, walrus, seals, otters, eagles and other native birds, bears, ans so much more.

What Parents Appreciate: Alaska is ideal for the first-time cruisers.  Ships travel along the calm, narrow waters of the Inside Passage and visit places like Juneau, Wrangell, Ketchikan, Tongass National Forest, Tracy  Arm, Glacier Bay, and Endicott Arm.  You would be hard-pressed to get seasick on one of these voyages.

2. Costa Rica

What Kids Love: Costa Rica offers a plethora of activities that kids love, from swimming and snorkeling (while parents relax on the shores of gorgeous palm-fringed beaches) to exploring the rain forest, to getting close to a real volcano (Masaya).  Sailing from port to port also offers amazing whale-watching opportunities, and its not uncommon for kids to see humpback whales breach.

What Parents Appreciate: Costa Rica is ideal for families that want a mix of active adventures(think ziplining or swimming with sea turtles) as well as more sedate activities (like onboard spa treatments and a restful day at sea).

3. Hawaii

What Kids Love: Hawaii enchants kids with its active volcanos, white sandy beaches mixed with gold and black grains, exotic luau-style foods like kaua pig (cooked in an underground pit) and haupia (coconut pudding).  Kids who love animals will be on the lookout for the endangered monk seals as well as dolphins and a variety of whales.

What Parents Appreciate: Hawaii is an incredibly romantic place to visit - even when you're got kids in tow. Topical drinks, walks on the beach, and sunset sails will be the highlights of this Hawaiian Islands sampler.

The cruise line of choice in Hawaii is Norwegian Cruise Line.  The 2138-passenger Pride of America offers 7-night roundtrip voyages  out of Honolulu (Oahu) with call on Kahului in Maui, Kauai, and both Kona and Hilo on the Big Island.  Norwegian recently invested $30 million to renovate and refresh Pride of America, so now's a good time to plan a trip to America's paradise.

4. The Ship As The Destination: Disney Cruise Line

What Kids Love: You can't exclude Disney Cruise Line when talking kid-approved cruises.  The important thing to know about DCL is that your child will enjoy any voyage.  The ports of call will be secondary, in their opinion.  What they will love are the encounters with Mickey, Minnie, and all the characters; fun onboard activities like the Sail-Away Celebration on embarkation day and Pirate Night; and amazing pools and "water coasters" (on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy).

What Parents Appreciate: Parents are fond of Disney's supervised kids clubs so they can be sure their kids will enjoy their time spent meeting new friends in a safe environment.  Mom and Dad can make appointments at the spa, dine out at the adults-only Palo restaurant, or enjoy the nightclub while the kids play at the youth club.

Traveling with Family in Japan

The adventure of foreign travel becomes even more adventurous when travelling with children.  Between the logistics, safety concerns an simple energy output, it's important to choose destinations that make your trip as safe and easy as possible.  If you leave the English-speaking world, Japan can be one of the best destinations for family travel.  The cultural differences will broaden your kids' horizons, and the country is among the safest in the world.  You can make the most out of your family trip by keeping in mind a few simple tips.


Japan is crime free

So much so that subway graffiti is literally front-page news.  It's also a cash economy, with few ATM machines compared to the US, and fewer vendors who accept credit cards.  You can safely carry cash, and relax your vigilance for for abduction and other predators.


Japan is less safety-conscious

You'll find fewer guard rails, traffic signs and other objects designed to prevent accidental injury than you are accustomed to seeing in North America and Europe.  Use the extra mental energy you have from not watching your wallet to keep a closer eye on your kids when you're near potential hazards.

Navigating in Japan is a challenge

Signs are in kanji - Japanese writing.  Not all street have names, and building numbers are in chronological rather than geographic order.  Plan your routes ahead of time and always carry a map.  It also helps to make a quick sketch of of the key kanji you'll need for your trip - such as city and station names.


Observe a hands-on policy in crowds

Especially on public transportation, it can be easy to lose track of your family in infamous crowds of Tokyo and other Japanese cities.  Keep a hand on each other as you move, especially in situations where you could become separated.


Be ready to talk about sex

Sexual media is commonplace in Japan - in the daily papers, in comic books, in vending machines and on posters.  Most towns have at least one fertility shrine in the form of a giant statue of the male or female sexual organ.  This doesn't have to ruin a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, but you should prepare to have a conversation about all these images.

Eat a variety

McDonald's and KFC have a strong presence in Japan enough that you might be tempted to buy your kids off with American fast food for your meals.  This would be a mistake.  Instead, try the local food stalls, sushi shops and yakitori restaurants.  Japanese food is some of the most diverse cuisine in the world.  Even if your family doesn't love it, you'll have a story to tell when you get home.


Carry your phrasebook

Most Japanese took a few years of English during school, but few speak the language well enough to really communicate.  You can read phrases from your pocket dictionary, or great phone apps; or use the time-honored trick of pointing to the phrase and letting the helpful locals read for themselves.

A trip to Japan will be a great adventure for your family, and a memory you all can cherish well into their adult years.

The Essentials for Traveling to Australia

Australia is on most people's dream "must-visit" list.  And every person has their own packing list for this trip of a lifetime, but there are a few essentials you should be aware of before making the trip Down Under.

Money

While the the exchange rate between the Australian dollars has been going down over the last year again the American dollar, meaning Australia is a great value for Americans right now; it still costs a lot more of those American dollars to buy the same products.  For example, a pint of beer can cost around $8 in most major cities and domestic flights are as expensive as you will find to get from one coast in the US to the other. Don't let sticker shocker ruin your trip, budget enough to truly enjoy you dream vacation.

Bug and Sun Protection

Thanks to a hole in the ozone layer, the sun in Australia is vicious.  Follow the government ads and remember to "slip, slap, slop" on sunscreen and a hat that covers your ears.  Remember, its the middle of summer in Australia during the winter here in the US.

The "mozzies" or mosquitoes and sand gnats are another nuisance that can be prevented by bug spray with DEET and a handy mosquito net.  If you visit the Outback, the latter is a must-have, even if you feel silly wearing it!

Aussie Lingo Dictionary

"But don't they speak English in Australia?"  Yes; but do you know what mozzies, sunnies, arvo, cuppa, ambo, schooner, mean?  If you have no idea what these words mean, it might not be a bad idea to invest in an Australian language dictionary.  You don't want to embarrass yourself by not knowing how to order a beer.

Travel Insurance

Australia is trying to kill you.  But really.  There are more species of lethal creatures in Oz than anywhere else in the world, namely the box jellyfish, the blue ring octopus, the funnel web spider and who could forget the crocs?  And then there's all the extreme sports, like bungee jumping, sky diving, scuba diving and rafting.  Then add the weather and the long expensive flight and the cost of the trip..  If something happens, a travel insurance policy is a must-have for all travelers, but especially those visiting Australia.  It's also important to make sure all your gear is covered, like that fancy digital camera your trip with!  For those looking at an extended stay in Australia, make sure you have a look at travel health insurance to make sure you're covered.

A Sense of Adventure

Every day is an adventure in Australia.  One day you could be exploring the Daintree Rainforest and the next you could be sleeping underground in an Outback town.  You really have to be prepared for anything.