Life Is A Beach

Which Would You Rather Do?

Punta Cana’s Sugar Sand Beaches

 

Punta Cana

One island, two countries. The Dominican Republic and Haiti share the island of Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Caribbean. Unlike it’s sister nation, however, the Dominican Republic has in recent years become one of the Caribbean’s most sought after playgrounds. With hundreds of miles of beaches and reefs, there is no shortage of sand and sun for visitors to the Dominican Republic. Travelers there inevitably compare the sand texture to sugar, but the crystal blue waters are an equally attractive asset. The Dominican Republic’s pristine beaches are slowly becoming the destination of choice for leisure travelers from the United States and Canada looking for real value and extraordinary all-inclusive vacations.

Punta Cana has quickly emerged as the most popular beach destination. Here, many of the island’s top beachfront resorts, amazing oceanfront scenery, and plenty of places for entertainment and activities have sprung into being. Numerous bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops dot a landscape where only a few years ago only small villages and hotels catering to a mostly European crowd existed.

The Dominican Republic’s beaches remain unspoiled Caribbean jewels. Almost 800 miles of coastline, and some of the most dazzling sand anywhere ensure vacationers will never have far to go to find great surf and a stretch of soft, white sand to enjoy.

Because the region is, in many respects, still in a very young stage of its development as a destination, vacationers the crowds are all on other islands in the region, giving DR beach goers space to enjoy themselves on the island’s seashores.

This naturally calm, clear and warm water makes the DR an ideal location for water sports and swimming. The beaches are amazingly flat and very wide, easily walked or traveled on horseback, a favorite activity of many visitors. The giant expanse of white sand creates a relaxed feeling of spaciousness, never crowded. These gorgeous beaches are safe to swim year-round, and activities abound with pastimes like scuba diving (Punta Cana has 22 diving sites), snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, water biking, sailing, beach volleyball or soccer.

On the easternmost tip of the island, Punta Cana is famous for its spectacular beaches and completely transparent waters, With over twenty miles of white sand and palm trees. Few other destinations in the Caribbean rival the area for its pristine, clean water and open air. Punta Cana’s climate is dry and it rarely rains during the day, the arid flora like palm trees nevertheless flourishing all along the coast.

The influence of the early European crowds remains with a variety of hotel chains catering to a multinational crowd. North Americans have discovered Punta Cana, however, and now luxury all-inclusives with richly featured beach and pool facilities are found along the shore, edging right up to the water. There is a crisp, new feeling to the hotels and resorts here, and endless buffets. Punta Cana is a retreat for pure relaxation and enjoyment.

Punta Cana currently has 12 professional golf courses from designers such as Jack Nicklaus, P.B. Dye, Tom Fazio and Nick Faldo all within a short drive from each other. Several more are in the planning stages and it’s clear that the Dominican Republic is on a headlong rush to become the primary gold destination of the Caribbean.

Best of all, Punta Cana remains a real value. Prices here can range hundreds of dollars less than better known, Caribbean destinations. So if it’s value you seek, sugary white sand and swaying lines of coconut palms, Punta Cana should be on your short list of destinations to get to know.

Contact Maupin Travel and start planning your vacation.

The Virgin Islands

 

Virgin Islands for the Caribbean Virgin

So you are ready to leave the country and set forth on a Caribbean adventure but with all the islands to choose from, where do you begin? Perhaps you should start at home. The U.S. Virgin Islands, 1100 miles southeast of Miami, are an excellent entrée to the Caribbean without leaving the comfort and security of home. Sure you’ll actually leave the United States mainland, so it feels as if you’ve left the country, but language, currency, drivers license, banking are all the same so you won’t have to feel out of your element. In fact, you don’t even need a passport to travel to the USVI! So for the Caribbean virgins out there, the USVI is a great starting point. Maybe that’s why they’re named the Virgin Islands!

The US Virgin Islands are comprised of three magnificent islands: St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. They are all uniquely different and are located close enough together so that which ever island you make your home base, you can easily take a day trip to the others via high speed ferries or a catamaran. The British Virgin Islands are also just a short hop away and can also be seen on a day trip, but these islands do require a passport.

All three of the USVI have a myriad of accommodations available. Luxury all inclusive resorts, grand hotels, condos, villas, private guest houses to small inns are options for your choosing. Camping is even an option on St John.

A US Driver’s license is acceptable for car rental, just keep in mind that a tiny bit of the British influence still remains and driving is on the left side of the road, with the driver’s seat on the right side of the vehicle. At first, it’s a little nerve-wracking, but in no time you will learn to follow the other drivers and suddenly you are an expert. With your own vehicle it is so much easier to explore the island and try all the beaches, restaurants and attractions that are available. There are of course taxis and buses for those not wanting to drive.

St Thomas is known primarily for its heavy concentration of duty free shops in the capital city of Charlotte Amalie. It is a bustling stop on the cruise ship routes and is the busiest cruise-ship harbor in the West Indies. This small island is only 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, but there is a lot of activity for such a small space. Rich in history, it is delightful to walk the narrow passageways in town where chic shops now occupy ancient Danish warehouses that once stored pirate loot. Don’t miss the opportunity to go to Fort Christian, the oldest standing building in the Virgin Islands and home to a great museum offering a glimpse into the island’s multicultural history. Fascinating Blackbeard’s Castle, which is now a restaurant and hotel, is also an interesting look into a 17th century tower.

St Croix, the largest of the three US Virgin Islands, is a little more tranquil than St Thomas although the capital city of Christiansted does offer numerous shopping venues. The real attraction of St Croix is Buck Island National Park. Several tour operators offer day trips to this protected underwater national monument, which has excellent underwater trails for snorkelers filled with brightly colored corals and marine life.

St John, the smallest of the three, is really the most beautiful and least developed. Two thirds of St John is a national park with guided trails and a third of the park is underwater. Laurence Rockefeller donated his acquired land on the island to the United States€National Park Service in 1956, provided that the lands remain protected from any future development. These early eco conscious provisions make this is a stunning island with perfect white sand beaches that stretch for miles. St John is a peaceful, non-commercialized natural wonder with postcard perfect beaches and views. Accessible only by boat, there are no cruise ship ports, airports or high-rise buildings; just a simple, natural, beautiful island.

Whether you are a Caribbean veteran or a “virgin” to the West Indies, everyone should visit the US Virgin Islands at least once. They are a national treasure of beauty and diverse cultures that deserve to be fully experienced.

What are you waiting for? Contact Maupin Travel and get started.

Grand Cayman

 

60 Second Geography – Grand Cayman

Once you leave George Town, Grand Cayman‘s natural wonders come alive. Head west to hike the Mastic Trail, a 200-year old footpath flanked by Cedar, Mahogany, and Black Mangrove trees, as well as the eponymous Mastic.

The West Bay section of the island features the famed turtle farm, where thousands of Green Sea Turtles are raised each year for both food and for release into the wild. This is also the home of the kitschy town of Hell — a bleak natural limestone formation with a nearby gift shop and (of course) a post office that sells postcards that can be sent home from-Hell.

On the North Side resides the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park, a series of lush tropical gardens full of herbs and orchids, not to mention a fascinating butterfly garden and an iguana habitat. But, perhaps the most famous attraction in Grand Cayman is not on land at all. A few miles off shore in the North Sound, lies Stingray City, a series of shallow sandbars flush with friendly southern stingrays just begging for handouts from the tourists who flock to the site.

• Hit the Beach! Whether it’s relaxing in the sun or snorkeling in the reef just off shore at the Sunrise Villa, enjoy the year-round tropical breezes on Grand Cayman’s beaches.
• The World-Famous Stingray City: Top of every visitor’s list is an excursion to Stingray City, an extraordinary 12-foot dive site and adjacent sandbar. In as little as two to six feet of water, everyone-with or without snorkel gear-can feed and touch the friendly Southern Atlantic stingrays.
• Spend a Lazy Afternoon at Rum Point: Hop in your rental car and head to Rum Point on Grand Cayman’s quiet North Side, a favorite destination for both residents and visitors. Experience island atmosphere the way it used to be in a scenic spot known for its clear, calm waters and tall pines. Sink into a hammock with a book, swim, snorkel, or try a glass-bottom boat trip. The Wreck Bar, a Rum Point landmark, serves lunch and frosty drinks at picnic tables on the beach.
• Boatswain’s Beach: Boatswain’s Beach is the name of the new 30-acre marine theme park that is the expansion of the Cayman Turtle Farm. When Christopher Columbus first discovered the islands in 1503, he named them “Las Tortugas,” meaning The Turtles. According to legend, there were so many turtles that the islands looked like they were covered with rocks. Located in Grand Cayman, the Turtle Farm has been in operation since 1968 and has since been dedicated to educating the public on the benefits of a proactive conservation program for sea turtles.
• Indulge in Cayman Cuisine: It would be difficult to spend time in Cayman without being offered conch fritters, a local Stingray beer, or Cayman’s own Heavy Cake. But don’t miss the island specialties that will make your visit unique; for a snack that is not to be missed, stop in at any of the Tortuga Rum Company stores for a Tortuga Rum Cake. Compare the spicy taste of Cayman Brac’s McCoy’s BBQ to the unique flavor of Bussy’s Jerk Chicken on Little Cayman.
• Discover the Cayman Story: The National Trust for the Cayman Islands office, located in George Town, offers visitors extensive information on the islands’ history, environment, national symbols and culture. Tours are also available for guests to uncover the Cayman of yesteryear – by learning about wattle and daub, a method of construction used to build homes; discovering historical sites such as the Bodden Town Guard House, Old Savannah Schoolhouse and Watlers Cemetery; environmental treasures such as the Mastic Trail; and resources such as the Trust’s Herbarium and Insectarium.

Are you ready to getaway to Grand Cayman? Contact Maupin Travel and get started.

Agent SociaLink by Passport Online, Inc.

Anguilla

 

60 Second Geography – Anguilla

Much is made of the rich and famous who come to Anguilla to hide in plain site. No doubt there is plenty of luxury to be found on this small Caribbean island, But for every celebrity there are the thousands of visitors every year who come for the warm hospitality of the people, the brilliance of the beaches and the quiet, idyllic return to a more elegant, simple yet rich existence.

Anguilla is more than a destination. Anguilla is an experience, a special feeling found nowhere else. Anguilla represents the ultimate in escape from the ordinary, the opportunity to leave behind the busy everyday to wrap oneself in the very essence of relaxation. Visitors come from all over the world to Anguilla to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. As they say in Anguilla “Feeling is believing.”

• Anguilla is the northernmost of the Leeward Islands. It is situated 146 miles east of Puerto Rico and eleven miles north of St. Martin/St.Maarten.
• The island is sixteen miles long, and three miles wide at it’s widest point. In total, the land mass measures 35 square miles.
• There are more than 40 miles of coastline on which its many spectacular beaches are situated. Anguilla is a mostly flat island, with its highest point at 213 feet above sea level.
• The island does not have any natural rivers, streams or lakes but several large salt ponds dot the landscape.
• Situated in the centre of Anguilla is The Valley, the nation’s capital.
• Numerous fishing villages, like the ones at Crocus Bay and Island Harbour embody centuries of Anguilla’s maritime history and nautical traditions.So ingrained is the love of the sea that boat racing is the national sport.
• English holidays such as the Queen’s Birthday, Whit Monday and others are celebrated, but English speaking Anguilla maintains a unique balance of all the historic influences that make this island a truly individual nation.
• Anguilla’s fortunate location in the Leeward Islands means that for much of the year there is a constant breeze cooling the air and affording very little rainfall or humidity. The subtropical climate and temperature tends to be constant year round average of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Average annual rainfall is 35 inches with the “rainy season” running August through November.
• Throughout the island, a visitor will encounter the simple, yet elegant architecture of the Anguillian people. Make sure to emphasize to your clients that they will want to take special notice of the shops painted lime green or pink or a school of aquamarine. Of special note are the churches, nearly one church for every two square miles of island.
• Anguilla’s turquoise waters boast five marine parks: Dog Island, Prickly Pear/Seal Island, Sandy Island, Little Bay, and Shoal Bay/Island Harbor. Dive sites include wreck dives, shore dives, mini wall dives, night dives and heritage diving. Other activities include parasailing, paddle boating, windsurfing, water skiing and glass bottom boats.

Ready to experience Anguilla? Contact Maupin Travel and get started planning your trip.

Bahamas

 

Bahamas

An English-speaking country, The Bahamas consists of 29 islands, 650 cays, and close to 2,500 islets and is located in the Atlantic, north of Cuba and Hispaniola. When you add up the land area, it is slightly larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island.

The Bahamas is one of the most prosperous nations in the Caribbean basin and relies on tourism to generate most of the economy. Tourism accounts for 60% of their gross domestic product and provides jobs for more than 50% of the country’s workforce.  To see the impact of tourism at work, one only needs to look at the number of cruise ships which dock in the capital city of Nassau.

One of the most prosperous countries in the Caribbean region, the Bahamas relies on tourism to generate most of its economic activity. Tourism as an industry not only accounts for over 60 percent of the Bahamian GDP, but provides jobs for more than half the country’s workforce. An example of Tourism in the Bahamas is the number of cruise ships that land in the capital of Nassau where tourists visit the straw market to buy different items or have their hair braided. After tourism, the most important economic sector is financial services, accounting for around 15 percent of GDP.

There are four main areas of the Bahamas, New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, and the Out Islands. The rest are, relatively speaking, uninhabited.

New Providence

This is the island most visitors erroneously call Nassau. Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas and is by far the largest on the island.  Nassau was named in 1695 for the Dutch Prince of Orange-Nassau after he took over the British throne. New Providence is home to 2/3 of the population and is not the largest island.  The allure of Nassau, and its fame Straw Market, have fueled incredible development on the island. Some of the most popular resorts are Atlantis, Cable Beach, & Paradise Island.

Grand Bahama

For a much lower key experience, head to Grand Bahama Island. GBI offers many activities for the environmentalist in us all. They include eco-adventures such as kayaking, hiking and jeep tours through remote areas for a close-up look at mangroves, birds and marine life. Or you could snorkel on a spectacular reef, ride horseback along trails and beaches or enjoy the sheer beauty of nature in wild and cultivated settings. But GBI is not without some cosmopolitan flair. Freeport boasts the Port Lucaya Marketplace and the International Bazaar for shopping and dining as well as some great resorts.

Abaco

The Abaco islands are really a crescent shaped mini-archipelago comprising 130 square miles of land, 82 cays and 208 rocks. They are The Bahamas’ crown jewel, according fans and residents alike. The Abaco islands are distinctly distant from modern feel of New Providence or Grand Bahama. These serene islands are renowned for clear turquoise waters, coral reefs and silky beaches. The Bone fishing in the flats is also a winner. Rare Bahama Parrots can be found in Abaco National Park; and if you are lucky, you might catch a peek at some descendents of horses that travelled with Columbus when he landed here in 1492.

The Out Islands

About two dozen of the Bahamian islands are inhabited, and each has its own, distinct personality. Even the terrain and weather varies, as the islands are scattered over 100,000 sq miles of ocean &emdash; an area about the size of Great Britain. With so many islands, cays, and around 2,000 islets, the country could take months of exploration.

All in all, the islands are low lying, with sandy beaches, coral reefs (cays), and a laid back culture that is a mix of American (Grand Bahama Island) and British (New Providence). This difference also flows over into the architecture where you are apt to spot simple wooden homes in bright pastels, luxury Florida-esqe villas all next to the latest Arnold Palmer golf course.

New Providence has the most attractions, including the Christ Church Cathedral, galleries, museums, gardens and forts. Fort Charlotte is the largest and most impressive with its 42 cannons, moat and dungeons. Of course, the Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island is a destination in and of itself. However, some of the most memorable sights are the natural ones: the Bahamas has the world’s third largest barrier reef, one of the largest systems of underwater caves and clearest waters with visibility of more than two hundred feet. There are whales and dolphins to spot, world class dive sites and 109 species of birds breeding. And don’t forget the marine reserves, like Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, which are accessible by boat.

The Bahamas will have an appeal to everyone from the eco-traveler, to the adventurist, to the shopper, to the one looking for glitz and glamour, to the sportsman, and to the one that just wants to sit on a beach with an umbrella in their drink. And you wonder why the Bahamian Ministry of Tourism’s tag line is “It’s better in the Bahamas“?

What are you waiting for? Contact Maupin Travel and get started planning your trip.

Honeymoon Destinations

Honeymoons too often take a backseat to the arrangements and plans of the actual wedding, but you owe it to yourself to give honeymoon planning greater and more careful attention. After all, while the wedding is mainly for your family and friends, the once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon that follows is a private getaway for you and your new spouse to celebrate your marriage. Though you may spend a portion of your vacation relaxing and reflecting on this major life change, the honeymoon is most of all an opportunity to enjoy being a newlywed, spending quality time with your new spouse, and experiencing a romantic and exciting getaway.

Honeymooners have endless options. Following months of wedding planning, couples often retreat to a luxurious resort that caters to their every need, while others trek to an adventurous escape from their day-to-day lives. Whether a beach vacation, a safari or a ski trip, the honeymoon should reflect your joint personality and wishes.

Keep in mind that perfect honeymoons don’t just happen, and planning requires thoughtfulness, patience, careful attention to details, and a lot of decision-making along the way. The more homework you do before leaving for your honeymoon, the more you will enjoy your special vacation.

Top Honeymoon Hotspots

Your honeymoon can be the most romantic trip you’ll ever take, and it can also be a lot of fun. Look for a destination that offers everything you want. Remember that there is no “ideal” destination — the personality of you and your partner will determine where on the planet your honeymoon should be. However, the following locations traditionally are considered the greatest spots to honeymoon and top many newlyweds’ travel wish-lists.

• Hawaii – Hawaii remains the number one destination for honeymoons year after year because of its romantic sunsets, magnificent beaches, and luxurious hotels. Visitors to Hawaii can also conveniently hop from island to island to experience just about any climate and adventure under the sun, including kayaking, mountain climbing, surfing, scuba, and even hiking in a rainforest.
• Mexico – From the Yucatan peninsula to the Pacific Coast, Mexico is all at once romantic, adventurous, and laidback. A collection of spectacular land- and seascapes larger than almost anywhere else in the world, reasonably priced attractions and an easy-to-reach location make a Mexico vacation hard to beat. Honeymooners can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including eco-tourism, water sports, horseback riding, diving, and touring ancient Mexican ruins.
• The Caribbean– The islands of the Caribbean have long been favorites for honeymooners. While we mention a few below by name, your travel consultant can assist you with destination materials that provide a wealth of information for helping you choose the perfect spot.
  • Bahamas – With over 700 separate islands, you’ll find numerous resorts with all the water sports, pampering, night clubs, fine dining, casinos, and beaches you could possibly want. Many amazing islands in the Bahamas can also be visited easily in one trip by booking a cruise. If you’re seeking a truly romantic paradise for your upcoming honeymoon, look closely at the Bahamas.
  • Jamaica – If you’re eager to just get away and relax after hectic wedding planning, Jamaica is the place to be. From the famous reggae music festivals to the beautiful shorelines, it’s easy to get into the Jamaican state of mind. Whether you stay on the island in a luxurious resort or simply visit for a couple of hours on a cruise ship stop, Jamaica’s culture of fun, sun, and romance will make you feel welcome.
  • Bermuda – Bermuda is a truly sightseer’s delight, and couples are encouraged to rent a moped or take public transportation to see all the sights. Offering an array of ocean activities and charming historic towns, Bermuda provides a romantic and mysterious escape to an era of class and grace.
  • U.S. Virgin Islands – Replete with sailing, snorkeling, sports fishing, and tons of shopping, honeymooners have long been attracted to the Virgin Islands for an active escape.
• Tahiti and the South Pacific – These islands are becoming an increasingly popular destination for couples (including celebrities) seeking an exclusive honeymoon experience and are the closest most ever get to a private island retreat. The sheer beauty and history of the land and the people allows couples to participate in awe-inspiring eco-tourism and cultural activities. Many also opt to stay in traditional style burés, some of which are directly over the water, to take advantage of the unparalleled views.
• The Continental U.S. – Many couples are drawn to distinctive locations throughout the United States. California, one of the most popular, offers marvels ranging from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to the glamour of Hollywood. Las Vegas, Nevada, always draws a lively crowd. Its incredible range of world-class hotels, casinos, entertainment, and shopping venues gives honeymooners an exciting vacation from home. New York, Florida, and Colorado are also very popular destinations for honeymooners, as they offer fun and romantic tourist attractions that welcome visitors year-round. Traveling within the U.S. is an excellent opportunity to experience the unique diversity for which America is world-renowned.
• Europe – Europe has always been high on honeymooners’ lists, in part because of the distinctiveness of each country and the many destinations couples can visit during their trip. From the majestic views of the snow-covered Alps to the Eiffel tower in Paris, Europe is filled with unforgettable history and romance.
• Australia and New Zealand – If you’re looking for outdoor adventure both above and below the ocean bed, you’ll love the exceptional beauty of these lands. From snorkeling and scuba diving to bush treks and mountain climbing, honeymooners won’t find any more high-energy activities than these locations offer.

Planning a Hassle-Free Honeymoon

If you and your fiancé are just beginning to think about your honeymoon plans, a good place to start is agreeing on a specific destination. A recommended way to do this is to sit down together and compile a list of your top dream vacations. Choosing a destination and an itinerary that really works for your personality is also key. It’s easy to get overwhelmed at this stage, since you have so many possibilities, but you can narrow down the options by deciding if you’d prefer a tropical beach, big city, or a place known for adventure travel. Also consider if you want warm or cool weather, a distant land or someplace closer to home, a vibrant location with people to meet, or seclusion, where it will just be the two of you. Speak with your travel consultant about all of your honeymoon ideas, and consider including adventurous and unusual travel themes along with more popular options like mass market cruises and all-inclusive resorts.

Also remember that you may need to psychologically accommodate to your new status as a partner and a spouse, and with proper planning and smart travel choices, you can enhance your opportunity to bond without undue stress over logistics or other complications. Your travel consultant can always develop a customized honeymoon that provides not just a vacation experience, but a real journey for the two of you set in a locale that reflects your personalities and values.

Once you’ve decided where you want to go, your next step is to make a budget. Find out if you have any frequent flier miles or hotel discounts you can use towards your trip. Also think about putting all the wedding expenses on a single credit card that accumulates frequent flier miles for the honeymoon. The cost of your honeymoon will, of course, be the sum total of the accommodations, activities, transportation, meals, tips, souvenirs and other travel costs. Be candid with your travel consultant to make your honeymoon economically comfortable.

When considering your budget, know that all-inclusive resorts take care of most of your meals, athletic equipment, and tips. Some also include liquor and bar costs as well as resort-specific activities. These arrangements vary widely, however, with some including roundtrip airfare, so find out exactly what is and is not included in the price.

Also note that honeymoon packages offered by hotels, airlines, and wholesalers typically include special perks for newlyweds that you can’t get with standard packages. Your travel consultant will know to ask your hotel if special honeymoon packages are available.

Once you have a budget, decide when to go and for how long. Figure out how many vacation days you have and how many you’ll need before the wedding to take care of odds and ends at the last minute. Decide whether you want to leave immediately after your wedding, or wait a few days or weeks to give yourself more time to focus on the trip. If you don’t have very many vacation days, you may want to take a “mini-moon” the weekend of the wedding and then a longer, second honeymoon on your first anniversary. It’s usually a good idea to give yourself at least a day or two to continue the honeymoon after returning home, before you head back to work and settle into your everyday life.

Don’t forget to research the travel documents you might need for your honeymoon as well. U.S. citizens need valid passports for all air and sea travel to and from Europe, Asia, and Australia. As of January 8, 2007, passports are also required for travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Your travel consultant will assist with all of the necessary documentation, including documentation of your recent name change!

Be diligent about keeping copies of all correspondence, confirmation numbers, and invoices given to you by your travel consultant. Double- and triple-check all the plans to be sure that your departure and return dates are correct. Inform everyone along the way that you’re traveling on your honeymoon, so you don’t miss out on complimentary perks. Stay organized by creating a folder or notebook where you can keep all this information.

One last bit of advice: Have realistic expectations throughout the course of planning and taking your honeymoon trip. While it’s only natural for you to want your honeymoon to be perfect, bear in mind that travel is inherently an adventure. Approach your honeymoon with an open mind, and prepare to have plenty of laughs along the way.

There really are endless possibilities for honeymooners. Whether you decide to go on an exotic foreign expedition or visit a nearby luxurious resort, start planning early to make sure you’re right where you want to be… and then Bon Voyage!

Contact Maupin Travel today to start planning your Honeymoon.

Barbados 60 Second Geography

Barbados

Barbados has a legacy of three uninterruped centuries of a stable relationship with the United Kingdom and is sometimes called “Little England”. Here one can still enjoy afternoon tea in the British style, cricket is the national sport, and many of the native “Bajans” speak with a British accent.

• The lovely beaches of pink and white sand and a West Indian tradition as thick and rich as the Caribbean offers are characteristic of the Bajan experience. The island is easily reached from the United States, and offers a wide array of excellent facilities for travelers.
• Much of the resort development is on the island’s west coast near the capital of Bridgetown and land prices here are extremely high.
• The east coast, exposed to the Atlantic and very rough, is protected from development.
• There is gambling aplenty, from penny slots to the highest stake tables and even private card games.
• Barbados offers up terrific scenery and the Bajan vistas are some of the best in the Caribbean. Driving tours are great opportunities to see the quaint seaside villages and plantations, many dating back to the 17th century.
• Hiking or driving through the interior of the island is very worthwhile. The wonderful beaches get all the attention, but the little visited parishes of St. Thomas and St. George, St. Andrews, St. Joseph, and St. John are all memorable points of interest for the visitor really wanting to get to know Barbados.
• Reminders of the island’s long history with England are everywhere. At Trafalgar Square, the monument honoring Lorn Nelson and the great public buildings harken back to the colonial past.
• The Anglican church, St. Michael’s Cathedral was first built in 1655 but was destroyed by a hurricane in 1780. Rebuilt in 1789, George Washington worshiped here on his visit to Barbados.
• Farley Hill National Park is the grounds of the former mansion now in ruins, Farley Hill. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is nearby, an excellent spot for a picnic and time spent watching the waves crash upon the shore.

Ready to experience Bardados for yourself? Contact Maupin Travel and get started planning your trip.