U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)

United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Flag

The U.S. Virgin Islands consists of three islands: St Croix, St John, and St Thomas.

• Coolest Season: January
• Humid & Hottest: June - August
• Peak Season: December - April
  
• Shoulder Season: April - December

Hurricane Season is June - November, their impact usually occurs between September - October.

• A precious resource on the islands is water. Do your part to help conserve it during your visit!
• Don't take shells, coral, or other marine life from the water as they are part of a fragile, threatened ecosystem. Only pick up shells from the beach.

Villa Margarita St Croix Vacation Rentals, Christiansted, St Croix. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

History

• In 1916, the U.S. purchased the islands from Denmark for $25 million with interest in a submarine base to protect Panama Canal interests.
• In 1927, became unincorporated U.S. territory.
  
• In 1493, Christopher Columbus was greeted Carib Tribe with shooting arrows. Upon his retreat, he named (St Croix) Santa Cruz (Holy Cross).
• Until 1671, St Thomas was largely uncolonized with only a few stopover pirates and settlers.
  
• In 1694, Denmark finally claimed St. John.
  
• In 1867, St Thomas was struck by an earthquake, a hurricane, and a 27-ft tsunami.
  
• In 1956, Laurence Rockefeller donated his land owned to the U.S. with the stipulation it must be protected from development.
  
• In 2000, the first casino opened Divi Carina Bay Resort (St Croix).

St John. Photo Credit:  TallGuyInc/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• The islands are part of the Leeward Islands, Islands of the Lesser Antilles chain.
• Cruise ships visit St Thomas more than any other Caribbean Island. Averaging four to seven ships per day. There's no cruise ship dock on St John.
• While rum manufacturing is significant, Tourism remains its primary economic source.
• Christopher Columbus named the islands for Saint Ursula and her virgin followers.
• For hundreds of years Denmark-Norway, France, Great Britain, and The Netherlands have fought to rule the islands.
• St Croix is the largest and flattest terrain of the islands.
• Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas) was named in honor of the wife of King Christian V of Denmark.
• Virgin Islands are citizens of the U.S.; however, they can't vote in our Presidential elections. As a U.S. territory, they have one delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
• In 1830, Camille Pissarro was born. An Impressionist Painter.
• The "International Talk Like a Pirate Day" is hosted on September 19th annually (originated by St Croix) and has evolved to a global affair.
  
• St John has no traffic lights.
  

St John. Photo Credit: inactionsolutions/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Trade winds keep both the humidity and temperatures moderate most of the year.
• The only USA jurisdiction to drive on the left side of the road.
• Danish influence can be seen in the island's architecture.
• These islands are prime sailing and yachting destinations.
• Generous American duty-free allowance on merchandise and liquor.
• You may be inspired to visit after watching: Four Season (1981) and The Big Blue (1988).
• You may wish to read: The Pelican Brief (written by John Grisham and Adrift (written by Rebecca Hale).
• Country music singer, Kenny Chesney has a home on St John.
  
• "Blue Bitch", refers to a local building stone.
  
• Coral World Ocean Park (St Thomas) has an underwater post-office box.
  
• USA Citizens are not required to present a passport.

Photo Credit: Scott S Bateman/Pixabay 

Why visit St Croix "Twin City"?

Known for beautiful beaches, casinos, culture, diversity, duty-free shopping, endangered sea turtles, history, scuba diving, snorkeling, and water-sports. A popular Honeymoon destination!

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Customs House, Fort Christianvaren, The Buck Island Reef National Monument, Government House & Steeple Building
• Museums: Apothecary Museum, Caribbean Museum Center for The Arts, Estate Whim Museum, Fort Frederik, Lawaetz Museum, Little La Grange Farm, Musée du Domaine Whim de Frederiksted, Myron G Danielson Post 85 & The House That Freedom Built
• Popular Attractions: Annaly Bay Tide Pools, Buck Island, Captain Morgan Visitors Center, Christiansted, Christiansted Harbor, Frederiksted, Cruzan Rum Distillery, Gallows Bay Dock, Mount Eagle, Point Udall, Reef Golf & Beach Resort, Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge & St George Village Botanical Garden

St Thomas. Photo Credit: lhern03880/Pixabay 

Why visit St John "Love City"?

Ideal for affluent traveler seeking beautiful beaches, hiking, nature lovers, snorkeling, underwater nature trail, unspoiled landscapes, and tropical flora. Also, a popular honeymoon destination.

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Annenberg Plantation & Catherineberg Ruins
• Popular Attractions: Bordeaux Mountain, Caneel, Cinnamon Bay, Coral Bay, Cruz Bay, Maho Bay, North Shore Road, Trunk Bay & Virgin Islands National Park
  

St Thomas. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

 

Why visit St Thomas ("Rock City")?

One of the U.S. Virgin Island most developed offers beautiful beaches, culture, diving, duty-free shopping, golf, historical buildings, nightlife, and snorkeling. A cruise ship mega-hub with easy access to other surrounding Caribbean Islands.

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Fort Christian & St Thomas Synagogue
• Museums: Fort Frederik, French Heritage Museum, Haagensen House Pirates Treasure Museum, Seven Arches Museum, St Thomas Historical Trust Museum, & The Virgin Islands Children's Museum
• Popular Attractions: Blackbeard's Castle, Charlotte Amalie, Coki Beach, Coral World Ocean Park, Crown Mountain, Drakes Seat, Magens Bay, Magens Bay Beach, Mahogony Run Golf Course & Mountain Top.

Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas. Photo Credit: wolseleyrd/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Puerto Rico (PWAR-toh-REE-koh)

Puerto Rico Flag

Why visit Puerto Rico?

Known for beautiful beaches, casino gambling, caves, culture deep-sea fishing, golf, hiking, history, horseback riding, horse racing, mountains, nightlife, rain forests, scuba diving, shopping, snorkeling, tennis, water-sports and world class surfing.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: Beth/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, cigars, embroidered goods, hammocks, jewelry, masks, paintings, religious goods, rum, and wood products.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bacalaitos (cod fritters). Chillo (red snapper). Empanadillas (filled turnovers). Lechon Asado (roast pig). Pasteles (traditional). Pescado Frito (fried fish). Piononos (fried plantain rolls). Plantain Soup. Sancocho (beef stew). Tembleque (coconut dessert).
• Local Drink to Try: Bacardi (rum). Coquito (nog). Malta (malt). Medalla (beer). Piña Colada (national). Pitorro (cocktail).

Photo Credit: Mariam/Pixabay 

History

• In 1493, island sighted by Christopher Columbus.
  
• In 1521, Old San Juan was found.
• In 1540, La Fortaleza was built.
• During the 1600-1700, sugar plantations boosted the island's economy.
• In 1898, the U.S. invaded Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War.
• In 1927, the U.S. Congress granted Puerto Ricans U.S. Citizenship.
• In 1949, the Caribe Hilton opened, boosting their tourism economy.
• During 1950, the island's economy shifted from agriculture to manufacturing with the support from Operacion Manos a la Obra (Operation Bootstrap).
• In 1919, Condado Vanderbilt Hotel opened contributing to their upscale tourism. Reopened anew in 2012 after ten years of renovations.
• In 2007, the world's oldest person by Guinness World Record, native Emiliano Mercado del Toro died at 115. His long life said to contribute with a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol.

Old San Huan, Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: Andrew/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• The native Tainos called the island, Borinquen (Land of the Valiant Lord) was renamed by the Spanish, Puerto Rico (Rich Port).
• The 17 lakes are all man-made and over 50 rivers.
• Caribe Hilton claims to be the birthplace of Pina Colada.
• There's nothing better than around the holidays, "Coquito" a egg nog like drink with rum and coconut milk.
• The Rockefeller Family built a private vacation home in Dorado during the 20th Century. Later expanding to Dorado Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Today a luxury hotel, Ritz Carlton property.
• Mona, an island inhabited by iguanas, sea turtles, red footed boobies, seabirds is supported by Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources.
• One of the largest rum producers in the world.
  
• The rain forest has an average rainfall of 120 inches per year, which equals around 160 billion gallons of water. Said to be enough to supply the half-million residents of San Juan for more than two years.
  
• Citizens can't vote in our U.S. presidential elections, and their representative to the U.S. Congress can't vote on legislation.
  
• Arecibo is the biggest municipality (northern coast).
• A territory of United States.

Photo Credit: Rick Lipsett/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Holidays: New Year's Day, Epiphany, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Day of Illustrious Puerto Ricans, Washington's Birthday, American Citizenship Day, Emancipation Day, Good Friday, Birthday of José de Diego, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Birthday of Don Luis Muñoz Rivera, Puerto Rico Constitution Day, Birthday of Dr. José Celso Barbosa, Labor Day, Day of the Races, Veterans Day, Discovery of Puerto Rico Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
• Annual Events: (January) Festival de la Novilla, San Sebastián Street Festival, (February) 

  Carnaval Ponceño​,​ Casals Festival,​ ​Coffee Harvest Festival, Festival del Frío, San Blas de Illescas Half Marathon,​ ​​(March) Puerto Rico National Rum Festival​, ​​​(April) Be Bike Rally​, ​Comic Con​, ​Green Fest​, ​Sugar Harvest Festival,​ ​Vegfest​, ​​(May) Festival de la Piña Paradisíaca​, ​Festival de Teatro Puertorriqueño e Internacional​, ​Heineken JazzFest,​ ​La Campechada,​ Puerto Rican Danza Week​,​​​ (June) Aibonito Flower Festival,​ ​Coffee & Chocolate Expo​, ​Noche de San Juan​, SoFo Culinary Festival, (July) El Gigante Marathon,​ ​Festival de Santiago Apóstol​, Loíza Carnival​, (August) Cuadragésimo Cuarto Torneo de Pesca Interclub del Caribe,​ ​International Billfish Tournament, ​(October) Ifa & Osun Festival​,​ National Plantain Festival,​ ​(November) Festival Nacional Indígena​, Hydro Festival​,​ Jayuya Indian Festival,(December) Festival de las Máscaras de Hatillo​,​​​ ​Hatillo Masks Festival,​ ​Old San Juan's White Christmas Festival,​ and Puerto Rico Heritage Artisans Fair.

Photo Credit: Simao Esteves/Pixabay 

Neighboring Sister Islands:

Cuelbra (Snake Island)

• "Isla Chiquita" (Small Island) is sparsely populated island cay off the east coast of Puerto Rico.
  
• On October 27, 1880 island found by Cayetano Escudero.
  
• Culebra was used as a bombing practice site.
• Punta Melones Beach is well- known for dramatic sunsets views.
  

Vieques 

• "La Isla Nena" (Little Girl Island) located on the southeast coast of Puerto Rico.
• In 1493, Christopher Columbus arrived.
  
• In 1816, Simón Bolívar visited when his ship ran aground there while fleeing defeat in Venezuela.
  
• In 1843, found by Francisco Saínz.
  
• Well-known for secluded beaches, Bioluminescent Bay (or Mosquito Bay), roaming wild horses and snorkeling.
• Internationally known for a series of protests against the United States Navy's use of the island as a bombing range and testing ground, leading to their departure in 2003.

Both of these islands are inexpensively accessible by ferry boat from Farjardo.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: Andrew/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• USA Citizens do not require a passport to visit since the island is a Commonwealth to the USA. 
• A non-stop flight from most U.S. airports and popular cruise hub for the Caribbean.
• Nature lovers enjoy Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve on the northeastern coast. The area offers seven different tropical habitats. Only 230 visitors are permitted daily.
• Most caverns are found in the north.
• Major highways are well maintained, but secondary roads can be narrow, steep and bendy.
• In the evening, coqui (a tree frog) can be heard. Local wisdom says, while the coqui may survive if taken away from his native land, he will never sing again.
• Salsa music and dance is most popular.
• Movies which may inspire you to visit are Golden Eye (1995), Contact (1997), The Rum Diary (2011) Lord of the Flies (1990), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) and Fast Five (2011).
• Birthplace to Baseball Hall of Fame Roberto Clemente (1973), Orlando Cepeda (1999) and Roberto Alomar (2011). Grammy Award winner Ricky Martin.
• Culebra has a wildlife refuge and coral reefs, and Vieques attracts snorkelers and boasts some of the best beaches.
  
• Public smoking is banned.
  
• Christmas Eve supersedes our Christmas Day. A time for family and friend gatherings.
• "Parrandas" (Christmas Caroling) is still a thriving tradition usually starts in November around 10PM with a small group of unprofessional singers and instrument players caroling to their family and friends. Some secrecy and desire to awaken the homeowner, whom is to welcome them into their home to serve drinks and snacks. Dance! Before long, they depart and venture to the next home. Often growing in size as the festivities continue into the wee morning hours.
• English is not widely spoken.
• Currency is the USA dollar.

San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: sbazaar/Pixabay 

                                                                      

           

                                                                   Hurricane Season is from June - November.

• Coolest Season: January
• Humid & Hottest: August
• Peak Season: Mid December - Mid April
  
• Shoulder Season: June - November

Photo Credit: Mariam/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Armstrong-Poventud Residence, Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Heritage Center, Casa Blanca, El Morro, Fort San Cristobal, Hacienda Buena Vista, La Fortaleza, San Jose Church, San Jose Plaza and Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center. 
• Museums: Carolina Children’s Museum Museo, Casa Museo Felisa Rincón de Gautier, Museo Dr Pío López Martínez, Casa Paoli, Children's Museum, Coffee Museum of Puerto Rico, El Cemí Museum, MADMi - Museo de Arte y Diseño de Miramar, La Casa del Libro Museum, La Casa de los Contrafuertes, Museo Casa Antonio Roig, Museo Casa Canales, Museo Casa Cautiño, Museo Casa Escuté, Museo Castillo Serrallés, Museo de Arte de Bayamón, Museo de Arte - Casa Amarilla Dra Concha Meléndez, Museo de Arte de Ponce, Museo Histórico de Culebra, Museo de la Historia de Ponce, Museo de la Música Puertorriqueña, Museo del Deporte, Museo de los Próceres, Museum of Americas, Museum of Art and History, Museum of the Indian, Pablo Casals Museums, Puerto Rican Museum of Comptemporary, The Museum Of Transportation Art, Puerto Rico National Guard Museum and Wildlife Museum San Juan.
• Popular Attractions: Arecibo Observatory, Bacardi Rum Distillery, Bioluminescent Bays, Camuy River Cave Park, Centro Cultural de Ponce Carmen Solá de Pereira, Cueva Ventana, El Yunque, Fajardo, Flamenco Beach, Gilligan's Island, Hacienda Buena Vista, Iglesia Porta Coeli, Laguna Grande, La Parguera, Luquillo Beach, Mayaguez, Mosquito Bay, Old San Juan, Palmas del Mar, Parque de Bombas, Plaza Colon, Plaza Las Americas, Ponce, Ponce Catherdral, Puerto Rican Sports Hall of Fame, The Plaza Las Delicias and Yabucoa.

San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: Mariam/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Haiti (HAY-tee)

Haiti Flag

Why visit Haiti?

Appeals to the adventurous traveler with interest to a developing country known for their African influenced dance, beaches, casinos, fine arts, folk paintings, historic sites, nightclubs, rugged landscape, shopping, voodoo culture and water sports.

Abaka Bay & Resort, La Hafte, Haiti. Photo Credit:  Claudia Altamimi/Pixaby

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Copper jewelry, hand embroidered clothing, mahogany carvings, music, oil paintings, wrought iron sculpture, and voodoo goods.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Achards (pickled vegetables). Bouillon (soup). Djondjons (rice dish). Grillot Cochon Avec Banane Pesee (pork chop dish). Griyo (fried pork). Pâté Haïtien (snack). Pois du Riz Coles (rice dish). Poul Lakay (spicy chicken). Soupe au Jiroumon (pumpkin soup). Taso (grilled goat).
• Local Drink to Try: Akasan (soft drink). Clairin (spirit). Cola Couronne (soft drink). Cola Lacaye (soft drink). Prestige (beer). Rhum Barbancourt (rum).

Photo Credit: Donna Wickerham/Pixabay 

History

• In 1789, slavery was abolished. Former slave, Toussaint Louverture crowned himself King Henri Christophe I.
• In 1802, Napoleon sent troops to retake the island. Captured by the French, Louverture was taken to France for trial.
• In 1803, Louverture died of exposure and TB.
• In 1804, the first Caribbean country to gain their freedom.
• In 1914, British, German, and U.S. entered forces, the U.S. Marines stationed until 1934.
• In 1957, Francois Duvalier (Papa Doc) was elected president. Upon his death his son, Jean Claude (Baby Doc) was the predecenter. 
• In 1886, Jean Claude (Baby Doc) was driven out of the country. Seeking refuge in France.
• During 1980, Jean Aristide, President was thrown out of power by the military.
• Late 1994, the U.S. forced the military to give up power and stayed to help the country establish order.

Photo Credit: gamble34/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Voodoo is a highly developed ritual estimating nearly half the population practice: elements of magic, dance, music and drumming. Open ceremony consisting of three drums: boula, mamman and segon.
• The flavor to Grand Marnier and Cointreau liquors is sun drying orange peels.
• Rhum Barbancourt Distilleries use sugarcane juice instead of molasses.
• Birthplace (1969) to Nel Ust Wyclef Jean (aka: Wyclef Jean), Actor & Musician. A member of the New Jersey hip hop group the Fugees.
• One of the highest unemployment rates in the Western Hemisphere (around 70%), its people are known for their work ethic and were instrumental in the building of the Panama Canal. 
  
• Prestige is brewed by Brasserie Nationale d'Haiti and owned by Heineken.
• Labadee is Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCI) private beach on the northeast coast.
  

Citadelle Laferrière (aka: Citadelle Henri Christophe or Citadelle), Nord, Haiti. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival, Rara, (February) Carnival, (March) Krik? Krak! Festival, (July) Jacmel Film Festival, (August) Carifesta, and (November) Paris Rum Fest & Festival. 
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Ancestry Day, Shrove Tuesday, Good Friday, Agriculture & Labor Day, University Day, Haitian Flag Day, Feast of Corpus Christi, Feast of Assumption, Dessalines Day, All Saints' Day, All Souls Day, Battle of Vertières Day, Discovery Day, and Christmas Day.

Photo Credit: smattern/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Political upheavals and natural disasters have kept them off of Tourism mainstream.
• Tropical storms with floods and mudslides have killed many locals.
• Literacy levels are low, around 50%.
• The best beaches are on the South Coast along the Southern Peninsula and North Coast. Otherwise, dark volcanic sand.
• To inspire you, read Lydia Bailey (1947) and The Comedians (1966).
• A movie that may inspire you The Comedians (1967).
• Prone to beggars, frequent delays, poor roads and power outages.
• Doux doux (pronounced doo-doo) means Sweetheart in Creole.
  
• Don't expect world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, as the country's reefs have been devastated by overfishing.
  
• Iron Market (Port-au-Prince) offers a wide selection of local goods.

Labadee, Haiti. Photo Credit: kbmars/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.

                               Hurricane Season is June - November, Haitis impact usually around August - October.

• Coolest Season: December
• Humid & Hottest: August
• Peak Season: November - March
  
• Shoulder Season: April - June

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites:  Bassin Bleu, Cathédrale de Milot, Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Cap Haitien, Champ de Mars, Citadelle Laferrière, Fort Picolet and Grotte Marie Jeanne.
• Museums:  Bureau d'Ethnologie, Haitian Heritage Museum, Musée du Panthéon National, National Museum of Art and Sans-Souci Palace.
• Popular Attractions:  Cap Haitien, Cascade Touyac, Citadelle, Iron Market, Kokoye Beach, Port-au-Prince and Wynne Farm Ecological Reserve.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.