Wednesday, August 5, 2020

British Virgin Islands (BVI)

British Virgin Islands Flag



The British Islands consists of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, over 50 smaller islands and cays.

Why visit BVI's?
A favorite destination for sailors, scuba divers, snorkelers, and luxury upscale resort lovers. Also, a known hideaway of the unpretentious rich and famous!
  • Coolest Season: January - March, and December
  • Humid & Hottest: August - September
  • Peak Season: December - April
  • Shoulder Season: November and June

Hurricane Season is June - November.


Photo Credit: Ronnie Frings/Pixabay 


History
  • In 1493, Christopher Columbus was the first European visitor to the cluster of islands.
  • During 1500, Spaniards from Puerto Rico mined for gold however only found copper.
  • During 1700-1800, sugar and cotton plantations were the primary economics of Tortola.
  • In 1840, St. Phillips Church is said to be the first church built for freed African slaves in the Western Hemisphere (Tortola).
  • In 1867, the Rhone shipwrecked near Salt Island, southeast to Tortola.
  • In 1968, Beef Island Airport (Tortola) sparked their tourism economy.
  • In 1960, Laurence Rockefeller established a resort on Little Dix Bay (Virgin Gorda) to rebirth tourism. 
  • In 2001, Tortola installed its first traffic light.


Photo Credit: Rhea Yaw Ching/Pixabay 



Fun Facts
  • Anegada is different from all the other islands, as it's flat composed of limestone and coral.
  • Tortola has been an International Financial Center since 1984 with half a million registered businesses on the island.
  • Tortola offers the most accommodations of all the BVI's.
  • Necker Island, the private home of Richard Branson is available for complete rental, sports vacations, and weddings. Accommodates approximately 30 adults and a bunkhouse for six children. All-Inclusive: activities, beverages, and food.
  • Many yacht charter companies forbid Clients to sail Anegada in fear of running aground due to shallow reefs.
  • The book, Treasure Island was written by Robert Louis Stevenson is said to be inspired by private caves on Norman Island. 
  • In 2007, Google Co-founder, Larry Page married Lucy Southworth on Necker Island (privately owned by Richard Branson) and rented all of Virgin Gorda for their wedding guests.


Devil's Bay, Virgin Gorda (BVI). Photo Credit:  Joann/Pixabay 



Good to Know
  • Sailing Schools can be found on Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
  • Movies that may inspire your visit: Virgin Island (1995) and BVI's (2103).


British Virgin Islands (BVI). Photo Credit: Joann/Pixabay 



Why visit Tortola "Turtle Dove"?
Known for beautiful beaches, coral snorkeling,  lush mountains, relaxation, and seclusion.


Your Must-See & Do
  • Historical Sites: Callwood Distillery, Fort Burt, Fort Recovery and The Church at Kingstown.
  • Museums: Centre for the Applied Marine Studies, HM Prison Museum, Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, North Shore Shell Museum, Old Government House, The North Shore Shell Museum, Virgin Islands Folk Museum and Virgin Islands Maritime Museum.
  • Popular Attractions: Cane Garden Bay, Josiah's Bay Plantation, J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens, Long Bay, Mount Healthy National Park , Prospect Reef, Roadtown, Road Town, Royal Mail Steamer (RMS), Sage Mountain National Park, Shark Bay, Soldier's Hill, Sopers Hole, The Dungeon, Trellis Bay and William Thornton Estate.


British Virgin Islands (BVI).  Photo Credit: neufal54/Pixabay 



Why visit Virgin Gorda "Fat Virgin"?
Known for white sand beaches, historical ruins, natural geologic formations, pristine water, and snorkeling.


Your Must-See & Do
  • Popular Attractions: Copper Mine, Coppermine Point, Little Fort National Park, Oil Nut Bay, Prickly Pear Island, Spanish Town, The Baths, & Virgin Gorda National Park


Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI).  Photo Credit: neufal54/Pixabay 



Why visit Anegada "Drowned Land"?
Known for beaches, premier bone fishing, clear springs bubbling, coral reefs, history, relaxation, sport fishing, seclusion, snorkeling, and wildlife.


Your Must-See & Do
  • Popular Attractions: Bones Bight, Cow Wreck Bay, Flamingo Pond, Flash of Beauty, Loblolly Bay, & Windlass Bight.


Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI). Photo Credit: Richard Todd/Pixabay 



Why visit Jost Van Dyke "Little Jost"?
Popular bars, beach combing, bird sanctuary, dolphins, snorkeling, whale watching, and yacht anchorages.


Your Must-See & Do
  • Popular Attractions: Bubbly Pool, Diamond Cay, Diamond Cay National Park, Great Harbour, Great Tobago Island and White Bay.


Photo Credit: patteybleecker/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 TravelYour one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney 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. 

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

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 TravelYour one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney 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. 

Monday, August 3, 2020

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 TravelYour one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney 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. 

Jerez de la Frontera, Spain

                                                                                                          Photo Credit: Anatolii Maks / Pixa...