Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe Flag

Why visit Guadeloupe?

Ideal for the adventurous independent traveler wishing to island-hop the offshore island while enjoying active volcano, architecture, diverse culture, fishing, hiking, hot springs, lush rainforests, luxury products, natural wonders, nightlife, nude sunbathing, rugged mountainous coastline, sailing, scenic views, shopping, snorkeling and walking.

Photo Credit: Stéphane PLISSON/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: African dresses, bamboo hats, dolls, lace, madras cotton goods, minature wood carvings, paintings, patchwork tapestries, rum, and spices.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Accras (codfish fritters). Blaff (seafood soup). Boudin (blood sausage). Cabri (goat dish). Colombo (stew). Crabes Farcis (stuffed crabs). Matete (rice dish).
• Local Drinks to Try: Bonifieru (coffee). Ti Punch (cocktail).

Photo Credit: Clara CALDERINI/Pixabay 

History

• In 1815, became under French control.
• In 1848, slavery was abolished.
• In 1946, made an overseas Department of France.
• Fun Facts
• Individuals born on Guadeloupe are full French citizens.
• While France provides imports and subsidies, its economy depends on agriculture, light industries, and tourism.
• Producer of two-thirds the bananas are eaten in France.
• Guadeloupeans are known to love champagne!

Photo Credit: Stéphane PLISSON/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Jour de l’An, (February) Les Nuits Caraïbes, (April) Carnival, La Desirade Goat Festival, Nissan Fishing Festival, (March) Mi-Carême, (April) Fête du Poisson, Le Terra Festival, (May) Eritaj Festival, FEMI International & Regional Cinema Festival, French Surfing Competition, Guadeloupe International Track & Field Meeting, Karujet, Mini-Transat, Saint François Golf Open, Terre De Blues Music Festival, (June) Fête De La Musique, (July) All Day In Music Festival, Guadeloupe International Zouk Festival, Gwoka Festival, Traditionnal Sailling Tour Of Guadeloupe, (August) Female Cooks Festival, Fete des Cuisinieres, The International "Tour De La Guadeloupe", (October) Creole Week, (November) Documentary Film Month, & Route du Rhum.
• Holidays: Good Friday, Easter Monday, Slavery Abolition Day, Feast of Assumption, & All Saints' Day.

Photo Credits: Fabien/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Daylight savings time not observed.
• The summit is often cloudy or fogged.
• English is not widely spoken.
• If you buy a madras fabric hat; do be mindful of the underlying message. Simply meaning, "one point" means your heart is available, "two points" means your heart is already taken, "three points" means your heart is taken, but you're still open to offers!
• In the National Park's it's illegal to fish, hunt, pick flowers or use a radio.
• At the waterfront, Marche de la Darse do buy something before taking any pictures without permission.
• Hippodrome Karukera (Anse-Bertrand) periodically hosts horse races.
• Legal drinking age is 18.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
• Hyperbaric Chambers is available at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (Abymes) and at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (Fort de France, Martinique).

Photo Credit: Lunathys/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: 10,000EUR.

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

• Coolest Season: January - February
• Humid & Hottest: July - November
• Peak Season: December - May

Photo Credit: François BENOIS/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Cathedral of St. Pierre & St. Paul, Fort Delgres, Fort Fleur d'Epee, Habitation La Griveliere, Maison Zevalos, Porte d'Enfer (Hell's Gate) & The Cathedral of Basse-Terre
• Museums: Coffee Museum, Edgar Clerc Archaeology Museum, Memorial ACTe, Musee du Rhum, & Musee St. John Perse
• Popular Attractions: Aquarium Guadeloupe, Basse-Terre, Deshaies, Bras David & the Maison de la Foret, Changy Hindu Temple, Chutes du Carbet, Gosier, Grande-Terre, iles des Saintes, La Pointe de la Grande Vigie, La Soufriere Volcano, Le Desirade, Le Moule, Les Mamelles, Le Parc National, Marche de la Darse, Maria Galante, Musee Schoelcher, Parc Zoologique et Botanique, Pointe a Pitre, Pointe des Chateaux, Pointe Tarare, Pont d'Alliance, Pont de la Gabarre, Riviere Salee (Salt River), Ste Anne, St Francois & Zoo de Guadeloupe

Photo Credit: Pascal GUICHARD/Pixabay 

Offshore Islands:

• Marie-Galante the largest of Guadeloupe's offshore islands. Known as La Grande Galette (The Big Biscuit) for its flat and circular shape. Popular for ruined sugar mills, rum distilleries, and sugar fields.
• Iles des Saintes only three are inhabited of the eight island archipelago. Charmed for its barren landscape and walkable town. Most visitors explore Terre-de-Haut and Le Bourg.
• Terre-de-Bas an inhabited island once covered with sugar plantations. Attractions are their beaches, fort, and fishing.
• La Desirade relies on fishing as there's little tourism beyond attractive beaches. Has 1 church, 2 hotels, a few bars, and restaurants.

Photo Credit: jlxp/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

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"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. 

Montserrat

Montserrat Flag

"The Way the Caribbean Used to Be" & "The Emerald Isle"

Why visit Montserrat?

Most ideal for traveler not seeking the traditional tropical vacation but rather a "quieter" destination to enjoy birdwatching, charter boats, diving, hiking, shoreline caves, turtle watching, volcano observation, water sports,  yachts.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Hot sauces, jewelry, photography art, and sea island cotton goods.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Cassava (flatbread). Duckna (sweet potato dish). Goat Water (stew). Johnny Cakes (muffin). Saltfish (traditional). Souse (pork dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Montserrat Rum Punch

History

• In 1493, spotted by Christopher Columbus.
  
• In 1632, European settlers arrived from St Kitts.
• In 1783, became a British Crown Colony.
• In 1960, choose to remain a colony even after Englands' statehood offering.
• In 1989, Hurricane Hugo damaged more than 90% of the island.
• On July 18, 1995, the capital city, Plymouth was destroyed by Soufriere Hills Volcano after being dormant for centuries.
• In 1998, granted full residency rights in the United Kingdom (UK).
• Since 1998, there have been two capitals, "official" in Plymouth and the "operating" one in Blades.
  
• In 2002, British citizenship was granted.

Fun Facts

• Financially supported by the British government, supplemental income derives by custom duties, fees, and taxes.
• Air Studios Montserrat was opened by former Beatles producer George Martin for famous artists to relax and record on the island. Used by famous artists like Dire Straits, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, and Stevie Wonder.
• Birthplace of songwriter, Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell. His all-time hit, Hot, Hot, Hot.
• On the island's northwest tip, a new tourist attraction capital is being built and due to open by 2021.
  
• Only13 miles long and 7 miles wide (approximately 40 square miles).

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (March) St Patrick’s Festival, (July) Calabash Festival, (August) Cudjoe Head Festival, (October) Open Fishing Tournament, (November) Alliouagana Literary Festival, & (December) Alliouagana Literary Festival
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Saint Patrick's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Whit Monday, Monarch's Official Birthday, Emancipation Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, & New Years Eve
  
  

Good to Know

• Visitors are not permitted on the southern half of the island deemed "exclusion zone" area.
• Has no four lane roads, international chain stores, neon signs, or traffic lights.
  
• Said to resemble coastal Ireland. 
• Known for their Irish folk culture, shamrock decorations, Irish names, and Irish step dance. 
• Much of the southern end of the island is uninhabitable.
• Legend says anyone drinking the spring water from Runaway Ghaut Fountain will be drawn to repeatedly return to the island.
• Buses can be irregular and considered unreliable.
• Ferry from Antigua arrives at Port Little Bay (island north).
• You may be interested to read, Living with the Unexpected (written by A.K. Possekel).
• There are only 2 gas stations on the island.
  
• Not all businesses accept credit cards.
• Only has 1 bank (Bank of Montserrat).
• Exchangeable currencies are: Barbados Dollar (BBD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Pound Sterling (GBP), & US Dollar (USD).
• Avoid displaying flashy jewelry, expensive electronics, and large amounts of cash.
• Air Ambulance services are available to Antigua and neighboring island Flymontserrat.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
• Do not enter with ammunition or firearms without prior express consent from the British government. 
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya & Dengue.
• Traffic moves to the left hand side of the road.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.

                                                                            Hurricane Season is June - November.

• Coolest Season: January
• Humid & Hottest: July - November
• Peak Season: December - June

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Plymouth
• Museums: Montserrat National Trust
• Popular Attractions: Bat Cave, Bunkum Bay Beach, Brades, Carr's Bay, Center Hills, Falmouth Harbor, Garibaldi Hill, Let's Go Limin Rumshop, Little Bay, Montserrat National Trust’s Botanical Garden, Old Road Bay Beach, Oriole Walkway Trail, Rendezvous Bay, Runaway Ghaut, Silver Hill, St George Hill, The Cot, & Woodlands

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. 

Antigua (ahn-TEE-guh) & Barbuda (bahr-BYU-duh)

Antigua & Barbuda Flag

"Land of 365 Beaches"

For American travelers who have been to The Bahamas or the Virgin Islands wishing to further explore the Caribbean Islands, this can be a great next destination.

Why visit Antigua?

Offers a sophisticated atmosphere to enjoy bird watching, bone fishing expeditions, deep sea fishing, pink or white sand beaches,  ich history, sailing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, tennis, and tubing. 

Fort James Beach, Fort Bay, Antigua. Photo Credit: Kelcie Papp

 

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Betty's Hope Estate & Fort Berkeley
• Museums: Museum of Antigua & Barbuda
• Popular Attractions: Antigua Distillery, Botanical Gardens, Cades Reef, Devil's Bridge, Falmouth, Fig Tree Drive, Heritage Quay, Liberta, Mount Obama (formerly Boggy Point), Nelson's Dockyard, Parliament Building, Public Market, Redcliffe Quay, Shirley Heights, St John's Cathedral & St Peter's Church

​

Antigua Cruise Port. Photo Credit: neufal54/Pixabay 

Why visit Barbuda?

Great for a day trip, otherwise an island destination offering true solitude and quietness to enjoy bicycling, bird watchers, hiking, pink or white sand beaches, and wilderness.

Photo Credit: Toni Paul/Pixabay 

History

• 3100 BC, Siboney's were on Antigua.
• In 1632, the English settled on Antigua.
• In 1685, Barbuda was leased to two brothers.
• In 1705, Christopher Codrington wanted to purchase Barbuda from Queen Anne; a 99-year lease was granted for the price of "one fat sheep if demanded".
• In 1889, English Harbor closed.
• Until 1981, the English ruled the island.
• In 1968, became an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations.
• In 2003, the American University of Antigua College of Medicine was established.

Photo Credit: photosforyou/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• These islands are Spanish for ancient and bearded.
• Tourism dominates its economy with supplemental income from financial services and online gambling.
• The Black Pineapple is not black but, rather differs to it's dark green exterior unripe color.
• Betty's Hope (Antigua) is the only operational wind-powered Sugar Mill amongst the Caribbean Islands.
• Crossroads Center, a drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation center (Antigua) was founded by Eric Clapton, Guitarist, and hospital executive groups.
• Antigua was one of the first countries to legalize, license, and regulate online gambling.
• You may enjoy reading A Small Place written by Jamaica Kincaid and Hornblower in the West Indies written by C.S. Forester.
• A movie that may inspire your travels, The Sweetest Mango (2001).
• Antigua is one of the busiest Eastern Caribbean cruise ports.

Photo Credit: Val Collins/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Daylight savings time not observed.
• Barbuda Express, high-speed catamaran runs between St Johns and Barbuda five days a week.

Hurricane Season is June - November, their impact usually occurs between mid-August to mid-October.

• Coolest Season: January - February
• Humid & Hottest: August
• Peak Season: December - April
  
• Shoulder Season: May - November

Antigua. Photo Credit: falco/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. 

St Kitts & Nevin (NEE-viss)

St Kitts & Nevin Flag

Why visit St Kitts "Sugar City"?

For travelers seeking a tropical destination for bird watching, golf, diving, fishing, hiking, history, lush tropical greenery, rain forest, shopping, spa, uncrowded beaches, volcanic landscape, water sports and zip lining.

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Berkeley Memorial, Bloody Point, Brimstone Hill, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, Independence Square, Milliken Estate, Romney Manor, The Cotton Ginnery & The War Memorial
• Museums: International House Museum and Edgar Challenger Library & National Museum
• Popular Attractions: Ballast Bay, Basseterre, Carib Breweries, Catholic Church of Immaculate Conception, Christophe Harbour Marina, Fairview Great House & Botanical Gardens, Frigate Bay, Half Way Tree, Mt Liamuiga, Pelican Mall, Royal Beach Casino, St. George's Anglican Church, St. Kitts Scenic Railway, The Strip & White House Bay
• Annual Events: (April) Booby Island Regatta & Sailing Festival (June) Carnival (September) Independence Week (December), St Kitts Music Festival

Photo Credit: Holger Woizick/Unsplash

Why visit Nevin "Queen of the Caribees"?

The traveler seeking a quieter island destination to enjoy bird watching, golf, diving, fishing, hiking, history, lush tropical greenery, rain forest, shopping, spa, uncrowded beaches, volcanic landscape, water sports, and zip lining.

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Alexander Hamilton House & Christena Memorial Plaque
• Museums: Horatio Nelson Museum & Museum of Nevis History
• Popular Attractions: Cottle Church, Gallipot Tamarind Bay, Montravers Estate Nelson's Spring, Nevis Beekeepers Cooperative, Nevisian Heritage Village, Pinney's Beach, St George’s Anglican Church, St James Winward Church, St John's Fig Tree Church, St Paul's Anglican Church & St Thomas' Lowland Church
• Annueal Events: (April) Booby Island Regatta & Sailing Festival, (June) Culturama, (September) Independence Week, (December) Gingerama

Photo Credit: Susan Frazier/Pixabay 

History

• In 1713, was fully taken over by the British (St Kitts).
  
• Begun 1910, the St Kitts Scenic Railway was constructed for the sugar industry, today used as a scenic tour.
• In 1929, Nevis had their first air-mail delivery.
  
• In 1983, became one independent nation, but each operates its own internal affairs.

Fun Facts

• The Islands economy is agriculture, light manufacturing, and tourism.
• During the 19th Century, Nevis is known as "Spa of the Caribbean".
• Birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, first U.S. Secretary of Treasury (Nevis), also where he met his wife, a young widow of a sugarcane plantation owner.
• French Settlers brought green African monkeys, which have multiplied outnumbering the human population.
• St. Kitts' was originally named, Liamuiga (means fertile soil) by the Kallinago Indians.
  
• Nearly 400 shipwrecks surround St. Kitts and Nevis.
  

Dr Kennedy A Simmons Highway, Saint Kitts & Nevis. Photo Credit: Katelyn Comer 

Good to Know

• Taste the island and treat yourself to a CSR & Ting (Cane Spirit Rothschild with local grapefruit). A liquor produced from the remains of sugarcane production roots stemming from South Africa.
• You may enjoy reading A History of St Kitts written by Vincent K Hubbard.
• Movie to inspire your travel, Missing in Action 2: The Beginning (1995).
• Of the two islands, Nevis has better beaches.
• It's illegal to wear camouflage clothing!

 

Hurricane Season is June - November; while suggested being outside of the "Hurricane Belt" it was hit by Hurricane Olga in 2007. 

• Coolest Season: January - February
• Humid & Hottest: June - October
• Peak Season: December - April
  
• Shoulder Season: May - June

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, Sandy Point Town, St Kitts & Nevis. Photo Credit: Derrick Miller/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. 

St Eustatius

Sint Eustatius Flag

Why visit St Eustatius (aka: Statia)?

Great for eco-travelers desiring an uncrowded island to enjoy beaches, culture, exotic birds, hiking, history, relaxation, scuba diving, tropical rainforest, volcanic mountains, walking. 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Crochet goods, handcrafted wood necklaces, and hand sewn clothing.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bolo Pretu (cake). Carnistoba (goat stew). Funchi (porridge). Pan Bati (pancake).

History

• In 1493, Christopher Columbus sighted the island during his second voyage.
  
• In 1636, the Dutch settled on the island.
• During 1700, a trading hub for cotton, slaves, and sugar from Europe to Africa.
• In 1776, when the U.S. declared Independence, was the first foreign power to officially salute a U.S. flag vessel.
• In 1863, the island's population and the economy began to decline with the emerging of larger ports. 
• In 1939, President Franklin D Roosevelt visited while onboard USS Houston to present the First Salute plaque. 
• In 1998, The Quill became a National Park.
• In 2010, became a special municipality within The Netherlands.

Fun Facts

• During the 17th Century, Treasure Hunters search the beaches for Blue Grass Beads after big storms. Only found on the island used to trade for cotton, rum, sisal, slaves, and Tabacco.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (July) Carnival
• Holidays: Emancipation Day & Statia Day

Good to Know

• Daylight savings time not observed.
• Not the recommended destination if the beach or nightlife is your primary interest.
• There are no high rises, luxury resorts, or timeshares.
• The island has 2 decompression chambers.
• You may enjoy reading The First Salute - A View of the American Revolution written by Barbara Tuchman.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 180 days.                                                 

                                                                           

                                                                                 Hurricane Season is June - November.

• Coolest Season: January
• Humid & Hottest: July - September
• Peak Season:  December - April

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Fort de Windt
• Museums: Battery Corre Corre, Lynch Plantation Museum & St Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum
• Popular Attractions: Boven Mountain, Cherry Tree House, Honen Dalim, Lynch Beach, Miriam C Schmidt Botanical Garden, Oranje Beach, Oranjestad, Signal Hill, St Eustatius Marine Park, St Eustatius National Park, The Golden Rock, The Quill, Three Widows Corner & Zeelander Beach

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.