Barbados (bahr-BAY-dooz)

Barbados Flag

"Little England"

Why visit Barbados?

Perfect for multigenerational travelers seeking a tropical destination with a British flare to enjoy fishing villages, golf, history, horseback riding, little gardens, nightlife, polo, rolling hills of sugarcane, sailboarding, stone parishes, surfing, white sand beaches, and windsurfing.

The "Soup Bowl" in Bathsheba, Barbados. Photo Credit: Jen Porter

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Bamboo candles, baskets, beauty products, gemstones, glass art, jewelry, leather goods, pottery, jam, rum, rum cake, soaps, sunglasses, wire sculptures, wood carvings, and woven goods.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bakes (fried dough). Bajan (pepper sauce). Barbecued Pig Tails (BBQ ribs). Black Cake (dessert). Conkie (snack). Cou Cou (cornmeal dish). Fried Flying Fish. Pepperpot (stew).
• Local Drink to Try: Banks (beer). Ginger Beer (nonalcoholic) Mauby (cholesterol benefits). Rum Punch (cocktail). Sorel (blood pressure benefits).

History

• In 1625, discovered by British Explorer.
• In 1536, discovered by Pedro a Campos, Portuguese Explorer.
• In 1627, English settlers arrived.
• In 1740, Codrington College was founded.
• In 1751, former President George Washington stayed at Crofton House with his half-brother in hopes of the tropical climate that would cure his tuberculosis. 
• In 1970, the daily tradition of rum distribution for the British Royal Navy crew on ships ended.
• In 1996, became an independent member of the British Commonwealth.
• In 1999, the government changed the name of Trafalgar Square to National Heroes Square.

Photo Credit: Mika Pukkila/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Historically, their primary economics was from sugarcane with expanded growth into the manufacturing and tourism industry. Also, offshore finance and information services. 
• Sometimes, not all plans are well thought out! Moongoose (day time feeders) were bRats (late night animalism effort, to reduce cane field rats,  Mongoose were brought in.
• The Chattel Houses were historically constructed for plantation workers to easily assemble and disassemble while moving to various plantations.
• The island is divided into eleven parishes (regions).
• History says, Sam Lord knowingly hung lanterns in trees to simulate port lights. Following the shipwreck, he would loot the cargo. 
• The Sam Lord's Castle was where distinguished British royalty would stay. In 2010, both the house and the hotel burned. However, as a Heritage Site, it may not be demolished.
• Birthplace (1936) to Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers (aka: Sir Gary or Sir Garry Sobers), former Cricket Player.
• Birthplace (1988) of Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty, Actress & Singer.
• Has one of the highest literacy rates in the world.
• Centuries ago, Barbados Green Monkeys were brought from West Africa. Often seen during early morning and late afternoon.

Bathsheda Rock, Bathsheba, Barbados. Photo Credit: Pixbay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Annual Flower Show, Chelsea Flower Show, Slam a Dom Extravaganza,  (February) Barbados Holetown Festival, Waterman Festival, (March) Holders Season, Sandy Lane Gold Cup, (April) Barbados Ragge Festival, Oistins Fish Festival, Reggae Festival, Vujaday Music Festival, World Surfing League - Barbados Surf Pro Men & Womens, (May) Barbados Celtic Festival, Celtic Festival, Gospel Fest, (June) FABA Fest, Sol Rally, (July) Crop Over Festival, (October) Food & Rum Festival, Jazz Excursion & Golf Tournament, (November) National Independence of Creative Arts, ProAm Cricket Festival, Reef Surf Competition, Spirit of Nation Show, Wine & Rum Festival, and (December) Run Barbados Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Errol Barrow Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, National Heroes Day, Labour Day, Whit Monday, Emancipation Day, Kadooment Day,  Independence Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Good to Know

• Daylight savings time not observed.
• Embrace the British tradition of afternoon tea, cricket, and polo.
• Experiences infrequent natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and hurricanes.
• Ocean beach swimming on the east coast side is not advised considering the strong current.
• The western coast is best for beach swimming.
• Surfers go to Bathsheba for the "Soup Bowl" style waves.
• You may enjoy reading, The Castle of My Skin written by George Lamming.
• Inspire your visit by watching, The Tamarind Seed (1974). 
• No nude beaches and topless sunbathing is illegal.
• Avoid flashing wealth.
• Drug use is illegal including marijuana.
• Without prior express consent from the Barbados Government do not enter with ammunition and/or firearms.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
• Illegal to wear camouflage clothing.
• Same sex sexual relations is punishable to life in prison.
• Not considered a mobility friendly destination.
• Ambulance Emergency Responders are prohibited from applying lifesaving techniques during transport.
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika.
• Traffic moves to the left side of the road.

Photo Credit: Antonio Rodriguez/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 6 months.

Hurricane Season is June - November, given their location slightly outside the principal hurricane zone.

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

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Sunbury Plantation House
• Museums: Arlington House, Barbados Museum, George Washington House, Museum of Parliament & National Heros Gallery, Nidhe Israel Museum, Pavillon Court, Sir Frank Hutson Sugar Museum, Springvale Eco-Heritage Museum and Sunbury House Plantation & Museum.
• Popular Attractions: Andromeda Gardens, Arbib Heritage & Nature Trail, Barbados Concorde Experience, Barbados Wildlife Reserve, Barclay's Park, Bathsheba, Bridgetown, Carenage, Christ Church, Folkestone Marine Park, Garrison Savannah, Harrison's Cave, Holetown, Mount Gay Rum, Mount Hillaby, Oistins, Old Synagogue, Ragged Point Lighthouse, Sam Lord's Castle, Sandy Lane, Scotland District, Speightstown, St Andrew, St James, St Michael, St Michael Cathedral, St Phillip, Queen's Park and Welchman Hall Gully.

Bridgetown, Barbados. Photo Credit: Scott S Bateman/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. 

Saint Lucia (saint-LOO-shuh)

Saint Lucia Flag

"The Land, the People, the Light"

Why visit St Lucia?

A tropical destination for bird watching, diving, fishing villages, forests, exotic wildlife, hiking, history, kite sailing, mountains, plantations, sailing, shopping, snorkeling, yachts, water sports, and windsurfing. 

Photo Credit: Corinne Kutz 

History

• 200 AD, occupied by Arawak Indians.
• 800 AD, Carib Indians arrived.
• In 1502, Christopher Columbus sighted the island.
• In 1814, England conquered the island.
• In 1979, gained their independence from England.

Fun Facts

• An independent member of the British Commonwealth.
• Established the National Trust to preserve the historical heritage and natural island.
• Named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse by the French also referred as Helen of the West Indies.

Photo Credit: Jolyne D/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Nobel Laureate Week, (March) Cooking In Paradise, (April) Kalalu World Music Festival, (May) International Jazz Festival, St Lucia Jazz Festival, (June) Fisherman's Feast, Mango Madness Festival, Saint Lucia Carnival, (July) Carnival, (August) La Rose Festival, Roots & Soul Festival, St Lucia Flower & Creole Festivals, World Travel Awards, (September) Dive Fest, Saint Lucia Food & Rum Festival, Wellness Music Festival, (October) Arts & Heritage, Food & Rum Festival, Jade Mountain's Chocolate Festival, Les Marguerite Festival, Saint Lucia Bill Fishing Tournament, (November) Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, Saint Lucia Triathlon, (December) Festival of Lights, and Spices of the Caribbean.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Whit Monday, Feast of Corpus Christi, Emancipation Day, Thanksgiving, National Day, and Christmas Day.

Good to Know

• A popular Honeymoon Destination.
• Daylight savings time not observed.
• The economy is based on agriculture, some manufacturing, and tourism.
• A ferry connects neighboring islands of Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Trinidad.
• Atlantic Coast beaches are difficult to access, rugged with rough waters.
• Do not swim in freshwater pools due to Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis), an infection caused by a parasitic worm.
• Sulfur Springs will discolor your swimwear. So, avoid wearing your favorite swimsuit.
• Rodney Bay is one of the most popular beaches. 
• You may enjoy reading, Don't Stop the Carnival written by Herman Wouk.
• Movies that may inspire a trip, Pitons & Superman II (1981) and Doctor Dolittle (1967).
• The Bus System is inexpensive for getting around.
• Between March - July on Grand Anse Beach Leatherback Turtles lay eggs.
• Do not wear camouflage clothing, it's illegal!
• Great souvenir shopping at Anse La Raye Market, Castries Market, and Soufriere Market.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
• Consensual same sex activity is illegal, and punishable up to 10 years in prison.
• Not considered mobility friendly.
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika.
• Traffic moves on left side of the road.

Photo Credit: mimi_s/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

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

                                                                           Hurricane Season is June - November.

• Coolest Season: January
• Humid & Hottest: May - September
• Peak Season: December - April
• Shoulder Season: June - November

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Fond Doux Plantation, Fort Rodney, Gros Piton, Morne Coubaril Estate,  and Petit Peton.
• Museums: Pigeon Island National Landmark.
• Popular Attractions: Anse la Raye & Canaries, Castries, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Choiseul, Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & The Baths, Edmund Forest Reserve Rain Forest Trail, Fregate Islands, Government House, Mamiku Gardens, Marigot Bay, Maria Islands, Morne Fortune, Moule a Chique Peninsula, Mount Gimie, National Rainforest, Pigeon Island National Park, Point Seraphine, Rodney Bay, Roseau Sugar Factory, Soufriere, Steaming Sulfur Volcano, Sulphur Springs, The Maria Islands Nature Reserve, The Pitons and Virgie Beach. 

Photo Credit: Jolyne D/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. 

Martinique (mahr-tih-NEEK)

Martinique Flag

Why visit Martinique?

Luxury travelers whom are beach lovers, foodies and naturists seeking beautiful beaches, culture, dormant volcano, fishing villages, golfing, history, lush green mountains, mountain climbing, nightlife, relaxation, sailing, shopping, snorkeling, tennis, tropical forest, waterfalls, water sports and windsurfing.

Photo Credit:  falco/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Coffee, hats, perfume, rum, soaps, and spices.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Blanc Manger au Coco (dessert). Boudin (sausage). Chatrou (octopus dish). Dorade (grilled fish). Féroce d’Avocat (appetizer).
• Local Drink to Try: Shrub (liquor). Ti Punch (cocktail).

History

• In 1463, Christopher Columbus sighted the island.
• In 1502, Christopher Columbus arrives in Cabet.
• In 1635 claimed by France.
• During 1762-1820, the French & British battled ownership.
• In 1674, annexed by France.
• In 1804, the British Navy named a rock rising above the sea, H.M.S. Diamond Rock.
• In 1848, slavery was abolished.
• In 1815, became French-controlled.
• In 1851, dormant volcano Mont Pelee erupted.
• In 1902, the dormant volcano Mont Pelee erupted killing 30,000.
• In 1974, became a Department of France.

Fun Facts

• Tourism is its economic stability.
• In 1763, native Napoleon's Empress Josephine was born.
• City, Le Diamant renamed a street in honor of former U.S. President, Barack Obama "Rue Obama".
• Two thirds of the island is protected parkland.

Photo Credit: Joëlle Ortet/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Carnival, Challenge Kite of Fise Academy, (February) International Nautical Week of Schoelcher, (March) Crab Festival, Foire Expo de Fort-de-France, (May) Tchimbé Raid, Yole Festival, (June) Music Day, (July) Banana Festival, Cultural Festival of Fort-de-France, Cycling Tour de Martinique, Le Tour de Martinique, (August) Biguine Jazz Festival, Round Skiff Tour, Tour des Yoles Rondes, (November) Festival of Musicians, International Half Marathon of Fort de France, Martinique Jazz Festival, Raid des Alizés, (December) Festival of Rum, Jazz Festival, and Transmartinique.
• Holidays: New Years Day, Good Friday, Slavery Abolition Day, Whit Monday, Feast of Assumption, Armistice Day, and Christmas Day.

Good to Know

• Daylight savings time not observed.
• A ferry connects to neighboring islands of Dominica, Guadeloupe and St Lucia.
• Well populated with bougainvillea, frangipani, hibiscus and wild orchids.
• Few locals speak English outside of the tourist areas.
• Local rum uses sugarcane juice rather than molasses prevailing a richer rum.
• You may enjoy poem, Notebook on Return to My Native Land written by Aime Cesaire.
• Movies that may inspire your trip, The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) and To Have and Have Not (1994).
• Semiprecious stone "jasper" is found on the southern part of the island.
• Topless sunbathing is common on the beach and around pools. No nudity, though.
• After dining, be sure to ask for your bill/check. Otherwise, the premature offer is locally considered rude and rushing diners. 
• Minimum car rental age is 21.

Photo Credit: orythys/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.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

                                  

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

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

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Musee Historique de St Pierre.
• Museums: An Mao, Ecomuseum of Martinique, Franck A. Perret Museum, Maison de la Canne, Musee de la Pagerie, Musée Départemental d'Archéologie et de Préhistoire de la Martinique, Musee d'Histoire et d'Ethnographie, Centre de Découverte des Sciences de la Terre, Space Museum Aimé Césaire, Le Musée de la Mer, Memorial Anse Caffard, Centre d’Interprétation Paul Gauguin, La Maison du Bèlè, La Maison du Volcan, La Pagerie, Fondation Clément, Habitation La Sucrerie, Plantations Saint James and Sugar Plantation Museum.
• Popular Attractions: Balata, Balata Botanical Gardens, Bibliotheque Schoelcher, Cabet, Cathedrale St Louis, Diamond Rock, Fort de France, Fort St Louis, Grande Anse de Salines, Lamentin Plain, La Savane, Mont Pelee, Musée de la Banane, Musee Gaugin, Musee Volcanique, Parc Naturel Regional de la Martinique, Pointe Simon, Pointe de Bout, Presque ile de la Caravelle, Rocher de Diamant, Savane de Petrifications, Sacre Coeur de Balata, St Anne, St Pierre,  Tois Ilets

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. 

Dominica (dahm-uh-NEE-KUH)

Dominica Flag

"Nature Isle of the Caribbean"

Why visit Dominica?

Not the widely tourist destination island but ideal for eco-travelers wanting unspoiled natural beauty with beautiful lakes, birdwatching, boating, diving, fishing, hiking, hot springs, kayaking, mountains, rain forests, snorkeling, wellness, whale watching, waterfalls, and water sports. 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, canned jams, coconut crafted goods, jewelry, leather goods, perfumes, pottery, rum, soaps, and spices
• Local Cuisine to Try: Agouti (delicacy). Callaloo (soup). Manicou (delicacy). Mountain Chicken. Sancocho (soup).
• Local Drink to Try: Mamajuana (cocktail). Sorrel Punch (cocktail).

Roseau, Dominica. Photo Credit: Richard Todd/Pixabay 

History

• 3100 B.C., Ortoroids arrived from South America.
• 400 A.D., Arawaks who settled on the island.
• In 1493, discovered by Christopher Columbus.
• During 1600, the Kalinago's claimed the Island.
• In 1630, the French were unsuccessful with missionary efforts.
• In 1720, France took formal possession of the island.
• In 1763, Great Britain gained control.
• In 1805, the English developed the islands' sugar cane plantations.
• In 1978, became independent of Great Britain.
• In 1902, territory officially became a reservation.

Fun Facts

• Agriculture and bananas dominate their economy. Along with supplemental income from tourism and offshore services.
• Boiling Lake (Morne Trois Pitons National Park) is the world's second-largest hot spring.
• Cricket is their popular sport.
• Has hundreds of streams and over 300 rivers.

Roseau, Dominica. Photo Credit: Richard Todd/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February), Dominica Festival of Arts (DOMFESTA), Mas Domnik, (April) Dominica Festival of the Arts, Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival, (May) Hike Fest, Jazz N'Creole, Tourism Awareness Month (May), (July) Dive Fest, Domfesta, (August) Cricket, (September), Kalinago Week, (October) Giraudel Eggleston Flower Show, World Creole Music Festival, (November) Independence Day, and Taste of Dominica.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Whit Monday, Emancipation Day, Independence Day, National Day of Community Service, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Good to Know

• Ferry service connects to  Guadeloupe, Martinique and St Lucia.
• Not the ideal "beach destination" because of ease to access them.
• You may enjoy reading, The Orchid House written by Phyllis Shand Allfrey.
• Island lacks large resorts, museums, nightlife, and shopping.
• Still recovering from Hurricane Maria (2017).
• A paradise for Bird Lovers with nearly 200 species to include the rare Amazonian Parrots.  Jaco and Sisserou are only found there.
• It's illegal to wear camouflage clothing.
• Amongst the Karifuna people the ancient craftsmanship of basket weaving, canoe building, and wood craving still exist, available for purchasing.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
• Without prior express consent from the Dominican Government do not enter with any ammunition or firearms.
• Consensual same sex conduct is illegal.
• Medical Care does not meet our Western Standards.
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, & Zika.
• Traffic moves to the left hand side of the road.

Photo Credit: botosgy/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 6 months.

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

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

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Bois Cotlette Plantation, Fort Shirley Garrison, Fort Young, Rodney's Rock, & The Old Mill Cultural Centre.
• Museums: Dominica Museum.
• Popular Attractions: Boiling Lake, Calibishie, Cabrits National Park, Canefield, Champagne Reef, Dominica Botanic Gardens, Emerald Pool, Indian River, Jacko Falls, Kabet, Kalinago Barana Aute, Laudat, Layou River Valley, Middleham Falls Dominica, Morne Trols Pitons National Park, Mount Diablotins, Old Market Square, Papillote Tropical Gardens, Portsmouth, Roseau, Scott's Head, Soufriere Marine Park, Titou Gorge, Trafalgar Falls,  Valley of Desolation & Woodbridge Bay.

Photo Credit: Megan Zopf/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. 

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 

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