Thursday, August 20, 2020

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 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. 

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

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 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 18, 2020

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 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 17, 2020

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 TryCassava (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 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. 

Friday, August 14, 2020

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 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. 

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