Author: Stephanie James

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The Best Tours in the Caribbean

If you’re looking for the ultimate tropical vacation, the Caribbean is the place to be. With its idyllic beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture, it offers something for everyone. But with so many islands and excursions to choose from, how can you narrow down your options? Here’s an overview of some of the best tours in the Caribbean to help you plan your perfect vacation. 

1. Island Hopping Tour: If you’re looking for a unique Caribbean experience, a multi-island tour is for you. By either booking a cruise, a charter boat, or doing it on your own through ferries, you’d be hopping from one Caribbean island to the next, allowing you to experience the different cultures, landscapes, and activities of each island. From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to exploring ancient ruins, this is a great way to get a taste of the Caribbean.

2. Explore the Rainforest: For those looking to explore the region’s lush green rainforest, there are numerous tours available throughout the Caribbean. Rainforests in the Caribbean region include the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico, the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park in Jamaica. Feel the mist of a waterfall, swing from a river rope, or take a dip in natural swimming pools. Whether you’re looking to take in the sights and sounds of the jungle or just explore the local flora and fauna, hiking in the Caribbean rainforest is a great way to experience the beauty of the region.

3. Set sail on a Catamaran Cruise: A catamaran cruise is a great way to explore the Caribbean while enjoying the cool sea breeze and stunning views. You can find a variety of catamaran tours from most islands with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, and swimming.

4. Mayan Ruins Tour: The Caribbean is home to many ancient Mayan ruins, which can be found in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. These ruins, which date back to the 9th century, provide a fascinating insight into the mysterious ancient culture of the Maya. The Mayan ruins in the Caribbean are some of the most fascinating and impressive archaeological sites in the world. Some of the most popular include the grandiose pyramids of Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico, the walls and castle of Tulum, Mexico, and the exquisite carvings of Copan in Honduras.

5. Swim with the Stingrays: Stingray City is a must see destination for anyone visiting Grand Cayman. Located in the crystal-clear waters of the North Sound, Stingray City is a shallow sandbar where visitors can interact with friendly southern stingrays. Visitors can take a boat tour to Stingray City to enjoy the experience of snorkeling with the stingrays and even feeding them!  If you’d rather stay dry, there are plenty of viewing opportunities from the boat.

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Best Things to Do on your Vancouver Vacation

Vancouver is a fantastic destination for a vacation with plenty of activities and sights to see. You can’t beat the spectacular views of snow capped mountains and blue water surrounding the city. Whether you enjoy the outdoors or exploring city life, Vancouver has a lot from which to choose. Here are 10 things to do on your adventure in Vancouver!

1. Stanley Park

There’s so much to do in Stanley Park, a 1000-acre oasis of lush forests, gardens, and trails. Kids will love its playgrounds, wooded paths, Stanley Park Train (currently closed as of 2023), and cooling off in the public water park. Take in the sights and skyline of Vancouver from the Seawall or relax in the beautiful flower gardens. Pack a picnic, explore the beaches, ride your bike, or take pictures and learn about the totem poles.

2. Vancouver Aquarium

Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is Canada’s largest aquarium with over 30 exhibits.  Explore the touch pool, see the penguins and sea otters, or catch a show at the 4D Theater. It’s all included with your admission and don’t forget to take advantage of the plan-ahead pricing for discounts on tickets.  

3. Gastown

Explore Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, which is full of trendy restaurants, shops, and galleries. Take a stroll along the cobblestones of Water Street or see the famous Gastown Steam Clock, which is a clock powered by steam and chimes on the hour.  Sit down at a restaurant to enjoy a night in the city or stop for a quick bite to eat at a local pub.  

4. Granville Island

This urban oasis is home to an array of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Explore the Public Market and browse the unique artisanal goods, fresh produce, and handcrafted gifts. Grab some locally-made craft beer at Granville Island Brewing Co. or check out the Kids Market which offers rotating events, a great selection of toys, gifts, and clothing, and fun entertainment such as an arcade and bumper cars. Stroll along the harbor front of Granville Island to see beautiful views of the Vancouver skyline. Take advantage of the free parking before 11am and grab breakfast from one of the many stalls that offer fresh pastries, tarts, pot pies, donuts, and bagels.

5. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most iconic attractions in Vancouver. Spanning the Capilano River, the 450 foot bridge offers breathtaking views of the lush, surrounding forest and the majestic mountains in the distance. You can easily spend a couple hours here exploring Douglas-firs via seven suspension bridges in the “Treetops Adventure”  or take a deep breath as you venture out on the high and narrow “Cliffwalk.” Your admission can be used for their seasonal events that turn the park into a magical wonderland, illuminating the trees, bridges, and walkways. Tickets purchased online are discounted and kids 5 and under are free!

6. Lynn Canyon Park 

Just a short drive from downtown Vancouver is Lynn Canyon Park.  Another great place to explore the great outdoors, Lynn Canyon is a public park, so there are no admission fees, but a $2 entrance donation is requested, and if you drove in, parking is a pay lot. The park features many trails to hike, a 160 foot suspension bridge, and a variety of swimming holes to cool off on the hot summer days. 30 foot pool is a particularly popular spot to swim and sit in the shade. There are also two waterfalls that can be seen from the bridge, and a variety of picnic sites where visitors can relax, enjoy the scenery, and perhaps spot the local wildlife.

7. Take a food tour

Vancouver is a vibrant city filled with a variety of cultures and cuisines. With a diverse population of immigrants and long-time residents, there are many food tours in Vancouver that offer visitors a unique and delicious culinary experience. Many tours offer a variety of specialized tours, such as Granville Island tours, Gastown tours, and brewery tours. Whether you want to sample Canadian classics like poutine or handmade donuts, Canadian cheeses, and freshly caught fish, a food tour is a great way to explore the city’s food scene.

8. Check out the Vancouver Art Gallery

Located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, the Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the most iconic art galleries in Canada. It’s home to over 10,000 works of art and houses a variety of mediums and styles, from photography to sculpture and painting. The gallery also hosts a number of exhibitions throughout the year, from historical works to cutting-edge contemporary installations. In addition to showcasing artwork, the gallery offers a range of educational and outreach programs for both adults and children. These include lectures, workshops, and tours, as well as family activities. The gallery is open daily and admission is free for those 18 and under.

9. Grouse Mountain

Just 15 minutes by car from Vancouver is Grouse Mountain. Here, visitors can take in the views on the Skyride, a cable car that ascends 2,800 feet up the side of Grouse Mountain.  During the winter, grab your skis, snowshoes, or sleds and enjoy the slopes this mountain has to offer. There’s also an 8,000 square-foot ice skating pond at the top of the mountain. The summer months offer ropes courses, zip line tours, and a challenging hike up the mountain.

10. Take a ride on the Vancouver SeaBus

The SeaBus is a ferry that provides stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It is a reliable, convenient, and affordable way to travel between the North Shore and downtown Vancouver. The SeaBus runs every 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during non-peak hours and only takes 12 minutes to cross the Burrad Inlet. The SeaBus is a popular choice among commuters, tourists, and locals alike. So, hop on and see Vancouver from a different perspective.

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Best Things to Do in a Day in Nassau, Bahamas

You’ve just arrived in Nassau, the beautiful city capital of the Bahamas! Located on New Providence Island, just south of Grand Bahama Island, Nassau is a city known for its beautiful beaches, incredible snorkeling and diving, and exciting cultural attractions. If you’re tight on time or just want to find best things to do, here are seven activities that can each be done in one day or less.

1. Explore Nassau’s Historic Sites such as Fort Fincastle, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Queen’s Staircase.

Nassau is filled with history and there are numerous opportunities to explore and learn about the city’s colonial past.

Built in 1793, Fort Fincastle was originally built to protect Nassau and the surrounding area from pirates and other threats. Today, Fort Fincastle is a reminder of the once powerful British presence in the Bahamas. Tourists can explore the fort and learn about its history, take in stunning views of the island from atop its tower, and see artifacts from the fort’s past.

Christ Church Cathedral is the first church built in The Bahamas and is an example of Gothic Revival architecture with beautiful stained glass windows. Still in use today, visitors can attend services or simply admire the beautiful building and its grounds.

The Queen’s Staircase, made up of 66 steps that lead to Fort Fincastle, was hand-carved out of solid limestone by African slaves in the late 18th century. Today, it serves as a reminder of the painful history of slavery in the Bahamas.

2. Shop the Nassau Straw Market

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The Straw Market is a bustling hub of activity, with hundreds of vendors selling handcrafted items and souvenirs. The market is a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs, as well as Bahamian items such as straw hats and baskets, conch shell jewelry, and wood carvings.

3. Experience the local cuisine

When looking for a bite to eat, a must try are the local favorites of conch fritters and Johnny Cake. But with so many restaurants on the island, you might want to consider booking a tasting tour to experience the delicious cuisine of the Bahamas. This will take the guess work out of picking and choosing the restaurant and the meal.

4. Spend a day at the beach

With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, you’d be remiss to not soak up the sun or head into the water in Nassau. With its picture perfect white sands and turquoise waters, you really can’t go wrong with any of the beaches you decide to visit. But here are a few popular spots.

Cable Beach is located on the northern side of New Providence island. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. There are also plenty of beach clubs and resorts along Cable Beach with many activities offered such as jet-skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing.

Cabbage Beach, located on Paradise Island, just a short distance from Nassau, is another great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and lounging in the sun. The clear waters here offer a great opportunity to explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life.

Junkanoo Beach, located in downtown Nassau, is lined with coral reefs and tropical fish. This is an especially popular spot because of its central location. If you’re arriving to Nassau by cruise ship, you’re basically parked right next to this beach! And don’t forget to check out the sunset while here.

Rose Island is a secluded beach located just a short boat ride east from Nassau. If you’re looking for a peaceful day at the beach, away from the crowds of the city, consider booking a tour to Rose Island. You’ll be able to snorkel, kayak, and just relax!

5. Snorkel

Snorkeling in Nassau is a great way to explore the vibrant coral reefs that make up the Bahamian underwater landscape. The warm waters of the Caribbean Sea are filled with colorful fish, turtles, stingrays, and other marine life. Most of the snorkeling spots in Nassau are easily accessible from the shore, making them an ideal location for beginner and experienced snorkelers, such as Cable and Cabbage beaches. Clifton Heritage Park and Rose Island, in addition to amazing snorkeling, also offer some unique experiences. Clifton Heritage Park, on the Western end of New Providence, allows exploration of an underwater sculpture garden. Rose Island, a shallow reef, also houses shipwrecks you can explore.

6. Tour the Ardastra Gardens & Zoo

Ardastra Gardens & Zoo is the only wildlife conservation center in The Bahamas. It is home to hundreds of species of birds and animals, including macaws, lemurs, and the Caribbean flamingo which is the national bird of The Bahamas. Visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with these animals and learn about their habitats and natural behaviors.

7. Play at Blue Lagoon Island

Just a short boat ride from Nassau, Blue Lagoon is a great place to relax, swim, play in the water, or even swim with the dolphins! One of the most popular activities on the island is dolphin encounters, which give visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with the dolphins. During these sessions, visitors learn about the dolphins’ behavior and natural habitat, as well as ways to help protect them

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5 Best Caribbean Cruises

Known for it’s clear waters, beautiful beaches, and amazing weather, the Caribbean is an experience to remember. With so many cruise lines, ships, and destination options, it can be hard to pick the Caribbean cruise that’s right for you. Here are 5 cruises that are definitely worth checking out and considering for your next vacation.

  1. Royal Caribbean International – Allure of the Seas

The Allure of the Seas is one of the largest and most popular cruise ships in the world. It not only features a carousel, ice-skating rink, zip line, and water park but also includes art galleries, an aqua theater, and numerous shops and restaurants. A variety of shore excursions is also offered, including beach excursions, snorkeling trips, and cultural tours. With many round trip options, there’s something for everyone.

  1. Disney Cruise Line – Caribbean Cruise

Guests aboard a Disney Caribbean Cruise can expect impeccable service from the friendly and knowledgeable crew members. The attention to detail and the focus on creating a magical experience for the whole family is unparalleled. With Disney, you can expect Disney character experiences, themed youth-clubs, and the usual Disney magic sprinkled throughout the ship. Additionally, there is a huge variety of activities, shows, and dining options, making it an ideal choice for families of all ages. With a variety of itineraries and round trip options, Disney’s Caribbean Cruise is sure to delight! And don’t forget, you can visit Disney’s private Bahamian island, Castaway Cay.

  1. Carnival Cruise Lines – Carnival Breeze

Carnival Cruise Lines is one of the leading cruise lines in the world and a trip on the Carnival Breeze can provide an unforgettable experience. The ship features over 10 restaurants, a full-service spa, fitness center classes, a water park, ropes course, comedy club, and a variety of bars and lounges. For those looking for a little more excitement, the ship offers many excursions, including snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and water sports. This cruise is for all ages with age appropriate camps and kids clubs as well as an adult-only retreat. It is definitely worth checking out.

  1. Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Getaway is a popular cruise ship from Norwegian Cruise Line that offers a variety of experiences and shore excursions for all types of travelers. With 20 dining options, 5 water slides, an ice bar, casino, Broadway-style show, and live music, there’s never a dull moment. And, no matter your budget or taste, you will find a shore excursion that suits your needs.  From snorkeling and kayaking to fishing and parasailing, guests can explore the beautiful waters of the Caribbean. The Norwegian Getaway is a great choice no matter what type of traveler you are.

  1. Princess Cruises – Caribbean Princess

The Caribbean Princess is a luxurious cruise ship with lavish state rooms, relaxing spa treatments, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and exemplary service. Families and kids will enjoy the new Reef Splash Zone and Game Zone as well as the many age appropriate programs and lounge areas. There’s live music performances, movie nights, and onboard shopping, not to mention the many night clubs, dining options, and excursions available. This cruise is sure to be an adventure worth taking.

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I’m going on a cruise! Now what? Here are the 10 Best Tips to Get You Started

1. Pack appropriately.

Are you going somewhere warm or cold? Does your cruise line have luggage weight restrictions? Do you plan on doing a variety of activities? Maybe you want to dress up for formal night or to take pictures? Research the weather, cruise line policies, and types of activities you plan on doing so you can pack appropriately for your trip. If you plan on exploring the ports or participating in shore excursions, bring a day bag to hold snacks, sunscreen, and other necessities. And consider bringing motion sickness medication as the rocking of the boat can cause nausea and discomfort for some people.

2. Bring important documents.

The documents needed for a cruise will vary depending on where you are going and the cruise line you choose. Generally, you will need a valid passport, a visa (if applicable), any necessary vaccinations and proof of citizenship. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of residency, proof of health insurance coverage, and any other documents that may be required by the cruise line or destination country. 

3. Leave plenty of time to check-in. 

Checking in for a cruise requires a lot of time due to the volume of passengers that need to be processed. This can include check-in, boarding, and security. You don’t want to miss the ship’s departure, so make sure to leave enough time for check-in, including a buffer time in case of unforeseen circumstances that may delay your arrival at check-in.

4. Participate in onboard activities and research the ship’s dining options and menus.

Participating in onboard activities on a cruise is a great way to make the most of your vacation. You can enjoy the company of other passengers, have fun with activities like trivia nights, karaoke, and dance classes, and learn about the culture and history of the places you are visiting. In addition to the onboard activities is the food! Most cruise ships typically offer a variety of dining options that include traditional dining rooms, casual buffet-style dining, specialty restaurants, room service, and bars. It’s a good idea to know what options are included or may be an extra charge.

5. Get to know the ports of call you’ll visit.

Researching the ports of call ahead of time can help you plan your travel itinerary and ensure you make the most of your cruise. You can research what attractions and activities are available at each port, where the best shopping and dining spots are, and what the local customs and culture are.

6. Take advantage of shore excursions and book early.

Shore excursions are a great way to explore the ports you visit on a cruise and give you a chance to experience the local culture and history of the area. Research what excursions are offered and book early as many popular excursions can sell out. It’s also good familiarize yourself with the cancellation and refund policies in case you have to cancel at the last minute or decide to change your mind.

7. Be aware of any additional costs.

Though it may seem like it, not everything is included with the cost of your cruise ship booking. Typically, excursions and shore tours, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, souvenirs and photos, laundry services, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi access are an additional cost. Research ahead of time what is included and what you may want to pay extra for.

8. Purchase travel insurance.

Travel insurance is important for any travel, including a cruise, because it can cover unexpected costs and provide financial protection in the event of unexpected cancellations or delays due to illness, bad weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. It can cover the costs of lost or stolen luggage and medical expenses if you become ill or injured while on the cruise.

9. Learn the ship’s tipping policy.

Read your ship’s tipping policy because you may have daily gratuities included in your expenses when you book your trip. However, many passengers would like to express their gratitude by tipping extra. Although tipping extra is never necessary, you will want to know the policy ahead of time to ensure you provide appropriate gratuities, if you so choose. This can help you plan financially for your cruise.

10. Make time to relax and enjoy the experience.

Ultimately, you’ll want to enjoy your cruise! With a number of amenities and activities available, you can choose to spend your time in whatever way you see fit. This could be taking a dip in the pool, taking in a show, or simply lounging and enjoying the view. Cruises offer an opportunity to enjoy a unique and luxurious experience and to make time for yourself to relax and enjoy a unique experience.

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I’m ready for a vacation! Why should I choose to cruise?

Cruising is becoming an increasingly popular vacation choice for travelers of all ages. A cruise offers a unique combination of relaxation, exploration, and fun. Best of all? It’s a great value!

Cruises provide an all-inclusive experience, with most or all of your meals, lodging, entertainment, and activities included in the price. A cruise is also a great way to explore multiple destinations in one trip, and it offers the convenience of unpacking once and having everything you need for the duration of your trip. This can save you time and money compared to individual flights, hotels, and attractions.

Choosing a Cruise 

When selecting a cruise, the first step is to decide your budget and the type of route you want to take. Most cruises visit a variety of destinations, so you can choose a shorter trip around a specific region or a longer voyage that visits multiple countries. You can also choose between different cruise lines and ships, as each one offers a unique atmosphere and services. 

Packing for Your Cruise 

Once you’ve booked your cruise, it’s time to start packing. Depending on the type of cruise you’ve chosen, you may need to bring formal attire for dinners and special events. You should also research the destinations you’ll be visiting to determine what type of clothing and accessories you should bring. Don’t forget to bring your passport, driver’s license, and other important documents. 

Activities 

Cruising allows you to enjoy a variety of activities both on and off the ship. Most cruise ships offer a variety of onboard amenities such as pools, spas, fitness centers, and entertainment, such as movies, games, and live music. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the ports of call, with many companies offering excursions to help you make the most of your time ashore and explore the local culture, customs, and attractions. 

So get out there and explore the world in an exciting and convenient way!