photo credit: Shayan (USA)

Welcome to Dominica – Land of the Sisserou Parrot!

Eco-tourism in Dominica

Did you know- One of the most attractive natural wonders for visitors to the Island is the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from being home to abundant rainforests and wildlife, this park boasts the second-largest boiling lake on Earth. However, the Island has other amazing landscapes: for example amazing beaches, waterfalls, rivers, old towns, and spectacular mountains.

The coastline of Dominica is also rich in marine life. Finally, about 70 percent of the Island consists of protected rainforests, one the highest of the world’s developing countries, along with Suriname and Gabon.

Democracy in Dominica

Did you know – The Island has had more than 30 years of democratic governance, a great example in the Third World, where there are few democratic states. In the meantime, it also has one of the most peaceful societies in the Western Hemisphere.

Geography of Dominica

Did you know – The Island of Dominica, shaped like a tobacco leaf, is located in eastern Caribbean (Americas). The Commonwealth of Dominica, has an area of 300 square miles ( 754 km2),making it the 188th -largest country on the planet (between the Netherlands Antilles and the Kingdom of Tonga).

This English-speaking country is made up mainly of mountains and rainforests, while much of the rest of the Island is covered by spectacular beaches. There are many lakes and rivers. Finally, Dominica should not be confused with the Dominican Republic, a Spanish-speaking country in the Caribbean.

Rosseau

Did you know -  Rosseau is the capital city of the Caribbean Island. Most of Dominica’s population lives in the capital.

Wild Birds of Dominica

Did you know- The Island is home to one of the continent’s greatest varieties of birds, including bananaquits, grey kingbirds, red-neckeds, frigatebirds, siffleurs, barn owls, brown pelicans, yellow warblers and plumbeous warblers. The Sisserou Parrot – Dominica’s national bird– is one of the several species of exotic birds that can be found in the tiny island of Dominica. This exotic bird is one of largest parrots on the planet.

Human Development in Dominica

Did you know- The year 1997 was a great year for Dominica. Why? Because of its exemplary democratic system and its education and social welfare this English-speaking Island ranked 41 of 175 countries and territories in the United Nations Human Development Index. Since then, it was a great victory for the developing countries, especially those in the Caribbean.

Jerome Romain – A National Hero

Did you know- By the mid-1990s, surprisingly, Dominica’s athlete Jerome Romain won the bronze medal in the triple jump -with a fantastic jump of 17,59 metres- at the IAFF World Championships in Sweden (Goteborg). He also earned a silver medal at the 1995 Pan American Games in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

International Organizations in Dominica

Did you know- At the end of 1978, the Island joined the United Nations. In addition, Dominica is one of the 53 Commonwealth countries. On the other hand, it also belongs to the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Population of Dominica

Did you know- The Commonwealth of Dominica has an estimated total population of 72,660 people (as of July, 2009).

The Margaret Thatcher of the Caribbean!

Did you know- By the early 1980s, Mary Eugenia Charles made international headlines when she became the first woman to be elected Head of Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, at a time when women could not expect to win a democratic election in the Third World. During this period of time, only had four female leaders on Earth: Iceland ( Vigdis Finnbogadottir), India (Indira Gandhi), Margaret Thatcher (Britain) and Dominica.

At the same time, she was the first black female to win a democratic election in the world (by the mid-1970s, Madame Elisabeth Domitien had been named Prime Minister by Centroafrica’s dictator Jean-Bedell Bokassa). Under her leadership, Dominica became a democratic state on the Caribbean, a region which has been plagued by dictatorships. Throughout most of the next decade, she was a campaigner for the environment on Dominica.

Historically, the Island’s Prime Minister Charles was one of the Caribbean’s most influential leaders. After Charles became a leader, more than five women have been elected leaders on the Caribbean: Barbados (Nita Barrow, 1991-95), Bermuda (Jennifer Smith, 1998-2003), Haiti (Ertha Pascal Trouillot, 1990-91), Jamaica ( Portia Simpson-Miller, 2006-07), Netherlands Antilles (Maria Liberia Peters,1984-86 & 1988-94), and Puerto Rico (Sila Calderón, 2001- 2005).

Author: Alejandro Guevara Onofre: Freelance writer. Alejandro is author of a host of articles/essays about over 220 countries and dependencies (and American States as well), from ecology, history, tourism and national heroes to Olympic sports, foreign relations, and wildlife. In addition, he has published some books on women’s rights, among them “History of the Women in America” and “Famous Americans”.

photo credit: quintanomedia

photo credit: srgb

A Guide to Cruise Vacations – How to Deal With Sea Sickness

Cruise vacations are a great way to get away from reality and to experience something that you wouldn’t experience on a regular land vacation. A common question that is asked when planning a cruise is “will I get seasick”? Many people can go a whole trip without experiencing motion or “sea sickness”. However, about 3 percent of people who take cruises do experience this and are crippled by it for the entire trip.

Most ships today have underwater stabilizers on each side of the hull which counteracts against the rolling motion that causes sea sickness. Also, the majority of cruises travel through warm and calm waters which dramatically reduce the amount of “up-and-down” motion that you typically experience in harsh conditions. Here are some ways to deal with this annoying problem when you start to develop symptoms (usually nausea and vomiting).

When you notice that the ship is starting to roll, take a walk on the ship’s deck. Your knees are a form of stabilizers and your muscle memory will start to battle and counterbalance against the ship’s motion. People refer to this as developing your “sea legs”.

A breath of fresh air is always a good treatment to counteract motion sickness. When you start to feel nauseous, go outside and let the cool breeze hit your face. If this doesn’t work, try and ingest some citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.

Take only small meals so that your stomach is not extremely full. Many people make the mistake of eating too much in hopes that a full stomach will balance their nausea. However, the opposite is true. When walking on the deck, focus on looking up and maintaining balance by keeping a focus point.

Lastly, if none of these tips help, you can always take a little dramamine. Dramamine is a sedative that helps relieve motion sickness. Some side effects are dry mouth, blurred vision and drowsiness.

Kim Chi is an avid cruiser and would like to share free information about cruise vacations. He has a beginner’s guide on everything you need to know to start planning your own Cruise Vacation .

I would like to add that to stay outdoor and to keep your eyes fixed on the horizon has often helped me to stay free of sea sickness. To take a nap during a shorter period of potential sea sickness can also help to get over the problem for some time.

On the other hand if your ship is going into tough weather for longer time take some medicine as prevention of sea sickness. The doctor on board the cruise ship should be the best professional to handle sea sickness for the passengers on board.

More about cruise vacation here.

photo credit: Stinkie Pinkie

What’s the Weather Like When Traveling to the Virgin Islands?

The Virgin Islands are situated just east of Puerto Rico in the northern Caribbean. Most of the islands are volcanic in origin and are quite rugged with some peaks over 1500 feet high. They are divided into the U.S. Virgin Islands to the west and British Virgin Islands to the east. The largest islands include, Saint John, Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, Tortola, Anegada, and Virgin Gorda.

Many smaller islands are part of the Virgin Islands also. The Atlantic Ocean borders the Virgin Islands to the north and Caribbean Sea to the south. This area is sometimes affected by hurricanes with the greatest threat during the height of hurricane season from mid August into October.

The Virgin Islands are grouped in the same general region, so rainfall does not change appreciably from one island to the next. The wet season is a result of increased tropical activity mostly in the form of tropical waves. The heaviest rains are from September through November in which five to six inches of rain occurs on average each month. The dry season runs from late winter into early spring. Rainfall amount of about two to three inches occurs February through April.

Temperatures also are not much different from one island to another. Average summer high temperatures are in the upper 80’s to near 90 degrees. Morning lows are generally in the mid 70’s. Winter temperatures are slightly cooler with average high temperatures in low 80’s with lows in the low 70’s.

Travelers going to the Virgin Islands will find a mild climate all year. Temperatures do not change much during the year with the most pleasant readings during the winter. Lesser rainfall amounts coincide with the slightly cooler temperatures during the late winter and last into early spring. Travelers are advised to stay updated with latest tropical weather information if traveling during the hurricane season.

Rich is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist with 25 years of weather forecasting and television experience. Visit his website for more on expert hurricane forecasts and travel resources.

Virgin Islands Weather Averages – Hurricane & Travel Message Boards

More info about Virgin Islands.

photo credit: Stinkie Pinkie

Ocho Rios, which is located on the northern coast of Jamaica, has become an incredibly popular destination for cruise ship passengers. Once a small fishing and banana port, the cruise ship capital of Jamaica is frequented daily by visitors looking to explore the island, soak up some Jamaican style relaxation and enjoy the port which has now transformed into a world class holiday destination.

There is so much to see when you visit Ocho Rios, if you decide to take part in a shore excursion, or a pre-planned tour, you will find an array of places to visit. There are currently over fifty shore excursions on offer by Royal Caribbean, an example of these are The Chukka Jamaican Dogsled encounter, Deep Sea Fishing or rafting on The Martha Brae. Carnival Cruises offer a huge variety of trips including The Bob Marley Bus Adventure and The 18th century Estate and Ultimate Beach Experience. The cruise lines offer an amazing selection of shore excursions, and you will find your perfect one onboard.

If you prefer to see Ocho Rios on your own, the most popular way of getting around the island is by taxi. There are licensed taxis at the port, they are unmetered, and it is always recommended to arrange all fares before leaving. You should however always make sure the taxi is officiated by JUTA (Jamaican Union of Taxi Associations). The nearby town is accessible by walking, and some cruise lines offer shuttle buses to some of the more popular attractions. If you have already arranged a shore excursion, there will be sufficient travel arrangements made in order to get you to your destination.

If it is adventure you are looking for in Ocho Rios, the most popular tourist attraction is Dunns River Falls. Located to the west of Ocho Rios, a 15 minute drive away, you will find the 600 foot cascading waterfalls. In a chain like manner, you can work you way up taking in the breathtaking sights around you. Whether you take a shore excursion or get a taxi from the port, you will find tour guides ready to show you the way, as you climb the falls, and watch the water flow into the pools below you. There is a small fee to go to Dunns River Falls Park; this is currently $15 for adults and $12 for children. After climbing the falls, you can relax on the beach, explore the tropical foliage and spend time in the picnic areas.

For a true once in a lifetime experience, Dolphin Cove can be found next to Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios. You can swim with a family of Bottle Nose dolphins. The cove itself is surrounded by four acres of tropical rain forest. Alongside the dolphins the cove is also home to other marine species such as rays, eels and sharks as well as tropical birds, like the macaw.

If the beach is more your idea of fun, within walking distance of the port you will find Turtle Beach, a busy seaside with lots of people and water sports. The beach has bars, restaurants and shops nearby and you will find plenty to keep yourself busy. If you prefer a more relaxing time at the beach then visit the small and peaceful resort of Laughing Waters. Mallard Beach, located in the centre of Ocho Rios, is a great family beach, and one that is often chosen to avoid the crowds. Mahogany Beach is a smaller and more intimate alternative to Turtle Beach, situated on Main Street, there is a bar and restaurant on the beach and a roped off area in the sea, which you can swim and where boats can not enter. You may find you are charged a small fee to enter some beaches; this is not a charge for using the beach, but to keep hustlers away, and let you relax without having to worry about those around you.

One of the most popular things to do in Ocho Rios is to visit the shopping plazas, the Main port itself is within easy walking distance to the nearby craft market and shopping centres. The Taj Mahal Shopping Centre which is located directly opposite the port along, with Sonis is the place to find the luxury items and great duty free goods. If it is more traditional Jamaican goods you are interested in The Island Village Shopping Centre can be found within 10 minutes walk from the port, it has lots to offer, and you will find great name brand stuff, jewellery, hand made cigars, and the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee which is a must to try whilst in Ocho Rios.

There are many more attractions in Ocho Rios that you may choose to visit and explore; if you are interested in Jamaica’s historical sights then look no further than Prospect Plantation, a working plantation which grows a variety of different foods such as sugar cane, banana, cassava, avocado, and pimento. There are spectacular views over the White River, amazing grounds, a bar, miniature golf and horseback riding available.

Once you have finished exploring the island, you can indulge in some traditional Jamaican food, there are loads of places to eat and one thing you can guarantee is that jerk chicken will be on the menu. One of the most well known and talked about places to eat is Dave’s Lobster Shack. Dave will cook what is caught that day meaning everything is very fresh, a true Jamaican experience.

Whatever you choose to do in Ochos Rios, you will find plenty to see, whilst experiencing the true Jamaican culture, visiting new and exciting places. One thing is for sure, you will not be bored!

Author: Laura Scott. Experienced cruiser, who writes for www.insidecruise.co.uk and on occasion for www.idealcruising.co.uk magazine

The Cayman Islands located in the pleasant and picturesque Caribbean, are a paradise spot for vacation travelers, honeymooners and even celebrities across the world.

Little Cayman, Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman and its sister islands are three English- speaking islands that are tiny communities on the south of Miami, isolated in the unspoiled Caribbean Sea. You can find the local weather as tropical; with rainy and warm summers and dry, cool winters. Cayman Islands provide the warmth, cool comfort and absolute serenity for a romantic honeymoon get-away.

The sister islands are famous for their snorkeling and diving and are rated as one of the five popular destinations in the world. The islands are host to coral reefs with beautiful aqua life and hence are a favorite location for underwater photographers.

The unspoiled waters and isolated locale leave your body and mind refreshed and rejuvenated. You can find a year-round recreation from a range of boats for Island water sports offering plenty of entertainment.

You can relax in a luxurious sea-facing hotel, condo or private villa. The Cayman Islands also have rich and exciting attractions and have a pleasant climate for golf, bicycling, cricket, running and horseback riding enjoyable.

The nightlife becomes alive with glittering Caribbean color when the sun sets. The Cayman Islands are host to events and hot spots like nightclubs, gritty jazz sessions, Pirates Week festivals, local theater, steel band concerts, refined cultural events and fine dining

The following information will help you to know more about Cayman Islands before you plan for a honeymoon vacation

Accommodation: You have a choice of hotels, villas and apartments from budget ones to ultra-deluxe.

Telephone Calling: Area code is 345, beginning with 94 and followed by 7 digits. International direct dialing is available and by dialing 976-4638, you can access the Internet. You don’t require log on or password.

Credit Cards: Travelers’ checks and all major credit cards are widely accepted (except the Discover Card)

Currency: The CI dollar is the currency of the Cayman Islands and has a fixed US dollar exchange rate.

Drinking Water: All Hotels and resorts provide adequate supplies of fresh water for showers and potable drinking water, which is supplied from desalination plants.

Electricity: As in the United States, the current supply is of 110 volts, 60 cycles AC power.

Time: The Cayman Islands maintain Eastern Standard Time all round the year and do not shift to Daylight Savings Time during April.

Dress Code: Casual, Neat and tropical dress is appropriate for the day and some good dress for the night to dine out is suggested. Beachwear and Bathing suits are to be used only on the beach or aboard a cruise line. You should remember that topless sunbathing and nudity are prohibited by law and hence should cover up in public areas.

Some Popular Cayman Island Resorts are The Reef Resort, Grand Cayman, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, The Westin Casuarinas Resort and Spa.

Author: Lesley Lyon.

http://www.exotichoneymoonspots.com discusses the most popular honeymoon destinations in detail.