Western Caribbean Vacations
If you have decided to take a vacation to the Caribbean, your next big choice is where you should go. Of course, the island you choose will have to accommodate your budget, as well as your vacation needs. While some destinations, such as Paradise Island, are known for their lavish resorts, others are considerably more affordable, especially good news for families traveling on a budget.
One of the most common ways that travel agents and cruise lines break down the Caribbean Islands is by dividing them according to western versus eastern locations. In fact, if you are looking for a Caribbean cruise, you will have to choose between the two. To make your decision easier, we have provided you with some information on the western islands of the Caribbean.
When traveling to the western Caribbean, keep in mind that the Cayman Islands are among one of the few Caribbean Islands that has an off-season from June to the end of August. Most of the other western islands have their peak season during these months. If battling crowds and paying increased rates doesn't appeal to you, then check to see when the island in which you are interested has its off-season.
Grand Bahama Island
Without a doubt, the Grand Bahama is the most popular vacation destination of the thirty Bahama islands. One reason for this is the vast number of shops, night clubs and resorts that cater to tourism. Make a trip to Freeport, the capital of the Grand Bahama, to find popular beaches or cultural shows.
If you are looking for a more historical experience for part of your Bahama vacation, take a day to visit Williams Town or West End, both on the outskirts of Freeport. Each of these cultural landmarks offers a peak inside of the history and development of the Grand Bahama.
Americans traveling to the Grand Bahama would be happy to know that English is the official language of the island. However, keep in mind that they speak English through a distinct Bahamian dialect, which may be confusing at first. Another piece of good news for American tourists is the fact that the Grand Bahama freely accepts the U.S. dollar. Therefore, you need not worry about exchanging your currency.
While the Bahama climate is cooler during its peak season (about 75° from September to May), the off-season caps at about 85°.
Grand Cayman
Like the Grand Bahama, the Grand Cayman is the largest island of the string of islands known as the Caymans. In fact, if you are an avid snorkeler or scuba diver, the Grand Cayman is the place to go. Not only do the Cayman waters offer divers around 100 percent visibility, but they also are home to one of the biggest limestone reefs in the world. For these reasons, the Grand Cayman is considered to be a top scuba or snorkel location worldwide.
As with other Caribbean islands, the land activities available are just as exciting and interesting as the traditional water sports. For example, tourists can visit the Grand Cayman turtle farm where they can see sea turtles that are as big or bigger then themselves! For a more historical view of the island, take a day trip to Pedro St. James Castle.
As with the Grand Bahama, the Grand Cayman also freely accepts the U.S. dollar. One thing to keep in mind when traveling to the Grand Cayman is that it is susceptible to hurricanes. If you are planning to travel during the hurricane season (from June to November), pay attention to storm watches.
Vacations in Jamaica
Unlike some of the other Caribbean islands, Jamaica has a network of rivers that stream through the entire island. As a result, a Jamaican vacation can offer river safaris and water rafting in addition to the scuba diving and snorkeling that make up more traditional Caribbean water activities. Similarly, the rivers provide a series of waterfalls and inland pools that spice up any hike.
If you are seeking out the cultural side of the island, visit the National Gallery of Jamaica. In addition to contemporary cultural art, the Gallery also houses some unique historical artifacts.
One museum that is a hot spot is the Bob Marley museum. Because Bob Marley is one of the most famous reggae musicians of all time, this museum is solely dedicated to him. It includes the original song sheets, as well as various other pieces of Marley memorabilia.
Another distinct feature of Jamaica is its imports. Rum and coffee are the two main products that Jamaica produces. If you are traveling to Jamaica, bring back a bottle of rum or some coffee beans to your loved ones. They make great souvenirs!
