Caribbean (Plus) Corner

This fabled sea, covering more than a million square miles and 7,000 islands with diverse languages, cultures, and ecosystems, has become probably the planet's premier vacation playground. Here it's all about its regional issues and allures. And yes, the (Plus) means we're including the Bahamas and Bermuda!

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A quick peek at the best of Bonaire

Matt KiefferOne of the “ABC” islands* of the Dutch Antilles, just 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela, this 111-square-mile island is a welcoming and tranquil trove of eco-adventure (which they play up with the tourism tagline “It´s in Our Nature”), and it´s known especially for its diving and snorkeling. For a nice, laid-back slice of the old Caribbean (albeit a pretty arid one, so please don´t go expecting luxuriant greenery), many travelers in the know very much appreciate this…

Started by Jordan Simon

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11 of the best experiences in Haiti

SPC Gibran Torres Haiti, really? You´re no doubt wondering. Well, yes, the Americas´ most impoverished country has been an abject basket case for many years, and its current tragic vicissitudes with violence and instability make it seem unlikely to recover any time soon. But here´s a reminder of what a fundamentally beautiful country this is, how rich is its history, how vibrant its culture, and how friendly its people – as I can attest when I visited way back in 26 years ago. This, then, is…

Started by David Paul Appell

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St. John, the USA´s dreamiest Caribbean island paradise

Josh Duncan The smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands – just seven miles long and three miles wide (roughly 11 by five kilometers) and with a permanent population just under 99,000 – is the favorite of some because it´s less developed and more pristine-feeling than St. Croix and St. Thomas. Some of its highlights include...read post

Started by Jordan Simon

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The jewel in Puerto Rico's eco crown: El Yunque rainforest

Javier_Art_Photography The "Isle of Enchantment" offers an amazingly diverse menu of options to visitors, in capital San Juan and well beyond - history and culture, for sure, but also tasty eating, drinking, and beaching, along with memorable partying and much much more. But one side of Puerto Rico you should definitely not miss is its wealth of eco opportunities, from glowing "bioluminescent" bays to spectacular waterfalls, and most especially a large swath about an hour's drive from San Juan:…

Started by Iberia Airlines

1 Reply · Reply by José Balido Feb 5

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Doug Bardwell February 19, 2011 at 6:50am

Thanks for the advice from everyone about Caribbean destinations. We just returned from a seven island sail on the Royal Clipper - a most amazing way to travel the Caribbean. I would recommend it highly to anyone looking for an authentic sailing cruise. A large selection of photos are available on my photo site: http://cpsc.zenfolio.com/2011RoyalClipper
Patricia Borns January 31, 2011 at 11:16pm

JOURNALIST SEEKS TROPICAL HOTELS FOR POSSIBLE FRONT PAGE

Needed ASAP -- For a possible major metro front page feature, journalist seeks hotels in warm climes that have seen a recent uptick in guests from New England escaping the cold. Will need to interview guests and file story by Feb. 4th. Contact patriciaborns@comcast.net.
Doug Bardwell January 26, 2011 at 4:39pm

Will do - thanks Julie.
Julie January 25, 2011 at 7:12pm

Hi Doug, I echo Debbie's tips for photo opps on St Lucia. Antigua has beautiful beaches. Sites to see (and great photo opps) on Antigua would Shirley Heights lookout and Devil's Bridge, a natural arch bridge. Have a great trip!
Debbra Dunning Brouillette January 25, 2011 at 9:20am

Doug,

You'll be back a few weeks before I leave. I'm taking the Feb. 19-26 cruise. Will be anxious to hear your review of the ports and ship, etc. Happy sailing!
Doug Bardwell January 25, 2011 at 8:44am

Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the suggestions. Maybe I'll see you in Barbados as we debark.
Debbra Dunning Brouillette January 25, 2011 at 8:06am

Doug,

Sounds like you are doing a Royal Clippers cruise next week. I can tell by the itinerary... I will be doing the same cruise mid-February. I've been to St. Lucia and St. Kitts; the others will be new to me so I'm excited to add four islands to my list. St. Lucia is the place for spice shopping. Lots of photo opps on both. The Botanical Gardens, Waterfall, and of course, the Pitons are musts to photograph on St. Lucia. Tour the Brimstone Hill Fort on St. Kitts, the Batik Factory and Romney Manor. My favorite island, Nevis, is a short ferry ride across the 2-mile channel, so I may go there instead to check out the newly opened Four Seasons and have a lobster salad at Sunshine's. I would love to hear all about your cruise upon your return, so perhaps you can help ME with tips and must-dos for my mid-February trip! Feel free to email me privately at debbra@wordjourneys.net.
Doug Bardwell January 25, 2011 at 6:12am

Heading to the Windward Islands next week. Arriving and departing from Barbados, we will also spend a day each on St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Martinique, Dominica, Antigua, and Iles des Saintes. Looking for "not to be missed" activities or adventures, as well as "off the beaten track" places for spice shopping, drinks and photography. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Hal Peat January 23, 2011 at 2:09am

@Lynne - if you're still reading this, a belated thank you to you also for that time we were on a press trip together in the USVI and you gave me such helpful insights on compiling a travel book during my early days in travel writing. I've used your books as a reference guide since and that day and your kindness are remembered with gratitude.
Lynne Sullivan January 21, 2011 at 2:18am

David and Hal, thanks for the interesting chat on Cuba and tourism. I understand both points of view and both totally make sense. It will be interesting to watch the impact on Cuba when US citizens have "full freedom" to vacation there.