Compass: Caribbean and Atlantic

“We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey.”
-John Hope FranklinFeel the hypnotic rhythm, savor the explosive flavors and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean islands.The Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean region is known for inviting sandy beaches, crystal blue water, tropical flavors, amazing seafood, unique spices and a perfect blend of cultures. All of these things combine to make a wonderful holiday vacation. However, the Caribbean and Atlantic region is also tied to cultural and historical connections to slavery and European colonization. Explore the history of the Caribbean and each island’s respective cultural heritage that was shaped by indigenous groups like the Amerindians, Kalinago people, Garafuna tribe, Carib and Arawaks. Learn how the influx of Asians and Europeans influenced architecture, gastronomy and traditions.The following Island countries make up the Caribbean region. Each of these islands also holds thousands of smaller islands within their domain. Islands of the Caribbean include: Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Netherlands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States Virgin Islands Some continental countries like Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Venezuela also have islands in the Caribbean.

Hope For A Partial Summer Holiday
Vacation planners who planned their 2020 summer vacation to sunny beach destinations like the Mediterranean and the Greek Isles months in advance can now start enjoying a partial summer vacation in some Caribbean Islands location. The optimism comes amid the coronavirus pandemic and some regions are still locked down especially … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Family Travel
St. Vincent pianist, Kendol Bacchus, shares healing music and updates from the island
Pianist Kendol Bacchus, who hails from the island of St. Vincent, is riding out the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida. He had a concert tour planned when he arrived in the U.S. two months ago so he is hunkering down until he can resume his concert schedule. Until that time comes, … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Literature & Music The Arts
Traveling to Puerto Rico and Cuba
The island of Puerto Rico was still recovering from the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria when a Magnitude 6.4 earthquake shook the island. As of this taping, Puerto Rico was hit by a 5.3 quake. Yet, despite these natural disasters Sarah Ratliff, owner of Purple Coqui tours and a resident … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Experiences
Why You Should Go to the Bahamas Right Now
By Breana JohnsonI sat at the edge of the little fishing boat, peering down into the clear Bahamian sea to spot my husband. Under the water, I could make out his shape as he took careful aim with his Hawaiian sling. A moment later, he rose to the surface of the water … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Social Responsibility
Voluntourism: When Helping can Hurt
By Breana Johnson“Say cheese!” I lift the camera to my eyes and snap a picture, capturing the moment forever. The dozen or so Caribbean kids and visiting volunteers relax their poses and give goodbye hugs to one another. A handful of Rotary Club members from St. Catharines, Ontario visits the island of … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Volunteer Travel Social Responsibility
St Maarten Travels that Transformed Lives
The island of St. Maarten (Sint Maarten) is the common denominator in the stories of two different families whose lives were changed when they landed on the Caribbean island. Join us to hear why St. Maarten was the backdrop to their positive life transformations. First, we’ll speak to Erik and … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Transformative
Celebrating Bermuda Day
Every May the entire population on the island of Bermuda gathers to celebrate Bermuda Day, formerly known as Empire Day. The holiday initially marked the birthday of Queen Victoria across all of the British colonies. However, as the colonies gained independence this day shifted as a celebration to mark national … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Events & Festivals History
The Adventurer’s Guide to First Time Travel in the Caribbean
The Caribbean! This is no doubt one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It boasts of clean blue seas, sparkling white sand and the summer sun just makes everywhere else seem very drab. It is made up of more than 7000 different islands and each of them … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Adventure
Multiple Cruise Lines Scramble To Change Itineraries After Cuba Travel Ban
When the Trump Administration announced new travel restrictions to Cuba, it effectively barred cruise ships from going to the country. And, a day after the announcement, cruise lines stopped offering the service. With passenger ships no longer permitted to go to the island, cruise ships had to be quickly rerouted. … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic
Cuba Travel Still Possible Under Certain Guidelines Despite U.S. Ban
Due to the latest Trump administration regulations, group tours and cruise ships are no longer to stop off in Cuba. However, if travelers have already booked those trips or people still want to visit, is there anything that can be done? When the Trump administration announced that the most popular … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic
Exploring Dominica, the Nature Island
Many people say that if Christopher Columbus were to return to our modern world today, Dominica would be the only island he would recognize. This volcanic island is called “The Nature Island” for a reason. It has a breathtaking natural beauty that sparkles like an emerald jewel and has remained … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Adventure Experiences
Sint Maarten: A Youth Program Reaches Out After Hurricane Irma
By Breana JohnsonSeptember 2, 2017, was a calm and sunny Saturday on the Dutch Caribbean island of Sint Maarten. In a small cluster of brightly painted shipping containers, a group of children gathered to play games, read books, and toss around a baseball. It was just another normal weekend at the Player … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Volunteer Travel Social Responsibility
A Message of Harmony at the End of a Jamaican Dirt Road
By George MillerI’m walking along a dirt lane in the Jamaican bush when I meet Franklin. We’re beyond the end of the paved road, miles from the closest phone or electricity. The only running water flows beside us in a little mountain stream. Franklin and I chat for a few minutes, long … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Off the Beaten Path
TODAY IN HISTORY: Columbus sights Trinidad (July 31, 1498)
As legend goes, explorer Christopher Columbus vowed to name the first land he saw on his third voyage for the Holy Trinity. That land he saw was Trinidad and he thought it wasn’t fortuitous that he spotted three peaks rising over the horizon, supposedly Trinidad’s Trinity Hills. Though this was … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic History
The Island of Saba: Looking to the Future, Embracing the Past
By Breana JohnsonI gaze in awe out the window of the old 15-passanger van that serves as a bus. Just inches from the narrow concrete road, a carpet of green treetops sweeps dramatically downward and ends abruptly in gray cliffs that plummet into an azure ocean. The red roofs of houses are … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Adventure Off the Beaten Path