Caribbean and Atlantic
Dominica Coast photo by Tonya Fitzpatrick
“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 Franklin
Feel 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 in popular Caribbean islands. However, the Caribbean and Atlantic region is also tied to cultural and historical connections to slavery and European colonization.
Explore the history of the popular Caribbean islands 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.
Caribbean islands 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.
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 Emily Orton about their decision to spend a year at sea with their five children. The family of seven spent a year sailing from St. Maarten to New York. The lessons they learned and the adventures they experienced are described in their book, Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention For A Life-Changing Year On A Sailboat. In their book, Erik and Emily remind us that we have the ability to customize our lives, regardless of our perceived constraints. Then, we’ll introduce travel writer Breana Johnson who lived as an American expat on the island [...]
Every May, the entire island of Bermuda comes alive to celebrate Bermuda Day, a cherished national holiday that was formerly known as Empire Day. Originally marking the birthday of Queen Victoria across all British colonies, the day has since evolved to celebrate Bermuda’s national identity and heritage as the colonies gained independence.
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 has a unique charm of its own. For the adrenaline junkies, the Caribbean islands will offer you the best and most challenging but yet exciting experiences you will ever endure. The adventures can range from scuba diving through underwater caves and volcanic ruins, zip lining through a rainforest canopy, river kayaking and many other activities that will make you feel on top of the world. Without further ado, here are the best adventure travel destinations for first-time visitors in the Caribbean. 1. Jamaica. Although this is one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean (4244 square miles), don't let its [...]
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.
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?
Many people say that if Christopher Columbus were to return to our modern world today, Dominica would be the only island he would recognize.
September 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 Development Program, an afterschool little league and tutoring program for kids.
I’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.
On July 31, 1498, during his third voyage, explorer Christopher Columbus made his first recorded European sighting of the island of Trinidad.
Six months after the devastation wrought by hurricanes Irma and Maria, how is the tropical paradise of Puerto Rico faring? According to a recent account by The New York Times’ Jada Yuan, in an article titled, “The Suffering and Spirit of San Juan,” the island is trying to show the world’s it is back in business and ready for tourists, though it continues to struggle.
The Caribbean was recently hit hard by hurricanes Irma, Jose, and Maria. Organizations and individuals from the around the world have been pouring resources into rescue and rebuilding efforts. But it’s going to take more than disaster relief to get Caribbean communities back on their feet. It’s going to take travelers like you.
The island of Jamaica is a popular travel destination, in large part because of the abundant all-inclusive resorts on the island—a hospitality concept that Jamaica is credited with.
