Posts Tagged ‘Curacao’

The History and Beauty of Curacao Island

Monday, September 26th, 2011

Although the area of the Caribbean covers many more miles than you’re ever going to be able to explore, there are a few gems that you surely should not miss. One of these areas is Curacao Island, and you will be surprised with what this often overlooked island can offer to you. Here is a little bit about the history of Curacao Island as well as many of the reasons why people come to this area in order to truly get away from it all.

The island was first seen by people outside of its original inhabitants, the Arawak Amerindians in 1499. The island was actually overlooked for many years, simply because it did not contain any gold to speak of, something that most of the early European settlers were looking for. In its early years of settlement, it became quite an affluent area because of the slave trade that was taking place. During the past 200 years or so, the island has changed possession between the British, the French and the Dutch. In modern times, it is best known for its tourism, and the beauty that the island holds.

Of all the different things that Curacao Island has to offer, it is no doubt the beaches that are among the most popular. The Caribbean waters in this area of the world are warm and very inviting for anybody that enjoys water sports, such as diving and snorkeling. As a matter of fact, people will come from all over the world in order to enjoy the island for this very purpose. The beach areas also offer a number of other impelling drawls as well. For example, you can either kick up your feet and watch the world go by or you can enjoy a very active vacation, which could include any number of activities.

Curacao Island has also become an increasingly popular stopover for cruise vacations. This has boosted the tourist industry considerably, as many people who are on a cruise vacation are going to be willing to spend their money whenever they are at port. The cruise industry has also increased the familiarity of the island to many regular travelers, and some of them will come back to stay for an extended period of time.

While you are staying on Curacao Island, you have a number of different vacation accommodations to choose from. Some people like the smaller hotels and out-of-the-way areas that are available on the island but it is the luxury hotels and resorts that truly get the bulk of the vacation travelers. By offering them everything that they could possibly want in one package, it makes it very easy for somebody trying to get away from it all to truly be able to do so.

Although you certainly do have a lot of different options available to you as far as where you will vacation, Curacao Island is certainly one that should be kept at the top of the list. If you come to visit the island, it will provide you with vacation memories that will last for a lifetime.

Author Bio: Ray has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in, travel, self improvement and internet marketing, you can also check out his latest website on autohuur Curacao & Curacao online site which are the finest directory websites of Curacao.

 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Destinations - International | Comments Off

Ihe Caribbean Islands

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

THE CARIBBEAN – A PLACE OF ISLANDS

In the Caribbean Sea the West Indies has archipelago of more than 7000 tropical islands. But the luxury hotels and the resorts have made the vacations in Caribbean a well-liked place for all the honeymooners and the retirees a long back. The backpacking and the eco-tourism options have made independent travelers also love it. Weather in Caribbean is almost mild over the entire year; many kinds of all inclusive Caribbean packages and airfares are available; and there is an option of 100′s of islands available to choose between them.

Islands in the Caribbean such as Barbados, Aruba, and Cayman out of many are comparatively warm and very flat. Certain other islands, including Hispaniola, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, and Puerto Rico mark rugged and high mountain ranges alongside of a cool and brisk weather. Even though the climates in all the islands are tropical, weather varies among the different islands because of geography, currents and oceans, and trade winds which blow from east has the effect of creating rain-shadow effects upon the islands which are mountainous. The group of diverse ecosystems are been supported by the diverse climate conditions on the Caribbean islands, which may include the range from Montana cloud forest to cactus scrublands. The weather in winter is dry and warm. Caribbean vacations can be hampered by the season having hurricanes in the time of late summer until the beginning of fall.

Deforestation has been a problem over the hundreds of years for the cause of human settlement, there also exist different kinds of species of birds, mammals, and reptiles which has considered to be nature preserves and threatened species.

Originally, Arawak Indians inhabited the Caribbean islands; they were then invaded by a Carib aggressive tribe. Waves of invaders were seen in 16th to 18th centuries from Portugal, France, Holland, Spain, and England populated these islands, which were the picture of several different and important battles and also the pirate gangs’ lair. The number of American Indians was decreased due to war and disease, however, introduction to slaves of Africa and European immigration were responsible for a huge population growth. The waves of immigrants from India and China arrived in the 19th century enlarging the population around 30 million at the current date. Africans (Igbo, Yoruba, Akan, and Kongo), Asian (Indian and Chinese), American Indians (Taino, Arawak, and Caribs) together with European descendants are the ethnic groups are the main reasons for more population. Around 13 sovereign nations are there among the islands and there are also 2 overseas colonies along with 14 dependent territories.

Off the southeast and southern coasts of Florida, the Greater Antilles are been located, and are also formed through 4 important islands, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica (which is further divided on the eastern side of the island as Dominican Republic and on the west as Hati). Well thought-out as a part of this group is the Cayman Islands. Caribbean all inclusive group containing all the smaller islands are the Lesser Antilles which outlines an arc between the Greater Antilles and the northern coast of South America. The most popular and famous islands of the number of islands available are Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Anguilla, Martinique, Aruba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Martin, Virgin, and the Trinidad and Tobago Islands.

VACATIONS IN CARIBBEAN

Bahamas

In Bahamas you feel like heaven is much closer than what you had imagined. Off the coast of Florida you can even find a piece of heaven, in the Bahamas islands. A magical collaboration of laid-back island attitude and the British Colonial formality can be discovered in the midst of a chain of seven hundred tiny islands.

Jamaica

Jamaica is also called as an island for everyone, which provides its visitors a wide range from the exciting mountains which is enclosed by rainforest to the sandy white beaches. Beat of Reggae is the one thing that must not be missed by anyone. Jamaica can be enjoyed the most by residing at anyone of the classy amazing resorts.

Curacao

It is a little difficult for people to locate Curacao on the map just because that’s how they needed to keep it. Anyways Curacao is situated on the coast of Southern Caribbean Venezuela. This is a small undiscovered gem and however it still carries its dignity of charming Dutch influence.

Author Bio: If you would like more information and travel links, visit our Travel Directory and add your travel site’s link or travel article while you are there. Akumal Mexico Travel and Vacation Links

Links of Possible Interest

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Destinations - North America | Comments Off

Curacao- A Tropical Paradise

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

Off the Venezuelan coast, in the Caribbean sea lies the island Curacao, having its capital at Willemstad. It consists of several islands, among which some are even uninhabited till date. Among the several languages spoken, the official ones are Dutch, Papiamento and English, although the sole recognized regional language is Spanish. It has a total area of 444 sq. Km, inhabited by a population of 140,796 (according to 2008 census). The currency is Netherlands Antillean Guilder.

There are different theories about how Curacao got its name. Curacao means “heart” in Portuguese.

Curacao is known as centre in trade, which means “healing”, as it has various floras growing in the island. Spanish traders named it Curacao which was continued by the Dutch. Another theory is that Curacao was the name the indigenous people of Curacao had used to label themselves.

Traveling Curacao

Curacao serves as a beautiful tourist destination and is a beautiful island which adds a charismatic charm to it. Following are airline companies that provide airline travel services to Curacao.

Aserca Airlines

Fly Exel

Jamaica Air

The Curacao’s airport is quite a major airline stop. There will however be a departure tax of $32 which will be charged at times for your departure and arrival but at times, a waiver will also be given of these fees. The fee for flights to Aruba and Bonaire however costs to a price of around $8 USD.

Accommodations

Once at Curacao, you may find several hotels and resorts to suit you as per your requirement. However, we can help you find the best hotels and restaurants in the place. Some of the best hotels in Curacao are the Avila Beach Hotel located in Penstraat, the Breezes Curacao Resort located near Dr. M.L. King Boulevard, and Curacao Marriott Beach Resort in Piscaderabay.

Travel Tips

Clothing:

The place has a tropical temperature, so lose and casual clothes are preferable. Care should be taken to protect oneself from the sun, especially around noon. So hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotions should be carried along. Most of the indoor areas are air-conditioned, so take clothes accordingly. Shorts and sandals are not allowed in some of the restaurants and casinos

Currency:

Antillean Guilder is the currency locally used, also called the Florin. The exchange rate is, US $ 1= Nafl 1.78. The rate varies at shops and restaurant. All major shops and stores accept US dollars. Credit Cards and travelers cheques are easily accepted. The exchange office at the airport opens at 7.30 am till 4.00p.m. Also, almost all midsized shopping centres have an ATM.

Health:

There is no tropical illness as such in Curacao. Stomach disorders due to food generally don’t happen. There is good hygiene supervision in the kitchens of the restaurants. Feel free to have whatever food you wish. But take good care of protecting yourself from the sun, especially in the afternoon. You may find sunglasses, t-shirts and sunscreen lotions helpful.

Attractions

The place has a number of spots to visit and plan trips. Of all the number of beautiful locations, here are some of the Day-Trips that you must surely go on for a ride and enjoy. These are surely the places you shouldn’t miss:

Dolphin Academy:

This complex near sea aquarium is a shelter to six dolphins. There are natural basins linked to the sea, where these dolphins swim around. You can choose from among the various ways like swimming or snorkeling with the dolphins, or taking up training classes to communicate with the dolphins to get to know these mammals better.

Wild Curacao:

An expert on the local nature and history takes you through a special walking tour through exotic and intriguing places in the wild. These trips are organized only on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays. The full moon walk through the salt planes of Jan Tiel is simply breathtaking. Other places include Boca Table, West Punk, Knip Beach and Jan Oak.

The Ostrich Aloe Safari:

This one’s simply amazing. You get on a zebra jeep and are driven off to the secluded North Eastern Island, with a guide narrating you about the countryside. At the Aloe plantation, you get acquainted to the healing values of the Aloe plants that are grown there. Next, you get an encounter with the Ostrich.

The Herb garden of Den Paradera: This place was cultivated by Dinah Verris in the past gives you knowledge about the wide variety of crops that are grown there. You can even buy souvenirs and products.

Hof’i Pastoor:

This is a small garden that is near the village of Barber. It provides you a nice experience if you are a nature lover. This place is located on the road to Westpunt in Barberton.

Curacao is a great tourist destination which invites people all over the world to enjoy its natural beauty and various exotic locations. A perfect mixture of pleasure and solace.

Author Bio: If you would like more information and travel links, visit our Travel Directory . This article brought to you by http://akumalvacation.com/

Links of Possible Interest

Tags: ,
Posted in Destinations - North America | Comments Off

privace policy | terms of service | about us