Posts Tagged ‘Popular’

The U.S. Virgin Islands: The American Owned Tropical Paradise Popular Among American Express Vacation Clients

With new passport requirements causing much frustration among U.S. travelers, American Express Travel is suggesting the US Virgin Islands as an excellent tropical vacation alternative to Mexico or the other Caribbean islands. The US Virgin Islands can be visited by tour packages, luxury vacation packages or by luxury world cruises. Although this island chain is not the first place most travelers think of when planning their luxury travel vacation, The US Virgin Islands has much to offer making the destination just as attractive as other Islands of the Caribbean.

The Climate & High Season

When planning your luxury travel vacation to the US Virgin Islands, it’s important to know the climate is very comfortable during all seasons of the year with moderate humidity and average annual temperatures of 80 degrees-making the the destination a great luxury travel destination any time of the year.

The busiest tourist season is from December to May, during the northern hemisphere winter. These months are more popular because the humidity doesn’t increase until about June. Outside of these months, room prices tend to be less expensive, not to mention the islands are less crowded from June through November. The water is considered more beautiful between April and August. During these months, the waters are calmer and underwater visibility is best for diving and snorkeling. The islands have a rainy season, usually between the May and November, with most of the heavy rainfall between August and October. Similar to other Caribbean Islands, the US Virgin Islands has experienced hurricanes in past. Hurricane season runs from roughly, August through November, with the real threat generally being in September.

Amazing Water Activities

Most travelers who desire a luxury vacation, http://www.amtvacations.com/american-express-vacations.html, in the Caribbean are looking for crystal clear water, breathtaking coral reefs, thousands of colorful tropical fish and the time to simply play in warm waters. For the snorkeling fan or diving enthusiast, there is plenty to entertain you. Buck Island Reef National Monument tops the list. This nationally protected site was established to preserve one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea. For a day combining land beauties with the mysteries of the deep, visit Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve. The preserve is home to some of the largest mango forests in the Virgin Islands, as well as coral reefs and a submarine canyon. It’s not necessary to bring snorkel gear along; it can be rented just about anywhere and is often provided free for use by villa owners to guests.

American Express Tours says the U.S. Virgin Islands make a great luxury travel destination most any time of the year and more travelers are choosing the islands because they have so much to offer first time or seasoned vacationers. Discount luxury cruises, http://www.amtcruises.com/, seem to be becoming more and more popular as travelers uncover the beauty of the US Virgin Islands. For many visitors, the US Virgin Islands is considered “America’s Paradise.”

The two Most Popular Countries in the World to Live…Australia Or USA….Where would YOU live??….And WHY?

I have seen this very question posted on Yahoo Answers so many times; now I want to put an end to this debate/discussion once and for all! I am an American, born and raised here..lived in both the East Coast and West Coast of USA. I have travelled extensively all over the USA and Australia, too. Many people have said good things and bad things about both countries. Now, I will tell you what I think is really the truth. No B.S. First, the similarities between the USA and Australia: Both countries are about the same size (excluding Alaska, which is extremely cold and very barren). Both offer freedom,democracy, human rights, and both are multi-cultural societies (USA is mostly white, black, latino, and some Asians; while Australia is mostly white, Asian, and 2% Aboriginals). In Australia, you can go to a nice movie theatre and watch the latest American movies, goto the video store and rent American movies and listen to American music on your car stereo. Australia has just about EVERYTHING that USA has: Costco, Target, Lamborgini, BMW, Mercedes, you name it; even Google has an office in Australia. Both USA (NBA) and Australia (NBL) have pro-basketball leagues. In Australia, you have access to american culture without having to be in the USA. But, here are the differences:Australia has a very manageable 22 million people…the USA has over 300 million and growing fast. This is due to Australia’s isolation in the southern hemisphere and strict and controlled immigration policy. Australia wants “highly skilled” migrants (they go by a ‘points system’, and you need 120 points) and those who have at least a working knowledge of the english language….USA will basically take everyone, with skills or not. Having over 300 million people and growing in the USA causes many problems on the whole infrastrature: traffic getting worse, public transit getting crowded, work environment getting more stressful and demanding, more competition for jobs, and more friction between people. I feel USA is just getting too crowded now, and it’s projected to get to 400 million people by 2030! Australia’s climate is much better. Australia is sunnier, warmer and doesn’t get the terrrible weather that USA gets. USA gets freezing temperatures (the midwest can drop to 30 below zero), and snowstorms, a lot of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and places like California experience earthquakes. They’re talking about the “Big One” that has a 99% chance of hitting California within 20 years. About the worst that Australia gets are bushfires, and some flooding in the northern part of the country. Australia has a lot of “exotic” landscapes and thousands of miles of pristine beaches. Australia is an island-continent, and does not have a big problem with illegal immigration. There are anywhere from 8-20 million illegals living in the USA, maybe more, because USA shares a physical border with Mexico. USA has the highest violent crime rate in the developed world; in large part because there are 80-100 million guns in the U.S. and growing, due to the 2nd amendment (the right to ‘bear arms’) …in Australia guns are illegal, and so there are very few guns and gun crimes. The USA is a high stress environment….Australia is much more relaxed, and laid-back…and safer. I also think many Americans are arrogant people, and many Australians are friendlier. Australia’s Minimum Hourly wage is equivalent to $US 13.00, while in the USA it is less than $8.00/hr. Australia’s income tax is 30%, in the USA it’s 28%. Property Tax (on housing you pay every year) is thousands of dollars lower in Australia than in the USA! That is a major difference. In USA, most employees get 1-2 weeks vacation to start. In Australia, every full-time employee starts off with 4 weeks vacation, but if you work in the healthcare field or for the government, you start off with 6-8 weeks! And after 15 years, everyone gets what they call ‘long service leave’-you get 13 weeks(over 4 months) vacation on top of the 4-8 weeks annual leave you normally get. You get 17-21 weeks vacation after 15 years of employment! In Australia, everyone is covered under free public healthcare, but in the USA, tens of millions don’t have health or medical insurance. Aussies can retire at age 60-62, but in America, the retirement age is 65-67. There you have it. I was once a Proud American. Not anymore. I want to hear from Americans, especially from those that have lived in both countries. Tell me why USA is a better place to live than Australia. Come and Defend your country. I’m also interested in hearing from Australians who have lived in both countries, too. I want to hear what Aussies have to say about this topic.
Source(s): research and travel experience, and info from my Australian fiance’. I’m planning to move to OZ later this year!

Caribbean Cruise: The Most Popular and Affordable Cruise Vacation

Taking a vacation at the Caribbean is something that every person should experience even for once in their life. From the wonderful Belize to the ever remarkable St. Barts, the islands of Caribbean have plenty to offer when it comes to relaxation and rest.

So, though you are traveling with your family or planning to have a passionate vacation with your loved one, you are secured to find an island resort that will meet everything that you need.

When planning for a vacation at the Caribbean, the initial thing you should do is to know the island where you want to go. This might be difficult for you, but just feel assured that no matter what island you choose, you will not end up with a wrong decision. With the crystal clear waters that the islands have and the luscious sun bathing, the Caribbean islands are great places to spend the whole of your vacation.

Vacationing at Caribbean can normally fit any budget. It does not matter if you only have a few hundreds and thousands in your pocket to spend in your vacation. Caribbean has different travel packages to fit every budget. When looking for a logical travel packages, the best place to search is via the internet. Make a research and you will find out that there are numerous alternatives from which you can resort to.

Caribbean vacation is a great experience for people of different ages. To add to that, cruise is the best way to really experience everything in Caribbean. You can find for the best deals online.

Read the following hints for a great Caribbean cruise:

• Cruise in the Eastern Caribbean

This is an ideal choice for first-time and experienced cruisers who are in search for a slow and calming speed in a comfortable environment. They are also perfect for those who have never experienced Caribbean before.

There are many things to do while in Eastern Caribbean. You can visit any of the popular beaches and try snorkeling and seafaring. You can also buy different tokens and other imported goods such as perfumes, jewelries, cameras, porcelains and others.

This is why it is not questionable if Caribbean cruising is the most famous cruising destination in the whole world. If you decided to cruise the Caribbean, you will probably have the chance to visit at least three or four of the following:

• Cruise Line Private Islands
• Nassau
• St. John, USVI
• St. Marten
• St. Thomas, USVI
• Tortola

Cruising at the Caribbean is affordable and available throughout the year for 1 week. Make the most out of your Caribbean visit. Surely, you will ask for a revisit a year after it.