Posts Tagged ‘Traveling’

Traveling alone: tips for those who crave company

Traveling alone: tips for those who crave company
Whether by necessity or choice, a quarter of Americans take at least one vacation by themselves each year. All face the same question: What’s the best trip for the person traveling alone?

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Traveling in Great Exuma: What to Do and Where to Go on your Great Exuma Vacation

Overview

The Exuma Islands are a string of Caribbean islands just south of the Bahamas. The largest of this string is Great Exuma, a land once a haven for pirates. Today, Great Exuma has an airport and is much more accessible to tourists than ever before. The primary draw of Great Exuma is its white sand beaches that spill into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. However, there are more than just beaches in Great Exuma; in fact, Great Exuma was voted as one of the top ten vacation destinations in 2004 by the Washington Post. The capital of the Exuma Islands, George Town, is located in Great Exuma, and, although it is the primary tourist destination, it has retained its relaxed atmosphere. This is the site of the Out Islands Regatta, a yearly boating event held in April at Elizabeth Harbor.

Sightseeing Attractions

While the fantastic Exuma coasts are a sight of their own, Great Exuma also has its share of man-made sightseeing attractions. The three main attractions are the Shark Lady Museum in Little Exuma, St. Andrew’s Church in George Town, and the ancient Stromatolites.

Outdoor Activities

Great Exuma’s beaches are nearly deserted, allowing tourists a much-needed break from the bustle of their everyday lives. They’re also great places for swimming, as the currents around the islands are not strong. Snorkeling is available on every beach, but more adventurous tourists may want to snorkel at the Staniel or Crab Cays. Staniel Cay offers shallow reefs and blue holes and is the sight of the Vulcan Bomber, the ship sunk for special effect during the making of the James Bond film Thunderball. Crab Cay is the sight of the Exuma Pride wreckage, and it is also a great snorkeling location for viewing thousands of different types of tropical fish. The last huge outdoor attraction in Great Exuma is fishing. The most desired catch around the islands is the Bonefish. Deep sea boats also offer deep sea fishing opportunities, with most vendors operating out of George Town.

Nightlife

Great Exuma is not known as a nightlife hotspot, primarily because it is a destination for relaxation. The island has no clubs; however, get-togethers occur around the hotel districts frequently, and barbeques are held twice a week on the beaches. There is also weekend dancing available at the Two Turtles. Dining in Great Exuma is a great experience with most restaurants offering fresh fish dishes. However, don’t expect to find too many different types of cuisines on the island. Most restaurants are clustered around George Town.

Traveling in Parrot Cay: What to Do and Where to Go on your Parrot Cay Vacation

Overview

Parrot Cay is a privately owned island set along the Turks and Caicos island chain. Once uninhabited, the island is still relatively secluded and quiet, though now home to the luxurious Parrot Cay Resort. The Parrot Cay Resort is set on the 1000-acre island and includes the holistic Shambhala Spa, a spa that specializes in massages and therapies from Asian countries. The gorgeous white-sand beaches that contrast with the multi-colored waters of the Caribbean Sea are magnificent natural attractions, and the miles and miles of coral reef in the waters around the island are a dream for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Sightseeing Attractions

As an island that was, until recently, mainly inhabited by pirates of centuries past, Parrot Cay does not have too much to offer as far as historical and architectural attractions are concerned. However, one of the most important structures on the island is that of a late 18th century house that was built by the Stubbs family who then owned plantations on North Caicos. The fantastic beaches, however, remain the primary attraction of Parrot Cay, and their aesthetics make up for what the island lacks in historical monuments.

Nightlife

If you’re looking to take a trip to a destination that offers an exciting nightlife, Parrot Cay is probably not the place for you. The island is not designed for drinking and shopping; rather, it is meant to be a quiet place of relaxation — a haven away from the bustle of everyday life. In fact, you may not ever see another person as you graze the beaches around Parrot Cay. However, dining on the island can be a pleasant experience. Choose from classic Mediterranean and Asian dishes, most made with some sort of fresh fish caught in the island’s surrounding waters.

Relaxation Attractions

Take a stroll along the three miles of gorgeous beaches or go for a swim in the warm Caribbean waters. Either way, you’ll be met only by the sound of the water crashing against the island coasts and that of the birds flying overhead. When you’re finished immersing yourself in the outdoor beauty of Parrot Cay, head for the Shambhala Spa. Employing many relaxation techniques from Bali, the Shambhala Spa offers services such as Thai massage, shiatsu, Indian head massage, Reiki, reflexology, Abhyanga, and Shirondhara. The resort also has a 24-hour gym, offers yoga classes, and has kayaks, canoes, and bikes available for guests to rent, as well as windsurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving outings every day.