Author: Renata

The world is my oyster: I'm Renata, founder and editor of this travel blog. bye:myself - no, that's not a typo, it's referring to me saying bye to my comfort zone and heading for new shores solo. Having been a solo traveller, flashpacker, and poverty jet setter for ages made me an avid and savvy planner and organizer of worldwide travel. Since I've been an author and journalist practically all my life, I love to put my travel experience into writing to encourage, inspire, and assist you. Looking forward to meeting you somewhere on this planet!

How to Travel the Caribbean Individually And on a Budget

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When I told people I was going to the Caribbean for two months, they were quite impressed. How could I afford it—had I won the lottery?
Well, unfortunately, not.
But luckily, I’m a poverty jetsetter and living proof that you don’t have to be rich to take a trip to the Caribbean. You just have to organize things a little differently than most people do.
Above all, you shouldn’t buy a package tour through a travel agency but plan and book your trip independently.
In this post, I’ll show you how to plan and organize an unforgettable stay on any of the Caribbean islands individually, especially if you’re on a budget.
Read it carefully, take the plunge, and discover a plethora of unexpectedly inspiring islands on an individually organized trip!

Petit Plage in Saint-Martin
As the saying goes: The best things in life are free.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

ANTIGUA – What Not to Miss on a Grand Tour Around the Island

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Antigua is one of those Caribbean islands you don’t just visit. You experience its unique blend of relaxed celebration of joy and tropical nature with all your senses.
Surrounded by turquoise waters, its 365 beaches offer a different seaside experience every day of the year. But Antigua is much more than just a beachfront destination. Behind the idyllic sandy shores lies a vibrant culture that instantly feels like home – only under palm trees.
So come along and see for yourself what not to miss on a grand tour around the island.

View of Antigua from Shirley Heights Lookout.
View from legendary Shirley Heights Lookout.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

A Self-Organized Day Trip Around Saint Martin by Public Bus

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Whether you’re coming on a cruise ship, from one of the neighboring islands, or just want to experience the island in an authentic way at your own pace, a self-organized day trip by public bus will grant you a wonderful break from your daily beach life routine.

Old street in Philipsburg.
Even if you explore the island by public bus instead of this zippy vehicle, you will have a lot of fun.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

The Best Beaches Around Saint Martin You Can Easily Visit by Public Bus

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Crystal-clear water, powder-white sand, and tropical vibes – the island of Saint Martin boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The best part? Many of them are easily accessible by public bus. Whether you prefer lively beachfronts or hidden coves, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll show you the best beaches around Saint Martin that you can explore conveniently and affordably by public bus.
Pack your swimwear and get ready for unforgettable coastal moments!

Mullet Bay Beach in Sint Maarten.
Mullet Bay is definitely one of the most pristine beaches on the Dutch side of Saint Martin.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

MAGNIFICENT MARTINIQUE: Ten Places Not to Miss on Your Visit (even when exploring by public bus)

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Martinique – doesn’t the name bear elegance and classiness but also exotism? Indeed, the French Caribbean Island of Martinique delights its visitors with golden beaches, turquoise waters, lush greenery in abundance, tropical vibes, and French savoir-vivre.
Undoubtedly, Martinique is a feast for all your senses.
In this comprehensive guide, I’m telling you which ten places – or more precisely: areas – not to miss during your visit to Martinique and how to get there even if you are exploring the island comfortably by public bus.

Martinique Places not miss public bus: Pier and beach of Anse d'Arlet.
One of Martinique’s most iconic views: Église Saint-Henri across from the pier in Anses d’Arlet.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

GUADELOUPE: Complete Guide And Perfect Itineraries (also for travels by public bus)

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Its unique shape of a delicate butterfly makes Guadeloupe one of the most beautiful and outstanding islands in the Caribbean. But the fact that Guadeloupe consists of two separate wings is not only charming. These two parts, which are only separated by a narrow strait, are also geologically very different.
In this post, I put together itineraries including all the information and tips that will help you plan your own trip to Guadeloupe. Especially if you prefer to explore this tropical paradise by public bus.

Parade in Sainte Anne in Guadeloupe
They certainly know how to throw a grand parade in Guadeloupe.

On the one hand, there is the eastern part of Grande Terre, which is best known for its flat and pleasing terrain. To the west lies Basse Terre, the larger of the two wings. Its center is characterized by untamed and mountainous wilderness.

Oh yes, Guadeloupe has many sides’n’sites worth discovering, and I’m taking pleasure in introducing them all in my posts.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Best Street Art in SINT MAARTEN

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You will find tons of street art in Sint Maarten, and what all the local artists have contributed to the ColorMeSXM project is absolutely remarkable. Therefore, you shouldn’t miss out on a self-guided tour with the help of this comprehensive post.

Some of the Best Street Art in Sint Maarten by Daphne Prevoo
In her collage, Daphne Prevoo has brought together local icons such as the national flower yellow sage and a brown pelican which is the national bird. Also, you can spot pottery of the indigenous Arawak, and of course a portrait of a man native to Sint Maarten.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

As Easy As ABC: Island Hopping Between ARUBA, BONAIRE, and CURACAO

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Turquoise waters and tropical fish, swaying palm trees, and pink flamingos – this is what you would expect on a Caribbean island. But where do the Flemish gable houses come from? And why are locals speaking Dutch on tropical islands just north of Venezuela?
Well, the history and fusion of different cultures are surely one of a kind on the so-called ABC islands. Hence, put on some sunscreen, grab your snorkel gear, and join me in my island hopping between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

Couple on a jetty in Kralendijk in Bonaire, illustrating the post on Island Hopping between Aruba Bonaire, and Curacao.
Beauty in alphabetic order.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

CURACAO – Guide to the Caribbean Island That Has It All

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Let me guide you through Curacao, the Caribbean island that simply has it all: Idyllic coves and secluded beaches, a fascinating history, great contemporary art, amazing food, and a capital city that UNESCO put on the list of World Heritage.

Old Dutch houses in Curacao, The Caribbean Island That Has It All
Old Dutch houses and lots and lots of water – those two icons of the beautiful island of Curaçao.

But Curaçao has also some well-hidden gems that I’m introducing in this guide – and I promise that you will love all of them!

This Way to the Whole Story ->