Tag: CARIBBEAN

Best Things to Do in Sint Maarten, the Dutch Half of the Friendly Island

Posted onAuthorRenata Green2 Comments

Nestled in the big wet heart of the Caribbean, Sint Maarten, the Dutch half of this unique dual-nation island, offers the best of European charm and tropical allure combined. Known for its white-sand beaches and laid-back atmosphere, this southern part of the island pulses with life and color.

Boardwalk in Philipsburg Sint Maarten
No matter how typically tropical the surroundings, it wouldn’t be a part of the Netherlands without an iconic windmill.

Apart from lazing on the beach and taking refreshing dips in the beautiful waters, you can also sail into picturesque lagoons, snorkel among coral reefs, or simply unwind at a beachside bar with a rum punch in hand. As you stroll down the streets lined with pastel façades of the lively neighborhood of Philipsburg or hike through lush tropical greenery, make sure you don’t miss out on a fun scare as planes roar dramatically over your head alongside the waters of the world-famous Maho Beach!

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

Posted onAuthorRenata17 Comments

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.
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CURACAO – Guide to the Caribbean Island That Has It All

Posted onAuthorRenata20 Comments

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!

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One Week in BONAIRE: The Best Activities Beyond Diving

Posted onAuthorRenata16 Comments

Bonaire is the easternmost of the three so-called A B C islands, which are part of the Dutch Antilles off the coast of Venezuela.
The popular holiday destination Aruba is Bonaire’s little sister, while Curaçao is the bigger and apparently more important one.
This makes Bonaire seemingly the oftentimes overlooked middle child.
Very unjustly so, since although it might be lesser known, B is still at least as beautiful and varied as its siblings A and C.
Need proof?
No problem: In this post, I’ve put together the best activities you can enjoy on beautiful Bonaire in one week – even if you are not diving.

Couple Snorkeling in Bonaire
Even if you’re not a diver, you certainly won’t be able to resist the turquoise waters surrounding Bonaire.
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What Not to Miss in ARUBA, the Caribbean A-Lister

Posted onAuthorRenata15 Comments

Aruba was actually one of the first islands in the Caribbean that opened its hearts’n’harbors to international visitors by installing well-working tourist infrastructures. Today, Aruba is an absolute A-Lister when it comes to a dream vacation in the West Indies.
However, while most visitors are coming for the dreamy sand beaches, it would be a big mistake to miss out on the natural wonders Aruba is hiding in its hinterland.
In this post, I have you covered by telling you about all the wonderful spots you should not miss when visiting this self-proclaimed happy island.

Eagle Beach - one of Aruba's most famous beaches.
Eagle Beach – one of Aruba’s most famous beaches. However, the bird in the pictures is not an eagle but a seagle seagull.
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Beyond Your Imagination: The 15 Best Beaches in Barbados You Can Easily Visit by Public Bus

Posted onAuthorRenata2 Comments

Barbados is famous for its fabulously beautiful beaches. And among many other outstanding things, Barbados also boasts one of the best bus systems I have ever experienced in all my travels. This makes it easy, convenient, and very inexpensive to explore every day a different one of the best beaches in Barbados by public bus.

Batts Rock Beach on the west coast of Barbados, one of the Best Beaches Barbados offers, even by Public Bus
The western shores of Barbados are called the Platinum Coast for a reason.

Barbados has 80 beaches, and I obviously cannot introduce them all. Therefore, for this post, I picked the 15 dream locations I enjoyed the most.

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What Not to Miss in BRIDGETOWN, Barbados’ Exciting Capital

Posted onAuthorRenata4 Comments

No, understandably, no one comes to Barbados for a bright-light, big-city experience. And yet, it would be a mistake to ignore Barbados’ capital, Bridgetown, altogether. After all, it is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and tropical charm. Here, you can explore UNESCO-listed landmarks, lively markets, and a scenic waterfront. From historic sites to great shopping and authentic Bajan cuisine, Bridgetown offers a perfect taste of the urban side of the Caribbean, and in this post, I’m taking you to places not to miss when exploring Barbados’ charming capital.

Man on Swan Street in Bridgetown the capital of Barbados.
Like everywhere else on the island, the people in Bridgetown are exceptionally hospitable.
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Typically Tropical: Best Places Not to Miss on the Amazing Island of BARBADOS

Posted onAuthorRenata2 Comments

Who remembers the British duo Typically Tropical, who released their debut single called Barbados back in 1975? After starting the song with the determined announcement Woh, I’m going to Barbados, the singer made clear why he was visiting this amazing island in the heart of the Caribbean. His main reason was to get away from his dull job and Britain’s bad weather. And although hardly anybody remembers this classic one-hit-wonder, who in their right mind wouldn’t agree that Barbados is one of the best places not to miss?

Enterprise Beach, one of the Best Places Not Miss in Barbados
Even the lifeguard posts are pretty in Barbados.

I, for one, absolutely agreed with Typically Tropical and made my way to Barbados. Since their song remained a one-hit-wonder, I’m pretty sure the duo has given up their career by now; and who knows, maybe they retired in Barbados.
Howsoever, in this post, I’m taking you to the best places the island has to offer.

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BONAIRE Totally Unexpected: Street Food And Urban Art Tour

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Basically, all visitors are coming to Bonaire for the waters, for swimming and diving, and for snorkeling. And you cannot blame them, the smallest of the ABC islands is surrounded by some of the world’s best reefs. Getting into the water, you’re basically entering a borderless aquarium.
But come on, you water maniacs lovers, you don’t want to miss out on the best Bonaire has to offer ashore, do you? So quick, dry yourself off, put on some shorts and flip-flops, and let’s explore what Bonaire has in store when it comes to street food and urban art.
I promise you won’t regret it!

House in Bonaire. Bonaire Street Food Urban Art
That’s Bonaire: Flamingos everywhere.
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