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Antigua and Barbuda: A Premier Travel Destination

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda offer an exquisite blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, making them a premier travel destination. Whether you are seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, thrilling adventures, or a deep dive into cultural experiences, these twin islands promise a memorable getaway for every traveler.

World Wellness Weekend, Antigua and Barbuda

Join us for World Wellness Weekend from September 20th to 22nd, a celebration of health, wellness, and holistic living. This event will feature a range of activities designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit, including yoga sessions on pristine beaches, hiking adventures, wellness workshops, and healthy culinary experiences showcasing local ingredients. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the islands’ serene natural beauty while participating in activities that promote physical fitness, mental clarity, and overall well-being. World Wellness Weekend in Antigua and Barbuda promises to be an inspiring and rejuvenating experience for all attendees.

Hiking enthusiast (photo by Antigua and Barbuda Tourism)

Must See Sun-Kissed Beaches

Antigua and Barbuda boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Antigua, with 365 beaches – one for each day of the year – is truly a beach lover’s paradise. From the bustling Dickenson Bay, perfect for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere with water sports and beachside bars, to the tranquil Half Moon Bay, surrounded by lush vegetation and calm waters, there is a beach for everyone! The soft white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters make these beaches the epitome of tropical bliss, reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda as a premier travel destination.

Turners Beach (photo by Antigua and Barbuda Tourism)

Historical and Cultural Riches

Steeped in history, Antigua and Barbuda offer a fascinating journey into the past. A visit to Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a glimpse into the islands’ colonial history. This well-preserved Georgian naval dockyard, once a strategic base for the British Royal Navy, now serves as a vibrant cultural center with hotels, museums, shops, restaurants, sailmakers and even a bakery! The panoramic views from the dockyard and the historical significance of its structures are a testament to the islands’ rich heritage. Fort James and Fort Barrington are other historical sites that offer both intriguing history and stunning views.

Make Antigua and Barbuda Your Premier Travel Destination

The islands’ culture is a colorful tapestry woven from African, British, and indigenous influences. Festivals such as Carnival, held annually from late July to early August, showcase this cultural diversity through vibrant parades, music, and dance. This ten-day celebration features calypso and soca music, elaborate costumes, and a joyous spirit that captivates both locals and visitors, further highlighting Antigua and Barbuda as a premier travel destination.

The spirit of carnival (photo by Antigua and Barbuda Tourism)

Fun and Adventure for Everyone

For adventure seekers, Antigua and Barbuda offer a plethora of activities. Hiking to Shirley Heights is a popular activity, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the island and the Caribbean Sea. Every Sunday, Shirley Heights lookout hosts a fun party complete with barbecue, live music, and a festive atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. Sailing is another highlight, with Antigua’s deep harbors and consistent trade winds making it a sailor’s paradise. The annual Antigua Sailing Week draws participants and spectators from around the globe, cementing the islands’ reputation as a premier travel destination for sailing enthusiasts.

Fresh Culinary Delights

Are you a foodie? You’ll be happy to know that the culinary scene in Antigua and Barbuda is as diverse as its culture. Visitors can choose from a variety of culinary delights including vegetarian and vegan options. Traditional dishes like Fungi (a cornmeal and okra dish) and Pepperpot (a hearty meat and vegetable stew) offer a taste of the islands’ flavors. Fresh seafood, particularly grilled lobster, conch, and snapper is abundant and delicious. Visitors can enjoy these delicacies at 5-star restaurants or roadside food vendors, all of which adds to the islands’ unique charm.

Clean Food ‘N Jooce Restaurant (photo by Brusch Services)

Barbuda: The Untouched Gem

While Antigua is known for its bustling beaches and historical sites, Barbuda offers a more tranquil escape. Known for its untouched natural beauty, Barbuda is home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, one of the largest in the world. A boat tour to this sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Barbuda’s Pink Sand Beach, with its blush-colored sands and serene waters, is a perfect spot for relaxation.

Pink Sand Beach (photo by holidayrider.com

Visit Antigua and Barbuda!

Book your Antigua and Barbuda getaway today! Whether you’re happy relaxing on sun-drenched shores, exploring historical landmarks, or immersing yourself in local traditions, these islands offer an unforgettable Caribbean escape. The warm hospitality of the local people and the diverse range of experiences ensure that Antigua and Barbuda remain at the top of any traveler’s must-visit list. See you soon!

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Family Trip!

Family trip! the mere thought of a family trip abroad makes my heart beat faster! Family trips are not new to me. Although I cannot honestly say that I’ve traveled abroad with my family prior to May this year. As a child my siblings and I traveled back and forth between our parents and our grandparents . Since our grandparents lived in the countryside it was a long journey for a child. I think my siblings did not always enjoy it but I have always enjoyed travel. More recently my sisters and I have taken trips together but mostly we visit each other.

Family is Important

Family is important to me and will always be. From the moment we are born we are dependent on the family unit to care for us. Our families influence and help to form the person we will eventually become. As family members we each draw strength from each other. We are constantly leaning on or supporting each other. This I think is a part of the glue that holds families together. I am especially grateful for those family members who have supported and nurtured me. Of course I too supported family members as best I could and I am grateful to those I have supported. I think the responsibility of consciously being a good role model helped stabilize me as a young adult.

Not all of my family are biological. Some of the people I consider family are those who I feel intrinsically connected with. We are family because we support, protect, respect, love and value each other and our loyalties extend beyond mere friendship. This is the type of family bond I have with my best friend and travel buddy Hazelin. I always look forward to setting off on an adventure with her. I have also enjoyed a few great trips with her family as well!

Auntie Barb

Last April my sister Penny and I set out on a long journey to visit one of our aunts. Auntie Barb is a paternal aunt who by all accounts was one of our caregivers while we were very young. Auntie Barb moved to England while I was still a child. I have only fleeting memories of her visit when I was 10 years old. My best memories of her are from my late 20s. She and her sister Auntie Pat spent the better part of a visit to Guyana with me and my sister. Although she hadn’t seen us in almost 20 years, she still managed to bring us thoughtful presents. My lasting impression of her visit was her boundless energy! she was constantly on the go. I also remember her kindness, her love for dancing and travel.

The Aunts in Antigua

A few years later she paid me a surprise visit when she heard that I had migrated to Antigua. She and her 2 sisters, Auntie Pat and Auntie Elsie had gone to Grenada. After visiting my sister Jacqui there, they all decided to come visit me in Antigua! We had so much fun! I remember showing them the little I knew of the island by bus. I had recently moved to the island and did not have a car yet. We took the bus from the West bus station and went on sightseeing excursions, stopping wherever we felt like. Returning quite late at night blissfully tired from our long day.

Auntie Barb displayed her love for finer things by splurging on expensive dinners at the island’s best restaurants. One day she impulsively purchased an exquisite pair of diamond earrings and a matching necklace at Diamonds International! I discovered that Auntie Barbara was a dizzying combination of no nonsense attitude, sharp tongue, and unexpected generosity. As most sisters do, ‘The Aunts’ argued over their differing recollection of past events and teased each other mercilessly.  I think that visit helped establish the kinship I now enjoy with my aunties. Sadly, my Auntie Elsie passed away a few years later and that is my last fond memory of her.

Family Trip!

We were in London at cousin Jimmy’s wedding when an 80th birthday celebration for Auntie Barb was first mentioned. Hazelin and I immediately said yes! Hazelin had met Auntie Barb for the first time and loved her immediately. The initial plan was to have a surprise family gathering somewhere in London. Eventually it was decided to have the celebration in Stamford then whisk Auntie Barb off to Paris, her favorite city!

I was super excited for a number of reasons; I was going to celebrate this milestone with my Auntie! and I was going to Paris! Plus, I was going to reconnect with my cousins! and I was going to do it all with my sister Penny and my best friend Hazelin! I was going on a European family trip!

I began to make my travel plans in early February. First, I’ll fly from Antigua to New York to meet with Hazelin. We will fly from from New York to Gatwick then take the train to Stamford. We were scheduled to stay in Stamford for 4 nights before taking the Eurostar to Paris. I couldn’t wait to see how my Auntie Barb would react to the big surprise!

Trip Cost

My flight from Antigua to New York on American Airlines was $185. Our 2 seats return from New York to Gatwick on United was $1124.10. Watch for the next post “London, Paris Here I Come!” for more about my exciting family trip!

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Joy and Money

Recently I took a 2-week timeout from my regular routine to help cater to the needs of a newborn. In case you are wondering, the newborn is my great niece. I’m now proud great aunt to 2 boys and 3 girls.

I am also the go-to person whenever a family member needs assistance and I take these duties seriously. If one of my family members needs me, I drop everything to hop on the next flight. I have to get on a flight because I do not live within driving distance of any of my family members. On this latest occasion my baby soothing, diaper changing, bottle making and lullaby singing skills were needed in Nevis so off I went! By the way if you’ve never visited Nevis, you’re missing out on laid back island living with gorgeous vistas!

What do you Enjoy Doing?

My2-week escape was spent helping with the cutest EVER newborn, sight seeing and enjoying the tranquility of Nevis. I had a lot of time to contemplate life, in fact, life with joy AND money. One day as baby and her parents took a nap, I sat idly scrolling through my social media feed admiring the amazing creativity of a particular manicurist. I realized that it was not the first time that I had contemplated buying the tools to practice some of the techniques that resulted in such perfect manicures. Why is it that I have not done this as yet? the answer to that question lies in how I have prioritized my life, leaving no time and space for some of the things that I enjoy doing.

Create a Life Filled with Joy and Money

There are a few things I have always wanted to do but I never seem to find the time. It occurred to me that I have fallen into that life trap I always vowed I would never fall into. I have been neglecting the things I love and focusing more on work. All of what I truly love to do has been pushed to the back burner for ‘later’. I realized that I had not written a blog post in forever – although I love writing. I had not sketched the multitude of scenes and objects that are begging to be sketched – although I love sketching. I had not learnt how to do nail art – something I seem to have placed permanently on the ‘later’ list.

Do you know that some of the happiest and wealthiest people on earth are those who create income from doing what they genuinely enjoy? That is obvious when you think of famous TV talk show hosts like Oprah Winfrey, and Ellen DeGeneres – it is no secret that they enjoy talking! And they create income doing just that! They created a life filled with joy AND money! what’s stopping everyone from doing the same?

Create Income

Financial wealth can certainly result from a dull but lucrative job but, the satisfaction and gratification of doing something you truly love can add enjoyment to your life. We all obviously need money but do we absolutely need wealth? or is enjoyment of life more important? This depends on the individual, some of us value money over happiness. Which is more important to you?

Interestingly enough, there are conflicting views about whether wealthy people are happy! This article in Forbes Women claims that the happiest people have more time to do what they love but less money. Yet this CNBC article claims that people are happier when they are making more money.  Regardless of how you look at it, joy and money seem to have a direct impact on each other. I personally think it’s a win win when you can create income doing what you love.

How Easy is it to Create Income?

There is no guarantee that your hobby can make you wealthy, but what if it can create additional income? Here is what I found;

  • first, it is important to find out whether what you enjoy doing is marketable. Carefully consider your pricing. Look at what similar products or services cost and consider the time, resources and efforts invested.
  • secondly, determine who your target market is, this will help you to determine how you would advertise. For instance, if you intend to sell to a younger audience, you may want to market your product or service in spaces and social media platforms they frequent e.g., Instagram, Ticktock, Snapchat etc.

One of the more informative articles I found about how to go about all of the above was this one from The Guardian.

Hopefully, even if you decide not to monetize your hobby, you will make time for the things that bring you joy! I know I most definitely will! In fact, I have already started making time for things I love to do – including this blog! I’ve even written the book below! click to purchase on Amazon or just download a free copy with a Kindle unlimited subscription.

Do leave a comment below if you found this article interesting. I appreciate your feedback.