Kategorie: Travel

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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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What are Your Summer Plans?

What are your summer plans? that is the question I asked my travel buddy recently. I was quite surprised and pleased when she said “actually I’ve been looking at tickets to come to Antigua!” “seriously?!” I immediately began to plan all the fun things we would do when they get here! ‘they’ being my best friend since high school and her family.

My Favorite Things to do in Antigua

My list of favorite things to do on the island is quite a long one. One of the best experiences I’ve had is a leisurely day cruise with Captain Christian of Cruise and Chill. Christian is known for his decadent mimosa brunches served during a scenic sail in the beautiful blue sea among playful dolphins. The light is so magical out in the open sea that any photos you take will be absolutely perfect!

You’ll enjoy the sights including a submerged shipwreck, and cute swimming turtles as you sip on your choice of icy cold beverage. Captain Christian knows quite a bit of the island’s history and he will fill you in as your sail blissfully along. He will eventually anchor off of Bird Island for snorkeling or a refreshing swim before a delicious cold lunch is served. Later as you sail back to Jolly Harbour and the sun slips below the horizon in a blaze of glory, you’ll sigh with absolute contentment. A day well spent!

Next on my list of fun things to do is visit Stingray City to swim with the stingrays. Yes! I know it sounds like a crazy thing to do but it’s a surprisingly pleasant experience. Even if you immediately balked at the idea, trust me when I say I’ve done it not once but twice! Still wary? well the tour includes a brisk boat ride amid beautiful scenery, the perfect spot for snorkeling and Antigua’s famous Angostura Rum Punch! who can resist?

What are Your Summer Plans?

What are your summer plans? Do you love the amazing blue of the Caribbean Sea and luxurious white sand beaches? Consider Antigua! Early morning swims and lazy afternoons relaxing on the beach will of course be one of the most anticipated parts of any trip to Antigua. After all we are known for having a beach for every day of the year! Some of my personal favorites are Dickenson Bay, Fort James Beach, Pigeon Point, Darkwood Beach and Jolly Beach. There is even Jacqui O, a beach named after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis! Whatever you do ensure you visit Half Moon Bay which is one of the most beautiful crescent bays in the world!

One of the good things about Antigua is that you can easily navigate your way around with the help of google maps or an old fashion map! If you’re like me you love road trips! The road trip I would suggest includes stops at the fascinating Devils Bridge, the Wadadli Animal Nature Farm, The Potworks Dam and Betty’s Hope. The historic Nelson’s Dockyard National Park is a must see with fantastic views from Dows Hill Interpretation Centre and Shirley’s Heights. Don’t miss out on sunset at Shirley’s Heights, enjoy live music and finger-licking barbecue as well!

Love Dining Out?

There are many great restaurants to choose from so bring your appetite for fresh tasty offerings. The South Point Hotel and MAIA Lounge is perfect to indulge a love for good sushi and live music right on the water. If you’re lucky you can enjoy the beautiful voice of the talented Asher Otto! Asher is one of the most talented artistes in the Caribbean and she has a very distinctive voice you won’t forget! If you miss her performance then you will enjoy one of the local bands just as much. Antiguan musicians are well known for their originality.

In English Harbour, you will also find Trappas, Flatties Flame Grill , Catherine’s Cafe and Crazy Eddies restaurants. Do not miss out on Seafood Fridays on the lawns of the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel in the Nelson’s Dockyard! That is if you love seafood, if not there are other types of dining experiences you will enjoy just as much.

When it comes to dining out in Antigua, there is a variety of restaurants to choose from. Local or Caribbean cuisine, Asian fusion, Indian, French, South African and Italian are all available. Some of my favorites restaurants are Spices of India, The Nomad, The Larder, The Salt Plage , C&C Wine House, Cuties and the Garden Grill. All of which are in the heart of St. John’s. There are also great restaurants located at most of the marinas as well.

See the True Beauty of Antigua

I would also recommend an “easy” hike with Rambling Soles, it is one of the best ways to really see the true beauty of Antigua. The Soles walk many of the less known trails and are privy to some of the best beaches. Another cool activity you should try is stand up Paddle boarding (SUP) with the National Sailing Academy. Who knows? you may even be encouraged to take a sailing lesson!

Jacqui O Love Beach

Truth be told, there is so much to do that I just don’t know how it will all fit into one summer vacation! The one thing I do know is that a lot of fun will be had! If you don’t have an answer to that question ‘what are your summer plans?’ I’d say it’s time you begin making plans! don’t leave it until the last minute!