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Vieques


Seven miles east of the island of Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean Sea, is the little island of Vieques. It's only about double the size of New York City but it boasts white sand beaches, seclusion and many natural wonders. Though the island has had some controversy in its past (the U.S. Navy used the island as a bombing range and weapons testing ground), those days are no more. Since 2003, the Navy vacated, the tourists arrived, and much of the government-owned land is now leased for cattle grazing -- in fact, part of the island's charm are the cattle and horses that roam free!

Before You Go: Need-to-know info

Language: Spanish and English
Flight time: 4 hours from NYC to San Juan, 7 hours from LA to San Juan; 20 minutes from San Juan to Vieques
Getting around: Taxi, car

When To Go: Vieques at its best

Best weather: January to April with temps in the 80s
Best prices: Mid-April to mid December.

What To Do

Be a beach bum: If you want to do nothing more than plop down on the sand and unwind under the sun, Vieques is for you. Sure, there are many beaches to choose from in the Caribbean, but Vieques is a U.S. territory (so there's no need for a passport).

Go to the glowing waters: Eco-tourism is hot in Vieques and has something special for travelers who want to see some of nature's finest: The island is home Bioluminescent Bay, or Bio-Bay, a natural phenomenon in the Caribbean. This phosphorescent body of water is literally glowing! The light is produced by tiny bioluminescent organisms that leave blue-white trails of phosphorescence in the water. It's magical to witness -- like a sea full of fireflies. The best time to see everything light up is on a cloudy or moon-free night (that way the critters really shine). And yes, it's safe to swim in the water!

Commune with nature: The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge is largest in the Caribbean (a big feat for a small island).The land is nearly untouched and is home to endangered species such as the sea turtle, manatee and brown pelican. Bird watchers will be in heaven, as will divers, snorkelers and anyone who can appreciate unspoiled beaches and habitats.

St. Barths, Caribbean

Can‘t decide between the sophistication of a beach resort in Europe and the laid-back (and in-this-hemisphere) ease of a Caribbean island?  Consider St. Barths as your destination. The people, cuisine, shopping and nightlife on this tiny island in the French West Indies are every bit as chic as those of St. Tropez, but the aquamarine water and languorous lifestyle are pure Caribbean.   Before You Go: Need-to-know info Entry requirements: Passport and return ticket Language: French (English is widely spoken)  Flight time: 4 1/2 hours from NYC, 2 1/2 hours from Miami to the neighboring island of St. Maarten.  From there it‘s a ten minute flight or hour long ferry ride.  Getting around: Rental car, motorbike or taxi  When To Go: St. Barths at its best  Best weather: The weather is pretty reliably gorgeous from December to June (highs in the low 80s, lows in the low 70s).  Best prices: You‘ll find some deals in May and June, when the high season has ended but the weather is still optimal (highs in the mid 80s, lows in the mid 70s). Rates are even cheaper from July to November, but that period is less desirable because of the hurricane risk.   What To Do   Sun, snorkel and people watch: St. Barths has 14 beaches, all open to the public and each offering a unique set of pleasures.  For snorkeling and swimming, try St. Jean and Grand Cul-de-Sac (which is reef-protected). For privacy, hit Saline. To check out a possibly unparalleled natural collection of sea shells, visit the aptly-named Shell Beach.   Shop for chic treats: St. Barths offers duty-free shopping, which might help you justify a little sight-seeing of the retail variety (look hon, no tax!). You‘ll find posh big-name brands (Hermes, Chanel) as well as seaside essentials like straw hats and locally made body lotions with mesmerizing tropical scents. If you‘re not careful you‘ll wind up buying more haute boho fashions than your suitcases can hold.   Shed your inhibitions: Here the relaxed vibe of the islands combines with the Continental emphasis on savoring the good life to create an atmosphere that condones indulgence. Drink wine at lunch and take an afternoon nap before having a long, late dinner of French and Creole-influenced cuisine. -- Celeste Perron Can‘t decide between the sophistication of a beach resort in Europe and the laid-back (and in-this-hemisphere) ease of a Caribbean island?  Consider St. Barths as your destination. The people, cuisine, shopping and nightlife on this tiny island in the French West Indies are every bit as chic as those of St. Tropez, but the aquamarine water and languorous lifestyle are pure Caribbean.   Before You Go: Need-to-know info Entry requirements: Passport and return ticket Language: French (English is widely spoken)  Flight time: 4 1/2 hours from NYC, 2 1/2 hours from Miami to the neighboring island of St. Maarten.  From there it‘s a ten minute flight or hour long ferry ride.  Getting around: Rental car, motorbike or taxi  When To Go: St. Barths at its best  Best weather: The weather is pretty reliably gorgeous from December to June (highs in the low 80s, lows in the low 70s).  Best prices: You‘ll find some deals in May and June, when the high season has ended but the weather is still optimal (highs in the mid 80s, lows in the mid 70s). Rates are even cheaper from July to November, but that period is less desirable because of the hurricane risk.   What To Do   Sun, snorkel and people watch: St. Barths has 14 beaches, all open to the public and each offering a unique set of pleasures.  For snorkeling and swimming, try St. Jean and Grand Cul-de-Sac (which is reef-protected). For privacy, hit Saline. To check out a possibly unparalleled natural collection of sea shells, visit the aptly-named Shell Beach.   Shop for chic treats: St. Barths offers duty-free shopping, which might help you justify a little sight-seeing of the retail variety (look hon, no tax!). You‘ll find posh big-name brands (Hermes, Chanel) as well as seaside essentials like straw hats and locally made body lotions with mesmerizing tropical scents. If you‘re not careful you‘ll wind up buying more haute boho fashions than your suitcases can hold.   Shed your inhibitions: Here the relaxed vibe of the islands combines with the Continental emphasis on savoring the good life to create an atmosphere that condones indulgence. Drink wine at lunch and take an afternoon nap before having a long, late dinner of French and Creole-influenced cuisine. -- Celeste Perron


Can't decide between the sophistication of a beach resort in Europe and the laid-back (and in-this-hemisphere) ease of a Caribbean island? Consider St. Barths as your destination. The people, cuisine, shopping and nightlife on this tiny island in the French West Indies are every bit as chic as those of St. Tropez, but the aquamarine water and languorous lifestyle are pure Caribbean.

Before You Go: Need-to-know info

Entry requirements: Passport and return ticket
Language: French (English is widely spoken)
Flight time: 4 1/2 hours from NYC, 2 1/2 hours from Miami to the neighboring island of St. Maarten. From there it's a ten minute flight or hour long ferry ride.
Getting around: Rental car, motorbike or taxi

When To Go: St. Barths at its best

Best weather: The weather is pretty reliably gorgeous from December to June (highs in the low 80s, lows in the low 70s).
Best prices: You'll find some deals in May and June, when the high season has ended but the weather is still optimal (highs in the mid 80s, lows in the mid 70s). Rates are even cheaper from July to November, but that period is less desirable because of the hurricane risk.

What To Do

Sun, snorkel and people watch: St. Barths has 14 beaches, all open to the public and each offering a unique set of pleasures. For snorkeling and swimming, try St. Jean and Grand Cul-de-Sac (which is reef-protected). For privacy, hit Saline. To check out a possibly unparalleled natural collection of sea shells, visit the aptly-named Shell Beach.

Shop for chic treats: St. Barths offers duty-free shopping, which might help you justify a little sight-seeing of the retail variety (look hon, no tax!). You'll find posh big-name brands (Hermes, Chanel) as well as seaside essentials like straw hats and locally made body lotions with mesmerizing tropical scents. If you're not careful you'll wind up buying more haute boho fashions than your suitcases can hold.

Shed your inhibitions: Here the relaxed vibe of the islands combines with the Continental emphasis on savoring the good life to create an atmosphere that condones indulgence. Drink wine at lunch and take an afternoon nap before having a long, late dinner of French and Creole-influenced cuisine.

Romantic Honeymoon Destinations For a Lifetime of Memories

There isn't a person in this world who does not wish to have a romantic honeymoon. This only makes sense since a honeymoon is considered to be the ultimate romantic vacation when newlyweds get to spend there first real time alone together. The problem becomes which destination is the most romantic for the task at hand? The answer will depend on the couple and which location appeals most to them. Many will already know where they want to go, but for those who are still undecided here are some ideas to make your first real vacation together truly romantic.

The first though that crosses most peoples minds is someplace tropical. Moonlit walks on the beach, days spent relaxing in the warm ocean breezes with drinks on hand, candlelight dinners with the gentle sounds of breaking waves in the background, and a whole world of romance at every turn. Tropical honeymoons are hard to beat.

The first tropical place most people consider is Hawaii. You can choose to island hop or just spend your time on one island, enjoying the warm blue ocean waters along miles of beach. The Hawaiian people go out of their way to make each and every honeymoon one to remember.

For a more exotic romantic honeymoon the islands of the South Pacific such as Fiji or Bora Bora take the romantic experience to a whole other level. These islands will truly make you and your spouse feel like you have these beautiful locations all to yourselves. They are in an out of the way corner of the Pacific Ocean that will make a honeymoon a truly relaxing and wonderful experience.

For those who want to save some money but still want to experience a tropical honeymoon then Mexico is the place to go. For those who want to get away from the crowds of Cancun and Acapulco the Mayan Riviera is the place to go. With a multitude of all inclusive resorts the Riviera is a great way to enjoy tropical beaches without breaking the bank.

For a more home grown honeymoon there are plenty of romantic places right here in the United States. The advantage of this is obvious; no need for passports and everyone speaks the language.

If the lure of the big city with lots of glitz and glamour is your thing then Las Vegas and New York offer plenty of both. Las Vegas offers year round entertainment opportunities seldom found in other locations. Gambling, an array of different shows that will fit the entertainment needs of just about everyone, and a multitude of large hotels to choose from it is hard to go wrong with a honeymoon in the desert.

New York City offers a wealth of entertainment opportunities as well with Broadway shows and the always exciting Times Square. There is also the opportunity to eat at some of the most famous and romantic restaurants in the world along with world class hotels that are sure to make any honeymoon truly romantic.

For those who are looking for a culturally historic honeymoon then a trip to the old country, Europe, fits the bill. England, France, Spain, Italy all have romantic overtones and surrounding oneself in the history and culture of these countries can make for a truly romantic adventure. There is a language barrier but this can work to the newlyweds favor, giving them a sense of being alone in a strange and exotic land.

Finding a romantic honeymoon destination is easy, the hard part is deciding which destination to choose because any of these choices will leave you with romantic memories that will last you and your spouse a lifetime.

How to Make Your Beach Honeymoon Extra Romantic

It is easy to set your honeymoon and it is easier to find a location for this provided that you have an idea where to go, what to do, and how much money you want to spend. However, this does not automatically mean that you can get a romantic honeymoon. All your money, place, and things you have prepared are all useless if you and your partner would not make them work for.

So how to make your beach honeymoon extra romantic? Let us count the ways…

If you set your honeymoon at a beach (which a normal couple would do), make it extra romantic by booking for an exclusive night at a villa on a secluded island. Some resorts and hotels have this amenity where you and your couple can enjoy. An overnight stay in an island with no other people around you will surely give you the privacy and the freedom to do everything you like and enjoy each other’s company both of you have all been dreaming of.

Set a romantic dinner where your favorite music is played. You can also arrange for dinner beside the beach with musicians at your side. The open air, the calmness of the sea, the sound of the waves, and the clear night sky plus the romantic music would all conspire to create the most unique and romantic dinner for both of you.

Instead of letting one of the staffs of the hotel to bring your breakfast at your bed, wake up early in the morning and request the chef to let you help for the preparation of the food. Personally deliver them to your room and great your partner with a warm kiss and sweet words.

Have her favorite flowers to be delivered to your room everyday so that every time she wakes up, she can see different sets of flowers. No lady can resist the thoughts of you bringing her flowers every morning.

Book for the most romantic suite and pamper her with the best services you can give. Treat her like a baby. Treat her the way she wants to be treated. Women are very emotional so letting her feel that she’s being treated with outmost care is greatly appreciated.

These are some of the things you can do to make your honeymoon at the beach extra special. One more thing: Let your partner become clueless on your actions and surprise her with something sweet.

Romantic Honeymoon Cruises - The Magic of the Sea Brings Love Too

Ah... romance. When we marry, we think of all the romance that is expecting us, and to start, there is no better example than the honeymoon. The honeymoon is a time devoted exclusively to the couple, to start enjoying the intimate life they'll live for years to come. And what better to spend this time on a cruise. Romantic honeymoon cruises let you be free with love and romance on the seas.

Honeymoon cruises, refer basically to special packages designed with the newlyweds in mind. They do not only offer events and activities for the couple, but also they take into account those little details you expect to find on a honeymoon vacation. Right from the stat, your room will get preferred service and the cruise line will greet you with romantic surprises everyday, like roses or a bottle of champagne.

But, hey cruise ships move, and this means you will also visit many places. Where can you go? Practically anywhere in the World! Romantic honeymoon cruises are offered in every part of the World, so you have a lot of options. Perhaps the most common place to spend your honeymoon cruise vacations is the Caribbean, but this doesn't mean there are other places available to visit such as Alaska, the Mediterranean, Hawaii or South America. Just by taking a look online you will find many offers and packages to different destinations.

If you want romance, there's nothing like a cruise. Standing in the middle of the Sea, watching the sun go down is just breath taking and it lets you immerse on the deepness and warmth of love itself. It is at this time, where you can just hold your partner tight, and enjoy the deep love a life together can bring.

Ideas For A Romantic Honeymoon

Though a honeymoon is a chance for a newly married couple to spend some time together, celebrating their new life together, there is more to a honeymoon than simply picking a great destination; you need to find things to do. Even the most beautiful place can seem boring if you just sit around the entire time. Because a honeymoon is a romantic trip, what you need to do is find some romantic activities to spice up your time and to create some wonderful memories of this time in your life. To help you along, here are some ideas for a romantic honeymoon:


A Private Dinner

While your honeymoon destination is likely to have any number of great restaurants in the area, you can easily arrange a romantic, candlelit dinner in your own hotel room, allowing you to dine in privacy. A quiet dinner in your hotel room allows you to share some time with your spouse without anyone bothering you, and also gives you an evening where you don't have to worry about making arrangements for travel to a restaurant.


Practice Some Massage

Another great idea for a romantic honeymoon is to pick up a book on massage at your local bookstore before your trip, and to pack it with your travel guides and other materials when you go on your honeymoon. The touch that comes from a massage can be quite sensual and can be a way to share some closeness with your spouse. The relaxation and the nice feelings that a good massage can provide can help add to your romantic honeymoon.


Bring Some Candles

Another way to add to a romantic honeymoon is through the use of soft lighting, and little beats out candles for this. With just a few small votive candles, you can bring the light in your hotel room down to a nice, romantic level, perfect for enhancing the area around a Jacuzzi or around your bed. Either way, it sets the mood for quiet conversation or cuddling, providing a backdrop for a romantic evening.


Prepare Some Music

Whether you're using songs from your wedding reception, the first tune you and your spouse danced to, or just a mix CD of your favorite love songs, bringing along the right music can enhance the time you spend with your spouse. Just as a romantic meal, dim lights, or massage can set the tone for an evening, a night of quiet, romantic music or dancing in your hotel room can lead to a more romantic honeymoon. So when planning your honeymoon, keep these ideas in mind when you're getting ready to go, and you'll be able to add an extra spark of romance to make your honeymoon unforgettable.

By Low Jeremy

Tortuguero Lagoons

Located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, Tortuguero is a network of waterways that crisscrosses some of Latin America’s most spectacular jungle environment. At the docks you will board a comfortable boat for a fascinating adventure to the Madre de Dios (Mother of God) Lagoon, an exquisite location for admiring the area’s natural beauty. As we journey into this emerald wonderland, your bilingual naturalist guide will provide you with details and insight into an amazing variety of plant and wildlife that includes orchids, monkeys, bird flocks, toucans, caimans, turtles, ospreys, butterflies and more. This method of travel is ideal, as it allows you to enjoy a close-up view of nature, without disturbing the delicate jungle environment.

A delicious lunch will be provided at the Tortuguero Expedition’s facilities, a modern and charming property right on the Madre de Dios Lagoon. Here you will have time to relax and admire the scenic beauty of the lagoon, before returning by boat to the docks for your transfer back to San José.