VoyageMonkey Travel Blog

Washington D.C is a small 68 square mile area between Maryland and Virginia along the Potomac River, around 100 miles east of Delaware.  Aside from being the United States Capital and government center, the city is home to many tourist attractions like national monuments, memorials, museums, and historic sites.  D.C. also offers plenty of culture, performing arts, entertainment, and fine dining.  Direct flights to D.C. are easy to find, and the D.C. Metro system makes it easy to get around town without a car.

Among the most popular sites to tour, are the White House, the U.S. Capital Building, and the U.S. Supreme Court.  The White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. is perhaps the most famous address in the world.  Home of the U.S. President, a tour of the White House can be arranged by requesting it in advance from one of your members of congress.  As you can guess, you should plan well in advance.  The U.S. Capitol Building, at the end of the National Mall, is open to the public for guided tours only, Monday through Saturday.  Tour tickets can be obtained online or from your member of congress.  Again, it is wise to obtain these tickets in advance due to limited space.  The Supreme Court Building is open for tours Monday through Friday, but if you want to see the court in session you will need to visit October through April and stand in line.  Because there is limited seating you will want to arrive a couple hours early.  Court sessions start at 10:00 a.m.

Most of the popular National Monuments and memorials in D.C. are located along the National Mall.  The National Mall is an open area between the U.S. Capital Building and the Lincoln Memorial.  The Mall stretches around 2 miles, covering a little over 300 acres.  Walking the Mall by foot is difficult for most people, so a guided tour is recommended if you want to see all the monuments and memorials.  Among these more popular landmarks are the sphere like Washington Monument near the center of the Mall, the Lincoln Memorial at the west end of the Mall, the Jefferson Memorial with its dome-shaped rotunda, and the emotional Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a long black granite wall inscribed with the names of 58,209 American’s killed or missing in the Vietnam war.

Along the outside edges of the National Mall you’ll find 10 Smithsonian Museums and the National Gallery of Art.   The Smithsonian Museums include the popular Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, International Gallery, and natural History Museum.  The National Gallery of Art displays one of the largest collections of masterpieces in the world including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, and decorative arts from the 13th century to the present.  If that is not enough, there are over two dozen free museums in D.C.  Need a change of pace?  Try the International Spy Museum, full of fun spy artifacts, films and interactive displays.

Other local attractions include the National Zoo, U.S. Botanical Garden, Arlington National Cemetery, the Library of Congress, the Famous Ford Theatre, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Cathedral, Georgetown University, and various parks and gardens around the area.

Washington D.C. has its share of fine restaurants to make your evenings special.  One favorite is the Inn at Little Washington Restaurant.   Named one of the top restaurants by Travel + Leisure Magazine, the dining room is luxurious, intimate and romantic.  The menu is eclectic American, French and fine international cuisine, accompanied by a 14,000 bottle wine cellar of fine wines.  A true experience in fine dining.  If you enjoy true gourmet Indian cuisine, there is no better place than Rasika.  Rasika features modern Indian cuisine with a small plate menu ideal for sharing, including four and six course tasting menus with wine pairing options from their extensive wine cellar.  Another top restaurant in town is Marcel’s, a Belgian French restaurant featuring super fresh seafood and meats raised specifically for the restaurant.  They feature seven course meals, an elegant dining room and sophisticated wine bar.  Another popular restaurant is Komi, an elegant American Mediterranean restaurant.  If you just want to go out for the evening with no particular dining choice in mind, then visit U Street, an 8 block strip of restaurants, bars, clubs, and boutiques.

You’ll find many fine hotels in Washington D.C.  We prefer hotels that are within walking distance of the National Mall.  Five star hotels near the Mall include the St. Regis Hotel and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.  Four star hotels near the Mall include the Hotel Sofitel, the J.W. Marriott Hotel and the Westin Hotel.  There are other five and four star hotels a bit farther from the mall and you will also find many economy hotels in town if you are visiting on a budget.  Go to VoyageMonkey.com to find hotel accommodations fitting any budget.

The southwest coast of Florida not only offers some of the best white sand beaches and pristine gulf waters, but also, the beach resorts remain relatively less crowded than other popular Florida vacation destinations.  The beautiful gulf waters provide an awesome playground for watersports activities, swimming, and relaxing in the Florida sunshine.  When the sun goes down on the gulf the local nightlife offers fine dining, live music, dancing, and plenty of fun entertainment choices.  Booking your travel reservations is easy with VoyageMonkey.com Travel.

The most popular gulf area to visit is the Tampa region and its vast beach areas.   It offers easy flight access for many into the Tampa airport. Tampa has plenty of culture, preforming arts, museums and nightlife.  Close by attractions include Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, LEGOLAND, and many world-class golf courses.    Day trips to Orlando are easy from Tampa since it’s only around 90 minutes or less by car. The Tampa area includes the popular St. Petersburg and clear water beaches.  Here you can enjoy the St. Pete Beach Pier and an array of watersports activities available at the Clearwater Beach marina.   There are excellent five and four star beach resorts to choose from in the area, like the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, the Renaissance Vinoy Resort St. Petersburg, and the Loews Don Cesar Beach Resort at St. Pete Beach.  All are luxury beachfront properties with fantastic amenities and service.

Heading south of Tampa you’ll find the lovely Anna Maria Island and the city of Sarasota.  Anna Maria Island is a 7-mile island accessible by bridge.  It offers a less developed small beach town vibe, free of fast food restaurants and High-rise hotels and condos.  There are many small beachside inns and cottage hotels along the beach in Anna Maria that offer comfortable accommodations.  Here you can enjoy the beach community lifestyle without the large resorts.  If Anna Maria is too quiet for you, Sarasota not only has pristine white sand beaches like Siesta Keys Beach, but also has six small islands along its coast to explore and an array of activities and attractions like museums, theatres, an opera house, symphony, ballet, shops, restaurants, live music and nightlife.  Sarasota offers great high-end resort accommodations like the Ritz Carlton Sarasota, the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, and the Resort at Longboat Key Club, a great place for golf and tennis enthusiasts.

Continuing south along the coast is the Fort Myers area.  Fort Myers also has a major international airport, making it a popular destination for its easy access.  Fort Myers boasts an active nightlife, with its performing arts, live music restaurants and pubs.  The Fort Myers Beach area includes several popular barrier islands like Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, which have nice beach resorts.  Local Fort Myers’ attractions including Thomas Edison’s and Henry Ford’s winter homes, several museums, and over 50 local golf courses.  Top seaside accommodations in the area include the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort which overlooks Sanibel Island, the South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, and the popular Pink Shell Beach Resort.

South of Fort Myers is the popular coastal city of Naples.  Naples offers luxury oceanfront accommodations and beautiful white sand beaches, as well as great outdoor activities and attractions.  Naples has a beautiful historic area, high-end shopping, great nightlife, performing arts, art museums and galleries, a zoo, botanical gardens, a swamp sanctuary, and a historic pier.  Local activities include watersports, boat tours, biking, and over 40 local golf courses.   Luxury beach resorts in the Naples area include the Ritz Carlton Naples, the Waldorf Astoria Naples, and the LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort.

Around 50 miles south of Naples you’ll find Marco Island, located in the southwestern corner of state.  Marco Island is the southernmost city on the Gulf Coast, around 180 miles south of Tampa.  The drive from Tampa to Marco Island can be made in a little over 2.5 hours.  Fresh sea shells wash up onto the beaches in Marco Island each morning making it a great place to stroll.  You’ll discover plenty of wildlife around Marco Island like seabirds, alligators, manetee and bottle nose dolphins.  Everglades National Park is a little over an hour drive away from Marco Island.  There are some very good luxury beach resorts on Marco Island like the Marco Beach Ocean Resort, the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa, and the Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort golf Club and Spa.  These are great beachfront properties for a perfect vacation.

VoyageMonkey.com Travel regularly offers travel deals to these great Gulf Coast destinations, including hotel, flight and rental car.  Book now and save at http://www.voyagemonkey.com.

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Scottsdale Arizona is a popular tourist destination for millions of people around the world. The mixture of new and old Southwest charm combined with the natural desert beauty makes Scottsdale a hot spot for travel enthusiasts.  The city boasts an internationally renowned art center, cultural scene with theatre, museums and art galleries, high-end shopping, as well as world-class resorts and championship golf courses.

Scottsdale is located in the Phoenix Arizona metropolitan area.  Flying into Phoenix is usually the best transportation option as opposed to driving over mountains and desert roads.  The general climate around Scottsdale is known to be quite warm throughout most of the year which is particularly true of the summer months where outdoor temperatures reach well into the 100 degree markings. Most people find that visiting during the winter and spring months is much more comfortable where temperatures are generally within the 70 and 80 degree ranges.

As part of keeping historical charm and blending in modern conveniences and attractions, the city is generally divided into South and North sections that are marked as old and new Scottsdale.  Old Town Scottsdale offers the small Southwestern town charm with its unique shops and boutiques, restaurants and pubs.  It’s a fun place to stroll, people watch and shop for authentic western and Indian goods.  The newer downtown Scottsdale area is adorned with statues and artworks around town for the public to enjoy.  Here you will find all your modern conveniences and attractions. 

One of the most popular attractions in the Scottsdale area is the Sonoran Desert and it’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  Here you can enjoy the unspoiled open desert with all its beauty and wildlife.  There are plenty of marked hiking trails including some wheelchair access.  The actual dessert portion of the city is perhaps the most popular form of natural wonderment that people are interested in seeing due to its sheer size and ability to help people appreciate nature. Off road vehicle guides and even bus tours are offered to ensure that tourists have as many options as possible in being able to see this part of the city in any manner possible. The most iconic landmark in Scottsdale and the rest of the Greater Phoenix area is Camelback Mountain.  It got its name because it literally looks like a camel lying down—humps and all.  It’s a good point of reference for navigating.

There are various popular attractions and activities offered to travelers in Scottsdale. Popular attractions like the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Parks are known to be quite fun for the entire family due to their variety and ability to help people understand more about the history of the city and geography.  Other popular attractions include the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, the Penske Racing Museum, and various Indian Gaming Casinos and Indian reservations.  Most local attractions are reasonably priced and often quite exciting for people that have participated in them.  Golf outings are quite fun for many people as they attempt to fully appreciate what the city has to offer with this beloved sport. There are over 100 golf courses in the Scottsdale area to choose from.  Many golf courses in the area are world famous for their challenging design and spectacular views.  You will also find plenty of world-class shopping offered throughout the city. The planning of a shopping trip in this city is usually geared toward the Scottsdale fashion square due to the fine boutiques and major names that are on the higher and median end of pricing and luxury.  The town offers plenty for shopping enthusiasts to enjoy.

After your day, you can enjoy some of the many fine dining establishments located throughout the city.   There are plenty of top rated restaurants to choose from like Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse, Wildfish Seafood Grill, Café Monarch, Binkley’s, The Mission, Talavera at the Four Seasons, and Chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak. Other popular restaurants around town include Cowboy Ciao, Casa Mia, Elements, Eddie V’s, Bandera, the Capital Grill, and Charleston’s which are all known to offer great dining experiences and the best of what any local food scene has to offer.

Excellent accommodations are essential in finding rest and recuperation throughout your entire stay.  There is no shortage of 5-star resorts in the Scottsdale area.  Resorts like Montelucia Resort & Spa, the Royal Palms Resort & Spa, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, and The Boulders Waldorf Astoria Resort offer superior accommodations and sophisticated service.  Other 5-star rated resorts include the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North, The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, and the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.  The number of high rated 4-star resorts to choose from in the area is more numerous.  Most of the Scottsdale resorts offer incredible views and often have promotional room rates and special perks like golf and spa treatment.

VoyageMonkey.com Travel offers easy online travel booking to Scottsdale, as well as travel consultants to assist you with your plans.

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St. Barts is a tiny island in the Caribbean just east of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. It is only eight square miles in size and has been predominantly known as a playground for the rich and famous.   St. Barts is rated one of the top ten beach destinations in the world by the Travel Channel.  Its closest neighbor island is St. Martin (St. Maarten), who offers a 45-minute high speed ferry daily to St. Barts.  Formally called St. Barthelemy, St. Barts is part of the French West Indies. Historically visited by luxury yachts, more vacationers are visiting St. Barts these days.  You don’t need to be rich and famous or win an Oscar in order to visit this tiny island.

Gustavia and St. Jean are the main towns on the island.  These towns are surrounded by many beautiful beaches which provide a perfect and serene environment for relaxation since they aren’t crowded nor built up by resorts.  The uncrowded beaches here are the main attraction of this island.  The most popular beaches to visit are Gouverneur Beach, Columbier Beach, St. Jean Beach, Grande Saline Beach, and Shell Beach.  Because this is a French island, the beaches here are clothing optional (nude beaches).

St. Barts is popular with diving enthusiasts.  You’ll find several diving centers on the island to take you to the best local diving and snorkeling spots.  Also available are guided boating and submarine tours, as well as boat rentals, jet skis, and many other water sports.  You can partake in kayaking, deep sea fishing, surfing and windsurfing, as well as tennis, and beach volleyball. 

On the island, there are several superb five-star dining restaurants managed by internationally recognized chefs.  St. Barth has a long tradition of French chefs relocating to the island for the winter months.  Aside from the fabulous French cuisine, there are several good traditional Creole restaurants on the island serving very authentic Caribbean Creole.  You’ll find plenty of good hilltop, harbor-side and beachfront restaurants to choose from.  There are a few good bars and clubs on the island for those needing a little night life. You’ll also find a few small specialty museums on the island and shopping establishments. The level of shopping goods on this island is world-class and you might be tempted to spend a lot of cash on shopping.  To help you do this there are plenty of banks in town that are open every day.  The currency used in St. Barts is the Euro even though the US dollar is also accepted in most places.

Getting to St. Barts is not overly difficult.  For those who travel from the United States, there are always direct flights to Saint Maarten, from Charlotte, New York, Puerto Rico and Miami. From Saint Maarten you can take a ferry or a commuter plane to St. Barts.  The flights to St. Barts land at the Gustaf Airport in St. Jean. The airport is small, hence large planes can’t land there.  The airport at St. Barts only serves small aircraft and charter flights. The majority of the visiting aircraft come from neighbor islands who have larger airports, and they generally carry a maximum of around twenty passengers. There are some small airlines that carry travelers to St. Barts like Air Antill, WinAir Airlines, Air Caraibes, St. Barth Commuter and Trade Winds Aviation.  Once on the island it’s easy to get around by taxi since the island is small.

St. Barts has some of the best small resort hotels in the Caribbean.  Large-scale development is limited because of the size of the island, and the local government seriously controls the scale and style of building permits for hotels.  These intimate resorts are world class with quality services, entertainment, fine dining, bars and beach front swimming pools. Some of these resort hotels include the 5-Star Carl Gustaf Hotel & Spa, an intimate luxury hotel perched high atop the Gustavia Harbor surrounded by tropical vegetation and offering spectacular views.   The hotel features luxury suites, each suite opening to a private terrace with its own plunge pool.  The Hotel includes a premier French restaurant, cocktail lounge, and a full service spa.  Other top recommended hotels include: Hotel Le Toiny, Eden Rock, the Guanahani Hotel, Le Sereno, Le Manapany Cottages & Spa, and the small and intimate Tom Beach Hotel in the town of St. Jean.

VoyageMonkey.com Travel offers easy online travel booking to St. Barts, as well as travel consultants to assist you with your plans.

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Playa del Carmen located on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera was not long ago a sleepy fishing village with secluded white sandy beaches, gentle surf, coral reefs and a slow lifestyle.  Now a popular European and North American vacation travel destination, much of the old ambiance still remains compared to the much more crowded and developed neighbor city 35 miles to the north, Cancun.  This makes Playa Del Carmen an ideal Caribbean beach resort destination for those looking for international diversity and the feel of a small and quaint Mexican beach town.

Along the beach you can enjoy water sports, fun beach activities, plenty of good restaurants and beach bars by day or night.  It’s the perfect place to sip a cold margarita with your toes in the sand.  The warm Caribbean water is the perfect temperature for swimming and you’ll find a myriad of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skis, surfing, sailing, deep sea sports fishing, and much more.

Along 5^th Avenue running parallel to the Beach, eight city blocks are closed to traffic, making it a popular pedestrian walkway filled with lively Restaurants, bars, nightclubs and gift shops.  You can listen to live rock, reggae, folk, mariachi, and dance to live Salsa music.  You’ll find plenty of delicious local restaurants serving authentic Mexican food, Mayan food as well as fine international cuisines like Italian, French, Argentinian and Thai.  An evening stroll through this part of town will yield live music, entertainment and some of the best people watching around.  Juarez Avenue features some good local restaurants worth visiting.  The entire town of Playa del Carmen is small enough that you can walk just about anywhere you need to go, and it is generally safe to walk. 

If you do rent a car, there are plenty of local attractions and activities.  You can take a day trip to Cancun, where you’ll pass by hundreds of luxury beach resorts along this stretch known as the Mayan Riviera.  Around an hour south of Playa del Carmen you can enjoy visiting the popular ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum.   Inland, you can visit the ancient Mayan pyramid of Chichen Itza.   The local water themed amusement parks of Xcaret or Xel Ha are always a fun place for kids and adults alike to spend the day.   Here you can enjoy underground rivers, pristine beaches and natural pools, swim with dolphins and have fun with countless attractions and activities.  Note that there are also plenty of local inexpensive buses that run these routes regularly from Playa del Carmen (at 5^th and Juarez) if you don’t like the idea of driving in Mexico.  Also, in town you can catch an inexpensive 45-minute ferry to the nearby island of Cozumel for the day.

Playa del Carmen has a wide variety of beach resorts, hotels and vacation rentals to choose from, fitting almost any budget.  The most popular trend is to choose an All-Inclusive beach resort offering all your food, premium bar drinks, activities, entertainment and luxury amenities.  Two such recommended resorts are the Spanish owned RIU Palace Riviera Maya or the RIU Palace Mexico, both located on the beach and featuring All-Inclusive amenities like restaurants, bars, pools, entertainment and water sports.  These two resorts are great for families.  If you want to get away from kids and still have a luxury All-Inclusive experience, the adults only Occidental Royal Hideaway or the Paradisus La Perla both cater to couples and singles seeking that relaxing getaway.

Visit VoyageMonnkey.com Travel today and find your vacation travel deal to Playa del Carmen.  You always save hundreds when booking your flight and hotel together at VvoyageMonkey.com.

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Have you been eager to escape the daily grind of life for a relaxing vacation getaway to a tropical paradise?  There is a place waiting for you, the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Vacation travel to the British Virgin Islands will unwind you and create great memories in the process.  The climate is always warm and tropical, with a slight breeze and calm water. That feature makes BVI one of the top sailing and boating destinations in the world.  This string of lovely little islands is located in the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico.  There are a total of around 60 small islands.  Of these, there are only the four main inhabited island of Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, and Tortola.  Each of the islands is unique.  For example, the island of Anegada is only 27 ft. above sea level while the island of Tortola is mountainous.

The water is warm throughout the year, and it reaches up to 86 degrees in the late summer months.  This is ideal for water lovers and beach goers.  Swimming, snorkeling, diving, and most other watersports are the standard daytime activity of the islands.  The water is clean and clear, making it very inviting to jump in and enjoy.  You can enjoy the surf off the beach or choose to rest is the sunshine with a cool tropical drink.  Because you will likely spend so much time at the beach or in the water, be sure to use plenty of sunscreen and bring a hat.  The Caribbean sun can make you sun burnt on your first day and ruin your trip. 

The attraction of these islands is that they have not been over developed by tourism.  You can find some very nice resort hotels and modern conveniences while still maintaining a natural unspoiled island vibe.  Tourism is still very important to these islands, so you can find plenty of really good hotel accommodations online.  There are plenty of resorts to choose from. You can even book yourself in ultimate luxury and all-inclusive beach resorts.  You can take advantage of the spas, restaurants, entertainment and other amenities that these resorts provide.  Most of the hotels do a very good job of providing a tranquil tropical island atmosphere with ultimate relaxation.  Also, there is no confusing money exchange when you get there, as the U.S. dollars is generally an accepted currency.  As for tipping, around 15% is customary in most of the usual places.

With a choice of multiple islands, which island should you visit?  The largest and the most popular of the islands is Tortola.  Tortola has the most tourism, accommodations and activities than any other of the islands. You can enjoy some night life here as well as some of the local attractions like the historic forts of Burt or Rum tasting at the Callwood rum distillery.  A popular resort on Tortola is the 52 acre Long Bay Resort which includes onsite restaurants, shopping, fitness center, and other world-class amenities.  The next most popular of the British Virgin Islands is the island of Virgin Gorda.  Virgin Gorda is a good place to rest and relax, which is perfect for couples and honeymooners.  Most visitors to this island will experience a beautiful picturesque beach called the Baths.  The Baths feature large rock formations and huge boulders across the beaches that make up secluded shallow pools to discover and relax in warm clear waters. This is also a very popular place to snorkel through the caves that the rocks and boulders form.  Very nice hotel and resort accommodations are also available on Virgin Gorda.  If you are into luxury, you can find it here.

The other two inhabited islands are popular as day trips from Tortola or Virgin Gorda, because of the lack of accommodations for tourists.  The smallest of the islands is called Jost Van Dyke, which has a population of around only 200 locals.  You can visit this close by island by boat and go to the popular Diamond Cay National Park, a protected bird sanctuary boasting thousands of species of birds.  This island also offers popular reefs to snorkel and dive as well as trails to hike and small beach side restaurants.  The smallest of the inhabited islands is called Anegada.  It is a very flat tropical island that is only 10 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, with almost no commercial development or hotels.  The local inhabitants are friendly and welcoming to visitors.  You’ll find plenty of pristine secluded beaches and hiking to enjoy on your visit to this island.

The best way to really see the sites in the Virgin Islands is to sail or motor boat around the various islands.  This way you will see the best of all the sites.  You can rent a boat easily or hire a boat service or tour.  On land you can either rent a car for the day or find a driver or car service you can hire.  Renting a car yourself can be expensive and you must buy a local driving permit. For some, it is worth the freedom of not spending the day with a driver or being tied down by a tour.  Because these are British Islands, just remember that they drive on the left side of the road.  Fortunately there isn’t very much traffic in most places.

The peak tourist season in the British Virgin Islands is during the winter months.  Travelers wanting to get out of the snow and cold flock to the BVI for the warm tropical weather, so hotel accommodations will generally be more expensive this time of year.  If visiting in the winter, be sure to book your travel reservations early to assure a good hotel room and availability.  During the off-season you will find more availability and much cheaper room rates, particularly from August through October which is hurricane season in the Caribbean.  Rates are the lowest then, but you may have to cut your vacation short or cancel.  That’s when travel insurance becomes worth the added cost.

So check out the British Virgin Islands for your next vacation getaway.  It will be an island experience to remember and you’ll want to come back.  VoyageMonkey.com Travel can help you find affordable hotel accommodations and flights.  Just visit our easy online travel booking site at voyagemonkey.com.  Click Here.

St. Martin is one of the rare islands in the Caribbean that is split into two countries.  Half of the island is Dutch and the other half is French.  The island of St. Martin is less than 200 miles east of Puerto Rico, making it easy to get to for quick vacation getaways.  St. Martin offers a diverse culture, luxury resort hotels, many beautiful beaches, and crystal clear blue waters that are ideal for all seaside activities.  It’s easy to find online travel deals to St. Martin on a regular basis, making it an affordable vacation destination.  Plus, you get the best of the Dutch and French Caribbean islands all in one.

In 1648, France and the Dutch Republic agreed to divide the island between their two territories.  St. Martin, the northern part of this island, is French.  The southern part of the island, called Sint Maarten, is Dutch.  The two territories are often collectively referred to as St. Martin or St. Maarten.  So when booking your hotel, be sure to check the location.  Regardless, it’s easy to freely travel around the island as there are rarely checks at the border between the two territories.  Also, speaking French or Dutch is not necessary.  Although the population is made up of around 80 different nationalities, English is the most commonly spoken language.

The main attraction here is the ocean and pristine beaches.  The turquoise waters off the beaches of St. Martin are crystal clear and warm.  The white sandy beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, all water sports, and simply exploring the local marine life with a snorkel and mask.  You can enjoy a multitude of water sports like surfing, kite-surfing and wind-surfing, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, water-skiing, kayaking, sailing and excellent deep-sea sport fishing.  You’ll find abundant marine life such as sea turtles, large dolphins and even humpback whales in the winter months.  When you get tired of all the water activities, the beaches here are a perfect place just to relax and unwind.  You’ll also find plenty of fun beach bars with festive music, good food, and tropical drinks.  The island has a fun and festive vibe.

On the interior of the island you can take nature walks, hike, bike, and go horseback riding.  Bicycle touring and ATV quad bike trails offer an easy and fun way to discover this island paradise.  You’ll want to be sure to get around the island as it has lots of beautiful scenery.  St. Martin’s subtropical climate provides an array of flora and fauna.  This climate provides a contrast of lush tropical vegetation along with common dry shrubbery on the island.  You’ll find Cactus, bougainvillea and flamboyant growing side by side with hibiscus, coconut, palms, and ferns.  If you don’t rent a car while you are here, then booking an island tour is recommended.  Be sure to visit the French side and the Dutch side.

The main cities on the island are Philipsburg on the Dutch side and Marigot on the French side.   Philipsburg extends along a sandy strip of land on Great Bay.  Philipsburg is more popular as it welcomes over a million cruise ship passengers each year.  This Dutch side of the island is known for its festive nightlife, popular beaches, shopping, fine jewelry, beach bars, and various gambling casinos.  The city of Marigot and the island’s French side is known for its many topless and nude beaches, unique shops, outdoor markets, and French Caribbean cuisine.  Almost every store on the island accepts the United States Dollar and credit cards, so you don’t need to worry about the different local currencies.  Shoppers often find they can get good deals on diamonds, fine-jewelry, and Swiss watches.  You’ll find plenty of entertainment, activities and things to do on the island, and the diverse dining options are endless.  Together, the island has over 300 restaurants, representing every ethnicity.  

When it comes to resort hotels on the island, the La Samanna Resort and Spa is a popular favorite.  La Samanna is on the Beach, offers spectacular ocean views, and has excellent customer service.  Guests can enjoy the seaside infinity pool, three professional tennis courts, spa and fitness center, nicely manicured grounds, delicious on-site dinning, business center and excellent concierge service for all your needs.  If you’re looking for that consistent world-wide standard of quality, then we recommend the Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa.  The Westin features lush grounds, one of the largest infinity edge pools on the island, swim up bar and hot tub, luxury spa & fitness center, multiple restaurants and dining options, activities center, Kid’s Club, and more.  It’s a great resort for families and couples.  Another popular hotel choice is the Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa.  The Radisson is located in a beautiful secluded bay featuring a pristine sandy beach, a full marina, large swimming pool, excellent on-site dinning, and many other enjoyable amenities.  VoyageMonkey.com provides easy online travel booking for all these hotels and more.  Booking your hotel, flight and rental car together can save you hundreds of dollars.

Barbados is an excellent vacation getaway spot in the Caribbean.  For those seeking a great sunny climate and amazing white sandy beaches, Barbados is an excellent choice. If you’ve been thinking about a warm vacation to this Caribbean paradise, you can now find some very good discount travel deals from the United States.  Here are just a few of the things you can do and see in this area.

One of the first things you may want to do is tour the beautiful island.  If you don’t have a rental car, Safari Jeep Tours offers a convenient and easy way to see some of the amazing sights.  There are many advantages to these types of tours.  The four wheel drive vehicle will take you to beautiful out of the way and remote spots that tour buses can’t get to.  These Safari tours represent excellent value for your money, as they are full of exiting things to see and experience.  The tour will generally travel to the east and northeast parts of the island during your journey. You may choose a standard package that takes up to ten people on safari, or contact the tour company to schedule a private safari.  You will travel both on and off the road so some of the tour can get bumpy.  This may not be ideal for people with back problems or pregnant women.  Everyone else should have a great deal of fun.  The jeeps generally have seat belts and roll bars that are padded for your safety.  The tour is safe enough for children five years of age and older, and the driver keeps a first aid kit on the jeep.  Your viewing area in the safari jeep is open so you can get a great view of the island and plenty of photos.  The jeeps have tops to protect you from a sudden rain shower.  The tour company reminds you to bring your cameras as you will have some amazing photo opportunities on this trip.  You also should bring plenty of sunscreen and towels, in case you decide to swim or get wet from splashing waves.  The entire tour lasts about five hours. You will receive a lunch and snacks during your trip.

A lot of Barbados is beautiful sandy beaches but one area you can visit is a remote region known as Edge Cliff.  You can see some spectacular ocean views as the water splashes up against the shore rocks.  Watching the Atlantic come crashing into the rocks is much more than a beautiful sight.  You will feel the mist of the salt water and smell the warm ocean air.  It is a complete experience that is relaxing.  As you travel along the eastern shore you will come upon Bathsheba. This tiny fishing village is named for Bathsheba, the wife of King David. Her secret to great beauty is believed to be milk bathing, and the waters here resemble a milk bath, as they are rich in frothy surf, minerals, and aquatic life.  This area is a special hideaway treat that not all visitors get to experience.

Some discount travel deals may include activities like snorkeling or a catamaran cruises.  Otherwise, you can choose from many different snorkel or cruise packages once you arrive and most people enjoy these tours a great deal.  A catamaran represents a great way to see Barbados by water.  If you love to get into the warm water and snorkel, this is an excellent cruise to take.  It is also a great way to party and be with others who are having fun on vacation.  When you want a more complete tour package, consider booking a sea and land safari.  You will have an enjoyable jeep tour followed by a relaxing catamaran cruise.

If you love the night life and the party scene, you will want to visit the popular St Lawrence Gap. This stretch of road is less than a mile long but contains a large number of vibrant lounges, pubs, bars, restaurants and good things to eat.  There are some great places to stay near the Gap and this is the area to book your hotel if you want to be close to the action.  You will be within walking distance to all the hottest clubs and dining. You can find some nice places to shop in this area.  At the duty free shops you will find many fine items like cameras, clothing and perfumes.

Not far from the St Lawrence Gap is Dover, one of the most popular beaches on Barbados.  If you are planning a special event like a wedding the Dover area is perfect. You will see some breathtaking Caribbean scenery at Turtle Beach.  Be sure to check online for wedding packages to Barbados if you are planning a wedding. You may find some very good deals if you book your event far enough in advance.  Barbados may be the perfect place to have a winter wedding. It is a warm and relaxing getaway for you and all of your guests.  Forget about the cold winters with ice and snow.  You can have a wonderful wedding on the warm and lovely beaches while you enjoy the ocean.

If you would like to stay in luxurious hotels, you should consider staying in the south area of the island.  It is the oldest tourist area. You will find fewer hotels, but it is less crowded and has some very fine accommodations.  If you like being around people, considers the south part of the shoreline closer to the airport.  Staying in close proximity to the airport will make transportation cheaper and easier, and you may find some affordable discount travel deals for this region.  You can find plenty of nice hotels in this area. The beaches may be a little crowded at some times of the year, but it gives one the chance to mingle with people and make new friends.  Yet, if you like isolation, you can find hotels with plenty of privacy on this warm and friendly island.

If you wish to travel to Barbados, you can save a lot of money with online discount travel deals. Be sure to book far in advance to get the best airfare and lodging. Alternatively, one can sometimes find excellent packages that are “last minute” specials. Make sure that your airline ticket price includes the Barbados departure tax. Otherwise it is an added expense you will need to consider.  Be ready to book soon as you find the best package for you specific needs, as prices change regularly and available inventory changes.  Visit http://www.voyagemonkey.com to start your travel search.

New Orleans is truly one of the most unique cities in the United States.  With centuries of French and Spanish rule, along with the influx of Caribbean, African, Cuban, Native American and other European cultures, this city became one of the first true melting pots of America.  Founded in 1718, the city originally developed on the highest ground surrounded by a crescent shaped bend of the Mississippi River.  This original establishment is what we know call “The French Quarter.”  Here you can stroll freely through the charming historic neighborhoods and admire the 18^th and 19^th century colonial European architecture, visit the many antique shops and the tiny museums, or catch a historic street car to other interesting parts of town.  The local people of New Orleans are very friendly and display Louisiana-style southern hospitality and manners most of us do not regularly encounter.

Visitor to New Orleans tend to stay in or around the old French Quarter.  Here along the famous Bourbon Street you will find a large number of cafes, bars and nightclubs playing some of the best live Blues and Jazz, as well as Rock and R&B music around.  You’ll find plenty of drinking, promiscuous activity, street performers, and an around the clock party scene.  Many clubs and bars have no set closing time, and drinking in public and open-containers along Bourbon Street and much of the French Quarter is accepted.  There is always cause for celebration.  Aside from the world famous Mardi Gras Festival, the city hosts a huge annual Jazz & Blues Festival, as well as many smaller festivals throughout the year.  Just pick any holiday like Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s an excuse to have a big party.  Even a funeral will parade around the French Quarter playing Jazz music and singing like it’s a celebration.

Aside from the nightlife, be sure to take an enjoyable walking tour of the French Quarter or the beautiful nearby Garden District, which is full of antique stores and shops along Magazine Street.  The focal point of the French Quarter is the beautiful Jackson Square and it’s historic St. Louis Cathedral that was founded in the early 1700’s.  History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Chalmette Battlefield, the National World War II Museum, or even one of the famous New Orleans style cemeteries.  Visitor often stop at some of the little quirky museums like the Backstreet Cultural Museum or the Historic Voodoo Museum featuring a collection of artifacts from the Voodoo Queen and examples of Voodoo beliefs.  Taking a riverboat down the Mississippi is a picturesque and relaxing way to spend some time.

Two of the cultures unique to New Orleans, and particularly unique to New Orleans cuisine, are Cajun and Creole.  People you meet may say “I’m Cajun” or I’m Creole.”  They are proud of that heritage.  Most New Orleans outsiders can’t tell them apart.  Cajuns originated from 17^th century French colonial Nova Scotia, Canada.  When the British claimed it as a territory many of the settlers fled to the Caribbean before finally establishing roots in the French colonial city of New Orleans.  They Speak Cajun French and have their own style of food and customs.  Creoles on the other hand, are descendents of the Caribbean region’s French colonies, and speak Creole French.  Neither of the two languages is French and both cultures are heavily influenced by Caribbean traditions.  Either way, both cuisines are spectacular blends of Caribbean and European cooking traditions.  On the music scene, today’s Jazz was derived from a Creole Music style, while Zydeco music was derived from the Cajun culture.

In the local restaurants you’ll find some of the most sinfully good food, rich with butter, cream, oil, and heaping with calories, but delicious and irresistible.  Just forget about your diet while you are here and enjoy it.  You can try all the local New Orleans dishes like Gumbo, Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Po-boy Subs, Pecan Pie and the famous Beignets.  There are also many traditional French restaurants and other popular cuisines to be found here.  Super popular restaurants around town include: Café Du Monde (famous for its beignets and chicory coffee); GW Fins; Commander’s Palace; Brennan’s; Arnaud’s; Court of Two Sisters; and, celebrity chef’ Emeril Lagasse’s Emeril’s.  You really have to search hard to find a bad restaurant, so there are so many good restaurants to choose from.

Many of the hotels in the French Quarter are old, funky, small, and charge a lot of money, particularly during major events.  Rates are cheaper in the summer months when New Orleans is hot and muggy; it’s the low tourist season.  There are super nice hotels within walking distance of the French Quarter.  VoyageMonkey recommends the following 5-Star and 4-Star hotels in French Quarter area: If you must stay in the heart of the French Quarter, the Royal Sonesta New Orleans at 300 Bourbon St. is in the center of it all, has a pool, restaurant, health & fitness club, room service, and is the best in the heart of the French Quarter;  Le Pavillon Hotel is conveniently four blocks from the French Quarter, also has a pool, restaurant, health & fitness club, room service, and fantastic amenities;  The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is just one block from bourbon St. at Canal St., making it a great location for transportation access, walking, and is full of 5-Star amenities like 24-hour room service, bar, lounge, restaurant, pool, steam room, sauna, spa, and more.  Also, nearby hotels we recommend include the Roosevelt Waldorf-Astoria, Harrah’s Casino Resort, and the W Hotel.

Since cruise ships depart from New Orleans you can take a Caribbean cruise and add a few nights before or after your sailing.  Be sure to check out VoyageMonkey.com for regular travel deals on hotel accommodations and airline tickets.

Tahiti is the perfect tropical vacation destination, full of culture, lush tropical maintain peaks, pristine parks and beaches, as well as plenty of activities to enjoy.  Tahiti is blessed with warm turquoise waters, crystal clear streams, beautiful waterfalls, lush valleys and colorful tropical flowers.  Tahiti is the largest of 118 islands that make up French Polynesia, which includes the islands of Bora Bora and Moorea.  Moorea is clearly visible from the west shore of Tahiti and is just a short 30-minute boat ride away.  Many visitors stay on Moorea which has some fabulous 5-Star resorts.  The climate in Tahiti is usually sunny and pleasant with average yearly temperatures of around 80°F (27°C).  Being in the Southern hemisphere, Tahiti’s summer month’s runs from November through April, producing slightly warmer and more humid days. May through October is slightly cooler and dryer.  Either way, Tahiti is enjoyable all months of the year and is a top honeymoon destination.

Located just south of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean, you can find daily flights direct to the Tahitian city of Papeete from major USA airports, like Los Angeles.  The flight from Los Angeles takes around 7.5 hours, and Tahiti shares the same time-zone with Hawaii (it’s around 2,700 miles south of Hawaii).  Although French and Tahitian are the official languages, English is widely spoken in the tourist areas.  Also, US dollars are accepted in the tourist areas, as well as most major credit cards.

The capital city of Papeete is vibrant with markets, world-class fine dining, nightclubs, shows, and high-end beach resorts & spas.  Along the waterfront you’ll discover unique shops and markets offering Tahitian art works, pearls & jewelry, restaurants and lively bars with live music.   A variety of popular shops are located in and around the Vaima Center, a four-level shopping center that includes restaurants, book stores and banks.  Two blocks from the waterfront you’ll find the 155 year old public market, called Le Marché.  Here you can shop with the locals from hundreds of stands selling fruit, flowers, spices and Tahitian crafts.  After shopping you can enjoy a bite to eat at Vai’ete Square from the numerous food wagons (called roulettes) featuring authentic island cuisine in a lively outdoor setting.  From there, take a stroll through Bougainville Park, a peaceful oasis with running streams, a massive banyan tree and lush vegetation. 

Tahiti features white sandy beaches and clear lagoon waters that are perfect for diving, snorkeling, and plenty of water sports.  The water temperature averages 79°F (26°C) in the winter and 84°F (29°C) in the summer (North America’s winter months).  Visitors to Tahiti can enjoy surfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, outrigger canoes and powerboat rentals.  Tahiti is one of the best destinations for beginning as well as advanced Scuba divers.  The clear shallow waters offer perfect visibility and more advanced divers can explore colorful coral ocean walls, sunken ships and planes, and abundant schools of tropical fish and sea life.  By boat it’s easy to find a secluded islet for a private day trip.  For simply spending a memorable day on the beach, Tahiti’s popular Point Venus peninsula is lined with beautiful black-sand beaches and a romantic lighthouse at the point.

The lush jungle-like interior of Tahiti features deep flower-filled valleys and green mountain peaks rising high above the valley floor.  The island’s interior offers spectacular towering waterfalls, natural pools, grottos, lakes and lava tubes. Visitors can hike the interior, or take a guided 4×4 vehicle or horseback ride tour.  For the horse enthusiast Tahiti has a number of first-class riding stables.  Rides in the mountains are often accompanied by picnic lunches and riding lessons are available for the beginner.  On the south side of the island you’ll find Tahiti’s only golf course, the Oliver Breaud International Golf Course.  This 6944-yard, par 72 course features sprawling fairways, two man-made lakes, clubhouse, driving range, pool, restaurant, pro shop, and tennis courts.  On the nearby island of Moorea, the Jack Nicklaus designed Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course in Temae is situated between beautiful lagoons and mountains and features numerous bunkers, stretches of water and a driving range over a lake.

Tahiti has its share of museums, cultural and historic sites to visit.  The Gauguin Museum is dedicated to artist Paul Gauguin who lived on Tahiti.  The museum is located in the lush Harrison Smith Botanical Gardens and features exhibits from the late painter.  The beautiful Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands features exhibits of Polynesian history, historic artifacts and rare collections of art carvings.  Tahiti’s Pearl Museum is devoted entirely to the history and practice of cultivating pearls as well as their place in history, religion and mythology.  Another popular visitor spot is the James Norman Hall Home.  Mr. Hall, a resident of Tahiti in the early 1900’s, co-authored Mutiny on the Bounty and wrote numerous other stories about the South Seas.  Hall’s home is preserved so visitors can see Hall’s original writing desk, art collection, and an over 3000 book library.  Other sites in Papeete and around the island include the Notre Dame Cathedral of Papeete, the Papeete Town Hall, and the Tomb of Queen Pomare V and the royal family.

If your hotel preference is to stay at very special 5-Sar resorts, VoyageMonkey.com recommends the following:  Le Meridien Tahiti, which sits on a lush tropical beach front property and includes over water bungalows, state-of-the-art amenities, fine dining, a large pool and a spectacular private lagoon.  The InterContinental Resort Tahiti is located on a pristine property with a private lagoon, large infinity pool, fine dining, spacious luxury guest rooms and over the water bungalows.  Just across the water on the nearby island of Moorea, we recommend the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort which is settled on the edge of a beautiful lagoon with the island of Tahiti in the background, and features fine dining, world-class amenities and 114 luxurious bungalows built over the water.  Also on Moorea, the InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa is a true tropical paradise nestled between mountains and a lagoon, and features lush gardens, over the water bungalows, pools, fine dining restaurants, and a luxury spa.

Tahiti is a perfect tropical vacation destinations and our easy Online Travel Booking is a great way to book your Travel Reservations and find discount travel deals to Tahiti.