The much anticipated Saint Lucia Jazz festival 2012 is almost here. This occasion is a premiere event in the Caribbean and even ranks as one of the world’s best party according to one of the world’s most respected entertainment sources – E!

Tickets are already on sale and visitors can check out the official Jazz festival site here.

Over the years this coveted celebration of music has evolved from pure Jazz to feature other forms such as R&B and Calypso music. With this diversification strategy, the crowds have grown over the years and tickets go fast.

This year, the main stage performances begin from May 9th-13th. The featured artiste this year is none other than the great Lionel Richie.

Other performers include:

• Accomplished South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela,
• Ziggy Marley, the son of the reggae legend Bob Marley,
• Jazz sensation Joshua Redman,
• Southern France’s Gypsy Kings,
• Gospel star Kirk Franklin,
• Trinidad & Tobago husband and wife soca stars Fay-Ann Lyons and Buni Garlin
• As well as a host of local St. Lucia entertainers

Visitors to the region for their Caribbean Holidays are strongly advised to book early for tickets and accommodation as they go fast.

Come feel the rhythm of the islands as well as the music of the world in the warm heavenly tropical settings of one of the Caribbean’s finest. St. Lucia is one of the most sought after holiday destinations of the world so why not be a part of it?

Experience the best Jazz Festival in the region – see you at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival 2012!

]]> http://www.caribbeaninsidersguide.com/saint-lucia-jazz-2012/feed/ 0 http://www.caribbeaninsidersguide.com/island-of-the-month-february-2012/ http://www.caribbeaninsidersguide.com/island-of-the-month-february-2012/#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:31:20 +0000 admin http://www.caribbeaninsidersguide.com/?p=2316 It’s that time of the month again and by that we mean choosing which island reigns supreme. For the crew at Caribbean Holidays however the month of February was not much of a challenge to decide who the winner was.

This is the month of the Trinidad & Tobago Carnival celebrations. A month when a normally mad island goes even more nuts and in ultimate party mode. Visitors from throughout the world flock to Trinidad especially for the dance and merriment at a level that has separated the island from the rest of the islands that have similar celebrations.

Carnival dates back to the days of slavery in the Caribbean when the French planter class used to host celebrations in their circles to mark the beginning of the Easter observance. The slaves not wanting to be left out looked on and then formed their own version of those celebrations. Much of it was imitating and making fun of the planter class, their dress and somewhat sober dances full of order and high society class structures. Soon the rhythm of the African culture seeped into the celebrations and the dances took on a new form, the drums came into play and the rich African culture infused with the French version in a Caribbean setting. Carnival Caribbean style was born and never looked back.

Today there is still some tradition and memories of those days but a lot of it has given way to the natural evolution and tastes of the market. Fun, sun, party and friendships. There are people that wait all year long for Carnival and save for this season. Bands sell out in minutes and with online sales gaining even more popularity within seconds some sections of the more popular band sell out.

The Carnival season is made of of several different elements such as Calypso (local songs) competitions and tents showcasing the talents, Chutney music (Indian culture mixed with the traditional Carnival music), Soca Monarch (a more modern spin to Calypso), Parade of the bands (where huge beautiful costumes are displayed, usually the kings and queens of bands), Panorama (where the nations pride and joy the steel pan/steel drum) is showcased to the world. However it all culminates on Carnival Monday and Tuesday where Port-of-Spain especially goes crazy. People by the tens of thousands converge onto the capital and party from dawn to dusk. It begins with j’ouvert and then transcends into the most beautiful parade of bands in the region and some argue the world. Monday and Tuesday are dominated by these parades and on midnight of Tuesday it is all supposed to come to an end for another year.

Wednesday has traditionally been a day of relaxation, recuperation and preparation for work again. Many locals take this as a day off after partying way too hard but some real party warriors show up for work steel-faced in the morning saying they are fine. The smart ones head to the nation’s many beaches or over to the sister isle of Tobago where they might stay in a hotel or find a lovely villa to rest their tired bodies.

So without a doubt as Trinidad does its annual pilgrimage of “mas, pan and fetes” and the locals “lime up a storm”, we have little doubt in giving them the coveted title of our island of the month. Happy Carnival everyone!

With the global crises and European/Middle Eastern instability far away vacations may not be first preference to many North Americans. So why not head close to home.

St. Thomas offers the best the Caribbean has to offer with added North American comforts close to hand. For example one can enjoy the local cuisine of the islands but still escape to a good burger when the appetite goes homesick. Also the infrastructure of St. Thomas by way of roads, bridges and street lighting is by far superior to many other islands and visitors find this easier for navigating and driving vehicles.

St. Thomas is also an overseas territory of the United States and by virtue of the excellent cross border relations, Canadians will find comfort in being welcomed to this island as they presently enjoy when travelling to the USA. Currency concerns are also minimised as the US dollar is the means of exchange and with the Loony being where it is right now, Canadians can enjoy just above parity for a while more.

Certainly the entrance of Air Canada into the main island of the US Virgin islands is a welcome addition and the Caribbean travellers can only benefit. It is hped though that other routes such as Tobago is analyzed by the good folks at Air Canada so Candains can explore the Caribbean even more than now. That being said – Good going Air Canada!

Nevis has for a long time been a premier destination of knowledgeable travellers. Lying just two miles away from its sister isle of Saint Kitts, travellers can take a very short flight or even better take a comfortable ferry across. Saint Kitts is usually the first point of entry and transferring to Nevis is simple and efficient. Once you have planned a little by contacting your hotel or villa of your time and dates they take it from there.

Resorts such as the Four Seasons have put Nevis on the map for luxury accommodation earning the Caribbean’s only five diamond standard for their excellence. Additionally there are several exclusive villas on the island that boast of serene seclusion making Nevis one of the Caribbean’s best getaways as well. From pink sand beaches, total silence and excellent customer service, Nevis has found its niche in the tourism world.

Go to the visit Nevis website for some fantastic information on the island, getting there and enjoying your Caribbean holidays to the fullest.

We can present to you the highlights of a sample of our Guide islands so you can understand the selection that is before you.

Anguilla: One may want to take an early morning stroll on one of the most revered beaches in the world, the magnificent Shoal Bay beach and experience the breathtaking views and healing properties of its sands. One can feel the soothing massage of the coral-based sands as they walk along the shore and you feet actually gets a good exfoliation from the texture and by the end of the walk you actually feel much more relaxed as if you got a good foot scrub and massage.

Antigua: Visit Stingray City and get up and personal with these fun-loving creatures. The baby ones are called pups and they actually behave like that, fawning over you like you were their first love. This venue has been a long time favourite of visitors to the island.

Barbados: Attend the most famous surfing competition in the Caribbean located at Bathsheba or you may prefer instead to join the thousands of tourists that have fallen for the all-inclusive holidays offered by so many world-classed hotels and resorts located on the coastline of this truly lovely land.

Grenada: Get into the spice isle. See where the world’s number one supplier of nutmeg gets its name from, visit a weekend market or sample Grenada’s rich cultural heritage through its foods. As one of the more reasonably priced island destinations, Grenada has been making its mark once more on the tourism calendar.

Dominica: Known as the nature isle of the Caribbean, visitors should book one of the famous rainforest treks where you can appreciate the many waterfalls and waterways this island has to offer. Dominica’s brilliant beauty makes it a must-see for eco-tourists or those just wanting to see nature in its rawest forms in the beauty of the Caribbean.

Jamaica: One can just sink themselves into one of the most widely known Caribbean cultures in the world. Experience the original reggae sounds from bands playing daily at hotels along the Negril beach and understand why Jamaica is truly addictive to visitors.

Nevis: Pink sanded beaches? Yes it actually exists and it is found on one of the most beautiful strips of land on the Caribbean. Nevis is known for its peace and tranquility and does not disappoint those looking for that total getaway from the noise of or modern lives.

St. Lucia: Whether you are getting married, honeymooning, celebrating love between two or an entire family, this is the place for you. With world-classed service and so much to do for the young and old, this island is another world favorite. Why not try the zip lining adventures through the forests or a famous Piton mountain hike.

St. Martin/St Maarten: Two countries living in unison in the Caribbean for so many years. One can experience the fun loving culture of the Dutch and the quieter sophistication of the French by simply driving from one end of the island to the other. Why not try your hand at the casinos on the Dutch side and take your winnings to a wonderful gourmet dinner on the French side later.

St. Vincent: Try going over to Yonge Island for a mid-morning brunch and let them bring their array of freshly baked breads for you to choose from, and yes, you can sample before you choose. A famous getaway of the rich and famous but accessible to all, Yonge island and its restaurant is a nice way to spend a small part of your Caribbean Holidays

Tobago: Known as Robinson Crusoe Island and when one gets there it is not a surprise why it has gained this name. Visit one of the islands tropical rainforests and see why it is a nature lover’s paradise for its peace, quiet and gorgeous flora and fauna.

Trinidad: The home of the “greatest show on earth” Visit Trinidad for its annual Carnival celebrations and join the thousands of visitors that keep on returning every year. Absolutely unique for its Caribbean flavours and sheer beauty, it is a celebration not to be missed.

USVI: Experience sailing splendor in these lovely islands. From novice to expert, there is something for everyone in this sport. Some of the best boats are seen in the many sailing competitions held in the high season which coincides with so many countries winter seasons, what can be better!

Our guide islands include:

Anguilla; Antigua & Barbuda; Barbados; Dominica; Grenada; Jamaica; St. Lucia; St. Maarten/Saint Martin; St. Kitts/Nevis; St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Montserrat; US Virgin Islands; Trinidad; Tobago

Our categories are:

Best Family Caribbean Holidays; Best Singles Caribbean Holidays; Best Couples Caribbean Holidays; Best Honeymoon Caribbean Holidays

1)    Best Family Caribbean Holidays:

Our best pick in this category goes to Barbados. This island caters for guests with children of all ages. Our criteria for choosing this island came from the host of activities offered, the number of hotels offering kid’s only activities and the concentration of families that visit this gem of the Caribbean.

Whether it is to find daily activities or to give them special fun classes such as scuba lessons, most resorts have an activity director that specializes in the “kids” area;

Others in this category include Jamaica and Antigua which also hold your kids in the highest esteem. Many of the all-inclusive resorts in these islands also have directors assigned to children activities. When they are away, adults can have time to themselves for that well-earned relaxation or tropical drink poolside.

We have found that the all-inclusive resorts found throughout the Caribbean also cater to children and you should note that with your searches or travel agents;

2)    Best Singles Caribbean Holidays:

Our best pick in this area is Jamaica. This island caters for all categories but we find that single people enjoy the atmosphere, the parties, the relaxation and the cultural exposure.

Whether you chose to stay on your resort or bask in the sun on a beach, you are sure to enjoy what Jamaica has to offer. This island has indeed niched themselves as one of the premier destinations in the world and reviews in most of our categories have them ranking very high.

3)    Best Couples Caribbean Holidays:

If you are looking for that romantic getaway with no disturbances we rank Anguilla as the best in this category. This may come as a surprise to many readers especially with the advertising blitzes carried out by many other islands’ tourism boards.

Anguilla is known as the Caribbean’s best kept secret. The island is not known for all the modern tourist conveniences such as good shopping and transport but it does hold one advantage over most other destinations, its natural tranquility.

Visitors will fall in love with Anguilla’s incomparable white sands and turquoise blue waters as well as the peace and quiet not found elsewhere. It is where couples can get to know each other even more or rekindle that romantic flame. There are no distractions in Anguilla, just you two with your thoughts and aspirations to share. 

Another great destination for your couples’ getaway we like to recommend is Dominica. This destination is known as the Nature Isle of the Caribbean and is especially loved by the eco-minded nature lovers amongst us.

From world-classed whale watching to some of the finest natural waterfalls in the world, Dominica is a true paradise. Yet another way for you and your loved one to enjoy each other in the beauty of a tropical setting.

4)    Best Honeymoon Caribbean Holidays:

The island that ranks highest in this category is St. Lucia. This is another island that has found a true niche in a key category of visitors to the Caribbean.

Many of St. Lucia’s resorts carry competitive honeymoon packages and cater for the every need of newly-weds. From daily treats to relaxing couples massages there is a wide array of choices one can select from to make this a honeymoon of a lifetime.

We like the idea of a getaway honeymoon from the crowds where newlyweds can enjoy their new lives together. A private villa is ideal but where that is not possible the many hotel chains in St. Lucia also offer superior honeymoon packages that fits everyone’s budget and requirements.

Coming right behind St. Lucia we will like to recommend Nevis to our readers. The resort to visit here is the Four Seasons, the only five diamond resort of its kind in the Caribbean. Couples and especially newlyweds love Nevis for its serenity and natural beauty.

The Four Seasons, Nevis offers excellent honeymoon packages and they are known for pampering you to the point of being spoilt and you should be, especially on your wedding getaway.

We feel with these recommended islands you will be sure to enjoy whatever category you fell into. We hope that we have been of some assistance and that you enjoy the best Caribbean Holidays ever.

From the iconic Piton Mountains to the world-classed all-inclusive packages to the tourist oriented locals and the fine Caribbean cuisine, it is tough to filter out one thing that makes St. Lucia so wonderful for your Caribbean Holidays.

So we at www.caribbeaninsidersguide.com in selecting St. Lucia as the island of the month went with this island by another additional virtue that the country so adequately promotes, the culture of the people through its vibrant Carnival.

Historically carnival in the islands was held as a lead up to the Christian season of lent, but various decisions made at the administrative levels have resulted in St. Lucia’s carnival being held in July. The festivities really begin in May but the core of the parties, competitions and the ever vibrant street parades all take place in July.

We love the St. Lucia spirit as these people know the essence of good fun in the sun. The carnival season includes a something for everyone factor that is not found in any other part of the Caribbean. From the comfort of your seat you can enjoy a traditional Calypso competition or perhaps you prefer to stand and dance in the crowd to Groovy-Soca finals.

Still to tame for you? Perhaps a parade in the streets in the most vibrant costumes ever is the perfect stress-reliever. This island truly knows how to please everyone in this season of revelry, fun and true Caribbean enjoyment.

Another added feature of the St. Lucia carnival is one that does not originate with them but rather a true federation of the Caribbean islands. Many regional islanders make the annual trek to St. Lucia to celebrate carnival alongside their neighbors resulting in a true Caribbean party.

From Trinidad (which is known as the best carnival island in the world) to the US Virgin Islands, people flock in and indeed we always advise our readers to book early because rooms are taken very quickly.

So in all we wish to add yet another page to the several accolades of this beautiful island which is St. Lucia. Known as world-classed in the tourism arena, they also show their might in the area of culture, preserving their heritage and of course providing a good old time for all. So pack those bags and head to St. Lucia, you will not be disappointed.

• Book in the low season – Lots of people avoid the Caribbean islands during the seasonal low season because this also marks the annual hurricane season. However by some smart planning you can avoid any upsets to your vacation. Look at the more southerly isles for example like Tobago. This island lies out of the “hurricane belt” and though tropical storms do threaten from time to time, the odds are on your side when it comes to enjoying your Caribbean Holidays;

• Go for the layovers – We have found that once you are not travelling with little kids (or if they are more tolerant than most children of a young age), you can save up to half of your airfare by taking a longer route. There are very popular sites out there that make it their business to get you the cheapest rates available;

• Budget on the meals – Let’s face it you did not go on holidays to cook in a kitchen. However, you can significantly lessen your meal costs by having at least one meal at home. Our suggestion is to go to the local market which is in itself an attraction to most visitors when they visit the Caribbean. Pick up lots of local fruit and have that in the morning before venturing out. Pick up a loaf of bread and small bottle of your preferred spread and just by saving on one meal you will have more to spend on things you will enjoy more;

• Book early – Whether it is for hotels or airfare, one key trick is to make your plans early. Many of us have to give our employers our planned dates for vacation at the beginning of the year, so why not formalize it even more and book your tickets at that time as well. If you are like many of us and this may be risky as anything can happen, look at the cancellation policy of the airline and hotel. Many of them offer an insurance like incentive which at a slightly extra cost covers you if you have to cancel;

• Direct contact – So many of us have gotten accustomed to using these “middle-men” sites to do our booking that we forget the days of picking up the phone or sending an e-mail directly to the hotel. Many of these establishments have sales teams that are allotted a quota of discount incentives. There is no harm in calling in and saying you want to request if there are any deals coming up for your desired date. Remember they want your business, you are the king around here;

• Opt for the all-inclusive – You save a lot of money when you do not have to worry about food and drink, especially if you are travelling with little kids. From our research, St. Lucia, Barbados and Jamaica are the leaders in the Caribbean when it comes to competitive offers for all-inclusive packages. If you are not convinced of the savings work out the estimated cost per meal multiplied by your family’s size and add tip. Food is not cheap in the touristy areas of many islands and this trick could have huge pay-backs;

• Cot in room strategy – If you are a small family a lot of hotels will allow a certain number of additional people in a room especially if there is a sofa bed. This can potentially save you the cost of an extra room;

• Use those points – Make sure and be a member of some sort of frequent flier program. To many people we speak to have the option and do not use it. Many credit cards give us miles and we don’t use them strategically enough. Remember, you are planning way in advance so dedicate that miles credit card to all normal purchases from now till ticket purchase. Don’t go buying things you don’t need, just your normal budgeted items, i.e. groceries, gas, household items, children’s uniforms and so on.

• Rent a car – The Caribbean roads are not hard to navigate. Basically get your temporary license, get a map and remember what side of the road to drive on and you are off. What costs the money is taking taxis everywhere. Not only is it expensive but you can’t stop everywhere you wish or leave when you want without paying even more. Make sure and take out insurance which is another minimal costs that has great benefits, remember, safety first;

• Cut back on the impulse buying – Too many times we see tourists paying exorbitant prices on the beach or roadside for locally made handicraft. Always know this, you are in the heat of the moment when you are here and think of where you will wear the item when you get back home, in the office? To church? To the PTA meeting? If no to all of the above, save your money and take some good pictures with your family instead. Honestly, the items do not cost much to make and what has inflated the prices is the fact that tourists will pay top dollar to buy a local piece of art, while that is great for those who can afford it, we want to keep you on target for an economical stay;

• Watch the drinks – The punches of the Caribbean are renowned and it would be terrible of us to tell you don’t have any, but we will say, limit yourself. These rum punches are fairly expensive and honestly you can pick up an entire bottle and enjoy during your stay for a fraction of the cost. Better yet, pick up your allowable amount when leaving through duty free and take some of the finest rums you will ever taste back to your country. We always like to recommend the local beer to visitors if you wish to consume alcohol. Have a Red Stripe in Jamaica; a Carib in St. Kitts or Tobago; a Wadadli in Antigua or; a Banks in Barbados just to name a few. The locally brewed beers are often not as expensive as their imported counterparts and you will pick up a lot of points with the locals when they see you sipping on their favourite drinks as well;

• Eat local – A lot of times visitors to the islands request their bacon and eggs, continental breakfasts and non-Caribbean meals. While this is often available it can involve a lot of non-local ingredients. A good tip is to speak to a local and get a spot where a lot of the working locals patronize. A good local restaurant would be surprisingly good and we must tell you that veteran visitors to the Caribbean have made this trick into a science. Make sure and get a menu just in case they wish to add on a tourist price.

We hope you enjoyed some of our tips and essentially that is how you find the cheapest caribbean holidays.

The Antigua & Barbuda Sport Fishing Club holds two major events each year, one in May or June and another in November. This year the sport fishing events are carded from Friday 10^th June 2011 to Monday June 13^th 2011.

The two main days for fishing are Saturday 11^th June and Sunday 12^th June. Additionally, there is a newly introduced Marlin classic carded for Monday June 13^th.

What we at Caribbean Insider’s Guide are particularly interested in the entry aspects of the tournament. Visitors on their Caribbean Holidays can enter the tournament and the administrators have also provided some charter companies that one may wish to contact. This gives guests to Antigua & Barbuda the opportunity to experience the Caribbean at its very best, on the gorgeous waters.

Antigua & Barbuda are renowned for their lovely beaches and warm surrounding waters. Avid sport fishing individuals will know that this is one of the best spots in the entire region to catch “that big one”.

For those of us that are not deeply involved or enthusiastic about the sport of fishing, there is no worry; the islands of Antigua & Barbuda still have you covered. There will be Caribbean parties planned around all the days and many beach bars will hold their own special versions of celebrating this fine event. There is not much room for missing out on at least one aspect of this event’s excitement.

For those of us who want nothing to do with the partying or the event, we still say no worries; Antigua offers those seeking peace and serenity some of the best spots on earth. Check out their many all-inclusive options, quiet getaway villas or fun family Caribbean Holidays packages.

We at Caribbean Insider’s Guide love the Caribbean and islands like Antigua & Barbuda reinforce why we feel this way. So plan that trip and see you soon under the sun, we will be the ones with the huge coconut in our hands drinking its cool refreshing water from a straw enjoying our Caribbean Holidays to the fullest.

You can check out the Antigua Barbuda Sport Fishing Club website for further details:

http://www.antiguabarbudasportfishing.com