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FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA |
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There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Fort Lauderdale area:
visit the newly redesigned Fort Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic
Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard or venture to
the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion. But inorder to do or
see anything in Fort Lauderdale, you must purchase a pre or post hotel. |
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WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO |
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The "C" of the ABC Islands of the Dutch Caribbean (Aruba and Bonaire comprising the A & B), Curaçao is located just thirty-five miles north of Venezuela and is the most populous island in the Netherlands Antilles. It is famous for its charming European culture, lack of over-development, friendly and hospitable residents, and inspiring natural beauty.
The island itself was first discovered in the 15th century on one of Christopher Columbus's expeditions. The Spanish empire ruled the island until 1634, when the Dutch took over and transformed this land into the charming getaway it is today.
Curaçao, and the capital city of Willemstad in particular, has been transformed in recent decades into a complete tourist haven. Restored colonial landmarks, ritzy hotels, and wonderful shopping are all at your fingertips here, thanks to a revitalization phase on the island that has restored many prime tourist sites to world prominence.
A popular story told amongst residents of the island concerns a former governor of Curaçao who supposedly suffered from intense migraines. Especially irritated by the color white, he ordered many of the buildings painted into the diverse pastel colors that we see in Willemstad and the surrounding cities to this day. You will delight in strolling through the colorful streets of Dutch-style homes and buildings, creating a truly unique Caribbean cultural experience.
Be glad to know that once you have seen your share of the local architecture, there is much more to discover on this fascinating island. Terrific restaurants and nightclubs, world-class casinos featuring all your favorite games, diving and snorkeling outfitters, and scenic national parks all await you as you spend your sun-filled days in unforgettable Curaçao. |
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ORANJESTAD, ARUBA |
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Aruba, the "A" in the ABC islands (B for Bonaire, C for Curaçao) is a small Caribbean Island measuring only twenty miles long by six miles wide. Yet, don't let its small size fool you. It is a complete tourist destination featuring breathtaking beaches, crystal clear and inviting waters, exotic restaurants and nightclubs, and a host of other activities sure to make your stay an unforgettable one.
Once part of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba became an independent nation in 1986. It has a storied history in the 20th century largely based on oil, for its refineries supplied oil to the Allied forces in WWII. These past decades, however, the livelihood of Aruba's 100,000 residents depends largely on tourism. Locals are friendly and welcoming, as evidenced by a verse in their national anthem that states, "The greatness of our people is their great cordiality."
Aruba features a landscape that is rather unique from its Caribbean counterparts. Here you will find a land of cactus jungles, inland deserts, tropical birds, isolated bays and coves, all in a temperate setting; a climate that averages 82 degrees year-round with very little humidity. A moratorium on large-scale building has ensured that the number of large resorts is kept to a minimum, ensuring that the pristine beaches and attractions will remain that way for decades to come.
The city of Oranjestad is a thriving capital that is a welcome mix of Caribbean, Spanish and Dutch influences. Here you will find lovely restaurants, bargain shopping galore, ritzy casinos, and opportunities to take part in many local adventures, such as horseback riding, kayaking trips, parasailing excursions, and so much more.
When the sun sets over this Caribbean wonderland, you will delight in knowing that the nightlife is ready every day of the year to satisfy you reveling urges till the break of dawn. World-class bars and discos, along with a different themed party every day of the week will ensure that you will never tire of the vibrant city of Oranjestad and the surrounding lands of Aruba. |
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CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA |
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Cartagena is the jewel of Colombia--a true vacation paradise on the shores of the Caribbean Sea that invites visitors to revel in its scenic and cultural splendor. The city is divided into several regions, each with its own unique character and charm. You will most likely be spending the majority of your time in the downtown area, home to the Walled City, the Puerta del Reloj, and the beautiful Plaza de San Pedro, as well as many museums and fine restaurants. The San Diego region of Cartagena is home to the Escuela de Bellas Artes (School of Fine Arts) as well as some superb vistas of the expansive Caribbean Sea. The Getsemaní neighborhood is the site of many picturesque churches, including the glorious Iglesia de la Tercera Orden.
Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia. Several years later, the Spanish empire decided to protect its new land from English, French, and Dutch pirates by constructing a walled fortress around the Old City. The remains of this fortress are still intact, but in the 16th century, it did little to deter invaders. Attacks by the French and British prompted the Spanish Empire to further fortify the city walls. Cartagena flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries as a major South American slave port, but today tourism is the backbone of the local economy.
However, in recent years, Cartagena has seen far fewer tourists pass through its port. In general, political upheaval in Colombia has prompted many prospective travelers to look elsewhere for an ideal Caribbean cruise destination. Yet throughout the turmoil, Cartagena has fared tremendously, and the city is still a scenic and safe haven for all international travelers. If you are planning on exploring the surrounding regions of Colombia, be sure to speak with knowledgeable guides before doing so. If you confine your stay to seaside Cartagena, you will enjoy Caribbean vacation life at its finest.
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CRISTOBAL, PANAMA |
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Colon (Cristobal) is the second largest city in Panama, situated on the
Atlantic coast at the Caribbean end of the Panama Canal. It was made a duty-free
port in 1953 and is the world's largest Free Trade Zone outside Hong Kong. |
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PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO |
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Playa del Carmen, a quaint town that has been on the brink of rediscovery with its newly built resorts and golf courses, truly defines how there is beauty in simplicity. Nothing can be better than being surrounded by the unique flair of local culture, while also having a more modern option as well. The enchantment of the native buildings, with all of the amenities from world-class resorts creates a perfect blend and an ideal cruise destination.
Playa del Carmen is a vacation that spoils your senses. The sapphire seaside invigorates and cleanses the imagination as the white sands dance with you in the light of each perfect sunset. Stroll through picturesque streets uninhibited by cars and take part in a European atmosphere unique to this part of the Caribbean coastline. The opportunity to see it all by foot makes it very convenient for the visitor. There is no need to be constrained to a car, especially when there is so much to see and experience around every corner.
This small getaway is the perfect place to find those unique and unusual gifts one will treasure forever, providing welcoming reminders of an enjoyable vacation. So take pleasure in the plethora of shops and please your taste buds with the finest of restaurants. Allow this town to seduce your senses with its European flair. Situated right in the middle of the Caribbean coast, there is no excuse not to visit this fascinating land.
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