Located in the Caribbean, Cuba is sometimes called the Key to the Gulf, as in the Gulf of Mexico, and is the largest island in the West Indies, not to mention, one of the largest in the world. Her geography makes Cuba a perfect destination for vacationers looking for an island getaway. Cuba has for instance, the world renowned valleys like Viñales, Yumurí and Los Ingenios, that stretch throughout Cuba, as well as three different mountain ranges, and two separate savanna regions. There are also beautiful rivers, such as Hanabanilla, with enchanting waterfalls, that continue to touch those travelers with a deep love for nature. Cuba also has over three hundred different natural beaches, with crystal clear blue water, and long stretches of soft white sand; one of the most famous of these is Varadero Beach.

There are many fun things to do in Cuba, and one of the most favoured is simply lying on the beach, and soaking up the sun. Other popular activities are going scuba diving, and discovering underwater wildlife, as well as enjoying other nautical activities, like fishing, waterskiing, or boating. Golf is also very popular in Cuba, and there are several beautiful, pristine golf courses throughout the island. Nature oriented individuals will love Cuba for it’s wildlife preserves, national parks, and several different hiking trails, where tourists can get a firsthand experience of Cuba’s natural flora and fauna. Tourists are also urged to watch the local calendars for cultural festivals, and local events that are open to the public; outdoor festivals are fun for both families and individuals, as well as couples out on a romantic excursion, or honeymoon.

The traditional foods found in Cuba are mainly a cultural mixture of Spanish, African, and Caribbean foods, as well as there being surprisingly, a small but definitely apparent influence of Chinese cuisine in the Havana area. This is naturally due to all the different cultures that have immigrated to Cuba, and the slavery on sugar cane farms that caused a lasting effect on the cuisine, with native African recipes. Some traditional favorite Cuban dishes are Ajiaco, a type of soup containing chicken, corn, and two kinds of potatoes, sour cream, avocados, and capers, and Picadillo, which is a mixture of ground beef, mixed with olives, black beans, and capers, but contains no chili powder, and is usually served with rice, or used as a filling for burritos or tacos. In fact, Cuban food is much more mild than most people think, in light of the Mexican influence cuisine, most expect Cuban food to be spicy, but it’s not. For example, the popular tamales in Cuba also omit any chili powder in the recipe.

The best type of accommodation to be found in Cuba are hotels, and they can be found throughout Cuba, easily, from luxury spa resort hotels, and hotels for those who prefer to spend their vacation outside their room. You can easily find hotel reservations for three, four and five star hotels that are under a hundred dollars per night, located in the islets and keys of Cuba, on the beaches, and in the cities, whether you prefer to stay in a vintage historical hotel, or a newer hotel; both are modeled to accommodate guests with every convenience of home. As for getting around in Cuba, for those who prefer to get around quickly, and reliably, the rails that run throughout the island of Cuba are the best idea for getting from one area to the other. Otherwise, there are also buses that go through the cities and urban areas of Cuba, as well as taxis, but travelers are urged, if the take a taxi to keep a close eye on the meter. Other options are renting a car, but be prepared to not be able to find a parking place fairly often, or to park and walk.

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, and also the birthplace of Bob Marley, and James Bond. The island itself is tropical, and beautiful inland, with long hours of Caribbean sunshine, and warmth, whereas the coastline is long stretches of white, sandy beaches, with clear blue water that goes on for miles. There are also high, beautiful waterfalls, further inland on the island, as well as the high, majestic Blue Mountain. Most vacationers and tourists expect Jamaica to be a short trip, and quickly explored; however, as varied, and geographically diverse an island as it is, most travelers will discover that there is more to see than they thought.

The foods in Jamaica are various, and very culturally influenced; from the seafood to the fruit, very few menus can compare with all the different foods you may, –or may not, depending on the palate, –be savouring on the island. Just to name a few of the native foods that you might be sampling while in Jamaica, there’s steamed cabbage, codfish balls, Callaloo patties, Ackee and Saltfish patties, sweet Cassava pudding, boiled dumplings of various sorts in many dishes, stuffed roast beef, Callaloo fritters, fried jerk chicken, plenty of corn bread, hominy porridge, and much, much more. Jamaica also has a variety of different fruits to try, such as Jackfruit, Guniep, Hog Pum, Tinkin toe and more.

Jamaica has such a wide variety of foods and people, despite it being an island where most of the population is usually said to be of African descent, it is actually compromised of many different cultures. South American, Asian, African, European, East Indian, and Arabic ancestry as well. Much of the reason for this wide variety of culture is that up until 1962, Jamaica was under British rule, and was frequented by travelers from many travelers in Europe and other continents before it became an independent nation unto itself in 1962.

Some of the places most frequently visited are the parishes in Jamaica. Altogether there are fourteen, but the most beautiful and popular are Portland, St. Ann’s, Manchester and Westmoreland. Tourists are also encouraged to visit orchards and savor some of the fruit native to Jamaica. For shopping and lodging, the northern coast of Jamaica is a great place to visit or to lodge for the duration of your stay. If travelers are interested in suspense, and ghostly history lessons, then they should visit Rose Hall, the home where a woman named Annie Palmer lived once; her husband passed away mysteriously, and then the servants disappeared one at a time. Before therapeutic baths were trendy in Europe, they were well established in Jamaica; to see just how much, try the Milk River Baths in St. Elizabeth.

There are several luxurious hotels on the North Coast of Jamaica as well, which include Beachcomber Club Hotel & Suites, Beaches Royal Plantation, Breezes Montego Bay, Cariblue Hotel, Crane Ridge Hotel, Half Moon Hotel, Devine Destiny, as well as dozens more relaxing, and excellent places for any tourist or vacationer to lodge while staying in Jamaica.