Cayman Islands

Best destinations for escaping a cold Christmas

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birds view of a beach and waves

The Christmas season is typically a time of joy, happiness, Christmas movies, and delicious food. Although spending time at home with your family members never loses its appeal, some people like to celebrate Christmas away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, busy streets, family discussions, and snow. If you are considering going away to a destination in 2021, here’s your chance to get a chance to get a tan instead of a few pounds from excessive holiday eating. This short article describes the best destinations for escaping a cold Christmas. So, let’s dive in.

Dubai

December is a perfect month to visit this breath-taking city. The main reason for this is that the temperatures never go under 73 degrees, which is considered cold in this part of the world. Considering this is the lowest the thermometer can show, with daily temperatures maintaining the perfect beach-ready heat that oscillates around 86 degrees, you will be able to travel without your puffer jacket and winter shoes. 

But Dubai’s phenomenal climate is not the only reason to visit this fantastic place. This city is also a marvel of contemporary architecture. There is never a dull moment here since there are plenty of conventional and unconventional tours you can take if you happen to get bored with what the city has to offer (which is highly unlikely).

a woman walking on a Dubai beach
Dubai has terrific sand beaches alongside breath-taking marvels of contemporary architecture

Our suggestion is to head on down to the dunes for a day of dune bashing in Al Qudra, or a desert safari where you will be able to capture amazing photos of the desert landscape. Visiting Qudra lake is also a must, especially if you are a bird-watching enthusiast. After experiencing the natural wonders in and around Dubai, you can still do your Christmas shopping – the 26th of December marks the start of Dubai’s shopping festival where you might find luxury items at reduced prices – with up to 90% discount! 

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of the hottest locations in the world on Christmas day. The temperature bar reaches up to 93 degrees in December, making it the perfect place to work on your tan during the holidays. Apart from sunbathing until you start to sweat, there are many other things you can do in this lovely, sun-kissed city.

Also, since Brazilians are devoted Catholics, you might even have an opportunity to try the Brazilian version of Christmas dinner. Namely, they eat turkey or chester with rice, fruits, and farofa. Or head on down to Copacabana beach. On Christmas Day and Eve, Brazilians spend these days at family lunches. Copacabana beach is not so visited on these two days, so you can enjoy the beach the way you usually can’t. So, get festive and build a snowman out of beach sand to celebrate your sunny and sandy Christmas, or put on a Santa’s cap and go surfing.

Tampa, Florida

If you are looking for a great place to spend your winter holidays in the U.S., Tampa is the perfect city to escape the freezing temperatures – the temperature bar in Tampa is merciful in December, with daily temperatures typically ranging from 58 to 78 degrees. So, no snow in sight this Christmas. 

Although the typical Florida summer craze may not be as pronounced at this time of the year, the fun vibes are still there. Some people even decide to settle down in Tampa for good due to its outstanding historical architecture, the melting pot of cultures with Cuban and Spanish influences taking the lead, and its vibrant economy intertwined with tropical bars and cafes.

Essentially, there is never a dull moment in Tampa, regardless of the season or weather conditions, especially since one of the most beautiful beaches in the US is right here in Florida.

Gran Canaria

If you are searching for the perfect melange of tropical and European, the Canary Islands are the place to go. The temperatures are pleasantly above 68 degrees at this time of the year, making this archipelago a wonderful tropical getaway. In fact, all of the islands were formed through volcanic eruptions, making Gran Canaria a true natural wonder.

Of course, the volcanoes are dormant nowadays, leaving incredible volcanic lakes and breath-taking vistas safe for you to explore on Christmas. Of course, the Canary Islands are famous in Spain and beyond for their vibrant culture, with bars and restaurants remaining open and lively even on Christmas day. 

a beach on a Spanish island
Islands of the Gran Canary have the best beaches in Spain and beyond.

Cayman Islands

If you opt for the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean as your holiday destination, you can choose between three islands in the archipelago. There is a Christmas tradition in the islands in which locals collect white sand from beaches on a night when the moon is bright. Afterward, that sand is spread around backyards as a makeshift, Caribbean version of snow. This exciting custom is definitely something to experience while you are enjoying the exotic Cayman Islands. The temperatures in December vary from 78-84 degrees, so there is no need to worry about cold days this Christmas.

There are many more places you can escape the winter blues, but we have picked out the best destinations for escaping a cold Christmas. Most of these places are incredibly affordable, culturally diverse, historically relevant, and, perhaps most importantly, warm compared to most U.S. states. Whichever spot you choose, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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The top 10 tropical islands in the world

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emerald colored sea and a view of the beach

What is a better depiction of paradise than a tropical island? And what are the top 10 tropical islands in the world? It’s a tough choice. Long stretches of white sandy beaches, the sun reflecting off the crystal blue sea, the soothing sound of waves crashing the shore and the smell of salty water combined with coconut scented body lotions. Can it possibly get any better than that? Tropical islands are dream destinations for many honeymooners, adventure seekers and world travelers hooked on the intoxicating thrill of visiting new places. If you are looking for some inspiration for your next holiday, you may be interested in the following destinations.

1. Ko Lipe

Thailand used to be a go-to place for those looking for seclusion. However, exploiting this mesmerizing destination for the film industry has attracted a deluge of humanity eager to experience this place’s wonders. Still, deserted beaches on nearby islands are reachable by longboats. On the way there, you might even spot a shark. The waters are full of life, so snorkeling here could be an experience of a lifetime. What makes this island interesting is that there are few roads, no cars and you can cover it on foot within an hour.

A boat on the calm water at sunset
Explore the islands near Ko Lipe by boat

2. The Maldives

This collection of no less than 1000 islands is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Barely above the sea level, it is terribly affected by the climate changes, so hurry up before it’s too late. Although these tropical islands are expensive, it is possible to travel on budget with meticulous planning. The best time to visit is from November to May to avoid the monsoon season. Here, you can indulge in various activities. Diving and snorkeling first come to mind, but whale and dolphin watching is an absolute must.

3. Seychelles

Situated off the east coast of Africa, this group of 115 islands is a paradise for avid lovers of secluded beaches, sun and diving. Since it’s quite expensive, this holiday destination attracts the more upscale crowd. However, it is not a commonly mentioned fact that Seychelles used to be a pirate hideout. So, if you are feeling lucky, venture on a quest to find the legendary hidden treasure.

4. Bali

Surfing, hiking, fantastic food, vibrant nightlife, breathtaking beaches and the friendliest locals – is there anything this place doesn’t have? You can go white water rafting, volcano climbing, scuba diving, or simply sunbathing on either black or white beaches. Yes, Bali has it all. Due to the volcanoes, there are black beaches as well. There are also temples to visit for a more culturally oriented holiday. And that’s not all! Gili island is nearby, so you can easily see them both.

5. Tahiti

The Queen of the Pacific is the ultimate honeymoon destination and the veritable paradise. This is where those stunning photos of luxurious bungalows in the water are taken. In fact, this is the birth home of these gorgeous structures. It is also pretty pricy, so if it is affluence you seek, this is the place to go. But it’s not just romance and luxury you’ll find here. You can enjoy watersports, go on various boat tours or visit historical sites.

A couple holding hands on the beach at sunset
Tahiti is the ultimate tropical island for honeymooners

6. Fiji

Out of over 320 islands, more than two-thirds are uninhabited. With such a selection, it is virtually impossible not to find the place you will like. The waters are teeming with life, so snorkeling is spectacular. You can go diving, sailing, whale watching. Similarly to Bali, this is also an option for those into more active vacations. Therefore, it is more popular with the younger population.

7. Bermuda

Bermuda is the shipwreck capital of the world. Yes, you’ve read well. This heaven for banks and tax-avoiding businesses was first inhabited after a shipwreck in the 17th century. But despite this less than glamorous fun fact, it is extortionately expensive, so should you decide to visit it, you’ll need a sizeable budget. This island is the home of magical pink-sand beaches, warm emerald waters and enchanting landscape. Due to the reefs that ring the island, Bermuda is among the world’s unrivaled diving destinations.

8. Curacao

The moment you arrive in the town, you will notice the recognizable Dutch style. This island country is located in the Caribbean sea, home of many more idyllic locations. It has stable weather throughout the year, which is something its owner, The Netherlands, can’t brag about. If you are looking for a lot of sunshine and picturesque beaches, this is the place for you. If it’s fun and parties you want, Curacao is one of the go-to tropical islands. And it is no wonder, given that it is famous for an orange-flavored liqueur by the same name.

Palm tree and sun lounges on a tropical beach
Enjoy the picturesque beaches of Curacao

9. The Galapagos Islands

Much like the Maldives, the Galapagos is drastically affected by climate change. It’s one of the lushest places in the world with incredible wildlife. This is the home of the endemic Galapagos penguin, and probably the only place where you can see penguins in the wild. The fact that 97% of the islands is a national park, definitely says something. Unfortunately, because the ecosystem is fragile, if you want to enjoy the unspoiled nature and serenity it offers, hurry up.

10. The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are another lush destination, rich with life. The South Pacific group of islands is less visited by tourists and has few amenities, making it a perfect choice if you wish to escape the hectic modern life. It doesn’t get more remote than this. The deep jungle, coral reefs and pristine beaches add to a more rugged tropical landscape than the other destinations.

Few things can make you feel more rejuvenated than treating yourself with a vacation to one of the tropical islands. If you have an adventurous spirit, you may want to consider making one of these places your home. Just imagine waking up to the sound of the waves, salty smell tingling your nostrils while the tropical breeze gently caresses your skin. Moving to such a place is a dream come true and a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy life to the fullest.

Tips for Exploring the Caribbean

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Bora Island in the Caribbean

Visiting the Caribbean is something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. These gorgeous islands are a true marvel of nature’s beauty, and you’ll have a hard time finding a place that is as beautiful as them. Now, while over 30 million people visit the Caribbean every year, only a small percentage of them actually experience it properly. Coming here without any forethought or preparation is only going to lead to you exploring the Caribbean as a tourist. Which, in our book, is no proper way to explore it. So, before you hop on a boat or plane, here are a few tips for exploring the Caribbean.

Preparing for your trip

Most people believe that the best way to travel is the spur of the moment kind of thing. Suddenly you get an urge to explore the Caribbean and you simply jump on the next plane. But, while there is a certain pleasure in the spontaneity of travel, it is no way to properly explore the Caribbean. In order to truly experience these islands and have a general sense of awe while you visit them, you need to have some planning and preparations.

Do your research

Saying that you are going to visit the Caribbean is like saying that you are going to visit Europe. The Caribbean is a fairly large geographic area and rich in history and culture. It’s just not possible to explore it all in a single go. So, the best thing to do is to first research what the Caribbean is all about. Remember that the Caribbean consist of over 700 islands and 26 countries. Each of those countries has its own history and relationship with other countries, so don’t be surprised if there is a lot to read up on. But, to truly appreciate what the Caribbean has to offer, you do need to know a bit about its history.

A historical monument in the Caribbean

Only by exploring the Caribbean can you get the true appreciation of what the Caribbean is today.

Ideally, you should research the general history of the Caribbean and then focus on a single country. When it comes to exploring the Caribbean, this tends to be the best way to get the full appreciation of the place you are visiting.

Plan your trip

With that in mind, the best way to explore the Caribbean is to situate yourself in a single country. Don’t try to visit everything, as you will not have the time nor the ability to appreciate what you are seeing. Many tourists go on cruises from island to island and only see glimpses of what each island has to offer. And, once you consider that there are 700 islands, you will easily understand that you cannot visit all of them. So, don’t. Focus on a single island or country and make your plan as exciting and interesting as possible. The more you explore the islands, the more you will realize how it ties into the whole of Caribbean. Therefore, by focusing on a single island, you will get a better idea of what the Caribbean is all about.

Accommodation and airfare

Most of you probably know this, but we are going to mention it none the less. The sooner you start planning your trip to the Caribbean, the cheaper it is going to be. This goes both for accommodation and your airfare, considering that the plane ride to the Caribbean can be a bit long. So, if you want to do yourself and your wallet a favor, start planning as soon as possible. You may get lucky and find a cheap last-minute deal. But those are often limited and require a fair bit of flexibility.

Exploring the Caribbean

So, once you’ve dealt with preparations and arrive at the Caribbean, how are you supposed to actually go about exploring it? Visiting museums and studying history is a must. But, there are other tips and guides you should adhere to in order to have the best possible time in the Caribbean.

Take your time

A lot of people fall in love with the Caribbean once they visit it and end up moving here. If this happens to you, remember that there is an easy way to choose the right movers and that you’ll need to find a good real estate agent in order to get a good home. But, even if you are staying here for a short while, remember to take your time. Enjoy the local food, explore the culture and appreciate the history.

A Caribbean seafood dish

Do not make the mistake of leaving the Caribbean without trying their local seafood.

Our advice is to get the best-selling books in the area and read them while you are here. The art of local people will help you bring the right mindset for exploring the Caribbean, which is why it is essential that you explore this aspect as well. Remember that it’s the people who make the place worth remembering. Speaking of which:

Meet the locals

People of the Caribbean tend to be quite friendly. By going to the local pub and buying a round of drinks, you are bound to meet some local people. And, as it turns out, they are your best way of finding out what the Caribbean is like. Books and documentaries can only give you a partial view of the Caribbean. But, to truly appreciate the lifestyle and culture, you need to meet the locals.

A historical monument in the Caribbean

The people of the Caribbean tend to be quite friendly and welcoming.

Only once you meet someone who lives here will you get the honest feel of what life here is like. Plus, you will get great tips on how to save money while visiting the Caribbean and not waste it on tourist items. This is especially important to remember if you plan on staying here for a while.