Plan Your Spring Escape In Paradise

With spring fast approaching, there is no better time to plan a getaway than now. Not only will it bolster your spirits, but you will also find some great deals so you can rest and recharge without breaking the bank. Now the only question is, where to go? Here are some of the hottest escapes at the moment:

Cayman Islands
There is never a bad time to visit this tropical heaven, as air and sea temperatures fluctuate very little throughout the year. However, spring is about the perfect time to go. From March to June, conditions are idyllic, and until May precipitation is nearly non-existent. Even in May and June, showers only last a short time. Daytime temperatures typically are in the low- to mid-80s, and waters are calm and clear. Room rates are also very reasonable at this time of year. So what are you waiting for?

Hawaii
Is there ever a bad time to visit the Hawaiian Islands? The answer, of course, is no. However, there are times of the year when traveling there can be expensive, primarily during the winter holidays, as well as in the early fall, when cooler weather breezes over the Northern Hemisphere. Early spring, however, is a great time to plan a trip here. You’ll find comfortable temperatures, easy breezes and very little rain. Lay on the beach and work on that tan or go for a more active vacation. Surfing, boating, biking and hiking options abound. In addition, if you plan your trip now, you’ll be able to find a flight and hotel for a reasonable rate. So what are you waiting for?

U.S. Virgin Islands
Being on a pristine, white-sand beach looking out over tranquil tropical waters never gets old. That’s why the U.S. Virgin Islands remains such a popular and lovely destination for a spring fling, particularly if you are a resident of the U.S., as you don’t even need a passport to go.

Buenos Aires
The Argentinean capital is about the best value on the international scene right now, making this the perfect time to see this so-called “Paris of South America.” From architecture and cultural destinations, to a burgeoning restaurant scene and its strong Western European roots, there are endless things to see here. So brush up on that “Español.”

Australia
Ever wanted to go Down Under? Now may be the perfect time, as the Australian dollar is 10 percent stronger against its U.S. counterpart than it was 12 months ago. That means you can get a lot of bang for your buck this spring. Tour the sightseeing mecca of Sydney, the cultural capital Melbourne, the coastal capital of South Australia, Adelaide, or do some Outbacking. Regardless of which you choose, you will find out why Australia enjoys such a high quality of life and incorporates several of the world’s most livable cities.

No matter which direction you decide to head in, the important thing is to hop on these great deals before they vanish. Then, when you have arrived and are enjoying some rest and relaxation, you can plan your trip. (sorry, I meant to say “…you can plan your next trip (on this list).”

Celebrating Easter While Away on Vacation

Being away from home during a major holiday can be strange, and so it is with Easter. Our American traditions of the Easter bunny and baskets filled with jellybeans, colored eggs and chocolate bunnies can be hard to find elsewhere in the world. However, warm tropical beaches with calm, crystal blue waters, such as those in the Cayman Islands, are enticing in their own right. So why don’t you compromise? Pack your Easter goodies in your suitcase and enjoy them in a place where the weather is perfect, the activities are endless and the sun sets right over the beach.

Easter in the Cayman Islands
Holidays aside, spring in the Caribbean, and the Cayman Islands in particular, is idyllic. After a couple slightly cooler months, the air and sea temperatures in the Caymans in March and April warm to create spectacular days and perfect nights. In addition, the ocean waves calm and the visibility is virtually unimpeded, making it the ideal place for all manner of activities, both above and below sea level.

Easter Candy on the Way
Sure, you can hang on the beach all day. After all, that is a Caymans pastime for many people. However, you can also spend your days hiking, biking, boating or visiting historic sites. In fact, the Caymans offer many such sightseeing options of very important locations with great significance to the country. So fill your backpack with jellybeans and chocolate Easter eggs and head for Pedro St. James Castle, Cayman Islands National Museum, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Bodden Town Mission House or the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands for fun and enlightenment.

The Price Is Right
In addition to the idyllic conditions in the Caribbean during the Easter holidays, there is also almost no better time to get a great deal than during the spring, particularly if you book now. While the winter holidays and the onset of colder weather in the Northern Hemisphere at the start of autumn make for busy tourist times in this part of the world, spring is calmer and quieter. So take advantage of the less crowded flights and hotels, as well as the more temperate weather, and make Easter on a Caribbean beach a reality.

No matter where your travels take you this Easter, with a little thought and planning, you can celebrate it the way you want. So do something different, pack your clothes and Easter treats and head for the warm weather. You just may remember this trip forever. In the end, isn’t that what traveling is all about?

Exploring Caves In The Cayman Islands

Just when you think you have considered every outdoor option that awaits you in the Cayman Islands, you are confronted with still others that will take your breath away. While lying on the beach, all water sports, boating and even submarine-diving are wonderful Cayman Islands pursuits, when was the last time you went hiking through breathtakingly beautiful underground caves? Read on for some great ideas on how to create even more vacation memories.

Cayman Crystal Caves
Perhaps one of the most breathtaking sites in all of the Cayman Islands, Cayman Crystal Caves allows visitors a rare underground glimpse of our shared history. Located amid a lush, green tropical forest in Northside, Grand Cayman, the caves will give you a close-up view of ancient stalactites and stalagmites that have developed over millions of years. The 90-minute tour starts with a journey through a living tropical forest on your way to three underground caves. Here, you’ll come face to face with unique tropical plant and animal life, including air plants, balsam trees, bats and parrots.

The caves are replete with otherworldly formations created by single drops of water stretched out over eternity. In addition, you’ll see remnants of fossilized marine and plant life that indicate clearly that the caves were at one time underwater. Today, though, they are perfect for a walking tour you will never forget.

One thing to remember: Make sure you come outfitted with comfortable clothes and good walking shoes.

Bodden Town Pirates Caves
Not all caves are carved out slowly over time by nature, however. Take a trip to Bodden Town, the Cayman Islands’ original capital, and take a tour of some manmade caves that are illustrations of the islands’ colorful past. This community, located on the southeastern side of Grand Cayman, sits on a living coral reef and natural harbor. Consequently, it was a convenient and effective stopping off point for pirates, and its lush, discreet environment proved a good place to hide pirate booty.

Take the self-guided tour from the lush tropical forest to a mini zoo, to the caves, which allow for exploration. You may even find a few passageways that very few people have ever seen. Many of these caves may have remained undiscovered if it were not for a strong storm that hit the islands in 2004. The next year, a major renovation made these newfound passageways accessible to the public. Now, they are available to visitors for just a small admission fee.

With so much to do above ground in the Cayman Islands, why not spend a little time down under? Take the entire family, wear comfortable clothes, learn about the islands’ history, and have some serious fun.

Submarine Adventures In The Caymans

With nearly unrivaled calm, crystal-clear blue waters, the Cayman Islands are the perfect place to spend lots of time in the water. While swimming, snorkeling and boating are certainly soul-satisfying experiences, perhaps nothing rivals going deep. That is, taking a submarine tour in a custom-made vessel. Here are some of the best available tours, run by Cayman Island Submarines in conjunction with Atlantis Submarines:

Submarine Day Dive
Day-trip it down deep in the Atlantic XI, a technological marvel so comfortable you’ll almost forget where you are. Air conditioned and kept at sea-level pressure, so there are no ill effects from being down at depths reaching 100 feet. Further, the incredible visibility and smooth ride will let you concentrate on what you see, rather than where you are. The trip lasts 90 minutes, and during your time underwater, you’ll pass by amazing sea creatures, including stingrays, turtles, groupers, snappers, star corals and barrel sponges.

Please make sure all visitors are at least four years old and weigh at least 30 pounds.

Submarine Night Drive
While daylight certainly illuminates the surrounding underwater, a night-time dive is an experience like no other. This is when sea creatures and coral reefs show their true colors—literally. You’ll descend into the darkness, only to be entertained by a kaleidoscope of sights, lights and colors thanks to nocturnal sea creatures coming to life, and reef polyps opening themselves up to the world. This 45-minute sojourn starts with a relaxed ferry ride to the submarine. Then, as darkness settles over the Caymans, you’ll descend into another world, aided only by the lights from the submarine. However, as you get as close as six feet away from the reef, you’ll be given a show you can’t imagine without seeing it for yourself.

This tour is also limited to children at least four years old and at least 30 pounds.

Seaworld Day Tour
Going deep underwater not your thing? No worries. You can opt instead for a daytime journey aboard the Seaworld Observatory, a semi-submarine designed and built especially for Atlantis to tour shallower destinations. Up to 40 guests of all ages can board this marvel and relax in comfort surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, just five feet below sea level. While there, the moving observatory will offer you a bird’s-eye view of breathtaking reefs, colorful small fish and even shipwrecks.

Your time in the Cayman Islands can be one of wonder, whether you are on the beach, in the water or under it. There may be no better opportunity to get a glimpse of this other world than in these gentle, crystal-clear waters. So don’t miss the opportunity.

With winter comes more than holidays and snow days. For many Americans living in areas where winter is a real season, this time of year can bring about stress and discomfort. Shoveling snow and defrosting the windows is definitely not on anyone’s Christmas list. If winter has got you feeling down, a trip to one of these top 10 beaches is an escape that you need to explore:

1. Grand Cayman, Caribbean

White sands, clear waters and enough activities to make every day a new adventure, Grand Cayman is the top destination for anyone yearning to get out of the snow and into the sun.

Highlights:
● World renowned Seven Mile Beach
● Historic sites
● Marine life interaction
● Sightseeing and shopping
● Sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling

2. Cancun, México

Imagine a margarita in hand while watching the sunset. Cancun is an affordable and exciting winter escape offering activities in and out of the water.

Highlights:
● Day trips and excursions
● Theme parks
● Food, wine, and nightlife
● Cultural tours
● Wildlife activities

3. Puerto Vallarta, México

Travelers will experience adventure-based excursions and tours under the sun in Puerto Vallarta. If you’re looking for an active and educational escape, this is the place to go.

Highlights:
● Landmark tours
● Museums
● Parks and nature
● Water sports
● Walking and biking tours

4. Honolulu, Hawaii

If you don’t have a passport on hand, consider taking a trip within the U.S. Whether you are going as a couple or going with the family, Honolulu has something for everyone.

Highlights:
● Hikes and nature walks
● Historical nature hikes
● Cruise and sailing tours
● Monument tours
● Family-friendly luaus

5. Bahamas, Caribbean

How does island hopping sound? A visit to the Bahamas means an opportunity to explore a multitude of islands, each with its own unique adventure. From shore excursions, to cave diving and wildlife tours, visitors won’t be disappointed.

Highlights:
● Castaway Cay
● Stocking Island
● Coco Cay
● Blue Lagoon Island
● Rose Island

6. Cabo San Lucas, México

Heading down to South America has never been more appealing. With breathtaking scenery and all-inclusive resorts, Cabo San Lucas is a favorite of many winter travelers.

Highlights:
● Delectable cuisine
● Sightseeing tours
● Day trips and excursions
● Pristine beaches
● Sporting adventures

7. Key West, Florida

Not a fan of flying and hoping for a shorter flight? The Key West is a great destination that will not take you too far from home, but just far enough.

Highlights:
● Themed and cultural tours
● Sailing, snorkeling, and cruising
● Wildlife centers
● National parks
● Nightlife

8. Playa Del Carmen, México

Hop on a boat or explore on foot, Playa Del Carmen is a top destination for individuals, couples, and families looking to escape winter.

Highlights:
● Theme parks
● Museums
● Nature excursions
● Fishing trips
● Water tours

9. Bali, Indonesia

Culturally-rich, Bali takes visitors on a unique adventure like no other. On land or on sea, the opportunities are endless.

Highlights:
● Farm tours
● Religious and sacred sites
● Cycling tours
● Historic landmarks
● Wildlife adventures

10. Turks and Caicos Islands, Caribbean

Surround yourself with the deep blue sea. Turks and Caicos offers endless opportunities to get your hands and feet wet.

Highlights:
● Explore the reefs
● Snorkeling and cruising
● Art galleries
● Dip into more than 50 bodies of water
● Visit the surrounding islands