Top 5 Cruise Locations

And lets give a warm welcome to Sarah who is for the first time participating with a guest post. Also the usual thanks to Wikimedia and to Open Galleries for the nice photos and off go to Sarah's fantastic Top 5 Cruise Locations!

Whether you are a fan of adventure or prefer relaxing under sun-drenched skies, the number of holiday cruises available means that there is always something for everyone. Simply check out what is on offer and choose the destination that has everything you are looking for. To give you some ideas here are five of the best, beginning with one or two action-packed adventure cruises.


Traditionally one of the most popular of all cruise destinations, the Bahamas has everything the fun-seeker needs. Aside from the glorious stop-off beaches, fantastic weather and beautiful locations, the Bahamas offers the chance to partake in a variety of water-related activities. Take a guided scuba-diving day out and swim with the dolphins. Alternatively, stay above water on a thrilling speedboat or hop aboard a sailing vessel and become a temporary member of an actual sailing team.

While there is no doubting that Hawaii is surrounded by some of the most stunning scenic views on the planet, it is also a place sure to satisfy even the hungriest of thrill seekers. Among the many highlights you can enjoy at this location is the famous North Shore of Oahu, regarded by many as the best surfing experience there is. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay on solid ground, take the hike across the lava fields leading to real live and active volcanoes. Here, you can take in all the fire pits and lava tubes, saving the best till last -- an 11-mile crater rim.


For those who prefer the quieter life, then the options here are no less abundant. Among the most popular, however, is a cruise that will take you through all the stunning glory of the Fjords of Norway. Cruise through numerous colossal, slender fjords that appear to rise to the heavens. The experience is sure to leave you breathless and humbled in the presence of these glorious natural wonders. Just bear in mind that the best time to take this cruise is during the months of June through to August.

If the Fjords of Norway sound a bit chilly to you then you may well prefer to take the cruise that takes you through the glories of the South Pacific. While some may find the long distances covered going from island to island leaves them with too much idle time on their hands, for others this will prove the perfect antidote to the stresses of everyday life. In addition, the extensive traveling rarely ends in disappointment, the highlights including the tropical paradises of the Fiji and the Polynesian Islands.


Finally, we have what, for a great number of people, is the absolute number one cruise destination - the Caribbean. Comprising a thread of tiny islands peppering the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean offers river falls in Jamaica, whitewater rafting in the rainforests of Costa Rica, snorkeling with stingrays or horse riding along the region's unrivaled beaches.

Suffice to say the planet is truly blessed with an unlimited number of outstanding destinations for adventure seekers and leisure fans alike. Simply decide what it is you are looking for, check out what is available in the way of cheap cruise holidays, make your choice and book.

Bare Footing in the Caribbean Islands

And this time it's back to the Caribbean :) Thanks so much to Kathleen for sharing her experiences and also to OpenGalleries for the Caribbean photos!

Whatever the budget allows, the Caribbean Islands are a great place for a magnificent vacation. The various Islands represent beauty and freedom and provide a place to relax, where all visitors seem to leave the worries of the world behind them, while moving into a new and splendid adventure. Whether you love wearing sandals or going barefoot through the white sands with a gaze that wanders to look at the blue skies and billowing white clouds, you will feel that you are one step closer to heaven while on your vacation to the Caribbean.


There are many moments experienced on the Islands that vacationers just want to "breathe in" and somehow find a way to take those special moments back home with them. Whether you are taking pictures with your camera or in your mind’s eye, you will never quit viewing those scenes that spoke to you, "I must return here again one day."

Whether you approach this vacation in a mundane, practical manner, or you work your way through the details in a "dreamy" sort of way is truly up to you. Whatever your choice, you will love seeing the various Caribbean Islands pictured on the Internet, in travel magazines or in a TV documentary and/or on a travel channel. Talk with friends who have experienced an Island adventure and definitely check out their photos.


There are many "specials" that include airfare and hotel costs that are in great demand throughout the year. Some extremely expensive accommodations suddenly become more affordable. A variety of websites offer promotions at different times of the year. While checking these sites, you will see fabulous pictures of the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, Jamaica and other equally appealing destinations.

The Bahamas is a place where there is a significant price range for hotels and activities. It offers the Rand Nature Center where history is witnessed and diverse life forms can be seen. The Atlantis Resort provides a variety of room prices and also allows visitors a vision of waterfalls and underground marine life. While in the Bahamas, you will see deep blue-green ocean waters and beautiful white sandy beaches merging into magnificent pine forests.


Cancun is referred to as the Caribbean Jewel and is one of Mexico’s greatest highlights. In Cancun, you will experience the Mayan Ruins of old or the extreme-modern of shopping malls and the Hotel Zone, a well-known nightlife district noted for its bars and nightclubs, as well as some of the best and most special music offered from around the world. Deep blue waters and elegant white sands are just the beginning of a wonderful experience in Cancun.

Sousa Bay Resort is a great place to relax and enjoy. Travel to the Dominican Republic and you will find a small piece of paradise at this noted resort.


Wherever you travel in the Caribbean, the restaurants provide a chance to experience every variety of food found around the globe. Specialty foods in small cafés and world-class spreads available in luxurious restaurants are both highlights of a wonderful visit to the Caribbean Islands.

Guides are available to get you to your destinations. Renting a car is also an option once you land at the airport or settle into your accommodations. Checking out the Internet prior to your vacation is wise and sending for tourist information before your departure will help you to familiarize yourself with the Islands and the many places you may choose to visit. If you expect a great vacation, you will have just that in the Caribbean.

Kathleen Hubert is a blogger who writes on a variety of different sites. Check out more of her work at led tv.

Five famous and vibrant carnivals around the world

And time for another of David's top lists. This time the top five of carnivals around the world. I know I would love to go to Rio but let me see what more do you have in mind ;)

Visit any of the hundreds of carnivals that take place throughout the world and you can be confident there will be wonderful parades, fantastic music and tasty food. However, while amazing festivals and street parties can be found in every corner of the globe, you may discover the following five are among the very best.

Notting Hill Carnival - The largest event of its kind in Europe, the annual Notting Hill Carnival is a fun-filled celebration of Caribbean culture that takes place through the streets of west London.


Held over the course of the August bank holiday, the three-day party starts with a steel band competition on Saturday and is followed by Kids' Day on the Sunday, where you'll see children decorated in colourful outfits with prizes awarded to those deemed to have the best costume.

However, it's on Monday that the action really takes place, as the epic procession winds its way through the city, culminating at Ladbroke Grove. Performers wear a wide range of vibrant costumes, while soca, calypso and R&B music can be heard for miles around from the dozens of static sound systems that play throughout the day.

The carnival also hosts performances by some of the biggest names in music, Wyclef Jean, Katy B and Jamiroquai among those to have appeared in previous years, so you can be confident there'll plenty of opportunities for you to sing, dance and have fun.

If you've worked up an appetite, head to one of the many food stalls selling Caribbean cuisine, such as jerk chicken, fried plantain and rum punch. Some one million people attend the carnival each year, so you can be sure you'll be in good company when taking in the fun.

Many of the streets will be closed to vehicles during the bank holiday weekend, so using public transport is a good idea. Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill Gate, Queens Park and Latimer Road are just some of the tube stations close to where the action takes place, although it is a good idea to check in advance for any temporary closures or diversions.

There are plenty of cheap hotels in London to choose from so you should have no problem finding suitable accommodation for the event.

Barbados Crop Over - To gain an insight into the roots of the Notting Hill Carnival, you might want to visit Barbados during its annual Crop Over festivities.


Much like the name suggests, this carnival was designed to mark the end of that year's successful sugar cane harvest and dates back to the late 17th century - a time when the Caribbean island was the world's largest producer of sugar and was under colonial rule.

In celebrating the harvest, workers used to hold feasts and drinking competitions and over the years Crop Over has developed into one of the region's most vibrant and biggest festivals.

Starting in June, the two-month event sees a wide range of musical performances, children's parties and shows take place. However, the highlight for many is the Grand Kadooment closing parade, held at the start of August and a designated national holiday.

This spectacle sees dozens of costumed bands perform in the streets, with the carnival closing with a fabulous firework display.

Quebec Winter Carnival - The Quebec Winter Carnival in Quebec City is likely to be a much chillier affair than Barbados' Crop Over, but you can still have plenty of fun when taking in this Canadian event.


Attended by around 750,000 people each year, the spectacle is held over a 17-day period in late January and early February so it's a good idea to wrap up warm!

Although the first official Quebec Winter Carnival took place in 1955, winter-themed celebrations have been happening in the city since 1894, with the locals gathering just before the start of Lent to eat, drink and have fun.

While these still form large parts of the modern-day carnival, it has since grown to encompass a range of other elements, including snow sculpture contests and dog-sled races.

More than 300 shows and activities take place and you can buy a Bonhomme Effigy pass to gain entrance to these for just CAD $12 (about £7.50). These include two Night Parades, held during the second and the third carnival weekends, where colourful floats make their way through the city and each year a beautiful ice palace is sculpted.

Events take place all over Quebec City, so getting to the action shouldn't be too hard. If you want to take in the Night Parades, however, you'll need to take either the 800 or 801 Metrobus to Charlesbourg.

Rio Carnival - Fantastic carnival action can also be found in Rio de Janeiro and like the Quebec Winter event this is held just before Lent, although it tends to start slightly later in the year, either in mid to late February or early March.


This four-day celebration kicks off 40 days before the beginning of Easter, commencing on Saturday and finishing on Shrove Tuesday.

With two million people taking to the Brazilian city's streets every day of the event, this is the world's biggest carnival so you'll definitely be in good company if you choose to be part of it.

Hundreds of groups of performers, called bandas and blocos, dress up in extravagant themed costumes and dance to the sound of samba music. But while the festival is mainly about fun, there is a competitive element to it with each team out to win the prestigious accolade of having the best float.

New Orleans Mardi Gras - Taking place around the same period of time as the Rio Carnival are the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.


Although Mardi Gras events have been held throughout the state of Louisiana since the 1830s, it is the New Orleans spectacle that is the biggest and most celebrated version.

Designed as a final celebration before the start of Lent, here parades are held on a daily basis for about two weeks up until the event's close on Shrove Tuesday. Many of these start in the Uptown and Mid-City districts of the city before heading along St Charles Avenue and Canal Street, with float riders often tossing colourful beads into the crowds

You'll also find lots of parties and celebrations taking place in Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, with marching jazz bands putting on great performances.

Another traditional element of the celebrations are king cakes, which are made from cinnamon-filled dough that is shaped into a hollow circle and finished with a glazed topping and coloured sugar, so make sure that you try one of these tasty treats while watching the fun.

With so many wonderful carnivals happening all over the world, you're sure to find a fabulous street party wherever you are.

Once again thanks to David and to the team of travelsupermarket.com for sharing!

Dominican Republic, family vacations in the Caribbean

Hi everyone! Since my friend Mario hasn't yet decided what should be his vacations spot for this year here goes a second proposal :)

This time I've thought not only in you and the spouse but also in the little ones. Tell me, how about spending a few days in a Dominican Republic beach with the family? This Caribbean island landscapes are simply magnificent, the beaches idyllic, the weather very good for most of the year and the water... Superb and warm!


For the children let me tell you that most of the Hotels and Resorts in the island have Kids Clubs with trained personal attending and tons of activities for the smaller ones. Also good news is the fact that several European cities have regular flights to Santo Domingo (the capital) and to Punta Cana (the most known beach area) so it's usually not that hard to find package deals for cheap family holidays specially intended for parents who wish to take their kids on vacations.


If I haven't convinced you yet let me present you two spots: on the photos above, the fabulous "Playa La Vacama" beach, bellow, the "Saona Island". Accessible mainly by jeep "Playa La Vacama" is hence very well preserved and therefore it's one of the island's more natural beaches. As to Saona Island, what can I say... Those white sands accompanied by that unbelievable blue ocean, heaven on earth, a dream come true...


On a final note, a guided tour to the capital Santo Domingo may also be a cool thing to do (not so sure with kids, I guess it would depend on the kids). Above all, make sure to rest and enjoy the beaches, the sun and the sea.

As usual Dominican Republic photos courtesy of Open Galleries.

Blue Mountains, a coffee with a view, Jamaica

Today's post goes out with a special dedicatory to Marcela and take us on a climb all the way up to the top of the Blue Mountains in the beautiful Jamaica. Either starting from Buff Bay, Port Antonio or from Ocho Rios the roads to the capital Kingston are a must visit in the island. The views from the mountains are amazing and it would be a pity not to appreciate them. With some luck one might even get to see some of the higher peaks hiding behind the clouds.


I know that there are literally hundreds of hotels, resorts and other places to stay in a Jamaica Holidays and that's exactly why I say that since the road on the North crosses the whole island end to end, the starting point isn't that important on this trip. One can traverse the Blue Mountains towards Kingston on the East side and then go back home by the West side.


As for this two photos, the one above is a view of the mountains taken from the Kingston area of Seven Mile (not too far from Bob Marley's house) and the one bellow (my personal favorite) shows the Blue Mountains when seen from the Norman Manley Highway, the highway that connects the capital to the former pirate's town of Port Royal.


Finally let me tell you that while up in the mountains it's absolutely mandatory to make two stops. One of course to enjoy the scenario and the views and a second one to taste a cup of a true Blue Mountain's coffee. It's said to be one of the best in the world and you can count me on those who say so, it's fantastic!

As usual one final thanks to Open Galleries for the Blue Mountains photos and Marcela, I hope you like it ;)

Five of the world's best ocean drives

And back with another of David's best off. This time for the top 5 of world's best ocean drives. Must confess David, I'm already tempted to go to England to try that Atlantic Highway - what a view!

Driving alongside the ocean with stunning views of both sea and land can be a pretty amazing experience. Taking in the beautiful natural surroundings from behind the wheel is a great way of seeing the gorgeous scenery and you can make stop-offs along the way to fully appreciate the sights.


Pacific Highway, Australia - Head to Australia and you'll have the chance to travel the 596-mile Pacific Highway between Brisbane and Sydney. Whichever city you decide to start from, you'll be able to take in fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean while you drive.

The Pacific Highway forms part of Australia's Highway One, a motorway that links most of the country's state capitals, and you will have the opportunity to stop by several busting towns and cities along this route. These include Newcastle, which is home to a heritage area featuring a number of fine Victorian terraced properties, and Port Macquarie, a popular spot for surfers.

If your route ends at Brisbane, make sure you take in sights such as the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and Roma Street Parkland, while if your trip concludes in Sydney you may want to see the city's iconic opera house.


Pacific Coast Highway, USA - Alternatively, why not visit southern California where you can travel the Pacific Coast Highway? This 123-mile stretch of road also encompasses great views of the Pacific Ocean and while it can be completed in a few hours, you should take your time to ensure you make the most of all the region has to offer.

From your starting point in Monterey, you'll travel through the Big Sur region before ending up in Morro Bay. Among the attractions you ought to stop by are Garrapata State Park, where you can head to the beach and spot sea otters splashing around, Bixby Bridge, the Little Sur River and Andrew Molera State Park. The designated All-American Road ends at Morro Rock, an extinct volcanic cone that is some 23 million years old.


Seward Highway, USA - Further north in Alaska, you'll be able to take in the Pacific Ocean from a very different perspective. By travelling the 127-mile Seward Highway, you'll see fjords and ice fields from your vehicle as opposed to the golden beaches of California.

Starting in Anchorage, the state's largest city, you'll get the chance to pass through Chugach State Park, Canyon Creek and Bird Creek, an ideal place for a spot of fishing, before coming to the harbour town of Seward.

Once you've arrived, you can go on a charter boat ride along the waterfront, before dining at a number of local restaurants that specialise in fresh seafood, all against the backdrop of the nearby Marathon Mountain, which is an impressive 921 metres tall.


Pirate Route, Jamaica - If you fancy going on an ocean road-trip in a slightly more exotic climate, Jamaica could be the place for you.

By driving along its so-called Pirate Route, you'll be afforded great views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as historic architecture. Starting from Port Royal, you'll travel clockwise along the A1 and A2 roads where you can see beached freighter ships and the remains of historic forts that protected the country from pirates hundreds of years ago.

At the end of the 380-mile trip, you'll arrive at Kingston, the Jamaican capital, where you can see the remains of a 19th-century jail and courthouse.


Atlantic Highway, England - A little closer to home, Devon and Cornwall can make for a great ocean drive. The section of the A39 road running from Barnstaple to Newquay is known as the Atlantic Highway, so you'll be able to see the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the shores as you drive from place to place.

One destination you should definitely stop by is Exmoor Zoo. Take the A399 and you'll be able to see a wide range of creatures including cheetahs, kangaroos and penguins. Head back in the car to Tintagel, which according to legend is the birthplace of the mythical King Arthur. Visit the popular Tintagel Castle and you may be able to learn more about the iconic figure.

With your 135-mile trip ending at Newquay, you'll be able to hit several beaches where you can go swimming, surfing or just top up your tan. Of course, you may be tempted to get back in your car and relive the delights of the Atlantic Highway all over again!

Once again thanks to David and also to the cheap holidays team at travelsupermarket.com for sharing this top 5 ocean drives article and photos with us.

Best of Aruba

With a big thanks to Jennifer Brown for this guest post and photos lets head on to Aruba!

Aruba is a beautiful island with sparkling beaches and endless entertainment. Aruba resorts offer something for everyone. The natural beauty of turquoise Caribbean waters, pristine beaches and stunning panoramas are complimented by the opulent high-rise resorts and casual beachfront low-rise resorts. Aruba all inclusive vacations provide a one-stop, action-filled all-you-can-eat-and-drink family vacation or wind down and be pampered at a stylish and tranquil retreat with luxury accommodations and a rejuvenating spa.

Visit natural and historical sites during your trip to Aruba, to ensure an interesting and cultural experience. The best of these sites include:


Arikok National Park - This national park is composed of three different geological formations: lava, quartz diorite, and limestone. These unique components are home Aruba’s indigenous flora and fauna can be found no where else in the world. The cascabel uni-color rattlesnake, the Aruba cat-eyed snake, the Aruban whiptail lizard, the Aruban burrowing owl, and the Aruban parakeet are only found on this island. Remains of early settlements have become cultural symbols for Arubans today, and the leftover artifacts have put together clues that represent the many phases of Native American occupation.



Aruba Rock Formations - Usually people think of Aruba as a relatively flat, sandy island, and surprised people with its monolithic boulders about the countryside. The presence of these unusual boulders add to the landscape and provide for perfect vantage points to view the island. The boulders weigh up to several tons and are in quite peculiar formations. There are hiking trails around these areas for visitors to explore these sights.


Three Caves of Aruba - The Guadirkiri Cave has two chambers that have streams of sunlight pouring through small holes in the roof of the cave. The Fontein Cave is the most popular of the caves because of the historic drawings of Arawak Indians on the walls of the cave. Lastly, the Huliba Cave has a heart-shaped opening and now been nicknamed the Tunnel of Love.


Historic Gold Mills - Adventurers travelled throughout the Caribbean in the 15th and 16th centuries in to find wealth. According to old legends, the island now known as Aruba, supposedly adapted its name from “Oro Ruba,” meaning “red gold.” In the history of Aruba, over 3 million pounds of gold were produced. The remains of the Gold Mills make for a picturesque setting near the narrow canyon of rocks known as Frenchman’s Pass.

Aruban Churches - Chapel of Alto Vista built in 1750, is charming, yet dramatic. This place for peace and contemplation, sits above the sea with a picturesque setting. Originally built in 1776, the Santa Ana church is now famous for its solid oak, hand-carved altar, and an artistic accomplishment in the neo-gothic design.

During you Aruba all inclusive trip, make sure to leave the resort and beach and journey to these historical places, you won’t regret it.

The world’s top 10 most beautiful beaches

A guest post brought to you by David from the team at travelsupermarket.com, a price comparison site which compares prices on hotels, flights, holidays and car hire.



Oludeniz Beach, Turkey



The beautiful Oludeniz Beach is undoubtedly one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean and it’s clear to see why. Known as the Turquoise Coast due to the stunning blue and aquamarine shades of water, the crystal clear sea is perfect for swimming in. Many water sports activities take place on the beach including scuba diving, water skiing, canoeing and banana boating. The most popular activity however is paragliding with many visitors taking to the skies to take in the spectacular views from 2,000 metres above the sea and beach.







Whitehaven Beach, Australia



There were plenty of Australian beaches that were candidates to make this list but due to its sheer beauty it’s Whitehaven Beach that has to be included. This picture-postcard beach is very special and not just for obvious reasons like the gorgeous fine, white sand which is 98% pure silica giving it its bright white colour or the warm, clear, azure waters which are perfect for swimming in. What really makes this beach stand out is the surrounding tropical forest and various islands dotted around in the distance.







Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles



Anse Source d’Argent in the Seychelles is without a doubt one of the most stunning beaches in the world. The perfect exotic beach is the ideal tropical escape and the beautiful coastline is a series of soft pink sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and colourful corals. Other stand out features of the beach are the rounded granite boulders and palm trees which make the beach feel even more tropical. The water is invitingly warm and makes the Anse Source d’Argent a popular destination with couples and families alike.







Fernando De Noronha, Brazil



Some 200 miles plus off Natal on Brazil’s north-eastern coast is Fernando De Noronha, an archipelago of 21 islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the fact that Fernando De Noronha isn’t a single beach, it had to be included on the list because of its natural beauty and stunning surroundings. What makes this area so special is that there are so few tourists on these islands,

meaning that those that do visit Fernando De Noronha are often left alone in paradise. The clarity and warmth of the water and the abundant underwater life means that these islands are also popular with divers and snorkelers. As well as fish, dolphins, sea turtles and sharks there is a Brazilian warship, which sank in 1987 and is lying in pristine condition at around 60 metres deep.







Matira Beach, Bora Bora



Widely recognised as the most beautiful lagoon in the world, Matira Beach is one of the few accessible beaches in Bora Bora. Perfect for activities like swimming and snorkelling, the water is warm, crystal clear and extremely calm. The beach is free from large groups of tourists but should anyone be looking for even more peace there are even more isolated beaches nearby. From the white sand beach you’ll likely see dolphins out in the ocean which is a spectacular sight.







Maroma Beach, Mexico



A beautifully romantic beach which is situated on the Yucatan Peninsula coastline in Mexico, Maroma beach is blissfully peaceful despite being only 30 miles away from the hustle and bustle of Cancun. The pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters and warm tropical breezes have helped establish Maroma Beach’s reputation as somewhat of a paradise. Regularly nominated as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, the amazing landscape, vast expanse of uninterrupted pure white sandy beaches and the attractive green tropical foliage has helped Maroma Beach establish itself as one of the finest beaches on the planet. On top off all this there’s the Cozumel reef which is the world’s second largest barrier. Located just off the Maroma beach, it is a famous deep sea diving spot which also allows visitors to swim with dolphins.







Pink Sands, Harbour Island, Bahamas



Pink Sands Beach ticks all the boxes required to be considered a fantastic beach. It certainly has the beautiful soft sand, the warm clear water and the fantastic weather. There’s another unique feature however which helps this beach stand out from the crowd. The clue as to what this might be is in the name of the beach. Pinks Sands beach is known as such because it has, as you’ve probably guessed, pink sand! Attracting tourists from all over the world, the colour of Pink Sands Beach comes

from the reddish shells of microscopic coral insects called Foraminifera. When these insects die, they leave behind their shells which are then crushed by the waves and brought to the shore to mix in with the sand. The result of this is the pink sand which covers the Pink Sands Beach.







Kondoi Beach, Japan



Taketomi Island is an island just off the coast of Ishigaki Island and is home to one of the world’s best beaches. With its emerald green water, white sand and warm water that is ideal for swimming in, Kondoi beach is undoubtedly one of the finest beaches in not just Asia but the world. Nearby are grassy, shaded picnic areas which are great if you want to get out of the sun for a bit.







Sinclair’s Bay, Scotland



When you think of beautiful beaches you probably don’t think of Scotland. However, when the sun comes out on Sinclair’s Bay it has the look of a Caribbean beach with a very Scottish twist! At either end of the four mile arc of white sand are the ruins of 16th Century castles. Home to a spectacular array of wildlife including plovers, dunlins, porpoises and orca, there’s plenty to take in when you visit and the best way to see all of the beach is on horseback.







Lanikai Beach, Hawaii



Like Australia, there were plenty of candidates from Hawaii but Lanikai Beach is probably the best of the Hawaiian contenders. The name Lanikai means ‘heavenly sea’ in the Hawaiian language and it’s certainly a fitting name for this beach. With warm clear water and a fine white sand beach, the beach is popular with locals and tourists alike. Located on Oahu's Windward coast, anyone in the area should be sure to check out this stunning beach and its beautiful surrounding areas.







Once more a big thank you David and hope to have you writing here again soon!

Roseau & Portsmouth, Commonwealth of Dominica

Today thanks to Islander from Speck On My Screen we travel to Commonwealth of Dominica (not to be mistaken for Dominican Republic) - a tiny island in the Caribbean that truly deserves its nickname of The Nature Isle of the Caribbean...

Commonwealth of Dominica - or simply Dominica, is known for its pristine tropical rain forests complete with lakes, waterfalls, rivers, black sand beaches, hot sulphur springs, and marine reserves. Visiting the different parts of the island, you may feel like you've entered a whole new realm especially when you visit Roseau (the capital town) packed with 18th Century French Architecture.

The Fresh Water Lake in Morne Trois Piton National Park - Of course, living here all my life, I may have taken some of its beauty for granted but it’s great to rediscover just how breathtakingly beautiful such a small part of the world can be.

The Trafalgar Falls - this is a definite must see and it’s only a 20 minute easy hike. Believe me when I say easy because I’ve never been a fan of hiking. During the hike you will come across a hot spring (you will regret it if you don’t take a dip in it). And look out for some wildlife!

18th Century French Architecture in Roseau - In town you will also find the Barracoon Building, one of the last slave market buildings still is standing on the Caribbean and the Old Market Square where slaves were auctioned off.

Canons at the Fort Shirley – in Portsmouth the former capital and the second largest town of Dominica.

Again thank you Islander for this guest post and these beautiful pictures. One can only hope to be able to visit your island one day!

Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

For the past few days it has been very cold and raining here in Portugal so, in a desperate effort to send away this terrible weather, I decided to make an intermission in the Barcelona series and publish a beach photo!

Photo happily taken somewhere in the Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic! After all, what more do one need? At least for me, a sunny day, a beautiful beach, the company of those I love and sea until eyes can reach, does it for sure...

Souvenirs from Havana, Cuba

Where should one look for souvenirs in Havana? Without any doubt I would point you in the direction of the local market. Between a wide variety of wood cigar boxes, paintings and craftsmanship, I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding there something you like.
Among a few cigars, some statuettes and some of the local craftsmanship there were two things I had to bring home with me. The first was the painting you see above. To this day, I'm still more than happy to have it in my living room.
The second was this little clay figure of Fidel that the locals, affectionately, called El Fidelito. Couldn't resist, and bought about a dozen of them...

Bodeguita Del Medio for a Mojito, Havana, Cuba

Still in Havana if, still like Ernest Hemingway, you to appreciate some Mojitos then the place you must visit is the bar called Bodeguita Del Medio. Located in the old Havana it's right in your "tourist path" and, since everybody knows it, it's impossible to miss it.
The place is fantastic and, although you will not find there the statue of Hemingway for company, you will most certainly be accompanied by a local band playing Cuban music. Again for the record here goes the Mojito Recipe...

Mojito recipe:

- 4 parts of rum
- 3 parts of lime juice
- 2 sprigs of mint
- 2 teaspoons of sugar (or more if you prefer it very sweet)
- fill with soda water and ice till the top
* Served straight up in a highball glass!

Floridita for a Daiquiri, Havana, Cuba

When in Havana, where should you go for a drink and what drink? Ok - if, like Ernest Hemingway, you fancy a Daiquiri then most definitely you must head yourself to a bar called Floridita.
The place is very nice, the service is fine and you even can count with the presence of Hemingway himself to accompany you for a Daiquiri, a statue of course ;), finally, for the record, here's the Daiquiri's recipe...

Daiquiri recipe:

- Nine parts of white rum,
* And do they have good rum there...
- Four parts of lime juice and
- One part syrup.
* Served straight up in a cocktail glass and with no ice!

Lonja del Comercio, Havana, Cuba

Located in the area of old Havana the Lonja del Comercio building is another landmark one must see. Built in the early years of the 20th century it used to function has a kind of a commercial/stock exchange.
To find it, just direct yourself to the Plaza de San Francisco de Asis (in english, Saint Francis of Assisi Plaza) - you won't miss it.

Universidad Nacional, Havana, Cuba

Another place you might wanna check out in Havana is the local university, La Universidad Nacional, in english, The National University. Bellow, a photo of the main entrance, marked by it's architectural style and long stairways.
Once a religious building it was reconverted, and now holds several faculties teaching from Natural Sciences, to Social Sciences and Economics.

La Plaza de la Revolucion, Havana, Cuba

The Plaza de la Revolucion or, in english, the Revolution Square is definitely a must see place in Havana. The place is unbelievably huge. All around the plaza are several landmarks as well as several Government Facilities.
Above is the Memorial to José Martí (the national hero of Cuba) and bellow the radio building where one can see a huge photo of Fidel holding a rifle and with the slogan "Cada Cubano Un Ejército", in english, "In Each Cuban One Army".
It's also in this plaza that Fidel Castro used to make some of his speeches in important days such as May 1 (International Workers' Day), and July 26 (Beginning of the Cuban Revolution).
The last photo is of the Ministry of the Interior building in which wall lies the the famous Che Guevara image allong with the words "Hasta la Victoria Siempre", in english, "Forever Onwards Towards Victory".