Posts Tagged ‘destinations’

St. John Tourism

March 13th, 2010

The U.S. Virgin Islands attract millions of tourists each and every year, and with good reason too. They offer all of the luxury and beauty of the Caribbean, but with the security and safety that comes with being governed by the U.S. Of the three major U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John tends to get the least attention, but this is because it has withstood the temptation to commercialize itself, and not because it is a less worthy destination than St. Croix or St. Thomas, which are the other two major Islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In fact, if you want a relaxing time in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and to immerse yourself in natural and unspoilt surroundings, then St. John stands out as the obvious choice. With two-thirds of the Island designated as National Park, it is the most undeveloped, easygoing and laid back of the large U.S. Virgin Islands. That is not to say that it is the ‘dull’ choice – far from it. There is plenty to do and see there if you want to spend a a few days away from one of its many stunning beaches.

Of particular note, and something which should not be missed under any circumstances, is the Virgin Islands National Park. It includes hiking trails and a wonderful range of wildlife, some of which is unique to the Island. The beaches within the National Park, are amongst the best to be found in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and there are enough of them for you to visit a different one on each day of your stay.

The main towns are Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, and staying in one of these two places allows easy access to restaurants, bars and shops. There are lots of hotels and resorts to choose from, which range from the quaint to the exceedingly lavish. Booking early is always advisable as finding anywhere to stay at the last minute is normally impossible.

Luxury resorts tend to be the preferred choice. Most lead directly on to the beach, offer amazing views, and provide full guest services. You literally would not have to leave the resort if you did not want to. For those looking for tranquility and seclusion, there are few places in the world that can match it.

Find out more about the Island of St. John and St. John hotels by visiting cruzbayusvi.com

U.S. Virgin Islands : Don’t Miss Out On A Trip To Cruz Bay

March 13th, 2010

Cruz Bay has a distinctive atmosphere which sets it apart from anywhere else in the U.S. Virgin Islands. There is a perfect combination of contemporary  attitudes and West Indian tradition. The locals who live their permanently are supplemented by a cosmopolitan mix of predominantly European and American tourists, many of whom, attracted to the exotic, yet comfortably familiar getaway, visit there every year.

It is the site of most of the Island’s restaurants, bars, and stores, and pretty much all visitors to St. Johns spend at least some time there. However, despite being the St. John’s center of commerce, it is nearer to being quiet than it is to being busy. The pace of life there is considerably slower than in a U.S. coastal town, and visitors cannot help but be influenced by the vibe, making it easy to forget about the troubles and problems they have left behind them at home.

If you fancy a day or two away from the beautiful, secluded, scenic beaches that are located just 5-15 minutes away from Cruz Bay, then you can hike through the spectacular Virgin Islands National Park, hire a jeep to take you on a tour of the Island, or browse the quaint shops that line the backstreets of the town. Alternatively, you can indulge in some of the wide variety of water sports activities available. Scuba diving tours tours to offshore reefs are very popular, as are parasailing and jet ski tours.

Whatever you choose to do with your day, you can be sure that the weather will not be a hindrance, as the weather in Cruz Bay ranges from good to excellent. Air temperatures range from 80-90 degrees during winter months to 80-95 degrees during the summer, and water temperatures are 75-80 degrees in winter and 80-85 degrees in summer. Rain is infrequent, so leave your umbrella at home and stock up on sunscreen.

Find out more about Cruz Bay and Grande Bay resort st. John rental by visiting http://cruzbayusvi.com

Winter Breaks in The Canaries

March 12th, 2010

Which holiday destination in Europe enjoys sunshine all year round?  It’s a bit of a trick question, as the seven Canary Islands are in fact located off the coast of Morocco in West Africa.  Hundreds of miles south of the mainland – but still part of Spain and therefore within the EU.  Creating a twelve month holiday season.

As a result of this great climate the Canaries have become the second most visited region in Spain after Catalunya (with its star attraction of Barcelona).Attracting over 9 million visitors a year.  So despite the current economic climate thousands of travellers will still be booking holidays in Lanzarote and the Canaries this autumn.

Part of the reason for this ongoing popularity is that the Canaries are the closest winter sun destination to key tourist markets such as the UK and Germany.  Which are both just four hours flying time away.  This winter, flight prices for UK visitors also look set to fall thanks to growing competition on the route between the big guns of the low cost flight world.  Which will hopefully help to reduce the price of flights to Lanzarote. 

So what can visitors expect from their winter holidays on these volcanic islands?  On Lanzarote the temperature usually remains in the early 20´s Celsius – even during the darkest days of December.  With very little rainfall and plenty of sunshine hours.  The sun doesn’t set here until 6pm at the earliest either.  Making it a great destination for those who hate the dark winter afternoons of the UK. 

Accommodation standards are high – as the island has been welcoming tourists for over forty years.  Choose from chic rural hotels, budget apartments and luxury villas in Lanzarote.  With the bulk of holidays now booked direct on online thanks to the growth in internet usage over the last five years.

Naturally as in any service business the increase in tourists needing Lanzarote apartments and villas is fantastic news for visitors to Lanzarote as villa owners are being driven to ensure standards are very high, and extras that once had to be paid for are now included as standard

The resort of choice during he winter months is Playa Blanca, which is located right at the southern foot of the island. And consequently enjoys the best weather.  Playa Blanca has rapidly evolved over the last decade to become the second most popular destination on the island.  With a wide range of villas in Playa Blanca available for rental with prices starting from around £400 per week.  As well as a fine selection of good quality four star hotels lining the shoreline such as the Princesa Yaiza and the Timanfaya Palace.

The island is a popular all year holiday destination with an excellent range of places to stay. Follow the links for even more information about Playa Blanca holiday villas in particular or other Lanzarote villas and apartments.