CARIBBEAN /NORTH /SOUTH/LATIN/ AMERICA
Solo travel in Caribbean and Americas (NORTH /SOUTH/LATIN/ AMERICA)
ANGUILLA - THE VALLEY
Anguilla is in the Northern-most of the Leeward Islands and is still a British territory. Anguilla for me is one of the two Caribbean islands I would love to live permanently. It is a very low-keyed Caribbean island and is in very close proximity to Sint Maarten.
There isn’t an international airport but there are small planes and speed boats working between The Valley (the capital) and Sint Maarten. At the time I visited, there wasn’t a public transport system, you either rent a car, call a taxi or walk. Also, there weren’t any fast food chains on this island either.
The island had a smell throughout, every part of the island I went the smell was most present, it was rather strange, it smelled like a wild plant or some flower or such like. The island is not inexpensive, however, still within reach of a budget traveller. Don’t miss Shoal Bay, Meads Bay and Rendezvous Bay Beach.
Honestly, I think Anguilla has some of the nicest beaches in the Caribbean. Anguilla is all about relaxation and true getaway for a peaceful vacation. Main reasons for loving Anguilla are: 1. Quiet 2. Beautiful white sandy beaches with the softest beach sand 3. Friendly people. 4. Safe. Currency used – E.C. Dollars. Language spoken – English.
ARUBA - ORANJESTAD
Aruba is a Dutch Caribbean island (under the kingdom of the Netherlands) and is in very close proximity to Bonaire and Curacao. The capital Oranjestad is very clean and lively. Aruba for me is like a livelier Bonaire. It is also a hidden gem but a bit more touristy. There is a vibrant night life on the island as well. Aruba is also a bit expensive, but cheaper than Bonaire. However, unlike Bonaire, there are lots of public transport.
Aruba has lots to see and do, Eagle Beach and Baby beach are two of my favorite beaches, they are almost perfect, soft white sand and in beautiful locations. Seroe Colorado is an off the beaten track area if you have a four-wheel drive, so is Arikok National Park, this area has lovely rock formations and beautiful coastlines.
A visit to the Ostrich farm is also a nice leisure thing to do to see the Ostriches and Emus. Main reasons for loving Aruba are:1. Laid back yet lots to see and do and has a vibrant night life 2. Extremely beautiful beaches 3. Friendly people. 4. Safe. Currency used – Aruban Florin. Language spoken – Dutch.
BONAIRE - KRALENDIJK
Bonaire is a very low-keyed Dutch Caribbean island (under the kingdom of the Netherlands) and is in very close proximity to Aruba and Curacao. Bonaire is the 2nd Caribbean island I would love to live permanently.
The capital Kralendijk is very clean and small. However, Bonaire does not have public transport, you either walk, rent a car or call a taxi, the shortest taxi ride to any destination was $10 USD. It is also a bit on the expensive side, that includes food and hotel etc. Places I would suggest visiting in Bonaire would be to firstly take a boat ride over to Klein Island and enjoyed the untouched beach and island, it is a perfect oasis on that island and perfect for snorkeling also, back in Kralendijk visit the Slave huts, these small concrete houses (the size of a dog house) where the black and white slaves were held during slavery, and also a visit to the Bonaire National Marine Park.
My two favorite beaches were No Name beach and Lac Bay, so beautiful!! Don’t forget to visit the Salt Flats/Lake to see the mound s of white and pink salts.
Bonaire has a crime rate of almost Nil, the people are peaceful and very courteous. Main reasons for loving Bonaire are:1. Quiet 2. Lovely beaches 3. Very friendly people. 4.Extremely Safe 5. Freedom of speech (meaning you can use obscene language without being arrested) unlike some other Caribbean islands. Currency used – USD. Language spoken – Dutch.
Cancun - Mexico
Cancun is a city in Southeast Mexico and close to the Caribbean Sea. It has its own airport and is a very beautiful city. Cancun is very clean and reasonably priced.
The people were quite friendly and welcoming. Food in Mexico was always reasonably priced, delicious and served in very large portions. There I was in the Tequila capital, I never knew there were so many types of tequilas, flavoured, sweetened, well of course the one with the worm. There are lots to do in Cancun besides visiting the lovely beaches like my favorites Playa Delfines and Xcacel Beach.
A visit to Tres Rios Eco park is quite a beautiful experience, or do the bus tour with one of the tour companies and go on a full day tour to the main attraction for me, the visit to Chichen Itza (one of the wonders of the world). It is in the Yucatan area (which is about 2 hrs 30 mins ride away and a time difference of 1 hour), also a visit Cenote (pool of turquoise-colored limestone water), en route you can view the Agave plantation (plants used to make the tequila) which was a real treat.
Main reasons for loving Cancun, Mexico are:1. Gorgeous beaches 2. Very friendly people. 3. Safe (had no incidents) 4. Delicious food. Currency used – Pesos. Language spoken there – Spanish.
PANAMA - PANAMA CITY
Panama is in Central America bordering the Caribbean Sea. Panama City the capital, is like the shopping hub of the Caribbean. Most people visit to shop because it is not an expensive country. The people were quite friendly too. Don’t talk about the men..mmm they are quickest to confess their love for you the same minute they talk to you..lol!! For me the main must-see sites were the Panama Canal, Monkey Island (a ferry ride on the Gatun lake and you are there) and Casco Viejo (wonderful history of the Old Town).
Panama is developed and has an old and new Panama City, both has a beauty of their own. Panama I also found to be a very humid country. Main reasons for loving are:1. Good for shopping 3. Very friendly people. 4. Safe 5. Reasonably priced hotels and food. Currency used – Pesos. Language spoken – Spanish.
PUERTO RICO - SAN JUAN
Puerto Rico is in Central America bordering the Caribbean Sea. Old San Juan the capital is quite beautiful. There are many shops, restaurants and beaches close by also, Isla Verde beach is not to be missed, its a really lovely beach. For me, the main must see sites were the San Juan National Historical Park, hiking (paid tour guides available) in the El Yunque forest to el Bano de Oro natural area, there you will get to experience el Mina Water Fall and end the tour at the top of the Yokahu Observation Tower, overlooking the natural beauty of San Juan.
The Castillo San Felipe del Morro site is a definite must do, the views overlooking San Juan are breath-taking.
San Juan also has excellent food at reasonable prices. I must mention that I am not a burger lover, but I will always remember Puerto Rico for the best burger I have EVER tasted. Will not mention the name of the restaurant, but you can check my trip advisor account and see my review. The people were quite friendly. The country was fairly inexpensive too. Currency used – Pesos. Language spoken – Spanish.
SINT MAARTEN - PHILIPSBURG
Sint Maarten is one of the Dutch Caribbean islands (part of the Kingdom of Netherlands). The land mass is shared with St. Martin (French side). Sint Maarten is known for beautiful and pristine beaches. Philipsburg the capital, is also very clean, quiet and beautiful, lots of small shops along the cobblestone streets and spots for tourists to hang out and enjoy the beauty of this lovely laid-back island. Seemed to be also a big cruise ship hub.
My favorite beaches were Maho Beach, Great Bay and Mullet Beach, all extremely gorgeous with milk white sand. The main reasons I will recommend this island will be for relaxing and refreshing the spirit. My vacation in Sint Maarten was mainly to relax and enjoy the beauty of it. Some of you may have heard of nude beaches, but don’t be confused, they are not on the Dutch side, however, on the French side of the island is St. Martin, you can visit and explore the nude beaches, if that’s your thing.
The people of Sint Maarten were quite hospitable, food was also very tasty here Currency used – Antillean Guilder or Florin. Language spoken – Dutch and English.
TURKS & CAICOS - PROVIDENCIALES
The Turks & Caicos island is one of the British Overseas Territory located in the Atlantic Ocean, however, it is still a Caribbean island. The capital is Providenciales.
This is one of the many safest Caribbean islands, and most visited my lots of movie stars and prominent people in the music industry. It is also the most expensive Caribbean island and 3rd most expensive in all the countries I have visited worldwide. It’s gorgeous and pristine beaches are perfect for any photo shoot. The Grace bay area really has the wow factor… talk about beach with turquoise waters and velvet soft sand, this is it.
At the time of my visit there weren’t any fast food chains in Providenciales. A visit to this island will be to mainly relax and rejuvenate yourself. Hassle free and total relaxation and bask in the beauty of the sun and beaches. My favorite beaches were Grace Bay (no other beach is as gorgeous) Baia de Sapodilla beach and Half Moon beach (has the wow factor). The people here were also very warm and welcoming. Currency used – USD. Language spoken – English.
CANADA - TORONTO
Canada occupies most of the in North American continent and bordered by the United States of America. Its capital is Ottawa. Canada is one of the visited countries I would love to live permanently. However, it is known for its intensely cold winters. I really love the people, they are truly genuinely pleasant and down to earth. I visited Toronto a few times and really enjoyed my visits.
Toronto is very clean and safe. There is something special about the Canadian accent that I love so much..very cute!! The largest city, Toronto has the cleanest China Town I have seen in any country. Usually that name implies chaos and slum like atmosphere but not in Canada, quite the opposite. Their immigration is not as rigid and paranoid as many other countries and this I also admired. Definite must visit will be, the Niagara Falls.
The CN Tower and China Town for a bit of shopping. The rest will be up to you to browse in your free time and enjoy. Toronto is price range on food, hotel and other services are quite reasonable. Currency used – Canadian Dollars. Language spoken – English, French.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The United States of America is in the North American continent, its capital is Washington D.C. and it’s the 3rd largest country in the world. The United States of America has many states to choose from for any vacation. I have not visited many of the states. However, I previously vacationed in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, New Jersey, New York and Texas.
To be honest because I love the more laid-back quieter side of life. My favorites were Texas and New Jersey. All all the states a has their own charm, for example you can’t get bored in New York the big Apple, however, I find it to be a bit expensive and too fast paced. Love Miami for shopping and its lovely beaches but prefer Ft. Lauderdale as it bit quieter with lovely beach scenery and still has a night life. New Jersey especially the Neptune area and Texas especially the Sugar Lands area have my heart, really laid back and quiet. Quite clean also but the down side is you need to have your own transport to move around freely.
Generally, America is a nice place for a vacation because you have so many states to choose from. If you are a first-time visitor to New York, you need to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island (book your ticket for the crown or torch months in advance because they tend to sell out first). Go enjoy a Broadway show, I had the luxury of seeing The Jersey Boys on Broadway and I was quite a treat. The Empire State building and many other sites.
Point to note, America is quite unwilling (in most cases, if not at all) to accept Euro or pounds, in stores or even at the airport so get US currency before or on arrival at the airport. Currency used – USD. Language spoken – English.
Many of these countries can be within your reach with careful planning and learning how to save to travel. You don’t have to be rich to travel, just be willing to sacrifice and cut back on spending of non-essentials and you can reach your goals.
Along with good booking agents like Booking.com, you can plan an excellent vacation.
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