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Island Cultural Experiences

admin — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:43:00 +0000

As time has gone on, you may have noticed that some island chains have become more and more Americanized. Largely in part due to them wanting to make tourists feel at home. You may find that the restaurants and some of the entertainment on these islands seems just like something that you would find right at home. On the other hand, many islands also try and preserve as much of their native cultures as possible. Take Hawaii for example, you will notice the grass skirts being worn during their dances as they entertain a party or a group of people. You will also notice that they have many restaurants that serve up island culture rich cuisine as well.

Travelers can be tricky. Some want the comforts of home where they travel and others want to experience something new. So more than likely no matter what type of island you visit, you are likely to experience a little of both. Islands are unique places to visit. Experiencing some of what the local cultures have to offer can be quite an exciting experience. Do some checking up on the destination you choose prior to visiting if you are curious about what you can expect.

Renting An Island

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 04:49:17 +0000

Now if you’re in the market to rent a space to live, have you ever actually considered renting an island? That is right; you can actually rent your own island. You can actually buy one as well. Renting one can be more affordable than you think though. They usually run about a few hundred or more per week. They will more than likely have some sort of place to stay and so on. Talk about a getaway. I mean if you think about it, some vacations cost lots more than this.

If you would be interested in renting one, do some searching on the internet. There are plenty of agencies out there that handle this sort of thing.

Favorite Island Destinations

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:18:49 +0000

If you love to travel, then on your list of favorite places to go will more than likely include some sort of island getaway. It really depends on what you’re in the mood for. Maybe if you’re in the mood for adventure, then heading to an island where you can explore the inner parts of the island may suit your needs. If you just want to lounge on the beach, maybe heading to an island that is known for its beautiful waters and amazing sandy beaches will be better.

Either way, if you love to travel you will know where it is you love to go. If not, head to the internet and do some searching there.

Island Hopping

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 18:16:51 +0000

The great thing about heading to some islands is that there can be many of them to choose from. Usually islands have many other islands surrounding them. So each individual island may have its own features and interests. If you get with a local boater, they more than likely will be used to taking tourists on tours of all the islands.

This can be a great traveling experience. You can relax and enjoy one island for several days and take tours of the rest of them when you want. The choices are yours and can be quite enjoyable no matter what you do.

Island Restaurants

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 05:54:51 +0000

According to many travelers island restaurants can be some of the best places to eat that they have ever visited. Many of them feature seafood, which seems natural seeing as how they are surrounded by a body of water with fishermen everywhere. These restaurants usually rely 100% on impressing travelers and vacationers by their fine and unique cooking. Unique will usually describe many of the dine-in spots. They need to be unique to woo in customers. If not they end up just another restaurant like any other that people can find near them at home.

But a restaurant does not have to be costly or huge to be a success. Many of the more popular vacationing eating spots are small diner like places. Good food does not have to come on fine china. You just never know, it may be served with plastic utensils on a paper plate. How do you find the best spots? Well, you can search online for reviews, ask the locals in the area, or just try as many as you can while you are there. No matter what, bring a big appetite and bring along someone with you, order two meals to test out and split them for fun.

Sailing Around The World

admin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:58:47 +0000

Could you imagine sailing around the world? Many of us barely like leaving the city we live in, much less the state, but could you see yourself trying something like this. Sailing around the world is something that has been done by several people. Now even teenagers have gotten into the act.

This is a huge feat for someone who loves to truly sail. True sailing usually requires someone with a very analytical mindset that helps them to navigate all the way around the world. Sure modern equipment helps with all this but it will not do the sailing for you. Plus it can be really tough when you experience rough seas and very dangerous weather. It is also hard on the body to be at sea for this long. Back in the days of old, ships were out to see for months and months at a time before they would even see land. The journeys could be quite harsh.

But learning from the mistakes of the older sailors and with the help of modern technology, this trip can be done and actually done in a few short months. So do you think you could do it? Even with help would you even last as a passenger in the boat?

More On Island Living

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:57:53 +0000

I have posted before about moving to an island permanently to live. Most people used to consider this as a retirement idea. But with the advent of technology, and the internet able to go to even the most remote places, people are considering moving to islands even while they are young because they can work from home.

But there are things you need to consider before you decide to make the move to an island location. One big thing to think about is the comforts of home. What do you love and feel you need where you currently live, like macaroni and cheese, fast internet and a movie theatre. Whatever your list is, you then to need to find out if these things are available on the island you want to live on. The best way to do this is by visiting for at least a week. Maybe hooking up with someone locally and paying them to help you figure out how island living is really there.

Also, what country controls the island? Do they have internet and phone? Are the costs about the same? What does housing cost and power? Are there good fresh water sources? Never jump the gun on any move, be sure to get militant about researching just where it is you’re considering moving to. Doing this will save you a ton of headaches later.

Vacations Ruined

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:13:42 +0000

Whenever you plan a vacation, you try and plan for everything. You make sure you have car rental insurance, you have your flight planned well in advance, but one thing you cannot do is plan for is how the environment will be once you get there.

For example, recently the Padre Islands were having problems with red algae. Red algae is not that toxic to humans, but it is no fun to swim in. It can cause skin irritations and breathing problems, but the symptoms are short lived.

Or imagine planning a trip 6 months in advance -say to the Bahamas, only to have a Hurricane blow through there. Island vacations can be particularly beautiful, yet at the same time have the tendency to have extreme weather pop up quickly.

There is really not much you can do. You can try and plan trips away from rainy or hurricane seasons. Also try and have some flexibility around where you would go. If you have plane tickets that allow you to swap destinations, then you can always go to your backup plan if needed.

So be careful and have fun!

Bahamas Wedding

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:03:37 +0000

OK, this is for all you people out there that just love to travel. -A wedding in the Bahamas.

Now let me say that for me, no think you. A trip to the Bahamas would be great, but a wedding there, that sounds a little rough for a home body like me. Besides, how in the world would you get the entire wedding party there? I can’t imagine going up to my friends and family and letting them know in order to attend my wedding they will be flying and staying in the Bahamas on themselves. Nobody would show up to my wedding…

But for the adventurous, the Bahamas will take care of all this for you for a pretty hefty price. No having to coordinate anything, they will do it all for you, just show up and make sure you have your wedding license.

What an amazing place to get married for the free-spirit. The beautiful beaches and amazing places to visit would be unforgettable. I admit it does seem ideal in one sense, having the wedding at the same location of your honeymoon.

Although it’s not for me, by the end of doing some reading on weddings in the Bahamas and writing this blog, I could be swayed to participate if my mood were right!

The Stunning Azores Archipelago

admin — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:16:55 +0000

Straddling the mid Atlantic ridge around 950 miles west of Lisbon lays the stunning Azores archipelago. Often described as the tips of the lost continent of Atlantis, the islands maintain an Old World charm that is difficult to find almost anywhere

else in Europe.

The nine volcanic islands that make up the Azores lie about a third of the way across the Atlantic from the Portuguese coast. They are on the same latitude as Washington DC, but have a sub tropical feel about them due to the rich abundance of plants and flowers. Since the discovery of the islands in 1431 various authors have claimed that the islands are the remains of the lost continent of Atlantis.

Sao Miguel is the largest island consisting of two enormous volcanoes, Sete Cidades and Furnas, with a valley in the middle. Both volcanoes can be visited although Furnas is the only one still smoking. The sight of boiling black mud bubbling away within its craters is very dramatic and the mud is used in health treatments in the various spas that can be found on Sao Miguel.

The local restaurants offer Cozido das Caldeiras. A mixed stew cooked in a volcanoes crater although if you are serious about trying it you will need to order in advance as it takes eight hours to prepare. Sete Cidades is actually two linked craters that now form a double lake.

Taking immense pride in their discovery the Portuguese brought the finest architects and craftsmen to build magnificent churches and homes as they colonised the island.

The capital of the island, Ponta Delgada contains several baroque churches built of volcanic rock carved into arches and windows with anchors and shells.

The smaller islands of Santa Maria, Faial, Graciosa, Pico, Sao Jorge, Terceira, Corvo and Flores can all be reached by plane and there is a boat service connecting Sao Miguel with Santa Maria.

Whale Watch in Azores offers people from all walks of life a relaxing whale and holiday that can make a real difference to the environment. Regularly seeing 6 or 7 different species of cetacean in their natural environment, against the backdrop of Europes western frontier, the beautiful Azores archipelago.

The magic of the Azores guarantees a great time for all the family sun, sea, sand and a unique natural beauty to inspire even the youngest minds.

The Azores make a perfect holiday destination for families. Stunning scenery, fascinating sea life and a wealth of activities that can all be pre arranged by us to make sure you and your family enjoy a fantastic Azores Experience.

By: Douglas Scott

About the Author:

Douglas Scott works for The Rental Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Azores Rental Site