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Now you have found out how to stay safe on holiday from the travel tumblr above, how about some inspiration for your next trip? No better inspiration than the glorious Dominican Republic

​The Dominican Republic

Once governed by Spain, the Dominican Republic covers approximately 66% of the Caribbean island known as “Hispaniola”, Haiti covers the remaining third and Spanish is the official language of this former French Colony. Located on the south coast is the capital city of Santo Domingo. The highest point in the West Indies “Pico Duarte” can be found here in the largely mountainous interior. It is also one of the poorest countries in the region with a very large disparity between the rich and poorest of its peoples. The ethnic mix of the country is mostly from mixed European and African origins. These two very diverse backgrounds have mixed together to create the popular dance and song the “meringue”. Undoubtedly the main reason the island is so popular with tourists is the fantastic weather and incredible white sandy beaches. You also have the added bonus of having the choice of either the Caribbean or Atlantic Ocean coastline to have a dip into.

The Dominican Republic has not made the mistake of other destinations by spoiling this precious resource with unsightly high rise resorts. Instead it has adopted to use low–rise, white washed hotels to offer low key accommodation that blends in more favourably with the environment. Many of the hotels offer the ever more popular “All –Inclusive” option for a luxurious holiday break. The splendid natural resources are the main draw to the island and unsurprisingly most of the activities are based around them. The incredibly clear waters make this destination a favourite place for snorkelling with its diverse variety of colourful sea life.

So when is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic? There are two busy times for visiting; firstly between December to February and secondly between July and August. The most reliable weather is found during these times, although some rain is possible in July and August. At these times the beaches are at their busiest and most of the resorts are crowded. Outside of the busy times March and April are good times to visit the island when it is quieter and the weather still favourable - the rainy season normally starts in May.

Whatever time of year you visit The Dominican Republic you can be assured to be delighted with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, at an affordable price you never thought possible. If you tire of the comforts of your luxury accommodation you might venture a little further afield and see some of the other attractions the Dominican has to offer.

Mountain Trekking
What a great experience, there are a number of private guides and a small number of Tour Operators who will facilitate you on an ascent of the highest peak in the Caribbean “Pico Duarte”; at 3087metres not to be taken lightly. The effort and vistas on the way to the summit will truly leave you breathless. This is a serious trek taking anywhere from one and a half to five days, depending on your starting point and route chosen. You will need to spend at least one night out in one of the trekking cabins or in a tent, so you definitely get the “Indiana Jones” feel on this trip. It is recommended, for your own safety, that you do to this trek with a recognised Mountain Guide or Tour operator who can carry out the correct registration with the authorities and organise the necessary provisions for such a serious undertaking.

Whale watching in the Dominican Republic
This is a fabulous excursion; Samaná Bay is the best place to go to experience one of nature’s greatest wildlife shows. Depending on your location on the island, most tours have an early departure time to ensure you have plenty of time at Samaná Bay to have the best chance of seeing these amazing creatures. The best time to go Whale watching is between January to March, during these times upwards of 10,000 Humpback whales from the North Atlantic community return to the waters around the Dominican Republic to mate and breed. This is an opportunity not to be missed, to see these gentle giants in their natural surroundings is an awe inspiring experience and one that will remain with you for many years to come. The experience is further enhanced by the expert marine guides who explain all there is to know about these magnificent creature.

Samana Peninsula
Samaná Peninsula was once an isolated island, until the late 19th century when sediment filled the narrow channel separating the mainland from the island forming the incredibly beautiful Peninsula we see today. There are a number of high mountain gorges in the middle of the Peninsula which offer stupendous vistas of waterfalls and rich tropical forests. It is an incredibly gorgeous destination with lush green mountains full of coconut trees and fabulous breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean. The Peninsula is best explored by foot. This area has many hidden gems, protected coves, fabulous hidden beaches and secluded undeveloped bays. It is just a wonderful location, there are a small number of all-inclusive resorts or picturesque low-key accommodations, both offering total tranquility and relaxation.

Barahona
The town of Barahona is surrounded by outstanding natural beauty with fabulous coastline, beautiful lakes, stupendous mountains and unusual and interesting foliage. The secretive beaches are amongst the prettiest you will see anywhere in the Dominican Republic .The area is home to no less than three national parks, covering the greatest protected area in the country. Within these parks you will find the largest breeding population of flamingos and in excess of 60 different species of bird. You will also see the largest salt lake in this part of the Caribbean, lying some 45 metres below sea level and containing the “American Crocodile”. Located in the South West of the island, and some 40 km south of Barahona, are the Larimar mines which contain the semi precious stones known as “Larimar”; a stone that is totally unique to the Dominican Republic.

Scuba diving & Snorkeling
The coast off the Dominican Republic offers fabulous sites for diving or snorkeling in the many reefs found here. There is a spectacular array of diverse sea life which is a delight for experienced as well as the novice diver or snorkler. There are many exciting dive sites, with underwater caves and an abundance of shipwrecks, some of them many hundreds of years old. There are a number of superb diving sites located only 10 minutes from the International Airport, offering a variety of challenges from shallow dives amongst the reefs to deep water dives off the edge of the reef. With such a quality of diverse dive sites you will be very unlucky not to find an area that fulfills all your diving and snorkeling requirements.

Monster Truck or Jeep Safaris
There are a variety of tours in different parts of the island offering a tremendous choice of terrain consisting of secluded beaches, mountain areas, rivers and lush tropical forest areas. These organized events provide quick and easy access to many parts of the interior that would otherwise be off limits. You also get the opportunity to travel through small farming communities where you can see the typical Dominican way of life.

Puerto Plata
This natural port was first discovered in the early 1490’s by the great explorer “Christopher Columbus” and by 1540 the first New World fort was constructed. In the 1970’s tourism came to the area and, although it never became a major tourist destination in its own right, many visitors from the surrounding popular resorts came to visit the historic fort of “Fuerto de San Felipe” as well as the late 1800’s Victorian houses in the older part of town. There is a delightful 2 km long boardwalk with the characteristic Dominican restaurants, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk and fine meal whilst at the same time enjoying the breath taking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and Port. One of the popular attractions here is the “Amber Museum” containing many fine examples of insects, flowers, leaves and fossils trapped in the ancient amber resin. “Mount Isabel de Torres”, located just outside of town, has a cable car that takes you to the top of the mountain, giving the tourist easy access to wonderful views of the surrounding area and city. Once on top you will also be rewarded with a stupendous botanical garden and the awe-inspiring “Christ the Redeemer “statue.
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Fishing in the Dominican Republic
Fishing has been the lifeline of many of the small coastal towns for years before tourism became fashionable and this tradition still continues to this day. There are many excursions for the tourist who is interested in fishing in the deep seas, but it’s also possible to fish from the shore like many Dominicans still practice or from small boats with just a line and a little fish bait. Fishing is suitable all year round, but summer is the best time to try. There is an incredible choice of fish to be caught like Sailfish, Wahoo, barracuda, Porpoise and Marlin. The north coast is best for Dorado, Tuna and King mackerel. The East Coast resorts of Bavaro and Punta Cana are also excellent locations to try fishing.

Back way back when, to a time when the internet was in its infancy there was this awesome travel site called Octopus Travel, I even used to use it, of course like many websites they close down, this one though had a huge following and there is a help out there for those who wish to reminisce

Before you get the Octopus Travel help here's an idea of somewhere amazing to go to on your next holiday away. St Lucia is up there on my things to do before i'm 50 list, what about you?

A small tropical paradise, Saint Lucia is a sovereign island country. This breathtakingly beautiful, tropical island is still relatively unknown. It is to be found midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, set in between Martinique and St. Vincent – just north of Barbados. The official language here is English, although 95% of the population speaks patois which is the influence of the French who settled here in the 17th century. Saint Lucia became an independent state of the Commonwealth associated with the UK and Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State.

Saint Lucia is more mountainous than other Islands in the Caribbean, the highest point being Mount Gimie at 950 metres above sea level. The island’s famous landmark, the iconic Pitons, rises 2,000 feet up from the sea and shelter the fabulous rain forests. Within the rainforest, there are lush fields and orchards of coconut, mango, papaya and banana trees. Tourism is the main source of income here and the people have a reputation for their charm and warmth.

Many travelers visit St. Lucia mid-December through to the middle of April, which is the busy high season. At this time, attractions, hotels and restaurants are very heavily booked and of course more expensive than during the off season. The benefit, however, is better weather – the least amount of rain falls during this period and the weather is warm, but not stifling. The hurricane season coincides with an increase in rain and temperatures, marking the off-season in St. Lucia. June through to November are the wettest months, with most of the rain being in the form of short heavy downpours followed by bright sunshine - the temperature tends to rise a few degrees making the heat feel a little more uncomfortable. Prices of airline tickets and hotel prices can drop up to 50% after mid-April and remain low for the summer and the hurricane season.

Many couples choose to spend their honeymoon here on the island of St. Lucia where the locals are warm and friendly. The accommodation is wonderful, the weather nears perfect, the surrounding natural beauty stunning and there is plenty of opportunity for relaxation and fun. There are many attractions and activities to enjoy whilst on holiday here in St Lucia and many of the hotels are only too happy to assist you. Click here to find some of the best things to do in St Lucia

Hold up chuck! Before you let that dog find you a super duper low cost holiday we want to tell you some things you might not know about St Lucia, you may even decide to go there on your next vacation!

Barre De L’isle Trail (Non-Strenuous)
Barre De L’isle Trail is a one mile trail. It will take about an hour to walk and then a further hour to climb up Mr.La Combe ridge. There are four points along the walk where panoramic views can be enjoyed. The ragged Mount Gimie can be seen as well as Cul de Sac Valley, the green mountain forest, the Caribbean Sea and also the Aux Leon community. On the Atlantic Coast you will experience views of Fond d’Or beach and the vast Mabouya Valley.

Enbas Saut (Moderate to Strenuous)
Enbas Saut is a trail within the Central Rainforest Reserve. It is at the base of the highest mountain in Saint Lucia ( Mount Gimie) and is about 6 miles east of Soufriere. This is a 4kilometre cut trail and is remote, but so beautifully scenic. It has an interesting mixture of Cloud Forest, Rainforest, Elfin Woodlands and wildlife. Not far from the trail is the hilly terrain of Piton Troumassee, Piton Canarie and Mount Gimie. At the head of the Troumassee River are the two famous cascading waterfalls and pools.

Edmund Forest Reserve (Strenuous)
This trail will take about three and half hours and takes you right through the heart of a tropical island into Edmund Forest Reserve – you will experience here some of nature’s most pristine opportunities. Plants such as orchids, bromeliads lianas, mushrooms and many more can be seen attached to their hosts, sitting on branches, on the spongy forest floor or on the sides of the trail itself. As you continue westwards you with enjoy a breath-taking view of St Lucia’s highest peak – Mount Gimie.

Zip lining
If you would like to see the rainforest from a completely different angle, Zip lining is a must especially if you are seeking adventure. Overcome your fear of heights by zip lining; it is a sure-fire way to get the adrenaline pumping and at the same time having an unforgettable experience. There are a number of tour operators who carry out a choice of zip lining tours and this experience is definitely for anyone who loves to have fun and at the same time enjoys natural beauty. You can witness the beauty and excitement of the rainforest on a unique combination tour! Starting out with a guided aerial tour over the rainforest's canopy in gondolas, which can each hold 8 people, and with an experienced guide you'll have the chance to enjoy a tour with only a small group, in the heart of the tropical rainforest. With various interconnecting zip lines, you'll have the opportunity to fly through the rainforest from platform to platform, experiencing the thrill of gliding high through the tree canopy looking down at the rainforest below whilst at the same time enjoying breath-taking views. Zip lining is an exciting, yet safe adventure not to be missed! - Highly recommended.

St Lucia Volcano
You will be getting really close to nature if you try the unique tour of The St Lucia Volcano – also known as St Lucia Sulphur Springs. Believed to be the only drive-in volcano in the world, it is not actually possible to drive into the volcano, but you will probably get closer than you ever thought you could! Busses park only 2 hundred yards away from the volcano and a guide will lead you up to the edge of the caldera. There was last a minor eruption in the late 1700s, but the Hydrogen Sulphide (rotten eggs) smell still seeps from within the caldera. Although boiling mud, water and steam emerge from the crater, the volcano is claimed to be dormant! – Don’t forget your camera.

St Lucia Whale Watching and Dolphin Spotting Tour!
Whales and dolphins can regularly be spotted in St Lucia’s azure waters. There are many Dolphin and Whale watching tours off St. Lucia’s North Island coastline, where you can take photographs and learn about these magnificent marine mammals. These magnificent mammals occur commonly and in quite large numbers in Soufriere Bay, on the southwest coast as well as off northwest St. Lucia, from the island to the waters between St Lucia and Martinique – here Sperm Whales and fals Killer Whales are regularly seen. From January to April, occasionally, Bridye’s Whales and humpback whales are seen. On these excursions it is not uncommon to see Pilot Whales, travelling in pods of up to 100, spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins – a fantastic experience and wonderful memory. Enjoy also, St Lucia’s tropical fishing villages and deserted coves along the coastline – make sure you bring your sunscreen!


St Lucia’s Beaches
Hiring a car is recommended as there are so many beautiful and secluded beaches just waiting to be discovered. There are strands of black volcanic sand as well as long stretches of white sandy beaches bordered with palm trees and towering mountains. All beaches here are public and form part of the “Queen’s Chain”. The Northwest Coast is a great place to find some of the best beaches.

Marigo Bay: An ultimate Caribbean secluded bay and it’s bordered on three sides by steep lush hills, this bay is the perfect Caribbean locale. Marigo Bay has been the site of many battles between British Navies and the French and as a result is a historic landmark. Here there is anchorage for yachts on deserted beaches. These bright blue waters and green palms offer unique serenity and an ideal place to relax.

Choc Bay: A wonderful stretch of sandy coastline where majestic palms provide a welcome source of shade. This is an excellent spot, near to Castries, where all the major hotels are nearby. The sea here is calm and great for swimming, which is why many families with children are attracted. Just off shore there are fantastic views of Little Rat Island.

South Coast

Anse de Sables: This is an easy to reach beach which is beautiful, but windy. It is 2 Kilometres of soft white sandy beach which looks out over Maria Islands. This beach is a popular place for kite boarding and wind surfing as there are steady cross shore winds from the left as well as a reef-enclosed bay on the leeward side - also highly recommended for sun-worshippers.

Anse Des Pitons: This beach is to be found on Jalousie Bay. A crescent shaped beach which used to be a black sand beach until it was covered over with powdery white sands. This is a stunning beach at the foot of The Pitons. If you are prepared to go off the beaten track, you should try getting away from it all and consider the path to Anse des Pitons.


Scuba Diving
It should be no surprise to find there are many diving schools and centres in Saint Lucia. All levels of diving experience is catered for and trips, tuition, guides and equipment for snorkelling or scuba can be arranged through you hotel or agent. Saint Lucia is an absolute diving paradise with its steep coastlines and beautiful reefs. Both beginners and experienced divers can enjoy the variety of coral, sponge and marine life at the tip of an underwater volcano! There are a number of sunken ships where artificial reefs have developed. There are many spectacular diving sites ranging from easy to challenging. For example at the base of Gros Piton, the Coral Gardens rise from a depth of 15 to 50 feet and then on the point of Anse Chastenet, a platform slopes gradually from 40 to 60 feet. The reef falls to an amazing 140ft in a superb coral chain – an awe inspiring dive day or night. In shallow areas you can find peacock flounders, octopus, turtles and needle fish and as you drop down deeper over the coral you will find moray eels, parrot fish, puffers, lobsters and even sea horses – a truly remarkable experience!

Mamiku Gardens
This is the place where visitors can find that quiet corner to get away from other tourists; it is the largest garden in St Lucia. Try taking a drive along the rugged, scenic eastern coast with its fantastic vies of the Atlantic Ocean and you will eventually arrive at Mamiku Gardens. The gardens are set in twelve acres of woodlands – a floral paradise and a haven for birds. A commercial plantation here produces tropical flowers, bananas and other fruit; with the recently added Botanical Gardens which are now opened to the general public. There are a series of different gardens to be viewed as you criss cross the trails. Visit “Grandfather’s Garden” that has a range of plants and herbs with medical properties. See the stunning orchids which grow out of moss-covered tree stumps. Strategically placed benches provide rest and relaxation as you view these well-manicured gardens. This tranquil garden is inviting, yet does hide a dark past; it was once the location for a battle between France and Britain.

Well with the above link you will find out how to put together a cheap holiday for the old romantics! But where to go? Well Krabi in Thailand is up there with some of the most romantic destinations in the world. You will not be disappointed with this choice! Take a scan down the page...

Krabi Town is the capital of Krabi Province and is located where the Krabi River flows into the “Phangna Bay” and the “Andaman Sea”. It is known throughout the world for its magnificent limestone formations known as “Karsts” which are found on land and in the sea as islands. It is a wonderfully beautiful region of Thailand with incredible natural assets such as pristine beaches, un- spoilt forests and a range of mountains. The area has a number of caves, waterfalls and streams and a diverse range of wildlife and numerous species of exotic birds.

Many of its fabulous beaches can only be reached by travelling by boat hence helping to keep development to low levels. One of its attractions is that it is far less commercialised than other of the main tourist area of Thailand such as “KohSamui” and “Phuket”. It’s a great place to visit to just relax and soak up the fantastic scenery and crystal clear seas whilst enjoying the hospitality and friendliness’ of the Thai people. So special is Krabri Province that a large part of it has been chosen as a national park of outstanding beauty containing ”KoLantaYai” the largest island and headquarters of the national park authority and “KoLanta National Park” with its coral fringed islands, beautiful diving sites and gorgeous isolation.

When is the ideal time to visit Krabi? Due to its location Krabi Province benefits from a tropical climate providing warm weather throughout the year tempered by the “monsoon winds” that bring seasonal variations. There are two hot periods between April and May and secondly between September to October. During these times temperatures can frequently reach 36 degrees Celsius with the occasional thunderstorms bringing only short relief from the heat. At the height of the Southwest Monsoon in May it frequently rains making it one of the most uncomfortable months of the year with its high humidity. During the Northeast monsoon between November to March the area is bathed in mainly sunny weather with blue skies and reasonable temperatures averaging 24 to 32 degrees Celsius. For the best weather visit Krabi in late January to February when you are most likely to have ideal conditions with only a slight chance of a shower. Coming at this time has the additional bonus of avoiding the higher seasonal charges around the Christmas and New Year Festivities.

There is an excellent choice of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets ranging from cheap backpacker hostel accommodation to Luxurious 5 Stars hotels to fabulous Spa Resorts. To truly enjoy the Thai experience it requires you to leave the comfort of your luxury accommodation and venture out and take part in some of the following activities and “Day Trip Excursions” including:

One of the cheapest holiday destinations has to be Thai's Krabi! Give us a chance to prove it to be one heck of a place to visit, amazing things to do are on offer here!

​The Phi Phi Islands
Located in Krabi Province is the group of six islands that make up the incredibly beautiful Phi Phi Islands the supreme tropical escape. The islands shot to fame when the breath taking PHI Phi Leh Island was used as the location for the popular film “The Beach”. There is also the strangely named “Viking Cave “which is home to a flourishing Birds nest soup business. This small fishing community has grown quickly over recent times into a global resort area with five star hotels, dive schools and an energetic restaurant and bar scene. Despite this rapid development it’s still possible to find secluded spots to enjoy the outstanding scenery and touches of the earlier carefree lifestyles that used to be more typical of the Islands. The main island of the group “Ko Phi Phi Don” was devastated by the 2004 Giant Tsunami which affectively destroyed the main tourist area. Following a huge effort by the government and volunteer forces the infrastructure has been returned to pre-disaster levels and once again is a fabulous place to visit. Undoubtedly this group of islands are amongst the most stunning Thailand has to offer with incredible beaches, unbelievable rock formations and spectacular azure crystal clear waters swarming with colourful marine creatures. Life doesn’t get much better than this it’s a near perfect paradise.

Koh Lanta Island
Made up of fifty small islands is the “koh Lanta” archipelago although only three of them are inhabited and “koh LantaYai” is by far the most popular one visited by tourists. This beautiful island rises to a height of 500 metres on a mountain range which is covered with pristine rain forest. The main attraction is undeniably the nine superb beaches which extend for 30 km around the island. Some of the finest beaches on the islands can be found on the spectacular West Coast with its warm clear sea and remarkable sunsets. Even during mid-season it’s not uncommon to walk for miles and only pass a few pockets of tourists. This is an ideal place to simply lay back enjoy the sea, sand and sun, beach life just doesn’t get much better than this.

Scattered along the kilometres of wonderful beaches are more than 30 purpose built resorts, far enough away from each other to give you that special feeling of privacy and seclusion yearned by many wishing to escape from today’s hectic lifestyle. Despite the Island increased popularity the island maintains its relaxing and tranquil atmosphere and tourists can enjoy a wide range of accommodation for all budgets including simple backpacker hostels, luxury hotels and expensive boutique resorts. The inhabitants of Koh Lanta are made up of an incredible ethic mix of the indigenous Sea Gypsies, Muslims, Thai and Thai Chinese. This mixture of peoples and culture come together in the delightful variety of cuisine of offer. It’s a fabulous place to spend a unforgettable family holiday it would be difficult to surpass all the wonderful things Koh Lanta has to offer.

Klong Thom Hot Springs
Situated in the jungle south of Krabi you find naturally occurring smooth stone “Hot Tubs” over flowing with warm spring waters from thermal springs which have originated from deep underground volcanic cavities. These warm volcanic waters tumble down the springs covering you with naturally occurring mineral salts which are reputed to have a number of healing properties including skin disorders sciatica and rheumatism. The setting is wonderful, hidden in shade it’s temping to spend more than the recommended 30 minutes in the healing waters. The “Hot Tubs” are
located above a stream that is ideal for cooling off in before having additional soaks. There is a small fee payable on entrance to the springs but well worth it for the enjoyable experience. Due to its close location to the “Crystal Pool “attraction many operators combine the two attractions on a single tour, a great advantage if time is short.

Crystal Lagoon
Krabi Province is known for being an area of exceptional beauty and the “Crystal Lagoon” located in the “Thung Teao Forest Natural Park” is a remarkable lowland forested area with a wealth of bio diversity. The pristine forest is full of ancient trees reaching up to grab the available sunlight, unique forest creatures and stunning limestone scenery that opens up to the spectacular green coloured pool. There is a small nominal charge for adults but it is well worth it for the delights that await you. This gleaming pool changes its shade of colour from a greenish blue hue when the pool temperature is high to a pale green hue when the temperature falls, so the best time to view the emerald coloured lagoon is in the early part of the day. The perimeter of the pool can be slippery due to the high natural content of the calcium carbonate dissolved in the water so take care. There are two smaller pools in the area but undeniably the star attraction is the Crystal Lagoon. As mentioned above this tour is frequently combined with the “Klong Thom Hot Springs” tour.

WAT THAM SUA “Tiger Cave”
Situated close to Krabi Town is the attraction known as “Tiger Cave” temple, inside there are prints reputedly those of a tiger imprinted in the stone. The temple is situated at the bottom of huge limestone peak with many surrounding buildings for laypeople and monks. It is an interesting temple complex supporting 80 monks living at the bottom and a further 8 monks worshipping and living inside a natural maze of caves. For those who want to be a little more adventurous there is a steep climb to the summit of the limestone peak which supports the most interesting and spectacular feature of the temple complex. It’s a tough climb of approximately 40 minutes for the fit and healthy and slightly longer than one hour for the less fit. On route you will find there are three steep portions and over 1,200 steps to tolerate before you eventually arrive at this most spectacular and breathtaking of places. At the top you will be greeted buy a huge golden Buddhist Monument of Buddha himself. The cool breeze at this altitude is both welcoming and refreshing after the exertion of the climb; it is well worth the time and effort because you are rewarded with stupendous panoramic views Krabi, the surrounding countryside and the beautiful Andaman Sea.

Elephant Trekking
This endangered animal is seen as a representation of the Thai people’s character but many suffer terribly at the hands of unscrupulous logging camps that work the elephants in a cruel and uncaring manner. There are many elephant trekking tours available for tourist to enjoy these magnificent creatures up close. It’s a fun filled experience that begins with climbing on board these gentle giants from a raised platform and onto a specially constructed sedan chair that’s fits securely on the elephants back. The treks normally involve a leisurely walk through some wonderful countryside taking in plantations of rubber crossing rivers and streams and fabulous tropical jungle. The treks are normally one hour long and it is a wonderful experience, don’t forget your camera your guide will be only too pleased to take your photograph for you and your friendly giant. 

KhaoPhanomBencha Mountain & Thailand National Park
Covering some 50 kilometres square and located just 20 kms from Krabi Town is the thickly forested “KhaoPhanomBencha National Park”. It is a wild and wondrous beauty spot with some amazing scenery and ideal for the more adventurous tourist. The park is full of many waterfalls, streams and a varied selection of wildlife including Clouded Leopards, Wild Boar Tapirs and Peacocks to name but a few. There is pristine forest and mountain chain running throughout the park along its North, South axis with the highest peak within Krabi Province of 1.397 metres. Trekking to the top of this peak is not an easy challenge and various routes are available to shorten or lengthen the route according to your ability and stamina. It is recommended to use one of the local guides for your own safety because it is jungle terrain that makes you feel like a true explorer and pioneer. There are of course less strenuous options available but are equally just as rewarding with some fantastic and amazing scenery on route.

Kayaking
What a fantastic eco friendly tourist pursuit, it’s the ideal way to silently explore this amazing world of limestone cliffs, caverns known locally as “Hongs” canyons and mangroves. The kayaks allow easy access to these remote settings and at low tide many of the hidden hongs can be entered which sometimes open up to reveal amazing lagoons with high sided cliffs. To make sure you don’t miss out on what’s available it’s advisable to go on an organised tour as they know all the best places and tide information, this makes the best use of any available time you have at your disposal. It’s suitable for total novices to the sport with instructions given and easier routes followed. Be warned although its all taken at a leisurely pass if you have not done it before you can expect to be aching the next day but its well worth it. It’s a brilliant experience that’s allows you to silently approach creatures that would otherwise take flight enabling you to view crab eating macaque, monkeys, a varied selection of colourful tropical fish to name but a few.

Cheap holiday in Jamaica? Are you talking out ya nono? No! Seriously it can be done, not all budget trips are in a half star accommodation in Salou, good value vacations can be found world over, you just need to know where to look! Start by casting your eye sockets on this.

​Discovered in 1494 by the great explorer Christopher Columbus it was not settled by Europeans until the early 16th century by the Spanish. It became a British colony known as “Jamaica” during 1655 and the native “Taino” Indians who lived here for centuries were displaced by African slaves. The capital Kingston was the main centre in the “New World” for the commerce that brought slaves in from Africa and shipped rum and sugar back to the “Old World”. No other place in the Caribbean feels its historical routes with Africa like Jamaica.

Jamaica is one of the Greater Antilles islands, made up of Hispaniola, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica. At its widest it is 80 kilometres and at its longest 234 kilometres and covers an area of nearly 11,000 square kilometres. It is a mainly mountainous island with a narrow intermittent coastal strip; the highest point is at 2,256 metres on top of Blue Mountain Peak. Full Independence was obtain from the British on August6, 1962, with English or English patois being the main languages spoken. Most of the resort and rural areas are relatively safe places to visit but unfortunately drug trafficking, poverty and crime pose substantial difficulties for the government.

Well when is the best time to visit Jamaica? Jamaica has a tropical climate which means it’s hot and humid at sea level with the higher inland regions enjoying a more temperate climate, in the mountainous areas temperatures can be a pleasant 10 degrees cooler. The average yearly temperature is in the pleasant range of 27 to 30°C,the coolest months are January and February before temperatures begin to rise again in March, July and August are usually the hottest months with a 10 degree difference between winter and summer. The wettest time in Jamaica is normally between may to June and during September to October and on occasions spreading into November. The distribution of the precipitation is surprisingly uneven across the island with the South Western coast being the driest and the windward facing Eastern coast receiving the most rainfall. Worthy of note is the Atlantic hurricane season in Jamaica runs between June 1 to November 30th, with August and September being the busiest and most likely period to experience one.
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Jamaica is a great choice for tourists it has so much to offer with its fantastic beaches, tasty cuisine, great music, fabulous weather and above all the friendliness of its people. Like any other major tourist destination, Jamaica's accommodation ranges from high-class 5 star luxury resorts, petite boutique hotels and bare-essential guest houses and hotels. Jamaica is known for having the greatest hotel options in the Caribbean so you can make your choice based on numerous factors such as location, amenities and most importantly for most people the price. If you tire of your immediate resort area and its luxury accommodation you might like to adventure a little further and see some of the other attractions that Jamaica has to offer.

So you now know where to compare hotels and grab the best deals online but where are you going to go? This list of things to do in Jamaica should give you plenty to think about

​Dunn’s River Falls
Undoubtedly one of Jamaica’s most popular and famous attractions has got to be Dunn’s River Falls, an outstanding area of natural beauty with over 600 feet of free climbing pleasure for thousands of tourists and locals every year. It is so popular that the parking area has become a huge parking lot of tour buses. It is an amazing setting with the cascading waterfalls and several small scattered lagoons bordered with the most attractive tropical foliage providing welcome shade from the fierce midday sun. The falls are naturally terraced with a few man made additions to assist with the ascent; tourists are encouraged by their guides to join hands whilst climbing which not only makes it safer but also more fun. The climbing route is often crowded but the climb up the falls is always good fun and is suitable for most ages except perhaps the youngest or very oldest of people. If you prefer to keep dry you can climb alongside the falls and view friends and family from the many viewpoints, don’t forget your camera or video to record this wonderful location.

Coyaba River Gardens and Museum in Ocho Rios
Coyaba River Gardens is a spectacular park built on the historic grounds of the “Shaw Park Plantation “and dating back to the earliest British Colonia rule in Jamaica. The Gardens are home to turtles, snapper, mullet and koi carp swimming around in their natural surroundings. Tourists can enjoy guided tours that enlighten them to the origins of the many species of trees and plants that surround them and also a brief explanation to Jamaica’s agricultural heritage. Located in the gardens is a wonderful little museum that details the ancient cultures and artefacts of the original inhabitants of Jamaica, the “Arawak/Taino” Indians. It also explains Jamaica’s torrid colonial history through to the fall of slavery and the sugarcane plantations. It truly is a beautiful and tranquil place to visit with its huge banyan tree, shaded paths and fabulously coloured flowers. The river has cut its way through the limestone bedrock to create a series of small falls and pools making naturally filled aquariums with a variety of fish and turtles. The Mahoe Falls are not as well-known as the nearby Dunn’s River Falls but are just as beautiful with the advantage of not being so busy. You can choose to laze about in the natural pool at the base or the more adventurous can choose to climb the falls. Take the time to trek to the lookout beauty spot at “Ysassis” allowing the visitor to enjoy stupendous panoramic vistas of the Cruise ship terminals and the Ocho Rios Bay far below.

Trekking in The Blue Mountains 
The Blue mountains have some of the most stunning and unique landscape of anywhere in the Caribbean including raging rivers, streams, and fantastic warerfalls. The lower reaches start on the outer limits of Kingston rising quickly ot a sequence of curved peaks that terminate at the highest point in Jamaica “Blue Mountain Peak”. The high altitude ensures they are cooler than other parts of Jamaica and they are often hidden by an almost continuous veil of mist that gives the mountain their bluish tint. The peaks are lush and green thanks to the abundant rainfall totalling an incredible 300 inches a year. This abundance of moisture have enabled in excess of 500 different species of beautiful and unusual flowering plants and many types of butterflies and hummingbirds that take advantage of the rich food source. The once heavily forested lower slopes are now used predominately for the growing of vegetables, spices and “Blue Mountain Coffee” one the chief export commodities of Jamaica. The mountains are a hikers and walkers dream destination with pleasant walks and full treks to the peak at an altitude of 3000 feet. There are an abundance of quality trekking companies to guide you to the summit but if you are more adventurous it’s possible to hike the route safely yourself. It is much safer to hike during the dry season from December to April, outside of this period sudden and torrential downpours can create flooding and landslides.

Montego Bay
Montego Bay is the second city of Jamaica in both extent and importance and was once a banana and sugar town. These days it is one of the outstanding Caribbean resort locations with so much to do for the tourists. The glorious white soft sandy beach “Doctors Cove Beach” was the resorts original appeal which attracted the wealthy socialites and star celebrities from around the world. The area is fortunate to be endowed with marvellous natural beauty with a stunning natural bay and majestic large coral reef located close to shore, breathtakingly clear shallows and fantastic beaches. It has an energetic Caribbean atmosphere with a matchless Jamaican feel with crowed colourful streets, dynamic, relaxed and laid back all at the same time. Montego Bay is definitely a hedonistic resort that likes to party to the rhythmic beats of the local reggae beats. The majority of proceedings unsurprisingly resolve around the outstanding beaches, the local reef is ideal for snorkelers and divers alike with a plethora of marine life to uncover. For those who prefer to keep their heads above water there is water skiing, jet skiing or windsurfing. The main resort area is full of hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops so be sure to barter it is expected and part of the fun. There is also the large “Aquasol Theme Park” offering a variety of entertainment ranging from, kayaking, glass bottom boating, go-karting, parasailing, tennis an beach volleyball. Other things to do in Monego Bay and the surrounding area include a Bird sanctuary at Rocklands and historical buildings such as “Rose Hall Great House” and “Bellefield Great House & Gardens”.

Rose Hall Great House
Located on the north coast of Jamaica approximately 9 miles from Montego Bay is the supreme example of one of Jamaica’s Great Plantation Houses. Restored to its former glory it is one of the most well-known buildings on the island and was constructed in the late 18th century in the Georgian style typical of the time. At the time of construction it was one of many such Great Plantation Houses which coordinated the work of the slaves on the sugar plantations. Rose Hall Plantation was huge covering 6600 acres of sugar cane fields and 2000 slaves to work the plantation. Its set high on a hill with fantastic views of the coast making it an imposing structure seen from miles around. It was badly damaged in the 1831 slave rebellion and is one of only a handful of great houses to survive to the present date. John Rollins an American Millionaire spent vast amounts of his personnel wealth to return the building to its former glory. There are a number of property developments and resorts positioned around Rose Hall offering luxury villas, houses and perfectly maintained golf courses.

Treasure Beach
Some of the best attractions and sights are often found in the more remote areas of Jamaica. If you are yearning for an adventure wonderland with the most gorgeous and diverse beaches then head for the South Coast. Situated within the parish of St. Elizabeth is “Treasure Beach” the name given to four laid back fishing villages and coves? It is known throughout the island for its very friendly, hardworking farmers and fishermen. One of the things you notice about the South Coast is how different it appears to the rest of Jamaica. It is the driest part of the island receiving the least amount of precipitation and for this reason is often referred to as the “Desert Coast”. Despite this lack of rainfall this area still produces more vegetables and fruit than any other parish in Jamaica. Treasure Beach is made up of six miles of beautiful sandy beaches, four public beaches, privately owned coves and rocky shoreline ideal for both swimming, body surfing and snorkelling. It is well suited for sun bathing, hiking, sightseeing and biking. Fishing is the main industry here, with farming following on close behind. If you want to experience Jamaica and its fantastic beaches and variety of activities in a totally laid back surrounds then the settlements of Treasure Beach is perfect for you.