Both Vieques and Culebra are integral part of Puerto Rico as municipalities. The language is Spanish, although English is widely spoken. Being Puerto Rico part of the United States, visitors coming from North American don’t need a passport or visa.

It is nicknamed “La Isla Nena” or the girl island. It is located about 10 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico.

Since 1943, for the next 60 years Vieques was used by the US Navy for naval exercises and held a great part of the island territory. After years of pressure by local residents and many Puerto Ricans, the Navy left the island in 2003. Now the whole island is a paradise for tourists that come to enjoy the natural exotic beaches, far from big beaches resorts and crowd of people.

The white sand beaches, the clear waters and the attitude of the locals make of this island into a real paradise. Many locals and visitors are trying to resist too much development that will change for ever the look and feel of this heaven.

There are two important towns, Isabel Segunda and Esperanza. The first one is host to the Vieques Museum of Art and History and the Vieques Archives. Both located at “El Fortin Conde de Mirasol”

I want to mention a few of the pristine beaches

Red Beach
Garcia Beach
Blue beach full of marine life is ideal for Caribbean Snorkeling
Orchid Beach is great for surfing in its blue waters.
Sombe or Sun Bay is where the facilities of “El Balneario” are. It has many facilities for visitors.
Mosquito Bay is a phosphorescent beach one due a phenomenon caused by millions of a tiny form of marine life.

On your Puerto Rico Vacations, I recommend a visit to Vieques. You can fly there from San Juan International Airport on a 20 minutes short flight. There are also some flights from neighboring St Croix and St Thomas in the Us Virgin Islands.

You may also dry east from San Juan to Fajardo and take the ferry for the one hour ride to Vieques.
The ferry operates three times a day. For schedules call the Puerto Rico Port Authority Office at 800—981-2005

Remember its name Vieques; it is becoming more and more popular as the days go by.

By: Eddy Tuchman 

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com 

Eddy Tuchman loves to share his Caribbean travel tips on his website le-caribbean-islands.com. Visit le-caribbean-islands.com to learn more about great island getaways.

Barbados was once an English colony but is now a thriving independent nation. Located in the southern Caribbean, nearby islands include Trinidad and Tobago as well as St. Lucia. Because of the upscale air the island exudes, Barbados is considered a prime choice for honeymooners. Travelers can find everything from simple motels to all-inclusive resorts to timeshare condos when they book travel to Barbados. With a dry and temperate climate, Barbados is also known for its white sand beaches and the abundance of water sports made possible by the terrific waves of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Beach Destination # 2: The U.S. Virgin Islands

If you want to plan the ideal Caribbean beach vacation without even technically leaving the United States, then the U.S. Virgin Islands is the perfect destination. Three islands comprise the U.S. Virgin Islands. They are St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. The smaller Water Island is also a part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. All part of the same territory, each island offers its own unique destinations and amenities. The U.S. Virgin islands are located just to the east of Puerto Rico.

St. Thomas is home to the famous Blackbeards Castle. Although it is unknown if the pirate known as Blackbeard ever visited St. Thomas, this tower was used as a vantage point to spot incoming ships and is now a part of a hotel on the island. St. John is a very wealthy island which benefits from restrictive development laws, making it a highly exclusive destination within the Caribbean. For the well heeled traveler, this is the perfect destination. St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin islands and is home to several environmentally protected areas including the beautiful Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge as well as the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. Water Island was long used by the United States government for various testing programs. Although it is primarily a residential island, visitors may venture there for a more personalized U.S. Virgin Islands experience.

Beach Destination # 3: The Cayman Islands

Known as the most famous tax haven in the world, the Cayman Islands are also home to some of the most beautiful beaches and some of the most upscale accommodations within the Caribbean. One of the biggest draws is scuba diving, which is made possible by the impossibly clear waters that surround the island. A British Territory, the Cayman Islands include three islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Many cruise ships choose the Cayman Islands as a port of call, most commonly going into Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman is also home to the famous Seven Mile Beach. Topped by coral sand and bounded by many upscale resorts, this is a must-visit part of the island. If you visit the Cayman Islands, make time to visit the two smaller islands instead of just Grand Cayman. There are many beautiful attractions throughout this destination.

Beach Destination # 4: The Bahamas

Easily the most well-known destination in the Caribbean, the Bahamas are visited by millions of tourists every year and are also visited by cruise ships on a regular basis. The Bahamas truly caters to the tourist trade, with events organized throughout the regions popular travel season, which lasts from December to April. Yet thanks to its temperate climate, you can visit the Bahamas at nearly any time of the year, however, and experience great weather and a terrific atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a couples-only resort, an all-inclusive resort, or a family-friendly time share, the Bahamas has cost-effective options to suit any need. Several hundred islands comprise the Bahamas, but only several are inhabited and used as tourist destinations. The popular destinations that you may consider include Grand Bahama, New Providence, and Harbour Island. Be prepared for adventure in the Bahamas as the pace can be fast and the variety of opportunities endless.

Regardless of the beach destination you choose, you are sure to find vibrant nightlife, shopping, dining, entertainment, golf and water sports to suit your personal tastes. Sample the local and international flavors unique to the cultures of the Caribbean. Whether you are looking for an action-packed vacation or secluded lazy days on the beach, there is a Caribbean beach vacation waiting for you!

By: Mike Cole 

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com 

About Author:
Mike Cole is a freelance writer who writes about vacation deals and the travel industry in general, often discussing specific aspects of the travel industry such as a travel agent. 

Villa Cielomar. This wonderful vacation villa is footsteps from the ocean. This two bedroom villa is perfect for anyone looking to hide out for a relaxing holiday. There are three beds, though the two doubles can be pushed together to form a king in the second bedroom (which will sleep between four and six people comfortably). The small pool overlooking the water is gorgeous! Going rate is $1900- $2700 per week depending on the season.

Castle St. John. The only similarity with Villa Cielomar is a great ocean view. If you are looking for an absolutely breathtaking view and don’t mind being further from the beach, this funky villa is the place for you. Overlooking what seems like the entire ocean, you can enjoy the rustic appeal and stone lined architecture (yes, it really looks like a castle) of this truly one-of-a-kind building. On the upper terrace there is an almost life sized chess board with pieces, which is a blast to play right before taking a shower outside at sunset. Careful, this place is habit forming…

Cinnamon Bay Campground. A swing to the other end of the price spectrum, this campground offers small fifteen by fifteen foot cottages that sleep four. It includes electricity, table, stove, grill, kitchen utensils and an ice chest. During the low season, you can grab one for less than eighty dollars, though the high season rates skyrocket to around $160 per night (a bit high in my opinion). If this is still a little too expensive, try their tents, which cost $65 dollars per night, and include the same amenities as the cottages.

By: adam costa 

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com 

In conclusion, you can learn more about a St. John Vacations and a host of other lodging advice, such as lodging booking menorca at our website. 

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The lifestyle of this place is little elite than the rest of the Caribbean islands just because of numerous business and educational institutions from all over the world are opening up their branch ion these islands which definitely increases the standard much more. Tourism is an important part of its economic structure. Due to this fact you can find out a number of all inclusive resorts in these islands. Such resorts absolutely make your stay memorable. Luxury resort Virgin Islands assure very nice stay with the ultimate comfort ability and relaxation with an assured an accommodation of utmost comfortable and stress-free. Not only that just near of these lodging facilities is a wide selection of fine dining restaurants and clubs.

Almost all the luxury resort Virgin Islands recommend very alluring all-inclusive packages and at the same time they are very confusing as well for an unknown traveler. This archipelago of islands with its Caribbean beauty can give an outstanding experience through Virgin Islands vacation. Although nobody can deny that the stay at these resorts is a pleasurable experience in itself. St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John are the two most famous places of these islands that a traveler should not miss during the stay.

These three are the popular tourist destinations and a vacation in the Virgin Islands demand a fare visit to these places just because of its crystal clear shade of its water along with warm weather and pristine beaches. It is highly recommended to seek the help of any tourist guide to get out of such confusion. Some of the most luxurious hotels in these islands provide some extraordinary packages, which really give outstanding accommodation in these islands. Such packages offer either your accommodation in St Croix hotels or Virgin Gorda hotels.

Just because these are the two best hotels in this region having all facilities right under their roof. Ranging from restaurants to spas and entertainment, these hotels cater to everything in-house. Such accommodation facility can enhance your stay in Virgin Islands much more than your imagination.

Nobody can be bored while visiting these islands. There are various things for all ages. From various water sports activities to scuba diving one can engage in numerous activities. There are some areas that can simply take your breath away due to the many shipwrecks and underwater wildlife. So after going through this article if you find any interesting visualization of such a nice place do not stop your instinct to enjoy the pleasure of such a nice place as an unknown traveler. Just pack your bag and plan your trip to the Virgin Islands for your next vacation.

By: Gopal Dey 

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com 

www.stthomaspieceofmind.com is the committed website that can assure you to provide the most alluring packages of these islands. 

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Why should you visit St. John Virgin Island? For one thing, it lies in the Caribbean — an area seasoned with a dash of history, a pinch of luxury and sufficient charisma for you to relish for a lifetime. The natural beauty of the island and the prosperity of the local populace earned it the designation “Beverly Hills of the Caribbean.” It’s the place where night swoops in on the back of emblazoned sunsets, and clouds roll and billow in the tropical breeze.

Arawak Indians who came from the areas of Venezuela and Columbia first settled the St. Johns Virgin Islands. Danish Europeans later moved to the island, and sugar plantations began to spring up. The United States purchased St. John Virgin Island and two other islands from the Danes in 1917. Together, the three islands are known as the United States Virgin Islands. The islands were of strategic importance to the United States due to their proximity to the entry of the Panama Canal. The United States also feared that if it did not control the islands, the Germans might conquer them to set up U-boat bases that would threaten World War I shipping.

St John USVI is an experience you don’t want to rush. If you plan to visit St. John, allot sufficient time to comprehend its charm. Whichever adjectives you seek during the vacation of a lifetime, you can find at St. John Virgin Island — adjectives from ablaze to zany, and all the dashing, fantastic, panoramic and yummy ones in between.

Love to camp? Camping is an excellent way to save money and be close to nature. Whether you like to rough it or camp in sumptuousness, there are two campgrounds at the US Virgin Islands National Park. St. John’s campgrounds meet the strict Virgin Islands National Park standards for maintenance and cleanliness. You can choose from the Cinnamon Bay Campground, or the Maho Bay Campground. Cinnamon Bay offers a place for you to pitch your own tent, use one of the campgrounds’ own eco-tent platforms, or rent a cottage. Maho Bay provides nice-sized tent cottages for your camping pleasure.

St. John Virgin Island water activities give you a lot of room to wiggle. Whether your passion is kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, scuba diving, boating, fishing, turtle watching, boat touring, or just lounging on one of its posh beaches, there are pristine marvels on every side awaiting your discovery.

Of course, you can stay indoors all day if you like, but what’s the use of making the trek to St. Johns USVI if you don’t get out and about? In addition to the numerous beaches and bays, there are plenty of island activities on land too. The Pastory Gardens is a popular botanical garden located on a hill with a nice view of St. Thomas. It also has an open-air restaurant and an 18-hole miniature golf course. For the history buff, there are interesting sites such as the Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins, the Elaine Lone Sprauve Library and Museum, the Peace Hill Ruins, and The Reef Bay Trail too see and explore.

There are many available historical and island tours available. You can even take tours by aircraft or by horseback. So make plans now to visit St. John Virgin Island. It’s one amazing adventure you will never forget.

Now tourism is the primary industry on this historic piece of USVI real estate known as St. Croix Island. The island’s Heritage Trail takes visitors the entire length of the 28 mile St. Croix. Walking or biking its path you can view several cultural landmarks, historic attractions and scenic overlooks. A trail map indicates various road signs and is designed as a superb self guided visitor driving, walking or biking tour.

The two main towns on the island are Frederiksted and Christiansted. Thriving commercial ports in 1700s and 1800s, the architecture tells the story of its changeable history. Here you’ll see flags and real estate whose looks are sometimes Spanish, sometimes Dutch, often British or American, but also might have the look and design of the French, Knights of Malta or Danes.

As each USVI island has its own variation on Caribbean culture, no decision on USVI real estate would be complete without a look at St. Croix.

For those enamored of snorkeling and underwater beauty, there is no better piece of USVI real estate than the St. Croix island’s Buck Island National Reef Monument. This fabulous 880-acre nature preserve includes a magnificent underwater trail for snorkeling. One of the most popular tourist spots on all of the U.S. Virgin Islands, visitors take the ferry to the tiny island one mile from St. Croix. Here they can revel in a stunning display of coral and various sea creatures that are a natural part of the local Caribbean culture.

There’s almost no end to the fun and interesting activities that can be found on St. Croix island. Besides the swimming, sun bathing, snorkeling, boating and scuba diving you can enjoy on its gorgeous white sand beaches, and the historical tours of early Caribbean culture, you can as well enjoy shopping, fine dining, games of chance at the local casino, golfing and horseback riding. Garland Choate (GR) is a retired Airline Captain who now publishes articles from the USVI. Find many great articles about Caribbean Living and great luxury homes in paradise at http://www.StThomasLuxuryHomes.com Article Source: http://ArticleDirectory.com

One may want to consider a 4 bedroom luxury St Thomas villa. This way one could rent the villa out to families as well as corporations. One may want to consider looking at St Thomas condos as well. This seems like a good way to go because they are maintained for you on a regular basis.

The pros of owning a St Thomas villa versus a St Thomas condo are;
- Privacy in the villa
- Larger in size
- No condo rules to follow

The cons of owning a villa are;
- more expensive to purchase
- more expensive to maintain
- higher taxes

You’ll also need to find a good vacation rental agency to work with. They can be invaluable as they know the area and the locals. They can help you on location of the property, where to hire vendors, and what’s important to potential renters. They usually collect a villa rental for of 15-20% for their efforts.

St Thomas is a small island but the most popular in the US Virgin Islands. They get cruise ships on a daily basis so tourism is critical. You need to determine if you want to capitalize on this by purchasing a villa in the Virgin Islands.

Some things you’ll need to consider for owning a villa are;

- Water. Water is scarce on the islands and all homes are set up with a water catching system called a cistern. Water is funneled to a cement holding container that you use for your villa.
- electricity. Power is very expensive on the island. Running AC units on a daily basis can cost you $1000 per month. So buying villas in the breeziest location may save you a lot of money.
You’re not going to get a pizza delivered in the Virgin Islands. Get use to the fact that good, fast service doesn’t exist in the Caribbean.

do a lot of research before you look for villas. If done correctly you could make large profits.

I personally believe that buying a larger villa with at least 4 bedrooms is the way to go. Then put in as many amenities as you can afford. I would recommend a pool, hot tub, bar, outside kitchen, awning, wifi, plasma tv’s and whatever else you can think of. The more toys you have the better chance you’ll have of renting the villa out.

Location of your villa is also critical. You’ll want a beach or waterfront location if you can afford it. Remember, you’re selling too people that want luxury. They can stay anywhere they want but being on the water really makes the difference.

You’ll also have to keep in mind that you’ll want your property in a location that gets a lot of water if possible. That will reduce the number of times you’ll have to order water. The more rain you get the better off you’ll be.

Next you’ll want to advertise your rental. You’ll need a web site for sure. You’ll need to hire a photographer to take good pictures to add to your web site. You’ll want to find some good vacation rental web sites to add your villa to. Advertising is critical to the success of your occupancy rate.

Be prepared for a slow season and a high season when renting your villa. Typically the slow season is from April 25th to December 15th with high season in between. Then you’ll have your really high season for Christmas and New Years. So most of your profits will come from your high season rentals.

The rewards are great if you can at least average 1 rental per month. If you can do that you can most likely pay for your mortgage for the entire year. Hopefully you can have at least a 50% rate of occupancy. If so you’ll be paying off your mortgage and making a nice little income. Nothing beats a free home in the Caribbean. In 15 years you’ll get to sell your property for double what you paid and retire if you’d like.

Owning a piece of paradise in the Caribbean is a feeling that can’t be described. Scott White is the owner of Villa Nicoletta is luxury St Thomas Villas. If you’re looking for St Thomas Condos for rent then this is the luxury villa for you. Article Source: http://ArticleDirectory.com

Under this great EDC tax reduction plan your USVI business also gets to take advantage of a 90 percent reduction of income taxes on qualified USVI business income. You also get a low one percent rate on any customs duty on your company’s component parts and raw materials that are going to be used for manufacturing or industrial processing.

Nor is this Economic Development Council program designed to only save your company taxes and provide other corporate benefits for an annual period. Once your firm has qualified the terms vary from a lengthy 10-30 years. In general your firm’s approval for the EDC program guarantees these savings via an Economic Development Council certificate that is issued to the company for 10 years. There are some geographic or industry-specific exemptions that double or even triple this term. In Christiansted Town, on the island of St. Croix, for instance, the EDC corporate benefits program certificate is issued for 20 years.

If the approved USVI company is in the agriculture or mari-culture (water-related) industry, its certificate for Economic Development Council tax savings is issued for 25 years. A business that is established in Frederiksted Town, on the island of St. Croix, is issued a 30 year EDC certificate once approved.
In every case, the USVI company can petition one time for a renewal of the certificate for the identical time period.

Perhaps the best part of all these wonderful corporate benefits and the opportunity to save on U.S. taxes for these business, is the fact that the relocation required, for at least 183 days of every day, is no hardship at all. What entrepreneur, business partner, or corporate leader would balk at the fate of living half of her or his year in a gorgeous island paradise, basking in warm ocean waves, sunning themselves on white sand beaches, and reveling in all the Caribbean culture and recreation that St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas islands have to offer?

It wouldn’t seem that this EDC is such a tough sell for anyone. GR is a retired Airline Captain who has been involved in real estate and building since childhood. Now, he is retired in the US Virgin Islands where he writes and does more marketing from home. A good place to learn about the islands and to find your home is http://www.StThomasLuxuryHomes.com Article Source: http://ArticleDirectory.com

In order to capitalize on this Caribbean life-style on a long term or lasting basis, however, you have to address the harsh realities of housing, businesses and daily tasks such as groceries, utilities and home improvement. Relocating to USVI whether St. Thomas or any one of the other islands, calls for a study in the Caribbean culture and the assorted real estate and other resources of the arena.

You might start from your current home searching for St. Thomas real estate or real property in other areas of the USVI. There is so much help on the net these days in the way of ads with pics, virtual tours and electronic communication with agent, broker, or owner by e-mail, IM, live chat or click to call. You may feel you can select your St. Thomas real estate before you even set foot on the island.

If, however, you want to absorb a bit of Caribbean culture first, learn about your preferred places to live, you may want to choose a long term vacation rental or a short- term apartment and then enlist the help of the real estate professionals when you are ready to search for your permanent USVI piece of real estate.

The type of short term and apartment housing in the USVI differs from island to island. There are several properties on St. Thomas and St. Croix and they provide a good assortment of size, cost and location. Some are furnished, some not. The Island of St. John does not offer nearly the alternatives. Water Island apartment units are very limited.

What you will find out as you condo hunt in the Virgin Islands is that private owners have taken their USVI real estate and divided it up into rental property. You may rent the upstairs of a multi-unit, while the owner resides below. This is far more common that the mass apartment communities we are so used to seeing in the rest of the U.S.

Condos are popular, but the huge apartment communities with pools, laundry rooms, community ammenities and on-site managers just do not exist in USVI. St. Thomas and St. Croix offer many condominium developments, often close to the beach. Some include amenities such as tennis and golf, pools, and gated entrances.

For your luxurious beachfront paradise and Caribbean culture you pay a respectable rental price – much more so than most other parts of the U.S.. Studios start at just under $1000 a month. If you plan to rent property while you search your dream St. Thomas real estate, or real estate in any part of the USVI, St. Croix is your least expensive area. Next in price is St. Thomas rental property. The most expensive rental area is St. John. GR is a retired Airline Captain who has been in internet marketing for many years. Now, he is retired in the US Virgin Islands where he writes and does more marketing from home. A good start for a home internet business is his site at http://www.TrafficForLifeOnline.com
Article Source: http://ArticleDirectory.com

In fact one of the problems you may encounter is that you will want to keep going back there as often as possible.

If you are like most other families, you and your family may be taking a summer vacation this year. If you are planning a summer vacation, have you already selected a summer vacation destination? If you have yet to decide where you will vacation, you are encouraged to consider the fun that you and your family can have in St. Thomas.

If you have already booked your arrangements for this year then read on, because what I have to say applies equally as well to next year.

St. Thomas is most known for its wonderful tropical weather. St. Thomas is located in the Virgin Islands.

Many individuals mistakenly believe that St. Thomas, and other islands located in Caribbean, are only for couples looking to schedule a romantic vacation. Now while it is true that St. Thomas is known for its romantic environment and atmosphere, the island is not just limited to those looking to experience a romantic getaway. In fact, there are a number of family friendly, activities that you and your children may find very exciting.

When visiting St. Thomas, you will of course have to make overnight accommodations for the length of your trip. On the Island, these accommodations are most often made at a resort. The good news for families is that there are a number of popular vacation resorts that are designed with adults and children in mind. The resorts are often referred to as family friendly, resorts.

The activities and events that can be found on a family friendly, resort will vary. Different St. Thomas resorts offer different onsite activities, facilities, and services. Despite the fact that no two resorts are the same, there are a number of common activities that you may find available at most family friendly, St. Thomas resorts. These activities may include, but should not be limited to, swimming, boating, fishing, sunbathing, and playing outdoor sports.

In addition to the above mentioned activities, many family friendly, resorts offer kids clubs or onsite childcare centers. You and your children may find these facilities beneficial, in more ways than one. If you are looking to spend a few private minutes with your spouse or you would like to spend time alone relaxing by the beach, you can easily drop your child off at an onsite childcare center.

While onsite childcare centers are nice, not all St. Thomas resorts have them. If you need childcare, you will want to search for a resort that offers the service onsite.

However, having said all of this I now need to mention that St. Thomas resorts are not the only locations in St. Thomas that can be considered family friendly. If you and your family wish to shop, dine, and sightsee, you can easily do so. Along the shoreline and inland there are a number of restaurants, shopping centers, and historical landmarks that have a focus on families.

While shopping, sightseeing, and dining is important, there are additional activities that you and your family may enjoy. St. Thomas has a number of different museums. If you are interested in incorporating education into your vacation, you can easily do so.

In addition to inland museums, St. Thomas is also famous for its focus on underwater discoveries. You and your children may find it exciting to learn about the animals, plants, and treasures that can be found deep down in the ocean.

With a small amount of research and planning, you can easily schedule a St. Thomas vacation. With an unlimited number of cool activities, services, and facilities available, a St. Thomas vacation is likely to please everyone in your family.

And, as I said at the start of this article, this destination is one that you are unlikely to ever forget. john savage has a Blog which shows you how to get free airline tickets, and how to travel on a shoestring budget. Click Here to visit. Article Source: http://ArticleDirectory.com