World Travel

by: Christopher Longmore

Although the sailing season in the South Eastern Mediterranean runs from mid-May to the end of October, there is still significant demand from European sailors for charters in waters warm during the long, cold Northern winter.

Traditionally the Caribbean has been the main beneficiary of this. The British have tended to go to the ex-colonies - the Virgin Islands, Antigua, and Grenada. This always has two problems. Travel costs are high and/or inflexible, and the area is equally popular with North Americans to the point that it gets very crowded. Getting there from the USA is seriously cheap and easy, and there is little or no time difference.

The charming French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe have long been an attractive alternative to the traditional winter destinations for frost-bitten Brits, but one that they seem determined to ignore. A quick connecting hop to Paris and a direct flight from there to either French island is an altogether more attractive option; when you get there the Gallic charm (and excellent food) is much in evidence; and there are plenty of yachts to charter from companies every bit as well equipped and more flexible than their neighbours in the English speaking Caribbean! The cruising opportunities are almost the same.

The other interesting alternative is Cuba. The country does not always enjoy the best of press coverage, and is in many ways a good advertisement for the failure of socialism. Despite that there is a rapidly emerging yacht charter industry on the northern coast. Transfer times from Havana airport are a little long at 2 1/2 hours, but you do get to see some of the islands magnificent scenery. The sailing itself is fabulous. Getting there is also relatively easy via either Madrid or Barcelona. The latter in particular has plenty of low-cost flights from all over the UK, so it isvery easy to combine a couple of days there with a Caribbean holiday sailing in Cuba (see http://www.allafloat.com).

Last but by no means least is Belize. OK OK, so you don’t know where it is. Neither did we until we got interested in the yacht charters (see http://www.global-yacht.com) business. You may know it as British Honduras though. Anyway it’s in the middle of the Central American mainland. Yes it is very very difficult to reach, and should only even be on your agenda if you have at least two weeks to spare, with three an advantage! It’s definitely near the top of our personal wish list. There are three reasons for this. Belize is home to the world’s second biggest coral reef, and you are sailing inside it in a catamaran; on shore there are some of the world’s greatest Mayan monuments, and some amazing luxury boutique hotels.

by: David Stanley

The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new South Pacific travel destination between Hawaii and New Zealand. This “Heart of Polynesia” is politically split into two distinct entities 80 miles apart. The country Samoa is a former German colony, captured by New Zealand in 1914 and granted independence in 1962. In 1997 the name was changed from Western Samoa to Samoa.

American Samoa is the only U.S. territory south of the equator. Annexed by the United States for use as a naval base in 1900, the territory no longer has any military significance. Instead, Pago Pago currently hosts the StarKist and “Chicken of the Sea” tuna canneries, making it the most important commercial fishing port under the American flag.

The Samoan environment is tropically lush, with green volcanic peaks plunging to brilliant coral reefs, an ecotourism paradise still unspoiled by mass tourism. Visitors often stay in open Samoan beach houses called fale (pronounced FAH-lay) and adopt the laidback local lifestyle. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, deep sea fishing, and hiking opportunities are all close at hand.

Samoan culture is alive and strong, and local traditions can add another fascinating layer to your travel experience. Most Samoans are subsistence farmers who reside in small villages governed by chiefs (matai). The egalitarian ideals of this communal society place loyalty to family and religion above all. Visitors can sample this culture at the weekly “fiafia” island night dance shows staged at most of the larger hotels and beach resorts. Buffets of authentic Samoan dishes are an essential part of these events.

Samoa’s climate is sultry, alternately sunny and rainy, but always hot and humid. Cooling sea breezes make the shoreline the best place to be yearround. The nicest months weatherwise are May to September, “winter” south of the equator. The rainy season runs from November to April, with increasingly intense hurricanes sweeping in due to global warming. Yet you can get long spells of bright sunny weather even during the “rainy” season, and Samoa’s excellent Vailima beer (created by German brewmasters) tastes best at this time of year.

Most visitors spend their time in independent Samoa, which is considerably bigger and less expensive than American Samoa. However the rugged scenic beauty of Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa, should not be missed. In recent years some of the most strikingly beautiful parts of the territory have been incorporated into American Samoa National Park. There’s great hiking on Tutuila and wonderful snorkeling on Ofu in the seldom visited Manua Group.

Traditional Samoan culture is largely based on oratory, and it’s no accident that several literary legends originated here. Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last five years of his life in Samoa and is buried on a hilltop above Apia, the capital. His mansion is now a museum dedicated to the author. Somerset Maugham’s short story “Rain” about Sadie Thompson and the repressed missionary thrown together in a guesthouse at Pago Pago, American Samoa, has been adapted by Hollywood several times. The original guesthouse still exists, now an upscale restaurant and inn. In “Tales of the South Pacific,” James A. Michener based the prototype of his character Bloody Mary on an Apia hotelkeeper named Aggie Grey, whose family still operates Samoa’s largest resorts. Michener’s book was later made into the musical “South Pacific.”

Getting to Samoa is easy with direct flights from Hawaii and Los Angeles on Hawaiian Airlines, Polynesian Airlines, and Air New Zealand. Local ferries and small commuter planes ply frequently between the islands, and getting around by public bus or rental car is no challenge. Visas are not required by most visitors for entry to either Samoa, although a passport and onward plane ticket are mandatory.

If you are looking to get more out of your Caribbean cruise, then perhaps a culinary cruisevacation would be a good idea. Many companies now provide cruises with cooking classes, festivals and lectures related to culinary experiences. This is a great way to meet other like-minded people who are as enthusiastic as you about cooking and food, in a relaxing and exciting new environment.

- Cooking Cruises
Do you wish to become a better cook during your cruise? Then look for a vacation that offers cooking classes. Viking Range and Norwegian Cruise line are two companies that provide cooking classes on some cruises.

- Wine Cruises
Are you interested in wine? Then perhaps a wine cruise would be the perfect combination for you. Experience and learn about wines in a constantly changing environment. Crystal Cruises, Silversea, Cruise West and Seabourn are some companies that offer wine-themed cruises.

- Food & Wine Festival Cruise
Perhaps the best of both of worlds could be combined at a cruise with a food and wine festival. Crystal Cruises and Seabourn Cruise both host culinary festivals during some of their cruises.

When people mention Caribbean, it refers to the region that consists of the Caribbean Sea, numerous islands within the area and the adjacent coasts. The Islands have a mixed influence and boasts of unique native influences. This includes, Indian, Spanish and Mexican. Home to reggae, Rasta, jazz, pop, white sandy beaches and warm waters, a Caribbean vacation proves to be popular amongst tourists. Apart from its cultural diversity Caribbean vacations prove to be a perfect blend of a rustic, wild and adventurous experience.

Apart from flight and cruise reservations, Caribbean vacation travel plans include other travel needs. Numerous undiscovered beaches, rainforests, diving locations and Caribbean cruises form the crux of Caribbean vacation travel. Tourists may opt for travel packages that offer a wide range of adventure sports. Numerous travel plans include introductory Scuba lessons and other water sports that are conducted by resorts and hotels. Caribbean vacation travel deals may be all inclusive packages or regular offers. It is possible to make direct reservations by contacting a selected hotel or resorts. Others may choose to hire travel agents who can plan and organize a Caribbean vacation from start to end for a service fee.

Caribbean vacations could revolve around secluded beaches, natural reserves and fun filled pubs and discos. Others may plan to enjoy snorkeling and tours of colorful and vibrant coral reefs. Before venturing out, tourists need to be attentive towards basic necessities of a Caribbean vacation. This information is widely available in guides, reviews and vacations tips provided by reputed tour operators and tourists. This includes passport and visa validation, currency usage, embassies and consulate specifications, time zone variations and acceptance of traveler’s checks and credit cards. Caribbean travels plans are widely advertised online and through travel specials and deals. A continuous inflow of tourists proves to be a major source of revenue for the Caribbean government and considerable care is taken to safeguard the interest of travelers.