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TRAVEL TO THE CARIBBEAN
- Population: 30 million
- Time difference: The islands that comprise the Caribbean are in several different time zones. Most islands in the Caribbean are in the GMT -4 time zone. Most of the Caribbean islands do not observe daylight savings time.
- Language: English, Spanish, Creole, Dutch, French and Papiamento
 The Caribbean
The Caribbean islands are famous for their magnificent climate, spectacular beaches, idyllic seascapes and diverse flora and fauna. The unrivalled warm, calm waters provide the perfect environment for the colourful underwater coral gardens that attract divers and snorkellers from all over the world. The vibrant cultures and exotic natural highlights of the Caribbean make any trip completely unforgettable. A visit to one or more of the Caribbean islands as a pre- or post- tour extension is a perfect way to relax and unwind.
The Bahamas
- Capital: Nassau
- Official Language: English
- Population: 305,655
- Currency: Bahamian dollar (BSD)
- Time Zone: GMT -5
The Bahamas comprise of hundreds of islands and cayes. Most are uninhabited, but those with facilities for tourists provide an excellent choice for a beach wind-down. The beautiful pink sand beaches and candyfloss pink and eggshell blue colonial-style houses make the Bahamas a romantic and peaceful holiday. A few of the more developed islands such as New Providence, home to the capital Nassau are rather Americanised and built up but the smaller islands retain their Caribbean ambience.
Aruba
- Capital: Oranjestad
- Official Language: Dutch, English is spoken
- Population: 71,891
- Currency: Aruban Florin (AF)
- Time Zone: GMT –4
 Aruba is located only a few kilometres from Venezuela’s Caribbean coast. It is renowned for its powdery white sand beaches and watersports; its tropical climate is moderated by cooling trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. This, coupled with the islands’ reputation for a ‘sunshine welcome’, makes it a firm favourite with Europeans. There are many restaurants and a lively nightlife, and the relaxed atmosphere is safe and welcoming.
Bonaire
- Capital: Kralendijk
- Official Language: Dutch. Papiamento is the local language. English is also spoken.
- Population: 15,000
- Currency: NAfl (Florin or Guilder)
- Time Zone: GMT -4
Bonaire is another of the 'ABC' islands off the Caribbean coast of Venezuela and is excellent for diving. Bonaire has many quiet beaches and hidden coves, peach and lemon coloured facades and plazas with delicate, undersea gardens of coral that entice divers of all abilities.
Non-divers will find plenty to do here, and this is a great place to take the family, as the island is the epitome of safe. Bonaire is small and friendly, with a laidback pace of life, and English is widely spoken.
Anguilla
- Capital: The Valley
- Official Language: English
- Population: 13,477
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$)
- Time Zone: GMT -4
Anguilla is a British territory overseas known for its coral and sandy beaches. This is a small island, only 16 miles long, and 3 miles at her widest point. Anguilla is also famous for its contemporary international cuisine, extraordinary vistas and world-class accommodations.
St. Lucia
- Capital: Castries
- Official Language: English (French Patois widely spoken)
- Population: 168,458
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD)
- Time Zone: GMT -4
St Lucia is a beautiful volcanic island with lush rainforests, undulating landscapes, unspoilt beaches, sulphur springs and tropical flower-lined roadsides. It is also one of the world's breeziest places, with trade winds blowing in from the sea to the southern shore.
The island of St. Lucia boasts the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), these striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere, are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean. There is a fascinating mix of British and French influence felt on the island.
Trinidad and Tobago
- Capital: Port-of-Spain
- Official Language: English
- Population: 1,065,842
- Currency: Trinidad & Tobago Dollar
- Time Zone: GMT –4
The island of Trinidad lies only 11km off the coast of Venezuela but culturally is a rich melting pot with a largely African population, swelled by immigrants from India, China and Syria.
Trinidadians are welcoming and helpful, but only in recent years has there been any attempt to develop tourism so beaches have a distinctly ‘local’ feel and the beautiful rainforested hills are undisturbed. There is a prolific bird-life and the island attracts birdwatchers from all over the world.
Its baby sister island, laid-back Tobago is just a twenty minute flight away from Trinidad and is more geared up to low-key tourism with quiet coves, pretty villages and gorgeous beaches.
Jamaica
- Capital: Kingston
- Official Language: English, Jamaican Creole
- Population: 2,758,124
- Currency: Jamaican Dollar
- Time Zone: GMT - 5
One of the larger Caribbean Islands, Jamaica has a well-defined cultural identity, permeated with the influences of reggae and Rastafarianism. It has a beautiful hinterland of rolling green hills, waterfalls and dramatic gorges culminating in the magnificent Blue mountains.
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