About 65 million Americans traveled over the Christmas and New Year's holiday in 2007. For those who traveled internationally, the Caribbean islands were among the top ten most popular destinations.
However, the estimate of population traveling to the Caribbean this year is likely to be down. With the high cost of jet fuel, many airlines have cut back on the estimate of flights being offered for Caribbean destinations. And they are charging higher prices for available seats. Some travelers are reconsidering their plans and opting to stay home because of the higher costs. With fewer population going to the islands, that may mean savings for you when you arrive.
Some of the most popular Caribbean island destinations for the holidays contain Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Each of these island countries has a unique cultural legacy but the majority of those who live on the islands are descended from Africans and most are Christians. So there are abundance of ways to participate in Christmas celebrations when you are away from home.
Puerto Rico
This may be the year to visit Puerto Rico for Christmas. With holiday airfare on the rise, this island nation is gift some agreement prices for lodging. In addition, there are numerous festive Christmas activities. Enjoy an authentic Puerto Rican Christmas dinner; watch a unique holiday road parade with music, singing, and dancing; or tour Old San Juan to see Christmas lights and decoration.
Choose from all-inclusive resorts or cozy bed and breakfasts. If you staying in or near San Juan you will have lots of historical and cultural landmarks to visit along with a collection of restaurants, great shopping, and nightlife.
Antigua
Christmas in Antigua could be a once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy all the celebrations of this festive holiday and fly the chill of the north at the same time. Christmas traditions are similar to those noted in the United Kingdom. A estimate of hotels in Antigua host amazing Christmas dinners for their guests. And what would Christmas be without Santa? The staff in some of the hotels dress up as Father Christmas and visit with a sack full of gifts for the children.
Barbados
One of the highlights of the Christmas season in Barbados is the "Carols by Candlelight" held at the official abode of the Prime clergyman of Barbados. The audience holds candles while enjoying Christmas carols sung by various musicians. Barbados is a very religious country so you will find lots of churches holding Christmas services.
This island country offers something for everyone. In addition to soaking up the sun at the beach, if you like to be active you might enjoy windsurfing, kite surfing, or traditional surfing. For nightlife, Barbados has many bars, pubs, restaurants, and dance clubs. Maybe you enjoy horseback riding. There are a estimate of equestrian centers for riding horses straight through the sugar cane fields or on white sand beaches.
St. Lucia
Peaks and valleys gift you abundance of diverse terrain for exploration recap St. Lucia. There are high mountain peaks, hot springs, waterfalls, dozens of small isolated coves, and beaches by a warm calm sea cooled by refreshing Atlantic trade winds. Enjoy this diverse scenery with biking, horseback riding, hiking, golfing, playing tennis, snorkeling, diving, or deep-sea fishing. St. Lucia also boasts the only drive-in volcano in the world!
Both Christmas day and the day after are official holidays in St. Lucia. However, if you arrive a small earlier in the month of December there is a extra Christmas folk festival. This celebration has been held at the Pigeon Island National Park. Festivities contain a Fiesta Night featuring Christmas music by choirs and steel bands. Music sets the milieu for a extra Creole supper and Christmas tree lighting. Other activities at the National Cultural center contain more food and drink and Santa Claus arrives to hand out gifts to children.
Jamaica
Santa Claus and his gifts are very much a part of a Jamaica Christmas. Although in some rural areas it is said that Santa rides a cart and donkey. The Grand market is a extra Christmas celebration in Jamaica. The main streets in the bigger cities and town are complete to traffic and sellers spread their goods out along the roads. This is a place for children and their parents to buy gifts for house and friends.
In Jamaica, you'll hear Christmas carols like Silent Night and O' Come All Ye particular but don't be surprised if they are sung in reggae style! settled off the coast of Cuba, Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean. The scenery is diverse fluctuating from the Blue Mountains in the east to narrow coastal plains and flatlands in the south. There are hundreds of miles of coastline with adequate amazing beaches to suit anyone either you would like peace and quiet or consuming populated spots with sunbathers listening to reggae music.
Dominican Republic
Just as with many other islands, Christmas is a extra time of the year in the Dominican Republic. Although many of the islanders are not well off, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration. These celebrations start as early as the end of October and last for about 3 months! There are lots of parties both incommunicable and community organized. You might see spectacular fireworks and enjoy amazing food.
The Dominican Republic has been a well-kept incommunicable because it is one of the less costly Caribbean islands. Don't wait long to make a trip and enjoy all that this gorgeous island has to offer while the prices are still very reasonable.
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