The Caribbean is among the top holiday destinations in the world for many reasons, and one of them is the way the locals here celebrate the many events and fests.  From world class cultural festivals to local community events, the Caribbean celebrates hundreds of festivals all round the year. Take a look at some of the best known events you can enjoy here in the year 2016.

Antigua Sailing Week (April 16-April 31)

Antigua Sailing Week attracts the best of yachting teams to show up with all sorts of sailboats, from the classic wooden ones to colourful mega-yachts! If you are passionate about sailing, you can even enter the race. If you aren’t, you can just choose one of the many superb parties that take place during the Sailing Week; some of the best party venues are the Antigua Yacht Club`, Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights.

St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Fest (April 29 – MAY 8, 2016)

St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is one of the best music festivals in the world. With an amazing backdrop of azure waters, lush greenery and golden beaches, the venues – Mindoo Phillip Park, Rodney Bay, and Pigeon Island National Landmark – resonate with the sound of jazz music and crowd cheer!! From local talents to international favourites, all sorts of artists can be seen performing here.

Reggae Sumfest, Montego Bay, Jamaica (July 17- July 23, 2016)

One of the largest concert festivals in Jamaica, Reggae Sumfest started from where the genre’s first generation of legends left in the 80s!  The fest takes place each year in mid-July in Montego Bay. Ziggy Marley, Destiny’s Child, Alicia Keys, Maxi Priest , Mary J. Blige, Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, , Chris Brown, and  Usher have been some of the best known performers at the festival.

Antigua is famous worldwide for its magnificent beaches and as the local saying goes; there is one for every day of the year. There are a number of things to do for the adventure lovers, including snorkelling, kite-surfing and deep-sea diving.

Although everyone has his or her own favourites, have a look at our pick from the best among the secluded, dramatic, and romantic beaches.

Bird Island

If you’re looking for a unique holiday experience, the pristine beach of the Bird Island is a good option. The island, as the name suggests, is inhabited by a large number of tropical birds, such as frigate birds, brown pelicans and red-billed pelicans among others. If you like adventure sports, you can go for snorkelling in the turquoise waters around the island. Best way to get to the Bird Island is by local boat.

Half Moon Bay

Also billed as the jewel in the crown of the islands; Half Moon Bay is a collage of calm waters as well as spectacular waves at different times of the day. It is a family friendly place with various restaurants and beautiful vistas. Remember to pack a picnic basket before arriving as it is a great picnic spot. There is a place in the island, where a special type of mud is found. This mud is said to work wonders on the skin. Not many know the exact location, but those who do, come out plastered in the mud from head to toe.

Fort Bay

Fort Bay is located near the coast, down the road to Fort James. The beach is home to the famous Millers by the Sea Beach Bar. As the beach is really close to the dock, you will be able to see a thoroughfare of cruise ships. Millers is one of the most iconic spots for having delicious post-swim meals. The bar also provides beach equipment for snorkelling and other purposes. Before catching your return flight, you must visit this family friendly beach near Fort James. Play a volleyball match with other holidaymakers on the beach or take a long stroll along the coastline.

Beautiful sunny beaches and a relaxing environment are among the top reasons that prompt tens of thousands of tourists from all around the world book tickets for St. Lucia.

Situated in the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, St. Lucia is a part of the West Indies islands. But beaches are not the only highlights of this beautiful tourist destination. The Island is home to tropical rainforests, rustic villages and offers an array of adventurous activities such as horse-riding, zip lining, helicopter tours and whale watching. There are numerous luxury resorts in St. Lucia, where you can indulge in various recreational activities, enjoy luxurious amenities and sample gourmet meals and exquisite beverages. Have a look at three such popular resorts in the island.

The BodyHoliday LeSport

The beachfront property of BodyHoliday LeSport resort is a hot favourite. As the name suggests, the resort apart from providing luxurious accommodation and amenities for a lavish holiday, also offers various facilities to keep your body and mind healthy and rejuvenated. Take your pick from a world of sports lessons, including snorkelling, tennis sailing, and surfing. Fitness classes are conducted too.  The resort houses two bars, three restaurants, three outdoor pools and on-site shopping options. The rooms are air-conditioned and feature patios or furnished balconies for a relaxing drink. There is even a private beach where you can unwind or indulge in various water-sporting activities.

Bay Gardens Beach Resort

With beautiful views of the Reduit Beach and convenient access to the shopping hotspot of Rodney Bay Village, Bay gardens Beach resort offers a perfect holiday experience. The resort features three bars, two restaurants, a full-service spa and a lagoon-style pool. The guest suites boast cable television, balconies, kitchens, in-room massage services, and dining and living areas. You can also treat yourself to various entertainment options including dancing, live band shows and fire eating performances. Several land and water based activities are also available to make the best of your holiday experience.

Sandals Regency Golf Resort & Spa Castries

Located amidst lush hills, the Sandals Regency Golf Resort & Spa at situated at Castries, the capital city of St. Lucia. The resort features seven multi-cuisine restaurants, ten bars, a full-service spa and a fitness centre. All the guest rooms are air-conditioned and furnished with fine mahogany four-poster beds with turndown service and refrigerators. There are a number of entertainment options for guests, including karaoke, music performances, dance lessons and various poolside games. If you like adventure sports, you can also enjoy a number of land and water sporting activities for an exciting and enthralling holiday experience.

Every year, Barbados plays host to some of the world’s best chefs and sommeliers who descend on the island to showcase their skills.

Over the years, the ‘Barbados Food, Wine and Rum Festival’ has become a must-attend event for foodies from across the world. While rum tasting sessions, cooking classes, and beach parties form the crux of this wonderful festival, another aspect that adds colour to this festival is the great ambience.

This year, the event will be held from 19th to 22nd November, and will see celebrity chefs like Cliff Harding and Marcus Samuelson entertain the crowds with their culinary skills. Take a look at some of the major highlights of this year’s festival.

Party at the Oistins

Brace yourself for a spectacular night of local music, delicious fish, and terrific cocktails at the Oistins Fish Fry. One of the most popular food joints in Barbados, Oistins Fish Fry would host thousands of guests on 19th November.

Launch of Limegrove Lifestyle Centre

This event is marked for 20th November and will give foodies a great chance to meet their favourite chefs. Other highlights of this event include wine tasting sessions, great food and much more. Make sure you have your camera handy as this is going to be a glittering event for sure.

Exhibition Match at Holder’s Polo Club

How about watching an exciting game of Polo while you enjoy heady rum cocktails? Well, brace yourself for 21st November, when the exhibition match will be held at the Holder’s Polo Club. If you are fond of Polo, you’ll love this event. At night, select eateries will host dining events that will be spearheaded by top chefs, so make sure you book your table in advance.

Sign-off Beach Party at Needham’s

Head to the Needham’s Point Beach (11 AM – 3 PM) on 22nd November for a spectacular beach party. This sign-off event would be attended by locals and tourists alike, so the atmosphere is going to be electric. After all where else can you enjoy the perfect combination of beauty, dining, and culture.

November to December is peak tourist season in Barbados. So, book your flights and hotels in advance to be on the safer side. You’ll also save a lot of money by booking early.

At Maui, there are diverse attractions and activities that can cater to almost every age, interest, and mood. From nature to sports and culture to history, this island has plenty to offer to visitors.

At Maui you can also find numerous ways to explore the hidden and magical beauty of this island. Here we have shared a few lovely ways to explore the island.

Explore by Helicopter

A helicopter ride is the best way to explore the hidden charm of Maui Island. Helicopter can take you to some of those beautiful parts of island that are inaccessible by any other means. Take a helicopter ride and cruise above the jaw dropping waterfalls, glide down to get up close to the majestic Haleakala Crater and hover along the rough volcanic coastline.

Bike down the Volcano

One of the most popular activities on the Island! Biking down the volcano sure gives an adrenaline rushing start to the day; especially if you are a thrill seeker. This ride from the top of the Haleakala to the base of the volcano will certainly be one of your most overwhelming experiences during your trip. Looking at the crater from so close will definitely be an unparalleled experience. The blissful views of the rising sun from the top are simply breathtaking.

Go canoeing

Surrounded by water from all the sides, Maui Island can also be explored by way of canoe. This tour also offers great opportunities of whale watching and snorkelling as per the passenger’s interest. A canoe trip in the south Maui waters will also give you an experience of how Polynesians reached Hawaii in ancient times. Private kayak tours are also available for the ones looking for a private guided tour.

Hike through the trails

Maui has many amazing hiking trails that can prove to be a haven for the ones interested in nature photography. These hiking trails are full of scenic views, complete with clear water streams, lush greenery, picturesque mountains and a lot more. Hire a professional hiking guide to explore hidden waterfalls, fresh water streams, bamboo forests, saltwater pools, isolated beaches and a lot more. You can also hike across the Maunalei Arboretum Trails and learn interesting facts about the trees and plants.

Antigua, a part of the eastern Caribbean is home to some of the world’s most captivating beaches. In fact, Antigua boasts that it has “one beach for everyday of a year”.

Antigue by Mathieu Nivelles/ CC BY

It is a hot tourist destination and people from all parts of the world book tickets to the destination for a relaxed weekend. But Antigua is not about just about beaches, it also has a rich history and culture associated to it and its various tourist attractions take you to the bygone era. Have a look at some of the of the best tourist attractions in Antigua.

St. John’s

The capital city and ship port of Barbuda and Antigua, St. John’s is a beautiful collage of history, culture and modern lifestyle. From the quaint old cottages of the colonial times to the thriving colourful markets, St. Johns has an eclectic charm. It’s a great place for shopping as there are various duty-free shops towards the Heritage Quay and various souvenir shops at Redcliffe Quay. The best days to visit the harbour-side public markets are Saturdays and Fridays. For brilliant views of the harbour and the city, Fort Barrington and Fort James are the best options.

Indian Town National Park

The Indian Town National Park, situated on the northern coastal parts of the island, has stunning scenery. There are more than 36 species of birds that inhabit the acacia trees and the whole area is a perfect place for camping. This park also features the famous Devil’s bridge, naturally made by centuries of limestone deposits. Another exciting thing about the place is that during the high tide, the waves force the geysers to gush out water through the blowholes of the rock nearby.

Dockyard National Park

Situated in the English Harbour, one of the most famous attractions of Antigua is Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. It houses the British Naval Dockyard constructed in the 18th century along with a handful of other historical buildings and trails. The park remains open from 8 AM in the morning to 6 PM in the evening, daily. There is a charge for the entry ticket and it also includes entry to all the other sites including Dow’s Hill and Shirley Heights. The tours are closed on Sundays.

 Although a small island, Barbados is pleasantly surprising with its great tropical beauty, and picturesque landscapes. From the mysterious underground caves to the beautiful vistas and the tropical colours of flora, the island has it all. Barbados proves itself to be haven for the nature buffs as it showcases the finest tropical flowers, rare trees, mysterious caves, and few national parks. A holiday in Barbados is incomplete if you do not explore the natural beauty that exists here in abundance. Read on to know about a few natural wonders that Barbados is blessed with.

Harrison’s Cave

Lying in the heart of Barbados, this cave is one of the greatest wonders this island has to offer. This breathtakingly magnificent cave is formed entirely out of crystallised limestone. The stalagmites and 40-foot waterfall of Harrison’s will leave you stunned for sure. There are trams

Harrison’s Cave by Berit Watkin/ CC BY

that take you down into the cave to explore the cavern’s pools and waterfalls, while the guides educate you about the formation and geological insights of the place. Be sure to keep this attraction on the top of your wish list when you visit Barbados.

Welchman Hall Gully

Located in the parish of St. Thomas, this nature’s marvel is 1.2 kilometres long gully home to a number of tropical plants and trees. Nutmeg, bamboo, clove, and palms are some of the commonly found species here. It is a tropical forest that beautifully boasts some native and exotic plants as well. Visiting Welchman Hall Gully will truly be a treat to your senses. It is a place where you can experience the mastery of nature and get an idea of what the island was like 300 years ago. You will also spot green monkeys in huge numbers in the gully.

Animal Flower Cave

Located under the cliffs at the Northern tip of the island, this beautiful sea-cave is a must-see for all nature loving visitors. The cave gets its name from the colourful Sea-anemones, locally

Animal Flower Cave by Berit Watkin/ CC BY

called Animal Flowers. The walls of this cave have a natural beautiful structure and reflect green and brown colours due to the oxidation of copper. The cave is surrounded by cliffs that offer dazzling views of the northern coast of Barbados where huge Atlantic waves crash against the cliffs.

The biggest mountain range in North Africa, the High Atlas, rewards one with views of fertile valleys surrounded by sparkling rivers and cascading waterfalls.  The High Atlas is a haven for photography enthusiasts and has some of the most alluring spots of Morocco. The rugged High Atlas region, and the desert towards its east, is home to Morocco’s most striking and rich historical structures. Let’s have a look at some of the best attractions to explore in the High Atlas ranges.

Ait Ben Haddou

Ben Haddou Kasbah is one of Morocco’s most photogenic buildings and in fact one of the best-preserved kasbahs in the entire Atlas region as well. This astoundingly surprising structure made of huge orange mud bricks lies nestled amidst lush almond trees. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this Kasbah has been featured in nearly 20 films and has increasingly attracted tourists. You must climb up to the turrets atop the Kasbah to enjoy stunning panoramic views.

Ouzoud Waterfalls

Enclosed by a cape of thousands of olive trees, the three-tiered Ouzoud waterfalls drop 110 metres into a canyon. Situated in a country known for its desert landscapes, this dramatic waterfall creates an attractive contrast and offers great opportunities for photography. You would love to explore the beauty of the falls from various viewpoints. Hire a guide, if you want to go closer to the falls. The Ouzoud falls are at their best from the month of March to June, when the water level is high and the place gets lively with the crowds camping near the waterfalls.

Draa Valley

The Draa Valley is a picturesque oasis home to magnificent Kasbahs, beautiful sand dunes, vast green plains, and Morocco’s largest river–the Draa. The valley is a beautiful blend of nature and history evinced by the ancient cave paintings and carvings found in the area. The town is home to a famous mosque that has a collection of illuminated Qur’ans in its library. The famous statuette of Venus of Tan-Tan, one of the oldest prehistoric sculptures ever discovered, was also found in the Draa Valley. This village is also famed for its cheap pretty green and brown pottery.

St. Lucia, a small island state in the Caribbean Sea, is famous for its beaches. The island’s stupendous natural beauty has made it a honeymooner’s paradise. Furthermore, there are many unique and interesting activities for you to look forward to, if you are planning to book tickets to this paradisiacal place.  Here are the top 3 unconventional activities that you may try on your holiday to St. Lucia.

Take a Mud-bath at Sulphur Springs

Sulphur Springs, one of the most visited tourist attractions of the island, is a geothermal area, situated close to the centre of the “Qualibou” caldera. A road passes through the rim of the crater which makes it one of the rare “drive-through” volcanoes in the world. One of the main highlights of the tour is taking a mud-bath in the famous mineral rich black water pool. The pool is said to have therapeutic properties due to its mineral content. After the mud-bath, you can wash-off the mud by bathing at the hot water springs. It is the perfect natural spa experience that leaves you completely refreshed. There is a minimal entrance fee of EC $3 for adults and $1.50 for children under the age of 11 for this one-of-a-kind experience.

Bathe Under the Toraille Falls

Toraille Falls by Laramie Bates/ CC BY

This scenic trip takes you to one of the most picturesque places in St. Lucia; the Toraille Falls. It is a tropical paradise, nestled amidst lush green trees and you can even take a refreshing shower under the waterfall. Changing room facilities and seating areas for a family picnic are available at the site. The car-parking is spacious and proper signage ensures convenient accessibility to the place. Entrance fee is minimal and you just have to walk a short distance to reach a fabulous modified pool to take a plunge. You may also consider strolling in the beautiful botanical garden.

Watch the Marine Life Up-Close

The Jalousie beach is the perfect place to go for snorkelling. Cosol St. Lucia Tour offers one of the best snorkelling experiences wherein you can witness some of the best examples of marine biodiversity, complete with dazzling coral reefs and vibrant fish species such as needle fish, parrot fish and puffer fish.  Other species of marine life found here include lobsters and octopus. Take an underwater camera and capture some of the best underwater views. The waters are clear and calm making it the perfect site to swim or snorkel.

Famous for its sun-kissed beaches, interesting tribal cultures, spell-binding vistas and friendly locals, the Andaman Islands are a pristine haven for holidaymakers. When monsoons hit this part of India, the destination turns all the more magical. However, due to heavy downpours, the sea gets rough and sightseeing becomes inconvenient. To discover the Andamans’ magical charms sans the rain and thick crowds head to the destination right after the monsoons. This is the off peak travel season in the Andamans and you may find attractive discounts on flights, hotels and other holiday deals. Besides, the weather is fabulous after the rains. Isn’t it tempting?

Here are some reasons why this Indian archipelago deserves to be your next holiday destination.

The Pristine Charm of Radhanagar Beach

Radhanagar Beach’s reputation as one of the best beaches in Asia is well known and well deserved. A gorgeous blend of the sun, sand, and the surf here leaves a spell-binding effect on visitors. With almost no tourists around, especially during this time of the month, the beach becomes the perfect spot for peace-loving people and romantic couples.

The Historical Cellular Jail

Cellular Jail, infamous as Kala Pani, was built in 1906. The jail has many small cells, where Indian freedom fighters were held. Now, it is a popular historical attraction. Apart from its unique architecture, the Light and Sound show here intrigues visitors. The show is held in the evenings.

Enjoy Local Culture and Food

There are many tribal communities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and tourists may interact with some of tribes. The Jawaras, for instance, are known for their friendly behaviour and interesting traditions. Many local agencies organize tours to meet the tribals and learn about their intriguing, age-old customs. The Andamans is also popular for its delicious food, especially the fresh seafood.

Snorkelling at Nail Island

The picturesque Neil Island is just a short ferry ride from Port Blair. Apart from the breathtaking vistas of surrounding beaches and forests, the place is popular for its exotic marine life. Come and explore enchanting coral reefs and abundance of other aqua creatures at the diving sites near Bharatpur Beach. Both novices and experts can dive here.