The crystal clear waters of the Bahamas are home to numerous interesting marine animals, including the dolphins. There are many areas in this Caribbean nation where you can spot dolphins; at these destinations, you can watch dolphin shows at dedicated facilities or spot these gracious creatures frolic in the sea.

Nassau

At the Bahamian capital, you have two options to meet the friendly dolphins – Dolphin Encounters and Ocean Explorer.

Dolphin Encounters: Blue Lagoon is the place in Nassau to be a part of this fun-filled interactive educational programme where you can admire, touch, hug and feed the beautiful dolphins. Besides Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, Sea Lion encounters are also available here.

Ocean Explorer: MV Ocean Explorer is an incredible vessel for cruise and dive tours. Hire one to sail through the waters around Nassau and dive with experts to take a closer look at wild dolphins. These tours also offer the chance to explore shipwrecks and fascinating coral reefs.

Grand Bahama Island

UNEXSO is the most notable highlight of Freeport Grand Bahama. Tourists visiting Grand Bahama may meet dolphins in a protected lagoon, while enjoying scuba diving. There are numerous ship wrecks just a few minutes from the coast. Board one of the UNEXSO’s boats to explore shipwrecks like Theo’s Wreck, the La Rose and Sea Star. Some of the most prominent highlights of UNEXSO include diving into the unknown at Ben’s Cavern, feeding Caribbean reef sharks, and of course, dolphin encounters.

Abaco

Brendal’s Dive Center is a hot spot for diving enthusiasts in Abaco, one of the most popular islands in the Bahamas. This centre is situated at the historic Green Turtle Cay, which is home to kaleidoscopic marine life. This diving centre has several packages to explore the underwater world but wild Dolphin Encounter Package always tops the wish list of divers and snorkellers interested in admiring dolphins in their natural habitat. Usually, this two-day tour includes a dedicated Adventure Day to dive/snorkel with dolphins.

Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, often serves as the starting point of one’s holiday in this island nation. While beaches are the most prominent highlight of the city, the magnificence of Nassau goes beyond the sun, sand, and the surf. Read on to know about the beaches and other popular attractions that promise a memorable holiday in the city.

Clifton Heritage National Park

The Clifton Heritage National Park boasts rich history and an abundance of natural beauty. With an area of 156 acres, this is the largest ecological and leisure park in the Bahamas. The park is dotted with artistic wooden sculptures and the ruins of the prehistoric Lucayan Indian village. Jaws Beach and Rocky Beach offer quiet moments away from the bustle of city life. The walk over the Stone Steps here is a lovely way to peep into the intriguing past of the Bahamas.

Cabbage Beach

Nassau is home to numerous beaches but Cabbage Beach is perhaps the most prominent one. Located on Paradise Island, the Cabbage Beach is a 2 km stretch of soft white sands dotted with swish hotels and resorts managed by world-renowned hospitality brands.

Book your stay at Hotel Riu Palace, Atlantis, or One&Only Ocean Club to experience the luxurious vibe of Nassau. The beach is also flanked by Australian pines, sea grapes, and palms. During weekends, it becomes a hot spot among locals and tourists, alike.

Dolphin Encounters

In Nassau, you will get several opportunities to spend joy-filled moments with various marine creatures. Hire a boat from Nassau to Blue Lagoon for an exciting day at Dolphin Encounters. Be a part of lovely shows like Dolphin Swim and Dolphin Encounter to swim with Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins.  Besides, you can also touch and feed the dolphins. Also, make sure you buy tickets for Sea Lion Encounter tours in the warm waters of Blue Lagoon.

Auto shows are the biggest events in the automotive industry. While numerous auto shows are held every year, there are few that are too wonderful for any car enthusiast to miss out on. Here are top four auto shows that are known to showcase the best and latest cars.

Frankfurt Motor Show

Frankfurt Motor Show by Autoviva/ CC BY

Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, better known as the Frankfurt Motor Show, is the undisputed king of auto shows. The largest show in the world is hosted every two years to showcase the best of automotive industry. The sheer number of car displayed here is enough to amaze the visitors. With more than ten huge exhibition halls, each featuring a different theme every year, Frankfurt Motor Show is a haven for car buffs to check out the latest models.

Woodward Dream Cruise

Woodward Dream Cruise by Joe deSousa/ CC BY

A dream cruise in true sense for car lovers, Woodward Dream Cruise boasts over 30,000 muscle cars (usually the two-door sports coupes with powerful engines designed for high-performance driving), hot rods (motor vehicles that are modified to give them extra power and speed) and more. A large number of spectators flock to the Woodward Avenue each year to look at some of the best looking and powerful cars in the world. Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest single-day automotive event.

Auto Shanghai

Auto Shanghai by Ken Matsuhashi/ CC BY

Auto Shanghai is for those who are addicted to cars. The event showcases a large number of latest models of premium car-makers. Inquisitive minds can explore a wide array of latest concepts and technology that are yet to hit the market. Over the years, Auto Shanghai has become a prominent place for North American and European car companies to unveil their latest models of supercars.

Pebble Beach Car Week

Pebble Beach Car Week by Axion23/ CC BY

Considered the most glamorous event in the world of automobile, Pebble Beach Car Week is best suited for discerning car aficionados with a sophisticated taste. The show attracts celebrities as well as other high-profile individuals each year; you can spot them attending the auctions here. Pebble Beach Car Week is known for its display of beautiful and rare cars.

The 68th annual Cannes International Film Festival (CIFF) is all set to start on 13th May, 2015 and it’s time for movie buffs to plan a holiday to the resort city of Cannes. Set along the French Riviera, this 12-day carnival is popular for its glamorous guest-list and grand festivities that promise a memorable experience.

Cannes International Film Festival by bayerberg/ CC BY

About the Festival

Cannes International Film Festival aims at boosting the film industry, contributing towards the development and celebration of cinema at an international level. The festival is a great opportunity to discover the art of intelligent filmmaking. One also gets the chance to listen to eminent directors discuss their works.

The Scene

While the CIFF is an event reserved exclusively for film industry professionals, the general public may participate in the various associated festivities that mark this event. A major highlight is the “Cinéma de la Plage” or Cinema on the beach, wherein guests can watch open air screenings of famous films including the ones featuring in the festival. If you want to see celebrities at close quarters, the Carlton InterContinental’s Bar des Celebrites and red carpet entrance to the Palais des Festivals is the place for you.

One also has the choice of checking out the smaller and low budget films rather than scrambling for entry to one of the highly-billed studio premieres. La Croisette, the Riviera’s celebrated promenade is an excellent place to meet and mix up with new people. The detailed line-up of the festival is yet to be announced and enthusiasts are advised to regularly visit the website of the festival.

Palme d’Or Award

The Palme d’Or Award is the CIFF’s most coveted accolade and is presented to honour the most outstanding talent in the realm of international cinema.

Entry

Attendance is strictly by invitation. However, you may approach the Tourist Office for passes to free nightly screenings at the Beach Cinema.

Based on myths and complaints, some travellers would like to contend that hostels are neither safe nor comfortable but a huge chunk of tourists claim otherwise. The latter consider a stay in a hostel to be not just economical and safe, but interestingly delightful as well. And, why not? Hostels are definitely lighter on your pocket and at the same time, provide you with an opportunity to meet new people full of interesting tales. Read on, and you’ll be convinced, perhaps instantly, to pick a hostel for your next holiday.

As Safe as Hotels

Yes, this is absolutely true! Hostels do care a lot about the safety of their guests. Most of them have CCTV cameras across common areas and at the entrance. They not only keep a watch, but also screen the entry of outsiders in the dorms. As far as your precious belongings are concerned, you can place them in lockers or small cupboards with locks. Simply put, just follow the old adage of “lock your belongings and call everyone a gentleman”.

They beckon One and All

It’s a common notion that hostels cater only to solo travellers and backpackers. Well, you’ll be amazed to see that many hostel dorms are full of couples and even families. As far as female solo travellers are concerned, many hostels are exclusively meant for women or feature ‘women-only’ dorms.

A Globally Accepted Concept

Another wrongly perceived idea about hostels is that it’s a completely ‘European’ concept. However, nowadays such properties can be seen across all tourist-friendly nations, be it Australia, the USA or any Asian country. Hostels are budget-oriented, and hence attract penny-pinchers seeking economical stay.

Clean and Well-Organised

Exceptions apart, hostels usually have dedicated staff for cleaning, security and other day to day responsibilities. So, you can expect your linen to be changed pretty regularly, clean washrooms and well-organised rooms. You may be surprised to see how efficiently some of the hostels manage their well-equipped kitchens. The best part is that you get the flexibility to cook the food of your choice.

A tropical allure, rich old culture, poetry-inspiring landscapes and satin sandy beaches, Barbados is a place for romance and adventure (most of the times, a mix of both). This West Indian island paradise welcomes everyone. Whether you are an obsessed ‘beach-o-phile’ or an insatiable culture vulture, Barbados will gratify your soul.

Barbados by Berit Watkin/ CC BY

Welchman Hall Gully

When you visit Welchman Hall Gully, you get to experience an unspoilt piece of nature and feel what this place was hundreds of years ago. Once part of a plantation owned by a Welshman, thus the name, Welchman Hall Gully is a place that travellers would not want to miss. Embellished with exotic trees dotting a tropical forest, it is nature’s true gift to travellers who have a thing for natural beauty, culture, and also hiking.

Soup Bowl

Resting on the East Coast of Barbados, Soup Bowl is to surfers what library is to bibliomaniacs. The exciting surfing spot witnesses a heavy crowd of surfers. Waves here come unbroken from far behind and when they break, the sight proves irresistible for surfers. Rent a car if you wish to make the most of your trip and yes, do consult a professional if you are new to surfing before riding the big waves.

Harrison’s Cave

Harrison’s Cave is a unique phenomenon of nature that enchants the beholder with its breathtakingly beautiful views. One of the greatest wonders, Harrison’s Cave seems to have been formed when the creator was at his creative best. Crystallized limestone cavern, gushing streams, deep pools of crystal clear water and imposing columns shape this place. Travellers who are booking their tickets aboard flights to Barbados will get a one of a kind experience under the ground.

Hunte’s Gardens

These are not your not your next-door gardens. It is a creation by the legendary horticulturist, Anthony Hunte. The gardens spellbind even the most knowledgeable and experienced scholars of botany. Meander along its picturesque and walker-friendly paths to explore the marvellously created series of mini-gardens, statues, antiques and more.

Jamaica by Tomash Devenishek/ CC BY

Ocho Rios is one of those places that can keep you happily occupied throughout your sojourn. With turning calendar pages, Ocho Rios, or ‘Ochee’ as locals call it, has grown in popularity like anything. Gone is the sleepy fishing village that once was only fit for meditation, now it is dotted with luxury hotels, world class condos, sophisticated shopping centres and a lot more that brings this place a deserving title called ‘your next holiday destination’!!

Prime Attractions

A major port of call for cruise ships, Ocho Rios is blessed with abundance of natural beauty as well as modern world charm. Not only the attractions in the town, but the nearby attractions too are not to be missed. One of the must-visit spots here is the Blue Hole, an exquisite, secluded place situated in the hills of Ocho Rios. Unlike many hot spots, it is not commercialized which makes the trip all the more soothing.

Coyaba River Garden and Museum above Shaw Park Gardens is another name that should be in your visit list; the garden is beautiful and refreshing. Travellers also do not miss to visit Prospect Plantation, the estate of the late Sir Harold Mitchell, a famous British author. If you are looking for some fun-in-the-water activities and tours, White River is a place to be. A guided tour can be really worth it if you are first time traveller booking tickets aboard flights to visit Ocho Rios.

Besides these, Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain and Bamboo Beach Club are some other noteworthy tourist spots. Once you have explored the town, do visit Dunns River Falls. It is one of the most photographed places in Jamaica, and there is a reason for it. The place oozes absolute beauty that is sure to leave you bewitched. Ocho Rios is also famous for white river rafting. Rafting lovers can head into the hills at the White River Bridge to enjoy the activity.

Food

For those who are devoted to the indulgence of their taste-buds, Ochee has some really ‘love-at-first-dish’ eating spots to offer them a great culinary experience. Eateries range from classy restaurants to fast food, and snacks places. You can dine by the waterfall at The Ruins, enjoy a lip smacking Jamaican (or Caribbean) dish at Bamboo Blu and relish Italian at Toscanini Restaurant – the options are many.

Antigua is great for beaches. But where to start? This is a question that beach lovers who have spent on tickets for flights to Antigua may ask. Here are a handful of the most popular ones.

Beaches of Hawksbill

Not one beach but four – Royal Palm Beach, Sea Grape Beach, Honeymoon Cove and Eden Beach – blessed with natural beauty and uninterrupted serenity charm the visitors of Hawksbill, a resort. Before you start to say, “Ahh, that means I have to stay in the resort to enjoy these beaches”, let us tell you that any visitor, staying in the resort or not, can visit the beaches. These beaches are perfect if you are looking for some quiet time with your partner. Honeymooners love this place. Definitely a lovely place for indulging in flights of fancy!

Dickenson Bay

Dickenson Bay by Michelle Owner of the Squishy/ CC BY

A complete contrast to Hawksbill Beaches, Dickenson Bay is loud, packed with options for water sports and more. Situated in northwest Antigua in St. John’s parish, the beach is one of the most sought after attractions in Antigua and draws a large number of holidaymakers. Dickenson Bay offers everything from warm sands to glass bottom boat tour. The crystal clear waters, the balmy sands, and the great atmosphere make this place a premier spot for beach lovers.

Pigeon Point Beach

A mere five minutes drive from English Harbour on the south east coast of Antigua lies the Pigeon Point Beach, a great place for snorkelling aficionados. This family friendly beach is popular among the locals as well as tourists. Dotted by sea-grape and palm trees, Pigeon Point Beach is great for an outing with kids. The calm and shallow waters make it perfect for snorkelling with the little ones. There are many nearby restaurants and hotels that offer good food. In short, if you bought tickets to Antigua, keeping your children in mind, then this is a must visit beach!

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay by Theodore Scott/ CC BY

Half Moon is far away from the rest of everything. But it is worth it. Regardless of whether you are a windsurfer, snorkeler, or just someone who prefers a secluded place to relax and soak in the sun – Half Moon Bay will satiate you for sure. The beach also has a lovely viewpoint, which proves to be a treat to the eyes. One important thing: as the beach is secluded, far away from the rest of the attractions, it is recommended that you visit the place before sunset. Make sure to pack some food, water and all the necessary items if your plan is to spend the whole day.

Aruba, Grenada and Barbados – If any of these countries is your holiday destination in January 2015, this one is for you! Below listed are just three of the most popular Caribbean events that are celebrated in January and you would really like to be a part of them!

Aruba Carnival Celebration

True lovers of carnivals should certainly experience this one at least once in a lifetime! Addictive music, colourfully decorated places, luxuriously costumed groups of revellers of all ages, and a

lot more await those who are booking tickets on flights to the island country of Aruba. With an action-packed schedule, the celebration lasts more than month. It features many parades that include Children’s Parade and Grand Parade (the finale).  Tumba, Calypso music and steel bands of the English Caribbean fill the warm atmosphere with a vibe of celebration mode. If you are in Aruba in January, or even February, you should not miss this one.

Spice Island Billfish Tournament             

From January 20^th to the 24^th, the beautiful island of Grenada swells with anglers from not only the Caribbean but across the globe. This annual Billfish Tournament of Grenada features attractions such as a boat parade and dinner, competitions, prizes for top boats and heaviest fish (including Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Dolphin) and more.

Anyone who has a thing for fishing should certainly experience Grenada’s great fishing spots. Enthusiasts can be seen competing for the prize, enjoying the feast and celebrating the best of the festival. And yes, if you think you have what it takes to break the record during the competition, you can also win cash prizes here.

Barbados Jazz Festival

Music lovers among those booking flight tickets to explore the most popular attractions of Barbados in the month of January should certainly join this musical highlight of the country. It is a week-long celebration that features locals as well as international artists. Jazz performers attract their fans from all around the world to join this event. The performances take place in many places of the country.

Antigua is one-stop destination for stunning beaches, all-inclusive resorts, water sports, spas, and much more. Considered to be the driest island of the Caribbean, Antigua offers tranquil atmosphere with a number of sightseeing and entertainment options to explore. Beaches, shopping, natural wonders, entertainment, and nightlife – there is no dearth of options here. Planning to visit Antigua? Here are just three of the most popular attractions that you should not miss.

Stingray City

Home to a large number of stingrays in their natural habitat, Stingray City is a beautiful place that is a must visit for those who have booked their flights tickets to visit Antigua.  The crystal clear shallow water makes the area, where Stingray City is situated, ideal for small children and those who cannot swim. Explore these amazing creatures as your guide shares interesting facts about the beautiful snorkel on colourful coral reef- the experience is amazing!

Nelson’s Dockyard National Park

If you are in Antigua, you got to visit this one! Nelson’s Dockyard National Park is one of the most sought after attractions in Antigua and a potent reason why people book their flights tickets to the island! Offering rich history, the park is a perfect place to visit if you are done (or need a break from) exploring the beaches of Antigua. It would need more than one trip for you to explore all of the dockyard but some of the best ones that you must visit are Dockyard Museum, Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre, and of course any of its restaurants (or cafés).

Shirley Heights

Are you a hiker? If you are, you cannot miss Shirley Heights while in Antigua. You can make the hike from English Harbour in Nelson’s Dockyard National Park to the peak of Shirley Heights. If you are lucky, and the day is clear, you will witness some of the most breathtaking views. As this is the place where locals gather to party, so expect some Caribbean music, barbecues, and pumping crowd in the evening. Do remember that if you are travelling to the summit of Shirley Heights, do not stop at any other place to eat or drink as the good ones sit at the peak.