Travel

The Caribbean is a hotbed for cruise ships, luxury holidaymakers and tourists escaping the winter. Each and every island has its own culture and traditions as well as the paradise-like stretches of coastline. And you’re guaranteed warm weather where you can wear your t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops every day. So whether you want to indulge in one of the Luxury Caribbean getaways or soak up the colonial heritage in Barbados, here are our top destinations for the ultimate getaway.

Barbados

Barbados receives millions of tourists each year from around the globe. Many spend their time in an all-inclusive resort or a beachside villa overlooking the turquoise coast. This island offers some of the most luxurious vacationing experiences. And has dozens of activities to keep you busy throughout your stay. The first stop is usually somewhere around the coast. Spend your days lounging on the sand or in the beachside bars listening to reggae and soca. Rent a jet ski and speed around the warm waters under the clear sky. Or go sea kayaking to find hidden stretches of sand and coves. Away from the beaches, you can get to grips with nature. Barbados has a dense covering of jungle throughout its interior. Jungle trekking and wildlife tours allow tourists to experience the best of the island’s biodiversity. Make a special stop in the capital city Bridgetown to soak up the British colonial heritage too. And take the time to visit one of Barbados’s famous rum distilleries.

Grenada

Grenada in the West Indies combines white-sand beaches with dense rainforests. The tiny island nation has a rich colonial history that oozes in the architecture of capital city St George. And Grenada offers a unique experience found nowhere else in the Caribbean: An underwater sculpture park. Most of the resorts and vacation rentals lie around the coast. Picture yourself waking up next to the tropical Caribbean Sea. Then going for a swim after breakfast before jungle trekking later in the day. Visitors can enjoy cocktails overlooking the coast as reggae plays in the background. This tiny island-nation has a much better safety record compared to some of its neighbouring islands. So you’ll always feel safe and comfortable exploring Grenada independently. We recommend renting a car.

The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (called BVI by the locals) has a reputation for high-end tourism and luxury. Wealthy holidaymakers have stayed in the tropical paradise since the 1960s. And tourism numbers just keep growing. You’ll find a highly developed tourist infrastructure and dozens of activities at your fingertips. Some prefer renting a private vacation rental on a secluded beach. Others take the chance to explore more of the archipelago. Add in the miles of coral reefs thriving in the shallow waters and the vibrant marine life. But the real highlight of taking a vacation in the British Virgin Islands is that you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself. Only a fraction of visitors take their holidays here compared to other islands in the Caribbean. And you’ll probably find that you’re the only person on the beach.

Jamaica

Jamaica is the Caribbean’s most famous tourist destination. The island has a reputation for the world’s finest reggae and stunning beaches. But aside from the resorts, Jamaica is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts. You’ll find several 18-hole courses around the island. These have been rated among the most beautiful in the world. Book yourself a trip and play a round of golf surrounded by the verdant and colourful tropical environment. Then return to the coast or your vacation rental and enjoy a cocktail next to the beach. Other highlights include day trips into Jamaica’s interior. Out in the jungle tourists can follow trails to waterfalls and search for wildlife. Birdwatching tours are recommended to witness the thousands of colourful tropical birds. But as with every island paradise, nothing quite beats returning home after an action-packed day to swing in your beachside hammock.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda has the luxury, but without the masses of tourists. You can find dozens of high-end accommodation overlooking the coast or Mount Obama (also known as Boggy Peak). But unlike some of the other island in the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda have lots of adventure activities. You can go zip lining along 12 lines in the jungle and horseback riding. If you’d prefer isolation and relaxation, book a villa along the coast. Or if you want some outdoor fun, put on your hiking boots and scale Mount Obama. This is the highest point at 400 metres. Trekking up is reasonably easy, and you’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular views of both islands. When you visit, try to visit both Antigua and Barbuda. Each island is different, and you’ll get to see and experience both sides of the island-nation. Regular boats and ferries connect them to each other in a few minutes. Or book a tour which takes you around the must-visit attractions.

A Luxurious Caribbean getaway

If you want the ultimate getaway with as much sun, sea and luxury as you desire, come to the Caribbean. Check out Barbados for its music and colonial heritage. Head to the British Virgin Islands for five-star luxury without the tourists. Check out the golf courses in Jamaica and get the adrenaline pumping in Antigua and Barbuda. Whichever island nation you decide to visit, take the time to explore all parts of its history, heritage and culture. And get away from the beaches to see the natural beauty inland.

 

Nothing evoke the carefree summer days like cycling to the shore with a towel and a good book in a bike basket. While the pristine beauty of Hamptons beaches is unmatched, they have more to offer than sand and surf. Splendid discoveries also await along the quiet back roads north and south of Route 27. From the horse farms to the vineyards and wetlands, there is no better way to explore the byways and beat the local traffic than to ride a bicycle.

You will find terrains, circuits and beautiful scenic routes for the avid cyclist. Below are some of the best bike places where you can spot many avid bikers on their beach cruiser bikes.

Cape Henry Trail

Away from the clamor of Virginia Beach lies the sparkling water of Cape Henry in First Landing State Park. This hiking and biking trail runs along the shore of Cape Henry Trail which stretches for approximately seven and a half miles. As you bike along, you will notice that the trail is fairly organic, having been created and improved over the decades by fellow bikers and avid hikers speeding and stamping along. Made of crushed stone, gravel and sand, the trail is lined with natural Spanish moss and filled with the serene sounds of birds chirping and water flowing with not a concrete slab in sight.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

If you enjoy a lively crowd, you may want to head over to Virginia Beach Boardwalk where there are plenty of beachgoers. The bike path runs alongside the 28 meter-wide main boardwalk and cyclists get all the great views and atmosphere of the boardwalk, without having to worry about meandering pedestrians. Virgina Beach Boardwalk is where you will find the largest collection of rental bike vendors in one single place, all running perpendicular to the beach and sparkling blue Atlantic Ocean. You can also find city bikes for sale. It is one of the most popular bike trails in the state, despite being only 3 miles along, due to its ideal terrain and fun-filled locality. There is plenty of shops, restaurants, musical entertainment and King Neptune, the twenty-four foot, twelve-ton bronze statue that stands at the gateway to Neptune Festival Park.

False Cape State Park

For a biking experience that is more like a wild safari outdoor adventure, head over to False Cape State Park. It is just over four miles from Virginia Beach and can only be accessed by biking, kayaking, or taking a shuttle. Its abundance of hiking trails run along the soft, finely milled sand of the shoreline, so mountain bikes are most suitable for this terrain. If you like animals, False Cape is one of handful of places in the state of Virginia where you will snakes, turtles, sea rays, dolphins, and deer.

The weather is warming up and the time could not be more fitting to get your bikes out of storage if you have been winterized our bike. Besides checking the best motorcycle protective gear, here are some tips to get our bike ready for the spring and summer riding season.

Always remember that you cannot simply ride out of your storage unit on your bike. Before you hit the road, there are some essential safety precautions you must take.

• Start off with a spring bike cleaning to make the bike look great for your first ride. Remove dust and dirt that has accumulated on the bike by rinsing the bike from top to bottom with a garden hose. Clean the bike with warm soapy water and use soft-bristled brush to clean the pedals. Rinse again and dry with a clean cloth.
• Check your fuel tank. You may need to drain the tank and re-fill it. You should also replace the filter
• Inspect the tires and rims for damage and repair. Replace the tires if necessary. You can find motorcycle parts online should you need to replace any.
• Look at the tires for wear and tear, fraying, cracks, holes and bald patches. Replace the tires if you see any noticeable damage. Once visual inspections are completed, check the air in the tires by squeezing them. If they are too squishy, then the tires will need to be inflated
• Inspect the brake. Make sure that the brakes will allow you to slow down, be in control and be safe.
• Even if you changed the oil before storing your motorcycle for the winter, you probably need to change it again before the upcoming riding season. You should also check all fluid levels. You may need to top them off or completely flush and replace some.

Once you are done checking on the bike, do not forget to look at the motorcycle gear for the summer. Dressing for riding in the summer heat is not the same as dressing for riding in cooler weather. A little research will help you find gloves, motorcycle helmets and jackets that offer the right balance between protection and the increased ventilation to help you stay cool.