The islands of Cyclades stay populated by tourists coming from both Greece and other corners of the globe almost all through the year. The biggest tourist crowd in these islands however, is seen during the summer months. Other than boasting some stunning beaches along the Aegean Sea, the islands are also home to several archaeological and historical sites. The climate of Cyclades can be described as dry and moderately cold. The winters are not too cold; this means you can even plan your holiday in this part of the world during the winter months.

For people looking to enjoy their vacation amid complete peace and calmness, the ideal Cyclades islands would be Iraklia, Schinousa, Donousa and Kimolos. However, if you want to spend some lively time during the Cyclades vacation, you should plan to stay in islands like Santorini, Ios, Syros, Paros and Mykonos. The island of Syros is particularly famous for housing a popular casino.

The archipelago is also home to a number of magnificent monasteries and churches, many of which have great historical importance. One of the must-visits among them is the Church of Evagelistrias. This Cycladian church is located in the Tinos Island. Here, you will get to see St Mary’s icon, which according to many is capable of causing miracles. The Church of Evagelistrias stays crowded by locals and tourists almost all through the year.

Koh Lipe is an extremely tiny island; you can cover the entire area of this island on foot. You will surely come across people who travel around the island on motorcycles; but none such transport is available on rent. There are also no cars in the island of Koh Lipe. If you want to move around on motorcycles or cars, you will have to carry your own with you. So, majority of the tourists explore the island on foot. However, you can also opt for boarding a longtail boat that will take you from one part of the island to another; per head cost of traveling across the shore of the island on longtail boats is only 50 baht (the local currency). All the premium beaches of Koh Lipe are connected with each other through concrete roads.

The beaches of the island of Koh Lipe boast shallow, calm and clear water. The island has 4 main beaches that top the desire lists of all the tourists coming to this part of the world. They are: Pattaya Beach, located in the southern part of the island; Sunrise Beach, located on the island’s eastern coast; Sunset Beach in Koh Lipe’s western coast and Karma Beach, situated on Koh Lipe’s Northern shore.

As mentioned before, Koh Lipe is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations of the world. This is primarily due to the clear water shores present in this island. This region is home to 25 percent of the all the species of tropical fishes found on earth. You can also go for Kayaking with your friends or family members by renting a Kayak from the shops located in the beaches of Koh Lipe. The other interesting time spending options here are: going for massages and getting enrolled at a Batik painting class.

The position of Easter Island is to the south of  the Tropic of Capricorn, which makes the climatic condition of the island subtropical in nature. You will get windy days during your stay at the Easter Island. The temperature during different parts of the year varies drastically due to the influence of ocean currents. The best thing about the features of the weather of this place is that it never becomes too extreme, which makes Easter Island a year-round travel destination.

The summer of Easter Island continues from January to the month of March, the hottest one being February. The summer temperature ranges between 28 to 15 degrees Celsius.  The winter runs between the months of June and August. The temperature during this season ranges from 14 to 22 degrees Celsius.

The island receives moderate rainfall almost all through the year. These showers are mostly sporadic in nature and do not last for longer durations. May is the month witnessing maximum rainfall in Easter Island. September, on the other hand, is known for being the month of extreme dryness.

You will often hear people saying that you can visit Taiwan whenever you want. However, the truth is that you must consider the month i.e. the time of the year you are visiting Taiwan before planning a trip to the island. Generally, the time between September and November is thought to be the best time of visiting Taiwan; during this time the island gets its autumn. The weather stays dry and warm; moreover, air pollution stays at its minimum. The other reason of visiting the place during these months is that the costs of accommodation and other necessities stay significantly low during this time.

The spring months i.e. March, April and May might make the trip troublesome for you. You may get dry and clear weather or may need to sit in your hotel room for a large part of your trip due to foggy and wet weather or due to the sandstorm invading the island from China. All these three weather condition might occur within a single day spoiling your entire sightseeing program.

If you are interested in taking part in the outdoor activities, you should pick the summer months for visiting Taiwan. If your are visiting the islands east coast, there can be no better time in a year than the summer months; however, make sure that during summer you are not booking a trip to outer island. The outer island stays filled to the brim with tourists during the summer, which will not give you enough chance to explore the vigor of the island. You must also stay alert about the dangerous typhoons, which might hit the island during anytime between June and October.

Cable car and Skybridge:

The cable car takes the tourists on twenty minute rides to reach the peak of the Gunung Machinchang. Covering this destination on the cable car will allow you to view the spectacular lush surrounding i.e. the mountainside greenery. On the mountain there will be the Skybridge waiting for you. The Skybridge is a suspension bridge from where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the mountain backdrop.

Datran Lang:

This place is also called the ‘Eagle Square’. This monument is 12 m in height and features a sea-eagle getting ready to take a flight. The Datran Lang is located beside Kuah Jetty welcoming every people entering the wonderful island of Langkawi. Surrounding the monument there are landscaped bridges, ponds and terraces. The best time for coming to this place is late evening or early morning; this will make sure that you’ll not have to face the severe heat of this region.

Galleria Perdana:

This is a unique tourist destination. Here you’ll get to see a wide range of gifts obtained by Dr. Mahatir, one of the most loved former Prime Ministers of the land. This includes gifts offered by a number of celebrated global leaders. The display at this museum include a number of motor vehicles, Malay wooden architectures etc.

Mahsuri’s Tomb:

This is a historical construction. The Mahsuri’s Tomb is the place housing the shrine of an unjustly accuse and killed Malay princess. There’s also a theater hosting regular musical shows.

Among the 36 major islands in Lakshadweep, only 10 are inhabited. The primary occupations of the people staying in this part of India are coir twisting, coconut cultivation and fishing. The tourism industry in Lakshadweep has experienced significant growth in the past decade. For visiting Lakshadweep, you will need to obtain entry permits that are issued only from Kochi, Kerala. If you are a foreign national, you will be able to step into the islands of Agatti, Bangaram (the only unoccupied island allowing tourist entrees) and Kadmat. The island of Agatti can be reached both by sea and air from Kochi; this island is Lakshadweep’s gateway. The only airport of this archipelago is also situated in the island of Agatti.

Lakshadweep’s administrative headquarters is in the Kavaratti Island. The Kavaratti Island is more developed than any other island of this archipelago. Majority of the popular tourist attractions of Lakshadweep are situated in this island. The most visited among them are the marine aquarium and the Urja mosque. You can also take part in water sports while moving around the beaches of Kavaratti Island.

Kalpeni Island on the other hand boasts the biggest lagoon of Lakshadweep, which is a nice place for boating and kayaking. Another island popular among the tourists is the Minicoy Island. Minicoy is situated in the southern part of Lakshadweep. The natives of this island speak in a language called Mahl, the language spoken by the inhabitants of Maldives.

Botanical Gardens:

Botanical gardens of St. John, Antigua is a must visit for you if you love nature. Here you will be introduced to varied species of topical plants; you will also get to see unusual flowers and some of the native wildlife of this part of the world. Surrounding the Botanical Gardens is the exotic island beaches covered with powder-fine sands. During the late 90s, the gardens were destroyed by a hurricane; however, the speedy restoration carried out by the Botanical Gardens’ management had made the place more attractive that before.

Hawksbill Turtle Preserves:

If you are keen to gather more information about the animals native to Antigua, you should never miss visiting this place. A ferry-ride is the best way of reaching this Antigua attraction. The collection of endangered species of sea turtles present in this sanctuary will surely allure every animal enthusiast.

British Fort James:

This is a must visit for all the history buffs touring the island of Antigua. The British Fort James is situated on the Martello Tower of Antigua & Barbuda. It is basically a defensive point, which was in use during the 19th century.

Darkwood Beach:

It’s true that the island of Antigua is outlined by hundreds of attractive beaches, but the most prominent out of them is the Darkwood beach. This beach is situated in the south western coast of the island; while traveling on a car, you will need 5 minutes to reach Darkwood beach from Jolly Harbor. The most striking feature of this beach is the crystal clear blue water. It is a great place for enjoying snorkeling.

The best feature of this island is that it is outside the hurricane belt, which means that you can think of visiting this destination without considering the mood of Mother Nature. Further despite the fact that the locals speak more of customized Creole and Dutch, they are well versed with Spanish as well English; which certainly breaks the barriers of communication on your visit. So, what are you waiting for? Just start to plan and see how a Dutch island can turn your trip into a special sojourn whose experience is unrivaled, unique, and untouched!

Register for a Caribbean Cooking Class and a Culinary Walking Tour

This is something unique for all the cultural explorers. Food is a vital part of any destination’s culture and learning to cook the same is just diving into the ocean of cultural flavors and aromas. With this, it goes without saying that food is a great way to discover the appetizing culture of Curacao. Take up a culinary walk via the ancient city as well as the World Heritage Site of Willemstad, halt for some time to taste a fruit smoothie best offered in the neighborhood of Otrobanda, get into the Punda prefecture by crossing the bridge, step into the Floating Market featuring the veggies as well as fresh fruits, and enjoy the lunch at the Old Market no with the tourists, but with the locals at the Yvonne di Plaza.

Or else, become a bit active and learn the local specialties at the Otrobanda’s Angelica’s Kitchen that is located at the Hoogstraat 49 in Willemstad. For more information, visit www.angelicas-kitchen.com.

Experience the Herbal World

When it comes to the herbal remedies for skin, a majority of people will recall Aloe Vera that is the best source of over 70 nutrients. Further, its gel is used in curing the skin ailments, while its juice is favored as a dietary supplement. With this, I am sure it would be very exciting for you on this island to learn about its harvesting process. And while you are doing so at the Aloe Vera Plantation in Santa Catharina, just do not forget to pick some authentic aloe products. Do get some more insight by visiting www.aloecuracao.com.

Have you heard of any herbal garden where spa-like treatments are given? If not, get ready to rendezvous the Dinah Veeris’ Botanical Garden in the Banda Riba where you are healed as well as pampered as if you are in a spa. This is where you experience the Caribbean traditional herbal treatments. Dinah has grown more than 300 wild medicinal plants here due to which you can try some herbal gels and soaps. Know more about this one at www.dinahveeris.com.

Spend some time with ostriches

This is a must to experience, especially when you are traveling with kids. Get into the Curaçao Ostrich Farm in Santa Catharina where a ‘photo safari’ will not only get your family closer to these strange birds, but will also reveal several unknown facts about them. Overall, it is a fun as well as instructive encounter. Before you come here, explore www.ostrichfarm.net for some smart information.

Explore the excellent museums and galleries

In Otrobanda itself, you will come across the Kurá Hulanda Museum ( www.kurahulanda.com/en/museum) that is an anthropological home of the exhibits that reflects much of the major cultures on this island. Some of the major highlights focus on the African slave trade, origin of man, Antillean art, Mesopotamian remains, as well as the West African empires. The next recommend gallery is the Gallery Alma Blou (www.galleryalmablou.com) in the same neighborhood with beautiful displays of Curacao sculptures, pottery, photos, paintings, and handmade jewelry. And lastly, do also take a tour of the Mon Art Gallery (www.monartgallerycuracao.com) that is the home of the excellent art works of the island as well as of the Caribbean.

Here is a list of islands that we can’t get enough of.

Usedom in Germany and Poland A.K.A The Singing Island:

This island may be anchored to Germany, but it is a coast with very long bridges and this will mean that its eastern end is so far apart from the western that the eastern tip is actually part of Poland. The German side, however, is more popular as a tourist hub. It has been a beloved getaway even since the 19th century. Usedom has been, in the past, nicknamed as the ‘Bathtub of Berlin’. The other nickname, that of ‘the singing island’ came about into existence because of the 25 mile stretch of white sand which is so fine that it squeaks when you step on it.

Bora Bora in French Polynesia A.K.A. Romantic Heaven On Earth:

If you want to link ultimate honeymoon location to a spot, then it would have to be Bora Bora. This French Polynesian island is said to be one of the most extraordinary natural beauties that the world could see in terms of being an island. The high prices that you have to pay to honeymoon there have ended up reducing the bulk that goes there and thus has managed to maintain the mystique of the place. The island is oft described as being so preposterously gorgeous that it almost doesn’t seem natural.

Gorgona in Colombia A.K.A Welcome to the Jungle:

It has taken a long time for nature to regain some sort of control over Gorgona Island. For almost 3 decades, 1950s to 1980s, this mass of land was said to be a maximum security prison. The facility was closed down and the area got the designation of being a Natural National Park in the year 1985.  The jail buildings may now be overgrown with dense vegetation and may be replete with monkeys who swing from wine to wine. Gorgona, however, retains its character in being inhospitable to humans.  The visitors here will be under strict supervision and are constantly forbidden from wandering into the remote parts of the jungles.

Lamu in Kenya A.K.A. Exotic Enclave:

Only about 2 degrees south of the Equator and off the eastern coast of Kenya lies Lamu, a place that seems like it is stuck in time.  For a good number of centuries, it was said to be a bustling Indian Ocean port and played an integral role in the trading of spices.  Lamu is almost like an exotic and old stage set which also, just by chance, happens to have some amazing beaches.  The streets of this island are generally cool, car-free, and quiet; and are lined with white stone buildings that are thick walled. Lamu is said to have been founded by the Arab traders in the early 1400s. The busy Lamu town is the best-preserved Swahili settlement that there is in East Africa.

Unveiling Rarotonga:

Well, he may have been kidding; but in most ways, Rarotonga is said to be a miniature Tahiti. The Cook Islands are said to be an independent country which is associated with New Zealand. Just like Tahiti, it is said to have its independent valleys and peaks which get surrounded by a coastal plain, an azure lagoon and a reef that extends offshore. Let’s not forget the gorgeous beaches that make an integral part of the complete picture here.

Aitutaki – The Cousin:

Rarotonga has an enchanting sister who goes by the name Aitutaki. She can make up for the Bora Bora when you’re in Cook Islands.  Aitutaki is known to be surrounded by a lagoon that is both shallow and beautiful. It is, however, abundant in sea life that adds to its existing charm. When in Aitutaki, you must spend a day at the lagoon. There is an outpost here which is generally the highlight for any visit.

Cook Islands and French Polynesia – Family Apart:

The Cook Islanders are known to have more in common than just beautiful islands. Just like the Tahitians, who live about 558 miles to the east, the Cook Islanders are also known to have an insatiable lust for happiness; and this lust is known to rub off on the visitors who come to tour the region. The Islanders are known to share about 60% of their language with the Tahitians and their respective lifestyles and religious practices were also said to be very similar in the days gone by. In fact, a number of Tahitians and Cook Islanders may even be related. Just like their cousins in Tahiti, the folk of Cook Island are known to have a keen interest in their past which is linked to Eastern Polynesia. They are extremely good at explaining the links to people who visit the region even today.

Activities and Entertainment:

In addition to their Polynesian culture, the island folk have a number of activities that could help in satisfying almost everyone who sets foot there – snorkeling, sightseeing, diving and shopping. The beaches have white sand and the people are friendly and fun-loving. Most of them speak English. There are extremely affordable options when it comes to accommodation and restaurants that fall into almost all price ranges. The public transport system works pretty well. This region is known to host some of the best bars and dance shows that people see around the area. All of these could be experienced at a relatively reasonable place, making Rarotonga a region of the South Pacific that can pack in so much and that too on such small islands.