Caribbean

Making your Caribbean Holiday decisions

When to go

December through April are generally a lot drier with low humidity and cooler nights. Outside this period the islands are known to have ‘stickier’ weather and heavy downpours. Obviously this means between December and April prices are higher and carry a premium during school holidays; they are usually busiest during December and New Year.

In terms of the ideal month, it most likely is May. Taking into account the balance between weather and the cost of flights and accommodation there it’s significantly less to travel at this time and the weather is still good enough to enjoy the sunshine.

Where to go in the Caribbean

As I’m sure you’re aware the Caribbean is a magnificent place to visit but if you’re looking for a  more specific activity to try your hand at here then we have highlighted what each of the main islands are known for and what they have to offer

US Virgin Islands: Looking for a carnival is St Thomas? From sunset sand festivals to sea turtle sails there’s always something happening around these parts!

Cayman Islands: Known for being one of the most scenic parts of the Caribbean, you may even be able to stick to your budget here whilst you enjoy the white beaches and grab yourself a great hotel deal. Roam the streets here and you will find the locals welcoming and kind, mainly because they are a tight knit community. You’re bound to fall in love with this island’s beauty.

St Kitts & Nevis: It’s amazing to think a quarter of the land here is green with its rainforest expanding rather than shrinking. Here you will be surrounded by wildlife, from chattering vervet monkeys and scurrying families of mongoose, to roaming cows, goats and black-bellied sheep. Whilst you are here don’t forget to visit Frigate Beach and endure its excellent festivals!

Barbados: Here we have 3000 hours of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 26 degrees. It’s a top spot for exploring and being active in the Caribbean, you can your hand at snorkelling and scuba diving. It would probably be worth noting that all the beaches here are different allowing you to experience giving you a different experience each day.

 

St. Lucia: This Island’s got it all - sprawling chalk-coloured beaches, towering mountains, upscale resorts and bargain bungalows. Start your day with a hike through the mighty Piton Mountains, soak up some midday sun along Reduit Beach and watch the sun set over the Caribbean Sea. 

 

Bahamas: These well-liked islands transform into spring break nerve centres each year, so it's best you avoid them around then if you don't like crowds. Still, the Bahamas are unparalleled when it comes to flight deals and discounted room rates. 

 

St. Bart’s: Khaki-coloured beaches separate the island's hilly landscape from the turquoise waters. Just be prepared to splurge - St. Bart’s is known for the well-heeled, beckoning to Hollywood's finest. Still, you can score some good deals if you plan well in advance. 

 

Now you know a bit about the different islands, we hope this makes it easier for you to make that all important decision of which island will most suit your needs. It’s all about the type of person you are and what makes your holiday perfect.

 

If it’s more information you need, just get in touch with us – we are happy to answer any questions!

 

Orlando

Your BIG Experience in Orlando, Florida

From restaurants to shopping and theme parks, Orlando pretty much has it all for an active holiday experience and one which won’t stop you telling your friends about.

DINING

Orlando caters for all your dining needs from budget buffet restaurants to luxurious steak houses. You will be able to find the best bargains in the theme park restaurants where you can indulge in anything from waffles and bacon for breakfast to American barbeque picnic food for dinner. If you’re looking for more of an upmarket dining experience then you could visit the likes of Victoria & Albert’s at the Disney compound where their seven course menu will blow you away. A top rated spot by the locals is Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster House, where the steak is top notch and service is excellent. There are endless places to dine at, so don’t feel under pressure to have them mapped out – some of the best experiences can be found right under your nose.

SHOPPING

Like many locations you will find malls with many shops to keep you up-to-date with the latest fashion trends. Orlando doesn’t lack on this, it has two famous malls; The Mall at Millenia and The Florida Mall. You will find high end department stores within these malls where you can be waited on hand and foot.

Something that sets this unique place apart from so many other places is its outlet stores, these stores are fascinating ­– buying designer items at rock bottom prices. You won’t be too far from an outlet centre here so there’s no excuse not to visit one. Everyone is sure to walk away with a bargain and feel at peace after their spot of retail therapy.

Shopping may not be for everyone, but in Orlando the next activity isn’t far away. 

THEME PARKS

Theme parks here are BIG, BIG, BIG. All ages will definitely find something to keep them entertained here. Some of the major parks are a must see when you get time to explore:

SeaWorld® Orlando has various shows that are a must-see ­ – that’s if you can get to them on time, the Flamingos that wander around your feet in the park may slow you down. The Shamu show offers a surreal experience – there’s not many times where you will see killer whales performing. Apart from the talked about shows, all the animals here are worth a visit and seeing as you’re in Orlando, why not…

Number one place of interest is Universal Studios which is part of Universal Orlando® Resort. It’s so much more than a theme park; it’s an entire universe that will give you an action packed visit, with thrills that will last till the end of your holiday. Stephen Spielberg once said that Universal Studios will give people the chance to discover their own hero, which gives you an idea of what to expect.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also close to the main park. The easiest way to discover the magic here is with a Fast-Pass which will get you quickly into the main areas. You will hear great reviews on the Kilimanjaro Safari; if you’re lucky enough to get here early the animals are usually a bit more active. It’s been known for Giraffes putting their heads right into the vehicles.

So now is the time to visit Orlando, make your own experiences in this magical place!

Croatia

Exploring Croatia

Croatia is seen as an up and coming holiday destination with more and more people enjoying holidays here each year. Many people aren’t sure where to start researching this area so we wanted to narrow down ‘things to do’ and focus on the top hidden gems that we would encourage you to visit or try your hand at when visiting Croatia.

1. First of all is Dubrovnik, a city you will become mesmerised with. It has marble streets that stretch for miles and a sea of terracotta rooftops that set it apart from other cities. If you’re into exploring and learning about another country’s culture then the ancient walls that surround this magnificent city won’t disappoint, neither will the stories behind them.

2. A hidden island just off the coast below Split called Hvar is home to the more luxurious homeowners with their expensive yachts and designer handbags. You can swim from most of the beaches on the island and many are known for the parties that are held on them at night. With some major festivals now being held in Croatia, Hvar is definitely becoming one of the popular party islands!

3. Dip in the Sea! This might not be obvious as we always focus on the ‘places’, but the Adriatic Sea here is absolutely beautiful with its silky texture and unmatched colours. You will not be disappointed with your dip in the water here due to the warm temperatures and your walks along the beach will be pleasant owing to the smooth white sand covering the beaches.

4. Croatia is a popular spot for leisurely sailing. At times you will see many boats out at the same time where the passengers follow the same route, socialise together and visit the local attractions. If this isn’t your idea of sailing, there are many quiet coves in the surrounds which will provide you with the relaxation that you need.

5. ‘Slow Food’ is a term used in Croatia to describe their culture of eating. It promotes local, fresh and seasonal ingredients, and enjoying the ritual of eating. Not only is this about the food but each course is paired with fitting wines for you to enjoy, so this is an element of Croatian culture to be experienced.

 

 

Top Options for Winter Sun

Top Options for Winter Sun

Are you ready for our top recommendations for sun this winter?

I’m guessing if you’re searching for winter sun then its climate that is the top determining factors as to where you decide to go. You also most likely want a certain amount of relaxation after going through the stressful Christmas period.

Obvious choices for winter sun spots would include Thailand, Dubai or Mauritius. Especially if its luxury you’re in search of. You will find both spectacular and mind blowing resorts with more than enough activities for you to try your hand at. This time of year is more peaceful with children still in school and the majority of the UK planning their holidays for summer.

Are you on more of a budget? Then head to the Med! You will find some super savings on what tour operators are offering this winter for New Year holidays. 

Two top options we recommend are Gran Canaria and Cape Verde… Depending if you’re looking for a last minute holiday or a luxury escape we believe one of these destinations will meet your needs.

Gran Canaria

If it’s the last minute break you are in need of then visit Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria. You can escape the winter blues and stay at one of its many complexes and take advantage of cheap flights. Puerto Rico has miles of sand that runs towards other towns so you will never be bored of walking around. You can enjoy the local area with all its bars and restaurants conveniently located in one place with amazing value for money on food and drink! As most of the places are in close vicinity to a shopping mall you will have your home comforts of browsing around the shops for a bargain.

Top tip – Go self catering on your stay in Puerto Rico, you will really want to experience all it has to offer and being so close to other magnificent areas it allows you to go off exploring not conscious of your next meal at your accommodation.

Cape Verde

If it’s more of a luxury retreat you are after, then Cape Verde is a must. One of the main reasons, apart from the beaches and weather is probably that it’s relatively undiscovered.  Once you’re there, it feels that it’s really a retreat that you are on without bustling tourists and fish & chips on the menu at every restaurant.  Island hopping is a must do for tourists looking to see a little more & experience Cape Verde’s active side.

Top tip – If you like walking and being more active on your holiday, then Santo Antão is the place to visit!

 

 

A thank you to Sonia, Evesham office

Reference: Alaska Holiday September 2014 Dear Sonia

This is a long overdue letter to give some feedback on the trip that you helped us to organize back in September.

I don’t quite know where to start, so I will begin with the help and guidance that you yourself gave us from the time of our initial visit.

 

As always you were helpful, patient and knowledgeable, putting our needs and requirements first, never trying to persuade us to settle for anything less than what we originally had in mind, but also helping us to be realistic too. This is one of the reasons why we always come back to Carrick when planning our holidays.

 

The company that organized our travel arrangements, planned our route and booked the hotels for us did an absolutely brilliant job. Every hotel we stayed in was spot on, from the hotel in Anchorage through to the B&B in the woods at Tok and the magnificent hotels in between. The paperwork and

itinerary was easy to follow and presented in such a way that it was easy to keep it all up together. Please pass on our thanks and the acknowledgement that their attention to detail really made our trip.

 

Alaska is the most stunningly beautiful place I have ever been to, so much so that it reduced me to tears on several occasions, for all the right reasons I hasten to add. We are already planning to go again in a couple of years to try to see some of the rest of it.

 

I had one disappointment and that was something that only nature can be held responsible for... we did not see the Northern Lights, despite several nights sitting up waiting for the 'Aurora call' that all of the hotels offer to their guests. To add insult to injury they were viewed over Broadway Tower, just 7 miles away from our home, whilst we were away.

 

Even so, nothing could have spoiled the trip of a lifetime, thank you again for the part you played in helping to make it happen.