The Hawaiian Islands

The legendary and world famous resort of Hawaii is one of the most prestigious places for recreation throughout the world. Hawaii located in the heart of the Pacific, are U.S. state and covers an area about 17 000 square kilometers.

Wet and pleasant climate areas, savanna and many tropical forests attract tourists from many countries. The largest city of Hawaii - a Hilo, Kailua, Kaneohe. City Honolulu is considered to be the center of Hawaii famous for many island resorts, unique culture, dances, national dress and traditions. The magnificent nature of the tropics, warm and clear ocean, combined with the hospitality of the indigenous people have made this place a dream of many people in the world. A Hawaiian "aloha", which means greeting and farewell as well, and the expression of friendly sentiments, knows almost everyone.

The history of the islands consists of many thousands of government of various nations. It is known that the Polynesians originally inhabited the islands. After the discovery of the islands by James Cook in 1778, whom the islanders had eaten as a defeated enemy, the islands were part of the kingdom. In 1994 Hawaii became a republic. And 1959 - the 15th state of the USA.

The most famous and populous of the Hawaiian Islands - the island of Oahu. Here, at each corner is full of attractions: the capital of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Hawaii's royal Iolani Palace with a statue of the founder of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. It is here and we are all aware of the same name the film base of Pearl Harbor.

Besides, on the island of Oahu there are active volcanoes Mauna Loa and Kilauea, eruption of which can sometimes be viewed by the tourists. Equally attracted the attention of visitors of the island and the extinct volcano Mauna Kea.

In the city of Hilo is the Lyman Museum, which is known for rare and interesting exhibits of Hawaiian culture.

Hawaiian Islands are the glory of places where the best beaches in the world for diving and windsurfing.

Caribbean Hurricane Season

From May to late December, prices for Caribbean vacations drop, and the bargains get so tempting one almost forgets the H-word.

Officially, hurricane season stretches from June 1st to November 30th, and hits not only the Caribbean islands but also parts of Mexico, Florida and the Texas coast. Within that time frame, August to October are peak months. The official Caribbean hurricane season occurs from 1st June through to 30th November but the hurricanes are not evenly distributed across the region during this time.

Although there's not really a totally safe zone, the southern ABC islands -- Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, in the Dutch Caribbean near Venezuela -- are considered the best bets. Also, Trinidad and Tobago are below the hurricane belt.
Cruise ships are a practical way to visit the Caribbean during the risky season, as they can simply re-route if a storm threatens.
Regular travel insurance comes in many varieties -- such as Trip Cancellation or Interruption-- and some policies may also offer protection against weather; check with your travel agent or insurance company.

Once May rolls around, low rates beckon at resorts in the Caribbean and on Mexico's Caribbean coast (Cancun and the Riviera Maya) ; yet every few years, one of these popular spots is pummeled by a tropical storm. Florida too is vulnerable: on the Gulf Coast, on the Atlantic coast, in the Keys in the south; even tourist powerhouse Orlando -- in the middle of the state-- gets an occasional blast.

Even though the Caribbean hurricane season is from June through to November, there are still times when hurricanes are unusually quiet. If you visit the Caribbean in July, you'll be happy to know that hurricanes rarely effect the region. October has by far the largest number of hurricanes. The second most frequent occurrence for hurricanes is in June.

Hurricanes occasionally form in May so don't be fooled into believing that they can't form outside these dates.

The Dominican Republic Luxurious Resorts...

The Dominican Republic is a land of contrasts – the physical kind, like the highest peak and the lowest point in the Caribbean, and the more metaphorical kind, like that between the urban street life of Santo Domingo and the rural villages only a short drive away. Santo Domingo, or ‘La Capital’ as it’s typically called, is to Dominicans what New York is to Americans, a collage of cultures; or what Havana is to Cubans, a vibrant beating heart that fuels the entire country. It’s also a living museum, offering the sight of New World firsts scattered around the charming cobblestone streets of the Zona Colonial.

The second-largest country in the Caribbean and one of the most affordable, the Dominican Republic also offers diverse culture and a unique Latin flavor.

Must-see sights
# Beaches: Located on the easternmost coast, Punta Cana offers a 20-mile stretch of pristine white sand.
# Sports fans: Watch pro baseball players practice in the off-season from October to January.
# Visit the historic district of Santo Domingo, where shops and cafйs line cobblestone streets lit by gas lamps.

The Dominican Republic is home to the largest all-inclusive resort industry in the world. This type of resort typically includes your accommodations, meals, beverages, and activities all in one price.


The past 10 years have been kind to the tourism industry here. The island was once was a well-kept secret, known only to surfers and travelers trying to get by on the cheap. But that time is over - now there are thousands of resorts and hotels in the Dominican Republic. Every major city on the country has plenty of each – the eastern beach of Punta Cana is the latest to delve headlong into the burgeoning tourist industry.

Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, Punta Cana, Playa Dorada and Cabarate are the main areas to stay on the island, each one offering something different to the traveler. Santa Domingo is the sprawling capital, alive with restaurants and bars and historical monuments. For many it may be a bit too much, especially those looking for a more relaxing vacation, but the activity in the city is as infectious as it is hectic. Bound into many itineraries as merely a day trip, Santo Domingo misses out on a lot of the tourists – which is too bad because you'll find a number of the quirkiest and hippest hotels in the Dominican Republic in the capital city. Casinos and voluminous bars give you something to do at night when you stay at the Sofitel Nicolas Ovando or the pink-tinged Renaissance Jaragua Hotel and Casino.

The Dominican Republic resorts here are not at the same high standard as many of the other areas, but decent values and beautiful beaches abound for those who explore Boca Chica.

Punta Cana is the new hot place to be for all inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. Coco palms sway as pale tourists attempt surfing lessons. Untouched beaches are all along the coast. Here you'll find the highest grade of luxury available in Dominican Republic resorts – there are 25,000 rooms for rent around Punta Cana. The fact that they are almost invariably sold out months ahead of time should tell you everything you need to know about this scenic area of the island.

Playa Dorada is back on the northern coast of the country, and where a handful of the very first Dominican Republic resorts were built. The beautiful Gran Ventana Beach Resort is here, and a fine deal. But the definition of luxury is found here in the boutique hotel called Casa Colonial Beach and Spa. Stucco walls, fine cuisine and a rooftop deck to enjoy your rum punch distinguish this all-suite treasure as the pinnacle of hotels in the Dominican Republic.

The final, and for many, most likable spot on the island is the city of Cabarete. Along with nearby Sosua, this is the place to stay if you want to play on the beach all day and in the clubs all night. Somewhat overlooked for years as merely a surfer hangout, there are still a number of independently owned, quality hotels and inns for those who venture to the north. Fewer and far between are the all inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic from which the country derives its fame, and that alone is a selling point for many.