So check it out, I did, and boy – have I been missing a lot!

Turns out that Bermuda is not just one island, but 138 islands, although when someone says Bermuda chances are they are referring to the main island.  Bermuda is an affluent country, and although it has over 300 beaches, tourism ranks #2 behind finance as the mainstay of the economy.

Tropical weather, pink sand beaches, an azure colored ocean, shopping, and a variety of attractions.  What’s not to like?  Hmmmm, more research required!

Take a look at one person’s opinion on the Top 10 Beaches in Bermuda:

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You don’t have to be a celebrity, or come as part of their entourage, but you do have to have money.

Little Whale Cay, a private island in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas, is available for parties of up to 12 to rent out.  The 93-acres island has its own airstrip, allowing you to fly directly into the island, along with three villas for guests:  Little Whale, Peacock, and Flamingo.  A staff of 13 keeps the island and its resort humming along.

Little Whale House is the main villa, and serves as a popular spot to gather.  It has a bar, satellite fed flat screen television, 2 bedroom suites, a study with a computer (there’s wifi on the island), living room/dining area with a fireplace, terrace, and a variety of outdoor dining spots.  Flamingo House has 4 bedrooms (2 of which are suites), a living room and terrace.  Peacock House has one bedroom suite, a living room and terrace.  A pathway connects the villas, but each is still private.

The resort is set on a white sand beach, surrounded by beautiful blue water.  It also features an infinity pool, fitness center, tennis court, kayaks, and a variety of boats for fishing, cruising, or water sports.  You can lounge around all day, or just take it easy, whatever your heart desires.

The rest of the island serves as a sanctuary to different species of birds, including flamingos, Bahamian ducks, and Bahama woodstar humming birds.  In the water you’ll see lots of beautiful sea life, and if you’re luck, maybe a manatee (in photo).

What’s this over-the-top experience going to cost?  Keep reading to find out.

$9,500 per day.

That price tag includes accommodations, all meals (prepared by a private chef based on your personal preferences), beverages (including house wine and spirits), use of all island facilities and boats (including fuel), telephone calls, and satellite wifi,  Tennis pro, bone fish guide, spa services, wave runners, and scuba diving can be arranged for an additional cost.  An additional 15% charge is made to cover Bahamian room tax and staff gratuities.

If you have the money to splurge for a special occasion (like a birthday the end of this month, hint, hint), Little Whale Cay will give you a once in a lifetime vacation experience.

Photo credit: divemasterking2000 @flickr

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Here are 10 reasons why I think visiting Barbados may be a good choice for me:

1. I haven’t been there before, and visiting a new country takes me a step closer to the Century Club.
2. It’s a small island, only about 14 by 21 miles, with over 70 miles of powdery, white sand beaches.  Plenty of great spots to pull up a lounge chair and spend some quality time.
3. Sun year round.  Over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, in fact.  And that means year round warm temperatures of about 80-85 degrees.  What’s not to like about that?!
4. Tax free shopping in chic boutiques, modern department stores, and trendy shops making it a great spot for buying something wonderfully decadent.
5. Warm water.  Perfect temperatures for enjoying water activities like swimming with the turtles, snorkeling, or a boat ride.
6. Great food and drink.  Those who know me well were probably wondering when I’d get around to this topic.  With strong influence from around the world, Barbados gives a special twist to Caribbean cuisine.  And then there’s the Mount Gay rum!
7. Favorable exchange rate.  The practical side of me always looks for good value, and $1 US equals $1.98 BDS.  More bang for the buck.
8. Internet is available.  A girl’s got to blog, you know.
9. English is the primary language.  After navigating Italian and Croatian this summer, it would be nice not to have to worry about communication on my next trip.
10. History and culture.  Continuously under British rule until its independence in 1966, Barbados still has a strong British flavor about it.  Besides, this is the only place outside of the US that George Washington ever visited.    If it’s good enough for George, it’s good enough for me!

Have you been to Barbados?  Would you recommend it?

Photo credit:  SXC

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First off, let me address the swine flu issue, and why that didn’t concern me.

• As an adult in good health, with no immune system issues nor other special health concerns, I am not in a high risk category for picking up any kind of bug – whether here at home or in another country.
• When I’m working, I come in contact with hundreds of people a day (and their trash), so I’m exposed to lots and lots of germs, even in the best of circumstances.
• I wash my hands with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer when that’s compromised.
• I don’t walk barefoot on the plane (EEEEEEW – that’s just gross), and never eat anything that’s dropped on the floor.
• Common sense reigns supreme, and after working on a plane for so many years, I’d like to think that I have it figured out.

There weren’t a lot of people on the plane going to Cancun.  Not a lot at all.  A couple had masks on.

After arrival in Cancun, we went through customs and immigrations, and it was like a ghost town.  Other than the people on my flight, and remember, there weren’t many of them, there was no one in line.  Officials and workers were mostly masked, and went about doing their jobs.  There was no one in the shops, no one in the taxi line, no cars in the pick up zone.  It felt surreal, like I had walked into a parallel universe.

The hotel was equally empty.  No one in the lobby and only one person in the bar.  A quick walk around the pool and I counted 7 people, and back in the lobby bar another party of 4 had gathered for a beverage.  There were a handful of tables in the cafe that were taken.

This picture of the pool and beach area was taken from my balcony.  If you look very, very closely you can see one person swimming in the pool, and a few others nearby.  There are lots and lots of empty chaise lounges, and those are usually full of tanning bodies.

I had a chance to chat with some of the people who were working in the pool area.  Most speak English fairly well.  They are devastated by everything going on, and are obviously worried about their jobs and how they will take care of their families.  (Sound familiar?)  Businesses are cutting back on hours open and services offered, and that means cutting back in personal.  These are hard working, kind, thoughtful, and frightened people who were bending over backwards to make sure that everyone who was there had a wonderful experience.

I think this is fear is going to last for awhile.  And that’s a real shame.  I’m not one for putting myself at unnecessary risks, but for most people, travel to Mexico doesn’t present much more of a risk than hanging out at your local mall.  I’ll be back there next week, soaking up the sun and hospitality of what’s become a tropical ghost town.

Are you traveling to Mexico?  Or has the swine flu caused you to re-think your travel plans?  Or maybe you’re avoiding traveling altogether?  Please sound off in the comments and let me know where you stand on the issue.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Villa Verano is a vacation rental located in the most elite residential neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta, on the beach in Conchas Chinas.  You’ll have a beautiful view of the Bay of Banderas, and a steps away from the beach.

The villa is privately owned, but is occasionally available for rental.  This is luxury at its finest, and you can make arrangements for a private chef and staff to cater to your every whim.  Enjoy some time by the pool, or walk down the stairs to the beach – although you’re walking distance away from shops, restaurant,s and nightlife, you may not want to leave.

Big sigh!

Luxury like this doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for a special getaway, this romantic destination is to die for.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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The Cayman Islands consist of three British Crown islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman) in the Caribbean Sea.  Grand Cayman is the more populated of the three islands, and is a popular stop for cruise ships.  Besides hiding assets, the Caymans are a popular spots for beach lovers, divers, and other water sports.

One of the most popular things to do on Grand Cayman is a visit to Stingray City.  Here you can feed and “pet” stingrays while snorkeling in knee deep water.  They are remarkable tame and friendly creatures.  There are also boats that will take visitors a little further out to do some “swimming” with the rays.

It’s been several years since I’ve been to the Caymans, but maybe I should make a plan to go next year for Tax Day.  Not hiding asses – just vacationing.

Photo credit:  wikimedia

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A recent visit to Mazatlan revealed a nearly deserted beach.  After taking in this view from my balcony, it was an easy decision to change into a bathing suit and catch a little sun time in the remaining afternoon hours.

The peaceful feeling of sun, waves, and sand makes me smile even now.

Where do you prefer your relaxation – sun or snow?

Check out this list of other great Photo Friday travel photos from some of my favorite travelbloggers.

Image credit:  personal collection

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Playa Mazatlan is located in the Golden Zone (or Zona Dorada, if you prefer), an area on the beach that caters to tourists with hotels, shopping, dining, and nightlife.  While there is much to do is this area, I much prefer the historic center of town, about 15

The hotel has about a quarter mile of sandy beach, great for lounging, and the grounds are nicely landscaped.  The bougainvillea is lush and brightly colored, and the palm thatched palapas are a nice treat.

One little differentiating amenity of the hotel is that in addition to the chaise lounges around the pool, they have rocking chairs off to one side.  I saw people there in the early morning having a cup of coffee and late night having that one last cocktail.  And these rockers weren’t just for senior citizens, either.  There was a nice assortment of age groups represented.

The Hotel Playa Mazatlan is located at Avenue Playa Gaviotas #202, in the Zona Dorada, in Mazatlan.

Image credit:  personal collection

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Saint Maarten on the Dutch Side and Sint Martin on the French side, is a small two nation island in the Netherlands Antilles in the Caribbean.  The south half of the island is Dutch, the most populated nation on the island, and the north half is French.

Tourism is the main business of the island, with over a millions tourist flocking to the sunny beaches, nightlife, and true duty free shopping that the island offers.

I’m trying to figure out a way to be one of those one millions tourists in the not too distant future.

Anyone visited recently?  Would love any information and feedback.

Photo credit:  flickr

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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a popular Mexico travel destination, appreciated mostly for it’s location on the Pacific Ocean.  It is a port of call for many cruise lines.

Given its location on the ocean, Puerto Vallarta is very popular with boaters, and sailboats are a common sight. 

Enjoying a sunset cruise, whether on a private vessel such as this one, or on one of the many rentals, is a popular way to spend an evening.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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