Miami
A destination of vast diversity, Miami's year-round warm
weather attracts visitors from all over the world to its beautiful beaches,
modern architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Two million people call Miami home,
but another 10 million come to visit every year.
The Spanish were first to arrive, and it is understandable
that their influence should be felt first and foremost. Miami was colonized by
the Spanish in the 1500?s, then used as collateral in negotiations with the
English that ended the Seven Years War. Spain gained Havana back in exchange
for Florida. In 1783, England traded Florida back to Spain for the Bahamas, and
Spain ruled Florida as a colony until 1821, when Florida became a state.
Miami now is world famous for its beaches, 35 miles worth,
from South Beach to Sunny Isles. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or just
people watch, there are enough different beaches to suit your fancy.
But there is so much more to the city. A wide range of
museums and parks can be found here. They add a refined sense of culture to the
glitz and glamour of Miami's world-renowned nightlife.
Of course, if shopping is your main objective, Miami has more
than enough shops and boutiques to suit your needs. That's without even
mentioning the many upscale shopping malls and sidewalk stores that dot the map
What sets Miami apart from most other tourist destinations is
the blend of people who call it home. Nowhere else in the world will you see so
many people from so many different cultures. Large communities of Cubans and
Haitians mix with retired "snowbirds" from New York and Canada.
It's hard to take in all that Miami has to offer in one
day, but here are some of the highlights.
Montego Bay
The word Jamaica conjures up strong images in everyone's
mind. Whether it's visions of impeccable Caribbean beaches or the thought of
smoke wafting away from Bob Marley's lips, this small island has made a large
impression on the world's stage.
Jamaica's history is similar to that of other Caribbean
islands. In 1494, Columbus sailed into Montego Bay and named it Fair Weather
Bay. Soon after, the Spaniards came here to hunt wild hogs and export lard. The
bay became known as Manteca Bay, (Manteca is Spanish for lard) and eventually,
Montego Bay.
Jamaica lies 90 miles south of Cuba, and trails only its
neighbors Cuba and the Dominican Republic/Haiti in size, weighing in at 4,400
square miles. Inland, Jamaica is lush and green, with a mountain range that
contrasts sharply with the coastline.
Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica, trailing
only Kingston, but it may be the king of tourist destinations. Situated on the
northwest side of the island, Montego Bay is the usual entryway for airline and
cruise passengers from the United States to enter Jamaica. Those who come here
find immaculate beaches, world class resorts, top-notch golf courses and tennis
courts, and five-star restaurants.
Mo Bay, as it is affectionately known, got its start as a
tourist destination in the early 20th Century. As early as 1908, the
city advertised itself as a haven for weather-weary Americans, but it didn't
catch on until the 1940?s, when the mineral springs of Doctor's Cove Beach
started to attract the affluent traveling class.
In recent years, Jamaica's image has taken a bit of a
beating, as some tourists have bristled at overly aggressive vendors and a
rising crime rate. Some of the more affluent private resorts have taken to
forbidding their guests from leaving the resort without a guide. Of course, this
means that some people aren't getting the true feel of this island nation.
Travelers to Jamaica need not feel unsafe. As long as you
take the same precautions that you would take in any major American city, you
will have little to worry about. On the whole, Jamaica's people remain
friendly and hospitable, and they are proud to welcome you to their island
paradise.
Cozumel
If you're looking for a beautiful Caribbean style vacation
within Mexico, then look no further than Cozumel, Mexico. This lovely hideaway
is Mexico's largest island, yet remains somewhat undiscovered by Mexico's 20
million annual visitors. Cozumel is located 12 miles offshore of the city of Playa del Carmen. Yet
only 3 percent of its land has been developed, making it an ideal place to
explore the region in its pristine and nearly unaltered state.
Cozumel's history is centered on its importance to the
Mayan culture as one of three ceremonial centers in the region, and this link to
the past can be further explored by paying a visit to one of 40 archeological
sites still present on the island. When the Spanish took over the island in
1519, Cozumel became a pivotal trading center in salt and honey. The collapse of
the Spanish Empire in the late 16th century ushered in nearly 300
years of obscurity to this Caribbean land, yet it has recently flourished as a
popular cruise and travel destination; luring people from across the globe to
bask in its wonderful weather, amazing diving locations, and friendly people.
Cozumel, although not nearly as developed as its northern
neighbor Cancun, still contains all the resources necessary for the ultimate
cruise destination. Shopping is prevalent, and duty-free stores, selling
everything under the tropical sun, invite the seasoned bargain hunter. Cozumel
has been consistently rated the best spot in the world for scuba diving
and snorkeling. Restaurants on the island are world-class as well as affordable.
Finally, its proximity to the popular excursions of Xel-Ha Lagoons, the Mayan
ruins at Tulum, and Playa del Carmen solidify its position as one of the top
cruise destinations in the Caribbean.
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