Category: Caribbean

Caribbean, Countries, Europe, Sport

Wunderbear… here’s Germany and Curacao

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Only a World Cup could bring Old Europe and the Caribbean like this together but Wunderbear… here’s Germany and Curacao.

Courtesy of Derself, who was born on a British military base.

And circumnavigated the world when her family returned from a posting in Australia.

Bringing back mementoes, as we all do, which have taken on another life as the years have rolled on.

A word from the advertisers

Isle be there: Outline of Curacao

So meet Yorkie, here modelling a Curacao t-shirt which once adorned Derself and Der Daughterie of Derself.

And Barney Bear who despite his very Bavarian lederhosen hails from the home of German beardom, Swabia.

Now whisper it around Barney who doesn’t have the iconic button in his ear which all Steiff bears have. 

He’s actually bear ein Berliner but the German capital too has a bear tradition going back 600 years.

All of which he told me at one of those hydration breaks they have brought in during halfs to sell advertising.

New alliances

World in my hands: At the German Football Museum in Dortmund

Now such is the bonhomie of a World Cup that new alliances are forged regardless of the scoreline.

Such as German football fans and Curacao supporters.

Although, in truth, the 150,000 party people of Curaçao’s connection is with the Netherlands.

Of which they are a constituent island nation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

While old alliances are renewed such as that between the Tartan Army and the samba-dancing Brazilians.

And yes, senor, we can boogie.

With the two sets of famously partying fans renewing acquaintances for a fifth time at World Cups in 50 years.

Another reason to see Amsterdam

Ride on: Can I be trusted on a bike? In Amsterdam

Now we obviously know our way around Germany but Curacao clearly takes more prep.

So if you’re not on a round-the-world boat journey, and you should, you deserve it.

Then it makes sense that you’ll fly out of Amsterdam with KLM.

Which we priced up at from £1,177pp from Edinburgh going through Tuliptown.

 

Caribbean, Countries

Haiti and Scotland a game of two halfs

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And it is the luck of the World Cup draw which has brought us together but on one level Haiti and Scotland are a game of two halfs.

On account of the two nations being among the very few nations that are halves of an island.

In Scotland’s case it has been our fate to share our rock with England and Wales and Haiti’s to be locked on Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic.

With both Scotland and Haiti each the poorer relation.

Not though that either of us should hide our lights under a bushel.

And for readers of this here Bandanaman will be well familiar with the charms of this jutty bit of Britain through my scribblings.

But perhaps less so of Haiti.

Well. let us put that right and our perception of it as crime-ridden and destitute.

When it is a beacon for the freedoms of small nations as the first country formed from a slaves revolt ion 1804.

Haitians lead the way

Grab a chair: Women at a Vodou ceremony. Photo: Pierre Michel Jean

The Haitians and the Dominicans had a couple of gos at ruling together but have been going it alone since 1859.

Now, worryingly for Scotland who face the Haitians in Boston next Sunday at 2am, they are something of good form.

Having beaten New Zealand 4-0 in a friendly.

While they may just have a trick up their sleeve which would make football’s most recent Spygate look more like a vicar’s tea party.

Vodou child

Take it as red: Vodou Ceremony elder. Photo: Pierre Michel Jean

We refer, of course, to Vodou, a Haitian religion, which is voodoo to you and me.

And if that conjures up images of dolls of Scotland’s star footie players Shankland, McTominay, McGinn and Robertson being stabbed with pins.

Then you’ve probably been watching too many horror, or old James Bond, films.

Our friends in Haiti have helfpully given us the lowdown on how to fit in at a Vodou festival.

And recommend to attend a Rada dance (or dans).

Not least because you’re less likely to see animal sacrifice.

We fancy a springtime dans, as something unthreatening.

Held to usher in a season of abundant harvest, good luck and good health.

And the Rada dance for Erzulie Freda, the goddess of love and sensuality looks up our rue.

Or La Sirène, the mermaid goddess of good luck, fertility and material abundance.

And, of course, there’s rum

A rum do: Keep the drummers sated. PhotoL Franck Fontan

We’re advised too to bring an offering, preferably a litre, or half gallon of unrefined rum, called kleren for the drummers.

And don’t be put off if some in the congregation go into a trance.

Now if all this has piqued your interest.

Or you just want to show off when the match is on, then here’s where you can find out more about Haiti.

Haiti’s National Museum in Port-au-Prince where you’ll find the oldest, most historic Vodou drums – some dating back to the 1500s.

The Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien is on the Champs de Mars Boulevard .

And features artefacts from  the revolution, and the tools they used to found modern Haitian culture.

While the Bureau of Ethnology is a museum dedicated entirely to Haitian Vodou.

How to get there

Vodou spirit: Ren Kongo. Photo: Verdy Verna

The good news is that Haiti and the Haitians are welcoming and there are lots of ways to get there.

Air France will fly you from Europe, while there are direct flights from the US.

A return flight from Florida starts at about $250m a roundtrip from New York will set you back about $400.

While a round trip from London is about $850.

Or you can to take a short flight from the Dom Rep.

Or to hop on to one of the many tourist bus companies such as Terra Bus.

 

Caribbean, Countries, Sustainable Tourism

Let’s hear it for the Caymans’ Red Boobies this World Earth Day

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And not just because their name makes overgrown schoolboys snigger let’s hear it for the Caymans’ red boobies this World Earth Day.

It turns out we’re not alone as four out of five (83%) say they intend to book a ‘wildlife travel’ break, a jump of 36%.

With the three Cayman Islands with its extraordinary diversity of wildlife at its centre.

Through its sun-drenched forests, dramatic limestone cliffs and some of the best visibility in the Caribbean.

Our Cayman chums as ever have done the heavy lifting for us.

With a listicle of five of their unexpected wildlife stars to mark World Earth Day.

More than a cocktail

Blue looking at me: The Blue Iguana

Now how many of us have drunk in the Caribbean with a rum and blue curacao infused cocktail without knowing what it is.

Well, perhaps today, this World Earth Day, it is worth reflecting that the Blue Iguana was once on the brink of extinction.

With fewer than 30 left in the wild in the early 2000s.

But thanks to long-running breeding programmes and habitat protection on the Cayman Islands.

More than 1,200 have now been reintroduced, we can now witness a prehistoric, electric blue giants basking in protected reserves. 

Booby trip

Take it as red: Our booby

Follow that then… well we have the Red-Footed Boobies.

Little Cayman boasts one of the largest colonies of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

Nesting at the Booby Pond Nature Reserve, these seabirds wheel above mangroves, returning at dusk in sky‑darkening flocks.

Clear your throat

Throaty call: The Anole

Next up is the Blue-throated Anole.

With throats being a sign of virility in nature, don’t you know?

And lizards use theirs during territorial displays

With males extending their brilliant throat fans which gleam against the forest canopy.

Up on the reef

Dive in: Under the sea

Much of our most precious life is right under our feet and therefore must be protected.

Which we’re glad to see out divers and snorkellers treat seriously.

As they manoeuvre their way through swirling schools of reef fish, shimmering angelfish, and tiny endemics.

Just like the Splendid Shy Blenny hiding in coral crevices.

It’s turtle immersion

Shell be there: Your turtles

And now for the history bit, and you thought you’d got away with it.

Well Christopher Columbus dubbed the islands Las Tortugas for their abundance of turtles.

Three species, green, hawksbill and loggerhead, glide through lagoons and nest on sandy shores.

And captivate travellers at hotspots like Spotts Beach and Turtle Reef.

Conservation efforts continue to protect these ancient mariners as they reclaim their historic water.

Park yourself here

Regal: The Botanic Park

So where do we park ourselves? Well, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.

Part visitor attraction, part conservation powerhouse, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is home to the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility,

Visitors can take behind-the-scenes tours of active breeding and research efforts.

Its 60+ acres of gardens, forests and wetlands also house rare flora.

Including the national flower, the Wild Banana Orchid, showcased along the Orchid Boardwalk.

And because we’re resilient

Taking the wheel: On a Caymans trip

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute on Little Cayman is where to go for reef resilience.

The team has propagated over 1,000 coral fragments from parent colonies.

And established both shallow and deepwater nurseries to strengthen biodiversity across local reef systems.

Now to visit these wonderful life-forms then you’ll want to fly through your nearest big airline hubs or via the US, whichever applies.

Caribbean, Countries, Deals, Flying

Woah, we’re going to Aerbados

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And with apologies to soft reggae revellers Typically Tropical… woah, we’re going to Aerbados, woah, Aer Lingus Airways.

Yes, you read that right… Ireland’s national airline carrier have stepped up to fill the gap.

Where floor fillers Typically Tropical gave us Coconut Airways.

Sail away: Club Barbados

Which Son and Heir and Daughterie will recognise the tune from being repurposed in Woah, we’re going to Ibiza.

Now the Balearic Island has always had its charms which we enjoyed on family holidays long before it became Rave Central.

Bridging the gap

Irie: The toast of Barbados

But we have long hoped and believed that the Caribbean could more than match it.

Once we opened it up for Irish travellers with a direct route.

England’s loss here, and more specifically Manchester’s, will be Ireland’s gain.

When Aer Lingus opens up a temporary seasonal route connecting Dublin and Bridgetown from 31 March to 31 May.

With fares available from €229 each way, including taxes, fees and carrier charges and departing Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Now it might be a small window but there’s a world of fun waiting through it once you get out there to Bim.

Just promise us that should you get along to say Club Barbados and you see a dapper dude.

Suited and booted

In penguin suit and bow tie designed on to his t-shirt in the bar chaneling his Typically Tropical then say an Irie from us.

And he’ll be happy to let you join him at the mic.

Now Club Barbados is on Barbados’s prestigious Platinum Coast but you don’t have to be Midas to afford it like you might at next-door Sandy Lane.

And join the Club

Me-me and Dee-Dee: At Crop Over in Barbados

Club Barbados is all-inclusive and adults only and we found a Garden View room for £1830.14 (€2,102.45).

And an Aer Lingus return flight for the random dates of April 7-14 for €449.11.

Caribbean, Countries, Food & Wine, Music

Dub jammin’ with Celtic reggae

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It’s one love that Jamaicans and the Irish share which is why we brought our evening of travel networking to a bass jumpin’ climax Dub jammin’ with Celtic reggae.

Two islands forged in struggles against the British Empire it was natural that the Godfather of Reggae Bob Marley should gravitate towards Ireland.

And play his last outdoor concert at Dalymount Park in Dublin in the summer of 1980.

The One Love or An Afternoon in the Park gig on July 6 of that year.

I’m all right, Jack: A pirate of the Caribbean

When he braved his failing health to play before a packed stadium, generously charged as little as I£7 to see a global superstar.

Back in the day when any superstar would bodyswerve Ireland in favour of Britain.

The Irish, of course, never forget and Bob remains such a hero today that the Bohemians football club commemorated the concert with a special football shirt of the Great Man.

Let’s get together

Best bar none: Reggae in Dublin

Whisper it but our tickets were even cheaper for our celebration of all things Bob, Reggae and Jamaica.

With a home-grown Celtic Reggae band at the Botanical Garden Opium at the end of our annual Meet the Media networking travel fair.

And don’t worry, nothing that strong was inhaled!

Jamaica has become a growing market, for the reasons of kindred links, love of music, drink, partying and sun… well, OK, only one of the two islands has that.

And, of course, we have road tested the Caribbean and its Celtic roots for you and can vouch that we’re all brothers by another mother or sisters by a different mister.

Now having chewed the fat, or the jerk chicken, with our friends at Tropical Sky and toasted their 20 years in business with Appleton rum.

We got the skinny too on the best offers out there.

Isle sign up for a couples break

Pictures of Jamaica: R&R, rest and rum

And were taken especially by the Couples trips particularly as I went Single Pringle without my partygoer back in the day while she ducked out to stay home with the kids!

And so Couples Tower Isle is an idyllic five-star all-inclusive seven-nighter from £1,629pp including flights.

With a stunning private island just a 100 yards boat ride away.

Now because only the best do for Herself Couples Tower Isle looks just about suitable.

With its four swimming pools, three Jacuzzis and a large beachfront.

We’re gonna jam it with you: The Great Man

The Oasis Spa Villas offers a private sun terrace, a personal plunge pool, and unlimited spa services customised for you by the spa concierge.

And there are complimentary excursions including Dunns River Falls, Sunset Catamaran Cruise and a trip to Margaritaville.

Unlimited scuba diving for certified divers or a beginner’s course with introductory dive.

Yes, or Irie, as they say in these parts, dive into Jamaica, pick up their distinctive vibe and recognise it in your Scots and Irish Celtic roots.

 

 

 

Caribbean, Countries, Cruising

MSC are giving us a Sunbrella

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Rihanna was right, when the sun shine we shine together, and because they’ll always be our friends MSC are giving us a Sunbrella.

To help us through January.

Because despite what we see in MSC’s alter ego on TV sometimes we cruise through the rains like we did in the Norwegian fjords.

And after the hurricane comes the rainbow… here, help me stay on track and stop veering off here into Katy Perry.

Going on an adventure: The Good Ship Murder

Now MSC have alighted on the very thing for the January Blues which as their survey shows is a thing.

With half (51%) of those Irish asked saying that they’re craving winter sun to lift their mood, new research has revealed.

And one in five (16%) choosing to sit outside in the bitter cold simply because it’s sunny.

And one in ten (10%) even going as far as sunbathing in their winter clothes.

While two in five (44%) turn to Vitamin D supplements and a third (33%) book a flight somewhere brighter.

Way to glow

Take it as red: MSC cabins

All of which MSC have taken on board by creating the Sunbrella which incorporates SAD lamp technology.

Allowing people to stay dry while enjoying a warm glow and serotonin lift.

You’ll never stop the rain: By complaining

Because if you’re low mood won’t shift, irritable, lethargic and have difficulty concentrating.

Then you’re more than likely to be suffering from symptoms of SAD.

Now we won’t name and shame what MSC has tagged as the Irish cities… Sligo, Kilkenny, Dublin, Cork.

Caribbean dream

Island life: In Tobago

Only to say that the most popular destination for seafarers if money was no object is our old favourite, the Caribbean.

And MSC has the answer for that too with a lead offer around the West Indies.

With prices starting from just €331pp to the Caribbean on March 2 aboard MSC Seaside. 

So if you’re feeling the January Blues then we suggest you stick it out to the end and look forward to a Spring lift.

America, Caribbean, Countries

A Californian Christmas with the Adams family

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It’s altogether kooky, a Californian Christmas with the Adams family, where ‘even Santa will have a tan’.

For half the world where it glows rather than snows on Christmas Day.

Which is what it is for rock legend, the Groover from Vancouver, in his Californian home.

Power ballad: Bryan Adams

And don’t you know that Bryan Adams’ Christmas offering is the earworm on our radio stations this festive period.

Now does it do for you?

These words: With Natasha Bedingfield

Bryan tells us that every day you know it’s going to shine in the Golden State and he’s never let us down in the past.

Chasing the sun

It’s nuts: Cleveland, Mississippi

Of course, we’re all of us in the chilly northern bit of the northern hemisphere, dreaming of that.

And it has been our good fortune to find ourselves in warmer parts around this time of year.

Although, not as you would expect the Deep South of America.

Where I awoke in our coach journey through Mississippi to discover the fields in a blanket of white.

Which my Tennessean guide Heather told me was what the sharecroppers would call the snow.

Not that any of it diminished the warm welcome we received in an antibellum house.

Where we learned that the movie the Help had been filmed.

And a Caribbean Christmas too

Baubles time: Christmas in Tobago

Now we trust that our Californian chums will be indulging in their favourite pastime of hiking over the holidays.

And chilling out which is really all you can do in the warm.

And which our pals in the Caribbean have down to a fine art.

Not that we’d recommend the big red and white robes more suited to northern climes.

But which they faithfully don in a nod to our more Old World traditions.

Although, of course, as with all things in the Caribbean, and in this case Tobago it comes with a shot of rum.

An Irie and a peel of parang Soca music.

So whatever your poison or pastime the festive season is always better with a song in your heart.

 

Caribbean, Countries, Deals

Howzat for seeing Barbados… with a Windies icon

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Howzat for seeing Barbados with a Windies icon because unlike Premier League footballers cricket legends mingle.

It is, of course, a two-way street as I found out after being introduced to Brian on Foreday Morning in Barbados’s Soca Carnival.

Only to learn after I’d left him with my slurred words ‘Do you play cricket?’ ringing in his ears.

Tthat this was the great Brian Lara.

Lesson learned, and libations parked, I was on better behaviour when I came across quickie Joel Garner and all-rounder Collis King.

Caught: With Collis King and Joel Garner

On the Barbados stand at the WTM travel fair in London.

And gave them both hearty handshakes although mine disappeared into Big Bird’s shovel hands.

Thang is that Windies cricketers are a different breed from those stuffy sportsmen we get on this island which gave the game the world.

But still hasn’t evolved from its elitist perspective.

Golfing with GG then the gee-gees

Howzat for openers: Gordon

 

Gordon Greenidge, another proud son of Barbados, has seen both sides in his life.

Born in Bim but raised in the Royal County of Berkshire,where I too did my time.

All of which we’re sure he’ll be glad to chat to you about on the pristine golf courses of Barbados and in his private box at the races.

Yes, you read that right, and you have Tropical Sky to thank for this 20th Anniversary Holiday Collection offer.

You’ll spend ten nights on the island and play an intimate round of golf.

And break bread and rum with West Indies opening batsman cricket legend Gordon.

While Peter Odle, chairman of Mango Bay Group, is offering access to his private box along with gourmet hospitality to follow up GG with the geegees.

Sandy Lane is there inside my heart

Down memory Lane: Sandy Lane

You’ll also get to ride a luxury catamaran cruise.

But word to the wise slather up with lotion if you don’t want to repeat this leathered traveller’s mistake.

While you’ll also be booked in for afternoon tea at Sandy Lane.

And Sunday lunch at celebrities’ hang-out The Cliff.

And a farewell seafood feast at the waterfront restaurant Tides.

Sands of time

Play in: The Sands

Guests stay at the stylish, all-inclusive The Sands Barbados on the south coast.

Where soft sands, swaying palms, non-motorised water sports and laid-back island living set the tone.

Complemented by smooth VIP service from fast-track arrival to the final farewell.

A 10-night Golfing Glory with Sir Gordon Greenidge and a Day at the Races trip is priced from £8,850pps.

Including international business-class flights, 1ten nights at The Sands Barbados.

All meals as per the itinerary, afternoon tea at Sandy Lane, 18 holes of golf and lunch with Sir Gordon Greenidge.

A luxury catamaran day with lunch, a day at the races with exclusive access to that private box.

Sunday lunch at The Cliff and dinner at The Tides Restaurant.

 

America, Caribbean, Cruising, Deals, Ships

Cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go

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Yes, on land or sea we’re always thinking of our next trip but the industry sets aside a period every year to highlight its offers, and we’re going to cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go.

The Irish online travel providers, as usual. are ahead of their time with Cruise Week next week, Monday, 15 September to Sunday 21 September.

With fantastic MSC Cruises full fly and cruise packages.

Including return flights from Dublin with checked-in bag, transfers, entertainment gratuities and meals onboard.

Caribbean cruising

Minnie and me: In Orlando

For many their first port of entry to cruising is Florida and the Caribbean.

And that’s where we’ll start with a fly/cruise from Dublin to Orlando and the Caribbean.

On board MSC Grandiosa for €1,129pp from January-March.

You’ll get four nights in an Orlando hotel with plenty of time to catch up on our Disney and Universal pals.

And then a seven-night cruise, leaving Port Canaveral and headed for Nassau, Bahamas.

Where we’ve sailed to but like Aaron in the Bible didn’t get to set foot in the Promised Land.

It’s then onto San Juan, Puerto Rico, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and back to Port Canaveral.

The offer is based on 2+2 (aged 2-17 sharing).

And a bite of the Big Apple

This year’s blond: With ‘The Donald’ in New York

Now if you still fancy the Bahamas but think well it’s just down the coast from New York then Click&Go have you covered here too.

They’re offering a fly/cruise on board Meraviglia based on €1,399pp from this October-April.

It includes an overnight hotel stay in New York and a seven-night cruise.

Departing New York for Port Canaveral and then onto Nassau.

And also taking in the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve before it’s back to the Big Apple.

Miami nice

Eat up: In Miami

Even closer, of course, is Miami and you can set off from there on board the brand new World America.

Based on €1,549pp with travel from October 2025 – March 2026.

Your trip includes one night Miami hotel stay and the 7-night cruise.

And you’ll get to take in Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico (areeba, areeba) and the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas.

The bumper 14-nighter

Read all about it: At The Daily Prophet

Or the bumper 14-nighter.

Fly out to Orlando before stepping on board the Seashore for €1,599pp with travel from October 2025 – January 2026.

Including seven nights Miami hotel, plenty of time to sample the nightlife, beaches and architecture.

Even if you are prone to go around in circles, like this blogger.

And then the seven-night cruise, leaving Port Canaveral for Nassau.

And on to Cozumel, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas and back to Port Canaveral.

So a good way to start your Monday with our pointer to cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go.