Create Your Own Travel Discounts

Hotel and rental car owners don’t just offer you discounts at random, you have to ask for it work for it, and sometimes, these discounts aren’t even worth it, well unless you’re looking to traveling during off peak season where there is at most a 50% discount. But let’s face it, we travel during peak season because this is the season when we actually have time to travel. So aside from waiting for your favorite hotel’s tirade of discounts during off peak season, when you can’t really travel and then end up not traveling at all, why not take the initiative and find your own ways to cheap travel, make your own discount. - Check detour flights other than the straight one you’re bound to get when you inquire. You can get cheaper overall prices if you choose to book two flights instead of one. Some people have been able to save as much as $2000 by doing this. - It is always better to buy food at the grocery and cook it yourself rather than eating everyday at a restaurant. You won’t want to spend all of your pocket money on food. Restaurants tend to have cheap and sometimes unhealthy food, ensure your own health as well as your pockets health by cooking your own, that is, after all, the reason why there’s a stove in your hotel room. - Travel to places which boast of natural beauty but have lower costs of living, prices here tend to be lower. Take the Philippines or Malaysia for example, both have great views and tourist spots but come without the hassle of overpricing, English speaking natives are also a plus for these countries. - If you’re planning to stay for more than a week, call the hotel that you’d want to stay in and ask for week long stay discounts, these can range for percentages off your room price or even a “free day.” - Package deals usually save a lot, airfare and lodgings combined into one are usually cheaper compared to paying for them separately. Some travel agencies even provide trio packages which include airfare, hotel and car rental, you can save a lot if you have the industriousness to canvass. - Find web-only discounts or coupons which some hotels and airline owners provide especially for those willing to reserve online. You can save as much as 50% on your travel costs by going this way.

http://www.AirfareDiscount.org

10 Must-Dos When In Amsterdam

An enticing fusion of ancient and avant-garde, Amsterdam is a beautiful city of creative legacy. Take a walk along the cobbled streets and serene canals and you can seem a million miles from the vibrant nightlife on every corner. 1. Dam Square Dam Square is the hub of the city and located on the site of the original Amstel dam. The focal point of the Square is the Royal Palace. Originally the town hall, it became regal following Louis Napoleon’s crowning in 1808. 2. Anne Frank’s House In close proximity to the Square, Anne Frank’s house provides a constant reminder of Nazi occupation during the Second World War. Her infamous diary is kept here; be prepared to queue as it gets very busy during the tourist season. 3. Rijksmuseum The fabulous Rijksmuseum is home to some of the most important historic art in the world. Perhaps the most famous pieces here are that by Rembrandt; the works of Frans Hals and Vermeer also feature prominently. Beautiful examples of porcelain dolls and dolls’ houses can also be seen. 4. Van Gogh Museum Another unmissable illustration of fine art is exhibited at the purpose built Van Gogh Museum. Including many of his finest pieces, the Van Gogh Museum is home to the largest collection of his work in the world. 5. Albert Cuypmarkt If you feel the need to shop, the Albert Cuypmarkt offers just about everything you could wish to buy. This cosmopolitan shopping region will provide your credit card fix. 6. Queen’s Day A sight to behold, Queen’s Day is the celebration of all that is gay and lesbian. Music is pumped from every corner, as what seems to be the entire world’s gay population descends on Amsterdam. 7. Vondelpark Summer This summer festival is held between June and August and features all forms of entertainment including open air concerts, theatre and cabaret. The fun is enjoyed by men, women and children of all ages. 8. Holland Festival The Dutch certainly enjoy their festivals; this is the biggest annual arts event in the country and continues for three weeks during the month of June. 9. Dutch Clogs You cannot visit Holland without at least trying on a pair of their famous wooden clogs. Other iconic souvenirs include Dutch dolls and Delft pottery. Cheese and the famous windmills are also very popular. 10. Grand Cafes Amsterdam’s notorious cafes are spread densely throughout the city. Take a well earned break and try the local erwtensoep as you wet your whistle.

Traveling To And Within Spain

Mainland Spain is situated on the Iberian peninsula in the southwest of Europe. It also encompasses two groups of islands. The Islas Baleares (Balearic Islands), in the Mediterranean, Mallorca the largest island is just over one hundred miles off the eastern coast and the Islas Canarias (Canary Islands) which are situated approximately five hundred miles to the southwest and lie off the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Mellila and Cueta are two Spanish enclaves in Morocco on the African continent. Whilst Spain is one of the world's leading destinations for the package holiday there is more to this country than the beaches of the costas and islands. The independent traveler will want to move around see what more Spain has to offer. Getting there - There are thirty one airports on the mainland serving the following cities and towns: A Coruna, Albacete, Alicante, Almería, Asturias, Badajoz, Barcelona, Bilbao, Burgos, Cordoba, Girona, Granada, Jerez de la Frontera, Leon, Madrid, Malaga, Murcia, Pamplona, Reus, Sabadell, Salamanca, San Sebastian, Santander, Santiago, Sevilla, Valencia, Valladolid, Vigo and Zaragoza. In the Canaries the islands of El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, Lanzarote and Tenerife and in the Balearics Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca all have airports. Gibraltar, the British colony at the southern most tip of Spain, also has it's own airport. British Airways and the Monarch fly daily to Gibraltar from several departure points in the United Kingdom and Monarch has some very good deals on seats. Major carriers provide scheduled flights to Spain but it is also a principal destination for budget airlines with return flights available for less than 100 Euros from other European cities. It is also possible to pick up bargain seats on the many charter flights serving the tourist industry. Air travel within Spain, with the exception of a couple of budget airlines, is expensive. Major roads provide access from Portugal to the west and France which borders Spain to the northeast. Road travel within the country can vary. Many roads are not of a good standard but Spain has received billions of Euros in aid from the European Union and much of this has been spent on the infrastructure and so it is also possible to travel on some of the newest and finest roads on the continent. The country is well served by many bus companies linking the major towns and cities with express services. There are also a wealth of local bus services. The train service is well developed enabling access to the country from both Portugal and France and fast travel between towns and cities within Spain. Fares are cheap compared to some other major European countries. Madrid and Barcelona are served by extensive Metro (underground railway) networks. In addition to the many inter island services ferries run from the mainland to both the island groups and the two enclaves in Morocco. The Canary Islands are served by a boat running from Cadiz. The journey is long, some 48 hours and the sea conditions often make for a rough passage. It may be preferable to fly although as we have already pointed out this can be expensive. Ferries from Tariffa and Algeciras, in the Andalucian province of Cadiz, run to Tanger in Morroco. Ferries also link the enclave of Cueta with Tariffa, Algeciras and Malaga. Mellila, the other enclave is served by a boats out of Malaga and Almeria. The Balearic Islands have services to the mainland running to Barcelona, Valencia and Denia.

Perfect Caribbean Travel For Every Vacation

Close your eyes and imagine a Caribbean vacation. Done? The images you called to mind probably contained pristine white beaches, aquamarine waters, and plenty of palm trees. Fortunately, the Caribbean is full of enough beautiful beaches to satisfy every traveler, but there's much more to the islands than just beaches – which is good news for travelers who want their trip to be more than just a day at the beach. While some islands are, indeed, known for their beaches, others, like Saba, hardly have any. There's a whole world of activities in the Caribbean; it's just a matter of knowing where to look. Learning a bit about some of the islands can help you get a feel for the many differences you'll find here. Basic Island Differences Surprisingly, weather can be quite different from island to island, as mountains, the trade winds, and even geographic location can cause some subtle and not-so-subtle differences. Islands such as Aruba are seemingly an anomaly – cacti and aloe grow more readily than fragrant hibiscus in its desert climate. Meanwhile, islands like Puerto Rico offer mountain hikes to adventure seekers, as well as cooler temperatures high in its ranges. Culture can be another important difference among islands. If you're looking for a taste of Paris alongside a bit of tropical sunshine, turn to Martinique and the other French West Indies. Travelers can also enjoy islands where Dutch colonial style still reigns in the Netherlands Antilles, or take tea in the British West Indies. Some islands have been territories of many nations throughout their history, and the cultural mix can be delightful. Activities, though, can make or break a vacation. There are plenty of natural sights to see, both above and below the waves; mountainous peaks rise high into the sky, and historic buildings attract many visitors. Cultural festivals like the famous Carnival are also popular draws to these islands. However, when you're looking for activities, it's important to make the right choices. Place-by-Place Jamaica attracts many visitors each year to its popular resort towns and beaches. Whether you're heading to Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Kingston, or somewhere else entirely, Jamaica has plenty of culture to offer. Golf on the grounds of a former plantation or explore its famous Blue Mountains. There's plenty to see and do on land. And, of course, who can forget the food and crafts? Still, avid snorkelers and divers may leave this island feeling a little disappointed. Cancún is the ubiquitous spring break vacation spot for most college students. But many people don't know that the surrounding areas have plenty to offer as well. Cancún may have gorgeous beaches and plenty of nightlife, but Cozumel offers incredible underwater sights to dazzle intrepid divers. The area known as the Mayan Riviera includes secluded spots like Playa del Carmen, which many families love, while Tulum hosts larger than life Mayan ruins. A popular spot for cruising as much as any other kind of travel, The Bahamas has plenty of popular ports and beaches, but crowds in the cities can be too much for some travelers. The Out Islands, however, are some of the most popular areas for vacationers looking to escape the crowds. Whether you're off to see Ernest Hemingway's Bimini, enjoying the hustle and bustle of popular cities like Freeport, or sailing and fishing between any of the islands, The Bahamas a great spot for a unique vacation not far from the Florida coast. Puerto Rico has plenty of advocates as well, since it offers travelers everything from mountain vistas to a bit of diving and snorkeling. It's best known for its history and its rainforest. While Old San Juan is popular, visit Ponce on the southern coast for something a little different. El Yunque, the only rainforest in the U.S. National Parks system, is a good stop for nature lovers. Shopping, casinos, and nightlife are all important aspects of San Juan's popularity, and don't forget to spend a bit of time at one of the beaches as well. Island Groups Get ready to sail when visiting the Virgin Islands. Whether you're planning to stop in at the U.S. or the British islands, you'll find crystal clear waters and plenty of sites. St. Thomas offers shopping; St. Croix features historic Dutch buildings; and St. John is home to a wildlife preserve. Snorkelers and divers will find beautiful sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands are much more secluded, and locals welcome vacationers with their warm smiles and British hospitality. Travelers who want another taste of something British can stop in at Barbados and have afternoon tea with the Bajan locals. Visitors to Bermuda can explore some of the cultural heritage this island retains, and stick around for a game of golf. Despite Bermuda's distinctly non-Caribbean location, it is still considered a popular tropical location and is often grouped with other Caribbean islands. The sister islands of Antigua and Barbuda are also known for beautiful beaches and rich British history, as well as incredible sailing. Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, known as the ABC Islands, are three of the Netherlands Antilles islands, located just north of Venezuela's coast. With the added distinction of being outside the Caribbean's “Hurricane Belt,” this trio of islands offers some unusual desert climates, fascinating history, and nature unlike anything you'll find in the rest of the Caribbean. Other Isles The Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Saba, Belize, and Dominica are known for their natural beauty. With mountains, rivers, tropical forests, and underwater scenes to explore, these relatively untouched locales provide ecologically-oriented travelers an especially rich and diverse set of Caribbean spots to explore. Each of these islands has a different culture and intriguing aspects. Whether you're curious about The Dominican Republic's popular surfing beaches or St. Lucia's famous volcanic peaks, you're sure to find something interesting to explore. While it may be easy to visualize what some would consider a typical Caribbean island, it may take a little more effort to really pick one that is perfect for your stay. Every traveler has his or her own idea of what makes a great getaway, and building that trip is easy in the Caribbean. With just a bit of discernment, everyone can be satisfied on their vacation to the Caribbean.

More Ways To Play In Cancún

For years, vacationers have been drawn to the beautiful scenery that Cancún has to offer. There is, after all, a reason why the Mexican government chose this coastal city to be its tourist flagship. Blue waters, white sands, and plenty of room for development meant that Cancún was the perfect place to draw in visitors. Image and Reality Cancún's popularity with American travelers – meaning English is widely spoken and popular chain stores and restaurants can be found there – and relatively low costs have helped it to become a haven for spring breakers, and has become better known as a party spot than the tropical escape that it was designed to be. Still, many vacationers looking for a resort location that is perfect for honeymoons or other peaceful getaways also consider Cancún. How can honeymooners mix with the out-all-night lifestyle Cancún is becoming so well-known for? The simple answer is that Cancún has come to be the name used for the entire Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatán peninsula. The Yucatán peninsula contains the state of Quintana Roo, where Cancún resides. In fact, so do fascinating Mayan ruins and wide stretches of nearly untouched beaches. Cancún isn't the only place travelers may choose to visit in the Mexican Caribbean. Plenty of Places to Go Cozumel, an island off the coast of Mexico, is home to a small city and an airport. You'll also find plenty of world-class snorkeling and diving on the world's second largest reef. Mayans held this island as the sacred home of the fertility goddess Ixchel, and it now houses ruins for visitors to explore. Isla Mujeres is another popular island just miles away from Cancún in the Caribbean Sea; you'll find the ruins of many Spanish galleons sunk just off its coast. The ruins at Tulum are some of the most famous in Mexico. Here travelers can see a holy Mayan city and visit "The Castle." This fortress is built on a bluff overlooking the ocean, offering spectacular sights for visitors willing to take the trip. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Cancún, this area is a haven for backpackers and ecologically-oriented travelers. Those looking for something upscale and secluded, on the other hand, may want to consider the area known as the Mayan Riviera. It's called by several variations of this name, such as the Riviera Maya, and stretches along the coast from Cancún to Tulum. Areas like Playa del Carmen are a part of this beautiful coastline. Rental villas with private slices of beach, rather than sprawling hotel and resort complexes, line the shores here. Some areas of the Mayan Riviera, such as Xel Ha and Akumal, are also known for their eco-tourism opportunities. So while it's easy to see why students may enjoy the wilder side in the city of Cancún, it's not difficult to understand how travelers can find the perfect honeymoon escape and family travel in the area as well. Mexico's Caribbean coast has much more to offer than just Cancún, though the city has become a figurehead for its tourism.

The Cheaper Way To Get Away

All people need a break, to reconnect with the spouse, to reward the kids, to recharge the soul. But planning a vacation getaway can quickly turn into a stressful project when the subject of expenses comes up. Airfare alone can kill the fantasy. And when people already factor in accommodations, food, and shopping, any budget-conscious mother would just give up and stay home. Thankfully, there are now more options for quick and fun vacations without having the costly air fares. Cheap Airfare So, how does low-cost or cheap air fare work exactly? Simple: Budget air travel gets you to your destination in the shortest time and at the cheapest possible price. The main reason these airlines are able to keep airfare prices low is the no-frills concept. First, there’s no ticketing office to sustain. All reservations and purchases are transacted online. Through e-ticketing, tickets can be purchased on the Web, which eliminates the need to employ more people for processing or maintain international offices. However, people can still avail of cheaper airfares even if they don’t want to take chances with budget air travel. Here’s how: 1. Purchasing the airline ticket at least 10 days ahead of the scheduled trip will enable the individual to avail of super low fares. 2. It is best to choose a weekday departure and arrival date when possible. This is because weekend flights get filled up faster than weekdays and airlines often offer discounts to fill up the weekday flights. 3. It would be better to book as a group of three or more to get even more discounts on fees. 4. People compare notes with and consult their friends and colleagues who have recently traveled. 5. In order to get the cheap airfares, people should be on the lookout for discounted rates on the Internet. Most of the cheap airfares are available online. 6. It is best to shop around for the cheap airfare first before you jump on the first deal you see. This is because there are airlines that may offer cheap airfares but the quality of service is entirely bad. Most airlines with cheap airfares have low quality of service and lacking the usual amenities. All of these boil down to the fact that low-cost airlines may help people to extend their vacation and make it more memorable. They just have to shop around to get those that offer cheap airfare but the quality of service is not taken for granted.

http://www.AirfareDiscount.org

Tricks That Can Make Traveling By Sea Easier

Motion sickness is common to almost everybody. It is usually frequent to those who travel a lot, whether by land, air, or sea. The different forms of motion sickness are based on the kind of transportation that they employ. One of the most common kinds of motion sickness is the seasickness. It is usually characterized by a sensation of nausea and vertigo. People who experience seasickness are those who are not conditioned to travel by sea or who cannot stand the swaying motion of the boat brought about by the waves. Though, there are others who experience seasickness as soon as they step aboard, even if the ship is not yet moving or is in the dry dock condition. Basically, the results and effects of seasickness is not very alarming, except for those who have important matters to attend to while aboard a ship. This means that people who have duties in the ship will have the tendency of not performing their duties well if ever they get to experience seasickness. Causes of Seasickness Generally, people are conditioned to stay upright by maintaining the center of gravity within their feet. If motion is applied, the body tends to have visual confusion. Here, seasickness starts. Moreover, the irregular pressure on the bowels, wherein the diaphragm tends to move along with the movement of the ship, can also cause seasickness. With the advent of medical advancements, people can now cope up with seasickness through medications. These medicines have special components that normalize the condition of the body so as to adapt with the changes in the environment. Tricks to Deal With it Aside from medications, there are different ways how to cope up with seasickness. Here’s how: 1. Waves trigger seasickness. Most experts say that it would be better to focus one’s sight to the horizon. It would be better if people will not look at the waves because the motion that it entails will render more confusion on the body’s ability to keep the center of gravity on their feet. 2. Adults should be more prepared with medications that will help reduce seasickness. Studies show that seasickness is more prevalent in adults than children below 12 years old. Particularly, cases of seasickness are higher in females. According to the statistical reports, there are seven cases of seasickness in females and only one in males. 3. When sleeping, people should lie on their backs. 4. People who are prone to seasickness should stay where the fresh air is available. Indeed, seasickness is not a problem if people will know how to cope up with it.

The Gold Coast

Holiday Fun In The Sun

The Gold Coast features 40km of sandy immaculate beaches and is located 70kms south of Queenslands capital city, Brisbane, and 947kms North the capital of New south Wales, Sydney. It has an estimated population of 480,000 and is Australia's seventh largest city. It is also Australia's favorite tourist destination with a favorable climate, diversity of attractions, sophisticated nightlife and dining, safe enviroment and world class resorts. Inland from the Gold Coast is three magnificent National Parks - Springbrook, Lamington and Tamborine which feature beautiful rainforests, picnic areas, nature walks and spectacular lookouts. Climate: The Gold Coast has a comfortable sub-tropical climate averaging in the 20's. Summer - December to Febuary - 20-28 degrees C. Autumn - March to May - 15-25 degrees C. Winter - June to August - 11-21 degrees C. Spring - September to November - 15-25 degrees C. Attractions: One of the Gold Coasts greatest attractions is it's natural ones including 40km of golden sandy beaches, Eco tourism throughout the Hinterland and National Parks, onshore and offshore fishing, diving and sailing. There is also two wild life parks located at Currumbin and Burliegh. The Hinterland is also popular for it's growing wine and vineyard industry. Adventure attractions include motor bike tours, parasailing, sky diving, hot air ballooning, jet skiing, power boating, helicopter tours, go karting and motor racing. Four theme parks provide hours and hours if not days of entertainment value with something for everyone. The four theme parks are Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild, Sea World and Dreamworld located between Southport and Coomera. Dreamworld is also the home of Big Brother in Australia. Nightlife: The Gold Coast is popular for it's famous nightclubs located on Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue where you can party to the early hours. There are also two world class nightclubs located in Broadbeach as well as a large casino and convention centre. Dining: Main Beach and Broadbeach are popular for their main streets lined with quality restuarants serving for all tastes in ambient relaxing surroundings. Accommodation: The Gold Coast there are over 13,000 rooms available from Coolangatta through to Hope Island including Motels, Guest Houses, Appartments and Hotels. Resorts are first class and the big names include the Palazzo Versace, Marriot, Sheraton Mirage, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Conrad Jupiters and the Sofitel. Most of these are centrally located in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Main Beach with most having water and or Hinterland views. Choosing the right accommodation for you depends on budget, number of people and what you would like to be close to. Transport: You can fly to either Gold Coast Airport (30mins from Surfers) or Brisbane Airport(50mins from Surfers) and transport from there can either be via taxi, rental, bus or limousine. Buses run on a regular time table throughout the area and a train runs from Robina to Brisbane. Major Events: The Indy championship is one of the major events on the calender as well as the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, the Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival, Schoolies Festival and Surf Carnivals.

Travel Asia

Traveling Asia is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. When you travel to Asia, there are so many things to see and do; make sure that you plan your trip in advance. However, remember to leave some free time in you itinerary, because when you travel Asia, you want to make sure that you have the flexibility for an occasional adventure. As the largest continent on earth, Asia offers travelers a huge variety of places to visit, things to do and, cultures to see. For first time visitors who travel Asia, we recommend the following: Island Nations- Indonesia: One of the most diverse destinations for travelers to Asia, the Indonesian archipelago can provide enough exciting destinations for a complete trip. Whether you are seeking relaxation, natural beauty, cultural diversity or all of the above, Indonesia will show you an exciting and wonderful Asian travel destination. Philippines: Comprised of over 7000 islands, the Philippines has become on of Asia’s forgotten travel destinations. Due to a recent history that includes martial law and economic corruption, the Philippines has lost much of its previous tourist activity to its more stable neighbors. Those who do visit will enjoy beautiful spots like the Boracay beaches and Lake Sebu. Japan: For decades, the island nation of Japan has been a favorite destination for travelers to Asia. From amazing Zen temples to kitschy reproductions of western monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Japan has something for every traveler who visits. The hardest thing is fitting it all in. Southeast Asia Thailand: The Kingdom of Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia drawing more visitors than its neighbors. With both mountainous regions and a beautiful coastline dotted with amazing islands Thailand is one a must see for those who travel to Asia. The city of Bangkok, the largest in Thailand is one of the most popular in all of Asia, as well. Vietnam: A quickly emerging destination among travelers to Asia, Vietnam is reshaping its image among world travel destinations. From the beaches along the coast, to its soaring inland mountains, Vietnam offers travelers to Asia with a sublime experience. Mainland Asia- China: Too vast for words alone, China is rapidly emerging as the top destination for travelers to Asia. As China continues to modernize both economically and socially, it is becoming easier for those who travel to Asia to visit one of the largest and most populous countries in the world. If you travel to China, follow a loose itinerary and try to see as much as you can. Korea: South Korea is one of the most westernized of all Asian nations. Travelers to Korea can enjoy the modernity of the capital city, Seoul; or they can try visiting beautiful natural wonders like Songnisan National Park. India: Another of Asia’s largest and most heavily populated countries, India is a complex and diverse nation unlike any other you will experience when you travel throughout Asia. Visitors to India will be enchanted by its unpredictability and surprising cultural dramas that exist among its inhabitants.

Festival Fun In The Caribbean

No matter what your interest you're sure to find something to do in the Caribbean year round. However, travelers who enjoy taking part in cultural exploration have an especially well-suited option in the islands - the many delightful festivals of the Caribbean. Carnival Events The best-known Caribbean festival is Carnival, sometimes spelled Carnaval. On many islands this event takes place just before Ash Wednesday, but the dates vary from island to island. This event is generally characterized by an island-wide party, so parents with younger children may want to keep this in mind, while those interested in becoming a part of island culture will usually enjoy this event. Traditional Carnival dates are followed throughout much of the Dutch and French Antilles: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barthelemy, and Saint Martin – but not Sint Maarten. The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominica, Montserrat, and Trinidad and Tobago also share these Carnival dates. In Sint Maarten, the Cayman Islands, Haiti, and Jamaica, Carnival falls directly during Easter week, and those in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico continue their celebrations from the week before onto Easter itself. At the end of April, vacationers can enjoy Carnival on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. With Sint Eustatius (sometimes called Statia), St. Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda travelers can take part in the festivities of a Caribbean Carnival in July. Grenada's Carnival falls in August while St. Kitts' year-ending Carnival festival is celebrated for a week beginning on Christmas Eve. Every island celebrates differently, and one thing you can be sure to find is a colorful expression of an island's culture. Carnival is particularly known for its festivities filled with traditional characters from island lore. Often, a king and queen are named for the event and, though all Carnival celebrations include music, on some islands musicians vie for competitive titles. If you're looking for a sure way to see and hear the best the islands have to offer, Carnival is one cultural event you shouldn't miss. Mass Music While music is a necessity in Carnival celebrations, it's also something islands take particular pride in. Islands often host annual festivals featuring the cream of the crop in reggae, jazz, soca, and more. With so many music festivals in the region, it's easy to find one year-round. The Barbados Jazz Festival is one of the Caribbean's most popular jazz festivals. Called “Paint it Jazz,” the event is generally held early in the year, around the middle of January, which is the same month a different type of crowd converges on the U.S. Virgin Islands for the St. Croix Blues and Heritage Festival. In February, travelers can enjoy Jamaican styles at the Negril Music Festival. In May, the sounds of jazz are easy to find. Curaçao's KLM Jazz Festival happens early in the month, and the St. Lucia International Jazz Festival opens its doors mid-month. At the end of May, those who like jazz can also stop in at the Heineken Jazz Festival on Puerto Rico or visit Antigua for their Jazz Festival. June opens with Jamaica's Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, and those who enjoy reggae may want to stop by in late July or early August for the Reggae Sumfest. Merengue fans also have something to look forward to in July, when the Dominican Republic hosts the Merengue Festival. Curacao invites travelers to listen to jazz again at the Curacao Jazz Festival in early October, but those who would like to stop in the Dominican Republic can also enjoy their Annual Jazz Festival early in the month. While Jamaica kicks things off in November with the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, Trinidad is host to the Pan Jazz Festival mid-month. Those who like music, particularly jazz, will always find it in the Caribbean, but a music festival in these islands is a unique experience. Enjoy these events year-round across the islands. Local Socials Every island has its own local festivals. While many include Independence Day or the celebration of a ruler's birth, there are some traditional festivals that differ among the islands. Of course, most islands host plenty of local festivals, but some of the most famous parties include the following: * Puerto Rico celebrates its agriculture with a Coffee Harvest Festival for its popular mountain brew. You can celebrate alongside the locals in mid-February. * Reggae lovers will find plenty to enjoy on the island of Jamaica around January 6th, when Reggae Sunsplash coincides with the Bob Marley Birthday Bash. * Pirates Week is a popular time to enjoy the Cayman Islands, especially for the young at heart. This celebration of pirates and the past takes place on the last week of October. * Sailors can enjoy Antigua Sailing Week at the end of April. This popular celebration has included as many as 1,500 participants, with 5,000 onlookers watching some of the world's top sailors. * Historically, Barbadian field workers celebrated the end of the growing season in July or early August, and this tradition has carried forward in the form of Barbados' Crop Over Festival, one of the best-known Caribbean events. No matter when you're planning a trip to the islands, you're sure to find something being celebrated. On some islands towns each have their own local celebrations, while on others you may find that other events are more important. However, celebrations make a fun way to see the Caribbean.