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Things To Do When Planning A Trip To The Caribbean From Europe

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. July 11, 2022: The Caribbean is one of the popular destinations for summer vacations, as it is closer to Europe than the favorite destinations in Southeast Asia. Here are some things you need to do when planning your Caribbean trip.

Before your trip

Several Caribbean islands are open to UK tourists, so you only need a passport. However, some islands require a visa. So, check the latest advice from the Foreign Office and prepare your visas for the islands you intend to visit. If you only speak English, choose the destinations where your language is widely spoken.

You should also visit your GP to ensure you have all the required vaccinations. If you are on prescription medicine, ask your GP for a new prescription so you can take your medication with you. Likewise, ensure that your medications are in their original packaging.Get your hair ready for the trip. Tell your hairdresser that you are going to the Caribbean before getting a hair treatment. The sun can be relentless, so getting your hair ready for sun exposure is necessary.However, if you told your hairdresser about your trip and they insisted on bleaching or colouring your hair for the trip, and it got damaged due to sun exposure, you might be entitled to hairdressing claims when you get back home. You can seek advice from a professional law firm specialising in personal injuries.Ensure you have travel medical insurance to cover emergencies. You should also have comprehensive travel insurance that will cover the activities you plan to do. 

During the trip

The best time to visit the Caribbean islands is during the shoulder season – May, June, and November. There will still be sunny days with an occasional drizzle. Bring summer clothes and some sweaters, as the nights could be cooler. Do not forget your open sandals and flip-flops.

Protect your passport and all your valuables. Keep them in the hotel safe. Carry a photocopy of your passport, leave another copy in your luggage, and email a copy to someone you trust. Moreover, ensure you lock all the entryways into your hotel room.Many shops accept Euros and US dollars, although they might not give you change. Bring enough money and exchange some for local currency. Most of the Caribbean islands’ items are imported so that the prices can be higher.Rent a car if you can and hire a reliable tour guide if you are not in a tour group. Ask the hotel concierge for recommendations.Use plenty of sunscreen with high SPF and mosquito repellent to protect your skin.If you are going to Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, or Barbados, tap water is safe to drink. However, if you are outside your hotel, drinking bottled water is a good idea.Be aware that there will always be petty criminals, thieves, and scammers, so learn to stay safe. Join legitimate excursions and guided tours with a group.

Enjoy your trip to the Caribbean but make sure you take all the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy.

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Caribbean Travel News

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 1, 2022: Here are the top stories making Caribbean travel news in 60 seconds for this week ending July 1, 2022:

The Lowest Risk Countries To Travel To In The Caribbean Are Now Cuba, Saba And Sint Eustatius.

The US is warning Americans Against All Travel To Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest.

As of July 1, authorities in Guyana no longer require arriving Travellers to undergo pre-travel COVID-19 testing. However, most travelers must still present proof of being fully vaccinated.

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has officially eliminated pre-arrival testing requirements for inbound, fully vaccinated travelers. They will no longer need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within one day of arrival.

Norwegian Cruise Line says that as of Aug. 1, it would no longer ask passengers to show negative coronavirus tests before boarding — except in countries that require them – including Bermuda, the United States, Canada and Greece.

Cayman Airways will begin a non stop, once per week service from the Owen Roberts Airport to Los Angeles LAX airport beginning November 5.

After a 3-year hiatus, the island of Grenada is preparing to welcome back its Spicemas celebration from August 8 to 9th.

And Caribbean born artistes Machel Montano, Kes The Band, and Wyclef Jean brought The Caribbean to ESSENCE Fest in New Orleans over the weekend.

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Suriname Airways Cans Several Miami To Guyana Flights

Black Immigrant Daily News

By NAN Staff Writer

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, July 6, 2022: Surinam Airways today announced it has canned several flights from Miami to Georgetown Guyana.

The flight cancellations come on the heels of several disruptions in the flight schedule of the airline recently.

The cancelled flights are on the Miami to Georgetown and Paramaribo – Miami leg of the flights scheduled on July 9th, 12th, 16th, 19th, 23rd, 26th and 30th and August 2, 2022.

“Surinam Airways acknowledges the significant inconvenience this has caused and offers hereby her sincerely apologies,” the carrier said in an email to passengers. “This development is related to the aftermath of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, operational challenges due to the lack of its own fleet and substantial increase of the fuel prices in the past three months. Currently the reorganization process that should lead to healthy business operations is in progress and will materialize in the course of the coming weeks.” 

Surinam Airways says it is working diligently on an appropriate and sustainable solution for all affected passengers, providing compensation vouchers; free rebooking to another date and/or voucher for the value of the ticket valid for (2) years. 

“Surinam Airways regrets the current situation and will spare no effort within its means to keep the inconvenience caused to a minimum,” the carrier added.

Expedia, a booking engine that includes the carrier, did not have the notice of cancellation as of earlier today.

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Why You Should Prioritize A Trip To The Caribbean For Your Next Vacation

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. July 6, 2022: The Caribbean is a perfect holiday destination. The islands’ boast beautiful beaches, breathtaking waters, and amazing people. Not only does a vacation in the Caribbean allow you to unwind and relax, but it presents a chance to see many attractive locations that will leave you truly impressed.

If you love fun, pleasure, and luxury, there are several spas, resorts, hotels, and exquisite museums. You can even join festivals like Reggae SumFest, St. Kitts Music Festival, St. Lucia Jazz And Art Festival, and many other side attractions. As a sports enthusiast, you will likely meet other tourists or locals of like minds and banter about the odds of the latest fixtures on FanDuel Sportsbook or talk about the rivalry between your favorite soccer teams.

With several adventures and locations to explore, there is no surprise to see many people take a trip to the Caribbean at every opportunity. This article will examine why you should prioritize a visit there as well.

6 Reasons You Should Go On A Vacation To The Caribbean

The Caribbean has a rich history and diverse culture. It’s a popular travel destination, and here is why you should go too:

1. The Region is Great for Pleasure

Caribbean vacations are perfect for anyone looking to relax and have an adventurous time. It offers many vacation destinations, from quiet hilltop towns to lively beach resorts. Options here include: The Cayman Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Jamaica, and you can even go Snorkeling at Virgin Gorda.

With so many islands to choose from, you can find something that suits your taste regardless of the type of vacation experience you’re looking for. You can even look for places in Barbados and Antigua to unwind – you will likely find great beaches, good food, and friendly locals.

2. A Variety of Accommodations

You can find a variety of accommodations in the Caribbean. Hotels, villas, resorts, apartments, and more are available. You’ll find something for yourself regardless of your interest – it doesn’t matter if you want a luxury or budget-friendly vacation.

You can also get the privacy you need if that’s what you want. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your partner or spouse, there are several options from hotels in Antigua, Barbados, Puerto Plata, The Grand Turk, and a few others. These are some locations where a romantic experience could be a replica of Paris.

3. Endless Beautiful Beaches

Beaches are a huge part of the Caribbean. There’s nothing like spending your days relaxing on a beautiful beach, with the warm sun overhead and crystal-clear water to play in. You can flex on beaches like Varadero Beach, Cuba, Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico, Shoal Bay, Anguilla, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, and more.

There are plenty of restaurants and activities on the beaches as well. You can buy fresh fish from local fishermen and eat at fine dining restaurants overlooking breathtaking views only nature can provide. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can have fun jet skiing, parasailing, and sailing if you have the funds.

4. Fascinating History and Culture

The Caribbean islands have a fascinating history, and they have been a choice destination for people with a love for history since Christopher Columbus first discovered them in 1492.

The region’s rich culture and unique language, cuisine, and architecture have been shaped by its history of colonization by the Spanish, British, French, and Dutch. These countries left a bit of themselves when they took different parts of this region, which has made the region a Museum of beauty.

The diverse mix of cultures has created beautiful music, dance, and literature that you can enjoy while enjoying your vacation in this region. It has also led to a blend of customs with them, which gave rise to a unique language (Puerto Rican Spanish), cuisine (Cuban food), and music (Jamaican Reggae).

5. Friendly People, Vibrant Culture and Delicious Cuisine

One of the things every tourist hopes for is friendly locals. And then the culture. And then the cuisine. The Caribbean islands have all of these.

The locals will make you feel at home and share their culture with you. They love to have fun and participate in various cultural events throughout the year. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the carnival, you’ll experience one of these events firsthand.

If you’re wondering what meal to start with, try jerk chicken (which originated from Jamaica) or ackee & saltfish (a traditional Jamaican breakfast dish).

If you’re looking for a diverse vacation experience with something fun to do for everyone, there’s no better place to go than the Caribbean. It is an ideal place for families, groups, and couples alike.

Traveling through this part of the world can be one of your best experiences regardless of age, beliefs, or race. With adventure, culture, and other elements that make up an ideal holiday present on these islands, you’ll feel more at home than away from home.

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Caribbean Travel News

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 6, 2022: Here are the top stories making Caribbean travel news in 60 seconds for this week ending May 6, 2022:

A powerful explosion Friday destroyed part of a hotel under repair in central Havana. Rescuers work rushed to the scene at the Saratoga Hotel in Havana, on May 6, 2022. No casualties were immediately reported but 22 were later reported dead as of Sat. May 7th.

Barbados is seeing a spike in new COVID-19 cases. The Caribbean country reported 534 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, May 4. As of May 4, there were 402 COVID-19 related deaths.

American Airlines is adding more flights to Grenada for the summer, with plans to relaunch its route from Charlotte to Grenada.

The service, which will resume June 4, will operate once weekly on Saturdays.

Winair is expanding its flights to Saba and Statia beginning June 1, with twice-daily flights to both islands.

Tourism officials in Aruba are offering a new Lose Your Baggage promotion to help pay luggage fees for travelers. Running through May 31, travelers who submit their upcoming itinerary, flight confirmation or proof of an anticipated trip to Aruba will be eligible to receive a $60 Visa Gift Card to cover the cost of their checked bags. Travel must be completed by December 31.

The Dominican Republic has minimal entry requirements. No pre-arrival testing or vaccine proof is required, but airport authorities may conduct random entry tests.

The U.S. Virgin Islands requires travelers to show vaccine proof or a negative pre-arrival test to enter.

Carnival Cruise Line has updated their testing requirements of COVID-19 for passengers aboard their ships. Except when destination requirements differ, guests who are up to date with their vaccines may take their test within three days prior to sailing. Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, including any booster dose, when eligible.

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Video Games Inspired By The Caribbean

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. May 9, 2022: The Caribbean is known for its historical and cultural influences. Whether it’s pirates, wildlife, or good parties, all eyes are on the Caribbean when it comes to tropical beauty and adventures. 

The Caribbean’s Influence on the World

From music to movies, fashion to high art, the Caribbean has made its mark on the world, even if it is such a small region of the globe. With key figures rising from the islands and South American coasts including Rhianna, Bob Marley, Usain Bolt, and several others making their claims to fame, they have always proudly represented where they came from. 

Best known for its music and lifestyle, the Caribbean seems to attract audiences from all around the world. Of course, who doesn’t love crystal clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and delicious foods that one can only find on the islands? 

With so much to offer the world, gaming developers have found lots of inspiration from the islands and have incorporated its historical and cultural elements into their graphics, plotlines, and characters. 

In the last several years, quite a few reputable titles have showcased the Caribbean’s unique beauty as the centerpiece for their video games. 

Here are just a few of them.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag takes place in the early 18th century, which many historians have called the golden age of pirates. What many players enjoyed about this game was the multi-dimensional nature of the story. As the Caribbean is a mixture of all sorts of different peoples and cultures, the characters reflect that both in their conflict and their goals. 

Many gamers also enjoyed the exploratory aspects of the game. Developers created beautiful islands, mysterious tombs, and choppy waters to navigate. It’s quite easy to simply play the game as one wants, as it is much more autonomous than the first few games of the Assassin’s Creed series, which did not allow players as much freedom.  

The story also takes players on unexpected turns including fast-forwarding into the future, where game developers try to make a video game about the main character’s pirate life, which is a fun meta twist. 

The Secret of Monkey Island (1990)

While The Secret of Monkey Island is much older than the other titles on this list, it’s probably the most influential in terms of writing, puzzles, and gaming at large. Created by the makers of Star Wars, Lucasfilm Games, the game emulates interesting cinematic qualities while also providing fun point-and-click adventure style games.  

What makes it so interesting is how funny it is, namely because it makes no pop culture references. The humor becomes timeless, allowing players to participate in the game’s own universe, where pirates fight pirates and nothing more. 

For those who love nostalgic pixel art, The Secret of Monkey Island’s original version was released in just 16 colors. The designers used crafty techniques to give the graphics their depth, creating beautiful, Caribbean-inspired scenes like multicolor sunsets, underwater treasure chests, and polka dot inns. Luckily for fans, a new edition to Monkey Island is on the way. 

Koral (2019)

While the Caribbean has historically been one of the world’s biggest sites for adventure, games like Koral have also shown the calming side of the Caribbean blue. 

The object of the game is quite simple. Functioning as a puzzle game, players gather glowing balls of life from living coral plants and bring them to areas that are dying. The message of the game is to bring awareness to the coral reef crisis and climate change as a whole.

What makes Koral so special is its beautiful art direction. Its dreamy 2D graphics are simply mesmerizing, with glittering firework-like sparks in the darkness and pastel-colored reefs. 

Fishin’ Frenzy (2021)

Even slot games can’t get enough of the Caribbean’s crystal clear waters. However, unlike Koral, where players explore the deep blue and rescue animals, many slot games situate the players right in the middle of the action. 

For example, Fishin’ Frenzy presents players with five spinning reels to make their biggest catch. Players don’t have to go searching long to enjoy the enticing 2D graphics and sound design inspired by the fishing culture that’s popular in the Caribbean. In fact, the game blends fly fishing and spin fishing styles in its gameplay, which is something most fishers will appreciate.

Tropico 6 (2019)

For anyone who enjoys city-building games, the Tropico series uses the Caribbean as a backdrop for players to build elaborate, utopian cities. However, there are loads of characters with conflicting ideas, so players have to find creative ways to make them all happy, as well as satisfy the general population. 

While many have claimed that the older versions of Tropico are more enjoyable because they focus less on the economic element of the game, for people who enjoy unorthodox exercises to improve their business, it could be an interesting game to check out.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Caribbean Travel News

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 13, 2022: Here are the top stories making Caribbean travel news in 60 seconds for this week ending May 13, 2022:

The following Caribbean Countries remain On the CDC’s Level Three List Of Nations Due To COVID-19: Aruba, Barbados, The BVI, Anguilla, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Bonaire, Suriname, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, St. Lucia, St. Barths, Trinidad and Tobago.

Donnis Chiarella, 65, the U.S. tourist who was airlifted to Florida after falling ill at Sandals Bahamas resort in Great Exuma remains in good condition Thursday, a hospital spokesperson said. Her husband and another American couple died at a villa at the Sandals Emerald Bay resort in Great Exuma on Friday.

The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) said last night it was working assiduously to secure a return to normalcy to Jamaica’s airspace after Air traffic controllers walked off the job to register their frustration with the government over protracted salary issues.

The death toll of the May 6th powerful explosion at The Hotel Saratoga, a five-star 96-room hotel in Old Havana, increased to 43 this week as search crews with dogs hunted through the rubble of the iconic, 19th century building looking for people still missing.

In a historic first for Jamaica and the Caribbean, Emirates Airlines, the largest airline in the Gulf Coast Countries, is now selling seats to Jamaica. This arrangement opens gateways from the Middle East, Asia and Africa to Jamaica and the rest of the region.

Barbados is seeing a spike in new covid-19 cases, reporting 513 in one day this week as its death toll from the virus reached 430.

Grenada will host new nonstop airline service this summer when American Airlines resumes weekly flights from Charlotte, N.C.’s Douglas International Airport to Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport on June 4.

Caribbean Airlines is adding a new nonstop route to Kingston, Jamaica, between Orlando, Fla. and Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport on July 1st.

And Get Ready For Jimmy Buffett’s cruise line. The Margaritaville at Sea will Begin Its inaugural cruise tomorrow, May 14, 2022.

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Caribbean Travel News

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 20, 2022: Here are the top stories making Caribbean travel news in 60 seconds for this week ending May 20, 2022:

Sandals Resort Was In The News Again This Week After A Woman Took To Tik Tok To Claim She Was Charged Over $1,300 for two massages. The post has garnered over 1,7 million views. Sandals Has responded that The couple have received a refund. The news comes In The Same Week when the Family of Three Americans Who Died In The Bahamas At A Sandals REsort Called For an independent autopsy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added Antigua and Barbuda Monday to its list of high-risk travel destinations for COVID-19.

The US CDC is warning against non-essential travel to Haiti – not due to violence or crime, but due to rabies in dogs there.

The U.S. will allow charter and commercial flights to Return To airports outside Havana, Cuba. A senior administration official also said this week that the U.S. will reinstate educational travel in groups under a general license but that it is not reinstating individual “people-to-people” educational travel.

Jamaica is reportedly in its fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country’s health minister said this new wave began on April 20th and has pushed the number of infections since the pandemic began to 133,250.

Grenada has lifted its travel restrictions and protocols. Visitors are now free to enter and exit the state of Grenada without having to be tested or quarantined.

Seabourn, the ultra-luxury ocean and expedition cruise line, is set to explore extraordinary worlds of natural beauty of the Caribbean on a 14-day Leeward Island Jewels and a 16-day Antillean Island Holiday voyage departing Miami on November 7 and December 19, respectively.

And Cleveland Brown’s star, Deshaun Watson, is at Atlantis in the Bahamas with his Browns offensive teammates. Watson chartered a private jet for about 30 of his offense teammates to the luxury resort in Nassau for three or four days of workouts and team bonding, a source told cleveland.com.

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Caribbean Travel News

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 27, 2022: Here are the top stories making Caribbean travel news in 60 seconds for this week ending May 27, 2022:

The U.S. State Department Is Warning Americans To Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime There.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Has added Montserrat, Belize, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and The Bahamas as high-risk travel destinations for COVID-19.

Sandals Resort says Carbon Monoxide detectors will be placed in all resorts after autopsy and toxicology reports show carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of death for three Americans found dead in Exuma earlier this month.

As of This Week, Barbados Will No Longer Require fully vaccinated travellers to do a pre-flight COVID-19 test to enter the island.

Come June 1st, Trinidad and Tobago will lift its Travel Pass Rule meaning unvaxxed persons can enter with a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel.

First Asking $125 Million, Jeffrey Epstein’s Caribbean Islands are Now Available for $55 Million Each. Buyers can purchase Great St. James and Little St. James together for a discounted $110 million.

TUI Airways has relaunched its service between London and Aruba. The service is operating once weekly – on Wednesdays – between London Gatwick and Aruba.

And an eco campaigner, who has raised thousands of pounds for charity, is thought to be the first person to swim around Grand Cayman non-stop. Oly Rush, 37, completed the 95.5km (59.3 miles) swim around the Caribbean island in 36 hours and 59 minutes. He said the “absolutely brutal” challenge was “the hardest thing” he has completed.

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Caribbean Travel News

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. June 3, 2022: Here are the top stories making Caribbean travel news in 60 seconds for this week ending June 3, 2022:

The U.S. State Department Is Warning Americans To Reconsider travel to Guyana And Jamaica due to crime In Both Countries.

Canada is warning Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to Jamaica and the Bahamas due to crime there.

The CDC is warning travelers to make sure they are fully vaccinated if travelling to: Jamaica, Belize, Anguilla, Turks & Caicos, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bahamas, Montserrat and Antigua & Barbuda.

The US Virgin Islands has lifted all restrictions for mainland American travelers. That means U.S. citizens traveling from the US mainland and other territories will no longer be required to complete the US Virgin Islands Travel Screening Portal to travel to the destination.

Non-stop service between Grenada and Toronto is on the cards, connecting Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND). The service will commence on October 30th, twice weekly on Sundays and Thursdays.

Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has debuted in the Dutch Caribbean Island of Curacao. SRI opened its 16th Sandals Resort, Sandals Royal Curaçao, welcoming its first guests on June 1st.

This week’s travel deal is a nonstop round trip from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to San Juan in January on Delta and its only $268. This basic economy ticket also comes with a free carry-on.

And find the “Caribbean” in Brooklyn, NY or Lauderhill, Florida without leaving the US as the United States celebrate another Caribbean American Heritage Month – its 16th.

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