Traveling to a different country? Below are a few things you should know before you go.
1. Do some research and learn as much as you can about your destination.
2. Check to see what type of weather the area has so you can plan accordingly.
3. Check with the U.S. State Department concerning safety warnings for U.S. tourists at your destination.
4. Find out if you will need a passport to enter the country. Make sure your passport is up to date and valid. Some countries will not let you in if your passport will expire within six months of your return home, so extend it if you are close to expiration.
5. Find out if you will need any visas to enter the country.
6. Check to see what other type of paperwork and documentation you will need to travel.
7. Find out what type of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.
8. Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip.
9. Find out what type of electrical outlets the country uses, you may need a special converter or adapter to use your electrical appliances.
10. Check your own medical coverage to see what type of coverage you’ll have when away from home. Consider purchasing trip insurance.
11. Do some research about the costs of local items so you can set your budget. Don't forget to budget for taxes and tipping, many governments charge high taxes for travel related services.
12. Check the financial section of your newspaper, they usually post exchange rates. Checking in advance can give you an idea of how much you’ll need to budget.
13. Do some research with U.S. Customs to find out what you can take with you and what you may bring back.
14. Build some basic language skills in the local language.
15. Check the dates of local major holidays, since services may be limited on those dates.
16. If you plan on driving, investigate the local road conditions, laws and other driving requirements.
17. Most of the world uses the metric system, so try to become familiar with this system. 1 kilometer = .62 miles so 100 kilometers per hour = 62 miles per hour.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Learn The History of Isla Margarita
Want to learn a little history about Isla Margarita during your vacation at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort? Below are just a few of the places you should visit.
Caranta Fort
Caranta Fort is located on top of La Caranta hill and was built between 1586 and 1595. It was originally built to shut off access to the bay and shoreline but before it could perform this duty it was destroyed during an attack by Dutch pirates in 1626.
Today, the ruins of Caranta Fort still have a few original cannons pointing towards the ocean that visitors can experience. La Caranta Hill also provides visitors with a world class view of the bay which is often filled with sailboats from around the world.
Diocesan Museum
The Diocesan Museum is located next to the La Virgin Del Valle Church, showcasing a diversity of offerings granted by the faithful devotes of the Virgin.
Here guests can admire all the offerings from the parishioners, the dresses of the Virgin, objects that belong to the church, and paintings where numerous scenes depict the Virgin Mary and her miracles.
The museum is open from 9am to 12pm, and from 2pm until 5pm.
San Nicholas de Bari Church
The first church that was originally built on this site was looted and burned down by pirates in 1555. From there, worship was held in a home until San Nicolas de Bari Church was built 400 years later.
San Nicolas de Bari Church showcases the history of this island and is an important landmark to the locals, which makes this church a must see site when visiting.
DID YOU KNOW?
Christopher Columbus discovered Isla Margarita in 1498 during his third voyage to America.
Caranta Fort
Caranta Fort is located on top of La Caranta hill and was built between 1586 and 1595. It was originally built to shut off access to the bay and shoreline but before it could perform this duty it was destroyed during an attack by Dutch pirates in 1626.
Today, the ruins of Caranta Fort still have a few original cannons pointing towards the ocean that visitors can experience. La Caranta Hill also provides visitors with a world class view of the bay which is often filled with sailboats from around the world.
Diocesan Museum
The Diocesan Museum is located next to the La Virgin Del Valle Church, showcasing a diversity of offerings granted by the faithful devotes of the Virgin.
Here guests can admire all the offerings from the parishioners, the dresses of the Virgin, objects that belong to the church, and paintings where numerous scenes depict the Virgin Mary and her miracles.
The museum is open from 9am to 12pm, and from 2pm until 5pm.
San Nicholas de Bari Church
The first church that was originally built on this site was looted and burned down by pirates in 1555. From there, worship was held in a home until San Nicolas de Bari Church was built 400 years later.
San Nicolas de Bari Church showcases the history of this island and is an important landmark to the locals, which makes this church a must see site when visiting.
DID YOU KNOW?
Christopher Columbus discovered Isla Margarita in 1498 during his third voyage to America.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Looking for a Fun Outdoor Activity The Whole Family Can Enjoy?
Outdoor Activities around Isla Margarita
Not only does Caracola Beach and Spa Resort offer its guests an array of amenities at the resort, but the area has a lot to offer as well. The resort’s location on the Caribbean Sea provides an abundant amount of outdoor activities where guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery, as well as the fairly consistent 80 degree temperatures throughout the year.
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, located on Isla Margarita, offers:
• Remarkable golfing locations
• Numerous hiking grounds from mountainous rain forests to sand flats
• High end duty-free shopping at locations such as Tommy Hilfiger, Benetton, and Tiffany’s
• Horseback riding
• Extraordinary scuba diving and snorkeling locations with abundant and diverse underwater life
• Uninhabited islands for exploring
• National parks, forests, lagoons, and beaches
• Historical forts
• Windsurfing
Windsurf off of Isla Margarita
If you’re looking for some reliable, thrilling fun, you may want to test your skills at windsurfing while visiting Isla Margarita. The island is famous throughout the world as being one of the best locations for the sport. In fact, Isla Margarita hosts Professional Windsurfing Association competitions each year. With its favorable geographic location in proximity to a nearby isle creating a consistent side shore wind, and shallow, warm water, the conditions are usually perfect for windsurfing year-round. Generally though, the wind season runs from November until May, with the windiest months being January to March.
On any given day, the warmth of the morning will heat up the atmosphere, causing the winds to pick up in intensity. By mid afternoon, they are usually blowing at their peak. These winds create ripe conditions for all skill levels.
Best Beaches for Windsurfing
Professionals and beginners alike flock to El Yaque Beach, located on the south side of Isla Margarita. The beach is three-quarters of a mile long with side-shore winds. The waters are shallow along the beach out to about 300 yards, making it suitable for beginners. Professionals venture out further to where the waters become rather choppy, with swells up to five feet.
If windsurfing is not for everyone in your family or group, it’s also fun to just sit back on the beach and watch the surfers practicing their tricks and maneuvers!
DID YOU KNOW?
Isla Margarita is known as the windsurfing capital of the world!
Not only does Caracola Beach and Spa Resort offer its guests an array of amenities at the resort, but the area has a lot to offer as well. The resort’s location on the Caribbean Sea provides an abundant amount of outdoor activities where guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery, as well as the fairly consistent 80 degree temperatures throughout the year.
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, located on Isla Margarita, offers:
• Remarkable golfing locations
• Numerous hiking grounds from mountainous rain forests to sand flats
• High end duty-free shopping at locations such as Tommy Hilfiger, Benetton, and Tiffany’s
• Horseback riding
• Extraordinary scuba diving and snorkeling locations with abundant and diverse underwater life
• Uninhabited islands for exploring
• National parks, forests, lagoons, and beaches
• Historical forts
• Windsurfing
Windsurf off of Isla Margarita
If you’re looking for some reliable, thrilling fun, you may want to test your skills at windsurfing while visiting Isla Margarita. The island is famous throughout the world as being one of the best locations for the sport. In fact, Isla Margarita hosts Professional Windsurfing Association competitions each year. With its favorable geographic location in proximity to a nearby isle creating a consistent side shore wind, and shallow, warm water, the conditions are usually perfect for windsurfing year-round. Generally though, the wind season runs from November until May, with the windiest months being January to March.
On any given day, the warmth of the morning will heat up the atmosphere, causing the winds to pick up in intensity. By mid afternoon, they are usually blowing at their peak. These winds create ripe conditions for all skill levels.
Best Beaches for Windsurfing
Professionals and beginners alike flock to El Yaque Beach, located on the south side of Isla Margarita. The beach is three-quarters of a mile long with side-shore winds. The waters are shallow along the beach out to about 300 yards, making it suitable for beginners. Professionals venture out further to where the waters become rather choppy, with swells up to five feet.
If windsurfing is not for everyone in your family or group, it’s also fun to just sit back on the beach and watch the surfers practicing their tricks and maneuvers!
DID YOU KNOW?
Isla Margarita is known as the windsurfing capital of the world!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort Offers the Best Vacation Destination
Monthly Temperatures
When visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, you will undoubtedly enjoy beautiful weather during your stay. Temperatures on the island are fairly consistent at 80 degrees.
Below are the minimum/maximum temperatures on Isla Margarita during 2009:
(low/high)
- January- 77/82
- February- 73/82
- March- 77/82
- April- 79/84
- May- 81/86
- June- 79/86
- July- 75/84
- August- 79/84
- September- 81/88
- October- 81/84
- November- 79/84
- December- 77/82
Sunny Weather Statistics
Isla Margarita doesn’t have a typical rainy season. The island experiences most of its rain from mid June to mid July and again from mid November to early January. It doesn’t rain continuously for days at a time either; instead it will usually rain for a couple hours, then the sun will reappear.
Below is the percent of days with at least 6 hours of sun on Isla Margarita during 2009:
(sunny days/days in month)
- January- 28/31
- February- 24/28
- March- 28/31
- April- 30/30
- May- 31/31
- June- 29/30
- July- 29/31
- August- 30/31
- September- 30/30
- October- 29/31
- November- 28/30
- December- 31/31
Suite Information
The resort features 1,244 one and two bedroom luxury suites spread over 15 floors with nearly all having breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Each deluxe condominium will be constructed of the highest standards and will all feature a fully-fitted modern kitchen, inviting living room, tranquil balcony, and climate controlled air conditioning system. These spectacular units will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury.
The resort will offer its guests many amenities including four pools with waterslides, lazy river, swim up bar, four restaurants plus a night club, high end duty free shopping, and a salon and spa.
DID YOU KNOW?
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, located on Isla Margarita, is out of the hurricane belt. This provides all guests that visit the area a very comfortable environment due to the warm days and cool evenings.
When visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, you will undoubtedly enjoy beautiful weather during your stay. Temperatures on the island are fairly consistent at 80 degrees.
Below are the minimum/maximum temperatures on Isla Margarita during 2009:
(low/high)
- January- 77/82
- February- 73/82
- March- 77/82
- April- 79/84
- May- 81/86
- June- 79/86
- July- 75/84
- August- 79/84
- September- 81/88
- October- 81/84
- November- 79/84
- December- 77/82
Sunny Weather Statistics
Isla Margarita doesn’t have a typical rainy season. The island experiences most of its rain from mid June to mid July and again from mid November to early January. It doesn’t rain continuously for days at a time either; instead it will usually rain for a couple hours, then the sun will reappear.
Below is the percent of days with at least 6 hours of sun on Isla Margarita during 2009:
(sunny days/days in month)
- January- 28/31
- February- 24/28
- March- 28/31
- April- 30/30
- May- 31/31
- June- 29/30
- July- 29/31
- August- 30/31
- September- 30/30
- October- 29/31
- November- 28/30
- December- 31/31
Suite Information
The resort features 1,244 one and two bedroom luxury suites spread over 15 floors with nearly all having breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Each deluxe condominium will be constructed of the highest standards and will all feature a fully-fitted modern kitchen, inviting living room, tranquil balcony, and climate controlled air conditioning system. These spectacular units will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury.
The resort will offer its guests many amenities including four pools with waterslides, lazy river, swim up bar, four restaurants plus a night club, high end duty free shopping, and a salon and spa.
DID YOU KNOW?
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, located on Isla Margarita, is out of the hurricane belt. This provides all guests that visit the area a very comfortable environment due to the warm days and cool evenings.
Monday, July 19, 2010
What Should I Take When I Travel Overseas?
Traveling overseas? While there are many safety precautions to take to ensure a safe trip, here are some tips on what to take with you and what to leave behind before you go.
What to Take
1. Always try to travel light. You will be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.
2. Carry the minimum number of valuables, and plan places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
3. To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country before you travel.
4. Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash.
5. Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport’s information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen.
6. Put your name, address, and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. If possible, lock your luggage.
What to Leave Behind
1. Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave these things at home: valuable or expensive looking jewelry, irreplaceable family objects, all unnecessary credit cards, and your Social Security card, library card, and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.
2. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
3. Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, driver's license and the credit cards that you plan to bring with you. Leave one photocopy of this data with family or friends at home; pack the other in a place separate from where you carry the originals.
4. Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers' checks with a friend or relative at home. Carry your copy with you in a separate place and, as you cash the checks, cross them off the list.
What to Take
1. Always try to travel light. You will be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.
2. Carry the minimum number of valuables, and plan places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
3. To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country before you travel.
4. Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash.
5. Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport’s information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen.
6. Put your name, address, and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. If possible, lock your luggage.
What to Leave Behind
1. Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave these things at home: valuable or expensive looking jewelry, irreplaceable family objects, all unnecessary credit cards, and your Social Security card, library card, and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.
2. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
3. Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, driver's license and the credit cards that you plan to bring with you. Leave one photocopy of this data with family or friends at home; pack the other in a place separate from where you carry the originals.
4. Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers' checks with a friend or relative at home. Carry your copy with you in a separate place and, as you cash the checks, cross them off the list.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Must See Sites when Visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort
Margarita Tropical Gardens and Labyrinth
Be sure to visit the Caribbean’s only multi-species labyrinth, Margarita Tropical Gardens and Labyrinth, open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Here you will be accompanied by monkeys and other entertaining species as you wander through a maze of tropical plants and unique trees.
This one-of-a-kind park is divided into four areas. The first area includes vegetation which grows between sea level and 400 m above sea level, including different species of cactus, spiny bushes, and the emblematic tree of Nueva Esparta, the Guayacan.
The second area, The Flower Garden, includes the greatest number of flower species on Isla Margarita. Here you will also come in contact with mango, native plum, bananas, sugar cane, and guava trees.
The third area includes plant species which grow above 400m sea level, which consists of bromeliads, orchids, callas, fern pal trees, and climbing ferns.
The fourth area consists of a pond where you can watch and interact with some of the tropical fauna, turtles, black spiders, royal parrots, a boa constrictor, and a Capuchino monkey named Pancho.
Kingdom of MUSIPAN
If you are looking for a way to entertain your children, be sure to visit The Kingdom of MUSIPAN.
The Kingdom of MUSIPAN is a tourist based theme park based on the descriptions of Benjamin Rausseo, who is a well-known humorist of the area. The theme park offers its guests a variety of different swimming pools, waterslides, and restaurants to enjoy. The park also offers an animal farm, children’s play area, theater, and cinema.
While there, don’t miss the professional greased pig capturing contest, which is the official sport of the kingdom.
Porlamar Lighthouse
When visiting Isla Margarita, be sure to visit the Porlamar Lighthouse, which is one of the city’s most impressive historical landmarks.
The Porlamar Lighthouse, also known as El Faro de la Puntilla, is located east of Calle la Marina on the waterfront of Porlamar. This octagonal masonry tower, painted with pink and white horizontal bands has been located here since 1896.
The best time to visit is in the late afternoon because you’ll be assured of a great sunset and the spectacle of seeing hundreds of pelicans settling on the beach.
Isla Margarita Golf Club
Avid golfer? You will be happy to know that there is in fact a golf course on Isla Margarita, the Isla Margarita Golf Club.
The course features 18 holes and is a par 70 course. This course does not offer tee times, instead it works on a first come, first serve basis. However, there is usually no problem getting on this course except during busy national holidays like Christmas and Easter. During the low season months of April, May, June, October, and November you will most likely even have the course to yourself.
Course fees run anywhere from US$40 to US$80 depending on the time of year, but by paying in Bolivars you can reduce this cost and save yourself some money.
Caddies, pull carts, electric carts, and rental clubs are also available for your convenience.
Be sure to visit the Caribbean’s only multi-species labyrinth, Margarita Tropical Gardens and Labyrinth, open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Here you will be accompanied by monkeys and other entertaining species as you wander through a maze of tropical plants and unique trees.
This one-of-a-kind park is divided into four areas. The first area includes vegetation which grows between sea level and 400 m above sea level, including different species of cactus, spiny bushes, and the emblematic tree of Nueva Esparta, the Guayacan.
The second area, The Flower Garden, includes the greatest number of flower species on Isla Margarita. Here you will also come in contact with mango, native plum, bananas, sugar cane, and guava trees.
The third area includes plant species which grow above 400m sea level, which consists of bromeliads, orchids, callas, fern pal trees, and climbing ferns.
The fourth area consists of a pond where you can watch and interact with some of the tropical fauna, turtles, black spiders, royal parrots, a boa constrictor, and a Capuchino monkey named Pancho.
Kingdom of MUSIPAN
If you are looking for a way to entertain your children, be sure to visit The Kingdom of MUSIPAN.
The Kingdom of MUSIPAN is a tourist based theme park based on the descriptions of Benjamin Rausseo, who is a well-known humorist of the area. The theme park offers its guests a variety of different swimming pools, waterslides, and restaurants to enjoy. The park also offers an animal farm, children’s play area, theater, and cinema.
While there, don’t miss the professional greased pig capturing contest, which is the official sport of the kingdom.
Porlamar Lighthouse
When visiting Isla Margarita, be sure to visit the Porlamar Lighthouse, which is one of the city’s most impressive historical landmarks.
The Porlamar Lighthouse, also known as El Faro de la Puntilla, is located east of Calle la Marina on the waterfront of Porlamar. This octagonal masonry tower, painted with pink and white horizontal bands has been located here since 1896.
The best time to visit is in the late afternoon because you’ll be assured of a great sunset and the spectacle of seeing hundreds of pelicans settling on the beach.
Isla Margarita Golf Club
Avid golfer? You will be happy to know that there is in fact a golf course on Isla Margarita, the Isla Margarita Golf Club.
The course features 18 holes and is a par 70 course. This course does not offer tee times, instead it works on a first come, first serve basis. However, there is usually no problem getting on this course except during busy national holidays like Christmas and Easter. During the low season months of April, May, June, October, and November you will most likely even have the course to yourself.
Course fees run anywhere from US$40 to US$80 depending on the time of year, but by paying in Bolivars you can reduce this cost and save yourself some money.
Caddies, pull carts, electric carts, and rental clubs are also available for your convenience.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Check Out Isla Margarita by Taking an Excursion
Below are a few of the great excursions worth taking in order to experience just some of the beauty that surrounds Caracola Beach and Spa Resort.
Los Roques - The clear, calm waters and white sand beaches will surround you in this true paradise. The National Park of Los Roques is comprised of more than 350 islands and a number of coral banks, keys, and small desolate islands for enjoying and exploring.
The park is famous for underwater immersions, kite surfing and sport fishing. You can also fly over the archipelgo with an ultralight glider.
Scuba diving trips to the Los Roques Reef can be organized through one of the three diving centers on the island. Los Roques is also the ideal place to practice kite surfing because there are always constant winds. Plus, in Los Roques it is also possible to practice two kinds of sport fishing: fly fishing and trolling. Fly fishing takes place in the "flat" areas where you can find Bone Fish and Tarpon. Trolling instead takes place close to the big barrier where you can catch Barracuda, Wahoo, Snapper and Tuna.
La Blanquilla - Here you will be able to swim under cliffs and find backwaters of interior beaches whose pearly white sands and clear waters have made this destination a must see site. Plus, its reefs are notable for their black coral, which is used for jewelry and other crafts. You will also find the perfect cliffs for wall diving in this area.
Coche - Spend your whole day kitesurfing on the super flat waters with a consistent offshore wind in this ideal location. Those who have visited Coche, believe it is one of the most idyllic and tranquil places in the world to sail! It’s also a great location for beginners!
La Gran Sabana- Landscapes of impressive beauty are what tourist’s will find in this vast natural conservatory. The region is one of the more privileged places in the world with the famous Tepuys (flat top mountains), the oldest mountains on earth, and the world’s highest waterfalls, The Angel Falls. More than 9000 feet of height and 300 million years of age is enough reason to visit this unforgettable place.
Los Roques - The clear, calm waters and white sand beaches will surround you in this true paradise. The National Park of Los Roques is comprised of more than 350 islands and a number of coral banks, keys, and small desolate islands for enjoying and exploring.
The park is famous for underwater immersions, kite surfing and sport fishing. You can also fly over the archipelgo with an ultralight glider.
Scuba diving trips to the Los Roques Reef can be organized through one of the three diving centers on the island. Los Roques is also the ideal place to practice kite surfing because there are always constant winds. Plus, in Los Roques it is also possible to practice two kinds of sport fishing: fly fishing and trolling. Fly fishing takes place in the "flat" areas where you can find Bone Fish and Tarpon. Trolling instead takes place close to the big barrier where you can catch Barracuda, Wahoo, Snapper and Tuna.
La Blanquilla - Here you will be able to swim under cliffs and find backwaters of interior beaches whose pearly white sands and clear waters have made this destination a must see site. Plus, its reefs are notable for their black coral, which is used for jewelry and other crafts. You will also find the perfect cliffs for wall diving in this area.
Coche - Spend your whole day kitesurfing on the super flat waters with a consistent offshore wind in this ideal location. Those who have visited Coche, believe it is one of the most idyllic and tranquil places in the world to sail! It’s also a great location for beginners!
La Gran Sabana- Landscapes of impressive beauty are what tourist’s will find in this vast natural conservatory. The region is one of the more privileged places in the world with the famous Tepuys (flat top mountains), the oldest mountains on earth, and the world’s highest waterfalls, The Angel Falls. More than 9000 feet of height and 300 million years of age is enough reason to visit this unforgettable place.
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