The Caribbean is a roughly crescent-shaped grouping of thousands of islands spanning from the large and popular islands of The Bahamas - on the eastern side of the tip of Florida - to a string of smaller, islands which trails all the way down into the northern region of Venezuela. With its multitude of beautiful white sandy beaches, any one of these islands would make the perfect destination for a weekend - or a month long - getaway.

The islands are primarily located in the Caribbean Sea, however some border on the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Colonial possessions both past and present of several European nations - notably France, Great Britain, and Spain - the Caribbean was and is a major site for trade and agricultural production. This varied history makes the islands all the more appealing, as even a short port of call on a cruise is enough to intrigue the historical minds of even the most well traveled passenger.

African slaves and their descendents have had a strong influence on Caribbean culture - much of these territories' character and music can be traced directly to this heritage. In a region notable for the diversity and depth of its indigenous cultures, the influx of Europeans and Africans has produced a set of twenty-five territories so various that it is almost inaccurate to refer to the area by a single name.

The Caribbean's checkered past (it was historically the site of ethnic and revolutionary violence) has contributed to political instability in a minority of territories, although travelers should not let this deter them from enjoying the region's countless attractions. The Caribbean's long road to the present day has produced a region truly unique in the world - when you book your vacation with Carefree Travel & Cruises, you'll have the opportunity to experience firsthand this fascinating tropical haven.

The territories that have emerged from the legacy of the Caribbean's rocky history have done so in grand fashion, with many names matching travelers' ideas of paradise - Jamaica, The Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic - to name a few. The area's geography includes mountains, rain forests, and beaches.

From the Caribbean islands, popular Central American destinations are just a short flight or - even better - a tropical cruise away. Imagine - a few days listening to some of the world's best reggae in Jamaica, and then a trip on a cruise ship across warm, clear blue waters to Costa Rica, filled with the lush greenery of the rainforest canopy, as well as the emerald blue of the coast. Or you could try Belize, which offers visitors unforgettable Mayan ruins.

But if your goal is to spend as much time as possible in or on the water, the Caribbean islands are the place for you. Nearly every island offers visitors some form of snorkeling or scuba diving, and though habitat destruction is an ever-growing threat, the region still sports some of the world's most beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish.

For all of what the Caribbean has for visitors to feast their eyes on, their stomachs certainly won't go empty either. Any quality cruise company knows that the best way to keep their passengers happy is to keep them fed. To this end most companies offer elaborate banquet-style meals and round-the-clock room service. Landside, meals get even better as local chefs put the Caribbean's centuries of culinary experience - drawn from dozens of cultures - to good use.

And there's nothing better than a big Caribbean meal to prepare you for the nightlife in this area - enough to satisfy almost any party animal. From pub-style bars to huge beach parties to casinos and ultra-hip nightclubs, the good times don't stop until the sun comes up. However you get your kicks, you can shake off the night's exploits with a swim at one of the area's pristine beaches, and let the waves soothe your aching head.

For many who come to the Caribbean, the goal is relaxation, not excitement. Regardless of why you decide to visit, the Caribbean will make you relax. From the Bahamas to Venezuela, the catch frase is "low key and relaxed."

It is no wonder that so many people come to this beautiful, relaxing environment with the love of their life, or to find them. Whether you come to get away from it all, or to get to the heart of the action, book your vacation with Carefree Travel & Cruises, and come away from the Caribbean satisfied.

Call your Caribbean Vacation Specialists
(361) 994-8747 or 1-800-727-4874