What Not to Miss in Saint-Martin, the French Half of the Friendly Island

Picturesquely framed by the shimmering blue of the Caribbean Sea, the northern half of the island of Saint Martin is as French as Gauloises and Baguette. Saint Martin distinctively blends tropical allure with a French twist, and in this post, I’ll show you what you absolutely should not miss.

Grand Case, a place not to miss when visiting Saint-Martin.
Grand Case is definitely one of the places not to miss when visiting beautiful Saint-Martin.

From the bustling marina of Marigot with its markets and fine patisseries to the tranquil coves of Anse Marcel and the lively beach clubs of Orient Bay, Saint-Martin offers the perfect balance between relaxation and indulgence. Nature lovers can hike to the viewpoints of Loterie Farm, while foodies enjoy first-class dishes at beachfront bistros in Grand Case.

Whatever floats your boat, you’ll find your little corner of Saint-Martin where time slows down, and paradise seems within reach.

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MAGNIFICENT MARTINIQUE: Ten Places Not to Miss on Your Visit (even when exploring by public bus)

Martinique – doesn’t the name bear elegance and classiness but also exotism? Indeed, the French Caribbean Island of Martinique delights its visitors with golden beaches, turquoise waters, lush greenery in abundance, tropical vibes, and French savoir-vivre.
Undoubtedly, Martinique is a feast for all your senses.
In this comprehensive guide, I’m telling you which ten places – or more precisely: areas – not to miss during your visit to Martinique and how to get there even if you are exploring the island comfortably by public bus.

Martinique Places not miss public bus: Pier and beach of Anse d'Arlet.
One of Martinique’s most iconic views: Église Saint-Henri across from the pier in Anses d’Arlet.
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GUADELOUPE: Complete Guide And Perfect Itineraries (also for travels by public bus)

Its unique shape of a delicate butterfly makes Guadeloupe one of the most beautiful and outstanding islands in the Caribbean. But the fact that Guadeloupe consists of two separate wings is not only charming. These two parts, which are only separated by a narrow strait, are also geologically very different.
In this post, I put together itineraries including all the information and tips that will help you plan your own trip to Guadeloupe. Especially if you prefer to explore this tropical paradise by public bus.

Parade in Sainte Anne in Guadeloupe
They certainly know how to throw a grand parade in Guadeloupe.

On the one hand, there is the eastern part of Grande Terre, which is best known for its flat and pleasing terrain. To the west lies Basse Terre, the larger of the two wings. Its center is characterized by untamed and mountainous wilderness.

Oh yes, Guadeloupe has many sides’n’sites worth discovering, and I’m taking pleasure in introducing them all in my posts.

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Best Street Art in SINT MAARTEN

You will find tons of street art in Sint Maarten, and what all the local artists have contributed to the ColorMeSXM project is absolutely remarkable. Therefore, you shouldn’t miss out on a self-guided tour with the help of this comprehensive post.

Some of the Best Street Art in Sint Maarten by Daphne Prevoo
In her collage, Daphne Prevoo has brought together local icons such as the national flower yellow sage and a brown pelican which is the national bird. Also, you can spot pottery of the indigenous Arawak, and of course a portrait of a man native to Sint Maarten.
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Best Things to Do in Sint Maarten, the Dutch Half of the Friendly Island

Nestled in the big wet heart of the Caribbean, Sint Maarten, the Dutch half of this unique dual-nation island, offers the best of European charm and tropical allure combined. Known for its white-sand beaches and laid-back atmosphere, this southern part of the island pulses with life and color.

Boardwalk in Philipsburg Sint Maarten
No matter how typically tropical the surroundings, it wouldn’t be a part of the Netherlands without an iconic windmill.

Apart from lazing on the beach and taking refreshing dips in the beautiful waters, you can also sail into picturesque lagoons, snorkel among coral reefs, or simply unwind at a beachside bar with a rum punch in hand. As you stroll down the streets lined with pastel façades of the lively neighborhood of Philipsburg or hike through lush tropical greenery, make sure you don’t miss out on a fun scare as planes roar dramatically over your head alongside the waters of the world-famous Maho Beach!

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As Easy As ABC: Island Hopping Between ARUBA, BONAIRE, and CURACAO

Turquoise waters and tropical fish, swaying palm trees, and pink flamingos – this is what you would expect on a Caribbean island. But where do the Flemish gable houses come from? And why are locals speaking Dutch on tropical islands just north of Venezuela?
Well, the history and fusion of different cultures are surely one of a kind on the so-called ABC islands. Hence, put on some sunscreen, grab your snorkel gear, and join me in my island hopping between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

Couple on a jetty in Kralendijk in Bonaire,  illustrating the post on Island Hopping between Aruba Bonaire, and Curacao.
Beauty in alphabetic order.
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CURACAO – Guide to the Caribbean Island That Has It All

Let me guide you through Curacao, the Caribbean island that simply has it all: Idyllic coves and secluded beaches, a fascinating history, great contemporary art, amazing food, and a capital city that UNESCO put on the list of World Heritage.

Old Dutch houses in Curacao, The Caribbean Island That Has It All
Old Dutch houses and lots and lots of water – those two icons of the beautiful island of Curaçao.

But Curaçao has also some well-hidden gems that I’m introducing in this guide – and I promise that you will love all of them!

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One Week in BONAIRE: The Best Activities Beyond Diving

Bonaire is the easternmost of the three so-called A B C islands, which are part of the Dutch Antilles off the coast of Venezuela.
The popular holiday destination Aruba is Bonaire’s little sister, while Curaçao is the bigger and apparently more important one.
This makes Bonaire seemingly the oftentimes overlooked middle child.
Very unjustly so, since although it might be lesser known, B is still at least as beautiful and varied as its siblings A and C.
Need proof?
No problem: In this post, I’ve put together the best activities you can enjoy on beautiful Bonaire in one week – even if you are not diving.

Couple Snorkeling in Bonaire
Even if you’re not a diver, you certainly won’t be able to resist the turquoise waters surrounding Bonaire.
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What Not to Miss in ARUBA, the Caribbean A-Lister

Aruba was actually one of the first islands in the Caribbean that opened its hearts’n’harbors to international visitors by installing well-working tourist infrastructures. Today, Aruba is an absolute A-Lister when it comes to a dream vacation in the West Indies.
However, while most visitors are coming for the dreamy sand beaches, it would be a big mistake to miss out on the natural wonders Aruba is hiding in its hinterland.
In this post, I have you covered by telling you about all the wonderful spots you should not miss when visiting this self-proclaimed happy island.

Eagle Beach - one of Aruba's most famous beaches.
Eagle Beach – one of Aruba’s most famous beaches. However, the bird in the pictures is not an eagle but a seagle seagull.
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The Best Places to Visit in SICILY in One Week

Ma certo, one week is quite tight when it comes to a trip to Sicily, even if you limit your visit to the very best places. The island at the southern tip of mainland Italy has more to offer than you would find in many entire countries! Did you know that Sicily has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites? These excellent locations are so different that there is something for everyone. Whether it is the ancient archaeological sites in Syracuse, the artistic mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale near Armerina, the baroque center of Noto, or the Aeolian Islands – you will be amazed!

Palermo's Kalsa district
Palermo’s Kalsa district.

But in addition to these fantastic sites, you should, of course, also make time to laze on the beach in Taormina and enjoy a delicious aperitivo in the evening during the sunset. After all, the Dolce Vita is as much a part of Italy as pizza and pasta.
So that you don’t lose track of all these fantastic options, I have put together an itinerary for you with the best places that you should definitely visit in one week in Sicily.
If you have more time, even better – you won’t be bored for a second, believe me!

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