The spectacular Turks and Caicos Islands are located 575 miles (or 75 minutes) from the southeast of Miami. These Islands stretch over 193 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean, and have the third largest coral reef and some of the best beaches in the world. These attributes make the Turks and Caicos Islands a premier family beach vacation spot and a sought after snorkeling and diving destination. The Turks and Caicos are an ideal place for not only spending holidays with the family but also romance and ecotourism. In fact, spending time in the Turks and Caicos is so delightful that, nearly 60% visitors pay repeat visits and come back for more family beach vacations.

About the Turks and Caicos

The turquoise waters of the pristine white sandy beaches, spread across 230 miles, are among the most valuable possessions of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The islands in Turks and Caicos are relatively flat, but vary from one another in terms of sand dunes and density of vegetation. Only eight of the islands are populated, namely - Salt Cay, South Caicos, Grand Turk, North Caicos, Providenciales, Middle Caicos, Parrot Cay, and Pine Cay. The inhabitants of these islands are known as ‘Belongers’ who are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness, attributes which ensure that the tourists feel de-stressed and relaxed in the true sense. The uninhabited islands such as West Caicos and East Caicos are extremely fascinating and popular. Tourism is the biggest industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands, which is easy to understand once you visit.

Getting There

Getting to the Turks and Caicos Islands is very easy. American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Delta Airlines, and US Airways offer direct flights to the island from Miami, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta, London, Boston, Toronto, and New York. Those within the region can fly to the destination with Bahamas Air, Sky King, Air Jamaica Express, and Air Turks & Caicos.

What To Do

You can indulge in a variety of activities in the Turks and Caicos on your family beach vacation, starting from playing tennis and golf, deep-sea fishing, bird-watching, island style bone fishing, horseback rising, cycling, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, whale watching, parasailing, and touring the biggest cave network. Snorkeling and scuba diving are particularly the most popular activities in the Islands.

Where to Go

The Providenciales Island is the most popular tourist destination in Turks and Caicos with its international standard accommodation facilities, offering unique surroundings and word-class cuisines and spas. Among the cuisines, you can try native cooking made of fresh fish, and rice and peas, served with international cuisines for tropical twists. You will also find more casual, intimate, and rustic accommodations on other islands and smaller cays.

Do not miss visiting Grand Turk, the capital city, for its rich historical heritage. The city also has the Turks and Caicos National Museum, exhibiting the Molasses Reef Wreck, one of the most crucial underwater archaeological discoveries along with artifacts related to Columbus' first landfall. Your family will love a beach vacation in the Turks and Caicos.

By: Jolana Klobouk
Jolana Klobouk is editor of http://www.Best-Family-Beach-Vacations.com. Find more information on Turks & Caicos and other family vacations.

Plan your next vacation where most people call paradise...the Bahamas Islands. Choose from the many islands such as Grand Bahama Island, Nassau, Paradise Island, Abaco and Eleuthera. The Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands. Find a perfect Bahamas vacation rental and enjoy all that a Bahamas vacation has to offer. Experience the unique cuisine, culture and nightlife of these historic islands.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, wedding, or romantic getaway, a Bahamas vacation offers it all.

There are a number of reasons people select a vacation rental in the Bahamas. Islands such as the Grand Bahamas Island, Nassau, Eleuthera, and Abaco offer some of the best climates, beaches, sun, and fun places to vacation in the world.

Eleuthera is famous for it's pineapple - Nassau and Paradise Island boast some of the most beautiful beaches - Abaco offers world-class sailing. However, the biggest attractions by far are the powder-white beaches and sparkling, turquoise water. All of these combine to keep vacationers coming back year after year. There are many great beach resorts on the islands, but you can also plan a vacation getaway with a very private vacation rental in the Bahamas.

The Bahamas Islands are full of exciting activities. Vacationers can learn to scuba dive or snorkel on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world - Paradise Island, Nassau, Eleuthera, and Abaco. Grand Bahamas Island is the center of outdoor nature activities, including horseback riding, nature tours, kayaking, National Parks, and more. The steady tradewinds make these waters great for wind surfing and sailing. Let’s don’t forget to mention shopping, sightseeing, cycling, and even nature tours.

Let’s go Fishing! All of the Bahamas Islands - Paradise Island, Eleuthera, Abaco - have their secret spots that the local guides are willing to share with vacationing fisherman. There are plenty of charter boats available that engage in sport fishing such as sailfish, marlin, tuna and tarpon. However, the sportfishing meca is on Bimini Island, just 50 miles south of Florida.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing family vacation, romantic getaway, or a corporate outing, a Bahamas vacation has a lot to offer for everyone.

By: Terry Malone
Terry Malone is the webmaster and owner of Vacation Rentals Unlimited - http://www.vrul.com.
Visit us to find great deals on vacation rentals that are offered directly from their owners.

Imagine a place where it is just cool in the winter and not freezing. A place where you can lay down in a hammock and listen to nothing except the waves crashing against the sand in a beautiful beach. A place where not only crickets sing, but the wonderful soothing sounds of the native Coqui. No, I'm not just making up such a place. That place is the island of Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is an incredible vacation for the whole family. The island is very family oriented and makes your family feel right at home. You have the wonderful and beautiful beaches for the surfer and beach lover. The great non stop nightlife for that party girl. Filling up your schedule with activities will be easy in Puerto Rico. You can explore the forests and see beautiful scenes like waterfalls in El Yunque. Puerto Rico also is rich in culture as you can explore Old San Juan and step foot in the same exact place were the Spaniards stood at in El Morro. Take a drive down to the south to Ponce and visit the Taino Village and see how the native Taino Indians lived. A must do in Puerto Rico is the Tropical Trail Rides, a guided horseback tour through the "real" Puerto Rico! Step inside of the oldest fire station in Puerto Rico in the very popular Plaza las Delicias. Eat the local Ponce ice cream in "Los Chinos". Walk around and keep an eye out during the summer for dolphins at Ponce's boardwalk "La Guancha". Make sure you order some pinchos while your there, a personal favorite for yours truly.

You will fall in love with Puerto Rican food when you visit any local restaurant and order some "comida criolla". Alcapurrias, bacalaitos, sorullitos de maiz, rellenos de papa, empanadillas and much others fall into this exquisite category. Their main dishes are to die for with their arroz con gandules, arroz con pollo, and pernil. You can't leave the island and say you went to Puerto Rico without trying the foods mentioned above.

As you can see history and food is a big part of Puerto Rico. Scenery is right behind it though. You can explore caves and caverns in Las Cavernas de Camuy. Puerto Rico is ideal for bird watching because the temperature remains fairly constant and see one of the fifty species of birds seen here, the bird watching will not disappoint. Imagine you laying down on a hammock, drinking a cold freshly made pina colada, and listening to the soothing breeze. This could all come true in Puerto Rico. Like they say "Your not dreaming, your in Puerto Rico!"

By: Jason Hobbs

Aruba is a land with great diversity. Aruba sits beside the Atlantic on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. The Atlantic has violent waters crashing over the rocks and coral ridges and cliffs, while the Caribbean is tranquil and a great setting for snorkeling and swimming. In the land of Aruba, you can find a beautiful and lush landscape, punctuated by the desert, which is home to towering cacti and divi-divi trees. You can find old lighthouses and windmills, together with modern hotels and resorts that are conveniently accessible to restaurants, fancy casinos and fitness center. Whether you are into indoor activities or the great outdoors, you will surely enjoy Aruba.

In Aruba, you can enjoy the azure waters of the powder-white beaches as well as unique landscapes and cool breezes. The tropical ambience in this wonderful environment invites you to soak in the sun and ride the surf. You can walk through the city to enjoy the colorful Dutch architecture. Hotel guarantee top-draw accommodations, luxury services and resort-style amenities. The residents are friendly and hospitable to tourists; their warmth heightens the vacation experience. Geological formations and the wild countryside caters to the nature lover in anyone. The beaches of Aruba are great for diving. The sea is great for surfing while strong and steady winds make kite-flying fun. You can hike through the desert or enjoy the championship golf courses. Casinos beckon to the risk taker in you, while nightclubs feed your party-animal side.

Aruba is not a place where you will get lost. Restaurants, casinos, bars, and malls are clustered together, making everything conveniently accessible from your hotel. Even the beaches are within walking distance. If you need a guide to help you get acquainted with the land, you can avail yourself of local tour packages from hotels or employ the services of local tour operators, which can prove to be more affordable.

By: Jimmy Sturo
Aruba provides detailed information on Aruba, Aruba Vacations, Aruba Hotels, Aruba Weather and more. Aruba is affiliated with History of Argentina.

Close to many of the resorts, Plaza Bavaro is the largest shopping area in Punta Cana. An open air garden in the central courtyard provides a pleasant and inviting atmosphere where visitors can stroll the unique shops and cool off from the sun. The Plaza features over 50 stores including local boutiques, pharmacy, jewelry stores, a travel agency, banks and restaurants. Browse gift shops selling every kind of souvenir imaginable, and hunt for bargains as you mingle with the local people. Located directly across the street is the Plaza Punta Cana, offering a huge variety of merchandise including local arts and crafts, cigars, souvenirs and unique gifts.

Also along Bavaro Beach among Punta Cana's most elegant resorts, is the Palma Real Shopping Village. This new addition to the resort area is home to a variety of great shops and brand name restaurants. Guests can enjoy shopping at stores that include Planeta Fashion, Tosca, Wine & Food Sensation, Bruga Boutique and Verganti. Another important addition to the Bavaro Beach area of Punta Cana is the unique and sophisticated Caribbean Street, located within the renowned Riu Resort Complex. Lush gardens and elegant architecture highlight a superb facility offering numerous gift shops, boutiques and enticing restaurants.

For those looking for an authentic experience away from the souvenir shops, The Domenico Cigar Manufactory offers visitors the opportunity to see fine Dominican cigars being made. Located behind Plaza Brisas on Bavaro Beach, Domenico cigars are produced and sold in this small family owned business by highly skilled master rollers, and visitors will enjoy watching the process before testing the cigars for themselves. The cigars are of a very high quality and offer shoppers a great value for money.

Value and variety are defiantly a big part of the appeal when shopping in Punta Cana. From the elegant resort boutiques to the colorful markets, there is something for everyone, just don't be afraid to bargain with the vendors for the best deal!

After a day of shopping, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying the numerous activities at your resort, it's time to discover the exciting nightlife that Punta Cana is famous for. When the sun goes down, the many bars and clubs inside and outside of the resorts come to life! At the Riu Palace Macao, Pacha nightclub provides high energy entertainment all night long for Riu guests and the general public. Featuring a vibrant mix of international dance tunes, meringue and salsa, Pacha is one of Punta Cana's top nightspots and a guaranteed great night out. Guests of Pacha also enjoy complimentary entrance to the casino, and the Copacabana amphitheater.

Across at the Barcelo Bavaro Golf and Casino, the Bavaro Disco has become a favorite among Punta Cana's nightlife. Bavaro Disco is an enormous club that draws guests from around the world with its exotic and visually stunning ambience. The disco is free to residents of the Barcelo Hotel complex, and welcomes the general public with admission. Dance the night away to exciting tunes in this thrilling party atmosphere quite unlike any other! Also within the Barcelo complex is the incredible Tropicalissimo show at the casino, staged in the style of the old Tropicana of Cuba.

Although the majority of Punta Cana's nightlife is concentrated within the resorts, it is worth checking out the local bars and clubs for a more authentic night out mixing with the Dominican people. The Mascara Bar is located in the Punta Cana shopping center, and is one of the area's best kept secrets! Enjoy the mix of great music and a refreshing cocktail with your friends as you mingle with locals. A warm and inviting atmosphere coupled with an extensive drinks selection make the Mascara Bar a great choice!

Another good choice for a lively night out is Hot Spot, located on Bavaro Beach, right behind Plaza Brisas. Open weekends only, Hot Spot offers a wonderful, friendly atmosphere, and local drinks such as presidente beer, cuba libre, plus exotic cocktails, all at reasonable prices. The cave style setting with volcano décor provides a unique nightlife experience not to be missed!

Whether you choose to stay within your resort and take advantage of the nightlife choices available, or venture out to sample some after-dark local culture, one thing that you can be sure of is a night to remember! Punta Cana has without question earned its reputation as one of the leading vacation destinations worldwide, and day or night, visitors will find an abundance of choices awaiting them in this Dominican paradise.

By: Ellie Cominos
Ellie Cominos is a travel expert and a content associate and travel guide writer for BookIt.com® - the online travel company offering discounted hotels and vacations wherever you are FROM! Visit the BookIt.com ® Travel Guides for additional travel information including articles, reviews and helpful travel tips.