Easily one the biggest festivals in the Caribbean, it would be an injustice for us not to highlight Trinidad & Tobago's annual Carnival.

 

Revellers on Carnival day showcasing their costumes. photo via gotrinidadandtobagotourism.com

Droves of travellers visit the island every year to take part in the festivities and cultural explosion that begins to warm up just after Christmas with various promotional events and music competitions then climaxes in a vibrant two-day street party just before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday.

Caribbean people enjoying Trinidad Carnival 2016. photo via repeatingislands.com

For approximately two months, the island buzzes with some of the best soca music in the Caribbean from countless fetes and premium parties in celebration of Trinidadian, and indeed Caribbean, culture, unity and fun. In a nutshell, one can describe it as a harmonious mixture of high energy calypso, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, steel pan rhythms and nearly half a million happy people. 

Only here will you learn what it really means to party 'til your "money done" and give "cheers to life".

Popular celebrities can usually be found among the revellers enjoying the festivities and this year was no different. Previous visitors have included Nicki Minaj and Idris Elba. This year, two of the more popular celebrity attractions were the ever provocative Amber Rose and her best friend Blac Chyna.

From left to right: American celebrities Amber Rose and Blac Chyna taking part in Carnival 2016

Not to be confused or even considered the same as some of the other big name carnivals, this one is certainly a Caribbean event that should be on the calendar of any traveller who would enjoy an action packed vacation that will really help them unwind from the daily rat race. It is one of the most popular festivals in the region and anyone who has ever been will tell you that it is an experience like none other.

For more scenes and headlines, click the links below.

Trinidad Carnival Schedule 2016
Carnival Highlights: Promo 2016
Carnival Bands - Costumes and Merchandise 
International Soca Monarch 2016 - Voice

View of Mount Nevis. photo via chrisportal.com

He's not only the owner of a cosy set of apartments on the eastern side of the island right by the sea but he also offers a convenience store and auto rental all under M & M Enterprise. This means that booking with him can be an affordable one-stop that is perfect for the budget or solo traveller who appreciates travel made easy. Trust us, affordable self transport can be pricey but renting a vehicle is one of the best ways to explore a natural gem such as Nevis.

When Marlon is not providing great customer service with his extensive knowledge of the island and everything Nevis has to offer, he may be found taking part in one of the island's premier past-times ... golf. Ask him about it!

ST. Kitts & Nevis golf. photo via freein33.com

Planning your Caribbean vacation to one of the regions under-rated emerging destinations for 2016 could include watching the sunrise in Nevis.

The Cayman Islands recently partnered with the increasingly popular wedding app and website, Appy Couple, to present the "Paradise Collection".

The wedding of your dreams by the shoreside make for lasting marital memories photo via caymanislands.ky

The package is inspired by the Cayman Islands and features the most exciting parts of the island so a couple can taste what a destination wedding experience in the Caribbean can offer. The Cayman Islands have long been a coveted spot for a dream destination weddings. This specialty partnership not only cements their position in the top picks but it is the first of its kind for Appy Couple and the Caribbean.

Among the sites and experiences found in the Cayman Islands that inspired the unique designs are the destination’s renowned Seven Mile Beach and abundant coral reefs, Stingray City, and the trio of islands’ native flora including the Silver Thatch Palm Tree and the official flower of the Cayman Islands, the Wild Banana Orchid.

In the Business Insider UK's '12 Emerging Destinations You Have to Visit in 2016' feature, broadcast journalist and photojournalist, Anisha Shah says that this year of travel is all about going to the up-and-coming places now coming onto travellers' radars.

An aerial view of the magnificent Kaeiteur Falls in Guyana. Photo via guyanagrenier.wordpress.com

She said, "Wilderness, wildlife and culture; these themes will illuminate he year's travel itineraries. Escapism and authenticity are key and nowhere offers them quite like fledgling and far-flung nations."

Shah further went on to describe Guyana, one of the Caribbean's emerging vacation destinations, as a place "dripping in rain forests" with an "untouched pristine interior" where the wildlife outnumbers people. The article mentioned the highly under-rated Kaieteur Falls, which is the world's widest single-drop waterfall. It peaks at 76m and is cocooned in virgin ancient jungle. 

Shell Beach, Guyana. Photo via newsforpublic.com

The article also highlighted the Northeastern narrow Atlantic Ocean coastline where blonde beaches could be found backed by dense forest and home to endangered sea turtles.

The recognition for Guyana certainly adds to the reasons for festivity as the country celebrates its Golden Jubilee and welcomes the opportunity to promote the country's vibrancy, showcase its offerings of raw authentic adventure, stunning scenery and rich culture that is unique to Guyana.

Photo taken by Oneiros' Dreams. Kingston Seawalls, Guyana

Guyana's travel offerings have recently been updated on CaribbeanTraveller.com for travellers' who are ready to taste the future of vacationing in the Caribbean.

More about accommodations in Guyana.

The beginning of a new year sparks many reinventions. 

For the Caribbean, this year will be celebrated as The Year of Romance in the Caribbean. A campaign by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) that will feature its member countries and hotels with regard to their special offerings for romantic island vacations that can suit any travelling couple.

photo via: woweva.com

With more than 30 countries under their umbrella, the CTO will be showcasing the pristine beaches, secluded accommodations, the abundance of land and water activities, top-notch spa services and personalized attention that can cater to the needs of even the most discerning traveller.




There are major travel packages in the woodwork for destination weddings and vow renewals, returning couples that were married in the Caribbean, milestone anniversary celebrations and options to include a romantic Caribbean vacation on your gift registry.

This year, Caribbean travel is going to put a lot more focus on the love as one of the many thing that make the Caribbean one of the most coveted and popular travel destinations.