• Monthly Archives: July 2026

    ABC’S Largest Island Curaçao Southern Caribbean Tour May 2026

    ABC’S Largest Island Curaçao Southern Caribbean Tour May 2026

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    We had the pleasure of touring Curaçao southern Caribbean, you will learn the history of this beautiful island, historic locations, beaches, food, entertainment and much more.

    Curaçao is a southern Caribbean island and constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Located just 37 miles north of Venezuela, it is the largest of the “ABC” islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao).

    Known for its multicultural heritage, its capital is Willemstad, famous for its colorful colonial architecture and natural harbor.

    Constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands (achieved autonomy in 2010).

    Languages: Papiamentu (a Creole language), Dutch, and English are all official.

    Currency: Caribbean guilder (replaces the Netherlands Antillean guilder).

    Economy: Driven by oil refining, international trade, tourism, and financial services.

    Weather: Warm year-round, averaging around 86°F (30°C). It lies outside the main hurricane belt.

    Terrain: Arid with scant rainfall and unique flora. The island requires seawater desalination for most of its fresh water.

    Indigenous Roots: Originally inhabited by the Arawak and Caquetio Indigenous Peoples.

    European Settlement: Explored by the Spanish in 1499 and colonized in 1527. The Dutch West India Company took control in 1634, developing it into a major commercial and maritime hub.

    Curaçao Liqueur: The Island’s signature drink is distilled from the dried peels of the laraha, a bitter citrus fruit brought by the Spanish that adapted to the island’s harsh soil.

    Marine Life: Despite its dry climate, it has incredibly rich marine biodiversity and is a major destination for marine biology studies and scuba diving.

    Curaçao is best known for its vibrant, pastel-colored Dutch colonial architecture, world-class scuba diving, and the famous eponymous orange-flavored liqueur. Located in the Southern Caribbean, it is part of the Dutch Caribbean and offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

    Historic Willemstad: The island’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the iconic Handelskade—a picturesque row of brightly colored, 17th-century Dutch colonial buildings. The historic Punda and Otrobanda districts are connected by the unique Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge.

    Pristine Beaches: With over 35 secluded coves and sandy shores, the island is renowned for its natural beaches. Standout spots include Cas Abao Beach and Playa Kenepa Grandi (Grote Knip), which feature stunning turquoise waters and powdery white sands.

    Hurricane-Free Location: Geographically positioned in the Southern Caribbean, just north of South America, Curaçao sits safely outside the typical hurricane belt, making it a reliable year-round destination.

    When exploring what to buy in Curacao, choose items that capture the island’s Dutch-Caribbean essence. Essential purchases include Blue Curacao liqueur, soothing aloe vera products and rich Dutch cheeses.

    For a tiny nation of roughly 150,000 citizens in the Caribbean Sea, Curaçao makes a huge impression on the Major League landscape.

    Fifteen Curaçao natives have played in the Major Leagues, according to Baseball-Reference, making for a rate of roughly one per every 10,000 residents that far surpasses the yield of any other country in the world.

    Curaçao boasts current Major League stars, including Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies, Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen, Angel’s shortstop Andrelton Simmons, Tigers second baseman Jonathan Schoop, Padres infielder Jurickson Profar and Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius (who moved to the island when he was 5 years old).

    We had the pleasure of going to The Rif Stadium Murals: Located in the heart of downtown Willemstad.

    The Rif Stadium Murals: Located in the heart of downtown Willemstad, this stadium’s exterior walls feature a massive, stunning “Wall of Fame” mural painted by local artist Jhomar Loaiza.

    It showcases over 20 professional MLB legends and current stars from Curaçao, including Andruw Jones, Ozzie Albies, Kenley Jansen, Jurickson Profar, and Jonathan Schoop.

    The Queen Emma Bridge is a pontoon bridge across St. Anna Bay on Curaçao Island in the Dutch Caribbean. It connects the Punda and Otrobanda quarters of the capital city, Willemstad. It was named after Emma of Waldeck and Pyrmont, who was queen consort of the Netherlands during its construction.

    We had an opportunity to see, The Queen Emma Bridge open to let boats through and then close so people can walk across it.

    It was a wonderful experience, I have never seen a bridge like this. Even when you walk across it. You can feel the wood, like it’s going to snap. It is a great bridge and defifenetly walk across it to have a firsthand experience, if you are visiting, Curaçao.

    The “big bridge” in Curaçao is the Queen Juliana Bridge, a towering, four-lane arch bridge in Willemstad that rises 185 feet (56.4 meters) above the water. Spanning St. Anna Bay, it is the highest bridge in the Caribbean and offers unparalleled, panoramic views of the island.You can see unparalleled, panoramic views of the island on the “big bridge” in Curaçao.

    We also went downtown in curacao, Downtown Curaçao, officially known as Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its vibrant, pastel-colored Dutch colonial architecture. Divided by the St. Anna Bay, the historic hub offers world-class dining, duty-free shopping, and iconic landmarks, all easily walkable from the cruise terminals.

    We had a great time seeing the wonderful historic vibrant, pastel-colored Dutch colonial architecture, houses and buildings. Curacao is a decent shopping destination, primarily renowned for duty-free luxury items, local artisanal crafts, and Curaçao liqueur.

    While prices on imported goods can be higher than in the US, it is a fantastic place to shop for jewelry, watches, perfumes, and specific souvenirs. We found a lot of the shops were overpriced, when we tried to buy a souvenir tee-shirt. We got a better deal with a street vendor who was selling the same item for 50% off.

    You can try to make a deal with the vendors and ask for a discount, if you have are looking just happy to pay the price they ask, that is fine.

    If you like to make a deal and you are quite good at this then you may get a better price. I always look for artesian vendors, who don’t have a big store and are selling in the street, I like to support this group of people, as they do this for a living to feed their families relying on this income.

    I met Robbie, he was selling tee-shirts and other merchandise, and he told me he works from 9am to 8pm daily and just makes end meet. He has 5 children and it is hard to make ends meet.

    His wife is home taking care of the children. Someone like Robbie, I don’t ask for a discount, I pay the price he asks, I give that to him and buy 2 additional items to support him. I always ask these questions before I buy a merchandise, so I know that I am able to support people like Robbie.

    We visited the Curacao Liqueur Distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo is a journey through the history of Curacao and the world-famous Blue Curacao Liqueur. The Blue Curacao liqueur is made. Because the liqueur is produced at Landhuis Chobolobo, it is considered ‘The home of the Curacao Liqueur’.

    This small-scale distillery annually receives more than 250,000 visitors who learn all about the history, heritage and production process of the Curacao liqueur.

    I met one of the bartenders Mrs. Jolene who made a Strawberry Explosion and Strawberry Margarita, who took her time preparing these great drinks, (I cannot Drink Alcohol because of my religious observance), and I had a tourist yans who tried it, and he told me that drink with the Liquor mixed tasted out of this world, fresh, melts in your mouth, you can feel the fresh strawberries in the liquor.

    I had a virgin part of the drink, which Mrs. Jolene was very nice to put both of the drinks in 2 different cups. If you are a Liquor lover, then you should definitely go to   Curacao Liqueur Distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo. If you are going to Curacao.

    We also went to Hato Caves, The Hato Caves were formed below the sea level millions of years ago. With the Ice Ages the water level dropped down and Curacao was born. The Hato cave covers an area of 4900 m2, and is the home to the beautiful limestone formations, romantic pools, waterfall and our famous Madonna statue. Also inside the Cave is a colony of seldom seen long nose fruit bats.

    We had a great time, a tour guide takes you on a 45 minute tour showcasing many different caves, its history, plantations, and animals living in and out of the caves.

    I was very impressed where they had close to 20 different Cactus plants growing outside of the cave. I never knew that cactus, grows in different sizes heights and colors.

    This was very interesting. We did see turtles caged off. You also have a nice area where you can sit and have a bite and drink something cold. The Sun is very hot, make sure to take a hat with you and sunglasses.

    Curacao is home to some 37 breathtaking spots, but Cas Abao Beach and Grote Knip (Playa Kenepa Grandi) stand out as the most naturally stunning. Cas Abao is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush, vibrant reefs, while Grote Knip is famous for its dramatic cliffside views and powdery white sand.

    We stopped by at the Salty Iguana beach, which was in front of the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort. A beautiful beach with white sands, turquoise waters. Great for boating, Scuba diving, sunbathing and of course swimming in the clear waters.

    I had a great time, great people, great places to see, visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the World. Above all the weather was wonderful just right for seeing all the above locations. To book or learn more about Curaçao click here.

    See exclusive coverage of Curaçao southern Caribbean Tour May 2026, in our World Liberty TV, Travel and Tourism Channels by clicking here.

     

    St Thomas United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Tour May 2026

    St Thomas United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Tour May 2026

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    St. Thomas, a primary island of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, is a 32-square-mile volcanic island known for its stunning harbors and rugged, hilly terrain.

    Located about 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, it features the territorial capital and bustling port city of Charlotte Amalie.

    People born in St. Thomas are United States citizens at birth. As a constituent island of the U.S. Virgin Islands, an unincorporated U.S. territory, St. Thomas residents acquire statutory citizenship under the Immigration and nationality act.

    St. Thomas is special because it perfectly blends Caribbean beauty with a cosmopolitan vibe.

    As the gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is famous for its duty-free shopping, lively culture, and iconic spots like the horseshoe-shaped Magens Bay and historic Charlotte Amalie.

    Shopping Capital: Charlotte Amalie is world-renowned as a duty-free shopping mecca, where visitors can score deals on jewelry, perfumes, and electronics.

    World-Class Beaches: The Island features spectacular coastlines, most notably Magens Bay, known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand.

    Visitors can explore centuries-old structures like Fort Christian (dating back to 1680) and the centuries-old St. Thomas Synagogue.

    Easy Island Hopping: It serves as a prime, convenient base for exploring neighboring islands, including a quick ferry ride to the pristine beaches of St. John.

    The island boasts an electric nightlife with beach bars, live steel-pan music, and local culinary staples like savory patties and kallaloo.

    St. Thomas is home to roughly 42,000 residents. While English is the official language, a blend of West Indian dialects is widely spoken, and welcoming greetings like “Good morning” are heavily customary.

    The island uses U.S. currency and operates heavily on tourism, welcoming close to two million visitors per year via major cruise ship ports like Havensight.

    St. Thomas is home to a campus of the University of the Virgin Islands, which is renowned for its robust marine biology and environmental science programs due to the island’s unique coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems.

    We had a great stay in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. We had the pleasure of visiting,

    Mountain Top: Located 1,500 feet above sea level, this is the island’s premier vantage point. From its expansive observation deck, you can see more than 15 surrounding islands, including St. John and the British Virgin Islands.

    You basically drive to the top and then get a banana daiquiri ( soooo good!) and then go to the deck and admire the view.

    It is also famous for its world-class duty-free shopping and signature banana daiquiris.

    Paradise Point: For a slightly lower but incredibly iconic view, take the Skyride to Paradise Point tram.

    Rising 700 feet above Charlotte Amalie harbor, it offers breathtaking views of the cruise ships, the historic downtown area, and the Caribbean Sea.

     

    We had a pleasure of meeting 5 different vendors while we were at Paradise Point, we met Mr. Opal live steel-pan music, entertainer. Who was selling his CD’s with his steel-pan music, which he does for a living.

    Mr. Opal was taught by his father how to play steel-pan, when he is not selling at his booth, he plays at restaurants and different locations throughout ST Thomas Island.

    I donated $20.00 to him and told him to hold onto the CD’S as he had a very minimum stock to sell that day. I told him to play live so I can record on my video camera, so I can remember him. We also took a picture. It is always great to help local Artisan vendors who are struggling to make a living.

    There were 5 other vendors selling souvenirs, like jewelry, shirts, homemade creations, and a person selling cold drinks.

    (Famous Banana Daiquiri) at Mountain Top: We had Mrs. Blades Manager of Famous Banana Daiquiri, who made a Fresh Banana Daiquiri, with all the fresh indigridients, She made one for me which was a (Mocktail version Non-Alcoholic, due to my religious observance) .

    It tasted fresh, you can taste the fresh bananas, with each sip you take. It was a very refreshing drink.

    I asked and nearby tourist by the name of Ronald, who was from North Carolina, on Holiday with his wife.

    I asked him if he would try The Alcoholic version, and give an opinion, he said he will be happy to. But was shy to come on Camera.

    Once Roland tasted it. He immediately told me, wow this is a drink that is a thirst quencher, and it is so tasteful, you want to immediately take another sip. He went on to say you can taste the freshness and how it the bananas were infused with the ice and other indigridients in it.

    When I asked Mrs. Blades the manager who made the drink, she said with a smile we cannot share the recipes and how we make it. They might be out of business very fast.

    7 million Famous Banana Daiquiri’s sold and it is safe to say this iconic location is the Banana Daiquiri capital of the world. Should you be in St Thomas, do stop by Famous Banana Daiquiri at Mountain Top ask for Mrs. Blades  and tell her (The Doc). Sent you, to get a deep discount.

    Just as I said good bye to Mrs. Blades, Ronald came over and said, I want to get another for me and my wife. It was so good. I thanked him and wished him the best as I left.

    Coki Beach: Coki Beach (sometimes called Coki Point), one of the most popular and vibrant spots in St. Thomas, USVI. Famous for crystal-clear water and world-class shore snorkeling, it features a lively Caribbean atmosphere with local food stands, beach vendors, and reggae music.

    Widely considered the best shore snorkeling on the island. The shallow, calm waters on the right side are teeming with colorful tropical fish (like yellowtail snapper and sergeant majors) and coral.

    Visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, and grab fresh seafood and tropical drinks right on the sand.

    Yes, Coki Beach in St. Thomas is completely free to access. However, if you drive a rental car, you will need to pay a small cash fee of $5 to park in the nearby dirt lot.

    It is famous for crystal-clear water and exceptional snorkeling. Dive shops on the beach rent equipment and offer diving lessons.

    The beach is lined with local vendors offering cold drinks, fresh smoothies, and Caribbean food.

    We stayed on the beach, for good 2 hours, it was very crowded the weather was very hot in the 90’s.

    We mostly walked on the beach, it was very clean, a lot of people sunbathing, some sitting in their deck chairs and reading as their children were swimming in shallow end of the beach.

    We tried a fresh snapper, at one of the food booths on the beach. It tasted well. The fish was heavy and not cooked well done as we told the chef to make it that way.

    So I would say, in our opinion fish was not what we wanted. But we did enjoy a Pina Colada each (Virgin). Which tasted very fresh and was very filling.

    Downtown Charlotte Amalie, Duty Free Shopping Capital in the Caribbean: The epicenter of Caribbean luxury. Wander down Main Street (Dronningens Gade) and the nearby alleys for high-end retailers, or check out the open-air Palm Passage for unique boutiques.

    Havensight Mall: Located directly at the cruise ship docks, this area is highly accessible and features well-stocked stores for jewelry, sunglasses, and souvenirs.

    Yacht Haven Grande: Within walking distance of the Havensight docks, this prestigious complex offers high-end designer boutiques, fine dining, and complimentary luggage checks.

    Duty-Free Allowances: U.S. residents can bring back $1,600 worth of goods per person, including 5 liters of liquor tax-free (provided at least one liter is produced in the U.S. Virgin Islands).

    Main Street (Dronningens Gade): Lined with historic buildings previously used as pirate warehouses, this cobblestone street is packed with jewelers (like Diamonds International and Cardow Jewelers), high-end watches, perfumes, and liquor.

    If you want to skip the high-end jewelry for more authentic, artisanal goods, visit these spots:

    Zora’s: Located near the downtown area, famous for custom-made leather sandals and locally crafted goods.

    Tillett Gardens: An arts and crafts oasis where local artists make and sell pottery, silk-screened fabrics, and paintings.

    I always look for local Artisanal vendors, making there own products and selling them for a good prices.

    Yes I see so many luxury Stores, here in New York City (Shopping Capital of the World).

    Then again people like to shop, at a company there are familiar with back home and they see a same company at another destination, they like to attend and shop there. Which is known as brand loyalty.

    That day I was window shopping, as I had helped Opal our CD Friend. I always like to help people who are struggling and trying to make a living in an honorable and honest way. I make sure that I do that every time I go on vacation.

    I have been around 30 Countries worldwide so far, and plan on doubling that in the next few years. As I love to travel.

    Sky ride to Paradise Point: The Experience: This aerial tramway features open-air gondola cars that pull visitors about 700 feet up to the summit of Flag Hill in just about 5-7 minutes.

    The base station is conveniently located right across from the Havensight cruise ship dock in Charlotte Amalie.

    At the Top: The summit offers panoramic views of the harbor, St. Thomas, and the cruise ships. It features gift shops, restaurants, and a bar.

    We had a great time in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Tour May 2026, if you are interested in learning more about Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, click here.

    See more exclusive coverage of Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Tour May 2026, see more in our world liberty TV, Travel and Tourist Channels, Blogs and Photo-galleries by clicking here.

     

    ABC Island’s Aruba Southern Caribbean Tour May 2026

    ABC Island’s Aruba Southern Caribbean Tour May 2026

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    We had the pleasure of traveling to Aruba Southern Caribbean. In May 2026, we will share more information and history of Aruba and also some of the destinations we attended in Aruba.

    Aruba is most famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and year-round sunny weather.

    Located safely outside the Caribbean hurricane belt, the “One Happy Island” is renowned for its idyllic coastline, diverse water sports, and laid-back luxury resort experience.

    World-Class Beaches: Stretches like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach consistently rank among the best globally, featuring powdery sand and iconic wind-sculpted Divi Divi trees.

    Shipwreck Diving: The waters are a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving, most notably the sunken WWII German freighter, the SS Antilla Wreck.

    Rugged Natural Landscapes: Away from the resort areas, Arikok National Park offers dramatic desert terrain, unique caves, and a striking Natural Pool carved by ocean waves.

    Flamingo Island: The private beach at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, famously populated by free-roaming flamingos, is one of the island’s most photographed attractions.

    Rich Cultural Heritage: Visitors experience a unique blend of Dutch, Caribbean, and indigenous influences, visible in the colorful, historic architecture of downtown Oranjestad and celebrated through local cuisine like Keshi Yena.

    Most Arubans are of mixed descent, with about 75% of the population identifying as a blend of European, Native Caquetío (Arawak) Amerindian, and African ancestries.

    Because Aruba did not develop a large-scale plantation system, it retains a distinct mestizo/mixed majority compared to other Caribbean islands.

    The island’s rich heritage spans over 140 different nationalities, with the current demographic breakdown looking like this: Mixed Heritage (European/Amerindian/African): 75%, Black/Afro-Aruban: 15% and Other Ethnicities: 10%.

    Due to its close proximity to South America and historical ties to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a large portion of the population claims direct roots from nearby nations.

    November is the rainiest month in Aruba, receiving an average of about 3.5 to 4 inches of precipitation.

    Because Aruba lies outside the hurricane belt and has an arid climate, its “rainy season” (which typically runs from October through December) is very mild compared to other Caribbean destinations.

    Aruba is considered a rich, high-income country. As a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it boasts one of the highest standards of living and GDP per capita in the Caribbean. Its robust, tourism-driven economy provides residents with well-developed infrastructure, modern amenities, and universal healthcare.

    While Aruba as a whole is wealthy, this prosperity comes with a high cost of living. Because the island’s primary industry is tourism, the economy is vulnerable to global travel disruptions, and almost all food and consumer goods must be imported.

    One U.S. Dollar (USD) is worth approximately 1.79 to 1.80 Aruban Florin (AWG/Afl). The official mid-market exchange rate sits around 1.80 AWG.

    Because the Aruban Florin is officially pegged to the U.S. Dollar, the base value remains stable, but the exact rate you receive will depend on where you spend your money.

    We had the pleasure of visiting the following locations in Aruba. Casibari: Casibari is a settlement of Paradera, north of Hooiberg, in Aruba. Evidence of prehistoric rock drawings is still visible at the site. “Casibari” is an Indian name of Arawak (possibly Taíno).

    St. Anna Catholic Church : (also known as St. Ann’s) is a historic, vibrant Catholic parish located in Noord, Aruba, just a 10-minute drive from the Palm Beach high-rise hotels. It is beloved by visitors and locals for its welcoming community, beautiful ornate altar, and traditional cemetery.

    Tres Trapi Beach: To easily experience Tres Trapi (“Three Steps Beach”) in Aruba, simply arrive early in the morning, park by the main road, and use the iconic hand-carved stone steps to safely enter the shallow, turtle-filled waters.

    California Lighthouse: Located on Aruba’s northwestern tip near the California Lighthouse, Arashi Beach is a favorite for its soft white sand, calm shallow waters, and excellent snorkeling. It offers a quieter, more relaxed vibe than the bustling Palm Beach, making it perfect for families, couples, and locals.

    California lighthouse, The California Lighthouse, known by locals as Faro stands tall the northwestern tip of Aruba. Being the tallest structure in Aruba.

    The California Lighthouse in Aruba is named after the British steamship S.S. California, which tragically wrecked off the island’s northwestern coast in 1891.

    Built between 1914 and 1916, the lighthouse was specifically erected to warn passing ships of the treacherous reef perils that caused the shipwreck.

    Eagle Beach: Eagle Beach is Aruba’s widest stretch of coastline, celebrated for its powdery white sand and pristine turquoise waters.

    Located just north of Oranjestad, it offers a quieter, more relaxed alternative to the high-rise Palm Beach area. It is famous for its iconic, leaning Fofoti trees and sea turtle nesting sites.

    Aruba Streetcar (trolley): The free, hop-on hop-off Aruba Streetcar (trolley) in downtown Oranjestad provides a convenient 30 to 45-minute narrated tour of the capital’s historic landmarks, museums, and shopping districts. It departs right outside the cruise terminal, offering an easy way to explore the area.

     Shopping & Dining: We visited downtown Oranjestad, The island’s capital is the hub for high-end luxury, electronics, and jewelry.

    Renaissance Mall: Features luxury designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Cartier, alongside high-end jewelers.

    Renaissance Marketplace: Offers a more open-air, casual vibe with dining, nightlife, and local craft boutiques.

    Main Street (Caya G.F. Betico Croes): A pedestrian-friendly stretch perfect for affordable local souvenirs, linens, and perfumes.

    We tried the following foods, Po-Ke Ono: A must-visit for sushi lovers, offering incredibly realistic plant-based tuna and salmon alternatives like “Vegan Zeastar”.

    Vegan & Natural Aruba / LSM Vegan: Local spots famous for veganizing traditional Aruban snacks, such as vegan pastechi (meat-free turnovers) and plant-based cupcakes.

    We tried some of the following drinks: Virgin Piña Coladas, Virgin Mojitos, and Virgin Strawberry Daiquiris, freshly squeezed fruit juices, all tasting good and fresh.

    It was a wonderful experience, great people very friendly and happy people. Great beaches, iconic locations throughout the island, weather was in the 90’s when we were there.

    Do recommend, this wonderful island for a vacation, to learn more about Aruba, Click here.

    See more coverage of Aruba in our World Liberty TV, Travel and Tourism Channels and Blogs by clicking here.

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