And we're off.....

Finally the last day of the countdown, just a few hours left as the Bunji Garlin song Differentology says we ready...' cue music.  Small up unno self is time to go.  To start this inaugural trip we are going to kick up our feet and chill out in The Club Kingston Lounge....will give you my review on that in a later blog post. 

So time to tell you were we are going......Drum roll please.  Our final destination is on the continent of AFRICA with a few stops before we get there.  

So first destination on this journey is The Big Apple New York via a connection through Miami.  Spend 2 days between New York and New Jersey then 1 more stop before we hit Africa so stay tuned to twitter: @jantucaribbean and instagram there will be so much to see and tell you about. 

So as my brother @Djcourtney would say ...."And we're Off.

 #jantu #travel #vacation #Africa #newyork #miami #newjersey #rum #teamwray #caribbean

I hope I didn't forget anything

Crap I almost forgot to take the tablets that I need before I take this trip.

That brings me to the topic for today's post ..."Travel Tips", especially if it is for any lengthy period of time. There are things that might slip your mind and as a friend of mine would say, remember the 6 P's in life and that applies to travelling as well.  Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

Here are some suggestions:-

1.  Call your bank and tell them when and where you are going to they will make a note of it on their system.  Phone and Internet are not always accessible to you on your journey.  Also it would be good to store their overseas contact information.

2.  Scan or photocopy your passport and visa information in case of emergency.  Especially with the availability of services like Dropbox.  You hope for no travel emergencies but remember the 6 Ps better to be safe than sorry.

3.  If you have pets make arrangements to board them or have someone reliable feed them.   Peace of mind that your pets are taken care of makes for a more enjoyable trip.

4.  It is important to know if shots are a requirement for entry into the country(s) that you are travelling to.  Refusal of entry into a country because of a lack of shots is a possibility.   For example, the yellow fever shot has to be done 10 days prior to travel. In Kingston, Jamaica I had to get my shot at The Comprehensive Clinic, 55 Slipe Pen Road, Kingston 5 (876) 922-2095 about 3 minutes from the Blood Bank.  Shot cost $250 JMD and you are given a card to verify you got your shot.  You must carry this card with you.  I suggested you put it with your travel documents.

5.   Empty perishables out of the fridge.  If away for 3-4 weeks it would not be a warm welcome when you open that fridge door.

6.  Don't forget your chargers and check if it can be used where you are going or do you need a travel charger adaptor plug.

7.  Check the weather where you are going around the time of year you are going.  Summertime in The Caribbean is winter in Australia so you might not want to pack shorts.

8.  Don't over pack.  Remember luggage restrictions are different on different Airlines.  Overweight luggage and extra pieces can be very expensive.  Pack valuables in your carry on luggage.

9.  For the ladies.  I suggest getting hair done and nails filled right before you leave and also to put on a light colour on your nails hides the chipping.

10.  Do you need a visa even if it is an airport in transit stop?  And please make sure to check if your visa and passport are valid.  Too many times tickets are booked only to discover that your passport has expired.  Do you need a US visa, Canadian visa, UK visa or even a Schengen visa for Europe?

Countdown:  T minus less than 3 days to go. #Jantu .... **happy dance

Remember to follow me on Twitter: @jantucaribbean and Instagram: jantucaribbean and Subscribe to receive emails on my blog Jantu Caribbean

Today's hint:  First 2 flights are in the good ole U.S.A.... both travel hubs #Jantu #adventure #travel
# vacation

The Caribbean, long referred to as the West Indies,includes more than 7,000 islands; of those, 13 are independent island countries and some are dependencies or overseas territories of other nations.

In addition, that large number includes islets (very small rocky islands); cay's (small, low islands composed largely of coral or sand) and a few inhabited reefs: See Belize.

In geographical terms the Caribbean area includes the Caribbean Sea and all of the islands located to the southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, east of Central America and Mexico, and to the north of South America. Some of its counted cay's, islands, islets and inhabited reefs front the handful of countries that border the region.

The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are not considered a part of the Caribbean, however, we show them here because of their cultural, geographical and political associations with the Greater Antilles and other Caribbean Islands.

At the beginning of the 15th century the population of the Caribbean was estimated to be nearly 900,000 indigenous people immediately before European contact.

Then in 1492, Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer began his exploration of the Caribbean, becoming the first European to venture into the area.

After reportedly landing in the eastern Bahamas, Columbus named these islands the Indies, because he thought he had finally reached Asia (and the East Indies).

Numerous explorers followed in his path, then tens of thousands of settlers arrived from the Americas, China, European countries and India. Included in that mix were religious outcasts and a small army of pirates. 

Across the Caribbean, slaves from Africa were imported in great numbers to work the sugar and tobacco plantations.

By then the indigenous populations of the islands were in severe decline as exposure to disease and brutal genocide wiped out much of their number.

Great military powers continually fought for control of the islands, and finally, a blended mix of African andEuropean cultures and languages transformed this large group of islands and its peoples into one of the premier tourist destinations on the planet.

Long called the West Indies, the overall area is now commonly referred to as the Caribbean, a name that became popular after World War II.

Over the last few decades legions of travelers have journeyed to the Caribbean to enjoy the amenities. They frequently arrive in cruise ships that sail in and out, from ports in Florida and Puerto Rico.

Overall the Caribbean is a magical place of palm trees, white sand beaches, turquoise waters and sunshine, all blessed with a climate that consistently offers a much-needed break for those stuck in the cold weather doldrums of the north.

If you haven't been, you should, and if you've been here more than once, you will come again, as these islands, these beach-ringed, jungle-covered rocks are home to thousands of historical surprises and activities galore.
So, come dance, come drink, come eat and sleep under the stars in the Caribbean. You won't be disappointed.


Source of post : World Atlas