Florida is really the gateway to the Caribbean Region for anyone traveling from North America. You are able to take a cruise ship or a short plane journey to in excess of two dozen destinations in this string of island, and you will find an incredible variety of history, culture, attractions and costs. While sun and sand is a major draw to those islands, you would be selling yourself short if you take for granted that was all these islands have to offer. And as tourism is a major industry, they recognize the way to take care of visitors. Some of the fascinating sides of the Caribbean Isles are: 1. History. Probably the most fascinating period of these islands had been the time as a breeding ground of pirates. Throughout the European colonization in the area, particularly first Spain then England, France and the Netherlands, enormous wealth, in particular in precious metals were being transported back to Europe. Since these states had been in a state of war with each other through much of this time, privateers sponsored through their respective governments were having a hey-day pirating their shipments. Privateering or government sponsored piracy, in effect reached an end with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Trouble was, with a lot of privateers at this point unemployed, they went into business for themselves, triggering a great deal of havoc to shipping in the area, but in addition providing a great historical setting to this part of the world. 2. Cruising. Cruise ships currently literally cover the entire Caribbean, which includes Cuba, but obviously not to Cuba from the United States. When cruising the Caribbean Region, Florida is going to be your major starting point. But when vacationing here, you have to be attentive to a large issue: hurricane season. This lasts the summer and the majority of the fall months, but even now year-round cruising is on the upswing. If you do not mind taking the possibility (and statistically it's not great), you will get your best values during this time. Bear in mind, the tactic of cruise lines will be never to confront a storm, but to elude it. 3. Food. One point to say concerning Caribbean fare is that it will be diverse. It takes on aspects of American, African, European and Chinese, plus the creole recipes that are specific to the region, also to specific islands. You owe it to yourself to at least try the local cuisine. 4. Festivals. If you have visited here, you'll know that music, food and celebrating become a large part in the life of the people here. Even though many have lived difficult lives, they still look to celebrate life. Should you take part in this, you will certainly be rewarded. If you're going to vacation in the Caribbean, do like so many people do and combine it with a trip to one of the many interesting places in Florida. (see http://whattoseeinflorida.com/). For instance, the area of Key West is like another world from most of the United States. Jim O'Connell is an writer who loves to travel, especially to Florida.
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