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Guadeloupe

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Windsurfing Fun at Guadeloupe’s King of Moule 2025

Guadeloupe offers a wonderful mix of active adventures and relaxing beach days. You can find spots perfect for wave riding, with the right kind of wind, and also quiet places to simply enjoy the sun. It’s a French overseas department, making it feel familiar yet exotic, and is easier to reach than places like Barbados for some travelers. Exploring Le Moule Le Moule is on the northeast coast of Grand Terre. It’s known for catching winter waves with winds blowing from the northeast to southeast, which is ideal for water sports. While it’s less touristy than areas like Sainte-Anne

Hike Guadeloupe’s La Soufrière Volcano Without the Guardrails

Guadeloupe feels like stepping into a dream of island life, a place where French pastries meet Caribbean sunshine. It’s a French overseas territory, which means you get that wonderful European flair mixed with the relaxed tropical vibe. The main islands, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, are shaped something like a butterfly, and they offer such different experiences. We visited a few years back needing a break from the cold, and the promise of delicious cheese and fresh bread was hard to resist. Driving around, with our rental car and a bit of rusty French, we found so many incredible spots. Exploring

New Flights Open Up Guadeloupe’s Butterfly Islands

I recently visited the Guadeloupe Islands, and I have so much to share with you! It’s a French-Caribbean archipelago that feels like a secret waiting to be explored. Think lush rainforests, volcanoes, beautiful beaches, and a unique mix of French and Creole culture. It’s truly a special place, and I can’t wait for more Canadians to experience it, especially with improved travel options now available for 2026. Exploring the Butterfly Islands Guadeloupe is shaped like a butterfly, with two main islands – Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre – separated by a narrow channel. Each island, along with the smaller ones, has

Guadeloupe Flights Connect to Antigua and Montego Bay

Guadeloupe’s flight connections are getting a boost, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting spring and summer season for 2026, especially if you’re planning a trip from Canada. LIAT Air is introducing new direct routes from Pointe-à-Pitre, and these changes are set to make travel smoother and more connected. We’re talking about new flights from Guadeloupe’s main airport to Antigua and Montego Bay, which will really help when it comes to connecting to other destinations. This means more options and potentially less stress for your island hopping adventures. New Flights Boost Island Access Starting in May 2026, you’ll

Guadeloupe: French Flavors on Butterfly Wings

Guadeloupe offers a unique blend of French sophistication and tropical Caribbean beauty. It’s an archipelago shaped like a butterfly, with two distinct main islands, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, connected by a narrow land bridge. This French overseas department provides stunning landscapes, from lush rainforests to sun-drenched beaches, with a distinct cultural flair. Exploring Basse-Terre Island Dramatic Landscapes and Natural Wonders Basse-Terre, the western part of Guadeloupe, is known for its rugged terrain and dramatic natural beauty. It’s home to La Soufrière, a still-active volcano that reaches nearly 5,000 feet. The island’s mountains are covered in dense rainforests, which are the

Hear Gwoka Drumming and So Much More in Guadeloupe

I remember the first time I heard the Ka drum in Guadeloupe — a low, insistent pulse that seemed to rise from the ground itself. It was at a léwoz, a traditional gathering where the drumming, singing, and dancing carry on for hours. That night, I watched a tambouyé (drummer) coax laughter, sorrow, and defiance from a single goatskin head stretched over a recycled barrel. Gwoka isn’t background music here — it’s the island’s heartbeat, and in 2014, UNESCO recognised it as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Gwoka isn’t background music here — it’s the island’s heartbeat. This guide

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Local’s Guide to Maldivian Hedhikaa: Sweet and Savory Afternoon Delights

Hedhikaa, the Maldivian afternoon tea, is more than just a snack; it’s a cultural experience woven into the fabric of daily life. Imagine yourself lounging by the turquoise waters, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of the sea, and a plate piled high with an array of sweet and savory treats before you. This is hedhikaa, a cherished tradition that offers a delicious glimpse into the heart of Maldivian hospitality and culinary artistry. Exploring the Delights of Hedhikaa The beauty of hedhikaa lies in its variety. There’s something for every palate, from the fiery kick of ‘bajiya’ to the

Sustainable Living in the Maldives: Environmental Challenges and Local Solutions

About 80 percent of Maldives islands sit less than one meter above sea level. Sea levels could rise 0.5 to 0.9 meters by 2100. The Maldives occupies a unique and precarious position. It is synonymous with overwater villas and luxury travel, yet its physical existence is deeply uncertain. This is not an abstract, distant problem for future generations — it is the immediate backdrop for every visitor and every resident today. The question extends far beyond whether the Maldives will survive climate change. It is about how the nation grapples with the environmental pressures it already faces: mountains of

Exploring the Rich Rhythms of Palo in the Dominican Republic

Palo, a deeply spiritual and powerful form of music and ritual drumming, is a cornerstone of Dominican culture, especially within communities that trace their heritage back to the Congo region of Africa. More than mere entertainment, it’s a living connection to ancestors, a vehicle for healing, and a vibrant expression of faith. Understanding Palo means understanding a significant slice of Dominican identity, resilience, and spiritual cosmology. The Roots of Palo: Congo in the Caribbean To truly appreciate Palo, you have to journey back to its origins. Enslaved Africans, primarily those from the Congo Basin (present-day Democratic Republic of Congo,

Dominican Republic’s Gastro Gems: Locally Loved Restaurants You Won’t Find in Guidebooks

Forget the tourist traps and glossy brochures; the real heart of Dominican Republic’s culinary scene beats in the unpretentious comedores and family-run restaurants you won’t find in any guidebook. These aren’t places you stumble upon; you need a little insider knowledge, a sense of adventure, and maybe a phrase or two of Spanish. But the reward? An authentic taste of Dominican hospitality and flavors that will linger long after you’ve left the island. Beyond the Beach: A Foodie’s Journey Inland Think beyond the all-inclusive resorts and you’ll discover a culinary landscape shaped by generations of tradition. The Dominican Republic’s

Thrill-Seeker’s Guide to Barbados: Cliff Diving, Ziplining & Adrenaline-Pumping Activities

Barbados isn’t just about pristine beaches and rum punches; it’s a surprisingly fantastic playground for adrenaline junkies. Whether you’re looking to leap from a cliff into the turquoise waters, soar through a lush forest canopy on a zipline, or tackle the waves on a jet ski, Barbados offers a wealth of thrilling activities that will leave you breathless. Let’s dive (pun intended!) into the best experiences this Caribbean gem has to offer. Cliff Diving: Plunge into Paradise (Safely!) Okay, let’s get one thing straight: cliff diving isn’t a regulated activity in Barbados. There aren’t officially sanctioned “cliff diving tours.”

How to Spend an Afternoon Learning Bahamian Knot Tying

I learned to tie my first knot — a simple figure-eight — on a shaded dock at Highbourne Cay, with the water so clear I could see sea fans swaying twenty feet down. The instructor was Windy Chien, a San Francisco-based artist who spent a full year learning a new knot every single day — a project she called The Year of Knots. That afternoon in the Exumas changed how I think about rope, craft, and the slow pleasure of hands-on learning. This article covers how to spend an afternoon learning Bahamian knot tying yourself — whether you join