My father has been a dedicated scuba diver for close to 50 years, so as you can imagine, a majority of my family trips were taken to island destinations so that we could all scuba dive. The islands in the Caribbean are an incredible place to explore and offer an abundance of outdoor adventures and activities. If you’re planning an island getaway, be sure to check out these tips so you’re completely prepared.

Treat yourself to a relaxing island vacation. Photo: rcbodden

1. Pick Your Island

With thousands of islands to choose from, making a decision can be difficult. If you’re looking for nightlife and a crowd, consider Jamaica, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. The search for fabulous beaches should steer you toward the Dominican Republic, the pink sands of Bermuda, or the fabulous Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman. Peace and solitude (and no beaches) would be Saba—one of my favorites and a great island for hikers.

2. Cruising In

If you’re looking for a taste of each island, a cruise is the way to go. You typically are in port during the day and can get a good snapshot of island life with a cruise-sponsored tour. I prefer to get a “real” taste of the island and take a half-day tour with a local taxi driver

3. When to Go

The good part about the Caribbean is that there is no real “bad” time to go. Peak season is December to April, when the weather is best, so rates will be higher. Summers will be hot, and there will be rain each day, but that’s when the best deals are offered. It’s also hurricane season from June 1 to Nov. 30. The sun will rise and hurricanes will come—you can count on it. If you’re on a cruise—no worries. Today’s ships are fast enough and technologically savvy enough to outrun almost any storm.

4. Why Go

The Caribbean lends itself to many purposes. Of course honeymoons and romantic trips top the list, but the Caribbean is also the perfect spot for families, destination weddings, business meetings (they’re tax free in Jamaica and a few other islands), or, as I have done, for a solo trip to just forget your worries and get away from it all!

5. Travel Documents

There are no visas required for U.S. citizens of any Caribbean basin nation. As for passports, the rules have changed, so pay attention. The U.S. government’s Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is now in effect, and U.S. citizens flying to or from the Caribbean (and Canada and Mexico) need a passport. If traveling by land or sea, passports will be required beginning June 1, 2009. The only exception to this rule is Barbados, which has always required a passport from U.S. citizens regardless of mode of transport. If you plan to travel to the Caribbean and don’t yet have a passport, get one now. The only countries exempt from this requirement are Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which are territories of the United States.

6. Insurance

Typically a Caribbean trip is an investment both in time and money. Don’t risk it. Last summer I was supposed to go to Turks & Caicos on Aug. 16. Due to a fall on Aug. 15, my beach chair and piña colada were replaced with a surgical table and a scalpel. Thankfully, I had travel insurance. While I was bummed about the trip, my wallet was happy and I was made whole.

7. Money, Language and Other Necessities

There are perhaps a dozen different currencies in the Caribbean; the U.S. dollar is widely accepted. I do recommend getting a small amount of local currency for taxi driver tips and small incidentals, but it is not necessary. The electricity is the same as the United States and is on a standard 120/240v system. Internet Wi-Fi hot spots are spotty, and your best bet is at an Internet cafe. Cell coverage is also spotty and very expensive. If your phone is unlocked by the cell carrier, it is usually less expensive to buy a new SIM card at your destination—they are usually available in airports and in news stores. English is also widely understood and spoken.

8. Flying In

The Caribbean is served by many airlines. Some islands are better than others. For the major islands, there likely will be nonstop service from the United States mainland. For the medium-sized islands, there may be an intermediate stop or two. And for the really small islands, be prepared for multiple connections, small planes, short runways and dramatic landings.

9. Where to Stay

The Caribbean boasts every type of accommodation imaginable. From sprawling luxury resorts to intimate thatch-roof shacks, the choice is yours. St. Lucia is home of Anse Chastanet and Ladera, two of the finest romantic hotels in the world. Jamaica is the queen of the all-inclusive resort with Sandals, Grand Lido, Beaches, Breezes and the naughty Hedonism resorts.

10. How Long

I have been to Jamaica for one night and it was no fun. While shorter stays are possible on the larger islands closer to the mainland, to really experience any island, I feel you need five days at a minimum. Remember, you could possibly lose two days just in traveling if your destination is in the Southern Caribbean. Three days will allow you to relax, unwind, sip a cool cocktail or two, soak up some sun, splash in the clear blue waters and explore the land a little.

Plan your trip to the Caribbean on TravelMuse.

Post based on “10 Tips for Island Hopping in the Caribbean” by John Frenaye

With 8,000 thousand figures, 10,000 weapons, 670 horses, 130 chariots and three archaeological pits, it’s easy to see why the Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shi Huang in Xi’an is one of the most popular tourist attractions in China. I spent a half-day at the site on my recent month-long trip to the country and pulled together the following visitor tips.

First, A Brief History

This life-size clay army was buried near the tomb of Qin Shi Huang in order to guard him into the afterlife, as well as perhaps entertain him since figures of acrobats and musicians were included along with warriors. Qin Shi Huang was a bit of a badass who declared himself the first emperor of China after conquering the warring states surrounding his Qin state, thereby unifying them into the vast Asian country intact today. He ruled from 221 B.C. until his death in 210 B.C. Discovered by local farmers in 1974, the archeological site remains active, with ongoing digs and restorations.

(Photos: Donna M. Airoldi)

Sightseeing Tips

• Decide whether to go by tour or on your own. If you go by tour, when reviewing prices, remember that the actual admission price to the museum is CNY90 (US$13).

• Getting there by tour. Whether you’re a luxury traveler or backpacker, odds are your hotel or hostel will be selling a day package to visit the Terra Cotta Warriors museum. Often these trips are paired with other nearby attractions, and prices will vary significantly. Make sure you choose a tour that includes admission to all the sites, gives you enough time at each place to actually see and enjoy them, and picks you up and drops you off at your hotel.

• Getting there independently. Save money and manage your own time by taking public bus No. 306 to the museum, which is the end point on the route. Cost is CNY7 (US$1) each way, with stops at the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang and Huaqing Hot Springs, and takes 30 minutes. Board at the Xi’an train station parking lot in the section to the right of the station as you face it.

• Bring binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens. Except for a few figures enclosed in glass in Pit 2, you won’t get up close to any of the warriors in the three pits.

• Wear comfortable shoes. The ticket office is a long way from the parking lot, and the actual entrance even farther. It’s about a half mile in total, so not bad, but be prepared if you have any kind of foot troubles. Mini bus transport was available for some groups from the ticket office to the museum entrance.

• Audio guide. I enjoyed the self-guided audio tour, which includes about 90 minutes of information. Cost: CNY40 (US$4.85). As is the case in most museums in China, you need to leave a hefty deposit—CNY200 (US$30)—for the device, which you’ll get back when you return it. One drawback: Once you listen to a segment, you cannot go back and listen again.

• Hiring a guide. If you’re not already on a tour, you’ll be approached near the ticket office by independent guides-for-hire. Prices vary, so be ready to bargain. If you want a private tour, say so, otherwise you might end up as part of a small group your guide has pulled together.

• Be prepared for crowds. Bus loads of crowds. And these folks will not hesitate to push you out of the way for their perfect photo op. Busiest times are mornings and early afternoon. You can see the entire site in a couple of hours, so even if you don’t get there until 2 p.m., you’ll have plenty of time before the museum closes at 5.

• Skip the introductory film. Unless you want to chuckle at the 1970s made-for-TV production values of this film, head right to the excavation pits.

• View Pit 3 first, then Pit 2. The small Pit 3 has the lowest lighting and just 70 warriors and horses, but they were positioned face-to-face, suggesting this was the headquarters of the Terra Cotta Army. Pit 2 is larger, with more than 1,000 figures, including those kneeling while in a shooting position. Excavations are ongoing, and this is also the room where you can see five glass-enclosed warriors of differing ranks up close in order to appreciate the project’s craftsmanship and amazing level of detail.

• Save Pit 1 for last. This room is the most imposing and the most impressive. There are estimated to be about 6,000 figures buried here, most of which still haven’t been unearthed. You walk the circumference of the large pit, taking in the row upon row of warriors and horses. This room also is the hardest to maneuver through when the crowds are at their peak.

• Enjoy the surroundings. The area around the pits and other buildings is nicely landscaped with trees, flowers, paved paths, benches, and cafes and souvenir shops, for those needing a break or looking to take home a set of warrior miniatures.

Even if Xi’an isn’t on your travel radar, you can get an even better look at these impressive figures at the Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor exhibit opening Nov. 19 at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C., with 15 soldiers on view until March 31, 2010. Read TravelMuse’s coverage of the show from when it was in Atlanta earlier this year.

If you love travel then you likely get excited about upcoming trips, whether they’re two weeks abroad or a long weekend at the beach. But not everyone feels the same way when they’re forced to take shorter breaks or settle for a local locale (otherwise known as the dreaded “staycation”), which many people are doing these days as much for economic reasons as because of time constraints.

Whether traveling near or far, enjoy where you are. Photo: laudu

But fear not! Spending time somewhere within driving distance can be just as enjoyable as vacationing thousands of miles away—and you don’t have to worry about airport hassles to boot.

1. Pick a nearby place you’ve never been to but always wanted to visit. Often we overlook what’s practically in our backyard because we figure it will always be there or it’s too close to home to count as a vacation. Make it special by staying at a top hotel or resort, add spa time, and definitely book at least one romantic dinner during your stay.

2. If you’re returning to a destination, create a theme for your travels. On a recent trip to Philadelphia—a place my better half and I have visited many times—we decided to make it our mission to find the best Philly cheese steak in the city. (I’m writing this up for another publication so you’ll have to wait for the results.) We interviewed locals for their picks, and it was fun to compare notes and explore new neighborhoods we never would have otherwise. You can do this for food, museums, sporting events, the arts, architecture, just about anything.

3. Add a volunteer activity. Voluntourism is a hot travel trend that adds a memorable element to your trip, whether you’re helping with sea-turtle conservation, planting trees or working the line at a soup kitchen. Check with local resources, such as churches, environmental organizations and animal shelters for needs. Other resources: Habitat for Humanity and VolunTourism.org.

4. Use technology. For online research, start with tourism bureau Web sites, which often have the latest news on attractions, events and hotel deals. Other sites and blogs that can help make planning easier include the new Bing.com, making search more targeted; HopStop.com, navigating major U.S. transportation systems; and I’d be remiss if I didn’t include this blog’s parent, TravelMuse, which has POIs, articles, hotels and Web search to aid in research, and offers social networks for planning and itinerary building. Of course smart phones are all the rage for info at your fingertips, and GPS devices come in handy on road trips.

5. Stop calling it a staycation! If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then I say the same applies to travel. Embrace your break and make it a vacation to remember.

I’m an awful trip-packer. I get caught up daydreaming about the destination until suddenly, it’s the day before my flight and I end up throwing everything I think I might need—or not enough—into my bag. This time, I’m making a packing list.

In one week, I’m flying to Guatemala to meet up with a couple of college girlfriends for a two-week backpacking trip. We won’t be schlepping through jungles and mountains for two solid weeks, but we do plan on exploring primarily by foot and hostel hopping. For that reason, I need to pack wisely and as lightly as possible—so that I have room to bring back handmade Mayan crafts, of course!

It occurred to me that others planning a light-backpacking trip to Central America (or to any mid-latitude developing nation) might benefit from a general packing list. I’ll give it a shot. And if any of you have suggestions on what I’m forgetting, please share your experiences and ideas.

Things to Consider

First, think about what the destination will be like once you’re there. Some important questions to ask:

• What will the weather be like? Rainy season or dry?
• Will you be hiking every day or traveling by bus from town to town?
• Are there any infectious diseases that are possible threats? How should you protect yourself?
• Will you have access to clean drinking water?

My List

Gear: Lightweight backpacking pack (REI Women’s Flash 65), Cocoon mummy liner (in lieu of sleeping bag and great for hostels), mini flashlight, small camera, water bottle, Sawyer Inline Water Filter, small journal and pen/pencil, umbrella (June is the rainy season in Guatemala), sunglasses.

Clothing: shorts (2), Capri pants (1), dress (1), skirts (2), socks (5 pair), tank tops (3), t-shirt (2), long-sleeved shirt (1), light fleece (1), rain jacket (1), waterproof Vasque hiking shoes (1), Chaco sandals (1), undies (enough for a week-ish) and swimsuit (1).

Health kit in a sealed plastic bag: sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, mosquito repellant, cholorquine prescription (Malaria is a potential threat in Guatemala), half-dozen Band-Aids, small tube of antibacterial ointment, travel toothbrush, small all-purpose soap (Dr. Bronner’s Magic All-One is the shizzle), small squirt tube of hand sanitizer (for gnarly hostel bathrooms), wet wipes (always handy).

Looks like a lot, huh? Let’s see:

And packed up:

With room to spare! (I used an Eagle Creek clothing compartment and a stuff sack to help organize and create more space.) Now, I’m pretty much set. Oh wait! I almost forgot: PASSPORT.

Am I missing something? Let me know what else I should consider taking along (or taking off my list).

Here at TravelMuse, we’re raring to go now that 2009 has arrived and we have high hopes for our new President, Barack Obama. Nowhere is the inauguration excitement more prominent than in Washington, D.C., itself. That’s why we’ve released a special inauguration feature to help visitors make the most of their time in D.C. !

We invited Debbie K. Hardin, former White House staffer, to share some of her top tips.  Working for the Clinton administration as the director of presidential messages in the communications department, she attended a number of inaugural parades and balls. She was even in attendance for the first swearing in of President Clinton, so is well positioned to give us valuable insights from the best viewing venues and culinary creations, to historic experiences and affordable fun.

In addition to Hardin’s great insight, we also include the best places to eat, sleep and explore in and around Washington, D.C. Lastly, tell us where you plan to celebrate Inauguration Day in our  poll, or elaborate in a comment below. Here at TravelMuse, we’re planning a team huddle in our conference room to stream and project the footage from 8:30 a.m. (PST)!

If you’re lucky enough to attend the inaugural events or are planning a future trip to our nation’s capital, TravelMuse will help you to research, organize and build the best trip possible. The inauguration feature can be found at http://travelmuse.com and includes insights such as:

•    Inauguration Day Planning Tips—Whether you plan to join or avoid the crowds on January 20, this section helps you navigate the nation’s Inauguration Day offerings.

•    5 D.C. Hot Spots With Obama-Inspired Menu Items—Check out the culinary creations of chefs throughout the nation’s capital who salute the inauguration with special drinks and dishes ranging from the Obama Roll to vodka-and-fruit shakes.

•    7 Top Presidential Attractions in Washington, D.C.—Beyond the White House, these historic options get you and your family closer to the Chief Executive.

•   44 Free Things to Do in D.C.—Make your trip even more memorable with this list of affordable experiences.

For full details on our press release, click here.