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Caribbean

There’s nothing like them, for R & R with vibrant turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and majestic peaks with resorts, cafes and seaside restaurants.  The Caribbean comprises the beautiful Caribbean Sea with 700 islands on the Caribbean plate.  In addition, South and Central American countries border the Caribbean Sea, like Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela. The Caribbean Travel Guides below highlight top destinations.

The Caribbean travel destinations make up an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, divided into different regions: Lucayan Archipelago, Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles and ABC Islands. Overall, 13 sovereign states and 17 dependent territories comprise the area. Also, the predominant languages are English, Spanish, French, Dutch and Antillean creole.

The incredible Caribbean coral reefs are called fringing reefs.  Therefore, they grow offshore as extensions of the beaches. The climate is ideal for breeding corals that thrive in these waters that mostly range from 73 to 84 degrees. However, these reefs are very much affected by global warming affecting the water temperature.  Undoubtedly, the Caribbean reefs have suffered from climate change and tourism.  However, many things are changing in a positive direction to promote sustainable tourism and protecting the reefs.  Researching this is a vital part of any trip to the Caribbean. Overall, the watersports are endless here to enjoy snorkeling, diving, swimming, hiking, sailing and fishing.

    Grand Turk Governors Beach
    Caribbean

    Grand Turk Cruise Port Top 10 Attractions

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac September 15, 2025
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    The Grand Turk Cruise Port is a popular stop for many Caribbean cruises.  From the Cruise Center visitors can plan tours to the island’s main attractions.  The island offers many beautiful turquoise beaches and snorkeling or diving sites.  As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I spent many days off in Grand Turk Island and love sharing tips.  So, read on and discover the Grand Turk Cruise Port attractions. 

    Grand Turk is an island in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory.  It lies in the Lucayan Archipelago of the Caribbean Sea in the northern West Indies.  The territory’s capital, Cockburn Town, is in Grand Turk along with the JAGS McCartney International Airport. 

    Columbus Landfall National Park is a protected area on the island.  It includes the west coast beaches, barrier reef and English Point.  Also, the park protects many dive and drop sites.  As the name suggests, Christopher Columbus’ first landfall in the Americas may have been at Grand Turk. 

    Grand Turk Cruise Port
    Top 10 Attractions

    IMG_3712
    Grand Turk Cruise Center

    Grand Turk Cruise Center

    In 2004 Carnival Cruise Line built the massive cruise port on the island.  When getting off the ship, the Grand Turk Cruise Center and beach are right there.  Also, the cruise center offers shops, restaurants and bars.  This includes the largest Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville in the world.  It’s swim-up bar offers rum-filled drinks without having to leave the water. 

    IMG_3658
    Cruise Center Swimming Pool

    The swimming pool in the cruise center is one of the largest in the Caribbean. Near Margaritaville is the FlowRider with high-pressure water jets making perfect waves for surfing or bodyboarding.  Also, near the entrance is a replica of the Friendship 7 capsule. This is from the Mercury space mission in 1962.  It carried John Glenn on his historic orbital flight that splashed down near Grand Turk. 

    Governor’s Beach and Jack’s Shack

    IMG_3698
    Governor’s Beach

    This is my favorite place to go when I come to Grand Turk.  Just outside the cruise center gate is Governor’s Beach.  It’s one of the best beaches on the island.  Also, Jack’s Shack lies on the white, sandy beach.  Loved by locals and tourist, it’s famous for their conch fritters, jerk chicken and rum punch.  I love to rent a lounger and umbrella on the turquoise waters with drinks and food to my heart’s content. 

    There are casuarina trees there for shade.  The soft, sandy beach gently slopes downward. So, this is a great beach for swimming and snorkeling.   I saw a sea turtle right off the beach at Jack’s Shack.  

    Pillory Beach

    If you want to get away from the cruise ship crowds, Pillory Beach is just a 15-minute drive away.  It is just as nice as Governor’s Beach, but much quieter.  However, the beach floor is rougher with rocks, so best to wear water shoes here. 

    Say Hi to Local Donkeys

    20221226_120340_2
    Grand Turk Donkeys

    The wild donkeys roam throughout the island.  They are used to people and quite friendly.  Plus, they are always there for a photo op.  They became introduced during the salt industry days for transportation. 

    Bus or ATV tour of island

    20221121_125041
    ATV Tours

    Most ATV excursions leave from the Cruise Center.  On these bright red, all-terrain vehicles, riders wear helmets and goggles.   Your guide takes you on a 1.5-hour tour to local sites, such as, Ridge Trail, Grand Turk Lighthouse and North Creek Birdwatching area.  

    Catamaran Boat Ride

    The Catamaran Boats set sail from the Cruise Center.  This takes you to quiet islands and hidden gems away from the cruise ship crowds.  The boats go at your group’s pace and even stop for snorkeling or swimming.  Overall, this is the perfect way to enjoy Grand Turk’s crystal clear, turquoise waters. 

    Snorkel with Stingrays Gibbs Cay

    Just one-mile off Grand Turk’s east coast is the beautiful Gibbs Cay.  This 7-acre island is known for its friendly stingrays that greet you upon arrival.  Snorkeling with the stingrays and colorful fish is a popular thing to do in the cay’s shallow waters.

    Additionally, the island offers beautiful beaches for relaxation and diving sites for underwater adventures.  Tours are the best way to assure an organized and safe trip.  Some tours even include snorkeling stops at other areas where tourists dive for their own conch.  

    Grand Turk Wall

    The Grand Turk Wall the world’s third-largest coral reef structure. It’s one of the most popular diving sites in the Caribbean.  Just one km off the island’s west coast this drop-off plunges more than 7,000 feet.  It offers an amazing spectacle of marine life, such as, tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, hammerhead sharks and more.  Many tours offer snorkeling or diving adventures at the wall

    Grand Turk Lighthouse

    IMG_3672
    Grand Turk Lighthouse

    The Grand Turk Lighthouse is the only one on the island.  Built in 1852 it stands on the northern coast overlooking a scenic coastal area with limestone sea cliffs.  The lightkeepers house is now a gift shop.  Many island tours stop at the lighthouse.  A 20-minute taxi ride gets you there.  From January to April, many people gather here for the humpback whales’ migration.  The whales come to the Caribbean in the winter months to mate and give birth. 

    Cockburn Town

    About a 10-minute ride from the Cruise Center is Cockburn Town.  It’s the oldest settlement and capital of Turks and Caicos.  The town offers sites that tell the history of this island.  Historic Duke, Front and Queen Streets are lined with Bermudian-style buildings offering shops and restaurants. 

    Main attractions in town include the old Victoria Library, green post office and Her Majesty’s Prison.  On Front Street is the Turks and Caicos National Museum.  Also, the Cockburn Town Beach is a nice place for snorkeling. 

    IMG_3682

    Enjoy Grand Turk!

    This island is the perfect cruise destination.  It offers beaches galore with some of the best places for snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean.  Because the island is small, the main attractions are close together.  If your travels bring you to Grand Turk, feel free to share tips and comments below. 


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Hello, Hola, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao and Bonjour! My name is Trudy and I have been traveling like everyday is my last, over the last 10 years. I've visited 105 countries and still counting! As an Acupuncturist and traveler, I love sharing my experiences and tips on travel and wellness. Feel free to join below my community for coupons and latest travel guides.

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The world-famous Gouda cheese is named after a cit The world-famous Gouda cheese is named after a city in the heart of the Dutch green lands. Imagine this, the city is just as delectable as the cheese. I am thrilled to share my Gouda Netherlands cheese tour highlights at the city and cheese farm. So, read on and discover reasons why Gouda is the ultimate foodie and cultural tour.

The city Gouda lies in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. It’s named after the Gouwe River that it surrounds. The city became known for the Gouda cheese traded in its market square. Furthermore, Gouda is famous for stroopwafels, grachten or canals, smoking pipes and its 15th century city hall. Originally, it was a marshland in the 13th century. Later, a canal was built and its estuary became a harbor. 

Pictures:
Gouda City Hall in Cheese Market Square
Waag (Weigh House)
St. John's Church - known for 72 stained glass windows

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/gouda-netherlands-cheese-tour/

#gouda #goudacheese #netherlands #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #europetravels #holland #cheeselover #foodstagram #travelingram #travelblog
On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and second largest in the world. Saint Sava is the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church. The church’s construction lasted from 1935 to 1989. It became delayed by WW II and the Yugoslavian communism, that didn’t allow for building churches. 

Shaped like a Greek Cross, the facade consists of white marble and granite in a Neo-Byzantine style. Its dome is one of the largest in the world. The mosaics are spectacular, with the central mosaic in the dome depicting the Ascension of Jesus.

To learn more about Belgrade, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/belgrade-serbia-top-attractions-in-2-days/

#belgrade #serbia #serbiatourism #churchesofinstagram #templeofsaintsava #balkans #europetravels #easterneurope #belgradephoto #belgradeserbia #travelblogger #wanderlust
Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Monastery. It sits at the source of the Buna River which flows out of a cave beneath a canyon wall. The beautiful tekke (lodge) displays Ottoman Sufi architecture from the 15th century. 

The white building reflects on the turquoise river. Inside you’ll find a small mosque, guest rooms and mausoleums. Dervishes of the Sufi orders stayed here for spiritual retreats over the centuries. Today, it is open for tourist of all faiths to learn about this sacred site and the Sufi tradition. 

We explored the riverside and view of Blagaj from across the river. Also, with our shoes off, we enjoyed an indoor tour of the monastery. 

To learn more about Mostar, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mostar-tour-highlights/

#blagaj #dervish #monastery #mostar #bosniaandherzegovina #balkans #instatravelling #i̇nstatravel #easterneurope #europetravel #bosnia #traveladdict #retreat #wanderlust #solotraveling
Mostar is a gorgeous gem of the Balkans. Its uniqu Mostar is a gorgeous gem of the Balkans. Its unique blend of cultural diversity, riveting history and natural beauty offers an inspiring escape. I traveled solo in Mostar for 2 days, exploring the Old Town along with day trips. Mostar's main attraction is the bridge jumping tradition.

The iconic Stari Most is the symbol of Mostar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in Balkan Islamic architecture in the 16th century, its height is 24 m (78 ft 9 in). The bridge connects the two sides of the city divided by the Neretva River. During the Balkan War, the bridge was destroyed. However, it became rebuilt in 2004 with the stones from the original bridge. The bridge is steep and slippery with crowds often on it. So, wear good shoes and be aware when taking in its incredible views of the city and river.

The main attraction in Mostar is watching the tradition of locals jumping off the Stari Most into the river. This began in 1664 as a rite-of-passage for 16-year-old boys. Today, young men from the Mostar Diving Club take the plunge. Leading up to the plunge, assistants gather donations from the crowds.

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mostar-tour-highlights/

#mostar #mostarbridge #mostarbridgejump #mostarbosnia #bosniaandherzegovina #balkans #bridgejump #bridgejumping #instatravelling #instatravel #europetravels #easterneurope #wanderlusting #wanderlust #travelgirl #solotravel #travelblog #travelblogger #solotravel
After 3 days in Sarajevo, I wholeheartedly get why After 3 days in Sarajevo, I wholeheartedly get why National Geographic named it Top Destination for 2025. Here, east meets west with a fascinating blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. However, wounds from the 90’s Bosnian War are still healing. Afterall, Sarajevo suffered the longest siege (almost 4 years) in modern warfare by the Bosnian Serbs. Thankfully, its citizens’ resilience prevailed otherwise.

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/sarajevo-travel-destination-highlights/

Photos:
Abandoned Olympic Bobsleigh Track
Sarajevo '84 Winter Olympics
Tunnel of Hope during Sarajevo Siege
Sarajevo Rose Memorial (Where more than 3 people died in Siege)
Eternal Flame Monument - Honoring WW II victims
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Old Bazaar

#sarajevo #sarajevobosnia #bosnia #bosniaandherzegovina🇧🇦 #bosniatravel #europetravels #balkans #europedestinations #solotraveler #solofemaletravel #wanderlusting #wanderlust #travelbloggers #nationalgeographictopdestination2025 #nationalgeographic #instatravel #europehistory
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