PLACES TO TRAVEL#6!!!

St. Lucia

Hey Steemians,back again with another post.Hope you enjoy it!!!

Why Go To St. Lucia:

Lush, unspoiled St. Lucia has a growing fan base. Some of its vacationers are music lovers, letting loose at the springtime St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, or adrenaline junkies, testing their limits climbing The Pitons or zip lining through the Chassin region's rain forest. Others are honeymooners, unwinding on one of the island's chalky beaches or holing up in one of its isolated resorts.

But what if you don't fall into any of these categories? Don't worry: St. Lucia refuses to be pigeonholed as any "type" of Caribbean vacation. Plus, you also don't have to spend a lot of money (its reputation as a luxurious hideout is only somewhat warranted). To discover some of the island's indescribable charms, you'll have to visit for yourself. Start your mornings basking in an orange-tinted Soufrière sunrise then round out your evenings at an evening "jump-up" (or dance party) along Gros Islet.

Best of St. Lucia

Best Hotels in St. Lucia;

#1 Jade Mountain

#2 Ladera Resort

#3 Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Best Things to Do in St. Lucia;

#1 Pigeon Island National Landmark

#2 Anse Chastanet

#3 Reduit Beach

St. Lucia Travel Tips;

Best Months to Visit:
The best time to visit St. Lucia is between May and June. These late spring and early summer months offer wonderful weather – high 70s to 80s – plus there are enviable room rates at the best hotels. Music lovers should consider visiting in early May specifically to attend the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival that's held at Pigeon Island National Landmark. The island is flush with activity in the summer and late fall, but there's a greater chance of hurricanes. The busiest and most expensive time to vacation is from December to April, the driest season.

How to Save Money in St. Lucia;
The electricity is different: St. Lucia's electric current runs on 220 to 240 volts. Depending on where you stay, you may need to buy a converter and plug adapter to be able to use your 110-volt U.S. appliances.

The currency is different: But this will work out to your advantage. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is valued at a little less than $0.40. And don't worry about exchanging money – U.S. currency (as well as most major credit cards) is widely accepted throughout the island.

Driving is different: Considering St. Lucia's history with the British Empire, it's no wonder the country has adopted driving on the left side of the road. With public transportation few and far between, travelers should set aside ample taxi fare to and from attractions.

What You Need to Know;

Leave your kids at home:
Airfare for three, four and five vacationers can quickly add up. But St. Lucia, more than any other Caribbean island, is the place to enjoy with just your sweetheart. Take your children on your next tropical vacay to a more family-focused place like the Bahamas.

Shop on the weekend:
Fridays and Saturdays are popular market days. Save your souvenir buying for those days and you might haggle a better deal on your trinkets.

Mind the service charge:
There'll be a 10 percent tip added to your hotel bill and to restaurant checks. Factor that into any additional tipping you decide to do.

Getting Around St. Lucia:
The best way to get around St. Lucia is by car or minibus, though taxis are also available and water taxis around the island are plentiful. Rental cars or scooters can be obtained at the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in the southern town of Vieux Fort, which is about 40 miles to the south of Castries. Rates average about $50 a day.

Entry & Exit Requirements:
You'll need a passport with six months remaining validity to enter and exit St. Lucia. Tourist visas are not required if you can provide proof of a return ticket. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. State Department's website.

Some Photographs:

Climbing The Pitons of Soufrière is a key highlight of a St. Lucia trip. Visit in the morning before the sun becomes too intense.