Have you ever considered taking your family on a vacation abroad? With your children, have you ever considered going to a Caribbean destination such as Guadeloupe Islands? Sounds daunting, doesn’t it?
As someone who is fascinated by discovering and learning about new places and countries, traveling is one of my favorite hobbies. When I was single, any time off gave me itchy feet to go somewhere new. I wouldn’t miss any opportunity!
But now that I have a husband and two kids, traveling light is no longer an option. There are a number of preparations and measurements necessary before you decide to go anywhere. Therefore, I have limited my travels to domestic destinations in the past few years. Does it sound familiar to you?
We are all so busy with work and home that when it comes to taking a vacation, it is all about relaxing, being safe, and ensuring that everyone has a good time. This is one of the most important aspects of a trip, which makes thinking about a vacation abroad quite challenging.
But, should you quiet the explorer inside of you? I doubt that this is possible!
With an idea to help make the most of my family vacation, I started my quest toward finding the best place to spend the perfect vacation while feeling safe to do so with my family. As a result, Guadeloupe Islands ranked at the top of the list! Wondering why? Let me tell you why.
Today, I’ll give you 10 reasons to consider visiting the Guadeloupe islands on your next family vacation. But first, let’s get a glimpse of the Guadeloupe archipelago.
If you’re still wondering where are the Guadeloupe islands, well, they are located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Guadeloupe archipelago is a part of the gorgeous French Caribbean islands! It is a French overseas department and region. Approximately 443,000 people live there. They speak French and Creole.
The archipelago is composed of 5 islands. The two main islands of Guadeloupe, which are often said to form a butterfly, are Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre (hence the name butterfly island). They are separated by a narrow sea-channel called Rivière Salée. These are the two islands that draw the most tourists. Guadeloupe’s other islands are Marie Galante, La Désirade, and the Saintes archipelago, which consists of two inhabited islands, Terre de Bas and Terre de Haut. Guadeloupe is governed by the Basse-Terre prefecture and the sub-prefecture, Pointe-à-Pitre.
10 reasons to spend your next family vacation in the Guadeloupe islands
1- Budget-friendly vacation
Yep, as a parent, this is one of the most important aspects to think about when planning your family trip.
If you’re looking for an affordable exotic island getaway, the Guadeloupe Islands are the ideal destination for your family. Although the French overseas department is not as famous as other Caribbean islands, it is an exceptional place to visit.
There, you’ll find amazing tourist attractions, but it is less expensive than other similar islands like St. Barth (a very famous french Caribbean destination). You’ll be able to enjoy an outstanding vacation with your family without spending a fortune.
2. The archipelago has the richness of a continent
Though it sounds exaggerated, it is a very true statement! The five islands that make up the archipelago are a unique combination of maritime, mountainous, volcanic, and tropical nature. Their floristic and faunal diversity is unparalleled.
Guadeloupe nature is a slice of heaven on Earth, and it gives an excellent opportunity for parents and children to develop their exploratory skills!
3. You can experience a variety of cultures
Guadeloupe Islands are home to three distinct cultures: French, Creole, and Antillean. Due to the islands’ diverse cultures, the archipelago offers multiple levels of entertainment.
If you go in the winter, you can attend Guadeloupe’s world-famous carnival. This is one of the most vibrant and colorful annual festivals.
Moreover, music and dance play an important role in the culture of the islands. Gwoka is a type of traditional music that is performed with “ka” drums. Other types of music that are commonly heard during “nostalgia” nights include zouk and biguine. Reggae and dancehall are currently very popular in popular culture.
You also won’t want to miss the local craftsmanship! Crafts are a significant aspect of the culture, there. Jewelry, kitchen utensils, and Gwoka drums are all made on-site, as well as flowery souvenirs that you can take home with you.
4. There are many activities for tourists to participate in
Kids get bored easily, but not when there are so many places to visit and to choose from in Guadeloupe Islands. There, you’ll discover a mix of excitement and fun. Both your children and you will wish you had more time to experience all of the archipelago’s attractions.
If your kids are still young, let them be Tarzan for a day in Adventure Park, or interact with animals in Ferme Ti Bou park in an unforgettable experience. There are so many things to see and do! Just remember to ask about the following attractions: Ferry To Les Saintes, Valombreuse Garden, Guadeloupe Zoo, Sainte-Anne Beach, and Karukera Land. They’ll provide a lot of activities for you to choose from.
In addition, there are plenty of activities for older kids and you, including hiking, biking, photography, and birding. There are also options to enjoy water sports such as river kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, swimming, and diving.
5. Enjoy the French Caribbean way of life
Despite the huge distance between France and Guadeloupe, french culture does not go unnoticed on the beautiful archipelago, and French is the official language of the overseas department. The long history that binds them together has left a french imprint on their language, heritage, cuisine, and way of life in general.
6. Get your dose of romance in an idyllic setting
Guadeloupe will reawaken your romantic appeal whether you have children or are just a couple. Misty mountains, panoramic waterfalls, stunning beaches, and French Savoir-Faire await you! In addition, frequent ferries will take you to locations where you can find your own beach.
It is every couple’s dream come true! There are so many romantic places and activities for couples that I can’t possibly cover them all in this post. So, I’ll expand on this topic in another post, in the future.
7. Melt away your worries in the healing waters of Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe’s beaches stretch for more than 400 km. That”s why you’ll definitely find the one who will make you wish to stay forever in the archipelago. Some beaches have white sand, while others have black or even pink sand. The natural colors of the sea and sand are stunning on their own! It is so magical!
Enjoy swimming in these crystal clear waters, but it is strongly advised to wear a mask when exploring the underwater world.
Many of the beaches allow you to engage in a variety of water activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, and paddle boarding.
8. Let nature and its pure beauty bewitch you
Guadeloupe is a stunning Caribbean destination with tropical beaches and lush mountainous interiors that make for picture-perfect photos. The archipelago is one of the world’s top 25 biodiversity areas despite its small size! In terms of flora, the rate of endemism here reaches record levels, with some 1,706 native plant species.
As I stated above, the archipelago has the richness of a continent. You can find everything, from enchanting mountains and rainforests to gorgeous beaches, hidden lagoons, and coral reefs. The coastline of the island is decorated with palms, whereas the interior has waterfalls, hot springs, and an active volcano.
9. Have some Caribbean food therapy
When you don’t feel like going out, there are a number of family-friendly resorts and wonderful restaurants where you and your family can indulge in the delicatessen of their cuisine. Guadeloupe islands’ cuisine is a fusion of metropolitan influences and Indian or African flavors.
You can also find a lot of low-cost food options that will not empty your wallet.
10. The islands are less crowded than most Caribbean islands
With so many islands to explore (a total area of 1,628 km2), you’ll never feel crowded like in other tourist destinations, making it ideal for a family getaway with kids.
Conclusion
Guadeloupe, the beautiful archipelago, has much to offer to its visitors. There’s always something to see and do on these lovely French islands, whether it’s the breathtaking natural beauty or its diverse and rich culture. Winter is the best time to visit the archipelago, so start planning your next family vacation to Guadeloupe right away!
You can start your own research to learn more about these heavenly Guadeloupe islands, or simply come back to ICCaribbean.com for more articles about traveling to this marvelous gateaway as well as other Caribbean destinations!
Any questions in your mind? Drop your thoughts in a comment below!
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