Saturday, September 8, 2012

Traveling in St Martin: Know Your Options


Located in the North east Caribbean, a treasure trove of nature, Saint Martin is a wonderful place to visit. The combination of foaming blue wave breaking on the white sand beaches, scenic backdrop and unmatched scuba diving experience is what makes this tropical beach paradise a popular vacation destination for the Americans.  

St Martin stands apart from the other islands in the Caribbean archipelago because of its cultural uniqueness. The island’s geographical area is divided in between two nations- France and Netherlands. The northern part of it is ruled by the French while the southern side is administered by the Dutch. The island’s proximity and direct connectivity with the major cities across the American and European continent is another reason why more and more people are choosing St Martin for their Caribbean Vacation.   

Getting there

By Air
Traveling to Saint Martin is quite convenient with flights from leading Caribbean and American Airlines. There are direct flights from Saint Martin’s Princess Juliana International Airport in Phillipsburg to major cities in the world, such as Miami, Atlanta, Toronto, Amsterdam and others. If you are planning your Saint Martin trip during the peak season which is from December to April book your tickets early. In off season (from May to September) you can bag cheap travel deals – discounts on air ticket as well as accommodation. 

By Water
Those who like outing can go for luxury cruise ship docking in the island’s main port in Phillipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side. These days more and more travelers are choosing cruise over flights to St Martin. If you are on a long family vacation cruising to St Martin can spice up your holidays in the Caribbean. A seven days cruise itinerary can take you through the Caribbean stopping at various destinations like St Thomas, Barbados, St Lucia, St Kitts and finally reaching you to St Martin. 

Traveling in St Martin

Getting around in St Martin is easy with a lot of rental vehicle options. As you proceed from the airport, you’ll find rental cars and taxis waiting outside. Two wheelers are also available on rent. Riding motorcycles can be fun but only if you are used to with bikes and scooters. Otherwise it can be a trouble in the heavy traffic areas in St Martin. 

Car Rental and Taxis

The best way to roam around with family is hiring a car from a travel agency. Outside the airport or ship dock there are offices of leading Caribbean car rental and travel agencies where you can book your car for traveling during your Caribbean Vacation.
 
Driving on your own and drive wherever you want is not always a good idea for new comers in St Martin. Though traveling is seamless between the French and Dutch territories without any check post and physical boundaries, the roads are often congested and you may find unmanageable traffic on the roads.  

Public Bus

Although car rental is an expensive option but it ensures comfort and convenience. But if you want to get the real flavor of the place go for mini buses. This is a much cheaper option with a fare $1.5 per person. Bus service is frequent and buses regularly run between the French capital Marigot and Dutch capital Phillipsburg. Traveling with locales gives you a chance to get acquainted with the land and its people more closely.

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