Haiti Island Travel
Haiti Overview
Haiti is a Caribbean country that occupies the western one-third of the island of Hispaniola. The eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola are occupied by the Dominican Republic. The North Atlantic Ocean lies to the north, while the Caribbean Sea lies to the south. The climate of Haiti is tropical; semiarid where mountains in the east cut off trade winds. Haiti lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and is subject to severe storms from June to November. NOTE: HAITI WAS DEVASTATED BY A MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE IN 2010 AND THEREFORE VISITING THE COUNTRY IS NOT RECOMMENDED UNTIL RECOVERY HAS TAKEN PLACE. CHECK YOUR COUNTRY'S TRAVEL ADVISORY BEFORE PLANNING ANY TRIP TO HAITI. MANY OF THE PLACES MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN DESTROYED OR DAMAGED.
Haiti Main Attractions
Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Tourists who are unsettled by grinding poverty probably should visit elsewhere. However, for those with patience and an open mind, Haiti reveals a rich culture that is unique among post-colonial nations. Experiences like sightseeing and culture discovery can be a great help when contacting a local guide. It makes the strolling much easier and safer and at the same time you give the locals some earnings.
Located in northern Haiti is the beautiful Port of Labadee which is famous for its breathtaking beauty. It is also one of the safest tourist destinations in the country. It has lovely beaches and great scenic beauty. The Citadelle is a very important historic site and will be a great place for the history lovers. The Petionville area is a popular place for foreigners visiting capital city of Port au Prince. Plaine du Cul de Sac and Barbancourt Rum Distillery are the other tourist attractions in the city.
Haiti Activities
The beaches are quite pretty, though the ones closest to the dock can become crowded if the cruise ship is carrying many families. Consider taking a shuttle to one of the areas to the left from where you tender in. A few lifeguards watch the designated swimming areas. Some snorkeling can be enjoyed around rock ledges on the protected side, but the resort insists that snorkelers rent/use bouyancy vests, making diving problematic.
Haiti Accommodation & Dining
There are many guest houses throughout Haiti. However, these are quite hard to find while overseas. Many of these guest houses run about 25 to 35 dollars a night and include 2 to 3 meals during the day. Sometimes these houses are associated with orphanages. Haitian cuisine is typical of Caribbean metissage - a wonderful mix of French and African sensibilities. It is similar to its Spanish Caribbean neighbors yet unique in its strong presence of spices.
Haiti Shopping & Nightlife
There are seven bars scattered across the peninsula, including a nice bar overlooking the beach near the main cafe building. Waiters constantly offer frozen drinks along the beaches and will also retrieve well drinks or beer on request. A controlled group of Haitian merchants are given sole rights to sell their merchandise and establish their businesses in the resort. The site is fenced off from the surrounding area.
Getting To & Around Haiti
International travelers will arrive in Haiti at Port-au-Prince at the AČroport Toussaint L'Ouverture Airport or AČroport International Cap-HaÔtien in the North. Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta and Spirit serve Port-au-Prince from the US. Air Canada, Air France and Caribair also offer flights to Haiti.
