Travel Dominica
Dominica is a small independent nation in the Caribbean Sea. The island is part of the Windward Islands and is actually the biggest island in the Windward. Dominica sits at almost halfway mark between the French countries of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Guadeloupe is to the north and Martinique is to the south. The island is approximately 289 square miles long and is divided into ten (10) parishes, the Capital is Roseau. Dominica has a population of approximately 72000 inhabitants. Dominica gained its independence from Britain on November 3rd 1978 and has been self governed form since. Dominica enjoys a Democratic Parliamentary system of government.
Dominica passport owners can travel visa free to EU and many other countries. Dominica has what considered to be the best citizenship through investment program, that offers newly naturalized Dominicans many benefits. Travelling to Dominica is quite easy as the island of Dominica is accessible by both air and sea. There are two airports, The Melville Hall Airport and the Canfield Airport. There is no international airport but travelling to Dominica from major ports in the Caribbean is quite easy as there are as flights to Dominica from these countries daily. Flights come to Dominica from Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, the neighboring French Islands and other islands in the Caribbean. Airlines which currently serve Dominica include LIAT, American Eagle, Carib Aviation amongst other privately chartered services. The Melville Hall airport is about one (1) hour away from Roseau and Canefield Airport is about fifteen (15) minutes away from the capital.
There is a Dominica ferry service from St. Lucia and the French Islands which makes daily stops in Dominica and makes travel Dominica much more convenient. Major cruise lines also make frequent stops here during the tourist season. The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. This has a fixed exchange rate of EC $2.70 to US $1. Major currencies such as the United States Dollar, British Pound, European Dollars and Canadian Dollars are all traded at local banks. All major credit, debit cards and travellers cheques are accepted. Cards can also be used at Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) available at the banks.
The vendors at craft market and tourist sites, shops catering to visitors and taxi drivers all accept US Dollars. There are no large commercial shopping centres on the island but there are shops which offer duty free shopping. Person can buy local art and craft souvenir from vendors at the craft market in Roseau, vendors at Tourist sites and other areas around the island, to remember Dominica travel.
Dominica weather is a comfortable tropical climate; days are warm and at night the temperature cools significantly. Temperatures can peak to 29 °C during the day. There is a hurricane season from June to November. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate clothing when for Dominica travel, wear cool materials such as cotton. On any given day local wear shorts, summer dresses and other attire which allows them to cool off from the heat. Persons are prohibited from walking around in their swimsuits.
For Dominica travel persons coming from the United States and European countries need passports. Dominica is part of the commonwealth National and citizens of these countries do not require visas to travel to Dominica. When leaving Dominica non national pay a departure tax of EC$55 for persons above twelve (12) years of age. If you consider to become a Dominican through Dominica citizenship by investment program, you may find very useful answers about Dominica citizenship.
Dominica Hotels and Dominica accommodation is available in almost every community on the island and around the capital city. Most local hotels and guesthouses are run by small families and this makes travel in Dominica a great experience. There are no international hotel chains but a wide variety of apartments, villas and lodges are available. Most Dominica hotels have a service charge of ten (10%). There are many Dominica hotels and Dominica restaurants on the island that will provide you with a delicious meal made out of fresh local products. A variety of meals are prepared but some of the most popular dishes are traditional Creole meals inherited from European and African ancestors. One thing though that you can expect is that the meal that you are served is made up of fresh produce. The fertile lands of Dominica allow farmers to produce rich healthy crops and fruits. Organic farming is very popular in Dominica.
Dominica travel is most exciting as there are many services which cater to visitors to the island. There are many Dominica car rental agencies on the island who lease out vehicles. In order to lease a vehicle a valid driver’s license is needed. A driving permit can be bought for a very low fee from Dominica car rental agencies or the Division of Traffic in Roseau. Remember though driving in Dominica is done on the left side of the road so keep left! Most Dominica car rentals accept all major credit cards. Getting a Dominica car rental is one of the best ways to travel Dominica and learn about the island and its people.
Dominica is called the nature island and is a paradise and Dominica travel will put visitors in direct contact with nature at its best. As an eco tourism destination the island and travel Dominica offers adventure to all, activities include hiking, scuba diving, sea and river kayaking, whale and dolphin watching, a ride on the rain forest aerial tram, river tubing, or a ride up the Indian River in a row boat. A visit to one of our many tourist sites is also recommended; a bath in one of the 365 rivers, a trip to the Trafalgar Falls, a trip to the Emerald Pool, bird watching in Morne Diablotin or a soothing bath in one of our many warm sulphur pools. Every day is an adventure in Dominica.
Dominica travel will put you in contact with some of the friendliest people alive, so do not be alarmed if they speak to you like they have known you all their lives. It is custom for people to say things such as; good morning, good afternoon or goodnight. Do not be afraid to ask for directions, a local will be more than happy to help out. Always remember to ask a person’s permission before taking photos and we are very strict about the protection of our natural resources and the destruction of them can lead to serious fines and even imprisonment.
There is much more Dominica travel information and Dominica tourist information available at Dominica websites.
