Who Am I

       I am a tourist who knows what she wants.  I am not one to enjoy waiting in lines and constantly being around people.  I am a person who loves the sounds, smells and beauty of nature, without noise and interruptions from other people.  Unlike most people who prefer to stay in a five star resort, I am more comfortable staying in places with smaller and more private accommodations.

     This is my project for my Geography of Tourism class at the University of Western Ontario (Geography 2144, Professor Smith)

The Details of My Dream

As a university student, I see the next few years of my life as being very busy, stressful and unpredictable.  My dream vacation is not simply a trip to Las Vegas to unwind and spend all my money on a few nights I may or may not remember.  Needless to say, a trip to Las Vegas during my ‘university years’ would not be such a bad thing.  However, Las Vegas or any other 'party' destination is not my dream vacation.

      

Island Seclusion

        I dream of sandy beaches, clear blue skies, and the smell of the salty ocean wind while I relax on a peaceful, secluded beach with my husband at my side.  My dream vacation will either be my honeymoon or the next trip that my husband and I will go on.  Therefore, depending upon when I get married (which seeing as though I am still single, is not going to be happening anytime soon) will determine when I take this trip. I do expect that this trip will not happen until after I graduate and have a steady paying job.  I estimate that around ten to twelve years from now I will experience my dream vacation. 

        Unlike most tourists, I prefer self-exploration.  I am not one to wait in a line for a trip through a museum or to sit on a crowded beach with only two feet between beach towels. I am the kind of tourist that enjoys observing the culture and trying new things while on vacation.  I grew up boating in Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.  It seems only fitting that my tourist vacation shapes that aspect of my life. On my dream vacation to the British Virgin Islands (BVI),  I do not want to stay at the fanciest five star resorts and be forced to conform to a particular type of tourist experience that the islands cater to (for instance, exploring the islands while being limited by the distance from the hotel).  Instead, I plan to rent a motor yacht and explore the inviting BVI by cruising through the Caribbean Sea.  

Ocean tranquility

        On this trip, I plan to relax, bond with my husband and discover all the activities the BVI have to offer. In the hustle and bustle of life, I want to be able to go somewhere and escape.  I want to be whomever I want to be, and do whatever I want to do.  With a new setting, I can learn more myself and my relationship.  The main motivation for going on this trip is to make new memories together in a relax and tranquil environment.  The memories that we make on this trip will shape the rest of our lives.  Imagine a memory of jumping off the boat into the cool topaz blue water to escape the heat and once tired of swimming, absorbing the sun on the vacant sandy white beach. These are the memories that last a lifetime. 

Necker Island - British Virgin Islands

Where I've Been as a Tourist

1. Georgian Bay and the Thirty Thousand Islands, Ontario, Canada (annual boat trips) —2000 to 2010
2. Quebec City (Quebec, Canada) — 2005 
3. Orlando [Walt Disney World] (Florida, United States) — 2007
4. Milan, Venice, Florence, Siena, Rome (Italy) — 2009
5. Orlando [Walt Disney World] (Florida, United States) — 2010

       I have never travelled to a tropical beach tourist destination.  Sitting on the beach or a boat on a hot, sunny day and feeling the soothing cool ocean breeze is an amazing dream that I want to experience.  My dream is something unique, exotic, new and adventurous that I have never experienced in my life before.  

 From historical Italy to exotic paradise ....

BVI

Getting Ready for my Dream Vacation

Paying for the trip: To afford this trip, I should start saving now.  I do not want to miss out on any experience just because there is not enough money budgeted for it.  I plan to set aside a certain amount of money from each pay check to ensure that I will have the money to go.  

Education: When travelling to a foreign land, it is important to learn about the culture and language of the locals because I do not want to offend the locals. To learn about the culture on the BVI, I can read other traveller’s blogs and also information about the BVI that was posted on websites. Culture of the British Virgin Islands 

BVI Summer Festival: a large festival celebrating the abolishment of slavery in 1834. For three weeks islanders can be found dancing, participating in parades, and attending live shows.More on the British Virgin Islands

Safety: Before deciding on the BVI as my dream vacation, I did my research to make sure that it is a safe tourist destination. As a tourist, you stand out to the locals; making yourself vulnerable to crime and this is unavoidable no matter where you go.  The research I collected shows that the BVI appears to be a relatively safe tourist destination. 

Safety in the British Virgin Islands Forum 

Being safe, rather than sorry: Because we plan to be out of the country for at least a week, travel insurance is very important.  In addition, it is important to have a little emergency money in case something unexpected happens. Before leaving, it is important that all vaccinations are up to date as well.  Health Information for Travelers to British Virgin Islands

Not to forget: Passport, boating license, camera, bathing suits, sunscreen, extra identification 




Additional information when travelling to the British Virgin Islands

Where are the British Virgin Islands?

Map of the British Virgin Islands in relation to other islands and countries around the Caribbean Sea

Map of the individual islands that make up the British Virgin Islands

Getting There

        My fantasy trip would be to buy a boat in Canada and starting from Canada, boat to the Caribbean Ocean.  This trip is a fantasy because I believe that I will never have the time to take this trip.  Instead of boating from Canada, on my dream vacation I plan to fly from Canada to the BVI and then when in the BVI, I plan to rent a boat and explore the islands, just my husband and I. 

       There are no direct flights from the USA, Canada, Europe or South America to the main airport on the BVI- the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS), located in Tortola.  All flights connect through other Caribbean airports on islands such as Puerto Rico, and Antigua,.  When making reservations online, flights are requested to Tortola with at least one stop in one of these airports.  Flights to British Virgin Islands

        The most direct way to arrive to the BVI is via San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU).  American Airlines and Continental Airlines fly into San Juan International Airport.  You fly into Puerto Rico and then a 35 minute fight takes you to the Tortola airport.  Once at the airport, taxis are available to take you to the charter company (to start the cruise). Flight Information

        Round-trip flights from Toronto, ON, Canada (YTO) to Tortola, British Virgin Islands (EIS) range from $957 to $1258 per person depending on the airline used.  On average, the total trip time was about 12.5 hours.  When flying from Toronto, the Continental and American Airlines stopped in the US in airports such as Miami, New York, Huston or Chicago and then stopped in Puerto Rico before arriving at Tortola. An alternative method, recommended to travellers from Canada was to travel from Toronto to the airport in St. John's, Antigua (ANU), which was a one stop flight costing on average $898.98 per person.  And then take a connecting flight to Tortola on LIAT, or private charter flight. Information for private airline charter companies is listed under Inter-Island Aviation section.

Reviews taken from TripAdvisor.ca

The airfare information was gathered from Expedia.ca, travelocity.ca and TripAdvisor.ca

      Decisions regarding the flight itinerary and airfare can wait until the vacation date comes closer.  The main factor that will influence the decision is the cost.  I am not too concerned about the number of stops or the total travel time.

Accomodations

        I picture the clear, open, blue sky, ocean breeze rippling through my fiery red hair and sounds of nothing but the soft purr of an engine.  This dream can be achieved by renting a powerboat for a week in the BVI.   My dream vacation is going to be catered to me, the non-institutional tourist.  I plan to avoid contact with the tourist industry. I am an explorer and on my dream vacation, I do not want to be restricted by accommodations.  I want comfortable accommodations that come with me when I get off the beaten path.

Imagine looking over the windshield and seeing nothing but the crystal blue water

       Because I am on vacation, I want accommodations that are comfortable, but reasonable.  When researching the type of boat to travel on, there were many rental options for sailboats and powerboats.  There were also the options to have crew members on the boat.  Because I want the isolation and privacy a boat has to offer, my husband and I will be the only crew members.  The limiting factors when deciding on the boat to rent include the cost and the size of the boat (only two of us, so we do not need a huge boat) .  The range of prices was from $4,000 to $9,000 a week, depending on the condition and size of the boat.
 

Although Sunsail is a company that rents out sailboats,

the same process also applies to other companies that 

rent out powerboats. 

Why a Powerboat?

• I grew up on powerboats
• I like to go fast!
• More comfortable
• Relaxing 
• Can go where you want, when you want
• No cranking winches and hauling up sails. Press buttons and things happen.
• Wind at your hair, the ocean mist on your face … what’s not too love?

Overview of the boat

The Boat

        Taking into consideration all of the factors, including the cost, the amount of space that we need , the size that will keep us the safest on the water and the condition of the boat, I decided that I want to rent a 40ft Express Cruiser from the British Virgin Islands Boat Rentals.  British Virgin Islands Boat Rentals is located at Road Harbour, Nanny Caye & Wickham's II Marinas, Tortola

Specifications

• Fast 
• Air conditioned 
• Airy salon/galley to prepare great meals with a view! 
• $6985/week (USD) from May to June 



How she looks on the water

• 2 cabins/1 head (bathroom) - sleeps 4

What to do?

The BVI offers something for everyone 

Try something exhilarating, fun and different

1.     Adventurous explorer

• Hike to the top of Sage Mountain to take in the view
• Visit one of BVI’s 28 National Parks. 
• Sailing and boating through the fresh, tropical ocean waters
• Explore the underwater setting by diving to new depths.
• Fishing on land or at sea
• Tours are available to explore the land or the sea
• Water sports offered to the guests of the island include: kayaking, kiteboarding,windsurfing, and swimming with dolphins

The spectacular view at the top of Sage Mountain is worth the hike

2.     Cultured tourist

One of many festivals on the BVI

• Experience the vibrant, delicious local cultural foods.  Restaurants can range from a fun casual atmosphere at one of the beach bars to an exquisite fine dining experience
• Annual events and festivals occur throughout the BVI.  These events cater to music, sailing, culture and sports. 
• Galleries and museums are open on the islands
• The history of the islands comes alive in the historic sites such as the copper mine, museums, churches, burial sites and old Plantation Estates.

3.     The relaxed (sun-seeking) tourist

• There are many unique beaches in the BVI.  Every beach has something different to offer, so every day may be dedicated to a different beach
• The BVI also have a numerous number of spas, fitness centers and cosmetic care services
• There are an array of shops and galleries on the BVI offering unique souvenirs

Relaxation...What a vacation is about

Drink + beach + sun + sea = PARADISE

 

The BVI have activities for everyone.

My Potential Cruise Itinerary

Upon Arrival

• Before we leave the docks we will receive an informative boat briefing
• Cast off from our dock in Road Harbour and boat to Norman Island.  We can snorkel through the caves and see the exotic and unique underwater aquatic life.  I want to look through the topaz water and observe the wonders of nature as tiny schools of fish swim around the caves.
• After exploring Norman Island, we can cruise a short distance into Bight which provides a perfect anchorage for our first night. Great music, food, dancing and partying on the bar/restaurant: ‘The William Thornton’, a 93’ replica of a Nova Scotian trading schooner, will end the prefect first day.



The William Thortan bar and restaurant

• End the night in my husband’s arms watching the sun go down.  To watch the sunset with the man that I love is something so simple that is not normally done in the hustle and bustle of our everyday life.  

 Day 1: Salt Island

• The next morning, boat through the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Salt Island. Here we can anchor and either dive or snorkel to observe the wreck of the Royal Mail Steamship Rhone, a relic of the hurricane of 1867 (the best wreck dive in the Caribbean).
• Go ashore and visit the settlement and the salt pond.
• After lunch, cruise to Cooper Island where we can pick up a dock for the night in front of the beach club bar and restaurant
• Absorb ourselves in savory seafood food and sweet unique sounds of local fungi music. 

Beach bar on Copper Island

Salt Island

Day 2: Virgin Gorda

• Spend an unforgettable morning at The Baths, home to the most unique rock formations in the BVI, with secret pools and caves, along the southern tip of Virgin Gorda. I want to explore (by either foot or snorkel) the rugged and awe inspiring force of nature that through erosion shaped the environment   
• Nearby is Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, with a full service marina, shops, bars and restaurants.  We can dock at this marina for the night and explore the nightlife. Each night, I plan to try a native dish of the BVI. I am willing to open myself up to try new things and experience the unique culture of the BVI. I may even be willing to try the native fungi dish that inspired the name of the fungi music.   

The Bath, BVI

Serene atmosphere inside one of the unique rock formations at Virgin Gorda, BVI

Day 3: Anegada

• Cruise 15 miles north to Anegada.
• Anegada means 'drowned island, with the highest point is 15 feet above sea level and it's famous for fresh lobster, iguanas and flamingos.



Flamingos in Anegada, something that you do 

not see in Canada



Anegada Beach

I've never had lobster, but I expect that on vacation, the delicious, fresh, buttery lobster is going to taste amazing!



• Anchor in Anegada and explore the island until night.  Return to the privacy of the boat at night where we can sit in utter silence and look up at the glistening stars in the clear night sky.  With the only the sound of the waves lapping against the boat, we can fall into a peaceful sleep.  

Day 4: Trellis Bay

• Boat to Trellis Bay on Beef Island; a well-protected natural harbour and home of the famous restaurant and cabaret 'The Last Resort'.
• Have some fun in the sun on Trellis Bay which can include windsurfing, sea kayaking



Trellis Bay, Beef Island

• To windsurf and sea kayak in the Caribbean Ocean is an adventurous activity that cannot be done every day. Even if I wipe-out windsurfing, I want to have the experience of wiping-out in the salty sea with nothing but blue skies above.  I want to kayak around the island knowing that I can take all day and stop for a swim anytime I get tired. 

Day 5: Cane Garden Bay/Jost Van Dyke

Foxy's Beach Bar

• Take a short trip up to beautiful Guana Island for spectacular snorkelling and have a  romantic picnic on the beautiful beach at Monkey Point.
• In the afternoon, boat west to the islands of Jost Van Dyke, where beautiful beaches, hiking trails, beach bars and unique restaurants await us. 
• A visit to Foxy's is a must-do on because of the amazing entertainment. During the end of May, there is an annual Foxy’s Wooden Boat Regatta that we may be able to see as well.  

Day 6: Soper's Hole/Peter Island

Beach at Deadman's Bay

• Cruise across the channel to Peter Island.  Enjoy a nice relaxing afternoon in Deadman’s Bay.  Soaking in the sun on the crescent shaped beach, lined with palms is a perfect way to end our cruise around the BVI.   

Day 7: Road Harbour

• In the morning, enjoy the vibrant sunrise over the hills of Peter Island, take an early morning swim and then weigh anchor for a short boat ride across the channel to the docks.

Suggested travel itinerary

After the Boat Trip

Tortola, the capital of the BVI

• On the boat, we traveled and explored the islands surrounding Tortola, the capital island of the BVI. Therefore, after the cruise, I plan to dedicate a couple of days to explore the beauty of Tortola. 
• We could swim or even just walk hand-in-hand along some of the beaches in Tortola, letting the warm sun shine on our backs.
• While learning at some of the vibrant culture of Tortola, we could do some survivor shopping. 
• There is an annual BVI Music Fest in May, where artists from around the globe make their way to Cane Garden Bay on Tortola for the three day festival. Acts range from reggae to blues to salsa to gospel. While we are in Tortola, we could plan on attending this festival.

Itinerary based on the information gathered from the suggested cruising programs of local skippers and their must-see destinations.

---

Price Tag for my Dream Vacation

Currency in British Virgin Islands: US Dollar (USD)

Rough budget for a trip for two to the BVI at the end of May

• Flight  = $ 2,000 (round trip for two)
• Cost of boat rental = $6985/week
• Fuel for the boat = $2,000
• Security Insurance = $210 ($30.00/day)
• National Parks Permit = $25/week
• Dinners = approximately $600 ($75 a meal for two)
• Brunch = approximately $160 ($20 a meal for two).  It is expected that we may cook some of our own food on the boat as well, so add $100 for groceries
• Scuba Diving = $140 ($70 per person for single tank dive)
• Kayak Rentals = $240 ($40 per person for a single day)
• Windsurfing Rentals = $100 ($50 per person for a beginner’s package)
• Snorkeling supplies = $100 ($50 per person)
• Hotel accommodations = $300 (assuming that we stay in a hotel for 2 days after the boat trip)
• Souvenirs = $100

Total Budget for the trip = approximately $ 11, 050

Why the British Virgin Islands?

“Unspoiled nature. Deserted beaches. Great variety of islands. Caribbean flair. Complete safety. Great driving. Cool beach bars.”  - Anonymous, British Virgin Islands Travel Guide

Slideshow of the British Virgin Islands 

        My dream vacation is not about the fancy hotel that you stay at or the shopping that you do. My prefect vacation is about who I am with and what we do, whether it is immersing ourselves in the culture or in the natural environment or even just being able to relax.  All of these activities are often things that cannot be done in my everyday life.  I dream of somewhere far away and exotic where I can do as I please, go where I want to go and learn about myself and my relationship with my husband.  The British Virgin Islands offers the perfect place to achieve these dreams.  

       My trip to the British Virgin Islands would be in at the end of May.  The factors that made me decide this time include:

• Average daily temperatures ranging between 23ºC and 30ºC and the average number of days with rain in May was nine
• Great beach and swimming weather, not too hot like in the height of summer
• No threat of hurricanes
• Great rates and deals in May
• Beaches are less crowded
• Plenty of events and festivals designed to bring in
• Some destinations may feel a bit "dead" at this time of year (which I prefer)
• High season = December to mid-April

       I am a person who chooses a less-travelled county road over the 401 highway.  Therefore, I do not want to go on my dream vacation from December to mid-April when everyone is escaping the North American winters or celebrating spring break.  I do not enjoy crowds, I want to be able to walk down the road or visit the beach without seeing people-upon-people.  I do not want to wait in a line to go to a restaurant.  It is only fitting that I plan my dream vacation in the off-season. 

       
         The British Virgin Islands are a tourist destination that commands my attention.  The beautiful white beaches, the crystalline blue sky, and the stunning translucent aqua ocean are my image of paradise. I want to be awe-inspired by nature’s ability to make something so beautiful.  The salty, earthly smell of the sea and the crashing waves against rocks will remind me of freedom, as I escape from the hardships of my life.  The delicious scent of seafood and other cultural delights will stop me in my tracks and force me to experience new things.  Unique foods and sweet alcoholic beverages of the islands will divert my attention from my life and enable me to be completely absorbed into a tourist lifestyle.  

The true beauty of a sunset can only be captured by experiencing

The inevitable force of nature is a powerful thing

As a tourist, I look at dishes with a different perspective

An ocean of fresh crystal blue water available for the taking

        Finally, I want to feel the hot sun against my skin as a lay in the soft, powdery hot sand and once it gets too hot, I want to cool down in the fresh glossy water.  BVI are my dream vacation destination because they offer the things that I love: the sun, the water, and nature by engaging my senses in a unique way.  There are not many places in this world that can accommodate my adventurous, naturalist and relaxing sides.  The BVI is one place that does, making it my dream vacation.  

A picture is worth a thousand words, watching a BVI sunset with my husband would be a dream come true

   

      There have been many reviews and forums that support the desires I have for my dream vacation.  These include TripAdvisor, Virtual Tourist, and Frommer’s.  

Review taken from TripAdvisor.com

Expectations

        A trip exploring the BVI in a motorboat with my husband will be a one-of-a-kind experience.  The beauty, culture and activities on the island will make the experience amazing.  This trip will strengthen our relationship.  We will be forced to work together on the boat and then after the work is done, we can dedicate the rest of the day to relaxation and exploration.  For about seven to nine days, it will just be the two of us. While on vacation, I do not want to remember the work I have to do when I get home, or how much money this vacation is going to cost.  I want to be immersed in the culture of the islands, and live in the moment without thinking about what is going to happen tomorrow.  I expect that this trip will be the perfect escape from our everyday lives and when I return home, I will be rejuvenated and refreshed.   The trip to the BVI is expected to be my dream because it caters to my unique interests.  I hope that this will be the first of many exotic trips.