Puerto Plata’s pristine beaches are perfect to hang 10 and a new film presented by JetBlue Airways and the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism showcases the amazing surfing waves and by contrast, the luxurious pampering visitors to this Caribbean island receive.   The short film called, “Where is Puerto Plata?” debuted at the second annual New York Surf Film Festival at New York City’s Tribeca Cinemas on Sept. 25.

Puerto Plata is one of those places begging to be rediscovered. What do others have to say about the DR’s North Coast? Designer Cynthia Rowley, frequent visitor to the Puerto Plata area and judge during this past year’s NYSFF says, “When you visit Puerto Plata, you become a traveler rather than a tourist. There is a real sense of discovery in the Dominican Republic…the DR’s North Coast is an authentic, genuine place.”

Rowley is an avid surfer and adds, “It’s easy to get to and there’s something for everyone – horseback riding, surfing, serene lakes for swimming…it’s the perfect, quick getaway.”

The partnership between the DR Ministry of Tourism and JetBlue makes sense because the airline offers direct flights to the surf haven on Puerto Plata.

View the “Where is Puerto Plata?” video here and take advantage of fabulous Puerto Plata vacation deals with Resort Rentals over here.

Yes, even pirate speak has its own holiday thanks to two average guys named John “Ol’ ChumBucket” Bauer and Mark “Cap’n Slappy” Summers. The duo invented International Talk Like a Pirate Day back in 1995 on the racquetball court where they spoke in swaggering pirate speak to each other and randomly decided everyone should talk like a pirate. Now, this didn’t happen on Sept. 19 but on June 6 and that date wasn’t very memorable for Cap’n Slappy so Sept. 19 was chosen as an easy day for him to remember – it’s his ex-wife’s birthday.

Up until 2002, the goofy holiday was low-key until humor columnist Dave Barry highlighted International Talk Like a Pirate Day and encouraged readers to answer the phone with, “Ahoy, me hearty!” rather than the standard, “Hello.”

To help get ready for Talk Like a Pirate Day, we’ve listed the five key pirate words to remember:
Ahoy!    “Hello.”
Arrr! Not to be confused with “argh.” Think of it as a versatile phrase when needing to say something pirate-like.
Avast!  “Hey! Stop, pay attention.”
Aye!  “Yes, I agree.”
Aye! Aye!    “Yes, I’ll get right on it.”

Looking for more ways to gain some pirattitude? Check out the official International Talk Like a Pirate Day Web site  for more pirate speak, pirate party ideas and other pirate nonsense.

Now that pirate talk is mastered, how about a Caribbean vacation? We won’t guarantee you’ll find pirates (and that’s really a good thing because authentic pirates aren’t nice people) but chances are you’ll find a treasure of deals and activities in St. Maarten.

Ahoy, me hearty!

Material from this post was borrowed from the article, “September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day,” on Associated Content.

Aruba’s snow-white sand beaches make most other Caribbean islands cry with envy. They set the stage for a do-nothing vacation where the primary objective is forgetting responsibility and focusing on the important stuff in life, like remembering to reapply sunscreen and being the first to pony up to the bar at the beginning of happy hour.

Toss in the lull of aqua-marine water lapsing on the beach mixed with warm, dry temperatures and what we have here is the ideal setting for romantics. Whether for a honeymoon, anniversary or just-because romantic getaway, Aruba oozes with gushy love.

The 21-mile-long island of the Lesser Antilles is ruled by one classy lady, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. And any vacation destination fit for royalty is a magnet for celebrities too, and Aruba has played vacation spot to such A-listers as Timbaland, Jennifer Tilly, Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill. Oh! How can we forget Paris Hilton. Now that’s hot.

It’s not all about the beach in Aruba. A balance of Mother Nature-made and man-made activities entertain visitors. The most distinctive natural feature are the Divi Divi trees (watapana tree) found throughout the island. Think of them as Mother Nature’s compass, they always point in a southwesterly direction due to the north to east trade winds that blow across the island.  Arikok National Park, located on the north-eastern part of the Caribbean island is a geological paradise with rough hills from lava formations and fossilized coral rock and grottos and caves.

Natural Pool is an aquatic gem only accessible by foot, horseback or 4×4 vehicle. Visitors take a refreshing jump from the volcanic stone circles into a tranquil pool where water sprays over rocks in a most romantic way. Snorkeling and Scuba diving is another favorite and the crystal water can sometimes allow for visibility at wreck sites up to 100 feet.

Step inside one of the exhilarating casinos for a game or two of chance. Some casinos don’t stop ’til you get enough, a few are open 24 hours a day. Or, tee it up on a lush golf course.

Gosh, golly. Can’t forget the 90,000 Aruban friends you haven’t met waiting to say hello and introduce visitors to their island. This little island is a friendly one and making nice with the locals is easy. Just smile and show off those pearly whites (batting eyelashes is optional) and listen to what your new friend has to say about this Caribbean paradise.

There isn’t enough room to list ALL there is to do and see in Aruba (check out what the tourism office has to say) but there’s enough white space left to introduce Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort as one groovy place to stay especially since 140 brand-spanking new luxury suites are being dusted and vacuumed as we speak in preparation for visitors. This is in addition to the 101 units already at the resort which is located on the famed Palm Beach and backed by a private wildlife sanctuary.  In addition to the resort’s good nature, facilities include tennis court, free form pool with swim-up bar, open-air grill restaurant, lounge with entertainment, beachside water sports and fitness center.

Now’s the time to book that Aruba vacation because who knows when the next time these rate will be this attractive. What are you waiting for? I think a beachside hammock is calling your name. Listen. Hear it? Yeah, we know you did.