Welcome!
Read
our Guide for Healthy Caribbean Travel
and Vacations in the Florida Keys.
America's
Caribbean Islands
In
addition to providing information on health and travel to
the Caribbean this site promotes travel to the Florida
Keys.
What's
is missing from the Caribbean map at the top of this
page? It's the Florida Keys. The map below shows that the
Florida Keys are geographically a part of the Caribbean.
The
Tropics
The
Florida Keys and Key West are in the subtropics, but are
as close to the tropics as you can get without going to
Hawaii or leaving the United States.
If
you want to travel to a destination in the tropics you
must go to a place located between the Tropic of Cancer
and the Tropic of Capricorn. The term "tropics" refers
only to that portion of the Earth where the sun is ever
directly overhead and for a time will be 90 degrees to
the horizon.
Key
West misses being in the tropics by about 72 miles. since
it is that many miles north of the Tropic of Cancer,
which runs between Key West and Cuba. At the start of
summer, the sun comes close to being directly over Key
West, but the sun reaches only 88.9 degrees above the
horizon on that day, so Key West doesn't quite fit the
definition of "tropics". Key West in the Florida Keys is
the southernmost point in the continental United States
and the nearest part of the country's mainland to the
tropics.
NAVIGATION
MENU: The navigation bar on this site's pages will take
you to the following:
Don't
Worry - Be Happy Comparison Chart
For
an admittedly somewhat self-serving health chart
promoting the Florida Keys check out our
Don't
Worry - Be Happy Caribbean Island Comparison
Chart.
Then reserve a restful, worry free vacation in the
Florida Keys.
As
part of the Comparison Chart we have included links to
additional information on the spread of West Nile Virus
by mosquitos and statistics on shark attacks in the U.S,
Caribbean, and World.
Travel
Documentation
Read
latest specifics on reducing Health
Risks for Travelers to the Caribbean
Islands.
You'll find suggestions of things to do to avoid risks
and information on precautionary measures to
take.
A
growing number of travelers are exploring eco-adventures
and destinations such as the Galapagos Islands, the
Amazon, Peru, Belize and Costa Rica.
In
February of 2001, a group of ill prepared travelers
visited Costa Rica to tour the Braulio Carrillo
National Park. The area they visited was
mosquito-infested and had a number of health perils.
Eight travelers experienced traveler's diarrhea, two were
infected with malaria, and four developed typhoid fever,
a bacterial disease that can be life
threatening.
While
we promote the Florida Keys, if you really have your
heart set on going to the "other" Caribbean islands or to
Latin America , we've provided some helpful suggestions
for travelers to make their travel a safer and satisfying
experience.
We
have travelled to Central America and visited a number of
the "other" Caribbean islands. Caribbean destinations
offer great beauty and a change of pace for the seasoned
traveler. If you plan to stay at a resort you should have
no problem. Such self-contained resorts offer their own
security, restaurants, and swimming pools.
Caribbean
Travel Risks
Click
to identify travel health risk-levels
and steps to take in preparation for a visit to the
Caribbean. Suggestions on Health Kit items to bring with
you, doctor's advice and possible immunization measures
to take.
Family
Friendly Vacation
Resorts
The
map of the Florida Keys shows the location of several
family friendly vacation resorts. Resorts are located in
Key Largo, Islamorada, Duck Key,
and Key West .
.
For
Reservation Information on Discounted Accommodations and
lodging availability at Hawk's Cay CLICK
DUCK KEY - HAWK'S CAY
FLORIDA
KEYS BEST SPECIAL INTERNET RATES
- DISCOUNTED
LODGING
Special
Internet rates negotiated with a number of Key West
hotels and Florida Keys resorts are available to you
through this website. We provide reservation and
discounted rate information on more than 80 places of
lodging in the Florida Keys and Key West.
To
go to a listing of Properties - hotels and motels and guesthouses for Lodging
Accommodations in the Florida Keys and Key West.
Click
here 
To
search for accommodations use Key West as your travel
destination. Using Key West will give you the most
choices as it provides a list of more than 80 plus
hotels, motels, inns, resorts, bed and breakfast
accommodations, guest houses and spas in
the
Florida
Keys Greater area
(this includes Hawk's Cay as well as lodging in Key
West, Islamorada and Key Largo). The link provides
prices and a means for making reservations for
accommodations
As
you browse through the pages
review the
rates
negotiated with hotels and resorts that are available
to you through the Florida Keys Best
website.
"Special" INTERNET RATES most often represent a savings
over rates generally made available to the public by
Hotels and Resorts. Negotiated rates usually
offer the best value to customers, as they offer the
best discounts.
RESERVATIONS
in the FLORIDA KEYS - CLICK 
Florida
Keys Deals
ANOTHER
SITE OF INTEREST
The
Sunny Florida Keys - America's Caribbean Islands
Throughout
the Florida Keys, visitors can find a variety of safe
accommodations and beaches and healthy recreational
activities to pursue. Doctors, medical offices, clinics,
pharmacies and hospital emergency rooms are readily
available. For information on children's activities and
family attractions and resorts available in the Florida
Keys click on the Kids in the Keys link below.
The
site provides information on
KIDS
AND RESORTS
.
BEACHES
.
NATURE
WALKS
.
MUSEUMS
.
WATER
SPORTS
.
MOVIES
.
DOLPHINS
KAYAKS
.
GOLF
.
BOATS
TOURS
.
SNORKEL
.
DAY
PROGRAMS
.
ATTRACTIONS
.
BIKING
AND SKATING
FISHING
.
CHILD
HEALTH TRAVEL
. ICE
CREAM
.
READING
.
MESSAGE
BOARD
