I am pleased to represent the Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda as a travel agent professional. You will love the atmosphere of these two islands and bask in the memory of your Caribbean escape and holiday. The islands of Antigua and Barbuda represent an independent commonwealth, made up of the two islands and several smaller isles. The country is located at the point where the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic meet. Known for its coral reefs and inclusive resorts, Antigua and Barbuda is a popular yachting hub. The capital of St. John's is home to a national museum that displays colonial and indigenous artwork and artefact's. Just like salt goes with pepper, Antigua and Barbuda are compatible as well. Christopher Columbus visited Antigua in 1493 and named it for a church in Seville, Spain called the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua. The island was colonized by the English in 1632, when it became a British possession. Caribs attacked the colony as did the French in 1666. While settlers first grew tobacco, sugar was found to be a more profitable venture in the later 17th century. The adjacent island of Barbuda was settled in 1678, with the crown granting the land, in 1685, to the Codrington family. While the island was first set up for slave-breeding, the slaves imported to the location ended up living self-reliant, forming a community of their own. In 1843, an earthquake hit the island followed by a hurricane four years later. During the later part of the nineteenth century, Barbuda's governmental administration was closely aligned with Antigua, thereby causing the smaller isle to become a dependency of the bigger island. Most of the visitors to Antigua and Barbuda stream to the larger island of Antigua. Many arrive by cruise ship in St. John's where historical homes, museums, and shops are the main draws. Animal lovers on the isle can enjoy activities, such as swimming with stingrays. Home to under two percent of Antigua and Barbuda's population, Barbuda is a great escape for visitors who wish to have solitude and tranquility. Birders regularly visit the tropical sanctuary to see the island's frigatebird, a master aerialist and pterodactyl-type vaian. The frigate effortlessly soars through air, creating a truly magnificent spectacle, snatching food from other birds as part of its acrobatics. Males have a red chest they puff out like a balloon to attract white-crested females. If you love water sports, such as diving, fishing, sailing, swimming, or windsurfing, you can find plenty to do on both islands. Golfers enjoy playing the links on Antigua as well. As your travel agent and advisor for Antigua and Barbuda, I can promise you that your trip will be one you soon won't forget. Give me a call or email me today for all the details. Let's plan a vacation that you can check off your bucket list.