(67 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Matthew VanBuren

Miami, FL
Jamaica Travel Agent Specialist

Jamaica has its own island vibe, which makes it a great place to focus on for travel. As a Jamaica travel agent specialist and advisor, I know you’ll love your island adventure. Therefore, I’m always excited about arranging travel to this one-of-a...
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Antigua and Barbuda Travel Agent Professional

Shirley Heights view
Shirley Heights view

As a travel expert for Antigua trips and holidays, I can tell you there are plenty of good reasons to explore this one-of-a-kind vacation destination. Antigua and Barbuda are two tropical islands in the Caribbean Sea that are around 1,000 miles east of Jamaica and 500 miles from Trinidad off the South American coast.On Antigua, visitors can find historical landmarks, delectable cuisine, and a vibrant cultural climate. The island's 365 beaches, however, are what attract visitors from afar the most frequently because of their beauty and diversity.  Do you enjoy having fun in the sand? Are you seeking for shallow clean water for your children to play in? Would you be interested in diving deep into the ocean? There is a beach here in this paradise for each day of the year. If you decide to visit Antigua's attractions, you'll discover that the sun worshipers, who regularly camp along the coasts, often ignore the panoramic views of Shirley Heights or overlook the interesting history of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.  Therefore, your sightseeing excursions can turn out to be quite enjoyable. Besides the many beaches, you can also discover some of Antigua’s hidden charms. One of these hidden, or maybe more obvious, charms is Nelson’s Dockyard - a historic site I suggest you add to your travel itinerary. If you only take a day off from the beach, visit Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour, which has been immaculately preserved. The naval dockyard originally housed the British fleet during the Napoleonic Wars and, from 1784 to 1787, unctioned as Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson's administrative hub. The Dockyard is home to various restaurants, cafes, and boutiques as well as the Dockyard Museum where Admiral Nelson's telescope and tea caddy are on display. Guests who visit the Dow's Hill Interpretation Center, can view a 15-minute presentation on the island's history and culture.  Other Dockyard activities include walking around the marina, unwinding at the neighboring beach, or ascending to Shirley Heights to admire its sweeping views.  Although it's unlikely that you’ll see all of the dockyard's attractions in one journey, making the trip will motivate you to re-explore the Dockyard on another trip. Half-Moon Bay in Antigua is another recommended site. You can either plan a half-day or full-day excursion to one of the best beaches on the isle. The remote beach is located in the easternmost part of Antigua. The national park location draws the interest of windsurfers who like the beach’s large waves, as well as snorkelers who can snorkel in quiet waters close to the edge of the beach.  Everyone embraces the white pearl colored sands and the fact they are privy to one of the most beautiful sunsets around. However, the beach is hard to find, with its winding and paving road offering little in the way of markers and signs. Therefore, traveling to the free-access island can be expensive - especially if you go by taxi. The beach is about 40 minutes from the cruise port, so I suggest spending the whole day at the island if you want to make the most of your money and time. Pack a picnic lunch, bring a towel and beach chair, and you’ll find you won’t mind spending the money if you take a taxi or rent a car. Unless you’re driving to Half-Moon Bay, driving through Antigua is fairly easy if you plan to go by rental car. Just make sure you drive defensively and watch out for the road surface, which is lacking in some locales. If you prefer, you might think about taking a scenic tour of the island so you can get to know it better. By taking a day tour with a guide, you can learn more about the island's history and its present sights.  An extensive day tour includes popular sights, such as Shirley Heights, Devil’s Bridge, the Blockhouse, the Nelson Dockyard and Fig Tree Drive. See the large banana trees and enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant outside.  If you are traveling to Antigua for the first time then, you might want to book a guided tour. I can arrange pick-up at your hotel or at a cruise terminal if you plan a cruise trip to the island. I urge you to make Antigua your next vacation destination. Allow me to be your travel agent professional for your Antigua holiday. Find out more information today. You can easily contact me anytime by phone or email. Let’s start booking your next island vacation now. 

My Reviews

15 of 24 people found this review helpful
Fabulous
I am big shopper and find my way to Miami every few months to visit the Design District and shops in SoBe. Over the past twenty years I have probably stayed in thirty hotels in Brickell and Miami Beach but always like to try my hand at a new property to switch things up. While my last travel advisor, Miss Ginger, retired, I was nervous to try someone new out. Let me just tell you, Matt is young and vibrant, eager to help cater to your every need. He chose the best flight times, hotel, and boat charters and kept in contact with me throughout the whole process. He definitely has a taste for luxury so keep that in mind when choosing to work with him (a plus for me but maybe not for a backpacker??).
By  Cindy R  from  Atlanta, Georgia
Traveled to  Miami ~ Florida ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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7 of 9 people found this review helpful
Wonderful team bonding trip in Mexico!
Matt was great and communicative throughout the whole process. He helped us book excursions and kept in touch before we left.
By  Joanna K  from  Pennsburg, PA
Traveled to  Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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8 of 11 people found this review helpful
Best of the Best
I think Matt is the best of the best. Already referred him to friends and family. Well worth the planning fee he charged for our group of 20. Gave us great rates on the resorts and found very affordable airfare.
By  Borris M  from  New York, New York
Traveled to  Turks and Caicos Islands ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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9 of 13 people found this review helpful
Good Honesty
Matt is super nice and respectful. Very pleasant to work with but be prepared for his honesty. We were planning a trip to South Beach because we have not been since the 80's. After expressing that we wanted to stay on Ocean Drive, Matt simply told us that is "not a wise move". Well good thing we took his advice, because Ocean Drive is not the place it used to be! Miami Beach is still incredible and with his recommendations, you will have a great time. Best advice? Listen to his! Will use him again for our next trip.
By  Curt F  from  Saranac, NY
Traveled to  South Beach ~ Florida ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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10 of 15 people found this review helpful
Thank you, Matt
I found Matt through Travel Leaders. He is a great agent to work with. I will definitely use him again.
By  Will T  from  Cranston, RI
Traveled to  Miami ~ Florida ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • Jumby Bay Island
  • St. John's
  • Barbuda Island
  • Dickenson Bay

Travel Specialist:

  • All Inclusive
  • Family Vacations
  • Beach Vacations
  • Outdoor Activities & Sports
  • Luxury Hotels

Certifications/Awards:

  • Marriott Hotel Excellence!
  • Hilton All-Inclusive Resort Specialist
  • AMResorts Master Agent
  • Pleasant Pro
  • Certified Sandals Specialist

Languages I Speak:

  • English
  • Spanish

Industry Affiliations:

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