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\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlthough many tourists are not very familiar with St Lucia, it has grown increasingly popular in the last few years. And so accommodations, attractions and facilities have greatly improved. Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay are dotted by most of the all inclusive and luxury resorts. The locals are incredibly friendly and hospitable. Wonderful Creole and international meals can be enjoyed, and great duty-free deals can be found. <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBut the biggest attraction of the island is its natural beauty and surroundings. This volcanic island has two incredible pitons, a tropical rainforest, sulphur springs, mineral baths and a drive-in volcano. Numerous parks and reserves offer incredible trails to explore by foot, bike or on horseback. St Lucia is a true gem and has rightly earned its nickname Helen of the West Indies<\/i>.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDesserts are often laced with locally cultivated fruits like bananas, coconuts, guavas, mangoes, papayas, passion fruit and pineapples<\/b>. <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe locally brewed Piton Lager beer<\/b> can be found and, of course, a great selection of rum from the St Lucia Rum Distillery<\/b> in the Roseau Valley.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Creole Heritage Month, know as Jounen Kwélyol Entenaysonnal<\/b>, is celebrated throughout the month of October, by hosting Creole food fairs, dancing lessons and demonstrations, and historic walking tours.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe country's economy was based on the sugar plantations, worked by West African slaves sent to the New World. Slavery was finally abolished in 1838. The 13,000 freed slaves made up close to 90% of the population. Today banana crops have replaced the sugar plantations. The island gained its independence on February 22, 1979.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe tiny Maria Islands, now a nature reserve, are home to two species found nowhere else in the world: the Kouwes snake and the Zandoli Te lizard<\/b>. The male lizards can be identified by their blue tail. From mid-March to the end of July, on the north coast, you can observe the leatherback turtles<\/b> nest on the beaches. <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMany of the parks and refuges are inhabited by numerous bird species. There are many indigenous species, like the colourful St Lucia Parrot, known as aJacquot<\/b>, the White Breasted Thrasher, the St Lucia Peewee, and the St Lucia Oriole.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGolfers<\/b> will enjoy the St Lucia's Golf and Country Club which has an 18-hole golf course with a par 71. The Sandals St. Lucia and the La Toc Golf Course which offers a 9 hole par 33 course. <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSt Lucians are big fans of soccer and cricket.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMost credit cards and Traveller's cheques are accepted at all large shopping centres, restaurants, hotels, etc.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tInternet dial-up access can be found in hotels or Internet cafes. Cable TV is available in most hotels. Local newspapers include The Crusader, The Mirror, The Star<\/i> and The Voice of St Lucia<\/i>.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUse good judgement, take advantage of the safety deposit boxes provided by the hotels, do not leave valuables unattended in public and carry your wallet and camera discreetly. Also make sure to lock your hotel room and rental car.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere is no sales tax on purchased goods. Hotels and restaurants add an 8% government tax and, in most cases, a 10% service fee in lieu of tipping, make sure to inquire. If no service fee is added, it is customary to leave about 10% to 15% of the bill. Taxi drivers appreciate also a 10% to 15% tip, porters should receive $1 per bag.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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