Cheap Flights to Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a group of Caribbean islands located in the Leeward Islands, a formation in the Lesser Antilles, with a total land area of 1,628 square kilometres. It has a population of almost 406,000 inhabitants in 2013, and is considered as an overseas region of mainland France. The overseas regions of France are considered integral in the formation of the said country, with Guadeloupe included. The nation is made up of two main islands namely Basse-Terre and Grand-Terre, settling to the west and to the east respectively. They are separated by a narrow strait, which is crossed with bridges to accommodate faster transfers and services. The said nation also includes the Dependencies of Guadeloupe which include the smaller islands of Marie-Galante, Iles des Saintes, and La Desirade. As part of France, Guadeloupe is part of the European Union, but as an overseas department, it is not considered a part of the Schengen Area.

Known to its one-time Carib-Indian population as "karukera" or island of beautiful waters, Guadeloupe is considered a centre of Caribbean Creole culture. A mix of French, African, and Caribbean influences is infused in its music, dance, food, and patois, the widely-spoken language in the area. The people too, are a mix of genes thrown out by various ethnicities, and has since lived the Carib-French way. The nation's economy is kept afloat by credits and public salaries from France, particularly from Paris. Unemployment has always been an issue here, although its effects are a bit tempered by France's generous social security system. Locally, industries such as agriculture and tourism are considered important, as these are the most important sectors and income-generators in the area.

As said above, tourism plays an important role in keeping Guadeloupe's economy fine and dandy. Sometimes also known as the Butterfly Island on account of the shape of two of its major islands, Guadeloupe's islands are equally intriguing and fascinating. Each island offers travellers something different, while still retaining its rich Franco-Caribbean culture and identity. From the Grand-Terre for example, travellers may enjoy a string of beaches and small towns that tends to lure visitors on a lazy streak. The stretches of sand are simply marvellous, and the water activities, as well as the food, are divine. Meanwhile, the Basse-Tere is home to the wonderful Guadeloupe National Park, a place known for its ecologically-diverse landscape crowned by the spectacular La Soufriere Volcano. South of these main islands meanwhile, travellers may as well explore the country's past, through the mini islands which make up the Les Saintes.

The best way to get around is through rental cars. The bus system can be unreliable and needs improvement, so for now, travellers should stick to riding hired vehicles. The main roads are well-paved and maintained, but smaller roads are often uneven, pot-holed, and quite dangerous. Meanwhile, other modes of transport include ferries and boats. Charters are available through Windward Islands, one of the world's largest yacht charter companies. The company's boats bring travellers to destinations around the Caribbean, and are operating from countries in Europe and the US.

The Pointe-a-Pitre International Airport is a good place to land. It is an airport serving Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe, and is located in Abymes, some 2.4 kilometres from the city centre of Pointe-a-Pitre. Airlines that travel to the destinations include Air Antilles Express, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air France, American Airlines, Condor, Corsair International, and XL Airways France.