You've just returned from a trip to a Caribbean island and you're back to your daily routine. Undoubtedly, there are moments when you'll long to be back by the edge of your hotel's pool sipping a cool drink and enjoying the native tropical music of the island. You're missing the island but you can't find the music anywhere. Don't despair. You can enjoy tropical music you heard on your vacation with the click of a few keys on your computer and purchase CDs or MP3 downloads. You'll be able to enjoy tropical music at home, in your car, and even at your workplace.

Tropical music has long been defined as music from Afro-Caribbean locations such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Tropical music now includes music from Colombia, Venezuela, and the area along the Mexican gulf coast. Some of the music styles that come from these locations include salsa, meringue, reggae, and bachata. Though recordings of these styles have been available in the United States for many decades, they originally appealed to specific ethnic communities. Recordings were only found in music stores in these communities. Tropical music has surged in popularity in recent years across all ethnic lines and is now widely available in music stores throughout the country and in several online sources.

A good online source for tropical music is www.descarga.com. Although they primarily specialize in Afro-Cuban music, they do stock a wide selection of other tropical music styles. New releases and reissues are often accompanied by some well-written reviews. Another excellent online source is www.amazon.com. Here you will find virtually everything found on www.bachata.com at very reasonable prices. In many instances, you can also listen to some sample clips.

You can also find a wide assortment of tropical music that you can download as MP3s. The best sources to check for tropical music downloads are www.emusic.com and www.iTunes.com.

If you are planning on taking a trip to any tropical locale in the summer months, be advised that mosquitoes can be a problem. You may have deluxe accommodations in a tropical getaway in anyone of the Caribbean islands or the Caribbean coast of Central America where mosquitoes are not a big concern, however, for outdoor activities, you're advised to always carry insect repellent with you. Insect repellent can make all the difference in the world in enjoying your tropical vacation.

One detail many may not be aware of is that humidity alone doesn't mean that the location you're in is infested with mosquitoes and other insects. However, heavy torrential downpours are common in the tropics during the summer which breed mosquitoes. For this reason, you should always carry insect repellent everywhere you go because it can rain anytime during the summer.

Insect repellent can be purchased virtually anywhere personal hygiene products are sold such as Walgreens, Target, and CVS. Most insect repellents are effective for use in the summer wherever insects can be a problem. However, if you are planning an extended stay in a tropical location (2 or more weeks), if would be worth your effort to do some research on the best insect repellent to purchase since you will need to use the insect repellent several times a day. There are several consumer guides you can peruse through, some of which are available on-line. One recommended site is www.consumersearch.com. There you will find a selection of repellents that are reviewed, with pros and cons listed. Additionally, there is an analysis for every product where you may find comparisons between brands.

When planning a tropical vacation in any exotic location where the weather can be hot, humid, and sometimes oppressive, you will want to pack tropical clothing that is suitable for that type of climate. If this will be the first time your first time in a tropical environment, chances are that you may not have anything in your closet worth packing, especially if you live in an area that is perpetually cool, dry and perhaps experiences some mild warm days. The good news about this is you can pack light when carrying tropical clothing and can find clothing for a tropical climate inexpensively. There is no need to pack coats, jackets, or heavy shoes. Dressing light is the rule!

So what exactly is tropical clothing? A novice traveler to the tropics may envision a wardrobe consisting of Hawaiian (or "Aloha") shirts, shorts, and sandals. Well, that's one way to look at it. Tropical clothing, however, is more common than you may realize. It's not really the cut or design of the clothes that make the garment "tropical" but the kind of fabric and colors used in your daily wear.

When you pack for a vacation in the tropics, it's important that you pack clothing made of natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk which breathe and help keep you cool. Do not pack any garment made with polyester as that is a synthetic fabric that will cause you to sweat endlessly and the discomfort is beyond oppressive. Also, it's suggested that you wear lighter colors as they reflect heat unlike dark clothing which absorb heat.

Although natural fabrics are well suited for the tropics, you'll still sweat more than you normally would back home. You may consider buying clothes made of silk and cotton which are washable. Silk needs to be dry cleaned and there may not be any facility for dry cleaning where you're going. With that in mind, it's best to be practical and take items you can wash yourself.

Finally, when shopping for tropical clothing, there's no need to be exotic in what you select. Many of the items you'll pack are items you can pull off the racks at Target or Macy's.

Vacationing on a tropical island can be one of the best and most relaxing experiences in your life. To stand in soft white sand and taking a dip in the clear turquoise waters surrounding the island is memorable and invigorating. However, experiencing very hot and humid weather without preparing to cope with it can spoil your vacation. You might even feel like going back home if you neglect to take precautions against tropical heat. There are various ways to cope with tropical heat to make your stay more enjoyable. Here are some examples:

First, wear light colored, loose fitting clothes made of silk, linen, or cotton to allow air to flow through to your body. A loose cotton or linen Hawaiian shirt is a good choice though some will scoff at wearing one because it can automatically label one as a "tourist". An alternative for men is the guayabera shirt which is designed to be worn untucked to allow air to flow through. For women, a long, loose cotton dress is recommended.

Second, drink plenty of cold water. It's probably tempting to drink beer or any assortment of cool tropical drinks all day but water is your best source to keep you hydrated and guard against fatigue and dehydration.

Third, wash your face and your wrists several times throughout the day to help you stay refreshed and cool. This step can also help you avoid the fatigue of overheating.

When visiting a tropical island or any location with a tropical or sub-tropical climate for any length of time, it's very likely you will encounter some discomfort because of intense heat and humidity. Sunburn is a common discomfort. Fortunately, suncreen use in the tropics is common and readily available for purchase anywhere. Because there are so many types of sunscreen on the market, it's important to do some research on the best kind of suncreen to buy.

Regardless of the type of suncreen you buy, there are a couple of common sense rules to keep in mind when applying suncreen. If you plan to do a lot of swimming, for example, you will want to keep reapplying sunscreen when you're out of the water since the suncreen you applied earlier washed off. Also, if you will spend time sitting on the beach or by a pool, you should keep reapplying sunscreen every 15 to 20 minutes to protect your skin from harmful rays. Don't assume that applying suncreen once or twice a day will be enough if you're engaging in outdoor activities.

When buying suncreen, it's important to check its sun protection factor (SPF) rating on the label. The SPF rating determines how well it will protect you from sunburn. When buying suncreen, you will want to know if the SPF content in the sunscreen will work for you. Don't assume that a well known brand and high price is what you need. It's more important that what's listed on the label will be effective..

To research the various suncreen products available, use a consumer magazine or website that rates their effectiveness and safety. If you still have concerns and are not sure what to buy, consult your doctor or a dermatologist for their recommendation.

Can't get away to a tropical island this summer? Why not bring the flavor of the tropics to your home with some cool tropical drinks you can make? Undoubtedly, there will be many hot summer days where you live and will long for cool tropical breezes on a beach in the Caribbean holding a cool drink in your hand. If you can't get away,.here are some suggestions that will keep you refreshed and cool on a hot summer afternoon anywhere.

Tropical drinks do not necessarily have to be alcoholic. There are many non-alcoholic beverages you can try. Though a nice margarita or strawberry daiquiri may be refreshing on a tropical day, there are alternatives to staying refreshed without the effects of alcohol.

One is a Caribbean Lemonade that consists mostly of ingredients used in lemonades you've drunk many times before. The key difference is that limes can be used as a substitute for lemon. Also, a Caribbean red syrup can be used which gives the drink a unique sweer flavor.

If you want a tropical taste without having to hassle with a recipe, you may want to drink a cool glass of mango juice which you can buy in a container. Whether you drink it your home on a hot summer day or in a tropical island, drinking mango juice is refreshing because it replenishes your body with nutrients such as vitamin A and C, and potassium. Mango juice can help restore nutrients that have been depleted due to fatigue and stress from intense heat and humidity.

You can get more information about these tropical drinks and many others by going to www.eHow.com.

Key West, Florida has long been a favorite destination for vacationers seeking to escape the harsh winters of the northeastern states during the winter months. Although the winter months remain the peak season for visiting the island town, the off-season months have also become busy. There is plenty to do and see in Key West in the daytime and evenings. You can go fishing in the morning, go snorkeling in the afternoon, watch a theater production in the evening, and dance the night away at many of the nightclubs. In the midst of all the fun, you're bound to get hungry at some point. Luckily, Key West restaurants are plentiful. You can stay there a month and not eat at the same place twice.

You can tell a lot about the native population of the island by the type of cuisine Key West restaurants serve. One highly recommended restaurant is El Meson De Pepe which is located in the town's Mallory Square. The cuisine can simply be identified as Cuban but it's really more than that. It is a unique "Key West Cuban" dining experience. The menu not only includes typical Cuban dishes such as black beans and roast pork, but also typical Key West favorites such as conch chowder and key lime pie. To enhance your Key West Cuban experience, the walls are lined with many historical artifacts of Key West's Cuban population which include old photographs and memorabilia dating back to more than 100 years. For more information, visit the restaurant's website at www.elmesondepepe.com.

There are many other Key West restaurants you can try. Another recommended choice is an old favorite called The Rooftop Café which is located at 308 Front Street. The cuisine leans strongly towards seafood served in a romantic atmosphere. It is one of several Key West restaurants you may decide to try for a nice quiet evening out.

For further information about The Rooftop Café and many other Key West restaurants, visit www.tripadvisor.com.

You've been waiting for this moment all year long. You're finally headed to the Florida Keys - your vacation destination - to engage in many fun activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and fishing in the Florida Keys. There are many spots along the Keys to swim and snorkel. You really need nothing more than your swimsuit, snorkeling gear, and a place to park your vehicle at one of the numerous beaches along the Overseas Highway. Fishing in the Florida Keys, however, may involve a little more planning especially if you're a novice fishing there.

If you're fishing in the Florida Keys, there are several types of fishing to choose from. One type of fishing is backcountry fishing in the Florida Everglades. Fishing in the backcountry will require that you hire a guide who knows the area well. It would be ill-advised to venture into the backcountry on your own if you're not famliar with the small channels where you can find redfish, bonefish, and tarpon. Fishing in the backcountry can be an enjoyable adventure but not recommended for the novice. If you decide to do this type of fishing, be advised that you may encounter a problem with mosquitoes when traversing the backcountry. Make sure that you carry plenty of repellent if you want to fish in the backcountry.

A popular type of fishing in the Florida Keys is party boat fishing which is recommended for the vacationer who is a novice fisherman. Party boats venture out to the scenic coral reef and around some of the shipwrecks where you can fish for king mackerel, snapper, and yellowtail. There are party boats available for half-day and full-day excursions. Party boat owners sometimes have crew members on hand who can show you how to fish and will even rent fishing gear to you if you don't have your own.

If you would like to fish in the back country or book space on a fishing boat, check with the concierge at your hotel. They can book space on a party boat that departs at a time convenient for you and can also get you in touch with a guide for backcountry fishing.

It's not always possible to get away to some lush tropical island but you can bring some of the pleasures of the tropics to your home. In the hot summer months when you're entertaining outdoors, why not give your outdoor patio an exotic touch with tropical furniture? You can give your patio an elegant look with tasteful furniture with a tropical touch that your guests will enjoy.

Tropical, of course, can mean different things to different people. One example of "tropical" are Hawaiian themed ornaments and tiki huts that are perfect for a Hawaiian luau in your backyard on a hot summer day. When buying such items, it's suggested you go cheap. Tiki often means tacky and you may only use these items a few times. Items such as these can be purchased online through The Tiki Master online but you're better off looking at other sources for lower prices.

For a more understated elegant tropical feel, there are furniture pieces made of rattan, wicker, and cane materials for indoor and outdoor use. A good source to check for tropical furniture is The Rattan Shack. Because a tropical atmosphere is often associated with entertaining outdoors, there is a wider selection of patio furniture than indoor furniture. However, very tastefully designed items such as office furniture and dining room sets are also available.

Remember that when you're shopping for tropical furniture, look for the best value. You don't want to pay too much for furnishings that may not be to your liking after a few years.

Cuban cuisine has been enjoyed in many American cities with a significant Cuban-American population for many years now. Although Cuban cuisine may not be as familiar to Americans as Mexican food, Cuban restaurants are becoming popular in American cities that didn't have them before. As Cuban Americans have settled in communities outside of areas where they have a large population such as Miami and New Jersey, Cuban eateries in these new communities have opened. Additionally, Cuban cuisine cookbooks are found in bookstore shelves where other cookbooks are stocked.

At its core, a typical Cuban dish consists of black beans and rice with a choice of beef, pork, chicken, or seafood. Other foods such as yuca (root vegetable) and platanos (bananas) are also commonly served with a meal. The cuisine is strongly influenced by Spanish, African, and other Carribean foods. For example, Spanish paella is often found in Cuban restaurant menus. In Cuba and in many Cuban-American communities, the cuisine is called comida criolla (creole food) because some of the root vegetables and fruits that are native to the Carribean are typically served with many Cuban meals.

If you would like to savor Cuban food but are unsure where you can find a Cuban restaurant near you, a recommended source to check out on the web is called Three Guys from Miami. This site is put together by two brothers and a friend who have travelled all over the country reviewing Cuban restaurants. They provide a listing of all the restaurants they've visited. The site is highly entertaining and includes some stories behind the origins of Cuban dishes.

For Cuban recipes, a cookbook titled Memories of a Cuban Kitchen by Mary Urrutia Randelman is recommended. The book not only offers many recipes but many anecdotes about the origins of these recipes.