Splashing in the summer sun: enjoy swimming, dining, shopping and dancing at popular American and Caribbean hot spots - includes car rental safety tips

Ebony, May, 1997 by Lisa Jones Townsel

Another tropical nook full of dayand nighttime fun is the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Maarten, which shares the distinction with its northern, French neighbor--St. Martin--as being the smallest island in the world to be shared by two sovereign powers. By day, guests to St. Maarten can parasail, jet ski, take a walk along the beach front or stop by Mullet Bay's championship, 18-hole golf course. Diehard bargain-hunters may want to bypass those activities altogether to spend the day looking for bargains since both halves of the land mass make up the only completely duty-free island in the Caribbean. At dusk, island visitors can enjoy soothing tradewinds and sample local fare at any of the island's 300-plus restaurants, or they can try their luck at any of the island's booming casinos.

Summer's offerings are exciting and plentiful, so don't let the beauty, sites and sounds of the season pass you by. Plan ahead. Remember to check all dates, locations and time schedules with local tourism boards. Then kick up your heels and embark on the vacation of a lifetime.

RELATED ARTICLE: CAR RENTAL SAFETY TIPS

1. Make sure you have the proper amount of insurance coverage for collision, liability and personal injury, etc.

2. Secure directions and an area map from your rental agent prior to leaving the parking lot if you are unfamiliar with the area.

3. Make a visual check of the car's exterior and interior. Also check the trunk and glove compartments.

4. Familiarize yourself with the instrumentation panel.

5. Adjust seat and fasten seat belt.

6. Adjust mirrors.

7. If your vehicle is bumpd from behind, do not stop. Drive to the nearest well-lit public area and call for police assistance.

8. Park onlyy in a lighted area.

9. Keep doors locked and windows up when traveling.