Our observations and tips from our trips to the Caribbean

• You will feel safe while travelling throughout the Caribbean, albeit one always needs to be on-guard for the unexpected. By European standards, the crime rate is low. However, petty pickpocketing (similar to other parts of Europe) although not common place, they can still happen. Always take the necessary precautions with your possessions. 

• Differing forms of Creole is the main language spoken by those living in the Caribbean, however, all citizens of the Caribbean speak excellent English.

• White, sandy beaches are common in the Caribbean, although some beaches consist of, hard to walk on, stones. So pack some water shoes.

• An American tipping culture pervades the Caribbean. Tips are expected and are seen simply as a kind gesture to acknowledge your server.

• Along with your passport, a Visa may be required for some Caribbean islands, depending on your country of origin.

• The CDC and the WHO recommend travellers to the Caribbean to get various vaccinations but no vaccinations are required when entering any of the Caribbean islands. It is the travellers own responsibility in this regard. 

• Tap water is unsafe to drink generally in the Caribbean.

• Caribbean islands have differing currencies, however, the American Dollar is universally accepted, as are all major credit cards.

• Wi-Fi is quite common in lots of hotels, hostels and restaurants and there are also plenty of internet cafes in the larger towns on all of the islands.

• Caribbean electrical plug and voltage types may vary from island to island. Do not forget to bring along plenty of electrical adapters.

• Purchase a local Caribbean SIM card for your smartphone once you arrive. With the new local SIM card inserted, your phone will be recognised as Caribbean, and you will receive much-improved Wifi and faster cell service.

• If you can, avoid planning a trip to the Caribbean outside the peak season, June until November, as the region is prone to violent storms during this hurricane season.

• In the larger metropolitan towns, credit cards are the preferred form of payment. As you move out of the major towns and into the smaller villages, local currency and the US dollar may be the only form of payment used.

• We recommend that you hire a car during your stay. The bus network, although generally extensive on the islands, it can also be quite time consuming. Be ultra aware while driving, as the local drivers generally drive erratically or unconventionally, in comparison to the norm.

 

 

 

Which ever island you choose to visit in the Caribbean, be sure to:-

• Taste the local cuisine.

• Explore all of the local tourist attractions on offer.

• Shop in the local market, if even for the experience alone.

• Find a good sundown vantage point and just enjoy the vista.

• Enquire about available hiking trails and get some exercise.

• Party with the locals, when the opportunity presents itself.

• Take some of the land and sea tours on offer.

• Make the best advantage of the sea, whether it is just paddling right up to extreme level water-sports. The sea in the Caribbean has something to offer everyone.

 

Which island should I/We visit ?

Hopefully, our previous experience of these listed islands, may aid you in answering, this question.

 

 

 

Antigua and Barbuda are easy to get to from Europe, US and Canada.  A vacation here would suit Sailing and Boating, Beach Lovers, Couples, Families, best.

Antigua and Barbuda are the ideal place for people who can’t stay in one spot the whole time. You’ll have the chance to go beach hopping and island hopping every day if you visit this yachting destination.

 

Aruba is easy to get to from Europe, US and Canada. As a Dutch colony, it has direct flights from Holland. A vacation here would suit Beach Lovers, Affordable Travel, Couples, Families, Gamblers, and Water-sports, best.

If your ideal vacation involves lounging around the beach 24/7, this is your destination. Aruba’s beaches are among the world's finest with crystal clear waters and white sand along the coastline. Aruba is also famous for its casinos and duty free shopping, in particular jewellery.

 

Bahamas is easy to get to from Europe, US and Canada.  A vacation here would suit Affordable Travel, Diving, and Families, best.

The Bahamas are probably one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean for family travel and weddings. Besides the popular Paradise Island (home to the Atlantis Resort), there are actually a ton of other hidden gems where visitors can experience diving, quiet beaches, and luxury villas.

 

Barbados is easy to get to from Europe, US and Canada.  A vacation here would suit Affordable Travel, Beach Lovers, Surfers, Golfers, Couples, Families, and Foodies, best.

The island of Barbados is perfect for people who are looking to explore outdoor activities at a lower cost than some of its neighbouring islands. Some of the beaches offer perfect waves for surfing or windsurfing. Golfers can also come and indulge here as Barbados offers some really exquisite golf courses. Be sure to take in the Cliff restaurant for a special night out.

 

 

Bonaire is easy to get to from Europe, US and Canada. As a Dutch colony, it has direct flights from Holland. It is the most aligned of all the Caribbean islands with regard to the environmental affect of tourism and it is working towards  a more sustainable tourism offering. A vacation here would suit Divers, Cyclists, Affordable Travel, Couples, Families, snorkelling and Water-sports, best. Bonaire’s diving locations are among the world's finest with crystal clear waters populated with wonderful corals and diverse marine life.

 

 

British Virgin Islands a visitor will most likely have to connect on a flight  into Tortola from a nearby island.  A vacation here would suit Sailors and Boating, Water-sports & Diving, Couples, and Families, best. Sunsail and many other yacht-hire firms have their base in Tortola. 

If you’re into sailing or boating, this is your destination. Visitors often explore the British Virgin Islands by these modes of transportation, making it great to explore all the little caves and bays around the terrain. People who enjoy snorkelling and diving will also find paradise among the islands here.

 

Cayman Islands are easy to get to from Europe, US and Canada.  A vacation here would suit Water-sports & Diving, Beach Lovers, Affordable Travel, Foodies, Families, and Golfers, best.

Heading to the Cayman Islands can feel a lot like visiting places in Southern Florida. Vacationers can enjoy outdoor activities, such as snorkelling and diving or lounging on pristine beaches (like Seven Mile Beach). You can also go golfing or dine at upscale restaurants

 

 

Cuba is becoming easier to get to, with an increase in flights as travel restrictions ease. It has always been easy to get from Europe. A vacation here would suit Adventure Travel, Music Lovers, History Lovers, Couples, Foodies, Beach Lovers, and Affordable Travel, best.

For a truly exotic and foreign experience in the Caribbean, you’re going to want to head to Cuba right now. The rumours are true... The island really looks as if it has just been unleashed from a time capsule from the 1950s, but there is still so much untouched beauty that visitors can explore. There are beaches to visit, urban adventures to explore, delicious food to indulge in, and lots of music to dance to. Head there quick before they ruin it with US fast-food restaurants.

 

 

Curacao is easy to get to from Europe, US and Canada. As a Dutch colony, it has direct flights from Holland.

The appeal of going to Curacao is the diving/snorkelling excursions and the cuisine. The beautiful bays and colourful urban landscapes are a pleasure to visit also.

 

 

Grenada  is easy to get to via St Lucia from Europe, US and Canada. A vacation here would suit Beach Lovers, Couples, Outdoor Adventures, Hiking, Couples, Families, Foodies, and Relaxation, best.

Grenada (The Spice island) is somewhat of an untouched beauty in the Caribbean. This little island is perfect for a beach vacation getaway where you won’t have to deal with hoards of tourists and bustling crowds. The rainforest also offers a great escape into nature, while St. George’s (the capital) looks like a mini replica of the Italian Riviera.

 

 

Jamaica is easy to get to from Europe, US and Canada.  A vacation here would suit Music Lovers, Foodies, Beach Lovers, Affordable Travel, Outdoor Adventures, Couples, Families, and Golfers, best.

Jamaica, which was once known as the home of reggae music and Bob Marley, is quickly coming onto the scene as a perfect Caribbean getaway for any type of traveller. You can still come to experience the incredible music scene, local cuisine, the natural landscapes and terrain, the idyllic beaches, and the luxurious resorts.

 

 

St. Lucia is easy to get to from Europe, US and Canada. A vacation here would suit Couples, Beach Lovers, Outdoor Adventures, Hiking, Water-sports & Diving, and Luxury Travel, best.

St. Lucia is known for being the ultimate honeymooner’s destination of the Caribbean. It offers breathtaking views of its mountains, great hiking terrain, lush waterfall and rainforest trails, and botanical gardens. But if you come here to just kick it on the beach, you won’t be disappointed either.

 

Puerto Rico is easy to get to from Europe, US and Canada. A vacation here would suit Adventure Travel, Music Lovers, Gamblers, History Lovers, Couples, Foodies, Beach Lovers, and Affordable Travel, best.

Puerto Rico is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean. It offers gorgeous beaches, the only rainforest in North America, colourful streets and nightlife, casinos and live music, delicious food, tons of rum and surfing.

 

 

St Martin is easy to get to from Europe, US and Canada. A vacation here would suit Cultural Travel, Foodies, Beach Lovers, and Urban Travel, best.

St Martin island is shared between the Dutch to the south and the French to the north, thus offering a very unique cultural experience on both parts of the island. The French side offers a more laid back and charming vibe, while the Dutch side offers a more boisterous and vibrant feel. There are also tons of fusion cuisine restaurant choices because of these two unique cultures that sit side by side.

 

 

St Vincents & the Grenadines are easy to get to from Europe, US and Canada.  A vacation here would suit Diving, Sailors & Boating, and Adventure Travel, best.

St Vincents & the Grenadines are a string of islands that are probably the least visited area of the Caribbean, but they offer a lot for a particular type of traveller. These islands are great for divers and people who love boating and sailing, which works out well for them since it’s not overly congested with tourists.