Since the world opened back up for holiday goers, some of the top destinations in the world have finally been ticked off of their bucket lists. At the very top of many of said lists will be Caribbean destinations.
Consistently one of the top-rated holiday destinations, the Caribbean is full of incredible scenery, beaches and hotels for all of us. With so many different islands, the possibilities are seemingly endless.
As it is so sought out, it is important to plan ahead for your trip should you visit. It is vital you have a firm idea of what you would like to plan for your trip as so you can fit in as such as possible during your time.
If you are planning a future trip to the Caribbean, then look no further. Here we will walk you through plenty of ideas on how you can make the most of your vacation on one of the many beautiful Islands.
Shop your destination
As mentioned, there are so many different places in the Caribbean to visit with something for everyone at each destination. Whilst many of us know of the beauty and culture of Jamaica and Barbados, don’t lock yourself in before looking elsewhere.
Smaller islands such as St Kitts are full of beauty, sun and culture and are often overlooked in favour of the more well known destinations. Of course, anywhere you holiday is bound to be amazing but do your research before settling on where to go!
It doesn’t have to be purely land based
When you think of holidaying your mind immediately thinks of hotels with nice pools and great bars. But with so much clear blue sea surrounding the Caribbean, there are tonnes of excursions that come with it.
For example, there are many online platforms like borrowaboat.com for a catamaran charter in the BVI’s, where you could relax on the sea as well as experience some unforgettable views with Borrow a Boat. You can charter a catamaran for a day with your captain taking you out into the ocean for an unforgettable experience complete with scenic views and indulgence.
Chartered to give you the best food and drink the island has to offer, this truly is one of the best ways to experience the Caribbean.
There are also plenty of ski and jetski experiences that you will not want to miss out on. In fact, you may even opt to go on a cruise in which case you could visit multiple islands during your stay!
Explore beyond your hotel
Although your hotel is bound to be beautiful and likely all-inclusive, try and experience the island outside of the grounds. Whilst you most likely have everything you need at the click of a finger, you would be doing both yourself and the island a disservice if you weren’t to explore.
You can meet with locals, dine in restaurants on local cuisine or try one of the many excursions on offer. There are so many things to do and each island is unique so really try and go out of your way to appreciate it.
Carry Cash
This is a very important tip when visiting the Caribbean, especially if you are venturing beyond the hotel walls. There are tonnes of markets and roadside food-stops that will only take cash and the last thing you want to do is miss out.
Whilst many islands accept the US Dollar, make sure to do your research beforehand as for some you will need local currency. Also, the service staff everywhere you go are delightful and will warrant a tip as they make your stay as amazing as they can!
Look at transportation
One often overlooked expense of travelling in general is how you will get around should you leave your hotel. The first thing you will need to know of course if your transfers from the airport to your hotel, but you will often be able to sort this through the airline you fly with.
Look into possibly renting a car beforehand and failing that contact your hotel to see if they offer shuttles or a cab service. Most of these questions can be answered at the desk of the hotel but there is no harm in finding out beforehand to best prepare.
Be Safe
Whilst these are some great tips to prepare for the holiday of a lifetime, there are a few other things you must know beforehand. One of the most important things is knowing how to stay safe.
As with any holiday, always make sure your valuables are safe and try not to carry them with you at all times. Speak at the desk to work out places that you should perhaps avoid.
There is also the danger of natural disasters and although these are rarely devastating it is far from unheard of. Try and avoid visiting during hurricane season, the peak of this usually being between mid August-late October.
If you do travel at this time, find out where evacuation shelters are and the hotel’s evacuation plan. Aruba, Barbados, Curaçao, and Grenada lie just south of the hurricane belt and rarely get hit head-on.
With all that being said, the Caribbean is truly one of the best destinations to visit in the world and you are in for a unique, incredible experience. Use these tips to make the most of the vacation of a lifetime and prepare to have your socks blown off!
