Plan a Caribbean Vacation

Planning to travel to the Caribbean? Those setting out on their first Caribbean vacation will be amazed with how much there is to do and see. The Caribbean Islands have been steeped in rich history of ancient Mayan ruins, trecherous pirates with buried treasure chests and early explorers seeking the Lost City of Gold. And like them, you will marvel at the Caribbeans natural pristine beauty.

But in order to get the most out of your Caribbean vacation, we highly suggest reading this Caribbean travel guide. Our practical suggestions will enable you to get the trip you have been looking forward to, ensuring your travels into these exotic Caribbean destinations go smoothly, safely, with all the romance, excitement and adventure possible!

Before you begin reading this Caribbean vacation guide, please try to get as clear as possible on several things. 1) Do you have an exact destination in mind or will you still need to do some research? 2) Will you be traveling alone, as a couple, or with your family? 3) How long do you have for the entire vacation, including travel time factored in?

Answers to these three basic questions will assist you in making the most of this trip. Now we are well on our way!

Steps

  1. Plan your trip. Will you be traveling through many parts of the Caribbean or simply en route to your final destination where you will enjoy the majority of your trip? As many of you may still be researching the perfect Caribbean destination, here are some pointers that will help you in your efforts.
    • There are many Travel that offer excellent "destination guides" as part of their website. These include the likes of the travel giants Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz.
    • In addition, there are location specific travel brochures that one may request free of charge. Please access these highly informative guides through both the Lonely Planet's Caribbean Island destinations,as well as American Express's Caribbean electronic brochure. This free guide will help you in all facets of your research efforts towards making your own Caribbean travel itinerary.
  2. Destinations There are many popular Caribbean destinations. These are some of the most popular possibilities:
    • Antigua - Anguilla - Aruba - Outer Islands Bahamas - Bay Islands, Honduras - Bermuda, North Atlantic - Barbados - Bonaire - Grenadines - Curacao - Grand Cayman - Cancun, Mexico - Travel to Isla Mujeres - Cozumel, Mexico - Roatán Nevis - Martinique - Jamaica - Enjoy Puerto Rico - Guadeloupe - Grenada - St. Vincent - Tobago - Dominican Republic - St. Martin/St. Maarten - St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands - St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands - St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands - Tortola, British Virgin Islands - St. Lucia - St. Kitts – Tobago - Turks & Caicos
  3. Decide when to go. You can enjoy a dramatically discounted "summer" by visiting the islands during the lengthy low season, mid-April to mid-December. Prices of hotels can fall by 40% or more, package deals can be common and popular port towns can be far less crowded this time of year. The downside is that many of the more popular resorts close their doors during this off-season. In addition, the trade winds aren't as prevalent in summer, so the chance of encountering oppressively muggy weather is higher. Summer is also the hurricane season, and it is particularly bad in August and September, when some hotels, restaurants and shops close for the month. If your primary interest is in the culture of the islands, however, this can be an ideal time to visit.
  4. Know the costs involved. If your Caribbean dream vacation includes hiking through a rain forest, snorkeling along colorful coral reefs, exploring Mayan ruins and sunbathing along the miles of picturesque white sand beaches -- you will find it all here, but paradise does have its price. The cost of living is relatively low on most Caribbean islands, but by the time you add up your expenses for activities, lodging, meals, transportation and a little nightlife, a Caribbean vacation could cost more than you might expect. It is recommended that you write a chart out with all these facets of travel in order to realistically plan your Caribbean trip. By doing this, you will have a clearer picture of where you could save money. For example, if you are normally a first-class flyer perhaps you could think of allocating more money into a higher class resort with the money you would save flying coach.
  5. Make a Caribbean travel spending plan. If you are on a tight budget, review these pointers:
    • 1) Island choice: Choose your Caribbean island wisely, as there is a huge difference in price. Flights to Jamaica and Cancun are plentiful, therefore the price is going to be significantly lower than if you fly to the Dominican or St. Marteen.
    • 2) Consider a Enjoy a Carnival Cruise to the Caribbean instead: This is a marvelous option should you be interested in seeing many different islands. Great for the whole Family Vacations, but can also work well if you are single. Many cruises cater specifically to singles; Club Med vacations were built upon this tradition.
    • 3) Look for package deals, where your flight, hotel and car rental if needed, are priced as a single unit. This will invariably save you time and resources in planning out your perfect Caribbean vacation.
    • 4) Remember to always barter. This is after all the Caribbean islands, where bargaining is the rule not the exception. Do not over tip! This can be a mistake, as it could signal thieves in the area into thinking you are an easy target.
    • 5) Remember that Summer and Fall months are the cheapest, though this is also hurricane season. Most expensive time is during March and April, as the Caribbean Spring Breakers are out in full force with many hotels sold out.
  6. Choose your lodging. After selecting your destination, your island(s) of choice, it is then time to find the Caribbean hotel that will meet your needs. This is a rather critical step, as where you stay will greatly dictate the activities available to you. The majority of travelers vacationing in the Caribbean stay between 3-7 days. On the internet, one can simply go to any of the reputable on-line travel companies and type in the destination city. From this, you will get a list of hotels and resorts in the area. The advantage of an on-line travel provider is that you can easily sort the "results" out; such as by hotel star rating, lowest to highest price, sort by amenities,etc. Here is what to look for:
    • 1) Does the resort cater to families?
    • 2) If you are going there to party and meet new friends, or Spring Break, than look for the hotels known to be "hot spots" for the younger crowd. Read the hotel reviews. Trip Advisor is the leading and most trusted site, providing literally millions of travel reviews, helping you make more informed decisions.
  7. Consider a Caribbean all inclusive deal. An "All Inclusive" is where you pay one low price that includes your lodging, food, drinks and recreation. They even include your tips. Most "All Inclusives" in the Caribbean include all the recreation you could ask for, though things like scuba diving may have an added charge. Also, know that "All Inclusives" rarely will include spa treatments even though you book at a "spa resort all inclusive." Book Caribbean all inclusive vacations far in advance for best deals. Though it is known that "last minute deals" can save money, this is only because the hotel is trying to fill the space last minute as well. By waiting like this you run the enormous risk of not getting a room at all. In addition, these "last minute" travel bargains will almost never be "choice" rooms, rather these are the rooms no one else wanted. Booking in advance simply outweighs any benefits of waiting.
  8. Caribbean Dining. Caribbean restaurants are plentiful and represent a wide range of local and international dining options. Caribbean recipes combine African, Amerindian, French, East Indian, and Spanish styles of cooking. These traditions are a reflection of the early settlers of the region. Rice is the staple of a Caribbean meal - you'll find the rice on each island may be a little different. It is eaten with a variety of sauces and beans. Another Caribbean recipe favorite is called "Cook-up", or Pelau. This dish combines meats like chicken, beef, pigtail, saltfish, and vegetables with rice and pigeon peas. Seafood is one of the most common Caribbean recipe delicacies in the islands due in part to their geographic location. Each island will likely have its own specialty. Some prepare lobster, while others prefer certain types of fish. Barbados is known for its "flying fish," while Trinidad and Tobago is known for its cascadura fish and crab.
    • Conch is common among many islands including the Bahamas, though some islands have strict laws on how conch are fished. Turtle was once considered an island delicacy though since 1990s most of the Caribbean islands have made any sea turtle fishing, capture and sales illegal.
    • Lime and garlic are commonly used in Puerto Rico and Cuba.
    • Other common flavors throughout the region include cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. There are many locals that prepare Caribbean vegetarian food should your diet require this, especially in places like Jamaica. What is noteworthy about Caribbean dining is this - tourism being the number one staple in all the region dictates that they will have a restaurant for almost any international food. It may require some search, but many Caribbean restaurants have a great variety of tasty foods to enjoy. Most of the larger resorts offer quite a large selection of dining options. Caribbean foods purchased in the markets are surprisingly cheap, if you have a place to cook it.
  9. Plan the activities you'll enjoy. Listing all the wonderful places to see and things to do in the Caribbean could literally fill up volumes of pages. Adding difficulty to the task lies in the fact that each island has something unique to offer. This part offers a simple overview of what the major resorts in the Caribbean offer. Seek specific activities and events out at each of the locations you plan on traveling to–in this way, you will have an updated list you can count on. In polls of Caribbean Travel, the highest priority of most vacationers is the beach. They want dazzling sand where the warm turquoise sea mirrors an azure sky.
    • They also look for Plan Activities for the Beach such as swimming, para-sailing, skin diving, scuba diving certification, kayaking, sailboat excursions, jungle rides, cave exploration, sightseeing and shopping.
    • If in the right location, such as the Mexican Caribbean, you will not want to miss seeing the Mayan ruins, such as at Tulum or Chichen Itza - large pre-Columbian archaeological sites built by the Mayan civilization.
    • Additional Caribbean activity plans can be made through Viator. Research, plan and book Caribbean activities, events and tours with this highly reputable company - they are currently the largest "travel activities & tours" company in the world, listing 217 separate "things to do in the Caribbean. Consider some of the following activities below when planning what to do on your trip--
  10. Dolphin Discovery. Of particular fondness to children and adults, is the experience of playing and interacting with the dolphins. There are known reputable companies that specialize in dolphin encounters, such as "Dolphin Cove in Jamaica", "Dolphin Excursions in Bahamas" and "Dolphin Discovery",with dolphin adventure locations in Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Riviera Maya, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Vallarta and Tortola.
  11. Caribbean Spas. Many of the leading hotels in the Caribbean now have serious spas, not just a few treatment and beauty rooms, but full-service operations led by leading spa companies. So you can expect to relax in the lap of luxury. Even side-by-side, on his and hers beds, if you’re feeling romantically inclined. These fabulous spa services are always "extra" charges, so inquire at your destination resort for rates and services.
  12. Caribbean Golf. The islands have some of the world's most beautiful and challenging Caribbean golf courses, and hosts many major and local tournaments. Most golf courses in the Caribbean have in-season and off-season prices, as well as guest and non-guest prices (many courses are part of resorts or hotels) and member and non-member prices. Some of the more famous Caribbean golf clubs require carts and a mandatory caddy. Most offer club rentals. You should always call, email, or visit a specific courses website (if available) for the latest information, greens fees and tee times.
  13. Caribbean Nightlife & Entertainment. The Caribbean offers plenty to do when the sun goes down. But not all Caribbean islands have non-stop nightlife. Most all large Caribbean cities have something for everyone, from sophisticated hotel lounge bars to Caribbean dance clubs crowded by college kids. If you're looking for something on the tamer side, look into what your hotel has to offer. Many Caribbean hotels have planned activities for guests including tropical nights, beach barbecues and cocktail parties, Caribbean kids activities. And for those wanting a crazier evening? It is usually easy to find a "booze cruise" that goes out after the sun goes down and does not return until the wee hours of the morning. Legal drinking age varies, though 18yrs.old is the norm.
  14. Caribbean Casinos. Caribbean boasts over 114 casinos spread throughout its various islands. The Dominican Republic has more casinos than any other country in Caribbean, with 32 Caribbean casinos and 2105 slots. Next is found at Netherlands Antilles, which has 25 casinos. Following this is Puerto Rico with 17 casinos and Aruba and Jamaica with ten Caribbean casinos each. Antigua and Barbuda has 6 casinos. The largest casino in the Caribbean is Atlantis at Paradise Island Resort and Casino which is located in Nassau, Paradise Island, Bahamas. Caribbean gaming and Caribbean gambling are located these select island locations. Please note Caribbean casinos are not on every island, so plan accordingly. Caribbean is also popular for its Caribbean Casino Cruises.

Tips

  • Drink bottled water. Many of the islands in the Caribbean have adequate and safe drinking water, none-the-less it is not advisable ever to drink water from the tap while traveling.
  • If they speak a foreign language in your destination, bring along a foreign dictionary or phrase book. This not only allows you better communications, but many locals consider trying to speak in their language a means of goodwill and a gesture of respect. Should you have time prior to your travels, you can learn a foreign language free of charge from an actual person from the country to which you will be traveling.
  • Honeymoons and Weddings. There is perhaps no place as romantic to have your wedding at or at least the honeymoon after. Almost every Caribbean island offers picturesque wedding and honeymoon services. We highly suggest sticking with the larger resorts for this, as they will have had the most experience. The higher-end resorts may quote higher prices, though in the long-run may save you money, simply because they are better prepared. This is something that to ensure the highest success you will need to read other couples reviews of the particular hotel you are investigating. In this way, you are current with knowing what to expect.
  • U.S. Citizen Passport Requirement: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) when fully implemented on June 1, 2009 will require all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a valid passport or other approved document that establishes the bearer's identity and citizenship in order to enter or reenter the United States. Passport and Visas: Research the requirements of your Caribbean travel destination. The Caribbean islands are all owned by different countries. You are a guest of that country and most definitely will need a passport and often a visa too.
  • Cruise requirements - U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original or a certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by DOS, or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  • Travel Packing comfortably, but as light as possible. This ensures easy mobility and less chance for theft. Make sure you have a travel packing list that works for your particular vacation or travel needs. Make sure you have a carry on, in order to keep all medications, documents, camera, or even a laptop,in one place. This is almost mandatory so that if in the unlikely event your luggage is lost or mis-directed, then at least you're prepared with your vital possessions.

Warnings

  • File a copy of your travel documents and travel itinerary [plans] with a friend or neighbor prior to your departure. Make a list of all phone numbers you might need in case of an emergency.
  • Beware of buying foreign currency from anyone other than a reputable bank. Consider purchasing some of the country's currency prior to your arrrival, in order to ensure getting the best rate. Start to learn the "exchange" rates.
  • Lock all valuables in your hotel safe. Familiarize yourself with all fire exits and where any fire extinguishers in the hotel are.
  • Travel Safety & Security. You're better off in numbers or with groups. Do not walk around alone at night in any areas unfamiliar. Do not become overly friendly with everyone just because you are having a good time. This is not about being paranoid or fearful. It is simply about practicing good boundaries. Have fun, but be safe.

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