words Al Woods
Ask a selection of people where they would like to visit above all others, and a significant portion would likely say the Caribbean. After all, all you need to do is look at a few photos, and already you’re mentally packing your bags and dreaming of spending a week or two on those beautiful beaches.
Though the cost of visiting has historically been prohibitive, there’s a growing trend of cheap flights that are making the islands more accessible.
So why not look at taking a trip? In this blog, we’re going to look at a selection of tips that’ll ensure you have a trip to remember.
Go At The Right Time
In truth, there is no awful time to visit the Caribbean. You’ll have a fun time no matter when you go. Most attractions and sightseeing spots are open year-round, so you can visit these tourist attractions whenever you want. But if you want to live the Caribbean dream from beginning to end, then there are some periods that are better than others. In general, you’ll find the best weather is from January through to April. That’s the period with the least amount of rain. But if you do go outside that period, then fear not — the rain that does come usually arrives in heavy bursts, which can actually be kind of fun to just sit back and watch.
Pack Correctly
You’ll have a lot of potential to have an incredibly relaxing and restorative time when you’re visiting tropical islands. But this will only happen if you pack correctly. If you’re not wearing the right clothes, then you’ll be setting yourself up for an uncomfortably sticky time. In the Caribbean, there’s one material that stands out above all the rest — cotton! Make sure you’re packing plenty of 100% cotton clothing, and you’ll be as comfortable as can be.
Visit More Than One Island
You might have your heart set on just one particular destination. However, it’ll be best to look at visiting multiple islands. Though they might all look broadly similar, the truth is that there can be a lot of differences between the different islands in the region. You’ll nearly always find that you like some islands more than others — and when you stumble upon the one that you positively love, you’ll be extremely pleased that you took the time to journey from one island to the next. Plus, it’s pretty easy to move from one space to the next anyway.
Live It Up On The Water
Most people decide that they want to visit the Caribbean as soon as they see the beautiful beaches that the region offers. This, of course, is the main draw. You don’t just have to admire the crystal clear waters from the beach, however. You can also get up close and personal too. Live the island life to the fullest by getting onto the water in a boat. Charter a yacht in the Caribbean, and you’ll have a five-star experience as you’re exploring the region’s most beautiful — and sometimes hidden — spots. And once you’ve enjoyed the best of the best on top of the water, you can move on to checking out what’s underneath the water….
Under the Sea
As we said above: in the Caribbean, water is king. There’s a whole host of activities that you can enjoy under the water. For example, what about snorkelling or diving? Don’t worry if you’re not sure how to do it — there are plenty of companies in the area that’ll be happy to show you for a fee. Another option is to swim with dolphins. This can feel like a once in a lifetime experience that’ll make your trip all the more memorable. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, then you could look at kitesurfing. This is technically on top of the water, but if it helps, you’ll spend more than a little time dunked under the water as you’re learning how to do it.
Check Out the Food
If you’re a food lover, then you will love your trip to the Caribbean. Every island has its own specialities, but they all share a common theme: they’re all delicious. Given the landscape, it’ll come as no surprise that fish and seafood feature heavily on the menu. Ask the local special, and you won’t be disappointed. As well as the food, be sure to check out the coffee — this region produces some of the best in the world. You’ll take some home with you!
Head Away From The Beach
The beach is where you’ll spend most of your time when you’re in the Caribbean. But if you’re looking for something that’s a little more adventurous, then you’ll have plenty of options. Though they don’t get many headlines, the Caribbean boasts plenty of natural areas that other countries could only dream of having. One of the best is Dunns River Falls in Jamaica. You’ll climb, you’ll swim, you’ll bask in the beauty. For more of a challenge, look at hiking to the top of Gros Piton. It looks difficult, but anyone with a moderate level of fitness can do it just fine.
Sink into the Pleasures
Finally, our number one travel tip for your trip to the Caribbean: sink into all the pleasures that it has to offer. We spend enough of our time rushing around or working hard. The Caribbean is not made with that mindset in mind. It’s a region that invites you to sink into the sand, forget your worries, and dream big. So don’t feel too bad if you want to do nothing more than just lie on the beach and read all day. The only problem is that there’s every chance that you won’t want to leave. But hey, you can always come back in the future.
Conclusion
Very few people take the time to go to the Caribbean and end up regretting their decision. This is a place that’s got fun, beauty, and relaxation in abundance, so if you’re drawn to any of those things (and how could you not be?), then you’ll find that there’s something for you to enjoy.
