The Caribbean is an extremely popular part of the world for tourists. But if you’re planning a holiday to the archipelago, it’s worth putting a plan together before you head out. That way, you’ll be able to squeeze every last drop of fun and fulfilment from your travels.
But exactly what makes a good plan? Let’s take a look at a few crucial factors to consider.
Choose the Right Island for Your Style
There are several thousand islands in this region. Some are tiny and deserted; others are sprawling, with vibrant cultures and plenty of natural beauty to pick through.
Your choice of island will depend on your personal preferences. Couples might prefer the romantic seclusion of St. Lucia. Clubbers might want to head to Barbados to enjoy the legendary nightlife. Environmentalists might prefer Dominica, where they can spend weeks in an eco-retreat, surrounded by nature.
Pick the Best Time to Travel and Avoid Crowds
This part of the world tends to become crowded at certain times of year. This tends to be when the weather in Europe is drizzly and dreary, between December and April. The region is busiest during the middle of this period, during the school holidays.
If you want to avoid crowds, and minimise your costs, you might prefer the ‘shoulder’ seasons, at the beginning and end of this spell. It’s also worth favouring the more obscure islands and resorts. Make sure that you do your research, and that you aren’t going to be visiting during hurricane season.
Decide Between a Resort Stay or an Island-Hopping Adventure
Holidaymakers in the Caribbean tend to fall into one of two categories. There are those who seek to see many different islands as part of a longer tour of the region, and there are those who prefer to settle on just one or two for the duration of their stay.
The former approach offers greater variety, but it tends to be a little more involved as far as planning goes. If you want the former, but would prefer to keep things simple, Caribbean cruise holidays tend to offer the best of both worlds. You’ll move from island to island as you go, but you won’t need to spend all of your time planning the trip.
Build Your Budget: Flights, Stays, and Experiences
Much of your budget should be allocated toward the cost of your flight and accommodation. You’ll need to pay more for some activities, like snorkelling and jet-skiing. Others, like hiking, are more affordable. You can often save by booking things together and by preferring more obscure, out-of-the-way islands.
