Caribbean

Each island of the Caribbean has its own unique character, but the basic attractions are common to all: crystal-clear, turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, blue skies, a friendly welcome and a supremely chilled out vibe. These paradise islands are, first and foremost, places to kick back and enjoy the good life; however if you can tear yourself away from the beaches, there is a whole lot more to be discovered.

Arguably the most interesting island to visit is Cuba. From the old forts, museums and night life of Havana to the pristine beaches and dive sites to the west, there is enough here to keep you occupied for weeks, if not months.  Travelling around can test the patience a little, but learning a few words of Spanish will be a big help.

Jamaica really does live up to the hype of its rum and reggae culture. Relax on the gorgeous beaches of Negril to the omnipresent beat of Bob Marley. Enjoy world-famous jerk chicken and blue mountain coffee. But Jamaica is also different to its neighbours for its unique history and culture, which is, oddly, inherently more African than typically Caribbean. Other activities to enjoy on this varied island include hiking tours in the lush interior, and diving which offers world-class reefs and some interesting wrecks.

For a genteel Caribbean experience, head to Barbados, one of the region’s most developed islands which has an interesting colonial history and super friendly people. Its Atlantic coastline is rugged and beautiful and its interior is interesting and offers good hiking opportunities. Other activities to enjoy here include windsurfing and diving.

The most popular time to visit the Caribbean is from October to April, as hordes of tourists escape the cold, dark winters of Europe and the USA. The peak season is around Christmas and New Year, when many of the islands will be sold out months in advance, and prices can double. Visiting during low season will offer you much better value; however the weather will be slightly muggy and there is more chance of occasional rain – and you may find some of your transport options are reduced. The only period you may wish to avoid is between August and October, which is hurricane season, when many hotels, restaurants and shops will close up. The ideal months for visiting the are November and early December: rates are low but the weather is perfect and everything will be open!

Generally speaking, the Caribbean is not a particularly cheap destination; on average it is only marginally cheaper than the USA or Europe. As a rough guide, the further south you go, the cheaper it gets.  At the top end of the scale are the likes of St. Lucia and Grand Cayman; in the ‘middle ground’ you have Barbados and Trinidad, whilst Cuba and Dominican Republic will give you more value for money, and it is possible to get by there on under 50 US dollars a day, particularly if you travel on local buses and eat from the tasty street food stalls.

For more information try the following travel guides.