The Caribbean Destination Guide

Endless miles of white, powdery sand, exotic, lush green botanical gardens, a rich Colonial history, acres of sugar plantations and some of the warmest and friendliest people in the  Caribbean - that’s Barbados! Its special character comes from the huge Afro-Caribbean influence which is evident in the island’s music, dance and cuisine. The capital, Bridgetown, is home to the third oldest Parliament in the Commonwealth and the statue of Lord Nelson in National Heroes Square (formerly Trafalgar Square) is older than the one in Trafalgar Square, London by some 30 years. Tax-free shopping is a big draw with trendy boutiques carrying designer labels and department stores offering all the best-known brands.

The sights

Historic plantation houses offer an insight into Bajan life under Colonial rule. While some may now be reduced to ruin there are frequently parks on these premises which offer stunning views of the coast. There is much to captivate all ages at the Barbados Museum, once the British Detention Barracks. Many of the galleries here are in renovated prison cells. Enjoy an afternoon at one of the rum distilleries or see where Barbados’ prize-winning Banks beer is brewed, or if it’s a family day you’re after, unleash the history stored within the walls of an old sugar cane factory. Snorkelling and submarine trips are popular ways to view the treasures of the depths or alternatively, choose from numerous yachts and sailing excursions around the island.

In a nutshell

Barbados claims to be the most visited island in the Caribbean and has its own very special warmth and charm. Driving on the left gives a feeling of home, but there is no mistaking that you are far from our cooler shores. A holiday in Barbados can be as leisurely or as active as you wish with glorious beaches, sightseeing and countless restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Don’t forget to try the island’s famous (or should that be infamous) rum punch!

The facts

Geography: Located in the southern Caribbean a mere 14 miles by 21 miles and covering 166 square miles with St Vincent and St Lucia being its closest neighbours. The population is some 266,800 (92% is of African descent, 4% European, 3% of mixed descent and 1% Indian and Asian).  It became a British Colony in 1627, but gained its independence on 30 November 1966 whilst continuing to be part of the British Commonwealth.
Language: English, but the Bajan dialect is widely spoken.
Passports: You will need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months beyond your date of return.
Visas: Not required for British passport holders for stays of less than three months as long as you have a return ticket.
Vaccinations: Vaccinations are strongly recommended. For further information, please consult your doctor.
Travelling time: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and BWIA fly to Barbados. The travelling time from London to Barbados is around 8 hours.
Local time: GMT -4 hours.
Currency: Barbados dollar. US dollars are readily accepted and US traveller’s cheques are probably more useful than sterling. However, sterling can be changed to Barbados dollars at any bank on the island as well as at most hotels and at the end of the holiday any remaining Barbados dollars can be reconverted to sterling at the exchange bureau at the airport.
Best times to travel: With 3000 hours of sunshine a year and the north east trade winds keeping the temperature at a constant 27-30ºC and just enough rainfall to keep things green, almost any time of the year is good. The driest period, though, is from January to April and June to December can be wetter, although the rain never lasts long. November is the most unpredictable time to travel. Hurricane season is not such a threat here, as generally hurricanes cross the region further north.

The Caribbean is made up of over 7,000 islands delightfully dotted between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The main islands have become hugely popular and blessed with a year round tropical climate, stunning white sandy beaches, shimmering blue waters and lush vegetation; it’s easy to see why! Each island is unique and amazes with its diversity – in climate and landscape, in language, religion and customs, in the history showcased and the proud achievements in areas like music, sports, art and education. Whichever island you choose there is something for everyone. For those who like adventure there is some excellent hiking with many of the islands having marked trails for you to explore. And don’t forget the well known coral reefs alive with multi-coloured fish, which make it a popular choice amongst divers.

The culture

The Caribbean culture is a blend of different people and backgrounds. The modern day Caribbean is likely to be a descendant of an African slave or a Chinese or Indian labourer or a European colonial or a Middle Eastern trader. Many of their forefathers came to the islands by force, but the people of the Caribbean stayed in their new lands and over the years, a real sense of belonging has been created and the people look forward to the future with optimism rather than looking back at their difficult pasts. As you might expect from such a diverse heritage, there is a huge range of religious belief. What you will notice, though, regardless of the actual religion, is that church-going on a Sunday morning has an importance all of its own. The Caribbean’s other religion is music! Even though the islands are unique they all share a passion for music – arguably the pulsing heartbeat of life in the Caribbean and very much entwined in the islanders’ culture. Musical traditions that date back to the time of slavery are maintained, whilst Gospel music reflects the colonial past and the influence of American culture. Bob Marley exported reggae across the globe and that was followed soon after by salsa and merengue. The Caribbean is now a centre for world music. Concert venues attract the international stars of the classical music circuit for sell-out performances. Whatever your taste, you’ll find it more than satisfied in the lands of rhythm and melody!

The nightlife

The Caribbean is most definitely a destination of lazy days and lively nights with rum and reggae a plenty! The Caribbean is renowned for its lively nightlife where you can easily party till dawn.
Many of the larger hotels offer diverse entertainment programmes and you will find discos both inside and outside the hotels. Most of the islands have casinos and if you plan to pay one of them a visit, make sure that you have appropriate clothing, as dress codes tend to be quite formal. Eating out is a delight with a wide variety of cuisines to sample from the typical American to the local Creole style. As you might expect from sea-faring islands, the fish is excellent.

The beaches

Whether you are looking for miles of white sandy beaches or a secluded cove, the Caribbean has it all! It is the ultimate beach destination offering more than you could possibly imagine.

The options

Each island has lots to explore but destination-skipping or “island-hopping” is easy as the islands lie close together. Regional airlines criss-cross the islands making inter-island touring uncomplicated, while their short-hop commuter airline partners in the region widen your choice of destinations and schedules….and fly low for better sightseeing. The Caribbean Islands make for a perfect twin centre with America. With flight connections from Miami, Dallas, Chicago, Boston or New York to any one of the four fabulous hotspots – St Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua or Barbados, the choice is yours! For more information on the options available, talk to one of our knowledgeable travel advisors or ask to see our America brochure for details on the wide range of properties available

All-inclusive arrangements

Many hotels in the Caribbean are either all-inclusive or offer the option of paying a little extra to go all-inclusive. This is an ideal arrangement for those who prefer to budget in advance for their holiday expenses. All-inclusive means just that, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner, the holiday price includes the cost of unlimited beverages – one of those items which can quickly raise the cost of your holiday. Most hotels have named and local brand drinks on offer – however some do just offer local drinks as part of their all-inclusive programme; some also only offer house wines by the glass with meals. Details of what is included in each hotel’s all-inclusive programme is detailed within the hotel description.

Check in at your hotel

Virgin Atlantic offer their passengers the opportunity to check in for their flight home away from the hustle and bustle of the airport. Passengers flying with Virgin who are staying at selected hotels can actually check in for their flight home in the lobby of their hotel on the morning of their return flight. Boarding cards will be issued and luggage will be taken to the airport for you. This innovative service ensures you have more time to relax on the last day of your holiday and that you don't have to spend as much time waiting around at the airport. Look out for the ‘chill’ logo.

In a nutshell...

“Each of the Caribbean islands offer something different to the next. All however, offer stunning beaches, beautiful scenery and friendly locals with a warmth and charm that is world renowned.”

The facts

Language: English, although most islands have their own dialects as well.
Passports: You will need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months beyond your date of return.
Visas: Not required for UK passport holders for stays of less than three months as long as you have a return ticket
Vaccinations: Vaccinations are strongly recommended. For further information, please consult your doctor.
Climate: The Caribbean climate is fairly constant with variations in temperature and rainfall from month to month relatively minimal. High season is generally considered to be from December to April and the hurricane season extends from July to October. Early warning systems and modern weather forecasts mean that information about approaching hurricanes is available several days in advance enabling visitors to prepare or move on. Hurricanes and high winds are possible during this time, but less likely in Barbados, Jamaica and Tobago than St Lucia and Antigua.
Travelling time: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and BWIA fly direct to most of the Eastern Caribbean islands, although some flights may involve a short stop en route. Air Jamaica offer flights to Jamaica. Non stop flying time is around 8 hours.
Local time: Jamaica GMT -5 hours. Other islands GMT -4 hours.

Antigua possesses an astonishing 365 beaches – one for every day of the year! Whilst some are tiny, secluded coves, others stretch along an open expanse of white coastline. With so many to choose from, you can be sure that the beaches will never be overcrowded and secluded stretches of sand are the norm. For those who want to relax, a cruise along the stunning coastline in a catamaran stopping at a bay for snorkelling and lunch are on offer as well as day trips to neighbouring Barbuda. If you seek something more from your holiday, then Antigua is rich in culture and history - famed for providing a safe haven for Nelson’s British naval fleet. Christopher Columbus found the island in 1493 and the British arrived in 1632 and began developing sugar plantations. At Harmony Hall, you can visit an old sugar mill which has been converted into a complex housing an art gallery displaying paintings, photos and crafts by local artists.

The sights

Forming part of a designated national park, Nelson’s Dockyard at English Harbour is one of the finest natural harbours in the Caribbean and is complete with a museum, shops, hotels and restaurants. Embraced within the park is Shirley Heights, a rambling array of gun emplacements and military buildings, best known today for the breathtaking views. Be sure to travel along the picturesque Fig Tree Drive from the low central plain of the island up into the ancient volcanic hills in the island’s southwest. Along the way are banana, mango and coconut groves as well as a number of old sugar mills and pleasant little churches. Other sights include the charming Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, Indian Town National Park, Fort James and Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation.

In a nutshell

A picture book tropical island with more beaches than you can imagine - all white sand touched by turquoise seas and lacy waves – this is the Caribbean as you imagine it. Make sure you visit what is claimed to be the most beautiful beach on the island - Half Moon Bay. There’s definitely more to it than sea and sand though and you should not miss a visit to St John, the capital, and Fort James at the northern entrance to the harbour.

The facts

Geography: The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua lies in the north east of the Caribbean. The population is just 66,000 – a third of whom reside in the capital, St John. The island covers 108 square miles.
Language: English, but the local dialect is widely spoken.
Passports: You will need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months beyond your date of return.
Visas: Not required for British passport holders for stays of less than three months as long as you have a return ticket.
Vaccinations: Vaccinations are strongly recommended. For further information, please consult your doctor.
Travelling time: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, bmi and BWIA fly to Antigua. The travelling time from London to Antigua is around 8 hours.
Local time: GMT -4 hours.
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). US dollars are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops and you may wish to consider taking US dollar travellers cheques with you. Sterling can be exchanged in banks.
Best times to travel: Amongst the driest in the Caribbean, high season runs from mid-December to mid-April, although there is little monthly difference in temperature or rainfall.

Known as the Spice Island of the Caribbean and famous for the nutmeg, which has been grown there since the 1780s when the British brought it over from East India, Grenada claims to be the prettiest island in the Lesser Antilles. Whilst others may not agree with this, its capital, St George, is indisputably a gem – a picturesque and charming town built around the rim of a crater which   forms its harbour and a mixture of French and English colonial architecture – the happy result of the island’s changing ownership down the years. Inland, Grenada is amazingly fertile as a result of the rain which is deposited by the trade winds on the green, lush rainforests. Waterfalls spill into translucent pools amidst emerald forests – a sight to behold.

In a nutshell

Grenada is one of most scenic islands in the Caribbean. Although it is also one of the wettest, this should not put you off visiting this enchanting island, as it rarely rains for more than an hour at a time. With over 40 beaches and constant temperatures year round, this is a beautiful destination. The capital, St George, must be visited and the Saturday market is not to be missed.

The facts

Currency: EC (Eastern Caribbean) dollar, although US dollars are also widely accepted.
Geography: Only 21 miles by 12 miles and lying at the southernmost tip of the Windward Islands, Grenada is actually made up of three islands – Grenada itself, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Best times to travel: The driest time is from January to May and the wettest from June to December, although it rarely rains for more than an hour at a time and not every day.

Its name means land of water and forest and it is an island full of contrasts – compare the volcanic origins of the Blue Mountains in the east to the limestone formations in the centre and west or the sandy beaches protected by large reefs and rocks around Negril to the mangrove jungle and rocky outcrops where the sea pounds the shore. Jamaica has only been independent for just over 40 years, but the people are proud of their African roots and as well as reggae and rastafarianism, they have a thriving art and literary culture.

The sights

Away from the beach, Jamaica’s heritage is rich and can be discovered in countless great houses, churches, forts and old homes, while plantation tours take you to picturesque estates brimming with crops such as sugar cane, banana and coffee. The Bob Marley Museum is located in Kingston at Marley’s original studio where he recorded many of his songs while in the hills of St Ann the birthplace and final resting place of this reggae legend can also be seen. Dunn’s River Falls is perhaps Jamaica’s most famous attraction and is perfect for the entire family or you may opt to board a bamboo raft for a leisurely journey along the scenic Martha Brae River.

In a nutshell

The land is beautiful, dominated by the Blue Mountain peak, the people are full of character and typical of the Caribbean, the pace of life is slow. If someone says they will "soon come", don’t expect too much! Just relax and enjoy!

The facts

Geography: 140 miles long and 50 miles wide and covers an area of 4441 square miles.
Language: English
Passports: You will need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months beyond your date of return.
Visas: Not required for British passport holders for stays of less than three months as long as you have a return ticket.
Vaccinations: Vaccinations are strongly recommended. For further information, please consult your doctor.
Travelling time: Air Jamaica fly to Jamaica. The travelling time from London to Jamaica is around 8 hours.
Local time: GMT -5 hours.
Currency: Jamaican dollar, although the US dollar is widely accepted.
Best times to travel: The dry months are from mid-December to mid April. Most of the rain falls from May to June and October to November, although this is usually in the form of showers or thunderstorms. Average temperatures are around 27°C, but the almost constant north-easterly wind makes this more bearable. In late autumn, the weather can be cloudy and drizzly. Temperatures in the mountains are always cooler, so a pullover or jacket may be required.

A volcanic island rising up from turquoise water located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, rich in natural beauty from its golden sand beaches to its verdant mountainous, inland area with its twin peaks, Gros and Petit Piton. The island is covered in thick, lush, emerald green tropical rain forest, which covers some 19,000 acres and is a refuge for exotic wildlife, giant fern and wild orchids as well as over 30 species of birds. Although now an independent country within the British Commonwealth, St Lucia alternated between British and French rule for 150 years and there are still reminders of those times to be seen in the fortresses and naval bases and the old French capital of Soufriere. The British influence is manifested in the language, a love of cricket and driving on the left. The French can be seen in the place names and second language of Patois but there is of course also a strong sense of the Caribbean seen in the drinks (rum), music (calypso and reggae) and Creole cuisine. This is a colourful and unique island where St Lucia Jazz, the carnival and open air markets are part of life.

The sights

Historical, cultural and heritage sites can be found throughout the island, including Pigeon Island National Landmark, once home to the Amerindians it has been a pirate hideout and military base. Experience the St Lucian way of life at Fond Latisab Creole Park - Babonneau where you can see the preparation of cassava bread, the catching of crayfish in the river and enjoy traditional music. Nature lovers can enjoy three exquisite tropical botanical gardens, each brimming with rare and exotic flora and should also head for Fregate Island Nature Reserve, a tropical sanctuary for rare birds. At Soufriere, you can view the majestic Pitons and visit the world’s only drive-in volcano with its bubbling holes of sulphuric waters.

In a nutshell

St Lucia is a perfect destination for lovers of nature. The natural beauty of the island shines forth from every corner. Local environmentalists have protected the island to the best of their ability and it is a haven for all manner of wildlife. Whale watching is very popular with over 20 species seen during the migrating periods and there is an abundance of turtles. For beach lovers, the best are to be found north of Castries.

The facts

Geography: The island is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide and is home to a population of 150,000, 50,000 of whom live in the capital Castries. It is a volcanic island which can be seen from the hot sulphur springs, mountainous terrain and fertile land.
Language: English, although many St Lucians also speak French and Spanish. Also widely spoken is Kwéyòl, St Lucia's second language.
Passports: You will need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months beyond your date of return.
Visas: Not required for British passport holders for stays of less than three months as long as you have a return ticket.
Vaccinations: Vaccinations are strongly recommended. For further information, please consult your doctor.
Travelling time: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and BWIA fly to St Lucia. The travelling time from London to St Lucia is around 8 hours.
Local time: GMT -4 hours.
Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar, although US dollars are accepted in most places.
Best times to travel: High season runs from December to May. Although there is little variation in temperature throughout the year, the wettest months are from June to November.

Named ‘Conception’ by Columbus, who said that the island was in Bella Forma (beautiful shape), Tobago is the ultimate tropical island, in fact it is believed to be the actual Robinson Crusoe island. Long and thin in shape, its backbone, which runs its length, is mountainous rainforest and all around its edges are long, white stretches of soft sand touched by clear blue seas. Tobago is very different from other parts of the Caribbean attributed to the fact that, with its neighbour, Trinidad, it was once part of the South American mainland. The capital is Scarborough – more of a village than a town, but on market day, half the population will hit its two streets to shop and chat!

The sights

Tobago is rich in history, so there are no shortage of sights to see. In Scarborough is Fort King George which has an excellent museum including Amerindian artefacts, military relics, maps and documents from the colonial period. Nearby you’ll find the Botanical Gardens which have 17 acres to explore. The Arnos Vale Sugar Estate is home to Tobago’s best preserved waterwheel and is also home to some fabulous wildlife. Tobago has a number of beautiful waterfalls, in particular the Argyle Waterfall which has a tiered climb with cool pools of water as you go.

In a nutshell

Trinidad & Tobago are the home of carnival, steel bands, calypso and limbo dancing. Tobago is cosmopolitan, unspoilt, unendingly beautiful with its lush rainforests and amazing coral reefs and the people are laid-back, easy-going, warm and welcoming. Don’t miss a drive along Windward road which winds along the southeast coast around steep curves which reveal spectacular views of the Atlantic.

The facts

Geography: Tobago is 26 miles long and only 7 miles wide with a population of 55,000. One half of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and arguably the most friendly and welcoming of the two.
Language: English, but patois, a slang version of French, is widely spoken.
Passports: You will need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months beyond your date of return.
Visas: Not required for British passport holders for stays of less than three months as long as you have a return ticket.
Vaccinations: Vaccinations are strongly recommended. For further information, please consult your doctor.
Travelling time: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and BWIA fly to Tobago. The travelling time from London to Tobago is around 8 hours.
Local time: GMT -4 hours.
Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar
Best times to travel: The dry season runs from January to May and the wet from June to December, although when it does rain, it is rarely for more than an hour at a time and there is generally plenty of sunshine in between. The island lies south of the main hurricane zone of the Caribbean, although tropical storms can still bring prolonged and torrential rainfall occasionally.