Going on an all inclusive Caribbean holiday sounds great and more like a dream to many travellers. Even the very first thought of it may excite you and you may end up planning lots of things to try here. The lovely breeze and beaches here call everyone to come and explore the best of everything.
No matter if you want to explore Jamaica or any other place, be prepared to make your trip extra special with these smart travel tips.
1. Check Out Which Time Suits You the Best
Before deciding on any specific Caribbean holiday destination it is equally important to understand the right time and season to visit each place for the best experiences. Mostly the dry season in these destinations runs from December to April which makes it quite a popular time for travel.
During this time you can expect lots of sunshine and settled waters that call you up for outdoor activities and beach or family picnic days. As this is the peak tourist season so you may get higher prices for services and also the resorts may also be overly crowded.
For a quieter and more affordable experience you can consider visiting during the wet season when the storms and rains are not too frequent such as between May to early December. Most of the Caribbean islands still remain pleasant with a few occasional rain showers. Before you decide to visit any place it is always a great idea to check the weather forecast as well as buy travel insurance to cover all weather related disruptions.
2. Plan Your Budget Wisely
Budget plays a great role in describing your experience as nobody wants to overburden themselves by paying for a trip that exceeds their budget. So Caribbean destinations offer something to all pocket ranges whether you are seeking luxury or cost effectiveness for your Caribbean trip.
Before you decide to embark on the journey, you should set realistic expectations and clear budget for hotels, meals and transport. Staying at all inclusive resorts is always a great idea as they include meals and entertainment in a single price of the package you have paid for. On the other hand staying in local guesthouses and small hotels can also allow you to enjoy more local and affordable experiences.
If you want to save on meals it is better to eat like a local and save money by consuming street food and by dining at small local restaurants that serve dishes like rice and peas and jerk chicken. Avoid eating in crowded tourist areas as you might catch higher prices here that may exceed your budget.
3. Pack Smartly According to the Weather Conditions
This is one of the smartest ways to save on your journey and packing light makes it easier to move around. The islands are mostly warm here round the year so there is no as such need to bring heavy clothes. You can simply bring swimsuits, flipflops and light cotton outfits as well as other accessories like sunglasses, sunblock and a hat. The sunscreen should have a high SPF please note that and bring insect repellents too to save yourself and your loved ones from mosquitoes.
Bring a refillable water bottle to save money on buying expensive water bottles and this also serves as a great way to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste. Bringing a light rain jacket can also prove to be useful during unexpected rain showers. Pack comfortable shoes if you plan to explore around or perform hiking. Life here is quite casual and you need not bring fancy clothes or end up looking like a clown.
4. Staying Safe and Healthy
Overall it is quite a safe place to visit for travellers but following a few precautions is always great for your own betterment. Keep your values in a hotel safe if you are not using them and avoid walking in dark or areas with poor light alone at night. When you book a taxi, try to use licensed or recommended services and agree on a fare before sitting inside.
Drink bottled water always as the tap water is not always safe and clean at busy or clean restaurants where the food quality is good. Use your sunscreen and glasses regularly and stay in shaded areas if possible as the tropical heat can be quite intense.
5. Respecting Local Culture and Environment
Each island or destination in the Caribbean has its own charm and culture and you need to be highly respectful of the local customs to make your experience even more meaningful. Learning a few basic language phrases can surely help enhance your experience and locals do appreciate that as well. When you are visiting towns or places of religious importance dress appropriately. Beachwear is acceptable at most of the resorts, though. Respect the local nature conservation efforts and support the local businesses and artisans by buying from them.
6. Getting Around the Islands
The transport mode in each island differs from one another. Some of them may have public transport systems like ferries while others may require rental cars or taxis. So do some research on transport beyond your resort first. If you are all up for renting a car this can give you much freedom but still you need to understand local driving rules and laws as some of the islands have certain rules regarding driving on the left side of the road.
If you are about to cover shorter distances ferries can be quite convenient for you. Make sure to book with reputable travel agencies such as Virikson Holidays that offer the cheapest all inclusive Caribbean holidays and last-minute Caribbean vacation deals to help you make the most out of your stay.