Planning a trip to the Caribbean

Famed for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture, many parts of the Caribbean are a holidayer’s paradise. It’s a popular destination for people from all over the world, many of whom flock to sunbathe, snorkel, and unwind in this sun-kissed corner of the planet.

If you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean, it can be difficult to narrow your selection with so many places to experience. In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the most important factors to consider while booking your holiday. 

When’s the best time to travel to the Caribbean?

Fortunately, the Caribbean benefits from a tropical climate which brings with it hot, sunny weather for most of the year. You’d be unlucky to get average temperatures below 25°C at any time of year and often much higher. 

However, you might want to consider the wet and dry seasons before you book. The wet season runs between roughly June and November, increasing the risk of showers and potentially hurricanes. The dry months are peak tourist season, where rainfall is low and temperatures are gloriously stable from about December to May.

It’s recommended that most travelers visit during the dry season to avoid the worst of the tropical weather.

What are the best Caribbean destinations?

The Caribbean is made up of 13 island nations, offering a wide range of experiences and destinations to consider. 

Some travelers prefer to hop from island to island on a Royal Caribbean Cruise to get the full experience, while others tend to stay in resorts and on beaches to relax. Regardless of your preference, here are some of the best locations in the Caribbean:

St Lucia

A stunning natural landscape including rainforests, volcanoes, and mountains, few islands offer such a varied experience as St Lucia. It was fiercely contested by the British and French for many centuries, but independent life gives you a charming mix of colonial and Caribbean culture.

Jamaica

The home of Reggae – what more needs to be said? But there is much more, including white sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, animal sanctuaries, and glorious resorts for all types of holidayers. A trip to Jamaica will live with you long into the future.

Trinidad and Tobago

Not far off the coast of South America, Trinidad and Tobago feels slightly separated from its Caribbean neighbors. Trinidad is a larger island with more resort hotels and a more multicultural society, while Tobago is much smaller and offers gorgeous beaches on a more tranquil island.

Antigua

Mad about cricket, sailing, and rum, the island of Antigua is a chance to taste real Caribbean living. It’s not as dominated by tourists as some of its neighbors, but there’s still plenty to see and do alongside the locals. You’ll find some of the best marinas and snorkeling trips around Antigua.

St Kitts and Nevis

These two islands take life slow and easy, which will be perfect for some. They’re hotspots for golf courses, excellent cuisine, and lazy days on the beach, but there’s plenty more to explore if you get tired of those. It’s got a peculiar British feel, largely because of the grand plantations and colonial history, but rum distilleries and beach bars help you feel far from the UK.

A Caribbean adventure awaits you. Book your cruise, flights, or tours today.

| Photo by Nataraj