Caribbean

Swaying palm trees ,sugar white sand beaches and a relaxed tropical lifestyle that suits most Summer lovers perfectly. The Caribbean is blessed with endless azure seas and stunning islands. Each island has it’s own culture and reasons to visit. The weather is hot and tropical all year round but there are better months to visit than others. Most of these islands will have resorts if you choose to do that but the best way to see them is booking accommodations yourself. So many islands, so little time. Pick your favourite and plan a visit soon.

Top 5 Beaches for Sun lovers in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is blessed with hordes of amazing, perfect beaches. Most islands have sheltered, calm crystal clear water lapping at plush white sand somewhere, if not everywhere! If you are looking for surf, look a little harder as calm waters rule this region.

Paynes Bay Beach - St. James Parish Barbados
The West Coast of Barbados was home to my favourite beach in Payne’s Bay. Touted as the Platinum coast on the island, it certainly lived up to expectations with perfect soft sand and calm aqua seas. The water is warm and it’s easy to float for hours on end. Love turtles? I had one of my best turtle encounters to date in the calm bay waters. Turtles love the area.
7 Mile Beach. Negril, Jamaica
Seven miles of sheer beach bliss. I fell in love with this long expanse of white sand backed by a cool little town. Plenty of space to spread out away from any resort crowds. The water is crystal clear, the palm trees abundant. Snorkeling is also great right off the beach. Find a quiet spot or grab a spot closer to the music, shops and water sport activities offered. Picture smoothies, perfect views and some fine smoke for those that enjoy some Green.
Playa Pilar Cayo Guillermo, Cuba
This delightful stetch of fine wind sand is a beach lovers dream. Bright whites beside perfect blues. Another sheltered and safe beach, this spot in Cayo Coco is popular with families due to its gradual entry. Big dunes are great for climbing and getting the best views. There is one restaurant and some chair rentals if you like. Although this area is dominated by resorts, I really encourage everyone to get out and explore. The best -parts of Cuba and not the resorts.
Bavaro Beach. Punta cana, Dominican Republic
With a hint of pink in it’s perfect sand, this popular spot offers plenty of palm trees and room to roam. Beach walks along its long stretches are a favourite activity. The water is warm and safe for swimming. Spend some time waking to have some space to yourself or enjoy the company of others closer to the restaurants and amenities.
Playa Esmerelda, Holguin, Cuba.
A gorgeous bay with aquamarine water and great snorkeling from the shore, Playa Esmerelda captured my heart from the beginning. Vibrant good looks, soft white sand and no crowds. This hidden gem is located by the town of Guardelevaca. A true Cuba countryside feel with only a couple of hotels, this beach will make you fall in love. Bring a picnic as there are limited food sources.

Top 5 Adventures for Nature lovers in the Caribbean

My top choices for animals, divine views and off the beaten path adventure .
Check out the specific country guides (as they get posted) for more ideas.

1. Hiking the Guanas Eco-Archaeologic Trail in Holguin, Cuba.

holguin trail take me to summer An easy 60 minute hike around the coast and up to a gorgeous lookout of the area. It’s a great way to get back to “natural” Cuba and learn about the indigenous plants. Don’t forget to bring a bathing suit as there is a great little beach on the left perfect for swimming and you should have it all to yourself too.

2. Snorkeling in the sparkling waters of Montego Bay, Jamaica

There is a wonderful and fairly undamaged reef that sits in Montego Bay. Snorkeling is okay from the shore but best when you are able to visit the reef with a boat. Crystal clear water, tons of colourful fish and no currents make it easily accessible for everyone. Bring a banana and take it into the water with you for an up close visit with some of the sea life. If you have your own gear and want to go from the shore, try walked to the Doctors Cave area and going in from there.

4. Admiring the Botanical Gardens high in the hill of Barbados

huntes garden take me to summer Head up to the highest peaks in central Barbados to find the whimsical and beautiful Hunte’s Botanical Garden. Winding paths take you through towering lush plant life. The garden has lots of rocky outcroppings, statues and lovely spots to enjoy some down time. Classical music is often heard throughout the paths which is a favourite of the owner. Wander up to the very top level to check out his home and sample some of his infamous Rum Punch!

4. Waterfall pools made for relaxing in Dunns River Falls, Jamaica

Get up early and head to this amazing Waterfall heaven close to Ochos Rios Jamaica! After a 90 minute moderate hike that is wonderful on its own, you are rewarded with a wonderland of cascades and pools to wander through. The water is warm and it’s fairly easy to wander through the 180 foot high and 600 foot marvel of nature. After you’re done climbing to the summit or simply soaking in one of the pools, don’t forget to stop by the beach! Instagram perfection awaits as the falls empty out directly into the ocean. YES!

5. Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park. Punta Cana Dominican Republic

This idyllic area covers 1500 acres of land on privately owned land that is protected by a foundation. Pay a entrance fee and be prepared to be awed by the beauty of subtropical rainforest and a record TWELVE fresh water lagoons that the park takes its name from. Bring your bathing suit and enjoy one of the 5 shallow lagoons open for swimming.

When Should I go to the Caribbean ?

All Islands
the best time to visit is December to April, when it’s slightly cooler, dry and full of sunshine. Temperatures average 24-32ºC (75-88ºF), Rainy season begins in May and builds up until September?October.

Some of my favourite experiences in the Caribbean

Tge Carribean is all about epic Summer life all year long. I’ve had so many amazing experiences doing activities, simply wandering the coast by myself or hanging out with the locals. Rich in culture and warmth, there are no end to the adventures to be had.

1. Kite flying on the Beach – Cayo Coco, Cuba

cuba kite take me to summer It’s become tradition that I take something fun and awkward to carry along with me on adventure. We had the best time flying this beautiful Dragon kite along an empty and perfect white sand beach in Cayo Guillermo. We had a few days of fun flying to the delight of the local children that came out to watch the bright kite fly in contrast high in the air. The best part was choosing one of the local families with a few little ones in the house to gift it to before we left. Best travel tradition ever!

2. Hiking up the Coast & hanging out with an Sculptor that lived under a Tree – Jamaica

I absolutely love randomly exploring countries looking for off the beaten path gems. I had already ventured far off the tourist trail by taking a bus to the South coast where there was no tourists to be seen. Following the spectacular coast and winding up and down the beach, I was looking for shade the morning entered afternoon. I suddenly saw a perfect shady tree with a lovely pool of warm seawater underneath. Didn’t take me long to plunk myself into the pool and enjoy the shade. A little while later, an older Jamaican man wandered by and sat down beside me on the tree. Apparently I was in his home ! lol We ended up hanging out and talking all afternoon. He was a sculptor and even made something for my partner at the time while we chatted. I got to hear all the local stories and make a new friend in an unexpected way.

3. Swimming with friendly Sea Turtles – Platinum Coast, Barbados

barbados turtle take me to summer

Sea Turtles are amazing! I’ve been blessed to have quite a few encounters with all different kinds of sea turtles on land and in the sea. That being said, this gorgeous little one surprised me while I was out snorkeling on my own in Payne’s Bay. He was friendly, inquisitive and almost posed for my camera. We hung out for at least 30 minutes . Truly one of the best connections I felt with this beautiful creature in a pristine native environment.

4. Friday Night Island Fish Fry – Barbados

If you’re in Barbados on a Friday night, there’s only one place you should be. Oistins Fish Fry. Tourists and locals flock to this open air food fest featuring all things local. Fried and grilled fish, fish cakes, sweet potato, macaroni pie, and coleslaw and so much more. I had the best time checking out all the different stalls and trying different dishes. Flying fish sandwich is an island fav and a must try!

5. Dancing Merengue in Dominican Republic

If you love to dance, the Caribbean loves to move with you! The Dominican is a hotspot for Merengue and Bachata. You can easily find schools that will immerse you in dancing offering 4 lessons and day along with budget accommodations. I only took one lesson on the sultry streets of Santa Domingo but it was so much much fun being twirled. Latin dancing is also an awesome whole body workout that gets your heart pumping for more than one reason.

Best way to travel around Caribbean

Travel in Caribbean can be easy but not the most budget friendly. If you are looking to hop between islands, flights although expensive are your best bets. If you have time there is a chance of hitching a ride aboard a sailboat heading in the same direction.

Travelling within the islands tends to easy with good public transportation options.

FLIGHTS OPTIONS:

Flying is definitely the easiest way to travel between islands in the Caribbean. Unfortunately it isn’t very budget friendly. Small hopper flights start at appx. $ 200 CAD one way. There are alot of carriers, use a good booking engine to scan for best prices.

Some airlines require you to book on their own sites.

FERRY OPTIONS:

There aren’t that many inter- island ferry options in the Caribbean. Especially within the countries you will read about here for the next while. There are however a series of ferries that serve the Lesser Antilles. Inter-island ferries can take you between many of the islands, from the Virgin Islands all the way down to Trinidad and Tobago. Ferries also run between

U.S. Virgin Islands > British Virgin Islands
Anguilla> Saba, > St. Martin
Dominica >Guadeloupe > Martinique >St. Lucia
Antigua > Barbuda > Montserrat
St. Kitts > Nevis.

I hope to personally visit this region in the next decade but for now will rely on the good words of fellow travel lovers.

SAILING

Sailing is a huge thing in the Caribbean! You can do anything from booking a complete experience where all is looked after, to renting your own to hitching a ride aboard a friendly vessel 🙂 If you can offer good company and maybe some cooking, there are captains that will take you along for free. It’s always an awesome adventure no matter how you choose to be part of it. Don’t leave the Caribbean without experiencing from the water on a boat.

Packing Tips & Hacks Caribbean

What to bring and some tips to make life easier while you’re there! Less is More! Airy, breezy and light.
Only bring SUPER LIGHT WEIGHT clothing that can be layered if needed. Even the knit cotton dresses I packed were unbearable in the daily high humidity & heat.. Please note pack lists are only for dry season and slanted toward coastal adventures.

Less is always more! No matter how long are you are travelling for, you will be packing for 7-9 days of mix and match outfits. Clothes for all body types can be found in Europe so you can always buy something if you need it. Europe can get cool in the evenings and sometimes the trains / buses are too cold so make sure you bring layers.

Clothes

yoga pants – lightweight and comfy. You will wear this on any plane rides, overnight bus rides.
1 hoodie with extra long sleeve and hood – lightweight (plane & cold train rides)
2-3 shorts – lightweight only. Skorts counts. Casual to Dressy
1 T shirt – nice quality and flattering. Easy dry.
1-3 dresses! Weight is everything. Short, light & colorful.
7 underwear – I split with 2 brief style/ 5 thongs
1 Bra – good quality can go with anything fall back. I usually use my bikini tops for everyday beach life.
2-3 Bikini Tops Bring a basic black, light colour & something fun. Doubles as bras 😉
2 bikini Bottoms – to complement or match the above.
1 pair socks ( I hate socks)
1 pair runners or adventure shoes ( flip flops with straps count if you stay on the beach)
1 pair flip flps
1 pair lightweight/packable slip ons – black

Other Key Gear

Sarong! Can be used as a beach towel, wrap, dress or emergency towel /blanket
Travel Umbrella – for sun more than rain!!
Combination or keyed lock
Ziplock bags – 2 XL, 2 Large and 3 small
Waterproof Bag – bring a small one, buy a big one there
Carabineers – at least 2 good ones.
LED lights – small lightweight
Phone charging cable – extra long
Power Banks (2) light weight and charged
Day Bag – I like a drawer string type.
Unlock Phone
Mini Tri Pod
Camera of Choice
Ipad ( for longer trips, worth the effort to haul it)
COOL Floatie to use and leave as a gift

Toiletries & Medical Kit

Tweezers – a girls best friend
Mirror – plastic small
Razors – I pack one for every 3 days
Nail file
Q-tips
Tampons! Your brand may not be available- but something will be.
Liners – just a couple
Body Cream – under 50 ml and quality
Foundation – use travel size or transfer to dollar store craft paint jars
Eyeshadow – Basic trio only
Eyeliner- waterproof
Mascara – travel size waterproof
Perfume – sample vials only
Tooth brush
Tooth Paste – travel size
Floss
Deodorant – travel size
Hair bands / clips
Sunblock

Bug Spray – always bring good quality spray with a proven record. You don’t want issues, trust me.
Band- Aids waterproof.
Hydro cortisone cream
Polysporine – I usually use a tiny container.
Hand Sanitizer – keep this looped to your day bag
Paracetamol or Non Aspirin pain killers
Muscle cream (travel size or mostly empty)
Ear plugs ( Dorm life)
Vaseline – tiny travel pot (great for waterproofing ouchies)
Hair Brush

What will you spend in the Caribbean?

The Carribean can be enjoyed across most budgets. Some islands are more expensive than others but with some searching all have gems in the backpacker range. .

Accomodations
Accommodation costs can very much vary in the Caribbean. It really depends on the type of experience you are looking for. Beachfront properties are always in higher demand and command higher prices. For the best value, I recommend booking well in advance. If you have flexibility and more than 2 weeks, I highly recommend only booking the first 2 nights and doing a scouting walk-a thon for the first day to find a place that you love with what could be considerable savings!

HOSTELS – Hostel dorms cost between (16- 40 CAD) per night, depending on location, conveniences. Most hostels offer free wifi and lockers. Breakfast is offered in some packages, it’s important to check their inclusions and policies.

AIR- BNB – A great option to stay in local neighborhoods and save some cash verses hotels! I’ve stayed in some super cool guest houses with great locations. Be forewarned that peoples private homes are comfortable and have amenities according to the local way. For those like myself that love being immersed in all things local and developing longer term routines…this is the way to go. Even for short stays it broadens your location options and gives your experience more depth. Private rooms in shared homes start at $15 CAD and whole cabinas can be found for $50 CAD.
Transportation
Travelling around the islands themselves can be quite budget friendly as most have a great network of buses and shuttle companies. Car rentals are available although I wouldn’t recommend driving yourself in most of the countries. Getting to the islands, or between the islands is heavier on the pocketbook but still achievable on a moderate budget with flexibility.
Food
Amazing food can be found on a budget in the Caribbean. Street side eating is the norm and each island has it’s own amazing flavors to savor. Sticking to street stalls and/or small sodas will cost you $ 15-25 for a days meal. Add a trip to the local fruit market for great bursts of local flavor at a cheap price. I usually end up cooking 2 meals a day in the shared kitchen of my guesthouse. Trips to the local food markets are part of the joy of travel and will cost you the least money. There are usually lots of beach restaurants and upscale fare to be had in the more touristic areas as well. Be prepared for a treat but meals will cost you $15 – 60 CAD
Activities
For Nature lovers that enjoy roaming, the cost of activities can be next to nothing. There is so much to see and admire on the land, rivers and towns. Part of the appeal of isalnd life is the ocean however and organized tours are a must to really see the beauty from the water. Boat tours for snorkeling or sight seeing in the Caribbean start at $65 CAD and go into the hundreds. Most museums and National parks do have an entry fee from $3-10 CAD .
Drinks
Buy local! Whatever beer the locals are drinking will most likely be the National beer of the country and also usually the cheapest 🙂 Each island tends to have it’s own liquor of choice with many of the isalnds producing fine Rum. Always try the local brew, it’s part of the adventure and easy on the budget. Medium bottles can be bought for $9 CAD. If you are going to grab a drink at a beach side restaurant, umbrella drinks start at $12 CAD. Watch for happy hours and package offers (ie 2 drinks + 2 shots) that can be a great value.