Planning a Caribbean itinerary is about more than finding beautiful beaches, although there are certainly plenty of those. Mix relaxing coastal days with nature, history, local food and colourful celebrations to experience a much richer side of the region while still leaving time to simply enjoy the sunshine!
Enjoying Beach Bliss and Adventures in Nature
Make time for the Caribbean’s beautiful sun-kissed sands; fly to Turks and Caicos, home to the stunning Grace Bay Beach, unwind on the shores of Half Moon Bay in Antigua or work on your tan at Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach.
For some nature-based adventure, venture into the water for snorkelling, diving or kayaking, before exploring on land. Hike through the protected Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago, head up the towering Pitons in St Lucia or take in the dramatic volcanic scenery of Montserrat.
Visiting Historical and Colonial Attractions
The region’s history is visible in its streets, churches and forts, so look to visit different islands, easy to do with regional airlines like interCaribbean Airways. See Dutch-influenced colonial buildings in Sint Maarten, and the beautiful stained-glass windows of St George’s Anglican Cathedral in Kingstown (St Vincent).
In Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), the oldest European-founded city in the Americas, you can explore the Zona Colonial; meanwhile, Bridgetown’s (Barbados) historic Garrison and San Juan’s (Puerto Rico) Castillo San Felipe del Morro also offer fascinating glimpses into the region’s past.
Trying Different Local Specialities
Don’t forget that food is a delicious way to experience the Caribbean, with every island bringing its own specialities, making it a dream destination for foodies. Try flying fish with cou-cou in Barbados, delectable jerk chicken in Jamaica, or roti and doubles in Trinidad and Tobago. But wait, there’s more! Other options include conch dishes and a “Goombay Smash” (rum-based tropical cocktail) in The Bahamas and oil down and rum punch in Grenada.
Experiencing Colourful Local Festivals
Festivals offer a lively introduction to Caribbean culture, with music, dance, costumes and traditions taking centre stage. Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival is famous for its colourful parades and soca music, while Barbados celebrates Crop Over and Jamaica hosts colourful Carnival events. St Lucia’s Carnival, Grenada’s Spicemas and Junkanoo in The Bahamas are also worth experiencing. The great thing is that you can also join in the fun of these joyful celebrations.
