Caribbean Travel Guide (North America)

Introduction to Caribbean
List of Places to Visit in Caribbean
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Caribbean: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Caribbean
Best Things to Do in Caribbean: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Caribbean
Food and Drink Scene of Caribbean
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Caribbean: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Caribbean: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Caribbean
Best Time to Visit Caribbean
Do’s and Don’ts of Caribbean
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Caribbean
- Health in Caribbean
Getting to Caribbean: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Caribbean
Where to Go Next from Caribbean: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Caribbean

The Caribbean is a region of the Americas that consists of the Caribbean Sea, its islands, and the surrounding coastal areas. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. The area is rich in history, with a unique blend of indigenous, European, and African influences that creates a diverse and exciting atmosphere.

List of Places to Visit in Caribbean

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

(1) The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in St. John’s, Antigua
(2) The Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, Jamaica
(3) The San Juan National Historic Site in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Natural Attractions of Caribbean: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

(1) The Pitons in St. Lucia
(2) The Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
(3) The Baths in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Hiking/Biking Routes of Caribbean

(1) Gros Piton Trail, St. Lucia
(2) Paria Bay Trail, Trinidad and Tobago
(3) El Yunque Rainforest Trail, Puerto Rico

Best Things to Do in Caribbean: Activities and Tours

(1) Snorkeling or scuba diving off the coast of Aruba
(2) Catamaran Cruise in the Bahamas
(3) Zipline Adventure in St. Kitts

Week-Long Itinerary for Caribbean

Day	Destination	Activity
Day 1	San Juan, Puerto Rico	Explore Old San Juan and Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Day 2	St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands	Visit Magens Bay Beach and Coral World Ocean Park
Day 3	Philipsburg, St. Maarten	Go Zip-lining at Loterie Farm
Day 4	Oranjestad, Aruba	Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
Day 5	Willemstad, Curaçao	Visit Christoffel National Park and swim with dolphins at the Dolphin Academy
Day 6	Bridgetown, Barbados	Explore Harrison’s Cave and watch sea turtles at Paynes Bay Beach
Day 7	Castries, St. Lucia	Hike up to the Pitons and relax at Sulphur Springs

Food and Drink Scene of Caribbean

Must-Try Dishes

(1) Jamaican Jerk Chicken
(2) Puerto Rican Mofongo
(3) Trinidadian Doubles

Local Beverages

(1) Cuban Mojito
(2) Jamaican Rum Punch
(3) Barbadian Rum

Where to Stay in Caribbean: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

(1) Four Seasons Resort, Nevis
(2) Ritz Carlton, San Juan
(3) Sandals Grande, Antigua

What to Buy in Caribbean: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

(1) Caribbean Rum
(2) Handmade Hammocks from Nicaragua
(3) Haitian Metal Art

Local Culture and Customs of Caribbean

The Caribbean is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. Common customs and traditions throughout the Caribbean include:

(1) Music and dance, including Calypso and Salsa
(2) Carnival celebrations
(3) Traditional dress, such as colorful Caribbean-style clothing and head wraps

Best Time to Visit Caribbean

The best time to visit the Caribbean is from mid-December to mid-April when the temperatures are mild, and there is little chance of rain. However, this is also the busiest tourist season, with higher prices and larger crowds. Avoid the hurricane season from June to November.

Do’s and Don’ts of Caribbean

Do:

(1) Respect local customs and traditions
(2) Bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent
(3) Try local cuisine and beverages

Don’t:

(1) Touch coral reefs or disturb marine life
(2) Wear inappropriate clothing in religious sites
(3) Leave valuables unattended in public places

Safety and Health

Safety in Caribbean

The Caribbean is generally a safe region for tourists, but visitors should exercise caution at night and avoid isolated areas. Be aware of petty crime, such as pickpocketing, and take precautions, such as wearing a money belt.

Health in Caribbean

Visitors to the Caribbean should take precautions to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Zika and dengue fever. Make sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants if possible. Visitors should also drink bottled water and be careful when eating street food.

Getting to Caribbean: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Caribbean

(1) Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico
(2) Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica
(3) Punta Cana International Airport in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Bus Stations Near Caribbean

(1) Bridgetown Bus Terminal in Barbados
(2) Charlotte Amalie Bus Station in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
(3) Rodney Bay Bus Terminal in St. Lucia

Other Options

(1) Ferry service from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Virgin Islands
(2) Cruise ship from Miami, Florida to various Caribbean destinations

How to Get Around in Caribbean

The best way to get around the Caribbean is by car, either renting one or hiring a driver. Ferries and water taxis are also available between islands. Some islands have public transportation, such as buses, but they can be unreliable and crowded.

Where to Go Next from Caribbean: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

(1) Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
(2) The Bahamas
(3) Florida Keys

Conclusion

The Caribbean is a vibrant and exciting region that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, the Caribbean has it all. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to this beautiful part of the world.