The caribbean travel guide

The Caribbean Travel Guide By Matias Miriam Get the best out of your guide Dream about your perfect itinerary As you flip through the pages, ask yourself where you would like to go In what order? Ho.

The Caribbean Travel Guide By Matias & Miriam Get the best out of your guide Dream about your perfect itinerary As you flip through the pages, ask yourself where you would like to go In what order? How much time you want to spend there? Would you like to go one location at a time or on a multi-location trip? Use the guide as a starting point We could not possibly cover everything there is to know about these extraordinary destinations Get excited about connecting with other likeminded world travel enthusiasts The best possible outcome will generally come from the advice of people that have been where you are We have made it easy for you by attaching a special invitation to join our tribe without any cost or strings attached (more on that later) Plan around peak seasons for good deals It is no secret that most tourism is concentrated in the hot months The peak season can translate into higher than usual fares, and you can combat this by booking way ahead of time or outside the high seasons The Caribbean is a spectacle almost any time of the year (Take it from us, we have been there a few times during Christmas and New Year’s) Book the vacation you can afford Over the years, we have learned that paying for your vacation in advance and booking the correct type is super important You are more likely to enjoy modest getaways often than huge expensive month-long vacations once every three years Be honest with yourself (and your family) when assessing where, how, and when to go We have found that automating a monthly saving amount destined for vacation is a smart way to tackle it, and it will feel seamless Table of Contents Introduction�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 07 Chapter I: The Bahamas������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 11 Chapter II: Belize�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 29 Chapter III: Cayman Islands��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 45 Chapter IV: Cozumel��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 61 Chapter V: Cuba��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 79 Chapter VI: The Dominican Republic�������������������������������������������������������������������� 103 Chapter VII: Netherlands Antilles���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 119 Chapter VIII: Puerto Rico������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 139 Chapter IX: Roatán���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 155 Chapter X: Turks and Caicos���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 169 Chapter XI: Virgin Islands���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 185 Chapter XII: Travel Like a Local������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 203 “ INTRODUCTION The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and all the memories we’ve made along the way.” – Anon The world has become more accessible than ever before The avenues we use to connect, facilitated by technology, have made the world a smaller place Ironically, all the new forms of communication have left more humans disconnected than ever before We have hectic lives and full schedules; we seem to forget that life must be appreciated and filled with memorable experiences Each of us has the gift of one life; our responsibility is to focus on the milestones and events that truly matter We, as people, are not destined to be stuck in one place We must go outside our comfort zone and search for the kind of moments that will bring meaning and hope Exploring foreign lands may seem daunting and hard to reach to the average person Some have idealized world-traveling to the point they believe it is only accessible to the rich and famous Take a journey to a place you will feel the grains of the sand between your fingers and toes, savoring the breeze as it gently touches your face— exploring the heights of the mountains and the depths of the seas—seeing the smiles of the locals from around the world and smelling the enigmatic scent of their cuisines being prepared right before your eyes Envision a network of islands that seem to glitter like tiny diamonds against the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Envision one day, God and the angels frolicked around the waters of the Earth and dropped a precious necklace in the vast ocean It is paradise, an unbelievable series of picturesque islands that connect the Americas perfectly While one may assume these islands look similar, each Caribbean Island exhibits a peculiar vibe and culture The most thoughtful arrangement of words cannot entirely describe the spectacular grandeur of the Caribbean This destination will revolutionize the concept of a fast-paced life by seducing you into the here and now on island time Enjoy the process of taking yourself away from the routine of life to a realm of wonder you did not feel you deserved Let us explore why this part of the world is calling your name The Caribbean does superb work of providing the appropriate setting for a dream vacation The reality is that this place will help you connect with an unapologetically colorful community You can find the peace you have 07 been longing for and the human connection we all crave Travel to the islands and discover the best parts of yourself, an environment that will take your breath away Whether traveling by air or by sea, the Caribbean will have something new for you if you are willing to immerse yourself into the moment We decided to share the extraordinary life experiences we have had through travel because we knew it would resonate with many Here is a book that will not describe all the technicalities of a fantastic vacation; instead, it encapsulates what travel should be – meaningful and inspiring The idea behind our travel guide is to provide practical travel information and condensation of the emotions, stories, and experiences that we have encountered in the hope of displaying what travel should be, based on a region that has made us feel grateful and curious We intend to prove to the reader that a journey does not need to be expensive or comfortable; instead, travel should make you feel and learn something that no routine in the office or lesson in school could ever teach you May the words on the page inspire you to see that life is best served with little luxuries – like a carefree day under the palm fronds and gazing beyond the undulating waves of the sea – without breaking the bank Besides, life itself is a vacation – and you are the guest of honor We hope that this written effort will be the key to unlocking your heart and mind to try and experience new things, see the world with eyes wide open, and have a heart full of love and joy The Caribbean is waiting graciously, and we encourage you to let this book be your passport to a different kind of travel We warmly welcome you to a book with pages that will rekindle your desire to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and make you realize that it is okay to take things a little slower and get lost in a vast shoreline to find a missing piece of yourself The intention behind our commentary is love, passion, and authenticity; we hope to awaken these feelings in you as well Consider this book as your piece of encouragement It is about the richness of experience and the vividness of the memories that come with it Who exactly is on the other side talking to you? We propose a friendship with you; we believe you will absorb and internalize the content in the most beneficial way by getting to know us Our names are Matias & Miriam; we have traveled the world and have been fortunate to experience so much in the last nine years We were born into separate cultures, often seeing the world through different lenses The travels we have had, have been 08 under varying budgets that have allowed us to grow into an authority figure amongst friends and family We want to share the knowledge we have harvested because we feel it would be valuable to the world; in that spirit, we offer you all we know to get you to and around our favorite place ever, The Caribbean 09 The British Virgin Islands Fort Burt Hotel Average Cost per Night: $100.00 Split The British Virgin Islands in half on the south coast nearby all the action Fort Burt is a modest hotel that provides all the essentials you would expect with easy access to the Caribbean ferry terminal and the Tortola cruise ship pier Spring Bay, VG1150 Virgin Gorda | Phone: 284-544-7186 Lat long coordinates:18.413113178790052, -64.61437182928488 Mango Bay Resort Average Cost per Night: $200.00 This resort boasts contemporary condos and villas with unique tropical decor Housed within a compound, this resort also houses floats, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment Plum Bay Road Virgin Gorda, VG1150, British Virgin Islands | Phone: +1 284-340-8804 Lat long coordinates: Cooper Island Beach Club Average Cost per Night: $300.00 It is mainly a diver’s resort; it attracts watersports-loving travelers who simply want to swim, snorkel Caribbean, or lounge around the homey rooms and restaurants 197 Manchioneel Bay Cooper Island, VG1110, British Virgin Islands | Phone: +1 284-543-2266 Lat long coordinates:18.38489183712917, -64.51282458510666 Bitter End Yacht Club Average Cost per Night: $350.00 Accessible only by a free private ferry, this hotel and marina are popular among sea-loving travelers Rooms are bright and tropical, but the main attractions are the watersport activities, including kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing N Sound Rd, Spanish Town, British Virgin Islands | Phone: +1 800872-2392 Lat long coordinates:18.49952704853877, -64.35775434647685 The United States Virgin Islands Sunset Garden Guesthouse Average Cost per night: $110.00 One of the more affordable options on this side of the island Aparthotel-style property with much of what you will need to snack, dine, and party If you are thinking about staying a couple of days on a budget or with family, this can be a healthy option 8305 Scott Free Rd, Mailing, St Thomas 00802, U.S Virgin Islands | Phone: +1-340-227-4429 Lat long coordinates: 18.3463930834381, -64.95427257425467 198 Divi Carina Bay Resort Average Cost per Night: $240.00 The secluded oceanfront resort offers comfortable rooms in marine colors, with many rooms close to the beach Ideal for introspective vacations, the resort also provides enough activities to keep guests captivated and charmed 5025 Turner Hole Rd, Christiansted, St Croix 00820, U.S Virgin Islands | Phone: +1 340-773-9700 Lat long coordinates:17.742065407530628, -64.6063949311409 Pavilions and Pools Villa Hotel Average Cost per Night: $320.00 This resort’s exclusive and intimate villas with full kitchens, sunken garden showers, and private pools attract couples opting for solitude and romance 6400 Estate Smith Bay, St Thomas 00802, U.S Virgin Islands | Phone: +1 340-775-6110 Lat long coordinates:18.342818478110626, -64.86839701764264 Postcard-worthy Photo Ops & Points of Interest The Virgin Islands promises a myriad of attractions, but its most famous ones are the natural stretches of white powdery sand beaches that decorate its geography Some are world-famous, while some remain a well-kept local secret Tourists and intrepid travelers are encouraged to visit the many wonders of the Virgin Islands 199 The British Virgin Islands Cane Garden Bay Beach Featuring crystalline seas, travelers love the casual vibe of this spot, especially snorkelers Guesthouses, bars, restaurants, and small shops keep the island’s energy laid-back Lat long coordinates:18.42529577512865, -64.66137219212753 White Bay Beach Popular among boaters who love a drink or two, the beach is still large enough for seclusion and privacy from the numerous bars and restaurants nearby Lat long coordinates:18.349555583210538, -64.57383873596254 The United States Virgin Islands Trunk Bay Beach & Underwater Snorkel Trail, St John Ranked as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, this relaxing spot offers creamy white sands and sparkling aquamarine waters Frequently featured in photographs, the glassy waters allow underwater coral reef visits This gorgeous natural wonder can be found in the Virgin Islands National Park Lat long coordinates:18.35415381625254, -64.76822374462837 200 Buck Island Reef National Monument, St Croix This fantastic reef formation showcases underwater elkhorn coral gardens, where divers can swim among the many species of tropical fish Shipwreck dives are another popular attraction Lat long coordinates:17.787492841756258, -64.62058570032137 Magens Bay, St Thomas Listed among the world’s best beaches, this horseshoe-shaped bay offers a good spot for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking The Tropical Discovery Hike allows participants to explore mangrove wetlands with native and migratory birds Lat long coordinates:18.361391254617583, -64.92416472797835 The Fine Print Safety Although crime is low, use common sense: Don’t leave your camera on the beach while you take a dip or your wallet on a hotel dresser when you go for a walk Dress appropriately, bring adequate cash, and secure personal gadgets as often as possible For up-to-date information, visit your government’s travel advisory website If you live in the United States, the website is https://travel state.gov For health advisories, visit your government’s website If you live in the United States, the website is https://www.cdc.gov/travel/ 201 Language As English is the leading and official language of the islands, tourists and travelers will have an easy time conversing with the locals Shopping Splurge Several malls dot the tourist-thronged areas of the islands However, visitors are often encouraged to visit local art galleries, handicraft shops, and unique souvenir shops usually found alongside the commercial and tourist districts of the islands 202 Chapter XII: TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL In this day and age, it would be wise to explore the world without multiple pieces of luggage and carry-ons Instead, the simple, spartan lifestyle makes us focus on the beauty of ordinary things More and more world explorers are walking across the earth, searching for the beauty of the offbeat path 203 While it is inherently romantic, there are also some disadvantages of going on a backpacker’s journey Privacy won’t be a priority when it comes to backpacking, especially when staying at hostels Beds won’t be as spacious, and bathrooms won’t be as exclusive since as are always often shared among five to ten people Sometimes, the lifestyle can feel unproductive and uncomfortable, with unpredictable wearying activities and a lot of downtime in between The nomadic lifestyle has become the norm, especially among the younger generations No longer confined to the trend of tourist-oriented vacations, these independent and intrepid explorers are now trekking through the world through less-traveled paths, often visiting the more unique spots that are often hidden away from the eyes of traditional tourists Suppose you place importance on the simplicity of learning the daily routines of people in the world The backpacker lifestyle has become synonymous with being aware of one’s place and impact and has thus become a symbol of lifestyle change for many Backpackers have become ubiquitous in recent years, a more personal and philosophical means of expressing oneself For that once-in-a-lifetime traveling experience, backpacking, or at least packing lightly, is highly recommended The basic tenets of the backpacker’s life are meeting new friends, seeing landmarks and places from different perspectives, and generally sharing a slice of your life with total strangers who would become friends Backpackers tend to travel more because they bring less with them Just like life, the less baggage we carry with us, the further we can go You’ll meet strangers who’ll turn into friends, and you’ll bond over the best conch fritters sold on the streets, and suddenly, you might have to let them go in that very moment the last conch fritter is devoured A single moment, irrevocably etched into your memory, will forever be bittersweetly nostalgic Like a matchstick, the spark can burn bright and quick yet remain in your heart forever That is the backpacker’s life Choose a light backpack with a lot of compartments The best bag is not necessarily the biggest, but rather, the one they can conveniently carry even when full Remember, the goal is to travel as lightly as possible, not bring the entire house with you 204 Select clothes that are light, quick-drying, and wrinkle-free Keep your clothes basic multi-use Limit only to the essentials; shoot for comfortable pieces that are useful in more than one scenario You should prepare a wash kit, including small detergent packs for laundry runs once they get to their hostels Pick sturdy and light shoes that can withstand most wear and tear, as they will be your foot companions ll throughout your trip Bring your hygiene essentials, but in travel sizes If you run out or forget, know that mini toiletries can be purchased anywhere once you get to your destination A microfiber towel can work as a towel, a headcover, or even a makeshift blanket or pillow Lightweight storage bags, compression bags, or cube storage bags are helpful to separate small items, wet items, and soiled items Learn how to fold effectively so that your bag can hold the maximum number of items Layer your items from big to small Packing smart entails placing the least-used items at the bottom of your bag If possible, vertically arrange your clothing and objects for more accessible visual and access Leave the tech gear at home unless you’re packing it up for work If you must get connected, your smartphone is the perfect accessory Make sure to bring a waterproof case or cover for it You can even opt to switch off your roaming data and purchase a disposable local SIM card On your phone, download your favorite books, movies, and music for the possibility that your travel might take you longer than anticipated (Murphy’s Law has been known to be in full effect around airports and cruise terminals, delays are inevitable) Stay loose, take time to meditate, and avoid stress; no matter the hurdles, you are more likely to find an alternative calm Plan a little, but not too much Remember that you don’t need to have a set itinerary as a nomadic backpacker You are free You might have an idea of where you might want to go, but let your curiosity take you further It may lead you to a secret spot where only locals love to take their leisure Inform your friends and family of a rough timeline and outline of your trip Update yourself through travel websites for any warnings or disturbances Book in the off-season Prices are lower, the places are less crowded, and locals tend to be friendlier during these times Always check the weather before you book; that way, you’re more or less prepared for the conditions 205 once you get there Secure the documents you will need to get to and from your time away (passport, vaccine records, medical tests necessary, boarding tickets, visas, and immigration forms) Have backup photos of your visa, passport, IDs, and other essential documentation, and keep a physical copy of these in a protected area of your backpack Email a copy to yourself as well If you’re bringing an ATM bank card or credit card, keep these separate from your documents but also in an accessible spot Hide some money away in case you lose your credit cards Find out more about your dream destination online Check social media pages for information, tips, and traveling advice Look around online pages for secret hideaways and local hangouts Send a message to the account if you’re interested in learning more, and you may make new friends You never know; they might decide to host you or take you on tour from a local’s perspective Keep your mind open to new experiences You’re in a different country with different cultures and traditions Be respectful and learn to observe their customs Embrace these experiences with open arms Do what the locals Learn how they get around town or download travel apps before you go Download apps provide currency conversions and language translations Make new friends Whether they’re fellow backpackers, look for friendships When you are friendly and authentic, people will open up and give you tips about where they find the best places to get the street foods, maybe holesin-the-wall spots with different dishes and desserts Local friends are also your best bet in finding out about local events like music festivals Festivals are among the more anticipated events in some countries, and locals have insider knowledge of go-to party events (if you’re into that…who isn’t?) One good way to get the real vibe of the country is to be at their events It is not uncommon that these friendships with locals will land you as guests in their homes Every culture has different customs, and sometimes, there are things that visitors or say that could be mistakenly construed as offensive for some locals It is all a process, and if you screw it up, 206 not worry; you will learn from living Take a deep breath and get ready for the best time of your life! 207 www.traveleandole.com/checklist Before you go, we would be eternally grateful if you left us a review on Amazon Help us get better at making the best travel guides out there! https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review/?ie=UT F8&channel=awUDPv3&asin=B09HP45RSP Don’t take your travel journey alone, join our tribe! fb.com/groups/thecaribbeantravelguide fb.com/Caribbean.Travel.Life @traveleandole ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Matias publishing would like to recognize the following for their permission to reproduce their photographs: Pexels: Colin Lloyd & Jeremy Bishop Unsplash: Jared Rice, Jakob Owens, Kristin Whylly, Meritt Thomas, Stephanie Klepacki, Vlad Tchompalov, Spencer Everett, Alex Meier, Tiago claro, Dorothea Oldani, Raul Baz, Justin Aikin, Eliezer Pujols, Damian Dominguez, Lino Ogenio, Andrew Coop, Wei Zeng, Juan Burgos, Carlos Zacapa, Stephen T King, Paola Galimberti, Jay Cee, Nick Rickert, Dietmar Lichota, Josh Duncan, and Peter Hansen Pixaby: David Mark, Hans Schwarzkopf, Bob Spicer, wineguide101, Flavio Moura, Michelle Raponi, Esteban Rodriguez, grapesky, and huggs24 Cover image: Anton Gvozdikov Book Cover design: Whizpro at 99designs All other images © Matias Publishing The authors have pulled all of the data gathered in this text from official government travel websites, information accessible through multiple sources (such as addresses, phone numbers, and lat-long coordinates), and personal experience Fluid data such as lat-long coordinates, prices, addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and travel information, are subject to change Matias publishing and Traveleandole cannot accept responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of this guide, nor for any material on third-party websites It cannot guarantee that the non-government website addresses will be a suitable source of travel information The integrity of The Caribbean Travel Guide will be looked at constantly We value the suggestions for correction of our readers Got feedback? Please e-mail: contact@traveleandole.com Visit us at: www.traveleandole.com © Copyright All rights reserved “The Caribbean Travel Guide” by Matias & Miriam First Edition 2021 Matias Publishing Published in the United States of America Legal Notice: This book is copyright protected and is only for personal use You cannot amend, distribute, sell, reproduce, duplicate, transmit or paraphrase any part, or the content within this book without the consent of the author or publisher, except for the use of quotations in a book review Under no circumstances will responsibility be held against the publisher, or author, for any damages, reparation, or monetary loss due to the information contained within this book Either directly or indirectly Disclaimer Notice: The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of this book, nor for any material on third-party websites We cannot guarantee that the website addresses in this guide will be a suitable source of travel information in the future Please note the information contained within this document is for educational and entertainment purposes only All effort has been executed to present accurate, up to date, and reliable, complete information No warranties of any kind are declared or implied Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical, or professional advice The content within this book has been derived from various sources ... face— exploring the heights of the mountains and the depths of the seas—seeing the smiles of the locals from around the world and smelling the enigmatic scent of their cuisines being prepared.. .The Caribbean Travel Guide By Matias & Miriam Get the best out of your guide Dream about your perfect itinerary As you flip through the pages, ask yourself where... began with the early colonial period under the Spanish Empire and the episodic visits of English pirates In the 1700s, the first settlement by the British became a pivotal influence from the 1860s