Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you take a trip to the Caribbean. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in the Caribbean, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do during your Caribbean vacation! These tips apply whether you are traveling to Jamaica, Aruba, Barbados, or any of the other amazing Caribbean island destinations.
Don’t Think All Caribbean Islands Are the Same
Jamaica is totally different from Aruba, which is totally different from Barbados. The Caribbean Islands include Cuba, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Antigua, the Cayman Islands, and more! Each island has a distinct culture and heritage. Of course, there are similarities like great weather and beaches, but when you are deciding which Caribbean island to visit, be sure to know your priorities and do your research. Jamaica is great for adventure travel, while Turks & Caicos is perfect for a relaxing beach vacation. Your travel style will determine the best places to visit in the Caribbean!
Don’t Think Caribbean Cruise Ports Represent the Islands
If you visit the Caribbean on a cruise, you’ll get to visit multiple Caribbean islands and multiple ports of call. However, don’t assume you’re going to experience the local culture when you visit the Caribbean cruise ports. These are going to be the most touristy areas of the island. It’s akin to visiting Orlando and thinking you are getting a look at American culture. Try to do an excursion or hire a guide that will take you beyond the port city to actually experience some local culture.
Don’t Be Afraid to Hire a Private Guide
This is another tip for Caribbean cruise passengers. The cruise ship will offer excursions, but if there’s something you really want to learn about or see while you’re in port, don’t be afraid to hire your own guide. Nothing says you can’t hire someone independent of the cruise line. You will learn so much more on a small, personal tour than if you were to take a cruise ship tour with 100 other guests. Just make sure your guide is aware of the cruise schedule and can get you back on time!
Seven Reasons to Hire a Private Tour Guide
Don’t Be in a Hurry
If you’ve ever heard of island time, this is where it originates. Everyone moves at a very relaxed pace in the islands; it’s part of what makes a Caribbean vacation so great. However, if you’re coming from the mainland, it can take a few days to get used to island time. In the meantime, it’s easy to get frustrated, especially when you are out to eat and ready to order some food. Once you get used to island time, it’s actually kind of nice.
Don’t Forget the Sunblock
Most of us visit the Caribbean for the sunshine and great weather. But you really need to layer on the sunblock and make sure to reapply it frequently. A hat is also a good thing to bring to the Caribbean as you can get a pretty nasty sunburn, even in the part of your hair.
Don’t Expect the Caribbean to Be Cheap
Since all Caribbean islands are not the same, neither are the prices. Remember, most things are imported to the islands, and marked up for tourists. So, if you forget your sunblock at home, you’ll pay up to five times as much at a shop in the Caribbean. If you are visiting the cruise ports, you’ll definitely pay much more the closer you get to the ship. It’s possible to visit the Caribbean on a budget, but you have to do your research and plan accordingly.
Don’t Worry About the Beach Touts
If you’re in a touristy area on the beach, you’ll likely see a lot of touts trying to sell you things. It’s easy to get frustrated, and I’ve seen people yelling at the touts. What you have to understand is that these people are just trying to make a living. We try to be friendly, and it’s amazing how well that works in getting a smile back and the tout moves on.
Don’t Forget About Hurricane Season
July through November is hurricane season in the Caribbean. You might see a great deal on flights and Caribbean resorts during these months, but remember that you can be affected by a hurricane. Every island is different, and every hurricane is different, but it’s not a bad idea to have travel insurance if you decide to visit the Caribbean during hurricane season.
Don’t Forget to Bring US Dollars
Most of the Caribbean islands see so many US tourists that the dollar is widely accepted. Even the islands which have their own currency will also accept dollars. Some ATM’s in the Caribbean will even give you the option to withdraw local currency or US dollars. It’s also helpful to carry small bills rather than larger bills, so you can buy items from smaller vendors.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Smarts
We tend to think of a Caribbean vacation as being relaxing and entirely safe. However, there are still some dangers that you need to be aware of, and precautions you should take on your Caribbean vacation. A lot of the Caribbean islands are very safe, but it’s always a good idea to talk to your hotel about where it’s safe to go at night. You can always hire a local driver or guide to take you around if you want to go off the beaten path without wandering into dangerous areas.
Don’t Worry About Staying Connected
The Caribbean Islands have an excellent tourist infrastructure. This includes cell phone service, WiFi, and electricity. You won’t always have blazing fast internet speeds, but you’ll be able to get online. If you are planning to drive around the island, I recommend downloading the local maps so you can access them offline, just in case you lose service along the way.
Don’t Be Scared to Leave Your Resort
There are some really great Caribbean resorts, even a lot of all-inclusive resorts. It can be tempting to never leave the resort, or you might be worried about your safety. But, if you want to explore, don’t be afraid to get out there! Maybe you just rent a car for the day and drive around the island to find some secret beaches. Or maybe you want to head into town and experience some of the local culture. Just because you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort doesn’t mean you can’t leave and have some local street food for dinner one night.
Ten Things That Will Shock You at an All-Inclusive Resort
Don’t Forget the Beach Gear
Caribbean vacations are all about the beaches. So, you don’t want to forget your beach gear at home, or it will cost you! If you’re visiting the Caribbean with kids, throw their beach toys in their carry-on. Beach vacations don’t require much in the way of clothes, so you’ll have extra room for your beach gear. If you decide to buy this stuff when you arrive, you’ll pay a lot more for it. It’s also a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle along so you can stay hydrated.
Don’t Go in the Water If the Flags Are Red
Most of the Caribbean beaches have flags to tell you if it’s safe to swim or not. If the flags are red, you don’t want to go in. Yes, it stinks to be on vacation and have a day when you can’t go in the water, but you’re better off safe than sorry. The flags are there for a reason.
Don’t Miss Out on Caribbean Adventures
No matter which Caribbean island you visit, don’t miss out on some of the adventures. This might be a jungle trek or a Jeep safari, but there are so many Caribbean adventures to have in the islands. Enjoy your beach days, but plan a few adventure days as well. There are some great hikes in the Caribbean, as well as tons of amazing watersports like kayaking, parasailing, snorkeling, and diving.
Don’t Forget the Kids & the Grandparents
The Caribbean is a great place for a multi-generational vacation. With the aforementioned adventures, great resorts and tourist infrastructure, there’s really something for everyone in the Caribbean.
The Caribbean is a popular travel destination for a reason. There are so many diverse islands to visit and cultures to experience. No matter which Caribbean island you choose to visit, you’re going to have a great time! I hope this helps you know some of the things to avoid doing on your Caribbean vacation. Looking for more tips on Caribbean travel? Check out these blog posts!