Sue's Travel Tips and Tidbits: Caribbean 101

So, you're ready to call your travel agent about a trip to the Caribbean, and you know how much you want to spend, but you're not sure where you want to go. Did you know that the Caribbean region covers 92,540 square miles and includes more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays?

Let's start with the basics: If your budget is tight, you'll want to factor distance and flight availability into your decision. For example, Jamaica is 579 miles from Miami, and there are a good number of airlines serving that route. Aruba is 1,133 miles from Miami and Grenada is 1,530 miles from Miami. Even with vacation package bundling discounts, round trip airfare to the furthermost points of the Caribbean is going to significantly increase the cost of your trip.

Another thing to consider when planning your trip to the Caribbean is lifestyle. The Dominican Republic and Jamaica have a wide variety of lodging types, from all-inclusive resorts with activities included, to quaint cottages and vacation homes. With an all-inclusive package, your meals, snacks, beverages and activities are paid for upfront, which makes for a worry-free vacation. All-inclusive packages and "adults-only" resorts are generally more expensive, but are ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion, as they offer promotional packages that include complimentary perks like honeymoon bonuses, resort credits, transfers and other "freebies" that add exceptional value.

The best advice is "know before you go." The Caribbean region is organized into 30 “geopolitical” territories. In some areas, language barriers and currency exchange are a consideration.

DID YOU KNOW?:

In Bermuda, rental cars are not available and the temp is considerably cooler there during peak season than in the islands to the south.
Antigua has 365 beaches.
Camping is discouraged or forbidden on most Caribbean islands.
On smaller, satellite islands, guest houses may be the only accommodation available.
Some resorts have casinos.
You don't have to have a passport to visit Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands.
There are beaches in Jamaica where you can sun bathe "au natural," but nude bathing is illegal in Bermuda.
The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands cater to deep-sea fishing.
The population of the Caribbean region is estimated to be over 39 million!
Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao are called the "ABC Islands," and are under the control of the Netherlands.
Grenada has the largest wreck in the Caribbean, which is the Bianca C. a 600-passenger Italian ocean liner that caught on fire and sank in 1961.
St. Martin actually has a French (St. Martin) and Dutch side (Sint Maarten). It is the smallest island in the world that is divided between two sovereign nations.