Caribbean Island recommendations

[Muddywalks34]

Morning, I will be going to the Caribbean for around 10 days, I want a direct flight from London but open to which Island we arrive in first, I will be having 3 nights in Anguilla which will be the middle part of the stay, then possibly from there to Antiqua as it’s a direct (and the shortest) flight home, but flexible on this. For those of you with any experience which other Island would you throw into the mix. I have to do Anguilla as it’s the purpose of the trip, we are simply extending what would have been a 3 night stay to justify travelling all that way. How easy is it to Island hop, happy to fly or use Ferries. I want to be able to see as much as possible in our short time there and very unlikely we will ever get back. We are travelling child free and happy to come back feeling knackered rather than rested as we have our family chill holiday a few weeks later. Thanks

We'd never consider it unless we have visited most other places around the world.

Why not consider Seychelles islands?

We need to be in Anguilla for an event, so am just looking to extend our stay and see a little more of the Caribbean while we are over that way.

ok, thanks.
What is your definition of the area you are visiting - do you have any preferences and ones to avoid?

We have been to the Bahamas, Dominican and Cuba already, so want to avoid these and possibly take in some of the smaller islands but also quite keen to see Barbados and St Lucia so really a bit torn as it’s such a short visit. A lot of it will come down to how easy it is to island hop as don’t want to waste all my time travelling, hence asking for some tips from those who are familiar with the area. I have been lucky enough to travel fairly extensively, I enjoy a beach hut just as much as I do a luxury 5 star so really very open to what we do, where we stay.

What is your budget? Anguilla and Antigua are quite far north if you want to visit the larger islands like Barbados or Trinidad. Flights might be daily only, with 1/2 stops and airfares are higher than you might think. Trinidad and Tobago have a completely different foodie and partying vibe from the rest of the Caribbean. Do you want birdwatching, snorkelling, celeb spotting, watersports, sailing, partying etc? Would you prefer a non-English speaking island? Do you want to see Jamaica? Do you want a taste of island life or prefer the safety of a touristy, all inclusive resort ? Some islands are EXTREMELY unsafe, outside of resort.

Aruba is really nice, tiny and very safe. The main city is like a colourful Amsterdam. It has some beautiful beaches and sunsets. I don’t think you can get a direct flight to the uk at all times of the year though, so would obviously need to check this.

I’m off to Barbados in the morning for my fourth visit. It’s a lovely place x

Anguilla is amazing why can't you stay there longer?
Otherwise St Bart's would be nice,
as you probably know no direct flights to Anguilla, Antigua best route from LHR or through Paris, Amsterdam to St Maarten.

There is no reason we can’t and we may well end up doing that if logistically it all seems too much to cram into a short space of time. I never even considered going via Amsterdam but certainly an option I will look into as quite fancied St Maarten. Amsterdam to St Maarten, then onto Anguilla, from there to Antiqua and back direct to LHR could be a great option, will check it out thanks ☺️

Have. Lovely time 👙⛱️🏝️

Thank you will check it out 😬

Upto £500 per day to cover everything (travel from a different pot), but I am also happy with very basic. I definitely don’t want to be anywhere unsafe, I am leaving my teens at home (with GP’s staying) so I don’t want to feel anxious. Definitely don’t want to feel confined by an all inclusive either. I love a beach party type vibe with authentic feel, not fussed by celebs or water sports (I was swept away by a wave as a child so I am too cautious of the sea to enjoy it) I hate being hassled endlessly by sellers of tat (appreciate you will always get some), my DH isn’t too fussed about Jamaica. Friendly,’happy bubbly places, good food (very adventurous) . Thanks

Thank you ❤️

Barbados ( i would stay in Holetown) and Antigua ( we like Jolly Harbour villas) are great. I felt safe. Driving is not fast and easy. Rent a car, take your snorkels (do a small boat trip too) and explore the island. I like both lots but Barbados has more culture and Antigua has better and more beaches.

From Aruba there are direct flights to London. I would suggest Sint Maarten instead of Aruba to be honest. I believe it is too much marketed towards American tourists. Curaçao might be an option, or if you visit Sint Maarten, you can combine it with Saba or So t Eustatius, both small islands, lovely for a day or 2. On Saba there is a tropical rainforest.

We've never beenn to any of the islands as the crime rate/security varies greatly.
Barbados sounds good from what I've seen on the tv and St Lucia may be a lot cheaper alternative
When I was younger a guy from Barbados worked with us and he was always arguing with the guy from St Lucia about who had the bigger island, lol. Both places from arms lennght look ok but not for us - enjoy your hols.

Barbados would balance the small island feel of Anguilla/Antigua. The beach party vibe depends on the time of year. In Barbados, their carnival equivalent is Kadooment and this year it's on Aug 5. Parties ie fêtes start well before the actual date.
I would never do basic in the Caribbean if I can afford better. If you like very calm seas then the upmarket West Coast is for you. The South Coast is more touristy as it has a lower-mid range tourist accommodation. Take a catamaran day trip to snorkel, turtle watch etc and also rent a car to explore the island. Driving can be scary as taxis will just pull up in front of you to pick up a passenger, but the saving grace is that no one really speeds because ... potholes 😁

If you do go, be sure to try a roti (Trinidadian curry wrap) and the delicious flying fish on a Friday at the Oistins Fish Fry. Drink real rum punch, not the commercially bottled stuff🤮 Any bartender will make you one from scratch.

Last year the Caribbean experienced intense heat and it is expected to be worse this year. Take your medicines with you.

I know Barbados very well, been going for years.

The heat last year was indeed intense and long lasting. Already started now, while this should be a more relaxed windy period in the Caribbean, we call it Kuaresma here in Curaçao, where I live. During this heat, plan for early trips or late trips but not during mid day as heatstroke is common then.