Caribbean

Caribbean

The Caribbean is a tropical paradise comprised of 30 countries spanning more than 700 islands. It’s known for the warmth and friendliness of its people and abundant natural beauty. Its proximity to the US makes it a popular destination for a tropical getaway.

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Language(s)
  • Spanish
  • English
  • French
  • Dutch
  • European language-based Creoles
Currency

Several countries and territories use the East Caribbean dollar, the US dollar, and the Euro.

Other countries have unique currency but generally will accept the US Dollar.

Reconsider Travel
Summer Winter
Bermuda 85 61
Montego Bay 89 73
Trinidad and Tobago 90 72
Outlets
Type-A
Type-B

Best Time to Visit

Good Time May, June and November tend to be good times to visit the Caribbean. Falling just outside the rainy season, these months still enjoy great weather, but tend to be quieter and cost less than the peak winter months. While there may be the risk of the odd shower you can expect plenty of sunshine too.

The Caribbean doesn’t have normal seasons (winter, fall, spring, summer). Instead they are categorized into wet and dry season.

  • Wet Season: July – January
  • Dry Season: February – June

Fun Facts

  • There are more than 7000 different Caribbean islands, islets, reefs, and caves
  • Only 2% of the islands are inhabited
  • Jamaica was the scene of the very first James Bond film, Dr. No
  • There are more churches per square mile in Jamaica (1,600 in total) than in any other country in the world
  • The Caribbean Sea is home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef
  • There are 22 Unesco World Heritage Sites
  • The island of Saba has the shortest commercial runway in the world
  • There are 19 active volcanos in the Caribbean

Bucket-List Activities

  • Take a liveaboard dive trip (Bahamas)
  • Hike the Waitukubuli National Trail (Dominica)
  • Swim with pigs (Bahamas)
  • Swim with stingrays (Cayman islands)
  • Hike Gros Piton (Saint Lucia)
  • Go whale watching (Samaná Peninsula)

Natural Wonders

  • The Pitons (Saint Lucia)
  • The El Yunque Rainforest (Puerto Rico)
  • The Great Blue Hole (Coast of Belize)
  • The Baths National Park (British Virgin Islands)
  • Dunn’s River Falls (Jamaica)
  • Biolumanescent Bay (Puerto Rico)
  • Bonaire National Marine Park (Bonaire)

Major Attractions

  • Hike El Yunque Rainforest (Puerto Rico)
  • Visit the Brimstone Hill Fortress (Saint Kitts and Nevis)
  • Surf at Bathsheba Beach (Barbados)
  • Take in the view at Pigeon Island National Park (Saint Lucia)
  • Snorkel at Sapphire Beach (Saint Thomas)

Native Foods

  • Coucou and Flying Fish (fine cornmeal and okra with fried or steamed flying fish) – Barbados
  • Crab & Callaloo (crab simmered in creamy taro leave mixture) – Trinidad & Tobago
  • Conch Fritters (battered and fried conch meat) – Bahamas
  • Jerk Chicken (spicy grilled chicken) – Jamaica
  • Mofongo (fried plantains) – Puerto Rico
  • La Bandera (rice, beans, and chicken) – Dominican Republic
  • Creole Bread (coconut milk bread) – Saint Lucia

General Travel Tips

Common Phrases

  • Irie – Everything is alright and fine (Jamaica)
  • Boonoonoonoos – Your special person (Jamaica)
  • Dem – A group of people (them)
  • ¡Acere, qué bolá! – What’s up, buddy (Cuba)
  • Ponce es Ponce, lo demas es parkin’ – Ponce is Ponce, and the rest is parking (Puerto Rico)
  • San Juan / Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU ✈✈✈✈) – The oldest European-established city under United States sovereignty
  • Punta Cana / Punta Cana International Airport (PU J ✈✈✈✈) – The second-most popular tourist destination in Latin America
  • Santo Domingo / Las Americas International Airport (SDQ ✈✈✈✈) – The oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas
  • Montego Bay / Sangster International Airport (MBJ ✈✈✈✈) – Jamaica’s premiere tourists’ destination
  • Oranjestad  / Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA ✈✈✈✈) – The Capital of Aruba
  • Nassau / Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS ✈✈✈✈) – The Bahamas pirate city
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Meet Ed & Jenn

Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman, and together we are Coleman Concierge. It is our goal to inspire you to get out, expand your world, and to seek adventure, even in your own backyard.

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