Beaches & Islands

Dreaming of an escape from the winter blues? Fantasizing the warm temperatures, azure ocean waters, and stunning beaches? Look no further than a Caribbean trip! The Caribbean islands offer a perfect getaway for anyone who wants to enjoy the summer in winter. And don't worry about breaking the bank. There are cheap vacation destinations amongst this large strip of islands for you to get your money's worth. If it's your first time planning a trip to the Caribbean, here are some quick and easy tips to travel smart while being thrifty. 1. Booking A Caribbean Trip Need Not Be Done Via Flight While we usually consider cruises as holiday destinations, why not treat them as pre-holiday fun before the real thing? Why fly when you can cruise your way to the Caribbeans? If you have a generous vacation period, you can always book a cruise to the Caribbeans and prolong the summer this winter. A Caribbean cruise from Florida will guarantee you the full swing of summer fun. Choose between a 4-day, 7-day, or even a 12-day cruise to explore the various parts of the Caribbean. 2. Choose Your Dates But Avoid The Hurricane Season Expect hurricanes in the Caribbean from June to November. So if you are planning to escape from the cold before winter, you may have to reconsider. That said, visiting during this non-peak season also means scoring a dreamy holiday, one with less shoulder bumping and more facilities available to enjoy. And here's a little local tip for you: there are a couple of places like Trinidad, Barbados, Grenada, and others outside of the Hurricane belt, untouched by the ghastly winds and landslides. When you choose to go remains entirely up to you but it's helpful to research beforehand and cruise along with the unpredictable weather. 3. Choose What You Want To Do Yes, you've heard it many times and we are repeating it - do not be hasty in booking a holiday package. We aren't saying all holiday packages are bad, but there is a certain beauty in freestyling your way through holidays. And not to mention that sense of accomplishment when you plan an amazing getaway yourself. If anything, while you plan, do not let yourself get carried away. Make sure that the things you have planned interest you and that you can actually do them in the amount of time you have. The sweeping paradisical landscape in the Caribbean means there are plenty of water activities to dive into. The cultural diversity also allows you to immerse in the local food and cultural hotspots. So research and find out what truly interests you and work your way from there. Here are some of the best Caribbean beaches and resorts that may just fit your ideal getaway. And a beach packing list as well. 4. Prepare Cash (Both in the U.S. and Local Currency) Do not expect cashless transactions to be available wherever you go. Artisanal shops, local food markets, and souvenir shopping do require local currency. So prepare some beforehand and exchange more when you are there. 5. Prepare Travel Routers (If Not, Unplug!) Cell signals and Wi-Fi are sometimes a hit or miss, even in a modern society like the Caribbean. While some places that you stay may provide you with the usual lightning-speed connection, it does not translate to all the places on the ground. So unplug! Take the time to really slow things down intentionally. Sip on some cocktails, get out in the sun and bathe in all of the Caribbean's exquisite shorelines. But if you’re afraid of being separated from your travel buddies, here are some of the best travel routers to bring along.