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It's always a good time to visit the Caribbean. The region enjoys moderate temperatures and cool breezes all year round, and contrary to popular belief, there is rarely a hurricane threat on the mainlands.
During the off-season (mid-April to mid-December) you can take advantage of greatly reduced hotel and air travel prices. You can even find ways to save during peak season--travel packages, for example, generally offer an overall discount on travel.whether you're after |
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an upscale resort adventure or cozy guesthouse experience, you'll find it in the Caribbean.
The islands of the Caribbean will be your favorite escape whether you're traveling alone, as a couple, or with a family. You may choose to visit multiple islands--certainly they all have unique charms. Aruba has a magnificent physical landscape with boulders and dazzling beaches. Puerto Rico has tropical rain forests ripe for discovery. Wherever you go, you'll find it easy to get around--rent a bicycle, take a taxi, or drive your own rental car around the islands for backroads exploration. Before you go, read up on customs regulations and safety tips to make sure your trip is worry-free.
The Caribbean is an extraordinary blend of carefree living and modern convenience. Despite its laid back charm, the region boasts all the technological comforts of home such as cellular phone service, automated teller machines (ATMs), premium medical facilities, and express mail service.
In the Caribbean, the choice is yours: You can while away a lazy afternoon on the beach, or visit a trendy shop; soak up native languages such as Papiamento (a combination of African, Dutch, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish); or lounge on a cruise ship deck.
Caribbean travel is an adventure, or relaxing vacation, waiting to happen. So, while you can leave your stresses and worries at home, be sure to bring your credit cards--and sun block.
Knowing the history of the Caribbean region goes a long way toward understanding its people. Each island has a unique cultural identity shaped by the European colonialists, the African heritage of slaves, and the enduring legacies of the native Indian tribes. This rich history and its lasting influence is set against a backdrop of crystal clear waters and perpetual sunshine.
Although not largely written about, Caribbean culture has arguably been preserved more by the authentic voices of "intuitive scholars": artists,
farmers, merchants, and traders--educationally deprived, perhaps, but quite learned in the cultural heritage of the island nations. They are the region's best oral historians and cultural preservationists.
The Caribbean lifestyle is undoubtedly a product of its tropical setting. The music, architecture, attitudes and customs have all, in some way, been shaped by the physical landscape and climate. The cultures of the Caribbean countries are a blend of colonial mainstays and pervasive influences by major ethnic groups of the region such as East Indians and Africans.
Barbados, a former British colony, retains enough British traditions to be called "Little England." Antigua, while offering a more laid-back attitude, still observes old British customs.
On the other hand, Jamaica retains few of the colonial customs, relies heavily on pre-colonial heritage and is passionately self-sufficient. Jamaica also boasts a successful democracy and maintains a peaceful existence in the Caribbean. Its residents run the gamut from staid English aristocrats to vibrant Rastafarians.
Aruba, once a Dutch possession, only retains slight Dutch influence today. The U.S. Virgin Islands, purchased from the Dutch in 1917, mainly have an American feel with a few lingering elements of Dutch culture.
The Dominican Republic is largely underdeveloped except in the capital of Santo Domingo, a city teeming with two million people. It is a sparsely populated, mountainous country whose past is riddled with political turmoil.
In contrast, nearby Puerto Rico is the most modern island in the Caribbean. Spanish and American influences are apparent throughout this island abounding with high-rises and traffic. Guadeloupe remains a French possession. There are some African influences here, but French customs, culture, and language prevail.
When traveling to the Caribbean, a valid passport is always the recommended and preferred form of identification especially since international traveling involves numerous identification stops.
Carrying a valid passport will most likely allow you quick, hassle-free passage through customs and immigration checkpoints of most Caribbean nations. Bear in mind the following passport and entry information:
- The passport application process takes a minimum of three weeks, but you may be able to place a rush order on your passport for an additional fee.
- The application processing time greatly increases during the spring months. The best time to renew or apply for a passport is during the fall and winter months.
- Make two photocopies of your passport; give one copy to someone in your native country and bring the other copy with you. Contact the local authorities and your closest embassy in the Caribbean if your passport is lost or stolen.
- To enter one of the Caribbean islands, you will need a valid passport and a return or onward ticket unless you are a British, Canadian, or United States citizen.
- If you are a British, Canadian or U.S. citizen, you must only show proof of citizenship, preferably an authentic birth certificate along with a government-issued photo ID, and a return or onward ticket.
- Certain islands may also require proof of funds adequate to cover the duration of your stay.
- Entry or re-entry into the United States now requires a passport from any travelers (including U.S. citizens) returning from the Caribbean. If your trip continues on to or ends in the U.S., be sure to bring a valid passport.
Visas generally are not mandatory if you are an Australian, British, Canadian, European Union, Japanese and U.S. citizen, unless you are traveling to the Caribbean for business. Visa fees, allowances and stipulations vary from island to island; contact an embassy or consulate for further information.
Each island in the Caribbean charges a departure tax. The exact fee varies from island to island, but customs and immigration usually accepts payment in cash only. Many airlines and cruise lines incorporate the departure tax into the price of the air or cruise fare, but this courtesy does not exist with all travel outlets. Check with your travel agent or reservationist to determine whether or not you'll need to reserve cash for this end-of-trip expense. |
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