CARIBBEAN TRAVEL ADVICE
Haiti tips
Aled Evans, from our leading Haiti supplier Undiscovered Destinations, shares his advice on travelling to Haiti: “Haiti is not like any other place in the Caribbean. If you want a ‘Caribbean’ holiday, then Haiti is not for you! The best description I have heard of Haiti is that it is a small part of West Africa that just happens to be in the Caribbean. History, culture, beautiful scenery and beaches combine to create a unique holiday destination. If you go with an open mind and a friendly smile you will have one of the best experiences that travel can offer.”
Our Caribbean Holidays
Cuban casa holiday
Go local in Cuba staying in friendly family B&Bs throughout
From
£1145
15 days
ex flights
Caribbean nature tour, Lesser Antilles
Bespoke nature holiday on four idyllic Caribbean islands
From
£3295 to £3575
13 days
inc UK flights
Trekking holiday in Cuba
Hiking and exploring the unspoiled national parks of Cuba
From
£270 to £580
4 days
ex flights
Cuba cultural holiday
Immerse yourself in Cuban culture on this 8 day adventure
From
US $690
8 days
ex flights
Cuba tour, The Revolutionary Trail
Follow in the footsteps of the revolutionaries
From
£1925
10 days
ex flights
Cuba salsa dance holiday
Learn to salsa with the pros in Santiago de Cuba. Tuition, day trips and nights out included.
From
£1525
15 days
ex flights
Trinidad and Tobago nature tours
An eco-adventure experience that includes every comfort
From
£2995 to £3795
16 days
inc UK flights
Dominica nature holiday
Independent tour of Dominica, Caribbean's "Nature Island".
From
£1995 to £2495
10 days
inc UK flights
Tobago beach accommodation
17 beautiful accommodations in unique eco resort
From
£95 to £310
per accommodation per night
Classic Cuba holiday, 11 days
Get into the Cuban swing over just ten days.
From
£1085
11 days
ex flights
Trinidad and Tobago bird watching holidays
Discover the 450 plus bird species in Trinidad & Tobago
From
£3195 to £3695
13 days
inc UK flights
Cuba adventure tours
Authentic Cuba using guesthouses and local guides
From
US $425 to US $490
8 days
ex flights
Cuba small group holiday, 8 days
Explore the history and the nature of the Caribbean wonder
From
US $2350
8 days
ex flights
St Lucia birdwatching tour, tailor made
Birds, flora and fauna in beautiful St Lucia
From
£1795 to £1950
9 days
inc UK flights
Cuba highlights and beach holiday
Balance Cuba’s culture & natural beauty with sunny paradise.
From
£1488
15 days
ex flights
Scuba diving and tour in Cuba
Scuba diving and roundtrip Cuba with homestays and/or hotels
From
€995 to €1790
15 days
ex flights
St Lucia B&B accommodation, Marigot Bay
Waterfront B&B in the most loved & beautiful Caribbean, bay!
From
US $160 to US $200
per accommodation per night (sleeps 2)
Walking holiday in St Lucia
Guided walking on this beautiful tear drop island
From
£964 to £2614
8 days
ex flights
Skyline Trail cycling tour in Western Cuba
Cycle the spectacular Skyline Trail through Western Cuba
From
£1109 to £1199
8 days
ex flights
Jamaica tour, Jamaica Discovery
Venture beyond the tourist trail of Jamaica
From
£2515
12 days
ex flights
Cuba cultural tour, 9 days
Fun and legal tour for American travelers
From
US $1500 to US $2000
9 days
ex flights
Learn Spanish and watersports holiday, Dominican Republic
Study Spanish & enjoy watersports in the warm Caribbean
From
£415 to £755
7 days
ex flights
Cuba holiday, West to East
Cuba travel 19 days from West to East
From
€1995 to €2295
19 days
ex flights
Cuba holiday, culture and nature
A mix of nature and culture; discover what makes Cuba tick
From
£1265
15 days
ex flights
Classic Cuba cycle holiday
Cycle Cuba - Beaches, Mountains and Revolution!
From
£1899 to £1999
15 days
ex flights
Cuba highlights holiday
Explore Havana, visit tobacco hills & doze on dreamy beaches
From
£788
8 days
ex flights
Help rebuild Dominica after hurricane Maria
Help rebuild an eco lodge and a local community,
From
US $70 to US $720
7 days
ex flights
Cuba tips
Adam Roberts, from our supplier Exodus, on speaking Spanish in Cuba:“Learning some Spanish goes a long way – especially if you are staying in casas particulares. Your hosts may not speak a word of English, so if you can tell them what time you'd like breakfast and how you'd like your eggs, not only does it make your life easier but it puts your hosts at ease. People are so friendly in Cuba, so if you do go that extra mile you'll find it really rewarding.”
Ceri Jones from our supplier Rickshaw Travel has packing advice:
“I advise to always pack long trousers and a warm jacket for the evenings as it can get cooler up in the hills. A thin rain jacket is essential for those unpredictable and sporadic downpours which can happen at any moment in the tropics but keep it lusciously green. Another must is flip flops which make it easy to wade through the streets after said heavy yet refreshing rain and save your shoes getting wet. Usual beach gear of course, but probably the most useful item to pack is your dancing shoes as whether you are male or female, there will always be a local desperate to teach you salsa.”
“I advise to always pack long trousers and a warm jacket for the evenings as it can get cooler up in the hills. A thin rain jacket is essential for those unpredictable and sporadic downpours which can happen at any moment in the tropics but keep it lusciously green. Another must is flip flops which make it easy to wade through the streets after said heavy yet refreshing rain and save your shoes getting wet. Usual beach gear of course, but probably the most useful item to pack is your dancing shoes as whether you are male or female, there will always be a local desperate to teach you salsa.”
Our top Caribbean Holiday
Cuban casa holiday
Go local in Cuba staying in friendly family B&Bs throughout
From
£1145
15 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
Everything is tweak-able, giving you the freedom to build a unique and personal trip for your chosen date. Upgrade your accommodation for all - or just part - of your trip, slow down the pace with few extra nights here and there or add a few more active adventures along the way
Everything is tweak-able, giving you the freedom to build a unique and personal trip for your chosen date. Upgrade your accommodation for all - or just part - of your trip, slow down the pace with few extra nights here and there or add a few more active adventures along the way
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Caribbean or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
Dominica tips
Michael Eugene from our supplier Jungle Trekking & Adventure Safaris, on trekking in Dominica:“Where possible, use the services of a guide – they add to the level of enjoyment and share interesting local stories. We are very friendly in Dominica and are eager to share in a conversation.”
Vivianne McGrath from our top supplier of bird watching holidays in the Caribbean, MotMot Travel, on Dominica’s recovery after Hurricane Maria: “Although it will be a long slow process until the island fully recovers, I was happy to recently learn from our Dominica birding guide that nature is recovering quickly, with most bird species thriving. While many of Dominica’s hotels remain out of commission, there is still a reasonable choice of accommodation on the island with many more reopening this winter, as well as some good new options. Many popular tourist destinations, such as Boiling Lake, the Emerald Pool and the trails one takes to reach them, are open and accessible. The Division of Forestry, with the help of volunteers, is hard at work restoring the Waitukubuli National Trail. The island is ready to welcome visitors and the economy of the country relies on tourism. I would definitely recommend travelling to Dominica. You will have a wonderful experience and your visit is the best way to help the island’s recovery.”
Trinidad & Tobago tips
Vivianne McGrath from our top supplier of bird watching holidays in the Caribbean, MotMot Travel, on music: “There is music everywhere in Trinidad and Tobago. Calypso really is the sound of Tobago. But of course if you really want to chill, steel band is just great and going to pan yards before Carnival to hear them practising is one of my favourite things to do.”
Birdwatching tips
Vivianne McGrath from our top supplier of bird watching holidays in the Caribbean, MotMot Travel: “My favourite place for bird watching would have to be Trinidad and Tobago, which offer the perfect introduction to birding in the New World tropics. Between the two islands there is a diversity of easily-accessible habitats that allow unparalleled access to some of the world’s most beautiful birds. The birding is also very rewarding on St Lucia with six island endemics and a range of Antillean specialities to be found there.”CARIBBEAN TIPS FROM OUR TRAVELLERS
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do – and opinions about what not to
We have selected some of the most useful Caribbean travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday – and the space inside your suitcase.
We have selected some of the most useful Caribbean travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday – and the space inside your suitcase.
Research what is going on when you have free time – in Tobago we went to a combined beauty pageant and calypso competition 
– Chris Fleckney
“Take a range of hot climate clothes including long sleeves to keep off any biting inspects, and boots with longer socks to tuck trousers into, plus hat and scarves to protect from the sun and insects at certain times / locations (but all worth it!). Tourism in Trinidad and Tobago is not at an advanced level in all places and you need to be aware that not everyone is up to speed with the level of customer service skills you may find in more developed part of the world - but that is part of the attraction of visiting this wonderful country.” – Margaret Playa
“Well worth going in the rainy season - rain storms are usually short lived and the number of visitors are much lower than they would be in high season.” – Chris Goddard in Trinidad and Tobago
“Research what is going on when you have free time – in Tobago we went to a combined beauty pageant and calypso competition (part of the run-up to carnival) which was a great experience with local people (definitely not put on for tourists!)” – Chris Fleckney
“If you are planning to do any reasonable hikes, make sure you have the right footwear. Heavy duty boots, such as you would wear in the UK, will protect your ankles and keep your feet dry, but do not have sufficient grip for these hikes. Far better to use lighter weight boots/shoes with sticky soles!” – Jenny Cobon in Dominica
“Well worth going in the rainy season - rain storms are usually short lived and the number of visitors are much lower than they would be in high season.” – Chris Goddard in Trinidad and Tobago
“Research what is going on when you have free time – in Tobago we went to a combined beauty pageant and calypso competition (part of the run-up to carnival) which was a great experience with local people (definitely not put on for tourists!)” – Chris Fleckney
“If you are planning to do any reasonable hikes, make sure you have the right footwear. Heavy duty boots, such as you would wear in the UK, will protect your ankles and keep your feet dry, but do not have sufficient grip for these hikes. Far better to use lighter weight boots/shoes with sticky soles!” – Jenny Cobon in Dominica
Try to get to know the people who live near your accommodation. Dominicans are very friendly and love to share their lives with you
– Joan Rule
“Don't hire a car. You see less, learn less, and are exposed to both stress and some danger.” - Charles Moberly in Dominica
“Try to get to know the people who live near your accommodation. Dominicans are very friendly and love to share their lives with you. Monitor the paths you are going to walk on. Frequent rain makes some of the steeper paths very slippery and it is best not to attempt them unless you are very sure-footed. Don't expect that every trip you make will work out as expected. Whales do not show up to order.” – Joan Rule
“Expect to wind down and take things slowly. Be prepared to pay more for food in restaurants, than you might in the UK.” – Alec Connah in Tobago
“Just take note of what the holiday provider recommends what to take. I would have been lost without a torch.” – Grace McGill in Haiti
“Try to get to know the people who live near your accommodation. Dominicans are very friendly and love to share their lives with you. Monitor the paths you are going to walk on. Frequent rain makes some of the steeper paths very slippery and it is best not to attempt them unless you are very sure-footed. Don't expect that every trip you make will work out as expected. Whales do not show up to order.” – Joan Rule
“Expect to wind down and take things slowly. Be prepared to pay more for food in restaurants, than you might in the UK.” – Alec Connah in Tobago
“Just take note of what the holiday provider recommends what to take. I would have been lost without a torch.” – Grace McGill in Haiti
More about Caribbean
Warm temperatures, plenty of sun and enough rain to keep the landscapes lush – the Caribbean has wonderful weather.
A vast archipelago of islands between North and South America, the Caribbean is rich in history, culture, music and food.
There are over 7,000 islands scattered through the Caribbean Sea, a super-abundance of beautiful destinations, each with its own unique characteristics.
The Caribbean region is prone to hurricanes, with the season lasting from the start of June to the end of November.
There’s so much to love about small ship cruising in the Caribbean, with all those islands, reefs, quiet bays and pretty coastal towns just waiting to be explored.
The Caribbean is a birding hotspot, home to 565 species, many of which aren’t found anywhere else in the world.
Anyone with walking boots and a sense of adventure will love exploring the Caribbean on foot, following jungle trails and mountain paths.
The Caribbean has its fair share of big hotels and identikit resorts, but scattered across its islands like so many precious jewels are some truly superb retreats, cottages and resorts.
Tourism is the lifeblood of the Caribbean, but the high numbers of people eager to visit this beautiful region has given rise to a range of tourism offers, from the good, to the bad and the ugly...
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Photo credits: [Page banner: pshanson] [Haiti: Marie-Chantalle]
[Trinidad carnival: Michel Tissot]
[Trindad steel band: David Stanley]
[Dominican farmer: cisc1970]
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