Caribbean Trips Now a Breeze, Travel Editor Says

Nandita Khanna
for National Geographic Traveler

December 10, 2003

Traveling to the Caribbean is now quicker and easier. Major United
States airlines are offering more direct flights than ever before, and
tour operators and hotels are slashing rates, according to a report in
Traveler's November/December issue. Here Editor Keith Bellows
chats about this year's "hot" islands, how to avoid crowds, and more.

Which airlines offer direct service to the Caribbean?

US Airways flies directly to St. Kitts among other islands, while American flies to the likes of the Dominican Republic and San Juan, and Continental flies to Grand Cayman and Aruba. Air Jamaica flies nonstop to Jamaica from a dozen U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago.

Why are so many airlines offering these routes?

Since 9/11 fewer Americans are willing to venture far from home. Which makes the Caribbean a great destination. It's right in our own backyard, and each island offers a taste of a different culture. Many travelers also perceive the Caribbean to be safer than major cities, for example, because it's less likely to be targeted by terrorists.

Which islands are "hot" this year?

Cuba is hot because it's been off-limits for so long. Due to a loophole, Americans can travel there on educational tours through the end of the year. General Tours and Cross Cultural Solutions, for example, are both offering eight-day trips to Cuba starting at U.S. $2,399 per person from Miami and Cancún (through December 23). Vieques, a little island seven miles (eleven kilometers) off the coast of Puerto Rico, is drawing visitors because the U.S. Navy finally shipped out last spring after running bombing exercises there for 62 years. Belize is popular because of all the hype surrounding eco-tourism right now. Grand Bahama Island is attracting mainstream American tourists for its Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort and other big-name hotels. Panama is also "hot" because its new tourist infrastructure offers old world colonial charm.

When should budget-minded travelers go?

You can save the most money by visiting June to November, the off-season. Jamaica, for example, is extremely inexpensive in October because it's chilly. The trade-off is that while you don't get to sunbathe you do get to experience the culture and people without the tourist crowds. Hurricane season falls at the same time, so check weather reports before making travel plans.

What are some great deals right now?

The all-inclusive Viva Tangerine in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, is offering room rates from U.S. $60 per person, per night. Virgin Vacations is offering three nights in Costa Rica, including round-trip airfare and airport transfers, from U.S. $449 per person. You can earn free nights at Avalon Grand Panama, La Cabana All-Suite Beach Resort, and Sunset Beach Resort through various dates this winter. A great website for Caribbean deals is www.gocaribbean.com.

Which islands do you recommend for special interest travelers?

Foodies: Without question, Anguilla. Though the island is small and untouristy it has more first-rate restaurants, including Blanchard's and Mango's, than any other island in the Caribbean.

Beach Lovers: Antigua is renowned for its miles of pristine beaches. Barbados also has great beaches. Negril, Jamaica's seven-mile beach, is still spectacular but it isn't the paradise it once was because of overdevelopment.

Nightlife: Aruba is often referred to as the Caribbean's Las Vegas, because it has so many casinos and clubs.

Snorkelers: Bonaire has been the place to go for the last decade. Cozumel also has good snorkeling, and Saba is an up-and-coming destination for avid snorkelers who want a new place to explore.

Music Buffs: You can't go wrong in Jamaica because the indigenous culture is deeply rooted in reggae. Plus there's the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, which is state-of-the-art and quite remarkable. The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are also great bets during Carnival (February 23-24, 2004).

What is the most romantic resort you've ever visited in the Caribbean?

Half Moon Club in Montego Bay, Jamaica (www.halfmoon-resort.com). It's an old, charming hotel that has been there for nearly 50 years. It's very British and just gorgeous.

Besides cruising, how can travelers see many islands in a week or two?

I love to tour the islands by sailboat. But if you don't want to be on the water, you can take a puddle jumper from island to island. You can start in Tortola and travel all the way down the Grenadines to Trinidad and Tobago.

Are there any virtually undiscovered islands left?

St. Kitts and Nevis, which are part of the Grenadine islands, are tiny and more difficult to get to than some islands. So they aren't on many people's radar screens. They're like many of the islands in the South Pacific, small and lush without all the casinos and clubs. If you really want an intimate experience, these are the islands to visit.