7 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Caribbean Holiday

A holiday, especially in the Caribbean, is about relaxation mixed with a hint of adventure and exploration. So, when something takes away from the tranquillity of your sojourn, no matter how small a problem, it can lead to an unsettling and forgetful trip.

For travellers in a foreign land, a lack of regional and cultural knowledge often results in mistakes, leading to tricky and uncomfortable situations. 

At other times, tourists refrain from immersing themselves in local traditions, missing out on aspects of a place that make it unique. 

However, mistakes do happen. They are a part of life, and we do learn from them in the end. But it is also smart of us to learn from the mistakes other people have made. 

When it comes to the Caribbean islands, there are an equal number of similarities and differences between the many nations in this gorgeous part of the world. Not surprisingly, this leads to several first-time Caribbean travellers not knowing how to make the most of their vacation. 

Thus, it’s worth reading more about the region and its eccentricities in preparation for your tropical escape. And an excellent place to start this task is learning about the seven mistakes to avoid on your Caribbean holiday. 

Skipping the summer season

Peak season in the Caribbean is from November to May. For many tourists, it is a balmy escape from the cold winter months that engulf the world’s northern regions. As expected, the Caribbean is the most expensive at this time of the year. 

Therefore, one of the mistakes to avoid on your Caribbean holiday is limiting your trip to peak season. June to November, although hurricane season, is an equally good alternative. It does scare off people from visiting, but remember that hurricanes are not a given and are limited in their range, intensity, and duration. 

Moreover, islands in the south of the Caribbean, such as Aruba, Grenada, Dominican Republic, and Bonaire, don’t even fall in the “hurricane belt.” Consequently, planning a trip to the Caribbean during off-peak season is the perfect chance to save money and enjoy the islands crowd-free.   

Not trying the regional food

The Caribbean is a remarkable culinary destination par excellence, offering dishes made using a variety of ingredients. As a result, one of the mistakes to avoid on your Caribbean holiday is assuming the food is similar on every island. 

Tourists often forget that the Caribbean islands have distinct personalities and influences, reflected in their cuisines. While one island showcases a fusion of Indian and African dishes, another will highlight a combination of Portuguese, British, and Caribbean cooking. 

When island-hopping in the Caribbean, discovering local delicacies can add a whole new element to your holiday. Jerk chicken in Jamaica, conch fritters in the Bahamas, kabritu (goat stew) in Aruba, Dutch food in St Maarten, and West African inspired callaloo (leafy green stew) in Dominica are but some of the delectable local dishes not to be missed.   

Island-hopping only via a cruise

A vacation in the Caribbean is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many. Subsequently, tourists try and pack in every possible island they can in one holiday. An excellent way to do this is by taking a Caribbean cruise. 

However, among the mistakes to avoid on your Caribbean holiday is thinking that a cruise is the only way to visit multiple islands. 

Booking an island-hopping adventure on your own, using ferries and flights, does have many advantages. If planned right, you can save money on it. More importantly, a self-booked trip allows you to stay longer than a day at each stop, making it possible to explore each destination extensively.  

Taking a random taxi

Like anywhere else in the world, taking a taxi in the Caribbean is a hit or a miss scenario. You might end up with a driver who charges you right or with someone who takes you on a ride (pun intended).

So, one of the vital mistakes to avoid on your Caribbean holiday is taking a random taxi without discussing the nitty-gritty of your trip. 

A hassle-free, albeit expensive, option for calling a taxi is to book it through your hotel. If catching a cab on your own, first make sure the driver knows where you have to go. Then, agree on a fixed fare for the ride. When renting a taxi on an hourly basis, make sure the driver does not expect a minimum amount.

Once you have settled the fare, reconfirm the currency of your transaction. This is very important. Sometimes, the drivers will avoid mentioning the currency. At the time of payment, they will then argue that the currency in question was US Dollars and not the local money (which is typically significantly weaker than the US Dollar).     

Missing out on in-land adventure activities

The Caribbean Islands are an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts. Between the islands, they offer an abundance of exclusive excursions, unlike anywhere else.

Still, one of the most common mistakes to avoid on your Caribbean holiday is focusing only on water-based attractions. Tropologically blessed, the islands are full of natural surprises, from rainforests and mountains to rivers and waterfalls. In-land excursions, thus, offer unmatched escapades that promise hours of thrilling action. 

A climb up Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica, a hike to Middleham Falls in the jungles of Dominica, zip-lining in St Lucia, and river boating on Baltazar River in Grenada are fantastic excursions, each one showcasing a different side of the Caribbean.   

Forgetting to carry cash

With credit cards readily accepted in most international tourist destinations, travellers often forget to carry cash these days. The Caribbean is similar in that you can have a vacation on the islands by primarily using your credit card.

Still, there are occasions and places where you need to use cash. Tips, roadside souvenirs, taxis, and local shopping require cash transactions, especially when touring towns away from the island’s central areas. 

Whether it is US Dollars (widely accepted) or the local island currency, having a few banknotes and coins in your pocket during your Caribbean holiday is advisable.

Not bargaining

Bargaining is very much a cultural attribute, accepted in some places and not in others. Throughout the Caribbean, you can, and should, bargain on pretty much most purchases. Whether it’s your taxi fare, buying souvenirs, or a branded watch in St Maarten, there is always scope for getting it slightly cheaper. 

However, remember to bargain politely, asking for a price reduction and not demanding it. Caribbean locals are amiable, and the best way to get a bargain from them is to show respect for their products and business.