Caribbean holidays for money conscious Brits

Trip around the Caribbean for money conscious Brits

Today’s destination is all about fun in the sun, the Caribbean. Brits have always been known to look for getaways from the less-than-desirable weather. For weekend trips, the standard options in the south of Europe are probably a better choice, but for a week or more, look further abroad for great value and loads of choice.

How to get there

The standard preference is to fly. Direct flights from UK airports to several Caribbean cities are available by both major commercial carriers as well as charter airlines. It is also possible to fly to Miami and catch a cruise liner, which offers travellers the ability to see multiple locations in a single trip. Cruise lines are offering deep discounts – from 2 week cruises for less than £1000 to offering 3rd/4th passengers free. The key to a deal is shopping around for the best bargain.

Where to go

Location, Location, Location. Each country has a different offering, from bustling cities and nightlife, to calm beaches and palm trees. Be sure to aim for a setting that satisfies your travel needs, not just the budget. With over 7,000 islands and 13 sovereign nations, the Caribbean is a busy place. However, three suggestions for great value and good fun include:

Dominican Republic: The capital city, Santo Domingo, offers visitors heaps of culture, food, and history. The Colonial District offers some of the best shopping, including bargain deals from street vendors. Beyond the main city are only beaches, farmland, and mountains – both inspiring and peaceful.

Barbados: Called the ‘little England’ of the Caribbean due to its long history as a British colony, Barbados has been an independent nation since 1966. Despite its small size, there are plenty of direct flights from multiple UK cities on multiple carriers.

Bahamas: Another former British colony, the chain of islands called the Bahamas is where Christopher Columbus first landed in the New World on his 1492 voyage. The country is now a friendly tourist hot-spot; delicious seafood is only one of the many highlights. The main islands to visit are Grand Bahama, New Providence Island, and Paradise Island.

Contributor

Andy Hayes is a freelance writer and photographer based in Edinburgh, one of the UK’s most visited and attractive cities. When not out having travel adventures, he is hitting the walking trails near home. As a result of a passion to report his global escapades that avoid hordes of tourist and get at the heart and soul of a place.