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There are so many reasons to start traveling solo to the Caribbean, but making the leap can be a little daunting. From trying to avoid common solo travel mistakes to choosing the perfect Caribbean islands for solo adventures, there are quite a few things to consider when planning the ultimate vacation in what many believe to be the most beautiful place in the world.
To assist with that next adventure, here are some essential tips for solo travel in the Caribbean.
10 Check Out Travel Advisories
A woman poses on Eagle Beach in Oranjestad, Aruba
Safety is definitely a top priority when selecting a solo travel destination, which is the first and foremost out of all the Caribbean solo travel tips. Be sure to check out how the island measures up in this department before booking the trip. Have a look at not only the travel advisory level but also the safety and security recommendations.
Great Travel Advisory sites to check and discover the safest Caribbean islands to visit are:
Generally, according to advisories, some of the safest islands in the Caribbean include St. Barts, Anguilla, St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Lucia, The Cayman Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Martinique, Barbados, Turks and Caicos, Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands,·Bonaire, Aruba, and Grenada, among others.
9 Make Sure To Have The Correct Travel Adapter For The Caribbean
Sea Scenery, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Discovering the charger for that camera or phone won’t work in the outlet in the hotel is one of the most frustrating things that can happen during a trip to the Caribbean (or anywhere, for that matter). To dodge this potentially putting a halt to those Insta-worthy pictures, it’s ideal to pack a universal adapter or determining which adapter works for the Caribbean islands on that travel list.
Most Caribbean islands operate on:
8 Think About Currency In The Caribbean
Three credit cards in leather credit card holder
This might seem like a basic when planning a trip; however, money in the Caribbean is often something many tourists overlook because they assume the USD will be accepted – but that’s not always the case.
Knowing what currency is used on a Caribbean island is essential when traveling solo. Having the correct currency takes the guesswork out of converting cash while on the road but also makes doing transactions a lot safer. Keep in mind that not all establishments in the Caribbean accept credit cards, and always ensure there is a little backup stash for emergencies.
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Caribbean countries where the official currency is USD:
United States Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos. -
Caribbean countries where the official currency is the Euro:
Saint Barthélemy, Martinique, Saint Martin, Guadeloupe.
7 Leave The Camouflage At Home
Girl on a path with palm trees in Codrington College, Barbados
While the thought of a solo trip might result in some critical evaluations of that summer wardrobe and subsequent enthusiastic packing, it is important to pack with care. Some islands in the Caribbean actually prohibit the wearing of camouflage clothing.
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Countries that have a ban on camouflage:
Barbados,
Grenada, Dominica, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent.
Along with camouflage clothing, camouflage items are also banned in Barbados. If a traveler is found with any camouflage items at the airport in Barbados, these items will be confiscated by officials or airport staff.
6 Keep Up-To-Date About The Weather Conditions In The Caribbean
Twin Pitons, Saint Lucia, Caribbean Island
Although the weather in the Caribbean is generally favorable, solo travelers should keep in mind that these destinations sometimes have tropical storms and hurricanes.
Keeping up-to-date with the weather advisories, along with having a backup plan, is essential for a solo trip in the Caribbean.
Although some of the Caribbean islands mentioned above are considered low-risk, this is not a guarantee that they will not be impacted by weather conditions or hurricanes. As such, invest in travel insurance.
5 Respect Every Island In The Caribbean
Horses swimming in the sea at Pebbles Beach, Barbados
An essential tip that all solo travelers in the Caribbean should abide by is respecting every island (and everything on it). This relates to not only the customs and people but nature and the landscape.
Leave the environment intact and remember that not every fruit, flower, or creature should be approached.
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Marine life in the Caribbean to avoid:
stone fish, pufferfish, fire coral -
Plants in the Caribbean to avoid:
Manchineel,
Pinguin, Casha, Christmas Bush, Pencil Euphorbia, Catch & Keep, Jump-Up-Cactus
4 Abide By Swimwear Rules
Silhouette of woman at sundown at Pirate Bay, Curacao
A solo Caribbean vacation might seem like the best time to relax, but there are some rules that apply, particularly as it relates to swimwear. For example, some islands have nude beaches, and on some islands, this is a definite no-no. Try to abide by the rules of each island when visiting to avoid getting into hot water with the law.
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Caribbean islands that have nude beaches:
Antigua, Saint Barthélemy, Curaçao, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin, Jamaica
Be sure to research each island in the Caribbean, as some islands only allow visitors to be unclothed at particular points.
3 Drive On The Correct Side Of The Road
Vintage car in Cuba
Driving in the Caribbean is definitely an experience. Not only do solo travelers have to get used to the different driving cultures, but also, most islands in the Caribbean actually have people driving on the left side of the road. Of course, there are some islands that do drive on the right as well.
In any case, it’s visitors’ responsibility to make sure they know which side of the road to drive on in the Caribbean island of their choice.
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Caribbean islands that drive on the left:
Anguilla, Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. -
Caribbean Islands that drive on the right:
Guadeloupe, Haiti, Curaçao, St. Maarten, St. Eustatius, Saba, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin
2 Think About Communication & The Languages Spoken In The Caribbean
Turquoise ocean, palm trees, and the white sand beach at Bottom Bay, one of the most stunning beaches in Barbados
Whether it’s the first time traveling solo or the 100th time, planning a trip to any island in the Caribbean requires research – and language should be a part of that.
Not all Caribbean islands use English. Therefore, be sure to check out if Google Translate or a quick language course might be essential for the trip or if most locals converse in English.
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Caribbean Islands where English is the official language
: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Puerto Rico (English and Spanish), Sint Maarten (Dutch and English), Trinidad and Tobago, Turks & Caicos, United States Virgin Islands.
Google Translate is a great app; download the languages needed before the trip so that the app can be used offline. Although it’s not 100% accurate, it often proves to be super helpful during times when tourists struggle with communication in the local language.
1 Embrace The Journey & Escape The Confines Of Caribbean Resort Life
Man in red and white swimwear cliff jumping in Barbados
Going on a solo journey in the Caribbean is one that will be filled with endless memories. After all, there are plenty of amazing things to do in the Caribbean for solo travelers. However, tourists visiting the Caribbean alone should not only embrace the perks of traveling solo, like setting a pace not determined by anyone else, but also dive into the rich history and culture of the islands.
Of course, the best resorts in the Caribbean, with their all-inclusive luxury and unwavering comfort and amenities, are wonderful. But they’re not representative of the real Caribbean – the life outside the polished hotels and resorts providing dreamy tropical escapes. As such, be sure to leave the bubble of one’s resort and explore local attractions, cultures, and life outside fancy accommodation confines.
- Try the authentic local cuisine
- Explore the historical sites
- Strike up a conversation with some locals
- Explore off the beaten path
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