Post-Pandemic Travel, Visit the West Indies Again
As the cold slowly rolls into the northern hemisphere, and summer says good-bye, many West Indians overseas are ready to finally head home for that long overdue trip. Yes, Covid-19 has surely made travel more stressful than it already was, and amidst all the toggling on and off of health restrictions and regulations, it looks like the skies are finally clearing on most Caribbean destinations. If you are one of those who are eager for your next Caribbean getaway, or to just return to your island home for a visit with friends or relatives, we hear you!
The region has undoubtedly seen a significant dip in visitor numbers over the last two years, but visits for the first half of 2022 have already doubled or even increased up to four-fold for some destinations compared to their respective 2021 totals. This is great and reassuring news for the islands' economies, but also may cost your vacation a bit more post-pandemic.
No matter where you stay, the experience will be worth it.
While hotel room occupancy levels have not yet been maxed out, you will probably have to dish out a bit more as the average daily room rates have increased in general by about 15% in the Dominican Republic, to as much as almost 70% in Barbados. Interestingly, the average room rate in the Cayman Islands has more than doubled from pre-pandemic to post-pandemic. The only notable decline in average daily room rates was by about 9% in the Eastern Caribbean island of St. Lucia.
(Source: https://tourismanalytics.com/caribbean.html)
Of course the trending Airbnb home away from home alternative can be your next best bet although the pickings might be few depending on the destination. An even more enticing (and often common) option for many is to simply stay with relatives or friends to truly experience the warmth of Caribbean hospitality. This may very well be the best way to sample first-hand the culture, food, sounds and people of our island homelands.
Much more than beautiful beaches.
Whatever your destination is, and wherever you plan your accommodation this travel season, an unforgettable West Indian experience surely awaits with upcoming major events including Hero CPL T20 cricket tournament, Barbados Rum & Food Festival, Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival and Caribbean Food and Wine Festival in the Turks & Caicos. Sorry to put a damper though on sea, sun and sand - but it is always advisable to keep track of the latest weather developments as the islands brace themselves for the Atlantic hurricane season specifically from the months of June through to November. So get packing and boarding before the holiday season approaches as there is surely much to do, see and enjoy in the beautiful, mystical and majestic beauty of the Caribbean isles.
Do not forget to take us with you on your next island getaway with t-shirts and more to cover the island music, food and fete vibes!
Island Foodie Faves
For many West Indians, whether at home or abroad, certain household names and daily favourites can only mean comfort and delight in authentic Caribbean flavour. You won't go wrong with these top choices of local West Indian must-haves.
For the latest COVID-19 travel advisories including entry requirements to your favourite Caribbean destination, we've got you covered!
Anguilla - https://escape.ivisitanguilla.com/
Antigua & Barbuda - https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/travel-advisory
Aruba - https://www.visitaruba.com/traveling-to-aruba/entry-requirements-and-visas/aruba-travel-restrictions-covid-19/
Bahamas - https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates
Barbados - https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2022#health-protocol
Belize - https://www.travelbelize.org/health-safety/
Bermuda - https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-travellers-visitors
Bonaire - https://www.bonairecrisis.com/en/travel-to-bonaire/
British Virgin Islands - https://bvi.gov.vg/travel-protocols
Cayman Islands - https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en-ca/travel-requirements
Costa Rica - https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements
Curacao - https://www.covid19.cw/en/travel/
Dominica - https://discoverdominica.com/en/travel-advisory-for-dominica
Dominican Republic -https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/newsroom/coronavirus/
Grenada - https://www.puregrenada.com/travel-advisory/
Guadeloupe - https://www.guadeloupe.ars.sante.fr/covid-19-jaime-la-guadeloupe-je-me-teste
Guyana - https://guyanatourism.com/traveladvisory/
Haiti - https://www.intercaribbean.com/covid19-haiti-entry-criteria.html
Jamaica - https://www.visitjamaica.com/jamaica-cares/
Martinique - https://www.martinique.gouv.fr/Politiques-publiques/Environnement-sante-publique/Sante/Informations-COVID-19/Les-transports/COVID-19-Deplacements-en-provenance-et-a-destination-de-la-Martinique
Montserrat - https://www.visitmontserrat.com/travel-advisory/
Puerto Rico - https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/info/travel-guidelines#:~:text=Travelers%20entering%20the%20Island%20are,result%20or%20they%20must%20quarantine
St. Kitts - https://www.stkittstourism.kn/travel-requirements
St. Lucia - https://www.stlucia.org/en/covid-19/
St. Maarten - https://www.vacationstmaarten.com/plan-your-vacation/covid-updates/
St. Martin - https://www.st-martin.org/us/travel-easy/covid-info/
St. Vincent - http://health.gov.vc/health/index.php/covid-19-protocols-documents
Suriname - https://www.flyslm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SUR-COVID-19-Measures-13-April-2022.pdf
Trinidad - https://www.visittobago.gov.tt/covid-19-what-you-need-to-know
Turks & Caicos - https://www.visittci.com/travel-info/turks-and-caicos-coronavirus-covid-19
US Virgin Islands - https://www.covid19usvi.com/covid-19/travelers
Sunvibez Travel Picks
If you are already fussing about what you will need for your next getaway, we have put together a few travel selections that should help to make your travels less stressful, more organized and comfy. When it comes to more convenient travel, no one ever said no thanks, especially when it does not mean breaking the bank. You're welcome!
