Megayachts anchored in Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy (Photo: C. Nelson)
See full version: The most expensive destinations in the Caribbean
Megayachts anchored in Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy (Photo: C. Nelson)
In coming up with the rankings, the survey established the average lodging cost for 30 of the Caribbean’s most popular island destinations. The survey specifically focused on the month of February, which represents the region’s high season. For comparative purposes, the survey determined the cost for each destination’s cheapest available double room. Only hotels and resorts with at least a 3-star rating were considered. more
Coming in at the bottom of the survey is the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo. Averaging a mere $43 nightly, it ranks as the Caribbean’s least expensive locale. Joining it in the affordability department are Punta Cana, Saint Vincent and Curacao. All three of these destinations averaged significantly under $100 per night this February.
Mexico is a blend of peoples, cultures, landscapes, worlds old and new, and of legacies of the vanquished and the conqueror. The mix is so enchanting you'll hardly notice when you fall under its spell. But no matter where you are, it won't be long before you realize that what makes this country so alluring is its diversity.
You could be climbing a Mayan ruin, descending a formidable Cenote, swimming with a friendly dolphin or simply strolling through a small colonial town.
Nestled in the heart of the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s sun-splashed Caribbean coastline. more
All travelers must submit a Travel Registration form online at https://www.stlucia.org/en/covid-19/travel-registration-form/. Once submitted, you'll receive an automated response. Completion of this form is mandatory by the Saint Lucia government and must be submitted within 7 days of your arrival and no less than 3 days prior to travel. more
FOR VACCINATED TRAVELERS: Perform a Google search for "Covid-19 RT-PCR testing site near me" or “Covid-19 Rapid Antigen testing site near me” and a list of results will appear. Pick an accredited or recognized laboratory near you that provides a Rapid Antigen Test or Covid-19 RT-PCR test via a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal sample (or both) administered by a healthcare provider.
Perform a Google search for "Covid-19 RT-PCR testing site near me" or "Covid-19 RT-PCR testing in <INSERT YOUR CITY>" and a list of results will appear. Pick an accredited or recognized laboratory near you that provides Covid-19 RT-PCR test via a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal sample (or both) administered by a healthcare provider.
Take the Covid-19 RT-PCR swab test at an accredited or recognized laboratory within 5 days of travel date. Failure to comply will result in denied entry. Self-administered tests or home kits will not be accepted. more
Jamaica reopened its borders to all international tourists in June. All visitors have to apply for a Travel Authorization before checking in for their flight. All travelers over the age of 12 will need to upload a negative test result with their travel authorization request, which should be submitted within three days of flying. Results from home test kits will not be accepted. here
Travelers over the age of nine will need to take a negative COVID-19 test no more than three days before departure and fill out a Travel Authorization Form. Vaccinated travelers will be tested on arrival and will be required to quarantine until the results return negative. Non-immunized travelers will be required to quarantine at a quarantine hotel for 14 days upon arrival.
Anyone arriving from an international destination or who has not been fully vaccinated will need to complete a Travel Declaration Form and upload a negative test, taken within 72 hours before their trip. Vaccinated visitors arriving from the United States only need to show proof of vaccination. Visitors will be screened at the airport and symptomatic travelers will be quarantined at a government facility. [links]
Only fully vaccinated foreigners are allowed to enter on the condition they can provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival and show proof of vaccination. No quarantine is required for fully vaccinated U.S. citizens.
Aruba reopened to travelers from Canada, Europe, and the United States. Travelers can show proof of vaccination or choose to be tested within 72 hours before they travel to Aruba or at the airport when they arrive. Those who choose to get tested at the airport will need to stay in mandatory isolation until the results of their test come back negative.
Occupying the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola (which it shares with Haiti to the west), the Dominican Republic has long been a traveler favorite. It’s celebrated for its mix of history, culture (merengue and bachata, anyone?), and of course, gorgeous beaches. Even better, the Dominican Republic is both easy to get to and affordable, thanks to a wide range of reasonably priced all-inclusive resorts and six international airports around the country, almost all of which have direct daily flights to the U.S.
As much of North America experiences cold temps, plenty of people consider ditching their jackets for a sunny Caribbean vacation. But then comes the question of where to visit -- each country in the region has its own unique atmosphere, and what could be the perfect destination for someone seeking a high-end resort with beachfront views might not work well for budget travelers who wish to immerse themselves in local culture. If you're thinking about heading to the Caribbean, but aren't quite sure where to go, here are a few suggestions.
If breathtaking scenery is what you’re after, St. Lucia will not disappoint, thanks to its mystical mountain terrain characterized by sharp mossy peaks jutting up from the Caribbean Sea. While the island nation doesn’t have much of a party or shopping scene, it’s great for both romantic holidays as well as for active vacations. Visitors will appreciate the excellent scuba diving, hiking, and windsurfing opportunities, plus the hot springs and delicious Creole cuisine.
Jamaica is a great choice if you are interested in both local culture and white-sand beaches. While there are plenty of resorts where you can flop down on powdery sand for the entirety of your trip, the country’s large size, population, and geological diversity means that it’s easy to have a rewarding vacation here without setting foot on a beach. And although Jamaica’s best-known cultural export is its homegrown reggae and dancehall music, the island nation also offers plenty of historic old houses, gorgeous jungle waterfalls, and a wide variety of culinary specialties, from jerk chicken to the national dish of salt fish and ackee (a local fruit that’s cooked to the consistency of eggs). more