We don’t need to tell you that the Caribbean is a popular winter sun destination, with lots of fabulous all-inclusive hotels nestled on idyllic beaches – but there are also some common misconceptions when it comes to holidays to this part of the world.
Here we aim to dispel some of the myths surrounding the Caribbean to help you sell more package to this dream of a destination.
Wrong. While the Caribbean is most popular from November to April/May, when the weather is largely warm and dry, the weather can be good in the summer. There will be more rain, but this usually comes in short, sharp downpours, and there will still be plenty of sunshine in between the showers.
Temperatures don’t fluctuate too much throughout the year, ranging from 24-32 Celsius.
Bear in mind that hurricane season runs from 1 June – 30 November, when tropical storms and hurricanes are more likely; it peaks from September to October. Islands that sit outside the hurricane belt, so are less likely to be affected by storms, include tiny Aruba, Barbados, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.
If you have clients on a tight budget, it’s worth mentioning that summer in the Caribbean is typically much cheaper than in the winter. For example, Kuoni has a seven-night trip to Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort in Saint Lucia on offer from £1,471 per person in August and September, while in January it rises to £2,797pp.
It’s true that the Caribbean does boast some of the best beaches in the world, but there are plenty of activities to do such as hiking, fishing, and watersports aplenty for those that want a more active holiday, plus there’s lots of culture and history on the islands too.
Puerto Rico, Grenada, Tobago, Saint Lucia and Jamaica have lush rainforests making them particularly great for hiking holidays to spot birds and other wildlife. It’s also possible to go horse-riding, river tubbing and indulge in other more adrenaline pumping activities.
If history and culture are more up your clients’ street, then suggest Cuba, Curacao (main image) Dominica, Martinique, Jamaica and again, Puerto Rico where you’ll find a mix of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant old towns and historical sites such as the imposing fortresses in the capital San Juan.
For diving enthusiasts, the Caribbean has a plethora of sites, such as Andros in the Bahamas, which has one of the world’s largest barrier reefs, while Bonaire is often referred to as a diver’s paradise for its diverse underwater world.
The Caribbean does have some amazing all-inclusive hotels, but there are plenty of options for clients who want to do their own thing.
Foodies will be in heaven with the diverse culinary scene across the islands – from the fanciest of restaurants (which can reflect London prices, so be warned), to the roadside barbecues where you can eat for just $5.
Hotels are also diversifying their offerings, including the Bell Mont Farm Sanctuary Resort St Kitts, which prides itself on its sustainability efforts and organic produce.
In local restaurants, guests will salivate over fresh meat and fish patties, seafood sandwiches and jerk chicken.
Also be sure to point out some of the food festivals should they coincide with a client’s trip. For example, Turks and Caicos hosts the Caribbean Food & Wine Festival each year.
Most trips to the Caribbean are trouble-free, but if people are wary of exploring on their own, they can always ask hotels for recommendations, since they will know where to suggest and the best way to get there.
Always suggest clients check out the Foreign Office travel advice for each island, as it gives advice on any possible risks and the best way to stay safe, as with any destination.
The Caribbean islands have long been popular with couples looking to tie the knot, not only because of the idyllic backdrop and stunning outdoor venues available, but also thanks to the ease of arranging a civil ceremony.
LGBTQ+ rights differ from island to island, with same sex-marriages legal on the following: Aruba, Bermuda, Bonaire, Curacao, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St Maarten and the US Virgin Islands.
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Here we aim to dispel some of the myths surrounding the Caribbean to help you sell more package to this dream of a destination.
It’s just for winter holidays, right?
Wrong. While the Caribbean is most popular from November to April/May, when the weather is largely warm and dry, the weather can be good in the summer. There will be more rain, but this usually comes in short, sharp downpours, and there will still be plenty of sunshine in between the showers.
Temperatures don’t fluctuate too much throughout the year, ranging from 24-32 Celsius.
Bear in mind that hurricane season runs from 1 June – 30 November, when tropical storms and hurricanes are more likely; it peaks from September to October. Islands that sit outside the hurricane belt, so are less likely to be affected by storms, include tiny Aruba, Barbados, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.
If you have clients on a tight budget, it’s worth mentioning that summer in the Caribbean is typically much cheaper than in the winter. For example, Kuoni has a seven-night trip to Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort in Saint Lucia on offer from £1,471 per person in August and September, while in January it rises to £2,797pp.
Isn’t it just a beach destination?
It’s true that the Caribbean does boast some of the best beaches in the world, but there are plenty of activities to do such as hiking, fishing, and watersports aplenty for those that want a more active holiday, plus there’s lots of culture and history on the islands too.
Puerto Rico, Grenada, Tobago, Saint Lucia and Jamaica have lush rainforests making them particularly great for hiking holidays to spot birds and other wildlife. It’s also possible to go horse-riding, river tubbing and indulge in other more adrenaline pumping activities.
If history and culture are more up your clients’ street, then suggest Cuba, Curacao (main image) Dominica, Martinique, Jamaica and again, Puerto Rico where you’ll find a mix of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant old towns and historical sites such as the imposing fortresses in the capital San Juan.
For diving enthusiasts, the Caribbean has a plethora of sites, such as Andros in the Bahamas, which has one of the world’s largest barrier reefs, while Bonaire is often referred to as a diver’s paradise for its diverse underwater world.
Are all the hotels all-inclusive?
The Caribbean does have some amazing all-inclusive hotels, but there are plenty of options for clients who want to do their own thing.
Foodies will be in heaven with the diverse culinary scene across the islands – from the fanciest of restaurants (which can reflect London prices, so be warned), to the roadside barbecues where you can eat for just $5.
Hotels are also diversifying their offerings, including the Bell Mont Farm Sanctuary Resort St Kitts, which prides itself on its sustainability efforts and organic produce.
In local restaurants, guests will salivate over fresh meat and fish patties, seafood sandwiches and jerk chicken.
Also be sure to point out some of the food festivals should they coincide with a client’s trip. For example, Turks and Caicos hosts the Caribbean Food & Wine Festival each year.
Is it safe?
Most trips to the Caribbean are trouble-free, but if people are wary of exploring on their own, they can always ask hotels for recommendations, since they will know where to suggest and the best way to get there.
Always suggest clients check out the Foreign Office travel advice for each island, as it gives advice on any possible risks and the best way to stay safe, as with any destination.
It’s a great place to get married, but what about LGBTQ+ weddings?
The Caribbean islands have long been popular with couples looking to tie the knot, not only because of the idyllic backdrop and stunning outdoor venues available, but also thanks to the ease of arranging a civil ceremony.
LGBTQ+ rights differ from island to island, with same sex-marriages legal on the following: Aruba, Bermuda, Bonaire, Curacao, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St Maarten and the US Virgin Islands.
The post Caribbean myth busting appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
