Caribbean

The Caribbean is made up of over 700 islands, divided into three main groups:

Greater Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cayman Islands)

Climate: Warm and tropical, but more variation due to larger landmasses and mountains (cooler in highlands).
Rain: Wet season May–Nov, with more intense storms in the interior.
Best Time: Dec–Apr (dry, sunny, great for beaches).
Hurricane Risk: High — all are in the main hurricane belt.
Budget Travel Factors:

Larger islands → more flight options, more competition = less expensive airfare.

Off-season (summer/fall) = lowest prices, but higher hurricane risk.

Lesser Antilles

Split into Leeward Islands (Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Martin, Anguilla), Windward Islands (St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent, Dominica, Martinique), and Others (Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago).

Climate: Consistently warm, trade winds keep temps pleasant.
Rain: More rainfall in Windwards (lush, mountainous) vs. drier Leewards.
Best Time: Dec–Apr (drier, cooler breezes).
Hurricane Risk: Moderate to High — most are directly in the hurricane belt.
Budget Travel Factors:

Smaller islands = higher import costs → can be pricey.

Budget wins: Dominica & Grenada (eco-lodges, fewer crowds).

Southern Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Trinidad & Tobago)

Climate: Hot and dry compared to most of the Caribbean, especially Aruba & Curaçao (desert landscapes).
Rain: Much lower rainfall overall, occasional short showers.
Best Time: Year-round (no true off-season since they’re below the hurricane belt).
Hurricane Risk: Very low.
Budget Travel Factors:

Flights can be pricier (fewer direct routes).

Once there, good for budget because no hurricane “off-season” spikes in pricing → steady, predictable costs.

The Bahamas & Turks & Caicos

Climate: Warm, clear waters, great for beaches.
Rain: Distinct wet (May–Oct) and dry (Nov–Apr) seasons.
Best Time: Dec–Apr (less rain, lower humidity).
Hurricane Risk: Very high — especially Aug–Oct.
Budget Travel Factors:

Proximity to Florida = lots of inexpensive flights.

Outer islands (Exumas, Andros) cheaper than Nassau/Paradise Island.

Quick Differentiations

Best Budget During Hurricane Season: Greater Antilles (Cuba, DR, Jamaica) + Bahamas (cheap packages).

Safest from Hurricanes: Southern Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Trinidad & Tobago).

Rainiest (lush green escapes): Windward Islands (St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada).

Driest (year-round sun seekers): Aruba, Curaçao.

Most Affordable Everyday Costs: Dominican Republic, Cuba, Trinidad.

The Caribbean is more than just beaches and sunshine—it’s a region alive with rhythm, color, and flavor. Shaped by African, Indigenous, European, and Asian influences, each island carries its own identity while sharing a common spirit of warmth and celebration. From world-famous carnivals to local food traditions, steelpan drums to salsa dancing, the culture of the Caribbean invites travelers to not just visit, but to experience life island-style.

Bahamas
Best Known For: Turquoise waters and swimming pigs.
Cultural Event & Date: Junkanoo – vibrant parades on December 26 & January 1.
Why Visit: Crystal-clear beaches, luxury resorts, and lively markets.

Jamaica
Best Known For: Reggae music, Rastafarian culture, and laid-back island vibes.
Cultural Event & Date: Reggae Sumfest in July, the ultimate music festival.
Why Visit: Stunning beaches, Blue Mountain coffee tours, and lively nightlife.

Cuba
Best Known For: Classic cars, salsa dancing, and colorful colonial cities.
Cultural Event & Date: Havana Carnival, late July–early August.
Why Visit: Walk the streets of Old Havana, enjoy live music, and soak up rich history.

Puerto Rico
Best Known For: Spanish forts, tropical rainforests, and bioluminescent bays.
Cultural Event & Date: San Sebastián Street Festival in mid-January.
Why Visit: Explore Old San Juan’s colorful streets and kayak glowing waters at night.

Dominican Republic
Best Known For: All-inclusive resorts, baseball culture, and Caribbean nightlife.
Cultural Event & Date: Carnival in La Vega every February.
Why Visit: Relax on Punta Cana’s beaches or dance merengue in Santo Domingo.

St. Lucia
Best Known For: Dramatic Piton mountains, lush rainforests, and volcanic beaches.
Cultural Event & Date: St. Lucia Jazz Festival each May.
Why Visit: Perfect for romance, adventure hikes, and natural hot springs.

Barbados
Best Known For: Birthplace of rum, golden beaches, and cricket culture.
Cultural Event & Date: Crop Over Festival, July–August.
Why Visit: Party with locals, sip world-class rum, and enjoy warm breezes.

Grenada
Best Known For: Spice plantations, waterfalls, and unspoiled beauty.
Cultural Event & Date: SpiceMas Carnival in August.
Why Visit: Explore spice farms, dive shipwrecks, and stroll Grand Anse Beach.

Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao
Best Known For: Year-round sunshine, world-class diving, and Dutch charm.
Cultural Event & Date: Curaçao Carnival, February–March.
Why Visit: Safe from hurricanes, these islands offer perfect beaches and colorful towns.

Trinidad & Tobago
Best Known For: Steelpan music, calypso, and rich multicultural heritage.
Cultural Event & Date: Carnival, February or March (before Lent).
Why Visit: Experience one of the world’s greatest street parties and Tobago’s quiet beaches.

Caribbean food is a vibrant fusion of African, European, Indigenous, and Asian flavors, blending fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and bold spices. It’s celebrated for its rich, comforting dishes and street-food favorites that bring the islands’ lively culture straight to your plate. The best each island has to offer—essential experiences you won’t want to skip.

Bahamas

Conch fritters, the islands’ crispy seafood staple.

Jamaica

Jerk chicken or pork, smoky and spicy perfection.

Cuba

Ropa Vieja, savory shredded beef with peppers and tomatoes.

Puerto Rico

Mofongo, garlicky mashed plantains with meat or seafood.

Dominican Republic

La Bandera, a hearty trio of rice, beans, and meat.

St. Lucia

Green fig and saltfish, a hearty Creole dish.

Barbados

Flying fish with cou-cou, the national dish.

Grenada

Oil down, a coconut milk stew with breadfruit.

Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao

Keshi Yena, baked cheese stuffed with spiced meats.

Trinidad & Tobago

Doubles, curried chickpeas in soft flatbread.