Caribbean Islands useful Information

Time Zones

The Caribbean Islands are on different time zones. While most lie in the Atlantic Standard Time, there are a few in the Eastern Standard Time zone. Many islands do not observe daylight savings time.

Currency

U.S. currency is accepted in nearly all islands. Some of the former British colonies still use the pound. Most independent Caribbean nations have their own forms of currency, such as the Barbadian Dollar, or are grouped together in economic unions that share a currency like the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. Islands that are still territories of other countries, such as Puerto Rico Guadeloupe, or the Virgin Islands, use the currency of their sovereign nations.

Currency can be exchanged at all banks and at many Caribbean airports. Nearly all major American and European credit cards are accepted throughout the islands. ATMs are widely available on the islands.

When to go to the Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean has a pleasant whether most of the year and is a year-round travel destination. There is a hurricane season that spans from August to November, but is no real threat to enjoying the pleasures of the islands. The high-season is from Mid-December until the beginning of May when people from the nearby cold countries flock here to soak up the sun. The prices are high during this season and they also shoot up during Thanksgiving. If you plant to stay in a holiday villa in the Caribbean Islands, it is best you make advance arrangements. The best month to visit the Caribbean Islands is May when the tourist crowds are relatively low and the prices more reasonable. June to October are the chilly months. November and December are also ideal holiday months in Caribbean; the weather is pleasant, the tourists have yet to come in and the prices are low.

Getting there

There are multiple transportation options to reach the Caribbean Islands, the fastest and easiest being by air. Book your flights in the low season for the best bargains and also check at alternate airports for the best deals. Some major airlines services the Caribbean include Air Jamaica, American Airlines, Aviasca, Air Canada and Air France.

Getting around

Car: Rent a car to go around the islands. Car rentals are the best transport options as are the Caribbean villa rentals the best accommodation options. The roads can be pretty treacherous so it is better if a professional driver is at the wheels.
Buses: Buses too are a good and cheap option but you will need to check for reliability.
Taxi: You can rent a taxi to take you around; you also have the option of taking guided taxi tours.
Bikes: You can hire a bike to get a feel of the local topography and go off the beaten track.
Ferries: Ferries are ideal for island hopping. They range from old-fashioned sailing vessels to modern speedboats.