Compare holidays to the Caribbean

For a holiday in the Caribbean, you will primarily need a Type A (two flat parallel pins) or Type B (two flat parallel pins with a grounding pin) plug adapter. Though depending on their colonial heritage, a few islands use Type G (UK-style three rectangular pins). Always check before you travel.

For most Caribbean destinations, British passport holders usually don’t need a visa for short tourist visits (typically up to 90 days). However, many require proof of onward or return travel and accommodation upon arrival, and mandatory online immigration or customs forms submitted shortly before travel. Some destinations such as Cuba can require a tourist visa. Be sure to check before you travel.

The best beaches in the Caribbean depend on what you’re looking for. Many islands such as Barbados, Antigua, Tobago and Jamaica, have white fluffy sands and clear blue seas. Some volcanic islands have black sand beaches too, including Dominica, St Lucia and St Vincent. Snorkelling a priority? Aruba is a top spot for its clear waters and abundant tropical fish.

Popular food in the Caribbean usually combines spice, meat and seafood with island-grown vegetables and fruit. Each island has its own top dish. In Grenada, the national dish is Oil Down, a coconut milk stew of meat, vegetables and dumplings. Jamaica’s jerk is famous. Try curried goat and ackee and saltfish (sautéed salted codfish and boiled ackee fruit) too.

There are over 70 languages spoken in the Caribbean, with each depending on the colonial history of the islands. The main languages spoken are English, Spanish, French and Dutch. Local dialects and Creole languages have also developed from African languages fused with European influences.

There are several Caribbean islands that are great for family holidays, like Barbados, which has calm waters on its west coast and the Dominican Republic, which has a massive selection of all-inclusive resorts. Antigua also has a huge choice of gentle, shallow bays that are perfect for younger children.

Must-see attractions in the Caribbean are largely natural, such as Jamaica’s Blue Lagoon, Dunn’s River Falls or bamboo rafting down its rivers. In St Lucia, the twin conical peaks of the Pitons are a top site. Spot them from a boat trip, and get muddy at the nearby Sulphur Springs, where thermally heated pools and mineral rich mud await.

Most Caribbean islands are ideal for a relaxing break though classic locations for calm beaches, an unhurried pace and serene resorts include Antigua, St Lucia and Aruba. To really feel away from it all, book a hotel that fronts uncrowded beaches away from the main towns. But be aware you’ll need to rely on taxis, shuttles and excursions for sightseeing.

The Caribbean’s peak season, from December to April, brings warm, sunny weather, with temperatures typically between 25°C and 30°C. The western Caribbean, including Jamaica, enjoys plenty of sunshine, while the eastern Caribbean islands such as Barbados and Grenada experience cooling trade winds. Rainfall is generally low, making it ideal for beach holidays and exploring.