Caribbean FAQ

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The Caribbean Islands can accommodate any type of vacation plan. The challenge is finding the island that is right for you. Edward has compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about Caribbean travel to help you in your decision-making process.

Weather and Climate
The temperature does not vary much throughout the year in the Caribbean. Winter averages about 77-82 degrees and the Summer 79-85 degrees. Temperatures can be as cool as the mid 60s and the high to 95, but those are the extremes not the norm. Tradewinds keep things cool and fresh near the coastlines. High mountain elevations can be delightfully chilly at night and in early morning hours. Mid-day can be rather warm and caution should be taken if playing tennis or tanning. The cool winds can be deceptive and you could soon suffer from a sunburn that takes away the enjoyment of the rest of your trip.

Well if the climate is almost the same year round, what is the difference between high season and low season?
Due to colder winter conditions in North America and Europe people are looking for a warm, tropical vacation. Thus "High Season" occurs from Mid-December through April- this is the most popular and expensive time to go to the islands. "Low Season" is the summer months that travelers can find the best deals on the somewhat less crowded islands. May and the fall months are a good time for couples to go if they are looking for lower package prices and less of a family crowd. Family travel is heaviest in summer, holidays and in the spring or school breaks.

Rainy Season
Heavier rain can occur during the same months as Hurricanes due to an increase in tropical storm activity. But on many islands the extra rain is a blessing that keeps them cool and green. Most rain is caught on the mountains and cascades down to the coastline via waterfalls and rivers. For the most part rain showers are brief occuring in early morning and late afternoon hours. The windward islands get most of the heavy rainfall in their mountainous regions. Some islands such as Anguilla, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao rarely have rain. (They average below 25 inches per year) While others such as Puerto Rico and St. Croix have fairly constant rainfall on one end of the island while the other end is dry and almost desert like.

When is Hurricane season?
It runs from June 1 through November 30 with tropical storm activity heavier from Mid- August through Mid-October. Keep in mind that there is no way to predict (or control) the pathway of a Hurricane. Only a handful of islands are affected each year and some islands have not been struck for decades. You can get weather information from the National Weather Service or call WeatherTrak at 900-370-8725 where for a small charge they can report up-to-date storm conditions.

Are there any islands that are out of the Hurricane belt?
Yes, the island of Trinidad, Margarita Island (Venezuela), Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire are considered out of the normal path of a Hurricane.

How big is the Caribbean?
The Caribbean covers an area of about 1,000,000 square miles of sea and land. There is a little over 100,000 square miles of land spread across that 1,000,000 miles. Cuba is the largest Caribbean island of the more than 2,500 islands that arch out from Florida all the way down to the north coast of South America. It is important to know the size of the Caribbean when it comes to Hurricanes (just because it is in the northern part of the chain does not mean it will come close to islands in the western part of the Caribbean) and to know the distances involved when sailing or flying between different islands.

Is the Caribbean safe?
Overall the crime rate throughout the islands is much less than in North America. However common sense dictates that you use caution whenever you travel. If you take expensive jewelery make sure you lock them in the room safe along with your passport, excess cash and airline tickets. Never flash large bills in public (such as when shopping) and leave valuables locked out of sight in the trunk of your car- as well as locking all doors. Note- Jeeps suffer the highest from theft, so don't leave anything of great value in them. At night it is recommended to stay only in the beach area that has the security of the hotel staff and avoid dark or dimly lit areas.

What about drugs?
Unfortunately drugs are everywhere on the planet and some people assume that the majority of North American tourists want to buy and consume drugs. If approached in public, quickly and firmly decline and keep walking. If you go looking for trouble it will find you. You may be on vacation but illegal drugs are not. The person trying to sell you drugs may be an undercover policeman, and the jails in the islands are not the kind of all-inclusive room you want to stay in. DO NOT ATTEMPT to smuggle drugs back into North America. There is so much pressure put on stopping drugs that it is just not worth the risk of getting it past heightened anti-drug measures.

What are the roads like and should I rent a car?
The main roads on the major islands have improved tremendously over the last few years. But each island has its own "style". Some English speaking islands drive on the left. The majority of islands drive on the right, though you will swear that they drive down the middle! Most roads are small and curvey with little to no shoulders. Use extreme caution when passing and do not be afraid to announce your presence with your horn. Slow down especially in towns and cities- pedestrians are everywhere and be prepared for sudden stops and look out for potholes. There are major North American rental car companies found all throughout the Caribbean. When renting a car note that they will run your card and have you sign a blank credit card form. Make sure you ask what their deductibles are in case of an accident. It would not be a bad idea to carry supplemental insurance in addition to your own. Read the contracts carefully and get clarification on anything you do not understand. There are reports that if rental mopeds or scooters are stolen- they will still charge you for the rental time as well as the cost of a brand new scooter! With that being said, and with caution kept in mind- I still feel that renting a car is the best way to get to know an island.

Can I drink the water?
Some of the water from the limestone made islands are among some of the best drinking water in the world. Water purification systems throughout the Caribbean are state-of-the-art and are found in all major resorts, hotels, villas and condos. There is also plenty of bottled water to be found in just about every store.

Is all the food spicy in the islands?
One of the great things about the Caribbean is being able to sample all the great local food dishes. While the islands feature food with hot peppers and spices there are many dishes that are mild or more "Americanized". For example there are plenty of grilled chicken and rice, seafood and rice and pork and rice dishes not to mention vegetarian selections. In the major resorts and cities you will find an endless selection of international cuisine as well as American style fast foods. Travelers will also find plenty of staple items such as milk, bread, snacks, juice, softdrinks, cookies, candy etc, at the local markets.

If you have other questions you can email Edward Smith and he'll respond help to steer you in the right direction.

Here are a few email questions we've received from visitors to our website, along with Edward's responses:

Question:
We are trying to plan a family vacation to the Caribbean. Please send information.
Thank you

Answer:
Thank you for your letter. We are building a comprehensive site on the entire Caribbean. I can help make some great recommendations on your Caribbean vacation if you could send me specific information, such as what activities or hobbies you enjoy doing. Are you wanting golf/shopping/diving/nightlife/casinos, etc? Will you be travelling for a week, or just 3-4 days? Feel free to send me as much information as you want and I will be happy to help set up a great Caribbean vacation for you!
Edward Smith

Question:
We are interested in receiving literature on St. Lucia. Two adults, prefer villas to hotels, enjoy snorkeling, fishing, hiking, and relaxing. Hoping to get a vacation this season.
Thank you,
W.S.

Answer:
Thank you for "surfing" up to the shores of col.com™! You could not have inquired about a more beautiful and diverse island than St. Lucia. It lies southward in the windward island area of the Caribbean. It is mountainous and, due to a lot of rain on the Atlantic coast, it is green and lush with rivers and waterfalls. You can hike in several areas of the island as well as the famous twin Peton peaks which rise from the sea to over 2,000 feet. If you stay at the resort Anse Chastenet, for example, you will have access to one of the most beautiful and scenic beach areas on the island as well as shore diving or boat diving to nearby reefs. St. Lucia has an ideal location, with Martinique to the North, Barbados to the east, and St. Vincent and Grenada to the south, all within easy reach by air or sailing. If you know what dates you're travelling and need more input to help book your vacation, feel free to send me your information, comments, or questions. Best regards and look forward to helping you.
Edward Smith

Question:
When will the rating of "All Inclusive" Resorts become a part of this Website?
Thank you

Answer:
Thank you for your email. We will soon have a complete rating guide to our hotels, including all-inclusives, as well as comprehensive hotel information that will include things to see and do, dining, nightlife, etc. Stay tuned!
Edward Smith