There have been lotes of requests by visitors to our site for a map of the Caribbean islands, so we will not disappoint. Use this map to learn more about islands you may have just heard about but don’t have a clue where they are located. If you are new to the Caribbean Holidays experience or are contemplating another destination right now, all we have to say is, come on, there is nothing to beat a Caribbean getaway. Be it with family friends or single, you will find something in our islands. Come on down and happy holidays!

View Larger Map

So many of our visitors ask, “so which is the best island of them all?” We say the answer lies with you. There is so much to offer in the Caribbean that really it is a question of what appeals to your whims. From lounging and relaxing your days away on the most spectacular beaches on the planet to exploring underwater reefs left untouched for hundreds of years to taking amazing rainforest hikes or even catching a glimpse of magnificent creatures such as the giant leatherback turtles, the Caribbean has a lot to offer you.

We can present to you the highlights of a sample of our Guide islands so you can understand the selection that is before you.

Anguilla: One may want to take an early morning stroll on one of the most revered beaches in the world, the magnificent Shoal Bay beach and experience the breathtaking views and healing properties of its sands. One can feel the soothing massage of the coral-based sands as they walk along the shore and you feet actually gets a good exfoliation from the texture and by the end of the walk you actually feel much more relaxed as if you got a good foot scrub and massage.

Antigua: Visit Stingray City and get up and personal with these fun-loving creatures. The baby ones are called pups and they actually behave like that, fawning over you like you were their first love. This venue has been a long time favourite of visitors to the island.

Barbados: Attend the most famous surfing competition in the Caribbean located at Bathsheba or you may prefer instead to join the thousands of tourists that have fallen for the all-inclusive holidays offered by so many world-classed hotels and resorts located on the coastline of this truly lovely land.

Grenada: Get into the spice isle. See where the world’s number one supplier of nutmeg gets its name from, visit a weekend market or sample Grenada’s rich cultural heritage through its foods. As one of the more reasonably priced island destinations, Grenada has been making its mark once more on the tourism calendar.

Dominica: Known as the nature isle of the Caribbean, visitors should book one of the famous rainforest treks where you can appreciate the many waterfalls and waterways this island has to offer. Dominica’s brilliant beauty makes it a must-see for eco-tourists or those just wanting to see nature in its rawest forms in the beauty of the Caribbean.

Jamaica: One can just sink themselves into one of the most widely known Caribbean cultures in the world. Experience the original reggae sounds from bands playing daily at hotels along the Negril beach and understand why Jamaica is truly addictive to visitors.

Nevis: Pink sanded beaches? Yes it actually exists and it is found on one of the most beautiful strips of land on the Caribbean. Nevis is known for its peace and tranquility and does not disappoint those looking for that total getaway from the noise of or modern lives.

St. Lucia: Whether you are getting married, honeymooning, celebrating love between two or an entire family, this is the place for you. With world-classed service and so much to do for the young and old, this island is another world favorite. Why not try the zip lining adventures through the forests or a famous Piton mountain hike.

St. Martin/St Maarten: Two countries living in unison in the Caribbean for so many years. One can experience the fun loving culture of the Dutch and the quieter sophistication of the French by simply driving from one end of the island to the other. Why not try your hand at the casinos on the Dutch side and take your winnings to a wonderful gourmet dinner on the French side later.

St. Vincent: Try going over to Yonge Island for a mid-morning brunch and let them bring their array of freshly baked breads for you to choose from, and yes, you can sample before you choose. A famous getaway of the rich and famous but accessible to all, Yonge island and its restaurant is a nice way to spend a small part of your Caribbean Holidays

Tobago: Known as Robinson Crusoe Island and when one gets there it is not a surprise why it has gained this name. Visit one of the islands tropical rainforests and see why it is a nature lover’s paradise for its peace, quiet and gorgeous flora and fauna.

Trinidad: The home of the “greatest show on earth” Visit Trinidad for its annual Carnival celebrations and join the thousands of visitors that keep on returning every year. Absolutely unique for its Caribbean flavours and sheer beauty, it is a celebration not to be missed.

USVI: Experience sailing splendor in these lovely islands. From novice to expert, there is something for everyone in this sport. Some of the best boats are seen in the many sailing competitions held in the high season which coincides with so many countries winter seasons, what can be better!

For the best Caribbean Holidays you have ever experienced we at Caribbean insider’s guide have put together our unbiased opinions on what we feel will deliver the most memorable experience ever. For ease of reading we will form categories for each island and hope that you fall within one of them. So let’s get to it.

Our guide islands include:

Anguilla; Antigua & Barbuda; Barbados; Dominica; Grenada; Jamaica; St. Lucia; St. Maarten/Saint Martin; St. Kitts/Nevis; St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Montserrat; US Virgin Islands; Trinidad; Tobago

Our categories are:

Best Family Caribbean Holidays; Best Singles Caribbean Holidays; Best Couples Caribbean Holidays; Best Honeymoon Caribbean Holidays

1)    Best Family Caribbean Holidays:

Our best pick in this category goes to Barbados. This island caters for guests with children of all ages. Our criteria for choosing this island came from the host of activities offered, the number of hotels offering kid’s only activities and the concentration of families that visit this gem of the Caribbean.

Whether it is to find daily activities or to give them special fun classes such as scuba lessons, most resorts have an activity director that specializes in the “kids” area;

Others in this category include Jamaica and Antigua which also hold your kids in the highest esteem. Many of the all-inclusive resorts in these islands also have directors assigned to children activities. When they are away, adults can have time to themselves for that well-earned relaxation or tropical drink poolside.

We have found that the all-inclusive resorts found throughout the Caribbean also cater to children and you should note that with your searches or travel agents;

2)    Best Singles Caribbean Holidays:

Our best pick in this area is Jamaica. This island caters for all categories but we find that single people enjoy the atmosphere, the parties, the relaxation and the cultural exposure.

Whether you chose to stay on your resort or bask in the sun on a beach, you are sure to enjoy what Jamaica has to offer. This island has indeed niched themselves as one of the premier destinations in the world and reviews in most of our categories have them ranking very high.

3)    Best Couples Caribbean Holidays:

If you are looking for that romantic getaway with no disturbances we rank Anguilla as the best in this category. This may come as a surprise to many readers especially with the advertising blitzes carried out by many other islands’ tourism boards.

Anguilla is known as the Caribbean’s best kept secret. The island is not known for all the modern tourist conveniences such as good shopping and transport but it does hold one advantage over most other destinations, its natural tranquility.

Visitors will fall in love with Anguilla’s incomparable white sands and turquoise blue waters as well as the peace and quiet not found elsewhere. It is where couples can get to know each other even more or rekindle that romantic flame. There are no distractions in Anguilla, just you two with your thoughts and aspirations to share. 

Another great destination for your couples’ getaway we like to recommend is Dominica. This destination is known as the Nature Isle of the Caribbean and is especially loved by the eco-minded nature lovers amongst us.

From world-classed whale watching to some of the finest natural waterfalls in the world, Dominica is a true paradise. Yet another way for you and your loved one to enjoy each other in the beauty of a tropical setting.

4)    Best Honeymoon Caribbean Holidays:

The island that ranks highest in this category is St. Lucia. This is another island that has found a true niche in a key category of visitors to the Caribbean.

Many of St. Lucia’s resorts carry competitive honeymoon packages and cater for the every need of newly-weds. From daily treats to relaxing couples massages there is a wide array of choices one can select from to make this a honeymoon of a lifetime.

We like the idea of a getaway honeymoon from the crowds where newlyweds can enjoy their new lives together. A private villa is ideal but where that is not possible the many hotel chains in St. Lucia also offer superior honeymoon packages that fits everyone’s budget and requirements.

Coming right behind St. Lucia we will like to recommend Nevis to our readers. The resort to visit here is the Four Seasons, the only five diamond resort of its kind in the Caribbean. Couples and especially newlyweds love Nevis for its serenity and natural beauty.

The Four Seasons, Nevis offers excellent honeymoon packages and they are known for pampering you to the point of being spoilt and you should be, especially on your wedding getaway.

We feel with these recommended islands you will be sure to enjoy whatever category you fell into. We hope that we have been of some assistance and that you enjoy the best Caribbean Holidays ever.

Cheapest caribbean holidays are indeed available if you know where to look and HOW to look. We will lead you through the best tricks in the trade where people get to visit these exotic islands at a fraction of the costs.

• Book in the low season – Lots of people avoid the Caribbean islands during the seasonal low season because this also marks the annual hurricane season. However by some smart planning you can avoid any upsets to your vacation. Look at the more southerly isles for example like Tobago. This island lies out of the “hurricane belt” and though tropical storms do threaten from time to time, the odds are on your side when it comes to enjoying your Caribbean Holidays;

 

• Go for the layovers – We have found that once you are not travelling with little kids (or if they are more tolerant than most children of a young age), you can save up to half of your airfare by taking a longer route. There are very popular sites out there that make it their business to get you the cheapest rates available;

 

• Budget on the meals – Let’s face it you did not go on holidays to cook in a kitchen. However, you can significantly lessen your meal costs by having at least one meal at home. Our suggestion is to go to the local market which is in itself an attraction to most visitors when they visit the Caribbean. Pick up lots of local fruit and have that in the morning before venturing out. Pick up a loaf of bread and small bottle of your preferred spread and just by saving on one meal you will have more to spend on things you will enjoy more;

 

• Book early – Whether it is for hotels or airfare, one key trick is to make your plans early. Many of us have to give our employers our planned dates for vacation at the beginning of the year, so why not formalize it even more and book your tickets at that time as well. If you are like many of us and this may be risky as anything can happen, look at the cancellation policy of the airline and hotel. Many of them offer an insurance like incentive which at a slightly extra cost covers you if you have to cancel;

 

• Direct contact – So many of us have gotten accustomed to using these “middle-men” sites to do our booking that we forget the days of picking up the phone or sending an e-mail directly to the hotel. Many of these establishments have sales teams that are allotted a quota of discount incentives. There is no harm in calling in and saying you want to request if there are any deals coming up for your desired date. Remember they want your business, you are the king around here;

 

• Opt for the all-inclusive – You save a lot of money when you do not have to worry about food and drink, especially if you are travelling with little kids. From our research, St. Lucia, Barbados and Jamaica are the leaders in the Caribbean when it comes to competitive offers for all-inclusive packages. If you are not convinced of the savings work out the estimated cost per meal multiplied by your family’s size and add tip. Food is not cheap in the touristy areas of many islands and this trick could have huge pay-backs;

 

• Cot in room strategy – If you are a small family a lot of hotels will allow a certain number of additional people in a room especially if there is a sofa bed. This can potentially save you the cost of an extra room;

 

• Use those points – Make sure and be a member of some sort of frequent flier program. To many people we speak to have the option and do not use it. Many credit cards give us miles and we don’t use them strategically enough. Remember, you are planning way in advance so dedicate that miles credit card to all normal purchases from now till ticket purchase. Don’t go buying things you don’t need, just your normal budgeted items, i.e. groceries, gas, household items, children’s uniforms and so on.

 

• Rent a car – The Caribbean roads are not hard to navigate. Basically get your temporary license, get a map and remember what side of the road to drive on and you are off. What costs the money is taking taxis everywhere. Not only is it expensive but you can’t stop everywhere you wish or leave when you want without paying even more. Make sure and take out insurance which is another minimal costs that has great benefits, remember, safety first;

 

• Cut back on the impulse buying – Too many times we see tourists paying exorbitant prices on the beach or roadside for locally made handicraft. Always know this, you are in the heat of the moment when you are here and think of where you will wear the item when you get back home, in the office? To church? To the PTA meeting? If no to all of the above, save your money and take some good pictures with your family instead. Honestly, the items do not cost much to make and what has inflated the prices is the fact that tourists will pay top dollar to buy a local piece of art, while that is great for those who can afford it, we want to keep you on target for an economical stay;

 

• Watch the drinks – The punches of the Caribbean are renowned and it would be terrible of us to tell you don’t have any, but we will say, limit yourself. These rum punches are fairly expensive and honestly you can pick up an entire bottle and enjoy during your stay for a fraction of the cost. Better yet, pick up your allowable amount when leaving through duty free and take some of the finest rums you will ever taste back to your country. We always like to recommend the local beer to visitors if you wish to consume alcohol. Have a Red Stripe in Jamaica; a Carib in St. Kitts or Tobago; a Wadadli in Antigua or; a Banks in Barbados just to name a few. The locally brewed beers are often not as expensive as their imported counterparts and you will pick up a lot of points with the locals when they see you sipping on their favourite drinks as well;

 

• Eat local – A lot of times visitors to the islands request their bacon and eggs, continental breakfasts and non-Caribbean meals. While this is often available it can involve a lot of non-local ingredients. A good tip is to speak to a local and get a spot where a lot of the working locals patronize. A good local restaurant would be surprisingly good and we must tell you that veteran visitors to the Caribbean have made this trick into a science. Make sure and get a menu just in case they wish to add on a tourist price.

We hope you enjoyed some of our tips and essentially that is how you find the cheapest caribbean holidays.

 

A visit to the islands for your Caribbean Holidays may result in much more than you anticipated. Many a visitor may find himself or herself swept away with waves of inspiration with the peace and serenity the environment offers. Guests to the Caribbean always comment that they now have time to think through their thoughts without being constantly interrupted, bombarded or distracted by matters that quite simply will not make anyone’s life better.
Many of us will be interested to learn that many international novel writers; musicians; song writers and; actors/actresses make an annual trek to the many Caribbean islands to not only relax but to plan their upcoming releases. We do respect everyone’s privacy so we do not go into much more details but many of our own Caribbean Insider’s Guide islands are destinations of these pilgrimages. Of course the seeking out of inspiration is coupled with the need to recharge and revitalize mind and body and there is no better place to do so on earth.
So place yourself in the situation if you are still a little skeptical and that is understandable. You have been trying to read this self-development book for months but it is gathering dust at your bed-side table. You feel this is the book that can open your mind to greater possibilities in your life rather than a daily grind doing something you could not care less for. The Caribbean islands offer you the perfect ambiance for peaceful reading on the seashore with nothing to distract you but a passing seagull or your freshly squeezed fruit drink at your side. This sort of environment can kick start those wheels of inspiration and possibly change your life forever.
We also find that visitors on their Caribbean holidays are inspired by the opportunities available in the Caribbean. The region may not be as saturated with businesses, concrete structures and bill boards pleading with you to spend your last dollar. The Caribbean has thought many of us to look at what is right in front of us and go for it. Big corporations have little say in the islands for the time being at least and it is this freedom for one to tangibly express their goals and desires that have led to many successes. Visitors will see entrepreneurs with no vast educational background or rich heritage who have made well for themselves and their family by simply working hard and working smart.
Our team here has heard many fond stories of what Caribbean inspiration can bring to an individual. We have heard of students of a University in Barbados who utilized their Sundays by going to the beach and studying for exams there rather than being stuck in a cold library. We have heard of companies that pay for their management to travel to the Grenadine islands (sister isles of St. Vincent) to plan their upcoming budgets. We have also heard of the countless artistes that have found inspiration in Montserrat for many great songs of our time recorded right there before being released to the world.
For all visitors there can be something for everyone. We can chose to be obsessed with our mobile devices and be relating our minute by minute experiences to friends and family who really could not care less back home or we can chose to look into ourselves and possibly better our lives.
So don’t come here to text your holiday away, spending no time with your loved ones and not appreciated your exotic surroundings. Instead, come to the Caribbean and we assure you that by switching off your thoughts new ones will filter in and with this newfound “time to think” you will receive inspiration. Who knows but this inspiration may be the birth of a new novelist, playwright or simply to make a better well-balanced person capable of forging ahead in this sometimes stressful world. We do hope our article has inspired just a few of you and we do look forward to seeing you on your upcoming Caribbean Holidays.

For many visitors to our islands on their Caribbean Holidays, they may be pleasantly surprised at the level of progress and development that has taken place over the years. Modern times have blessed the Caribbean with many benefits such as better infrastructure, cutting edge technology and a fast-paced life-style much like the developed world.

To others, when coming to the Caribbean, they prefer the islands as they dream about. A place where fast-pace is not in the dictionary, they prefer the islands seemingly forgotten by time, as natural as possible in the face of our modern times. For us at www.caribbeaninsidersguide.com that spells Tobago.

A little Geography: Tobago is the smaller sister isle of Trinidad lying North East off of the coastline. This little island spans approximately 40 kilometers (25 Miles) long and 10 kilometers (6 miles) wide. The island is predominantly hilly and of volcanic origins. Tobago’s highest point is approximately 550 meters (1,800 feet) in an area called Speyside.
The capital of Tobago is Scarborough and houses the island’s major banks, port facilities and street shopping district including the popular Weekend Market.

A little History: Over the years from the years of discovery by Europeans, this island has changed hands over thirty times between France, Spain, The Dutch Republic, Sweden and England. In 1889, Tobago and Trinidad were joined as a British Crown Colony, in 1962 both islands became an independent commonwealth nation and in 1976 they both achieved Republic status.

Eco-tourism: Tobago is home to one of the earliest forest reserves in the Caribbean. The climate of the island promotes an extremely diverse ecosystem and many species of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects can be found. There are also a large amount of varieties of plants to be found in these forests. Much like it’s sister isle of Trinidad, similarities of the South American Amazon region can be associated with this area in Tobago.
Beaches: Tobago has been blessed with many fine beaches, the most popular being Pigeon Point (a gated facility run by the island’s administration, the Tobago House of Assembly) and Store Bay. Also the beach at an area called No-Man’s land is largely undiscovered as its accessibility has not been very convenient, but it facilitates very fine snorkeling and secluded areas to enjoy the Caribbean’s climate to the fullest.
The people: Tobagonians are seasoned in the art of tourism. They have been born into this niche market and are dependent on its survival. The result is simply a superior product for you their customer, a guaranteed good time. The friendliness of the locals is infectious and indeed many a visitor has fallen for Tobago with the charm of the locals being one of the cornerstones.

Real Estate: We at www.caribbeaninsidersguide.com have found that Tobago in particular offers real estate to investors at very competitive rates. Unlike the more northerly islands, Tobago has not been hit by the mass tourism market that has inflated the market to unbelievable heights. Also the exchange rate of the Trinidad and Tobago currency, the TT dollar lends itself to an excellent conversion to many other currencies. The rate of USD to TTD is for example 1USD:6.3TTD. Many Europeans have taken advantage of the lower prices for real estate in Tobago and indeed we may see the development of some unique communities in the future adding to the islands vibrant culture.

Hurricane Belt: Tobago lies outside of the tropical hurricane belt. However, the island has been hit in 1963 by Hurricane Flora and in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan. Generally though it escapes the wrath of these monster storms. The hurricane season is usually between the periods 1st June to 30th November.

So dependent on what you are looking for Tobago may be the best place for you to spend your Caribbean Holidays. If you are seeking that relaxation in a truly untouched place in the Caribbean, go to Tobago; if you seek that slow pace and no stress go to Tobago; if you want to soak up the best of the Caribbean climate reading that book you have been trying to get to for ages, go to Tobago. If you want to discover yourself and have time to think, we say once again, go to Tobago.

The Caribbean is filled with a plethora of choices when it comes to food and drink. Many of us, when we think of our Caribbean Holidays we picture ourselves on that hammock or beach chair lazing the day away, consuming rich foods and sugar-filled drinks piling on the pounds. However this stereotype does not have to be a reality if you don’t want it. Sure you can have the milky drinks; spiced rums with soft drink; the rich butter filled foods or; the heavy cream entrees but you can also look at the alternatives so when you get back home a new wardrobe, exorbitant gym fees or a visit to your cardiologist will not be on the to-do lists.

In this article, we at Caribbean Insider’s Guide^® want to touch a little on the many fruits that grow in abundance in the Caribbean. Fruits are a healthy alternative to many fatty snacks and foods and can be easily stuck into a bag when taking a day-trip or can be consumed in the form of a cool refreshing drink.

Because of the natural climate, rich soils and diverse flora, many fruits can be found throughout the region. Here are just a few of the fruits found in the Caribbean:

Ackee; Avocado; Balata; Banana; Barbadine; Breadfruit; Caimate; Carambola; Cashew fruit; Cherry; Coconut; Date; Doung; Grapefruit; Guava; Guinep; Jackfruit; Lime; Mamisiporte; Mango; Orange; Papaya; Passion Fruit; Peewah; Pineapple; Plums; Pomegranate; Pommerac; Pumpkin; Sapodilla; Sorrel; Sour Sop; Sugar Cane; Sugar Apple; Tamarind; Tangerine; Tomato; Watermelon.

Many of these fruits are not indigenous to the Caribbean but can be enjoyed thoroughly with the twists that have been put into their preparation. Many are blended to make delicious (and we mean really delicious drinks). Part of your Caribbean Holidays has to be a trip to a weekend market where you can marvel at the fruits and vegetables and most likely pick up some nice snacks at unbelievable bargains.

Have a fruit juice with your meal. It aids in digestion and gets those vital micro-nutrients into your system. Most of these micro-nutrients are destroyed by cooking so this is a very sensible way to obtain them. Ideally the human body needs about 1 kg (2.2 lbs.) of fruit or vegetable per 50kgs (110 lbs.), so what better way to fill the gap than to consume your fruit drink?

Of course the basics should be adhered to as well. If milk is required, opt for skimmed; if sugar is an essential ask if they have alternative; if a heavy cream is the base, look down the menu, you get the drift.

At breakfast we often see hotels catering for their guests by importing apples, cantaloupes, grapes and so on. A fruit plate is often filled with things you left at your local grocer in the Americas or Europe. Insist on trying something different, try our Caribbean fruits. We at Caribbean Insider’s Guide^® know that there will be no regrets, enjoy yourselves, relax, be happy and be healthy.

Honeymooners are guaranteed a memorable experience when they chose the Caribbean for this once in a lifetime occasion. Are there words to describe waking up in paradise with the one you love and who you want to spend the rest of your life with? We say yes actually…it’s called welcome to the Caribbean. You will utter the words…”I don’t want this to end” and “you look more and more beautiful every day” and “do we have to leave?”  Actually those words are often shared by those not even on their honeymoon, but for this article we at Caribbean Insider’s Guide^® are sticking to the honeymoon mode. Here you will not only find yourself but others will find you. With no stress, the Caribbean beauty, and nothing but relaxation, romance and adventure on your to-do list, this will be one of the best foundation blocks for your future together.

Many of our Caribbean Holidays include world class honeymoon destinations. The really popular ones include St. Lucia, Antigua, Anguilla, Jamaica and Barbados. However, many other islands share mystical loveliness where you can choose what appeals to you. Perhaps you both enjoy eco-tourism and may want to make Dominica the place for you to begin your wonderful journey together. Perhaps you want to go to one of the more untouched islands like Tobago, full of wildlife and quiet bliss. Still you may want to take a once in a lifetime photo opportunity at the site of the Caribbean’s most active volcano in Montserrat.

Whatever your preference, there is something for everyone, once the requirement is not downhill skiing, we can handle it. We may suggest a host of activities for you: perhaps a diving adventure to one of the many wrecks or coral reefs below the surface of our warm clear tropical waters; a hike through a tropical forest being one with nature and your new partner; a romantic walk on one of our many gorgeous white-sanded beaches, in the crisp morning air before the sunrise or viewing our lovely picture perfect sunsets; a nice romantic horseback ride on the beach or a roll of the dice at the casino.

Make sure and enjoy our Caribbean cuisine and delicious drinks catering to every palate. We solidify the term romantic dinner in our islands. As you dine at a seaside restaurant and toast life together with the waves lapping gently below you and your server attending to your every whim, there will be no regrets for choosing the Caribbean for your honeymoon

Many islands cater for all income brackets. You can choose from all-inclusive to special honeymoon packages at world-classed hotels and residences or you can book a getaway at a privately owned villa. Alternatively you can save on accommodation and maximize on the sightseeing and adventures that await you. So don’t take a chance with your honeymoon, go where it has been tried and proven for many decades, begin your marriage with the Caribbean. We at Caribbean Insider’s Guide^® will help you find that destination, that adventure and those memories. Join us and let us serve you. Our job is to make those Caribbean Holidays the best ever for you and then improve on that too!

When you travel to the beautiful islands for your Caribbean Holidays we recommend you try the national dish of the country. Each island has its own special flavor and we at Caribbean Insider’s Guide^® have attempted to track as much as possible so you can be sure what to try on the menu!

Anguilla – Pigeon peas and rice.

The island caters for many different palates and at the high end restaurants this dish will not be listed. We recommend you get the true island feel and venture into the main town (The Valley) and order up this dish from the more local establishments. Nico’s is our favourite pick but you can also try The English Rose. 

Barbados – Flying Fish and Cou Cou.

The flying fish is the national fish of Barbados and is prepared in a variety of ways. We find it best when the flying fish is deep fried and served with vegetables and cou cou. The cou cou is prepared by combining corn meal, flour and okra. Many restaurants serve their unique versions of this dish and have highlighted it well for the island. For the best though we like to keep it local and recommend you head down to the Oistins fish fry in the village of Oistins. The best night to go is on a Friday where you can feel the rhythm of the island through its food, music and lots of local content.

Dominica – Mountain Chicken

Passed down from the rich French culture, Mountain Chicken or frog legs is Dominica’s favourite. Locals tell you “it tastes like chicken”. This dish is prepared in a variety of ways, from deep frying, stewing or boiling and served with rice and peas or our favourite ground provisions. We like how Fort Young hotel serves this dish in its entire local splendor with a flavor that is friendly to the visitor’s tastes but many other restaurants  also carry the dish and being the most popular by locals, all have its preparation down pact!

Grenada – Oil down

This dish combines ground provisions like the delicious breadfruit and dasheen, salted meat e.g. pig tail and a variety of vegetables with coconut milk and a little water to help it cook. It can be served with rice but the favourite is home-made styled dumplings. Most local restaurants serve this dish in all its glory. We recommend a stroll on the famous Grand Anse beach and look into one of the many restaurants on the strip there. Again it is tough to find where this dish will be prepared poorly by a local cook as they grew up with it.

Jamaica – Ackee and Saltfish

Served mostly at breakfast with a good helping of fried bakes (also called Johnny cakes), ground provisions or dumplings. Basically, vegetables are sautéed in butter, the salted fish is added with a generous helping of tomatoes then the Ackee fruit is incorporated. All this is combined and cooked until hot and tasty. Sprinkle some of the famous Jamaican hot sauce on it to really enjoy the flavors, but watch out, Jamaican pepper can be too hot to handle by some.

St. Kitts and Nevis – Stewed Salt fish with coconut dumplings and breadfruit

The salt fish (mostly salted cod) is stewed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. The dumplings are a combination of flour, coconut, salt and oil. The breadfruit is boiled down in a broth with a host of vegetables. All of this is served on a plate of exquisite taste which will bring you back for more after a well-deserved siesta.

St. Lucia – Green figs and Salt fish pie

Green figs are a type of banana that can be boiled or stewed (we like boiled) and combined with the salt fish with some good helpings of vegetables and topped with milk and cheese to form a rich and very tasty pie. This dish is mostly served at breakfast and will certainly keep you filled for your day’s adventures.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines – Roast breadfruit with fried fish

Another delicacy of the Caribbean islands, this national dish of St. Vincent incorporates the popular breadfruit with fish (a fish called jack fish is mostly used). The breadfruit is grilled (roasted) over a pit or stovetop grill and the fish is deep fried to a lovely golden brown. Served with a nice helping of Caribbean salad this dish is a favorite by local and visitor.

Trinidad & Tobago – Pelau

Many Trinbagonians (as locals of Trinidad and Tobago are referred) may argue the national dish is doubles or roti, but no, we are sure it is pelau. It is stewed meat with rice and coconut milk that is combined and to which carrots and pigeon peas and a hot pepper is added (pig-tail is optional). The liquid is allowed to dry down and the result is a rich and tasty dish that is shared by all. A popular dish to carry to a sporting event like cricket or to a social (or “lime”).

The preceding dishes are but a sample of what is offered for your Caribbean Holidays in the area of local cuisine. Recipes for these dishes have been passed down through generations and up to now still hold the delicious flavor of long ago times. We at Caribbean Insider’s Guide® encourage you to try one, some or all of these dishes on your trip to the Caribbean and we assure you that you will be back for more.

Our prayers and goodwill reach out to the people of Japan during this their time of need.

We at Caribbean Insider’s Guide^® thought that this was the opportune time to touch on this critical topic as well. In the Caribbean our major risk from natural disasters come in the form of the annual hurricane season, earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Hurricane season: This period officially spans from June 1^st to November 30^th but we wait for the meteorological officials to tell us it’s all over formally over the media. The peak of the hurricane season is usually in September.

Hurricane Belt (Zone): There is a hurricane belt which gives an indication of which areas of the Caribbean lie inside and outside the general path of these tropical super storms. Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Providencia Island, San Andreas, Panama and the islands off of Venezuela all are in the so called safe-zone. However during the hurricane season, Barbados, Tobago and even Trinidad (the most southerly isle in the eastern Caribbean), experience warnings as the path of the hurricanes are being finalized.

Hurricane Categories: Hurricanes are rated in strength in categories from one being the weakest to five being the strongest. Storms are named as soon as the winds are 39 mph or more. In other words, a storm must start as a Tropical Depression and move on to become a Tropical Storm before it is given a name.

Hurricane naming: Weather gurus give each hurricane a name so there is no confusion when talking about a particular storm as there can be several coming off the west coast of Africa where they are initially formed. Each year, the first tropical storm of the season is given a name that starts with A, the second storm is given a name that starts with a B, and so on (the letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z are not used because there are few common names starting with these letters). Women’s and men’s names are alternated, this started in 1979. The name lists are made up by meteorologists at the World Meteorological Organization. There are different name lists for Atlantic and eastern Pacific tropical storms. The names of very destructive storms are retired and never reused, e.g. Hugo (1989) and Katrina (2005)

Putting off your Caribbean Holiday until after the Hurricane Season: This is solely up to you but we will tell you this, rates are at their best during this time of Hurricane season and truly most hotels are fully equipped to handle even the strongest storms. Hurricanes normally do not last long and many accommodations have back-up generators for power and emergency plans for their guests.

Volcanic activity in the Caribbean: Almost immediately most people knowledgeable of the Caribbean region will say Montserrat. That is indeed the most recent and major ongoing volcanic activity in the region after the Soufriere Hills (Montserrat) volcano erupted in 1995 after a long period of warning signs. Before this, the major disruption occurred in St. Vincent 1979 with their Soufriere (St. Vincent) Volcano erupting and causing ash clouds and pyroclastic avalanches. Montserrat actually is finding quite a niche market in volcano-tourism with many visitors going to the island to observe an active volcano against the backdrop of the Caribbean beauty and climate.

Earthquakes in the Caribbean region: Haiti comes to mind with their powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit them in January 2010. The Caribbean region as a whole is not known for its seismic activity but tremors are often felt in our islands. The islands of Caribbean Insider’s Guide^® lie on what is known as the Caribbean plate, to the North is the North American plate and to the South the South American Plate. It is basically the major shifting of these plates that can lead to major earthquakes in the region.

For more on seismic activity in the Caribbean go on to the University of the West Indies site: http://www.uwiseismic.com/General.aspx?id=19