Nobody will blame you if you are dreaming of warm tropical breezes, salty ocean air, and the sun on your skin. A family trip to the Caribbean makes a great escape from the realities of life while providing the opportunity to connect with the people that you love the most. Here are four tips to consider when planning your family vacation to the Caribbean.
Consider Travel Logistics
Unless you live in Florida, it can be a bit of a hassle to get to the Caribbean. Before you decide on a destination, you need to consider transportation logistics and how that will work with your family’s travel preferences and specific needs. For example, if you are traveling with smaller children, you might want to choose a destination that offers non-stop flights from your origination airport.
Another factor to consider is how you will get around once you arrive on the island. If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, there is a good chance that you will not need a rental car. Or you can consider renting a vehicle just for the days that you plan on leaving the resort.
An additional option is to hire a private driver for the days that you want to explore your surroundings. Not only is this a more convenient option, but it will also save you money. As a bonus, a driver may also double as a local tour guide.
Activity Preferences
When asking yourself, “how do I plan my trip to the Caribbean,” be sure to consider what type of activity level appeals to your family the most. Will your kids be happy simply frolicking in the sand and the surf or do they need a full slate of activities to keep them entertained?
Recognizing your own activity preferences will help to guide your lodging decision. For example, an all-inclusive resort is likely to provide more entertainment options than going out on your own with a condo rental. Some islands also have inherently more activity options available, making it important that you choose a destination that fits your family’s speed. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter experience, be sure to choose an island with a more idyllic reputation.
Understand Weather Patterns
While the Caribbean certainly has the reputation of being warm and sunny, this is not always the case. Before you book that special trip, you want to be sure that you understand the weather patterns.
If you want to avoid the rain, you are better off traveling between the months of December and April. Once springtime gets in full swing, you have a much higher chance of seeing significant rainfall. This is particularly true during hurricane season, running from June 1 through November 30. The highest chances of experiencing tropical weather occur in July through September.
During the winter, you will also see lower humidity levels and slightly cooler temperatures. Be sure to check the annual weather patterns for the islands of your choice before making a final decision. Certain geographic conditions can influence the overall weather patterns to a great extent, making it important you learn about your specific destination so that you do not end up disappointed.
Be Willing to Step Outside Comfort Zone
One of the best things about vacationing in the Caribbean is that it provides you the opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone while still being secure in your surroundings. Because English is the primary language throughout most of the Caribbean, it is easy to overcome any potential communication barriers.
However, the diverse cultures scattered throughout the islands also deliver meaningful opportunities to learn more about the world around you. This is a great way for your children to immerse them in a new world of wonder. Encourage them to try new foods, learn about the history of the island natives, and more. By doing so, you will enrich your family’s overall travel experience.
With winter on its way, now is the perfect time to start planning your next Caribbean vacation. Everyone needs something to look forward to and some time in the sun is the perfect antidote to the winter doldrums. These four tips are a great place to start when planning your family Caribbean vacation.
