Travel tips for Antigua - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Antigua and Barbuda is a country where the weather is warm all year round. The period from mid-December to mid-April is traditionally considered the best time to travel here. The rainy season lasts from May to November. The strongest hurricanes are possible from June to November. The most dangerous month is September. It is also very hot and stuffy at this time. But hotels drop up to 40 % of the price. The beaches are deserted at this time. Prices for everything are going down. The rains are not torrential. They stop quickly. It's much easier to find a place to live.

2. Visa is not required to visit the country. You may be asked for a hotel voucher/reservation, return ticket, proof of identity (whether you have money in your account or cash), and medical insurance at the border. It is issued in advance through a travel agency or insurance company.

3. It is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and polio if you visit the country. However, this is not a mandatory requirement. You should not drink tap water. You should only use bottled water. It is better to boil the milk. You should wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Cases of chikungunya virus have been recorded in the country. It is carried by mosquitoes. You should bring repellent with you.

4. There are no strict rules regarding clothing in the country. But some restaurants may require more formal clothing to visit. You should bring something other than shorts. It is not customary for locals to wear camouflage. Therefore, it is better to avoid such colors of clothing. Being on the beach topless is not strictly prohibited. But it is not accepted. The exception is the private beaches of some hotels.

5. Tips are usually 10 %. They are included in the receipt. Do not worry if you see a mysterious number in the receipt, which is 7-8% of the amount. This is a government tax. It is customary to leave one dollar each to the maids, doormen, and porters. If the tip is not included in the receipt it is customary to leave 10% for a tip.

6. There are no restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol in the country. It is sold everywhere. But it is considered bad manners to appear drunk in public. This will be treated with contempt. Some establishments may refuse to serve a drunken customer.

7. The level of security is quite high in the country. There is no threat of terrorist attacks. There are pickpockets in areas of large concentrations of people. Therefore, you should be careful not to leave personal belongings unattended. It is recommended to leave valuables and documents in the hotel room. You should not walk alone in deserted places to avoid being robbed. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. It is not possible to get to some places by public transport. Buses don't go there. There is no railway connection in the country. So you should think about renting a car. In addition to your license and credit card, you will need a driving permit to rent a car. It is issued at any rental office. This permission costs about $20. Traffic in the country is left-hand. This may be somewhat inconvenient for unaccustomed drivers. Taxi services are quite inexpensive here. In addition, drivers are often guides.

9. You have to take with you the adapter for charging your gadgets. There are sockets and plugs usual for the USA in the country.

10. The Eastern Caribbean dollar is the national currency. It is also used on the territory of Grenada. However, you can pay with US dollars almost everywhere. It's not profitable to pay with a credit card. Prices are set in the national currency in stores. The conversion can be noticeable.

11. The best beaches of Antigua are located in the North-West of the island. The best beaches of Barbuda with pink sand are located in the West of the island. It is washed by the Caribbean Sea. It is also a good place for diving or snorkeling. There are no private, closed beaches in the country. There are beaches of hotels, cafes, and villas. Their cleanliness is monitored. Wild beaches in Antigua are quite dirty, which is not true of Barbuda.

12. The official language of the country is English. But many residents speak Creole. It has several dialects. Some residents speak Spanish. But they are not numerous. If you speak English well you will not have any problems with communication.

13. Smoking is not prohibited. But it is forbidden to defecate in public places. There is a significant penalty for this.

14. It is better to take the ferry to get from Antigua to other Islands. It's cheaper. In addition, you will spend less time on the road. Planes are often late and flights are canceled.

15. Prices are quite high on the Islands in high season. In addition, it is quite problematic to find suitable housing. It is better to search for a place to stay 5-6 months in advance. It is an unrealistic task to find housing in the season.

16. Barbuda and Montserrat are more deserted than Antigua. A vacation here is suitable for fans of a quiet, deserted recreation, who do not particularly need the benefits of civilization. Holidays with children on these Islands can be very boring.