The islands that comprise the Caribbean have many different languages and cultures, but they are all universally accessible for eager travelers. Whether you arrive by air, or take a cruise, lucky vacationers have their choice of any number of ways to reach these gorgeous islands...

Your dream vacation is closer than you think. This guide has plenty of tips to help you with everything from getting the best information out there to planning and booking a trip within your budget. We want to help you make this dream a reality...

When to go

For many of the Caribbean islands, the high season is mid-December through mid-April.  However, this doesn't necessarily mean that it is the best time for you to plan your trip...

Clothing and Attire

When packing your suitcase for your Caribbean trip, make sure to select lightweight clothing that will enable you to stay comfortable in hot weather, a pair of comfortable walking shoes, and of course, your bathing suit...

Events and Festivals

Visit a part of the world where party time is all the time. From Carnival celebrations to music festivals, let us guide you through the best events the Caribbean has to offer...

Diving and Snorkeling

From reefs to wrecks, the Caribbean has more amazing sites for underwater exploration than you can shake a snorkel at.  The best snorkeling sites...

Nightlife

Some locations in the Caribbean are known for their nightlife, such as Cancun, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, while others offer a more laid back atmosphere. Learn where to find the night time activities that suit you in our guide to Caribbean Nightlife...

Fishing and Chartering

Nearly every island in the Caribbean offers boat chartering and sport fishing tours. The three main types of charters are bareboat charters, captained charters, and crewed charters...

Currency and Credit Cards

Many of the Caribbean islands accept the United States Dollar, even if it is not their official form of currency...

Customs

To avoid paying duty taxes on your personal items before you return home from your Caribbean trip, make sure you register your belongings on your inbound flight...

The history of the Caribbean is incredibly diverse, and no two islands have quite the same tale. In a region rife with natural resources, blended cultures and real life pirates, the islands' historical roots offer much to interest anyone with an appreciation for the past. Our detailed guide to the region's historical roots includes dozens of thoroughly researched articles, organized by topic and time period. You can start with our historical overview for the Caribbean region, or use our historical timeline to research a specific topic or era...

Culture

Knowing the history of the Caribbean region goes a long way toward understanding its people. Each island has a unique cultural identity shaped by the European colonialists, the African heritage of slaves, and the enduring legacies of the native Indian tribes set against a backdrop of crystal clear waters and perpetual sunshine...

Economy

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, sugar plantations in the Caribbean ruled the economy. The slave trade met high demand for the product from countries like Spain, Portugal, Britain, and the Netherlands. During an uprising in Jamaica in 1831, many sugar plantations were burned. Three years later, the British Parliament set forth the Emancipation Act which called for all British colonies of the West Indies to end slavery, although slaves were not actually emancipated until 1838...

Crime

Some Caribbean islands have a reputation for being more crime-ridden than others, but you can play your part in ensuring you stay safe no matter where you visit...