Are you planning a getaway to the picturesque islands of Antigua and Barbuda? Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, this stunning destination offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. However, before you pack your bags and set off on your adventure, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your trip. From practical tips to cultural insights, here are 10 essential things to keep in mind before visiting Antigua and Barbuda.
VISITING ANTIGUA: THE ESSENTIALS
Car / I strongly recommend renting a car for the duration of your stay, this is the best way to explore the island, as public transport is almost non-existent – I suggest checking availability and booking via DiscoverCars, the website I recommend for all interactional car hires.
Tours / There are countless tours across the island, taking in the hills, the sea, the food and the culture. These are the ones I’ve tried and tested and also the most popular ones:
The Xtreme Circumnavigation Tour (all day boat tour of the island)
Eli’s Original Eco Tour
Full Day Scenic Tour of Antigua
Turtle Beach Power Snorkeling Adventure (using a sea scooter)
TukTuk Adventures and Beach Hopping
Antigua’s Only Food Tour
Stay / There are an abundance of resorts on the island, and which you choose will depend on your budget, whether you’re visiting Antigua with children and facilities required. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:
Sandals Antigua
Antigua Village Beach Resort
Dickenson Bay Oasis
Hodges Bay Resort & Spa
Keyonna Beach Resort
Hermitage Bay
Galley Bay Resort & Spa
Hawksbill Resort Antigua
PEOPLE ARE SUPER NICE
The first thing that surprised me my first days in Antigua was how warm, happy, welcoming and good vibes people are. They will greet you on the street, wish you a good day, with no ulterior interest. Additionally, sellers were quite chill. Even if offering their product, they would stop at the first sign of no coming from you. This alone means so much!
IT’S EXPENSIVE
Being a Caribbean island, most things are imported. Which means, most things are expensive! You’ll find that if you are visiting on a budget, even the supermarket prices are crazy (compared to London, for example). So if you are a budget traveller, stick to basic foods, and leave imported items for back home. And try to rent a car, to avoid paying for taxis a lot as these are also quite expensive.
