ISLAND HOPPING
STEPPING STONES EXPLORE THE ISLANDS
WITH A COLOURFUL, QUIRKY MIX OF STYLES AND ATMOSPHERES, THE CARIBBEAN IS PERFECT FOR ISLAND HOPPING
f ever there was a destination that was made for island-hopping, it’s the Caribbean. With thousands of islands, Latin American countries and a quartet of distinct cultures, this corner of the globe is ripe for exploration. The rich mix of cultures, history and nationalities that make up the Caribbean region has given this archipelago a unique flavour that goes beyond the usual tourist trappings.
I
Jump between these tropical outposts and you can combine a Spanish Latin vibe and English traditions or Dutch customs with Gallic chic. These can be mixed with the flavour of Central and South America where countries such as Belize, Guyana and Venezuela have their own very distinct characters along with their Caribbean coastlines. Each place has its own special appeal, and the big advantage is that they are easy to get to with an extensive network of local flights, cruises, ferries and yachts.
Having so many countries to choose from makes for a rich contrast. Mix the lush, mountain scenery of St. Kitts with the dazzling sands of
12
Anguilla; the exclusive sophistication of Barbados with the rustic simplicity of the Grenadines; the sandy beaches of Antigua with the volcanic natural wonders of Dominica; or the lively casino scene of Dutch St. Maarten with the virtually untouched islands of St. Eustatius.
GET CONNECTED Check out the direct services from the UK and then once you arrive, it is easy to link into the comprehensive network of flights that regularly ply the skies across the Caribbean. But some options are more logical than others. For instance from Trinidad in the southern Caribbean, which is served by direct flights from the UK, there is a better choice of flights to South American countries as they are relatively close. This makes it easier to team up stays on the island, or its sister Tobago, with countries such as Venezuela or Guyana. Barbados and Antigua are good hubs for exploring islands in the Eastern Caribbean, while Jamaica lends itself to the north, and Belize can be reached from islands such as Curaçao.
www.caribbean.co.uk
Island-hoppers planning to visit only two or three destinations are best concentrating on island groups that are close together or those that have regular direct flights and ferries. The Bahamas is ideal island-hopping territory, and the best choice of flights to the Out Islands is offered from the capital Nassau, which is also served by direct UK services. That makes it easy to live it up amid the bright lights of Nassau for a few days before retreating to the sleepy embrace of Exuma or Eleuthera in the Out Islands.
And you don’t have to take to the skies as the islands have a great network of ferries from Nassau that serve many points.
KEEP IT REAL
If you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, hop aboard one of the battered old Bahamian mailboats that ply the routes between the islands but be warned – they may be full of local character and they’re not for the fainthearted! Ferries can be a fabulous way to travel between the islands, offering a far more scenic and local
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56