Dear Sunseeker,

The Caribbean, generally speaking, is a region consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands (a few surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and a few bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean), and the surrounding coasts. The Caribbean is southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America, and north of South America. The following list of countries (or dependent territories) is presented by population from largest to smallest. ​ Happy Travels!

​Erik

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FAST FACTS

Continent or Region: The Caribbean
Number of Nations of Territories: 29
Primary Language: English
Timezone: Eastern / Central
Currency: Varies
Power: Varies

​​Passport: Yes, Americans need a valid passport to enter a Caribbean nation
Visa: American citizens do not need a visa if traveling for vacation

More information on passports & visas can be found here.

I love traveling abroad as much as I love traveling within my home country of the the United States. However, I want you to be safe and be a good representative of your home country. Even in places that are very friendly to visitors, remember that you are in a foreign country and understanding local customs is critical. So, here are a few tips as you prepare for your adventure.

1. Before you depart from your home country, call The US Embassy (or your home country embassy) and tell them you are leaving your home country. That way they are aware of your whereabouts in case of emergency.
2. Carry only the credit cards you are using to charge expenses. Call those credit card companies before you leave. Do not travel with your debit cards. 
3. Clean out your wallet or purse and carry only what you need. 
4. Solve your mobile phone situation before you depart. Usually a phone call to your provider will get you started.
5. Keep all medications with you in your carry on.
6. Leave a photo copy of all your travel documents (passport, itinerary, copy of your credit cards) with a friend or at your home. 
7. Do not travel with expensive jewelry.
8. Make sure you travel with a valid passport or visa (if required). Also, bring another valid form of photo I.D., and photocopies of both I.D.s. in case of loss or theft.
9. Read up on local laws and practices before you get here.
10. Be a respective guest of the local customs and obey the local laws.
11. If English is not the primary language, then familiarize yourself with key phrases and make attempts in the country's primary language. Locals usually appreciate the effort.  
12. Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks in view at all times.
13. Keep possessions close to your body.
14. Don’t take around large amounts of cash.
15. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry on road trips or excursions.

For US citizens, visit the US State Department's website (for American citizens) before you travel abroad. Her'e's a direct link to get started. 

 

HELPFUL LINKS

Each state has an official tourism bureau. Learn more by watching this video. In addition, here are links to the official bureaus for this state and the USA. 

Official Caribbean Tourism Bureau Site

 

CARIBBEAN NATIONS & TERRITORIES

Cuba
Dominican Republic
Haiti
Puerto Rico
Jamaica
Trinidad and Tobago
Guadeloupe (France)
Martinique (France)
Bahamas
Barbados
Saint Lucia
Curacao (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Aruba (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
US Virgin Islands (US)

Grenada
Antigua and Barbuda
Dominica
​Bermuda (UK)
Cayman Islands (UK)
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Sint Maarten (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Turks and Caicos Islands (UK)
Saint Martin (France)
British Virgin Islands (UK)
Caribbean Netherlands (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Anguilla (UK)
Sant Barthelemy (France)
Montserrat (UK)

MEET ERIK THE TRAVEL GUY!

​I am on a mission to get you traveling more often, staying longer and experiencing the potentially life-changing, positive power of travel. Here, you can count on the latest travel news, information, videos, tips, blog posts and podcasts from the online travel community to equip you with relevant information and advice. We'll also feature the latest news about our nationally syndicated television series "Beyond Your Backyard" which is seen by millions of viewers each week in 90% of US Households. Thank you for visiting!

​Erik ​