12 Caribbean Islands That are Open

This LINK presents the Caribbean destinations that are open for tourists at this time. The first, Anguilla, has only had under a hand full of Covid-19 cases since the pandemic began. The final four are restricting American tourists from entering their borders at this time.

If you are looking to get away before the real probability of most countries shutting down again then this information will be helpful to you as you prepare to vacation in the new normal. There is also a mention of additional documentation or requirements you may need.

Among the list are Anguilla, St. Barts, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Lucia, Aruba, Turks & Caicos, Bermuda, The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Bonaire and Curacao.

Antigua Is Booming!

Looking for something new and exciting? Antigua is fast becoming the next big thing with new culinary offerings and added non-stop flights from the US. Read more about this great Caribbean destination HERE.

Antigua Carnival

 ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 25th April 2018…….The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has tweaked its 2018 carnival schedule.

In a meeting that included Minister for Festivals the Hon. Daryll Matthew, members of the calypso association headed by Eugene Silcott, Soca Monarch chairperson Herbert ‘Burga’ Joseph, Calypso chairperson Dion Simmons, soca artistes Menace, Tian Winter and Claudette Peters and chaired by Festivals Commission Chairperson Maurice Merchant; the grouping addressed issues to include private fetes, the calypso and soca monarch competitions, marketing, panorama, prize monies and the format of the various competitions during carnival.

In the interest of providing the best possible programme for visitors and local patrons, the grouping consented to switching the days for the Caribbean Melting Pot show and the Calypso Monarch competition.  The Caribbean Melting Pot show will now be held on Thursday 2nd August and the calypso monarch competition on Friday August 3.

The new carnival schedule will see Panorama held on a Saturday and the Soca Monarch competition on a Sunday.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Festivals Commission, Maurice Merchant has announced that the Commission will commence discussions this week with stakeholders on a proposed new parade route for Carnival Tuesday.  The proposed route will incorporate streets in and out of St. John’s city proper. 

Antigua’s Carnival will be celebrated from July 27 to August 7 under a theme, “Revel in Greatness.”

After Maria

Caribbean News Now: The Caribbean islands of Antigua, Barbados, Saint Lucia and Palm Island in the Grenadines are open for business, and normal tourism activities have resumed. The airports that service these islands have returned to normal operations and are accepting flights from all gateways.
Antigua was largely unscathed by Hurricane Irma, and many other islands, like Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Palm Island in the Grenadines were not affected at all by the storm.
“Now is the perfect time to experience the authentic Caribbean on the charming islands of Antigua, Barbados, Saint Lucia and the Grenadines, with great offers and low airfares from many major US cities. Your support means the world to the wonderful people and businesses of these spectacular islands, and we hope to welcome you in the Caribbean soon,” said Steve Heydt, president of Elite Island Resorts.

The Allure Of Antigua

This feature is from the July 2011 issue of Ebony Magazine
The water that surrounds Antigua-and makes up the 365 beaches that it's famous for-calls to you before the plane touches the ground. And that's what a place like Antigua is all about.

It's not about just lying on those glorious beaches and taking in lazy sun-filled days, although if that's the Antigua that you want to see there's plenty for you. But there also are a few options to test yourself, try something new and step outside of your comfort zone while taking in some of the most panaramic views your eyes have ever feasted on.

The Antiguan rain forest is tiny compared to, say, what you might find in Costa Rica, but a zip-lining excursion still delivered a jaw-dropping, adrenaline-pumping challenge.

There are familiar Caribbean vacation staples to savor, such as a six-hour lobster and champagne catamaran tour. You'll find excursions such as these down in St. John's, which is near where the cruise liners dock. But you'll want to venture beyond the conventional to soak up what makes the island unique, like paying a visit to Shirley Heights in the evening for a gorgeous view of the English Harbour.

Most resorts implore you to leave hustle and bustle behind as far as technology is concerned, but they do have free wireless though.

Like every other hotel guest, I had a private beach (or what felt like one; I didn't have to share it with anyone else.) And if you chselect one of these leave-it-all-behind resorts you'll be entertained by what became my favorite Antiguan show: watching the tides roll in.