How to Find Hotels in Antigua and Barbuda

The Caribbean is easily one of the most beautiful regions of the world for people looking to get away, and the islands of the Lesser Antilles archipelago stand out in particular. The island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is located in the archipelago and draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A passport
• Computer with Internet access for making reservations

Know Your Destination

1. Know that the nation of Antigua and Barbuda is actually a part of the British Commonwealth of Nations, governed from the capital of St. John's.
2. Learn a little background info. This island nation was settled by Europeans in 1632, and once served as a major exporter of sugar. Many plantations have now become major tourist attractions.
3. Expect to communicate with ease because English is the official language.

Organize Your Transportation

4. Arrive by air at either V.C. Bird International Airport (Antigua) or Codrington Airport (Barbuda). The two islands are only fifteen minutes apart by air.
5. Travel by taxi from the airport to your hotel. These fares are pre-set.
6. Rent a car at either V.C. Bird International Airport or Codrington Airport.
7. Take a ferry between the two main islands. Catamaran trips are also available from and between local hotels.

Choose Your Accommodations

8. To book accommodations, contact Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
9. Save money by renting accommodations such as guesthouses, apartments and villas, although some require longer stays.
10. Stay during off-peak times of the year for big savings on accommodations.
11. Consider staying at an all-inclusive private club. These resorts offer luxurious room and board, but are also exorbitantly priced.

Gather Local Information

12. Know that laws relating to drugs and drunk driving are severe.
13. Be aware of local vegetation. The manchineel is a local tree with both poisonous fruit and sap. Do not eat the fruit and if you come in contact with the sap, wash it off immediately.
14. Visit Shirley Heights, which hosts a large barbecue every Sunday afternoon with live music and local cuisine.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that driving is on the left, British-style.
• Use caution when driving or traveling by foot. The streets are often extremely narrow, and lack sidewalks for pedestrians.
• As of January, 2007, passports are required for US citizens traveling between the US and the Caribbean by air. In January, 2008, the requirement will extend to include those traveling by land or sea.
• Try to book your reservations as far in advance as possible, since over 200,000 people visit this tiny island nation annually. Prices for accommodations increase rapidly the closer you are to travel dates. This is particularly true for peak travel seasons.
• The biggest respite from the rainy season is between February and May, so try to visit during this time for the best chance of continually fair weather.
• The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is often threatened by hurricanes, so pay close attention to the weather if you plan on visiting between August and October.