How to Find Hotels in Kingstown, St. Vincent

Kingstown is the capital of St. Vincent, an island in the Caribbean near Trinidad and Barbados. Since it is less developed than its more well known neighbors, here's the place to go to get away from the crush of tourists while still enjoying all that a tropical island has to offer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Visa

Know Your Destination

1. Understand that Kingstown is St. Vincent's largest city. The entire island has a population of just over 100,000 people.
2. Investigate ecotourism. St. Vincent has a diverse ecosystem, and is a growing target for ecotourism.
3. Travel between November and May to avoid the rainy season.
4. Change your money. The currency used on St. Vincent is the East Caribbean dollar.

Arrange for Transportation

5. Fly with caution. St. Vincent does not have an FAA-approved international airport, though the St. Vincent Et Joshua airport does provide international flight accommodations.
6. Drive carefully. Kingstown roads are narrow and ill maintained. U.S. drivers must also note that driving is done on the left side of the road. High inclines and narrow mountain passes make driving a somewhat risky endeavor.
7. Take public transportation. Bus and taxi transportation is reliable, though often overcrowded. Call a van or taxi service for further accommodations.

Relax in Homey Hotels

8. To book accommodations, contact The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of Tourism and Culture at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
9. Be prepared to stay in moderate accomodations. Kingstown hotels are mostly mid-sized and family-owned.
10. Expect accommodations near Market Square to be noisy on weekends.
11. The city has a few upscale hotels, which are often converted plantation houses.

Enjoy the Outdoors

12. St. Vincent has a tropical climate with a very diverse ecosystem. Nature hikes and guided sightseeing tours are popular tourist activities.
13. Visit the famous and extensive Botanical Gardens, established in the late 1700s.

Tips & Warnings

• Visas are not required for foreign visitors for up to 90 days.
• St. Vincent is subject to hurricane activity, and the constant threat of its local volcano, Soufriere.
• There is very little police presence or breakdown assistance on St. Vincent outside of Kingstown. Traveling away from the city without a guide is a considerable risk.
• Petty theft is fairly common, and the U.S. Department of State suggests that travelers should contact local guide services when going on hikes or camping trips.
• Present a valid passport or birth certificate and a return or onward ticket to enter the country. Travelers must also pay a departure tax when leaving St. Vincent.
• Get Hepatitus A and B shots before visiting any Caribbean country.