Several boats in the turquoise waters of the Cayman Islands. IMAGE: unsplash

For decades the Caribbean Islands were a synonym for heaven on earth everyone dreams of exploring. Each island has its own distinct character that enriches the soul of every visitor that comes to it. It is natural to want to see them all in one’s lifetime. Today’s fast and affordable transportation makes it possible to visit multiple islands in one go. Those that have decided to embark on an island-hopping adventure in the Caribbean are in for a trip of their life. Here’s a guide that will assist them in planning such an amazing journey.

What locations should your island-hopping adventure in the Caribbean consist of?

There are more than 700 Caribbean islands, so obviously, you will only be able to visit a small fraction of them in a single trip. They all belong to thirteen island nations, each unique and worth visiting. Although with so many flights available, one can virtually choose any set of islands to visit on one vacation, here are our two suggestions of map locations you can go to. 

The Greater Antilles

The Greater Antilles is one of five large island groups in the Caribbean, and you can plan a dream vacation that will take you just there. It is a good idea to make your visit to each of the islands you hop on long enough to enjoy it properly and learn as much as you can about them. A 10- or 15-day vacation can be spent in three island states, several days in each. Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and the Cayman Islands are places you would love in this region.

Jamaica

If we had to choose only two aspects that make Jamaica different from any other place in the world, it would be the fact that it is the birthplace of reggae music and that the largest percentage of the fastest people in the world come from this place. On your island-hopping adventure in the Caribbean, you will encounter a lot of amazing beaches. But, apart from that, there’s a lot to do in Jamaica. In April there’s a cool carnival, you can swim with the horses, ride a bobsled around the Mystic Mountains and much more. 

Dominican Republic

The specific Victorian architecture wows everyone that comes to this wonderful place. The friendly people, generally safe and stable state, and fine properties make the Dominican Republic one of the most popular tropical retirement destinations for U.S. citizens. According to the moving experts from cleancutmoving.com, people that decide to move to the Caribbean rarely change their minds. Visit this island and see why that is so.

Cayman Islands

Although it takes more than a few days to truly savor the magic of the three Cayman Islands, even an hour spent there is enough to fall in love with them. The Caymans are home to the most famous award-winning beaches. They are very safe, which is why tourists from all over the world feel so comfortable traveling there. So many wonderful activities await there, including a duty-free shopping experience that will have you coming for more. 

The ABC islands

Your multi-island vacation in the Caribbean can focus on the exploration of the ABC Islands. This yet another large island group consists of three states of out worldly beauty – gorgeous Aruba, fabulous Bonaire, and awesome Curaçao. This region is outside the tropical hurricane belt, hence a great destination for those who want to be safe. Windsurfing, scuba-diving, playing golf, losing yourself in the casinos – whatever your activity of choice is, you’ll find it here. The only problem with the ABC islands is that you’ll be very sad to leave them. 

Windsurfing is just one of many fun things to do on the ABC islands.IMAGE: pexels

How should you travel?

Travel agencies all over the world will be happy to assist you in organizing your trip to the Caribbean Islands. Alternatively, you can do it yourself by booking accommodation, flights, ferries, and boats on your own. But since island-hopping requires changing hotels multiple times, make sure you pay a bit more attention to packing your luggage properly. With some research on common packing mistakes to avoid, you’ll do it like an expert. And don’t worry about communication; on these islands, many people speak English and can help you. 

You can plan your island-hopping adventure in the Caribbean by yourself or let a travel agency handle it for you.IMAGE: unsplash

Safety tips to have in mind

To stay healthy while traveling in the Caribbean, you should take care of your general health before your trip starts. Make sure you work on boosting your immune system several months before your journey. As it is recommendable when traveling anywhere in the world, keep all your belongings safe, especially money, passport, and phone. If you can, always travel with friends or family members. Those that prefer flying solo should at least pair up with other tourists when going on excursions, especially if they have to do with remote locations. 

Another thing to be cautious about is what you drink. Namely, never leave your drink unattended because drink-spiking is a reality everywhere. In general, all you need is a bit of caution and some information before your trip, and you’ll do fine.

To avoid the potentially dangerous practice of drink-spiking, never leave your drink unattended.IMAGE: pexels

When is the best period for your island-hopping journey?

The famously heavenly climate in the Caribbean makes them a great travel destination any time of the year. But the period between December and April is the most suitable for a summer vacation because it is the driest. This is also the time when the temperatures are a bit lower. Hurricanes are more likely to happen from June to November, so you might want to avoid them. Unfortunately, hurricanes sometimes happen outside this timeframe, so always check the weather forecasts and warnings. 

Final thoughts

Going on an island-hopping adventure in the Caribbean is fun, exciting, and an enriching experience not much can top. Whatever your itinerary for this amazing journey looks like, it will surely translate into an adventure of a lifetime. Should you choose to take our suggestions – you’re welcome in advance, because you will love them.