THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO THE CARIBBEAN

One question my clients frequently ask is, "When is the best time to travel to _____?" As a professional travel agent who specializes in tropical vacations, I know visiting the Caribbean is an incredible experience no matter when you go, but there are certain times of the year that offer more benefits than others.

The Caribbean is a region southeast of the United States that encompasses the Caribbean sea and is considered a part of North America. Places you may be familiar with are: Mexico, Jamaica, Grenada, Antigua, The Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, and many more.

The best time to visit will depend on a variety of factors, such as what part of the Caribbean you'll be visiting, the types of activities you want to do, and your budget.

If traveling to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, do you know about sargassum season and the best resorts to try to avoid it? Mother Nature is unpredictable, but there are some areas that typically see less sargassum - either because of the geography or preventative measures the resort takes to control it.

Something we never want to think about when the vacation vibes and strong drinks are flowing are hurricanes, but unfortunately, from June - October, parts of the Caribbean see tropical storm systems and hurricanes. Not all islands are created equal with respect to hurricane potential, though. Aruba almost never gets hurricanes. Despite being a Caribbean island, it lies far enough outside of the hurricane belt that it's usually a pretty safe bet. Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, however, experience them more frequently.

Knowing what types of activities you want to do helps a professional travel agent recommend when to visit. For example, snorkelers looking for a truly unique experience may want to visit between November - March, when whale sharks come to feed in cooler waters. This is an amazing opportunity to snorkel with these gentle giants... and I have great partnerships with local experts who know all the best places to find them!

Finally, what is your budget? While many families want or need to travel during school breaks and holidays, the reality is that these are the most expensive times, when inventory frequently runs low. It's not uncommon to see rates double, or even triple, during peak holiday seasons. I keep track of both American holiday schedules, but also Canadian and European breaks. My biggest tip for saavy travelers is, be flexible on dates. Clients able to travel during the off season or mid-week will typically see the best rates on flights and accommodations.

When trying to plan the vacation of a lifetime, it's easy to get overwhelmed - especially if you've never been to the destination before. That's why hiring a professional travel agent is a smart choice. My years of experience and training, coupled with my network of trusted travel partners, ensure that I'll always recommend the best location, travel dates, immersive experiences that allow you to truly experience a destination, and more. When you're ready to start working together, schedule an introductory call by clicking here.