Lebawit Lily Girma is an award-winning journalist who has been living in the Caribbean since 2008. In this guest post, she shares her tips and advice for exploring the Caribbean in an ethical and sustainable way while benefitting the local communities that call the islands home.

In 2005, I went on my first Caribbean vacation. I chose Saint Lucia, and like a typical first-timer, I stayed at an all-inclusive resort. Over the course of three weeks, I was awestruck by the color of the Caribbean Sea, the beautiful beaches, and the natural splendor of this region.

But I realized that what moved me the most were the cultural reminders of my childhood in West Africa: the plantain dishes and chicken stews, the tropical gardens filled with hibiscus and palms, the drumming and soca beats, and the warmth of the locals. Three years later, I packed my bags, left my corporate legal career behind, and hit the road with dreams of becoming a travel writer and photographer in the Caribbean.

The State of Tourism in the Caribbean

With over 20 islands and hundreds of beaches that are among the most beautiful in the world, located just a short flight away from North America, it’s easier than ever to go for a Caribbean escape. Even during the global pandemic, the Caribbean Islands were among the safest and the most tempting destinations for Americans and Canadians seeking an escape route near home. The region overall had a lower rate of COVID-19 infections compared to the rest of the world, primarily thanks to the majority of Caribbean countries being separated from their neighbors by water.

But here’s what most people may not realize or spend much time thinking about: the Caribbean is also the most tourism-dependent and vulnerable region in the world.

Of the top 10 global destinations that are most dependent on tourism for jobs, eight are in the Caribbean. This region has also suffered the negative impacts of mass tourism — both the continuous, unabated development of large, foreign-owned all-inclusive resorts in coastal areas and the expansion of cruise tourism have created serious environmental and socioeconomic issues.

For instance, large resorts have exacerbated coastal erosion as a result of being built too close to the shoreline, and they’ve also caused a shortage of commodities in surrounding communities, including power and water, as the average tourist’s use of these resources is higher than a local’s daily usage. Cruise lines also cause increased plastic pollution, engage in illegal dumping, and emit greenhouses gases at disturbing rates.

To boot, climate change is hitting the Caribbean islands the hardest. The World Tourism and Travel Council has predicted that the Caribbean will become the most at-risk tourism destination in the world between 2025 and 2050. Studies have also shown that rising sea levels will put at least 60% of resorts at risk by 2050. In turn, warmer temperatures and increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have led to coral bleaching and ocean acidification, affecting the Caribbean’s reefs.

Perhaps the greatest threat of all is the lack of significant trickle-down economic benefits from tourism to locals because most visitors stay in all-inclusive resorts or book tours with foreign-owned companies. Did you know that booking an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean translates into 80% of those vacation dollars going directly to a foreign corporation overseas — not to the local economy — before even setting foot in the destination?

What does this all mean? It means every decision you make during your Caribbean trip, from supporting a hotel that uses solar power and recycles water to the type of tour operator you choose and reef-safe sunscreen you pack, has a huge impact.

Today, in the fallout of the economic crisis the Caribbean has faced as a result of the pandemic, it’s become imperative that we use this time to rethink the way we explore the Caribbean. We need to see the region not as a commodity we use and abuse but as a place that’s home to unique populations in need of preservation and deserving the same amount of protection from overtourism and environmental abuses as any other major destination in Europe.

As independent travelers, we have the power to shift the tide of our favorite tropical vacation region in the years ahead. Enjoy rum, cocktails, and fine sand? That’s fine — while making choices that lead to a healthier, greener, and culture-rich region for years to come, where tourism benefits communities.

Here are nine easy ways you can explore the Caribbean sustainably!
 

1. Stay at small hotels, community-run guest lodges, or hostels

From hostels and guesthouses to boutique hotels, villas, and rainforest lodges, there are some incredible locally owned places to stay in the Caribbean. Whether you’re into mountains, beaches, or rainforests, these kinds of accommodations are usually run by locals or long-time residents who are eager to immerse you in their communities. This way, you get a more authentic cultural experience, including locally sourced meals and expert local guides that these properties have relied on for years.

You can also find community-run lodging; these are often nature-tucked lodges or guesthouses run by a community group or cooperative members that operate just like privately owned lodges. The income, however, is equally shared among the members while you enjoy an authentic stay — a win-win.

“Staying local” goes a long way toward supporting the local economy, ensuring that your travel dollars reach those who deserve it the most, from the farmer supplying the hotel to the tour guide who gets repeat business.

To find these various types of locally owned or locally invested accommodations, you’ll have to do a little extra research.

First, contact the destination’s tourism board and ask for locally-owned hotel recommendations in the area that interests you; you should also scan their website’s hotel listings.

Second, you can find a handful of special guesthouses and locally run hotels on Booking.com — but take the additional step of searching for the property’s own website for more information and booking directly through it.

Third, depending on the destination, you can find unique local properties listed on TripAdvisor.com, under the “B&B and Inns” category.

Last but not least, you should search for and read local news outlets from or blogs on your destination; these often cover the domestic side of tourism and tend to feature more locally owned properties.
 

2. Bike, walk, or use local transportation

Touring a Caribbean island on two wheels is becoming more popular than ever. On your next visit, swap the safari truck excursions for a biking tour. Bike Caribbean is a perfect example; you can rent a variety of bicycles from this shop in St. Lawrence Gap, on the main tourist drag, and escape along Barbados’s diverse coastline before ending up back at the beach. It’s a great way to make local friends, find hidden corners, and discover a different side of the destination.

Other established bike tour companies around the Caribbean are:

• Zona Bici in Santo Domingo
• Tri-Bike Aruba in Aruba
• RutaBikes in Havana
• Bike St Lucia in St. Lucia

You can also ask your hotel’s staff if they provide bicycles for rent or for free; if they don’t have any, ask for a local bike shop recommendation.

Getting around by public transportation is also a good way to reduce your footprint and contribute to the local economy. You’ll get a glimpse of island life, see how most people get around, and discover places along the way that you might have missed.
 

3. Take cooking classes, go on food tours, and sign up for cultural experiences

What better way to learn about the local cuisine than signing up for a cooking class or hopping on a food tour? Aside from the fun side of tasting new dishes, it’s a great way to support local agriculture in the Caribbean, by pumping your dollars into some delicious food, sourced straight from farmers and chefs’ gardens.

Although over 80% of produce in the Caribbean is imported, the tide has begun turning toward increased food security for locals through growing one’s own food and practicing permaculture principles. Supporting local food production means you’re supporting the country’s efforts in lowering its dependence on exports — which can include genetically modified seeds — while increasing self-sufficiency. This becomes critical when major storms hit or when borders shut down (say, due to a pandemic).

Here are some great food tours around the region:

• Lickrish Food Tours in Barbados
• Belize Food Tours in Belize
• Tru Bahamian Food Tours in the Bahamas
• Trinidad Food Tours in Trinidad
• Jamaica Food Tours in Jamaica

Another great option for cultural immersion is to find a workshop or tour offered by a community organization or cooperative. One great example of an established cultural, community-run experience is the bomba dance workshop at the COPI Community Center in Loiza, Puerto Rico, just outside of San Juan, where you’ll learn not only bomba moves but also Afro–Puerto Rican history. Beware of tour companies that don’t collaborate with locals and that sell cultural experiences as an “add-on” as a way to attract tourists.

Finding these types of immersive experiences led by community leaders will require additional research: search social media and the internet using keywords such as “X workshop in [destination]” and dig into who is offering the experience.

Subscribing to a sustainable Caribbean travel advocate’s platform is another way of staying in the know. For example, social enterprise Local Guest in Puerto Rico and the Rose Hall Community Development Organization in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, among others.
 

4. Visit protected areas and sustainability projects

From coral replanting initiatives to regenerative farms to wildlife protection, there are incredible nature conservation projects in the Caribbean. In Belize, for instance, the Belize Audubon Society runs a number of protected areas that are also popular with visitors, including the Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve. There are newly built cabins on-site for avid birders and naturalists, or anyone looking for a different experience by overnighting in a wildlife-rich protected area. You’ll learn a lot more about the Caribbean’s biodiversity and interact with scientists daily in a way you never would by staying in a regular hotel.

In the Dominican Republic, where protected areas have been at risk in the last decade, your visit to vulnerable national parks — such as Jaragua National Park, the Sierra de Bahoruco, and Valle Nuevo National Park — goes a long way toward supporting the work of local environmental organizations and naturalist guides while you learn about critical wildlife conservation issues.

But how do you go about finding established environmental projects around the Caribbean?

The first step is to read about the environmental challenges in the destination(s) you’re visiting. From there, you can look up the most prominent conservation nonprofit organizations on the ground. For instance, the Nature Conservancy’s work in the Caribbean region can be found in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Virgin Islands, among other locations. The work of the Sustainable Destinations Alliance for the Americas is also a great resource for background information on the Caribbean’s multiple projects.

A destination’s tourism board and hotel association are great sources of information, as they often back and sponsor conservation projects or initiatives. You can also ask your host or hotel for the lesser-publicized yet influential community groups that are doing meaningful work on the ground, from cultural preservation to turtle conservation.

Before you donate funds or rush to volunteer, please consult the tourism board, your hosts, and the local organizations for advice on how you can best use your skills while on vacation, if at all. As a visitor, learning about a country’s environmental and conservation challenges before your trip is far more effective because you’ll get a sense of where to tread lightly and where your tourist dollars are needed the most.

When in doubt, simply make time to visit protected areas and national parks that are open to the public, as your visitor fees contribute to the year-round maintenance and preservation of the area’s biodiversity. Lists of national parks are easily found on tourism board websites.
 

5. Shop local

Skip the made-in-China trinkets and find locally sourced, handmade souvenirs. Whether it’s jewelry, textiles, or paintings, the Caribbean is filled with talented and innovative artists. Visit art galleries with on-site botanical gardens like Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden near Montego Bay, find ceramics at Earthworks Pottery in Barbados, and Dominican hand-sculpted art in specialty stores like Galeria Bolos in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City. There are also artist studio workshops and a chance for one-on-one interactions, like taking a Taino pottery class in Puerto Rico, after which you get to take your creation home with you.

Know what grows in the Caribbean destination you’re visiting and then purchase straight from the local factories and stores: coffee, chocolate, tobacco, rum, and spices are among the many choices.
 

6. Eat and buy locally sourced food

Are you planning to cook your own meals and self-cater during your stay? Head to your nearest outdoor market; there’s one in every major town. Go on the busiest market days — Saturdays are usually the best bet — when there are more vendors per shopper and you can learn about local produce so you can cook what’s in season. This might seem simple, but purchasing locally grown produce supports these farmers and small entrepreneurs while preserving the legacy of native plants that grow on the island.

Approach vendors and ask them to point out which fruits and vegetables on their stands are native; there are often local varieties that are worth a taste. Ask what’s in season. I’ve found most market vendors are more than willing to share their knowledge if you’re respectful and interested in buying and cooking locally, rather than merely looking for photos.

The same goes with seafood; make sure you ask what fish is in season and what’s temporarily off the market as a matter of law. Knowing the closed seasons for lobster or conch is part of the traveler’s responsibility.

In some destinations, like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, it’s not unusual to see mobile fruit and vegetable vendors selling out of their vehicle’s trunk or cart and rolling through the neighborhood — take advantage of this, as they offer prices that supermarkets can’t match.

You’ll not only eat healthier by buying local food that’s in season but you’ll also sleep great knowing that you’re contributing in a big way to the country’s food scene and identity.
 

7. Say no to plastic (pack your water bottle, bring bamboo utensils)

Speaking of shopping at local markets or supermarkets, don’t forget to pack a reusable shopping tote when you’re heading to the Caribbean, as well as a reusable water bottle. As in much of the world, plastic is a serious problem on the islands, but it’s exacerbated in the Caribbean because many destinations don’t have recycling capabilities. A travel utensil kit as well as a small reusable container can go a long way to helping you avoid plastic from takeaway meals as well.
 

8. Respect cultural celebrations and norms

The festivals and rich cultural celebrations of the Caribbean are one of the best reasons to visit the region’s diverse destinations. But while it’s easy to assume that we’re welcome to attend an event that takes place in the backyard of our resort town — and most events are welcoming of tourists — it’s important to remember that some are actually religious ceremonies or sacred rituals that aren’t for picture-taking or public gazing.

For instance, if you’re heading to the Accompong Town Maroon Festival in January, there’s a sacred ritual that takes place before the festival kicks off; while you may be welcome to watch from a distance, you can’t interrupt or disrupt the ceremony by taking photographs unless you have prior permission from the village leaders. Similarly, not all Garifuna cultural rituals in Belize are for tourists and cameras. Wherever you end up, be respectful at all times and make sure to ask if you’re welcome before joining.
 

9. Stay longer and travel slow

Even though weekend escapes and weeklong vacations are the norm for visitors to the Caribbean, this region is actually an ideal corner of the world to explore slowly over a period of months. If you’re able to work remotely and live like a digital nomad, you’ll get the chance to see beyond the similarities of the Caribbean’s multiple islands and appreciate their uniqueness, from topography and cuisine to music and history.

Slowing down also reduces your footprint while taking you deeper into the fabric of Caribbean society, so you’ll get to see just how complex and intriguing this part of the world can be beyond the surface attractions of lovely beaches and tasty piña coladas. And that’s when the real adventure begins!

Whether you’ve wondered in the past how to explore the Caribbean sustainably and approach it with authenticity, or you’re now rethinking it as a result of the pandemic, these nine tips will put you well on the path of experiencing this diverse region on a deeper level, all while minimizing your impact as a tourist.

There’s a popular saying we love to repeat in this part of the world: “Life needs the Caribbean.” But the Caribbean also needs you — to immerse yourself in its destinations slowly and sustainably, with the intention of learning about its diverse cultures, supporting the local economy, and protecting the environment while rethinking where you place your vacation dollars.

It’s as easy to make vacation choices that have the power to be transformative — for you, for Mother Nature, and for those with whom you come into contact — by using the above sustainable travel principles. The Caribbean is a fun, vibrant region that deserves mindful, experiential travelers as much as other beautiful regions around the world!

Lebawit Lily Girma is an award-winning Ethiopian-American travel journalist and photographer who has lived in various parts of the Caribbean region since 2008. Her work on sustainable travel and the Caribbean has been featured in AFAR, Forbes, Sierra, Delta Sky, and Lonely Planet, and on the BBC, CNN, and Oprah, among other outlets. Lily is currently based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The post 9 Ways to Explore the Caribbean Sustainably appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

As a Cuban-American, Talek Nantes has had a lot of experience traveling around Cuba. In this guest post, she offers an in-depth breakdown of how to travel around Cuba like a local. Because there’s a lot more to the country than just all-inclusive resorts!

I’ve been traveling between Cuba and the US since I was born. (Actually, even before I was born. My mom came to the States when she was pregnant with me. I like to say I was made in Havana and born in the USA.)

As a Cuban-American who wrote a best-selling book on the country and who runs tours there, I’ve made it my mission to share my appreciation for Cuban culture with everyone who wants to experience it.

Now, people frequently ask me if Cuba is expensive.

It doesn’t have to be. It can be quite an affordable place to visit. There are some dos and don’ts to consider, but overall, a trip to Cuba doesn’t have to break the bank.

From obvious tried-and-true advice, like eating at locations at least three-five blocks away from popular tourist sites, to little-known tips only the locals know, here’s how to experience Cuba on a budget.

1. How to Save Money on Cuban Currency Exchanges

Up until January 1, 2021, Cuba used to have two currencies. That dual currency system has ceased to exist and has been replaced by a single currency, the CUP, also known as the peso.

Once in Cuba, you should exchange money at the airport “CADECA.” A CADECA is the official government exchange entity with locations throughout the country. Keep in mind that you will need your passport in order to exchange currency at any CADECA.

Hard currencies are readily accepted in Cuba; US and Canadian dollars and Euros are the most widely accepted.

Exchange only enough currency to get you to your accommodation — a taxi to Havana will cost you about $30 USD — then exchange more at the CADECAs in town, as they have better rates. Avoid exchanging currency at banks and hotels, as these offer less favorable rates.

US citizens should be aware that credit cards drawn on US banks are not accepted in Cuba and ATMs cannot dispense money from US banks. Therefore, US citizens must bring enough cash with them to last the entire trip.
 

2. How to Save Money on Accommodation in Cuba

For the best value for your money, you can’t beat a casa particular.

Casas particulares, or casas for short, are the homes of local Cubans who rent rooms to visitors. It’s like a B&B or a guesthouse. You can rent a room in a private home for an average of $30 USD per night.

The best part of staying with a Cuban family is that you can have an authentically Cuban experience. You eat with them, hang out in their living room, play with their kids or pets. You’re treated like one of the family while you are there. That’s a lot more rewarding than staying at a sterile hotel.

It’s easy to book a casa; you can reserve one on Airbnb or any number of similar online sites. You should pre-book a casa from your home country at least for your first night’s stay in Cuba. Once in Cuba you can book the following nights yourself either through your casa host or just by looking for a house with the casa sign (a blue anchor with a roof on a white background) and simply knocking on the door.

Otherwise, hostels will be your best option for saving money. Some top-rated Havana hostels include the following:

• Cuba 58 Hostel
• Casa Rene & Madelyn
• Hostal DRobles
• Casa Novo Guest House
• Hostal Corazón del Mundo
• Casa Zeila

Prices per night range from around the equivalent of $5-15 USD, though most are around $11 USD.

I find casas to be the best accommodation option. A hostel may be cheaper, but there are many casas with hostel pricing, so you get the best of both worlds: a low cost plus interaction with a local family. Isn’t the connection with other cultures one of the main reasons we travel?
 

3. The Best Places to Eat on a Budget in Cuba

The best places to eat in Cuba are paladares. These are privately owned (vs. government-owned) restaurants. There are all types of paladares, from high-end establishments in renovated mansions to hole-in-the-wall stands.

Traditional dishes you will find at paladares include arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), ropa vieja (shredded beef), and lechón (roast pork). Typical drinks include the classic mojito, daiquiri, and Cuba Libre (rum and a cola). Fruit juices are also readily available. The local beers, Bucanero and Cristal, are very good.

Any guidebook will point out the paladares. You can also find them in the A La Mesa app.

Typical costs (in USD) for meals in paladares are as follows:

High-end paladar:

• Lunch: $10–25
• Dinner $15–35

Mid-range paladar:

• Lunch: $7–10
• Dinner: $10–25

Some of my favorite paladares in Havana include Doña Eutemia (near the cathedral), Los Mercaderes on Mercaderes Street in Old Havana, and San Cristóbal, where US President Obama had lunch. A typical meal at one of these will cost about $15–20 USD.

Street vendors are also found throughout the country and offer little sandwiches, pizza, croquettes, pastries, and other snacks for $1-3 USD. The food is not great, but it certainly is budget-friendly.
 

4. Cuban Transportation on a Budget

Transportation is likely to be your biggest expense, with taxis being the most common option. Rule number one for getting around in Cuba is to negotiate before getting in. Tell the driver where you want to go or show him in writing and ask how much (“¿Cuánto?”). Whatever the driver says, counter with a couple of dollars lower. The drivers are used to this; they generally start at a higher rate, anticipating that they will end up with a lower fee.

Yellow taxis are government-run (vs. privately owned). These are used by tourists and tend to be the most expensive.

Coco-taxis are essentially motorcycles with a cover shaped to look like a yellow coconut (hence the name), and they are everywhere. They tend to be cheaper but can only take two people at a time.

Bici-taxis are rickshaw-like bicycles that’ll take you around Old Havana.

Another option is the colectivo, or collective taxi. These are cars that travel on busy thoroughfares within city limits, picking up and dropping off people as they go along. A trip from one end of a busy, central street to the other, or anywhere in between, will cost about half a dollar. The taxi is shared with up to six people.

Buses are overcrowded, unreliable, and not air-conditioned but they are very cheap. They travel major routes mostly outside Old Havana.

Typical transportation costs:

• Yellow government taxi: $10 USD within city limits
• Coco-taxi: $5 USD within city limits; only fits 2 people
• Bici-taxi: $2 USD- per person; only fits 2 people; not motorized
• Collective taxi: Half a dollar per trip in a shared taxi
• Bus: About $0.20 USD

A fun way to explore a big city like Havana is by taking a tour in a classic American convertible from the ’50s, but at $40-50 USD an hour, they aren’t very budget-friendly.
 

5. Staying Connected in Cuba

Internet access in Cuba is iffy. It is not offered everywhere, and where it is, it is unreliable.

The best way to stay connected is to purchase an internet connection card, sold in increments of 1 USD per hour, at the local ETECSA, the Cuban government’s telecommunications office that has branches all over the island. You use the login and password on the card to connect your phone or computer.

You can also purchase an internet connection card at most high-end hotels, but the cost can be as high as $7 USD per hour, so purchasing your card at an ETECSA offers huge savings.

Once you have your card, find a location where you can connect. Most parks have connectivity, as do areas around ETECSA offices. Just look for groups of people huddled over their phones.

Higher-end hotels also offer Wi-Fi at outrageous fees.

If you don’t use up your internet time, the leftover will be saved on your card and you will be able to use it again.
 

A Typical Daily Budget

For a typical day in Havana, Cuba’s most expensive city, you can expect to budget as follows:

• Breakfast at your casa: $5 USD
• Street food snacks: $2–5 USD
• Lunch at a paladar: $5–7 USD
• Dinner at a paladar: $5–10 USD
• Alcoholic beverage: mojito: $2–3 USD, beer: $2 USD, rum: $5 USD/bottle
• Room in a casa: average $30 USD
• Intracity taxi: $2–10 USD
• Museum entrance fee: $2–8 USD
• Entrance fee to a music venue: free or $2–10 USD
• Internet connection card $1–2 USD

To be on the safe side and leave yourself a little room to splurge, budget $100 USD/day. Keep in mind you may want to purchase some world-famous cigars or rum. The local art you find at the many galleries around town may also appeal to you.
 

Traveling Outside of Havana

When traveling outside Havana, you’ve got a couple of options. The most convenient and expensive is to reserve a taxi that will pick you up at your casa and deliver you door to door. Your casa host or hostel or hotel staff can arrange one for you.

Another option is the national bus service, which extends across the entire country. The buses are air-conditioned, and the prices are very reasonable. This bus service is the best budget-friendly transportation option to see Cuba with the ideal Cuba itinerary.

Prices from Havana to popular destinations are as follows:

• Havana to Viñales: $12 USD
• Havana to Trinidad: $25 USD
• Havana to Varadero: $10 USD
• Havana to Santiago, on the far side of the island: $51 USD

You need to purchase your tickets at the Viazul bus station Avenida Independencia #101, at the corner of 19 de Mayo. The buses will take you to the bus stations in your destination city, which are generally in very central locations convenient to wherever you want to go.

There are car rental agencies throughout Cuba with which you can organize a self-drive tour. However, keep in mind that the roads outside Havana can be in very poor condition and difficult to navigate. With easy transportation within the big cities and convenient bus service between cities, a car rental may not be your most budget-friendly option.

Domestic flights are pretty unreliable and I wouldn’t recommend them.

Before traveling to Cuba, US citizens should check the travel requirements. Ordinary tourism is prohibited for US citizens. All US visitors must travel to Cuba under one of 12 US government-approved categories. “Support for the Cuban People” is the most commonly used category and can be selected when purchasing an airline ticket.

Experiencing Cuba on a budget certainly has its challenges, but it is totally worth it.

Cuba gets under your skin quickly. It bewitches and beckons you to explore more of it.

No matter how many times I return to Cuba I always find something to amaze me; a new art venue, a remarkable piece of 18th-century architecture, or an innovative take on traditional Cuban cuisine.

Cuba is a safe, beautiful country with welcoming people and a fascinating culture. Put it on your must-visit list and you won’t be disappointed.

Talek Nantes is an author, digital content creator and founder of the travel blog Travels With Talek. She is a passionate travel enthusiast and enjoys sharing her travel experiences with others. She lives with her husband in New York City and Miami. Talek leads tours to Cuba and her most recent book is Don’t just travel to Cuba, experience Cuba available on Amazon.

The post How to Experience Cuba on a Budget appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Two of the most-visited destinations in the Caribbean, the US and British Virgin Islands were what I expected them to be: white sand beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling, turquoise crystal-clear water, scenic hiking, lots of boating opportunities, and heavily poured rum drinks.

I spent a month traveling the islands by boat. From festivals to diving to strenuous hiking trails to hidden tide pools, each of the islands in the area has plenty to offer to keep you busy if a full day at the beach isn’t your thing. There is a fascinating number of things to do on the islands — life here is not all hammocks and piña coladas.

To help you plan your trip, here’s my list of favorite things to see and do on the islands.

1. Take a trip to Buck Island

The only marine national park in the United States, Buck Island is a half-day trip from St. Croix (though full-day trips that come with food and booze are also available). While the marine park and coral are slightly dead after years of overfishing and coral bleaching, there’s a fabulous beach on the island that couldn’t be more quintessentially Caribbean: empty, wide, and ringed with palm trees. The half-day trip is the greatest value and one of the best things to do on St. Croix.

Recommended Buck Island tour companies:

• Big Beard’s Adventure Tours ($95 USD for half day)
• Caribbean Sea Adventures ($95 USD for half day)

2. Relax in Jack Bay and Isaac Bay

Located on the easternmost point of the United States, these bays are two empty beaches on St. Croix. Difficult to access, after a steep hike down a very overgrown trail, you’ll come upon Isaac Bay (also home to nesting turtles), where you’ll be able to enjoy a thin slice of white sand, blue water, and snorkeling right from the shore. Jack Bay is connected by a poorly signed trail at the end of Isaac’s.

The beaches aren’t maintained, but, while not the prettiest, they are one of the few spots on the island you can have to yourself. Bring your own water and food as there are no facilities in either bay.

3. Chill out at Cane Bay

This is my favorite bay on St. Croix, offering great snorkeling within swimming distance of the shore. Though the beach isn’t very wide and it’s located right near a road, the chilled-out atmosphere of the area, good snorkeling (there’s a steep dropoff out from shore, creating a lot of fish-viewing opportunities), and few crowds make it a place worth spending the day (and early evening when the restaurant has happy hour). Cane Bay is located on the northside of St. Croix.

4. Explore Jost Van Dyke

The party island of the British Virgin Islands, Jost sees a lot of day trippers from St. John and yachties coming into the harbor and making a beeline for the Soggy Dollar Bar to drink Painkillers (rum, pineapple and orange juice, and fresh nutmeg), the bar’s famous drink and one that everyone on the Virgin Islands drinks (the best one I had was at Rudy’s on Jost; Soggy Dollar is overrated).

I especially loved White Bay early in the morning or late at night when all the day trippers were gone and the extensive white sand beach was deserted.

5. Explore The Baths

At first, I couldn’t figure out why everyone loves this spot on Virgin Gorda. The beach was tiny, the water rough, and the crowds plentiful. Then I followed the sign to the caves, and it became clear why this is the most-visited spot in the Virgin Islands. After crawling through a tiny opening, you are surrounded by gigantic granite boulders nestled on each other with streams of water flowing all around them. It’s beautiful. There are nooks and crannies to explore everywhere.

After wading through water and climbing over rocks, you find yourself in tide pools that collect between the boulders on your way to Dead Man’s Beach. It costs $3 USD to enter.

6. Enjoy paradise on Anegada

Looking to get away from the crowds? Anegada in the BVIs is a coral atoll with just over 400 people living on it. Few ferries go to the island (only three per week; Monday, Wednesday, Friday), and most people who get up here tend to come via their own boats. This keeps the crowds down. You can go hours without seeing anyone on the beaches.

The island is ringed by a reef, making it perfect for snorkeling right from the shore (you can see a lot of rays here too!). It’s famous for its lobster, and each restaurant has its own signature dish (Potters by the Sea was my favorite). If you come in November, be sure to catch the lobster festival. It’s lobster heaven!

7. Enjoy the food and music of Redhook

This port town on St. Thomas has some of the better restaurants and bars on the island. It gets its name from all the red tiled roofs in the area. You’ll find lively music, a delicious beer and burger bar called Tap and Still, and energetic clubs. Spend some time walking the waterfront to take it all in. It’s not a big place, but there’s a lot going on.

If you’re on the island and looking to have a night out, this is the place to be. You can also get ferry service to/from Cruz Bay on St. John and to/from the British Virgin Islands.

8. Party on St. John

Want fun? Cheap happy hour specials? Amazing drinks? St. John is for you. With only 3,800 people living on the island (it’s the smallest of the three main US Virgin Islands), it has a small-town feel, but it heaves with tourists who want to escape the stuffy and expensive prices of St. Thomas. Christopher Colombus actually passed here in 1493 but decided not to stop. Europeans settled the island in the 17th century, and over the centuries it evolved into the tourist hub that it is today.

Since the main town of Cruz Bay is so small, bar hopping is really easy, and bars often feature live music.

9. Visit Cinnamon Bay

This bay on St. John is home to one of the only campgrounds on the USVIs. It’s a wide bay that stays pretty empty and calm, making it one of my favorite beaches on the island. It’s the kind of tropical beauty you’d expect to find in the Caribbean. Definitely visit here. I’d recommend spending a night here if you can so you can get the beach to yourself when the day trippers leave.

It’s part of the Virgin Islands National Park, and there’s a campground and small resort here (no backcountry camping is allowed). If you want to stretch your legs, head out on the Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail or the Cinnamon Bay Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for ruins; some old Dutch buildings can be found here (including an old sugar mill).

10. Hike the Reef Bay Trail

Cutting through St. John, this trail begins in the center of the island and takes you through the forest featuring old sugar plantations, stone ruins, ancient petroglyphs (from the Taino people, an indigenous group that lived here for centuries), and a deserted sugar factory by the water. It’s beautiful, easy, and the beach at the end is a perfect place for a dip (you’re going to work up a sweat!). Combine it with Cinnamon Trail, which begins at Cinnamon Bay on the top of the island, and you can cut across the entire width of the island in about four hours.

11. Get away from the crowd at Brewer’s Bay

Located near the airport on St. Thomas, this beach is near the USVI university and a locals-only beach…for the sole reason tourists just don’t seem to ever make it here. It’s quiet, with white sand and scenic palm trees. You’ll see local families BBQing, people exercising their dogs, and planes coming to and going from the airport. It gets a bit busier on the weekends but still doesn’t see the kind of crowds that other beaches do. Lounge chairs and snorkeling gear are available for rent too ($5 USD each).

12. Wander the empty Salt Island

This tiny, deserted, out-of-the-way island is filled with once-important salt ponds. The harvesting of salt was an annual tradition, going back to Queen Victoria. The residents of the island would gather the harvest and then send one pound to the Queen in tribute (and they still do; a family owns the island and pays for it with salt each year). These days, only a handful of people live here (there haven’t been more than a few people living here since the 1980s).

There’s snorkeling around the island if you bring your own gear, and you can take a dinghy to visit the deserted town near the salt pools. You’ll need to get here with your own boat; there are no ferries.

13. Dive/snorkel the RMS Rhone

Considered one of the most impressive dive and snorkel sites in the world, the RMS Rhone was a mail ship that crashed in the nearby reef. The ship was 310 feet long (94 meters) and sank in a hurricane in 1867 (just two years after it launched), killing over 120 people as it went down. Today, it’s its own artificial reef, home to thousands of different fish and coral. It’s a must for every diver. Most dive trips leave from Tortola. You’ll be able to enter the wreck too.

14. Drink at Willy T’s

Located off Norman Island, this old boat turned floating bar is where everyone goes wild in the British Virgin Islands. I’ve seen old ladies doing body shots here, while young guys chug beer and jump off the boat naked. It’s always a wild day on Willy T’s. But if the water is calm on weekends, the place gets very busy as locals take boats over for some Sunday Funday. There is no ferry service to this party barge. You’ll either need your own boat or take a water taxi.

15. Hob nob on Necker Island

Famously home to Sir Richard Branson, you can stay on this island for a cool $100,000 a night. Don’t have that much money? No problem. You can take a day trip with Gumption on the Sea It Clear Glass Bottom Boat Tour. Tours leave daily and feature fish spotting and a walk around the island. And while Branson has been known to say hello, tours aren’t cheap — expect to pay around $175 USD per person!

16. Sail around the islands!

It may be expensive, but you can’t visit these islands and not sail around them. It would be a sin. Whether for one day or multiple days, be sure to jet around the islands. It’s the only way to see the more remote islands that ferries don’t visit, get away from the crowds, and discover your own hidden snorkeling spots. Here’s how you can sail around the islands on the cheap (or for free)!

When I visited the islands, I imagined myself wasting away the days on beaches and reading and writing at night. It turned out there was simply too much to do to “waste a day.” No matter what island you end up on, there will be dozens of things to do to choose from. This list can help guide you, but don’t think for a second that these islands are boring. Even non–beach bums will fill their days!

The post My 16 Favorite Things to Do in the Virgin Islands appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

When I was 12, my father took my sister and me to Bermuda to surprise my mom, who was there on a cruise with my grandmother. We spent four days sweltering in the heat, swimming at the beach, and eating at Henry VIII, a medieval-themed restaurant. I’m sure it wasn’t a cheap trip, even back in the 1990s.

And now, older (and not that much wiser), I wondered: could the land of rich people, celebrities, bankers, and tax-avoiding corporations really be enjoyed on a budget? Bermuda isn’t known as a cheap destination. Being the frugal traveler I am, I didn’t want to spend much money, but what’s the absolute minimum one needs while there?

As it turns out, a lot.

Way more than the $50 a day I suggest.

Is it possible to travel around Bermuda on a budget? The answer is a stark no. I can tell you that it’s nearly impossible to visit Bermuda on a budget. Realistically, you need at least $175 USD per day.

Why do you need so much money? There are two main reasons:

First, accommodation is stupidly expensive (there are no hostels on the island). The cheapest accommodation costs around 100 BMD for apartment rentals found via Airbnb, Vrbo, or Bermuda Rentals. If you book at least a month in advance or in the low season, or know someone, you might be able to find a room for as little as 80 BMD a night. (I booked last-minute, so ended up paying 125 BMD per night.)

Secondly, transportation around the island is difficult. The bus system, while cheap, is infrequent, and many routes stop around 7pm. If you aren’t staying in a central location, this can be problematic. Additionally, taxis are expensive: prices start at 7.90 BMD, and each subsequent mile costs 2.75 BMD (and there’s also a surcharge on Sundays). And if you’re visiting far-off beaches and attractions or coming back late at night, you’ll definitely need a taxi. You’re guaranteed to take at least one taxi ride a day.
 

How to Visit Bermuda for Less

However there are, in fact, some ways to spend less money on Bermuda, but it will take a lot more planning and some creativity. Here’s what you need to do:

Book early – If you want cheap accommodation, you’ll need to book rooms at least a month in advance. Avoid hotels and resorts and instead, stay at a bed and breakfast or home rental property. If you’re staying with a group, definitely rent a large apartment, as it’s far less per person than a hotel room.

Couchsurf – There are only 46 Couchsurfing hosts in Bermuda. Many of them have private rooms available, but again, if you want to succeed in reserving one, make sure you inquire really early in order to maximize your chances of success.

Rent a motorbike – Motorbikes are the most convenient and economical transportation on the island. Since buses are infrequent and taxis are expensive, having a motorcycle will give you more freedom to travel at a lower cost. Rentals begin at around $50 a day but get cheaper the longer you rent them. Two popular rental companies are Elbow Beach Cycles and Oleander Cycles. Mopeds are easy to rent; you can expect to pay around 50 BMD per day.

Stay central – While Hamilton is not set on a beautiful, pink-sand beach, it’s the center for all the buses and ferries leaving the city. If you rent an apartment and aren’t careful, you can end up somewhere far from a bus stop (which means more taxis). Staying in or near Hamilton will ensure you’re near all the bus lines and can avoid spending too much money on taxis.

Skip the fancy food – There’s good food on Bermuda, but it’s expensive. Avoid all the big, fancy restaurants and go for smaller stalls and local restaurants where prices, though still high, are more economical. My favorite place was Specialty Inn. Additionally, the café at Cambridge Resorts is reasonably priced despite being at a resort. Most meals cost 10–20 BMD. If you want a mid-range meal with drinks and dessert, you’re looking at closer to 75 BMD.

Cook – If you skipped the hotel and rented an apartment, you’ll have a kitchen. There’s an ever-growing local and organic foodie scene on the island. You can find a lot of cheap fruits, vegetables, and meats at markets and shops, which will help lower your costs dramatically.

Visit during the low season – Peak season in Bermuda is from May to October. The weather is perfect but prices are high. To save money, visit between March-April instead. Temperatures are pleasant, there are fewer crowds at all the attractions, and accommodation is cheaper.

But those are pretty much your only options. If you find a Couchsurfing host, you can probably do Bermuda for around 70–80 BMD per day. Otherwise, you’re looking at around 125-175 BMD per day — or more. There’s really no way around it.

Despite the drain on my wallet, my trip to Bermuda was amazing. As you can tell from the photos, everything you’ve ever heard about the island is true. This is truly a paradise, with warm, clear water lapping pink-sand beaches.

And Bermudians were always helpful, friendly, and welcoming. Everywhere I went, people were talkative and sincere. The woman in charge of our rented room fed us dinner and breakfast while her family described life in Bermuda (apparently, it’s not just for the newly rich or nearly dead anymore!). We met a nice guy at the bus stop who randomly ended up giving us a ride into Hamilton, and then there was the waiter who kept telling us to have a “Bermudaful day.” (Plus, countless other little things that made me fall in love with the place.)

So visit Bermuda and know, that while it won’t be cheap to visit, it will be beautiful, relaxing, and fun!

The post Bermuda: The Impossible Budget Destination? Maybe Not! appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Budget travel is like a puzzle to me. I roam the world trying to put the pieces together, trying to turn the most expensive destinations in the world into budget-friendly destinations.

I’ve been able to make Iceland, Japan, Sweden, and even Norway affordable.

Of course, sometimes I fail, like when I was in Bermuda, a country whose luxury travel powers proved too great even for me to defeat.

Unfortunately, when I came to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, I failed again.

While there are ways to make these islands semi-affordable, my visit taught me that they will never be a true budget destination. There are too many rich people, tax shelters, yachts, and a prioritized focus on mid-budget and luxury travelers.

But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.

There are some ways to lower your costs and avoid spending hundreds of dollars per day — which is what most people do here!

By following just a few guidelines, you can have a wonderful time on the islands and still maintain a budget. Here’s everything you need to know to save money in the Virgin Islands:
 

How Much Did the Islands Cost Me?

After spending 22 days sailing around, I spent a total of $2,255.75 USD. That’s an average of about $102 USD per day. When compared to my goal of $50 USD a day, that’s pretty bad. I was shocked when I saw the math.

Sure, I splurged a bit — there were a few hotels and fancy meals in my itinerary — but I didn’t realize how much I was off, considering I also got a bunch of free stays. Here’s how the money broke down (in USD):

• Activities: $140
• Accommodation: $714.50
• Drinks: $216
• Transportation: $228
• Taxis: $260.50
• Food: $635.75
• Miscellaneous (visas, sunscreen): $61

Why Did I Spend So Much?

While I was able to get free accommodation on a boat, the lack of budget accommodation really drove up my housing costs. Even with sharing the cost of hotels, some nights I was paying $60 USD. A last-minute change in plans and a flight to St. Thomas with bag fees meant an extra $80 USD.

And, while I cooked a bit, I splurged on some nice meals during Thanksgiving, ate a lot of seafood (so many lobsters!), and bought drinks for my Couchsurfing hosts (a rum drink here and there adds up fast).

Looking at the numbers, I know I could have done a little better with food and beverages (but not by much).
 

So How Do You Do It Cheaper?

While I might have failed on being super budget, you don’t have to. Traveling the Virgin Islands is never going to be rock-bottom cheap or backpacking friendly, but with a little planning, it doesn’t need to be a “luxury only” vacation.

My $100 USD a day was comfortable — from tasty fish and never-ending happy hours and snorkeling to white sand beaches and sailing. However, you could do it cheaper (around $75-85 USD per day) if you learn from my mistakes. Here are ways to save money while in the BVIs:
 

Accommodation

This is going to be the biggest obstacle to overcome. There are few Couchsurfing hosts, no hostels, and, a limited (but growing) number of hosts on Airbnb (or similar services).

With hotels costing hundreds of dollars per night, it’s not a good situation. Here’s how to attack the problem:

Couchsurf– You can find hosts in the USVIs and a few on Tortola in the BVIs if you check early. Given that most hosts tend to work on boats, their schedules are erratic, and you’re going to have a low response rate, so inquire well in advance (especially because Couchsurfing has declined in recent years as well). The flip side of that is that when they do respond, they almost always say yes.

But always have a Plan B.

Camp – There are a few campgrounds on the islands that can lower costs: Cinnamon Bay (St. John), Ivan’s White Bay (Jost Van Dyke), and Mt. Victory Camp (St. Croix). They cost an average of $75 USD a night for a cabin or $25-40 USD if you want to pitch your own tent. While not glamorous, it’s affordable if you have your own gear already.

Airbnb – Use Airbnb as a hotel alternative. Rooms start at around $65-75 USD per night if you book early. It’s your best option for affordable accommodation — but only if you book early.

If you can’t find a budget Airbnb and don’t have a tent for camping, sleeping on a boat is your next best option.

If you’re on a tight budget, I wouldn’t recommend visiting the islands alone. It’s much better to go with a friend so you can split the accommodation costs.

On the plus side, everyone on the islands is friendly and welcoming. The locals often invite travelers into their homes, give them rides, contact friends on other islands, and make you part of their family. For example, one night while Couchsurfing, our host got his friend Hamish to give us a ride back home since our host was working. We ended up stopping along the way so Hamish could treat us to dinner.

There was also Oggie, who offered us a spot on his boat if we needed a place to crash; Kirby, who drove us around for a day; and Dan, who took us out on his boat for a sail.

It’s a small community on these islands, and once you are “in” with a couple of people, they will do what they can to connect you to their friends on other islands and find you places to stay. I was impressed and amazed at how welcoming they were to strangers.
 

Transportation

Here’s everything you need to know about getting around the Virgin Islands on a budget:

Hitchhike – Taxi prices, which are regulated by the government, are exorbitant. If you aren’t careful, you can easily spend upwards of $30-50 USD a day getting around.

An alternative is to just hitch. It’s the preferred mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike. Since taxis and cars are expensive, many locals just share cars or hitchhike. Do the same. It’s safe and drivers will take groups. For the most up-to-date tips and advice on hitchhiking, check out Hitchwiki.

Rent a car – If you’re going to be hitting a lot of spots on the bigger islands like Tortola or St. Thomas, you’re going to find it hard to get taxis in some of the more secluded places (they tend to stick around more crowded locations). Renting a car gives you more flexibility and, if you’re splitting costs with friends, will be cheaper than taxis. My friend and I figured out the math toward the end of our trip and kicked ourselves for not thinking about it sooner.

Expect to pay between $50-70 USD per day for a small car. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars.

Ask to be dropped off – Taking a day sail but plan on heading to the next island after? Most tour companies can drop you off at no extra charge if the island is nearby. It’s like a free ferry!

Hitchhike on boats – Want to go from island to island? Hitchhike on the boats and save thousands of dollars. It’s actually easier to do than you think. Here’s how.

Take shared taxis – The larger islands, such as St. Thomas, St. John, Virgin Gorda, and Tortola, have shared taxi services locals use for just a few dollars each way. They travel between the major towns and, while infrequent, are a money-saver when you can get one.
 

Food and Drink

Here’s everything you need to know to save money on food and drinks as you explore the islands:

Cook your meals – The cheapest meal I saw around the islands was a small sandwich that cost $9 USD. In general, $10-20 USD gets you a fish or chicken plate or a burger. For main courses, steak, fish, or seafood, you’re looking at paying more than $20 USD.

While groceries tend to be fairly expensive because they have to be imported, there are some cheap options. Five days’ worth of food cost me around $65 USD and included pasta, chicken, some fruits and veggies, eggs, and bread. If you have a kitchen, it’s likely cheaper to cook your meals.

Hit happy hour – $8-10 USD drinks add up, even if the pours are super heavy (tax-free rum!). Happy hour specials are half that, with many bars on St. John offering dollar specials. If you want to get sauced, do it early.

Stick to the local venues – The islands are filled with food trucks and tiny mom-and-pop restaurants by the side of the road that cater to locals, not tourists. These roadside stalls offer large, filling meals for about $10 USD. Be sure to find the chicken guy in the main square on St. Thomas. Delicious!
 

Activities

Activities and excursions can really destroy your budget here. To keep costs low, here are some tips:

Buy your own snorkel gear – Snorkel rentals cost around $10 USD per day. Bring your own equipment to save money while you’re taking advantage of offshore snorkeling opportunities. It will be cheaper to buy gear at home than on the islands, as prices here are inflated.

Travel in the shoulder season – From October-November and May-June, prices on hotels, activities, and boat rentals are upwards of 50% less than they are during the high season. You get cheap prices and you get to avoid the crowds.

Use points and miles – Cash in your points for a cheap flight or free hotel stays. Doing either of those can drastically cut the cost of your trip and even allow you to splash out without breaking the bank. You can learn more about points and miles here if you’re new to the topic.

I wasn’t able to keep my budget as low as I wanted to while on the islands. But that doesn’t mean you need to make the same mistakes. With some planning, you can get by on $75-85 USD per day if you visit with friends and follow my advice above.

While visiting the Virgin Islands will never be a budget paradise, you can manage to see and do all the same things as people who book expensive vacations through Expedia and spend hundreds per day, for a fraction of the price. You just need to be smart about it and plan ahead.

D

The post How to Save (and Not Save) Money in the Virgin Islands appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

The British Virgin Islands often foster images of intrepid sailors and adventurers living their own version of a Jimmy Buffett song: sailing the seas, relentlessly drinking rum, stopping at hidden beaches, and exploring deserted islands.

Standing behind the wheel with the wind whipping at your hair as the sails of your boat take you from island to island sounds wonderful to many of us.

But, after imagining that scenario, we think, “It would be great, but it’s unrealistic and I couldn’t afford it. It sounds too expensive!”

I used to believe that myself. After all, the British Virgin Islands are home to mega yachts, mega-resorts, mansions, yachting races, celebrities who own islands, and big corporations hiding from the taxman. These islands are no place for those without gigantic bank accounts.

But I came here with a dream: to sail around the British Virgin Islands on a budget. That’s no easy task when charter boat rentals cost thousands of dollars per week.

Sure, you can take a ferry between the main islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada) or take day sailing tours, but that won’t get you to the outer islands and definitely isn’t the freedom sailing conjures up, is it?

Luckily, I found a way to live the dream.

Within two days of landing on Jost Van Dyke, my friend and I were throwing our stuff onto a boat to sail around the BVIs. We met Bill and Geoff in a bar one evening. They were describing their sailing trip down from North Carolina. We told them about our plans to try to sail the islands on a budget.

They seemed normal enough and our plans lined up, so we asked if we could tag along.

And that’s how we got our ride. Some conversation, rum, laughs, and asking for a lift.

The BVIs see countless people who rent charter boats, hire captains, or sail their own boats around for as long as the wind can carry them. Each night, these folks moor in a harbor, take a dinghy to the nearest bar, down strong rum, and socialize. Boats are isolating, and these bars provide welcome social interaction after a day of confinement.

And this is where you’ll find your chance to live out your Captain Ron dreams.

You could say that we just got lucky. That we found the right two guys and this couldn’t happen again. However, my friend and I had many offers to take us to the next island or around for the day. At every port, when we mentioned our plans, people would often say, “Well, if you need a lift, we’re happy to have you. Just bring some beer.”

I expected great difficulty in finding rides. I mean, how many people want strangers on their boats?

Apparently, a lot.

Because it was really easy to find a ride. Most of the people have extra space on their boats, and everyone is very welcoming, hospitable, and helpful. I think between the small island population and the camaraderie that comes with boating, people here are very willing to help strangers.
 

How to Sail the BVIs on a Budget

So how can you do it too? How do you replicate what we did (and stay safe in the process)? Here are my top tips for sailing around the British Virgin Islands for free:

1. Avoid Asking on the Main Islands
Don’t ask for rides on Tortola or Virgin Gorda. This is where people pick up their boats so they are just starting or ending their trip (never a good time to ask), and there are few good bars to meet others at. Stick to the smaller islands accessible by ferry.

2. Profile People
You can increase your odds of success by knowing who is most likely to say yes. Lots of couples? They may give you a ride to the next island but not much more.

Groups who chartered a boat? Same thing. They’re full.

Young people? They’ll be very likely to help you out, especially in return for beer.

Two guys drinking alone? Yup, they probably have extra space, especially if they have their own boat.

3. Strike up a Conversation
Sit at the bar and you’ll find this is easy to do. Everyone pretty much says hello to each other, and no matter where I was, other boaters often made the first move. After a day on a boat, people want to talk. Find people that you naturally get along with and would want to hang out with even if they weren’t offering you a free ride!

4. Casually Mention Your Plans
Work your plans into the conversation naturally and see how people react. Do they think it’s a cool idea? Gauge their reaction before you ask for a ride. I found that boaters in the area are the adventurous type and if they feel you are on a good adventure, they will want to help.

5. Start Small
Ask for a ride to the next island. Giving someone a ride for a few hours is easy. Committing to carting extra people around for a week, however, is a bigger barrier and more likely to get you a no. But that one island lift may turn into two or three so start small and see how it goes. Don’t be pushy. Use your gut instinct and if you sense that someone isn’t into the idea, let it go. You’re certain to meet someone else who will be excited to have some company.

6. Use Common Sense
Most of the sailors around the U.S. British Virgin Islands are great people and will make wonderful travel companions as you explore the beautiful islands. That said, it’s important to use good judgment when talking to sailors. This is true for everyone, but especially female travelers. If you get a weird vibe from someone offering a ride, don’t get on the boat. You might be stuck with them for a while before you hit the next island.

Make sure that you’ve let a close friend or relative know where you will be departing and arriving from, and when. Set regular check-in times with loved ones at home. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

7. Be Respectful
This should go without saying, but if someone offers you a free ride on their boat make sure you are super respectful of their property. You’ll find that many sailors love to have a good time and enjoy some alcoholic drinks while sailing between islands, but as a guest, you should make sure to be extra respectful and keep your cool and avoid getting too crazy. Make sure to follow any boat rules that the captain lays out for you, as safety is important while sailing. Be a great guest, and they’ll want to invite you onboard again — and they will likely reach out to friends who can ferry you onward!

Sailing the BVIs on a budget is magical. Unfortunately, it only really works if you’re solo or with one other person (if you’re traveling with more than two people, it’s going to be hard for boats to accommodate you and they’re going to turn you down).

Also, give yourself plenty of time to find someone to sail with. If you’re on a tight schedule and have to get around the islands quickly, this isn’t going to work, as it may take a day or two to find a willing boat or to line up with someone’s schedule. You’re then at the mercy of the boat owner’s pace until you get to another major island where you can get off and get back to the ferry system that connects the main islands in the BVIs.

Moreover, don’t forget to offer something in return. If you have sailing experience, all the better, but most people will take beer and food in return for a lift, so offering that can go a long way.

The British Virgin Islands are expensive and — if you plan to visit on a budget — finding a cheap sail around the islands is critical.

You can take day tours for about $100 USD per person, chartering a sailboat starts at about $350 USD per day, and ferries go between the main inhabited islands, but the only way to really see the island chains properly is to sail them.

And the only way to do that is to find a lift.

I had always dreamed of sailing around the British Virgin Islands. I’d heard of opportunities to work on boats, but since I don’t know how to sail, that wasn’t an option, and charter boats are out of my budget (many save up all year to afford their rental). I needed a third way — and found it.

It was shockingly easy to find rides on boats, and this makes the oh-so-expensive BVIs much more affordable for those looking to sail around these beautiful islands on a budget.

But more than saving money, this method makes new friends along the way — and that experience is priceless.

P.S. – If you know how to sail or are interested in volunteering aboard sailboats in order to sail around the British Virgin Islands for free, check out CrewSeekers. Many private sailors find their crew via this website, and some positions don’t even require sailing experience. There are often openings for chefs and other skillsets as well.

The post How to Sail the British Virgin Islands for Free appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

The oil refinery I saw on the way to my apartment rental in Curaçao was a harbinger of things to come.

The Caribbean conjures up images of white sand beaches, palm trees, coral reefs, and tropical drinks. This summer, I planned to travel much of the Caribbean (spoiler alert: I didn’t). At the top of my list of places to visit was Curaçao, located in the Dutch Antilles, a part of Holland and famous for its casinos, nightlife, and eponymous blue liqueur.

As I flew into Curaçao, I dreamed of all the Caribbean offered and imagined myself relaxing on long, white-sand beaches with a piña colada in hand. The largest and most rugged of the ABC (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) islands, Curaçao also held the promise of good hiking and non-beach activities.

But almost immediately after arriving, I was disappointed.

What they don’t show in the brochures is the oil refinery on the edge of town. You know this beautiful, multicolored, waterfront photo that shows off the view Curaçao is famous for?

Well, right near there is a not-so-wonderful oil refinery blowing black smoke into the air — and it’s very visible from town.

That refinery set the tone for the week.

Curaçao was, as we say, “meh.” It wasn’t a bad place, but it didn’t blow my mind. I left the country indifferent. The island’s vibe and I just didn’t mesh. I wanted to love it, but as I boarded my flight home, nothing in Curaçao filled me with sadness to be leaving or a desire to stay.

Let’s begin with the beaches: nice, but not that great. Those near the main town are all resort beaches, meaning you have to pay to enjoy them if you aren’t already staying in one of the resorts. They’re cluttered with people, lounge chairs, and artificial breakers to protect against the waves and create a calm swimming area. (Not that a calm swimming area is bad, but the breakers reduce the flow of water, and since most resorts have boats and docks, I didn’t feel the water was the cleanest.)

The beaches up north are public, wider, and more natural, but even still, they aren’t the long, white-sand beaches we often imagine. Moreover, the shoreline is filled with dead coral and rocks. Were they pretty? Yes. Did I sit there and go, “Damn, this is beautiful”? Sure. Was I blown away by them? No, not really. There’s better.

I was also disappointed by the lack of affordable and accessible public transportation. Buses only run every two hours and taxis are incredibly expensive ($50 USD for a 15-minute cab ride). If you want to see the island, you really have to rent a car during your stay. Not having one really limits what you can see.

To top it off, even the towns aren’t that pretty. Outside Willemstad’s famous waterfront, I wasn’t too impressed by the scenery, buildings, or homes. Even the resorts looked outdated. There’s nothing like a little grime and wear and tear on a city to give it some charm, but in Curaçao, the grit only added a feeling of woeful neglect.

One thing I loved, though, was the locals. They made the trip. They were friendly, helpful, and great conversationalists. I stayed in an Airbnb rental, and Milly, my host, was super friendly and helpful. She even went the extra mile and drove me some places so I wouldn’t have to take a taxi. If I returned to Curaçao, I would stay at her place again.

While searching for places to eat, I stumbled across a local, family-run restaurant near my apartment and ate most of the meals there. Every time I walked in, they greeted me like they’d known me for years (I was probably the only non-local to eat there). Jack, from another restaurant, kindly gave me his phone number to call if I needed anything and when he saw me, always remembered me and that I really loved his lemonade.

And then there were the bus drivers who helped guide me around town, the locals who let me hitch a ride with them when the bus didn’t come, and the countless other little moments of friendly conversation and help that happened during the course of my week.

If I chose to go back, it would be for the people, not the place.

Curaçao wasn’t awful, but I’ve experienced better destinations. Maybe I didn’t like it because I had high expectations — when you think of nearby Aruba and Bonaire, you think Caribbean paradise, and I just lumped Curaçao in with them. Expectations can often lead to disappointment when we build up locations in our head.

I walked away from Curaçao with no burning desire to go back. I’m happy I went and I’d encourage others to go, but there was nothing in Curaçao that you can’t find elsewhere better and cheaper.

You can’t love every destination. It’s impossible. I can usually find the good in every place (even Vietnam!), but humans have opinions, emotions, and preferences — and mine doesn’t favor Curaçao.

You should go and explore the island for yourself. You just won’t find me there.

The post I Didn’t Like Curaçao (But I Didn’t Hate it Either) appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.