Antigua and Barbuda Travel Information

Antigua and Barbuda, located in the Caribbean Sea, offers visitors a chance to experience a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from exploring historic sites and relaxing on the beach to sailing and diving. Here are the top 10 things to do in Antigua and Barbuda:

1. Visit Nelson's Dockyard National Park

Nelson's Dockyard National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only surviving Georgian dockyard in the Eastern Caribbean. The dockyard is a living museum and offers visitors the chance to explore the historic buildings and see the restoration work in progress.

2. Explore the Capital, St. John's

St. John's, the capital of Antigua, offers visitors a chance to experience the island's history and culture. The city is home to several historic sites, including St. John's Cathedral and the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda.

3. Relax on the Beach

Antigua and Barbuda are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the island's many beaches, including Half Moon Bay and Jolly Beach.

4. Take a Boat Tour

Antigua and Barbuda offer many boat tour options, including sunset cruises, island-hopping, and snorkeling trips. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the island's many coves, bays, and reefs.

5. Sailing and Yachting

Antigua and Barbuda are a sailor paradise, with steady trade winds and crystal clear waters. Visitors can take a sailing or yachting trip to explore the island and its surroundings.

6. Dive and Snorkel

Antigua and Barbuda offer excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities for visitors. The island's waters are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs.

7. Visit English Harbour

English Harbour, located on the south coast of Antigua, is a historic site and popular destination for visitors. The harbour is home to several historic buildings, including the Nelson's Dockyard and the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda.

8. Take a Tour of the Island

Take a tour of the island and discover its hidden gems. Visit the historic village of Betty's Hope, the oldest sugar plantation in Antigua and Barbuda, and learn about the island's history and culture.

9. Go Shopping

St. John's is the perfect place to go shopping. The city is home to a variety of shops, boutiques, and markets, where you can find everything from handmade crafts to local souvenirs.

10. Attend a Local Sporting Event

Antigua and Barbuda is known for its love of cricket and soccer. Attend a local sporting event to experience the island's passion for sports and the lively atmosphere of the crowds.

Climate

Antigua and Barbuda has a tropical climate with consistent temperatures year-round. The average high temperature is around 30°C (86°F) and the average low temperature is around 25°C (77°F). The island experiences a wet season from September to November, but the rest of the year is relatively dry.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Antigua and Barbuda is from December to April, during the dry season. The weather is sunny and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and sailing. Additionally, this is also the peak tourist season, so there are more events and activities happening on the island. Keep in mind that prices for hotels and flights are generally higher during this time.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Antigua and Barbuda offers a wide variety of hotel options for visitors, ranging from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Many of the resorts are located on the beach and offer amenities such as swimming pools, spas, and on-site dining. There are also several historic plantation inns on the island that offer a more authentic Caribbean experience.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as villas and apartments, are also a popular option for visitors to Antigua and Barbuda. They offer more privacy and space than a hotel room and often come with a kitchen, allowing visitors to cook their own meals. These rentals can be found on platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com.

Camping

Camping is not a popular option in Antigua and Barbuda, as the island does not have any designated campgrounds. However, visitors may be able to find private land owners who rent out their land for camping, but it's rare.

Yacht Charter

For those looking for a unique and exclusive experience, yacht charter is also an option. Visitors can rent a yacht or catamaran and explore the many coves and beaches of Antigua and Barbuda. This option is ideal for those who enjoy sailing and want to experience the Caribbean from a different perspective.

Air travel

The most common way to reach Antigua and Barbuda is by air. The island nation's main airport, V.C. Bird International Airport, is located on Antigua and receives flights from several major airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, and JetBlue. Visitors can also fly to Barbuda's Codrington Airport, but it has limited flights from Antigua and other Caribbean islands.

Taxis and Bus

Once you are on the island, taxis and buses are the most convenient options for getting around. Taxis are readily available at the airport and in major towns, and fares are regulated by the government. Buses are also a cheap way to get around, but the schedules can be inconsistent, and the buses can be overcrowded at peak times.

Car rental

Car rental is also an option for getting around Antigua and Barbuda. Visitors can rent cars from several major rental car companies at the airport or in major towns. Keep in mind that driving is on the left side of the road, and the roads can be narrow and winding in some areas.

Ferries

Ferries are available for transportation between Antigua and Barbuda. The journey takes around 90 minutes one way. This can be a great way to visit both islands in one trip.

Bicycle and Scooter rental

Bicycles and scooters can also be rented on Antigua, and this is a good option for visitors who want to explore the island at their own pace. It is worth noting that the roads can be quite hilly and are not always in the best condition, so it's important to be cautious when cycling.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.