Caribbean
Holiday Packages

Choosing the type of Caribbean holiday

• All-inclusive: the price usually includes meals and drinks, which makes budgeting simpler. Check what the resort excludes, such as premium drinks, spa treatments and diving.
• Room-only or half board: suits people who want to eat out and explore. It works best on islands with plenty of restaurants within reach of the hotel.
• Adults-only: these resorts set a minimum age, so check the policy before booking if you are travelling with older teenagers.
• Twin-centre and island hopping: pairing a US city with a beach, as in the Miami & Puerto Rico Holiday, or several islands, as in Ultimate Caribbean Island Hopping, breaks up the long-haul flight but adds internal flights and check-ins.
• Villa stays: for a villa rather than a resort room, see Secret Bay Dominica.

Weather risk and what drives the price

The US National Hurricane Center puts the statistical peak around 10 September, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. Book insurance as soon as you pay your deposit, and check that it covers weather disruption and missed connections.

Prices climb over Christmas, New Year, February half term and Easter, when UK school holidays fall. Other things that move the price:

• Cabin class: flights to most Caribbean destinations fall in band B of UK Air Passenger Duty, and the duty is higher in premium economy, business and first than in economy.
• Room category: ocean-view, swim-up and butler-service rooms cost considerably more than the entry room at the same resort.
• Board basis and transfers: compare an all-inclusive price with room-only plus realistic meal costs, and check whether island or seaplane transfers are extra.

Entry rules and paperwork

Check the FCDO travel advice for each country on your itinerary. For British passport holders:

• Barbados: no visa is needed, but every traveller must complete an online immigration and customs form before arrival, and your passport must be valid for the length of your stay.
• Dominican Republic: no visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days, but you must complete the e-ticket entry and exit form online.
• Puerto Rico: a US territory, so you need an approved ESTA, as you would for Miami or New York.

Caribbean holidays FAQs