We can’t blame you if all you can think about right now is sitting at a beach with your feet in the sand, the swishing sound of the palm trees above you, and an ice-cold cocktail in your hand. While traveling isn’t possible right now, we’d like to guide you on how to plan a vacation to the Caribbean when that time does come. With all the stress this crisis has caused, all everyone can think of is having a relaxing, stress-free, vacation where the biggest worry is what cocktail to have. You want to plan a Caribbean vacation that meets your wishes and that starts with doing the groundwork at home. While some of you may be seasoned (island) travelers, others may be a complete newbie. That’s why it’s important to know how to plan a vacation to the Caribbean since it can be slightly different than a city trip.

Which Caribbean Island to Vacation

Let’s start with the most important question. What destination will you choose? Each Caribbean island will offer a unique experience based on the island’s vibe. The northern Caribbean islands, like the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Hispañola (Cuba and Dominican Republic), are the most popular ones and often the most touristic ones.

The eastern Caribbean are islands like Barbados and St. Barts are often the go-to destination for the rich and famous, which is why they’re also considered the more expensive Caribbean islands. Aside from the western Caribbean islands like the Honduran island of Roatan or the Mexican island of Cozumel, the western part is also known for its coastal towns/cities like Tulum in Mexico.

The southern part of the Caribbean is where we are at. In between our sister islands, Aruba and Bonaire, you’ll find Curaçao—the Caribbean’s hidden gem. Here the water is just so blue, but the culture is also vibrant with a touch of European flair.

What to Pack for a Caribbean Vacation

When you’re looking to know how to plan a vacation to Europe, deciding what to pack can become a fulltime job. But, when you’re looking to plan a Caribbean vacation, knowing what to pack is going to be the easiest task. Since we don’t have a typical season in the Caribbean, you don’t need various types of clothes and layers. Aside from some breathable clothing items like shorts, t-shirts, and linen blouses, you’d also want to pack something nice—long trousers/jeans and nice shoes—for when dining out or going out. Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, nights can get a bit chilly so always make sure to bring something like a cardigan, light jacket, or shawl. Sunscreen is a must, as well, as your snorkel gear. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a hat/cap and a pair of sunglasses.