Organizing and Booking International Tropical Vacations
Organizing and booking international tropical vacations requires careful planning and coordination. Here is an easy checklist to follow to stay on track and ensure nothing is overlooked:
Check Passports
Ensure everyone in your travel party has a current passport. If someone does not, following the steps listed after this one won't really matter!
Decide on a Destination
Now that everyone in your party can exit the country as well as enter your destination country, it's time to decide on what that destination is. A number of factors go into this decision, such as your preference on island size, vacation style, housing accommodations, how touristy and populated a destination you like, or if you find a small town and intimate setting more relaxing and refreshing. If you prefer boats to planes, consider taking a little longer to reach your destination and enjoy an oceanfront view for a few days by taking a cruise.
Consider Your Travel Group Size
When choosing your vacation destination, also take the size of your traveling group into account. Cruises are an excellent option for singles, couples, and families, provided no one in your group suffers from severe motion sickness. There are Caribbean resorts worth researching that are more appropriate for singles or couples: in Jamaica, there are Hedonism II and III, as well as the Royal Plantation by Sandals; St. Lucia's most promising option is Ladera Resort and Spa; Antigua boasts the Beach House of Gallery Bay Resort. Some land-based, family-friendly, all-inclusive options in Jamaica are Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Montego Bay and the Beaches Negril Resort & Spa. Similar ideas for your family vacation in St. Lucia are the Almond Morgan Bay Resort, or in Antigua, look into St. James's Club.
Check Visa Requirements
Almost as important as having a valid passport is double-checking how you can obtain your destination country's tourist visa. Many countries don't require any pre-planning or approval for a traveling visa, but some do. A great place to find out what needs to be done before you leave or what documentation you need to bring with you is to visit your tropical destination's official website.
Be Flexible with Dates
If everyone in your traveling party can be flexible with your tropical vacation reservation dates, have each person make a list of preferred options in order of preference. This flexibility gives you a much greater chance of being able to take advantage of available savings when planning your trip. Remember that Caribbean travel times peak from December to April, so your best bet for finding discount packages would be from June through August.
Consider Weather and Off-Peak Months
Keep in mind that many off-peak months are due to the weather. In the Caribbean, June 1 through November 30 is hurricane season. However, the chances of your tropical vacation being ruined by a hurricane are pretty slim, so don't be afraid to take advantage of off-season discounts.
Reserve Activities and Restaurants
Call ahead with your tropical vacation reservations and ask about reserving spots for special activities and restaurants available to those in your traveling party. This way, you can arrive at your destination confident that you will have access to your massage, boating, favorite foods, etc., without hearing the words "we're all booked up."
Pack Smart
The last step to ensuring you have a wonderful, stress-free, rejuvenating vacation before you leave your house is to pack smart. Packing smart for your tropical vacation means making a list at least a week in advance from your leave date and continuing to edit and add to that list right up until you leave. As you write down the essentials (like personal hygiene products, underwear, sunscreen, and swimsuits), don't forget to research whether your resort or any of their restaurants you're hoping to enjoy have a dress code. Also, don't leave actually packing that list until the day you leave.
By following this checklist, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable tropical vacation.