Next Vacation Try A Carnival In The Caribbean

So you're heading to a beautiful Caribbean island for vacation. You have your routine all set, drinks by the pool or on the beach, some shopping and maybe read a book or two, even take a nap. These are all great things to do on vacation, and yes the Caribbean islands have amazing beaches and great shopping, but they also have so much more to offer. Next time you plan your vacation, try spending at least one day exploring the island in different ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Everyone loves a good party and in the Caribbean, there's usually a festival or Carnival happening every month. Carnival in the Caribbean is unique on every island, happening in August in Grenada and the British Virgin Islands, before Lent in Trinidad, in April in Jamaica and in July on St John. Every island has some sort of Carnival and you can generally find the dates on the internet. Whichever Carnival you see, you won't be disappointed. While they all are unique, every Carnival has great music, dancing, delicious local food, beautiful women in very small glittery costumes and a never ending supply of island good time. It's the best way to learn about the island traditions while having a fun time. Most islands will even let nonlocals participate in the Carnival in some way, so you can get off the sidelines and into the action.

If you miss the Carnival, see if there are any festivals happening while you are visiting. St Kitts hosts a music festival in June which features national and international artists. You can find a similar type of music festival in the British Virgin Islands. Are you a lover of Jazz music? Be sure to attend The Bonaire Heineken Jazz Festival. You will have four full days of music in late May. Prefer movies to music? The Cayman Islands National Cultural Foundation sponsors the Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase in the summer. If you vacation in December attend the Bahamas International Film Festival. After the film festival stay for Junkanoo later in the month.

Sailing is a major sport in the Islands and you are sure to have a great time at one of the many sailing regattas. Handmade wooden boats are a favorite in the Carriacou Regatta held in August, featuring races to the nearby islands of Grenada, Union Island and Bequia. Of course, Antigua hosts one of the top five sailing regattas in the world. You'll catch some exciting racing action and perhaps hob nob with a potential America's Cup Team. Maybe you'll even get lucky and be asked to participate as "rail meat" on a under crewed racing yacht. Be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen!


Does all that activity make you hungry? Head to St Lucia for the Food and Rum festival. If you prefer more of a culinary event than a food tent, make sure you are in Anguilla for the Festival del Mar. Anguilla is well known for their restaurants and this gives them an opportunity to showcase what they do best. Or maybe you just opt for the best roti and Jerk chicken in Jamaica. Either way, you can't lose.

So now you've really experienced the island. You've danced, enjoyed a movie or two, listened to local music, cheered on the racing yachts, and eaten yourself into a food coma. What do you do now? Now you sit, on the beach, with a drink and maybe take a nap. But this time you'll be dreaming of all the fun you've had.