15 Tips for Caribbean Solo Travel
Grenada is an island nation located in the East Caribbean, just south of Barbados. The nation of Grenada also includes two small neighbouring isles – Carriacou and Petite Martinique. With lush rainforests, scenic mountains, relaxing sandy beaches, and exotic reefs, it is the quintessential Caribbean holiday destination.
Getting to the island is easy, as there are regular flights to and from Grenada. If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Grenada. However, you will require a valid US passport.
Interacting with the locals is also easy as English is the official language of Grenada. However, most locals speak Creole English, which is a mix of many African dialects, English, and French.
Grenada is also known as the ‘Spice Island’, because of the myriad fragrant spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, etc. that grow in its fertile volcanic soil. While in Grenada, one can sense the aroma of nutmeg wafting through the air.
1. SELECT THE SAFEST ISLAND
There are records of petty thefts and crimes on some islands of the Caribbean that you should avoid when you are traveling alone. Choose islands that are well known to be safe for solo travellers. You can plan your trip to St. John, St. Barth’s, or Puerto Rico as these are very famous amongst solo travellers, for both for safety and beauty. If you wish to go for a solo luxury trip, do visit St. Barth.
2. CHOOSE HOTELS CAREFULLY
Not all hotels in the Caribbean have rooms for solo travellers. Therefore, book your hotel before you arrive at your destination to avoid unnecessary hassles with all your luggage with you. If you are not on a low budget, go for high-end resorts as they are the safest.
3. Time Of Travel
The Caribbean is very susceptible to hurricanes, which generally happen during the summer months from June to November. If you are going for a solo adventure trip, plan accordingly so that you can avoid the threat of a sudden hurricane. If you are on a solo travel trip to the Caribbean, you do not want to risk ruining your trip by encountering natural calamities.
4. SAILING SAFETY
If you are on a sailing adventure in the Caribbean, it is suggested that you hire a guide who knows the surrounding waters well. This way you can avoid all the risks of sailing solo and have someone local to help you along.
5. DO NOT SHARE DETAILS
As you are travelling alone you may be targeted by people who have bad intentions. It is better to maintain a little distance with unknown people, and do not share any details such as the name of your hotel, your time of leaving, or even your next destination. This way you can stay safe from strangers with bad motives.
6. EAT WELL AND DRINK WELL
As you are on a solo traveling trip to the Caribbean, you must be aware of what you eat and drink. Seafood poisoning is a very common occurrence to be aware of. You may be tempted by all those delicious kinds of seafood, but make sure to eat from good places to avoid getting an upset stomach. Also, drink a lot of water as the sun in the Caribbean can dehydrate you easily. Being alone, you do not want to ruin your trip with a visit to the emergency room of the local hospital.
7. FIRST-AID BOX
Without a traveling partner, you do not want to be unprepared if you were to become sick. Pack a well equipped first-aid box with basic medicines for headache, digestion, diarrhea, and fever. Also, pack a good ointment for sprains and body aches. That way you do not have to rush to the pharmacy counter when you need basic medicines.
8. DO NOT CARRY YOUR VALUABLES
Because you are travelling alone, you are at a higher risk of problems if you lose your passport, your money, or your mobile phone. When you are leaving for the beach or exploring the island, leave your important documents andlarge amounts of cash in the hotel room safe and leave the room key at the reception. In this way, you will have no worries and can enjoy every bit of your solo adventure trip. Take a small handy pouch or walletthat holds only a little amount of cash and a credit card for a little shopping.
9. A BAG WITH A LANYARD
When you are going to the beach with your camera,phone, and wallet, you cannot keep it unattended anywhere on the beach. The best thing is to take a bag which is both waterproof and has a lanyard. This will enable you to take your bag and dive into the water, as the bag will stay afloat, keeping your belongings dry and safe.
10. MAKE RELIABLE FRIENDS
When you are on the beach, look for familiesvacationing with children. Families are generally helpful towards solo travellers and are generally trustworthy. You can ask them if you can leave your belongings with them while you go for a swim in the sea.
11. HEIR A CHAIR
If you hire a chair and umbrella from the locals who have their business on the beach, you may be able to leave your belongings with them and enjoy your beach time. They may look after your things while you are away as a part of their customer service.
12. GIVE YOUR BELONGINGS A DISGUISE
As a last resort, dig a little hole in the sand and keep your room key and money there. Be sure to put something on top of the spot, such as a banana peel or an empty packet of chips, so that it looks like trash. No one will touch it thinking it to be trash.
13. CARRY YOUR SNACKS AND WATER
Before you hit the beach,purchase some snacks and water from the local supermarkets.Snacks purchased at the beach are costlier than everywhere else and you don’t want to waste your money.
14. SWIM IN A SAFE ZONE
If you want to go swimming at the beach, choose a place that is marked safe by the authorities and is equipped with lifeguards for emergencies.
15. CARRY SUNPROTECTION
The Caribbean sun is harsh if you are not used to too much sun. You may get a severe sunburn if you do not apply sunscreen lotion or spray. Always carry an umbrella, a bottle of water, and sunscreen when you step out of your room.
Hopefully, these tips will help you have the best solo travel experience in the Caribbean and will help keep you safe.