OFF SEASON TRAVEL: ANTIGUA, WEST INDIES PART I
In this two-part, Off-Season Travel: Antigua, West Indies post, I will share what makes the island gem Antigua a must travel to destination.
If your that traveler that likes to play it safe, take a taxi, temporarily live in a fishbowl of false pretenses of white sandy beaches and resorts, typical American cuisine, overly priced tours, and not interested in the good, the bad, and the ugly of Antigua, then you should stop reading this right now.
If you are interested in being adventurous, mingling with the locals, eating local food, see the island for what it is on a budget, then keep reading.
I will be honest, before coming to Antigua, I knew about some of the Caribbean islands like the Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, Barbados but I had never heard of Antigua. I have heard of Antigua Guatemala city. So why did I come here?
How AVEDA Got Me To Antigua
A company called AVEDA sells all-natural beauty products and performs services. Heard of it? They have a program called Pure Privilege.
Here is how the pure privilege loyalty programs work. You purchase AVEDA products just like you normally would and earn points for accessories, products, salon services, and destination spa vacations.
Earn 50,000 points, enjoy a three-night stay for two people including breakfast and two complimentary 60-minute massages at Sugar Ridge Antigua Resort.
Sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s not. How long did it take me? It took 5 years.
A couple of times a year they offer double points which helped to get to 50,000 points faster which is great because I love their products.
I have no problems stocking up as I love every product I use. The distinct and beautiful aromas separate the brand from many others to include how the company gives back to communities.
For 20,000 points you can redeem a $300 gift certificate for spa services. Why not make one of the days a spa day?
Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island country lying between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The capital, largest port, and city are St. John’s, on Antigua.
This is where the cruise ships dock for the day and where you catch the 90-minute ferry to Barbuda via Barbuda Express.
Tourist season is usually from Nov-Apr with the rest being offseason. This doesn’t mean you will be limited to slim pickings. Personally, I like to travel in the off season. Ditch the crowds, see more, no lines.
It’s a good idea to have travel insurance in case something goes wrong. You can purchase travel insurance from World Nomads.
World Nomads provides travel insurance to travelers from over 140 countries and is backed by reputable insurers and 24-hour assistance providers. You can click here to get a quote. Read the policy details to ensure that it’s right for you.
Getting To Antigua
There are no non-stop flights to Antigua unless you are from Atlanta. To get there, you will have to connect to another airport. I flew from Minnesota and connected to Atlanta. From Atlanta, it is a 4-hour flight which for me went by fast.
During the flight, I was lucky to sit next to a local who lives in Georgia but frequently goes back to Antigua to visit her family. She gave me ideas of things to do there.
If you get lucky to sit next to a local, don’t be afraid to ask where to go and what to do. I recommend getting a window seat. Have your camera ready for some introductory views.
I was lucky enough to switch with my new friend and take some great photos. I didn’t know at the time, but that sight of pink, that was the seaweed that has taken over the east coast of Antigua coming from Africa.
Immigration/Customs
You will fly into V.C Bird International Airport. The airport is located 5 miles (8 km) northeast of St. John’s, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda.
The international airport is named in honor of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, the first prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda. Prior to landing arriving passengers will fill out a customs declaration form.
It is a combined Immigration/Customs declaration form. Upon arrival, you go through customs. Depending on how many flights arrive at the same time, you could be in line for 30 minutes or more.
Once you get through customs, you go through another line in which you go through the declare goods line or the non-declare goods line.
Be sure to have your customs declaration form filled out correctly.
A line that should take less than 5 minutes, can take 15-30 minutes as there is one person that checks the forms per hundreds of passengers who may or may not have filled out the form correctly.
Upon going through customs keep the immigration declaration form. You will need to present this before travel back to your destination.
Get Cash Before Departing The Airport
The majority of taxis and small businesses accept only cash. There is an ATM at the airport where you can get the local currency. The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). However, you can use USD there, but change will be given back in XCD. The current conversion is: 1USD = 2.70 XCD.
Upon exiting, cross the street and you will see taxis in the form of minivans and stands. You can book your taxi and tours. Taxi fares to hotels are fixed. Official taxi and bus fares can be found here.
If you are in the mood for adventure, you can take a bus for less than 1USD. I read that the bus system wasn’t reliable, and therefore played it safe and took a taxi.
When In Doubt, Ask A Local
However, if you do your homework prior to and map out what buses to take, it is quite easy to get around. Locals are VERY friendly and you can ask them as well. Upon exiting the airport, turn left, you will go past the old airport stay on the sidewalk.
You will pass a parking lot on your right, a cricket field on your left. Once you get to the main road, take a left. You will pass the gas station on your left and there will be a bus stop sign.
Take the #42 Coolridge. All buses go to the West Bus Station in St. John’s.
From there you can take another bus to your hotel destination. If you are staying at a hotel on the east coast you will need to transfer to the East Bus Station.
In part 2 of 2, Off-Season Travel: Antigua, West Indies, I will share with you fun things to do on the island of paradise.
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