Antigua Travel Guide

Antigua, an oft-used safe harbor for those transacting business in the Caribbean islands in times past is now a safe and welcoming harbor for vacationers, instead. The Antiguan people, as sweet as the sugarcane plantations they used to work, welcome you to their island nation. From the moment you spot your Antigua vacation destination from the sky you’ll be enchanted by the royal colors everywhere. Sapphire seas beckon scuba divers and swimmers, bursts of ruby and garnet flowers dot the landscape outside your villa or resort.

More refined and upscale than many tropical destinations, you’re welcome to enjoy a yacht regatta, a cricket match, or shopping in one of English Harbor’s many posh boutiques. The constant sunshine and sandy beaches will remind you that when it’s tea time, it’s more likely to be iced than hot. End your evening with a bonfire on one of its a crushed-pearl white or pink beaches. Desire a bit of mystery, out of the way caché? Stop by the island of Barbuda, nearby.

Airports and Ground Transportation

Your Antigua vacation is likely to be easy from the very planning through your return trip home. The V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) is serviced by several North American, British, and European airlines making it relatively easy to find cheap flights to Antigua. Discount airfare to Antigua is regularly offered from New York (JFK) via American Airlines for about $550. Flying from Chicago? Cheap airfare to Antigua is available from about $700 round trip. By watching the fares daily, you could save an additional $100. Travelers from the west coast will have a bit further to go, but your one-of-a-kind Antigua vacation is worth it. Discount airfare to Antigua on Continental airlines is as low as $650 when flying from San Francisco (SFO) and $600 from Los Angeles (LAX).

Taxis are widely available on Antigua and the fees to many locations are often fixed and are often available upon inquiry. You may prefer, however, to rent a car. A car rental is an inexpensive way to enjoy your Antigua vacation whenever and wherever you like. Cars rent for about $40 per day, but you’ll also need a temporary Antiguan driving permit. The rental agency will help you to quickly procure one, it costs about $20. Just like the English – the Antiguans drive on the left side of the road!

Best Times to Go, Best Things to Do

An Antigua vacation is a warm respite from harsh, dull, or enduring winters in northern climates. Springtime finds the seas full of yacht regattas, sailing races, and other exciting seagoing chases. Hurricane season runs from June through September, so keep an eye on the forecast. September through November are months known as the rainy season. Enjoy Antigua and Barbuda from December through May for your best bet.

There is a feel of Olde England reflected in the island’s many town names such as Falmouth, English Harbor, and Nelson’s Dockyard. Vacationers enjoy British delights such as serious tennis, rousing cricket tournaments, and yacht racing. Or explore the African roots of most of Antigua’s residents. Combine the pleasures of the water with gastronomic delights as you take a skiff tour that includes a grilled lobster and rum punch lunch with the celebrated Creole Cruises. Because Antigua and Barbuda have so many more miles of luscious beaches than other Caribbean islands you are much more likely to find an unspoiled, unhurried, quiet place to call your own for a day in the sun.

Hotels and Lodging

When choosing someplace to stay during your vacation in Antigua, you’ll have a wide variety of options. You might opt for the high end Galley Bay Resort, one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Or perhaps you’d prefer the charm of a cozy cottage, such as the Yepton Estate Cottages in St. John. There are a number of delightful inns, as well, many of whom welcome children.  No matter where you choose, when you check out to return home you’re certain to be filled with happy memories of your Antigua vacation.