Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Caribbean Resorts
Topic: Vacation Travel
What travel documents do I need to travel to the Caribbean?
If you have one, a valid passport is the easiest and most reliable documentation to travel with; but for most Caribbean islands it is not required. Most islands only require proof of citizenship (such as an original or certified copy of your birth certificate with a raised seal) and picture I.D. (such as your license). If you do travel with a passport, it must be valid for 6 months beyond the completion of your trip. Let our experts check what is required for your specific destination.
How can I get the best price for Caribbean travel?
Contact our travel professionals at Witte Travel! We can check a variety of options: packages with air and land together in one price, as well as all-inclusive packages that include meals, drinks, and a variety of water sports and entertainment. We check reputable discount Charters, as well as scheduled air packages. We'll find the best price for what you want.
What's the difference between charter companies and Regular Scheduled Air?
Charter company packages often offer the best prices. They depart from larger airports to popular destinations. A travel company, such as Apple Vacations, charters the flight and, either on their own or with another company, books the entire plane. They then package their discounted airfare with group rates at hotels. Charterers do use jet services, and often do not have any connections. They operate on limited schedules, such as once a week. This is how they keep their prices down. Scheduled air is "mainstream" airlines - Delta, United, US Airways, for example. They have extensive travel routes that give you a wider choice of times, dates, and cities. The main disadvantage of a charter company is that, in the unlikely event of an equipment or weather problem, they often receive a low priority. As a result, when they do have delays, they can be long. This is, however, unusual.
How should I pack?
For most of the Caribbean, casual wear is fine! Shorts, tops, sundresses, swim suit and cover-up, sandals and good walking shoes are all good to have. (Many Caribbean destinations frown on swimwear being worn in town or even in hotel lobbies.) You will want a light jacket for evenings that can sometimes turn cool - especially if you've gotten too much sun! There are usually a few restaurants on each island that require jackets for the men, but most do not. You'll want to pack plenty of sunscreen, keeping in mind that the sun's rays in the Caribbean are much stronger than they are in the States. You may want to consider "water shoes" depending on the water activities you'll be participating in, and don't forget to bring plenty of film! If you have any prescriptions, pack those in your carry-on, and bring a refill prescription if you can. Your Witte agent will be able to tell you if your destination has any special requirements.
I've chosen to stay at an all-inclusive resort; should I bring money?
We recommend that you do; you may want to pay for a taxi or dine in a local restaurant. Shopping at your resort or in the area may be of interest to you. If you run short on cash, many of the islands have ATM machines, although they aren't always easily accessible. Banks will give cash advances against major credit cards, with identification, but remember the interest rates can be quite high.
Do most islands charge a departure tax?
Yes. Departure taxes range from US$10.00 per person to over $20.00 per person - and some islands only accept cash. Many pre-paid packages include the departure taxes, but we will gladly check for you.
