Will you soon be on your first “trip to the South”? You’ve never booked an all-inclusive package and you don’t know where to start? Finding a rare pearl in a travel agency is obviously a great idea! But whether you book yourself or do business with a professional, it is useful to know these few basic rules.
1. MAKE A REALISTIC BUDGET
Have you analyzed your finances and established your travel budget? Perfect. Now, remember that “all-inclusive” packages include flights, accommodation, food, and alcohol, but not all additional expenses like travel insurance, tips, excursions, trips to the airport, etc.
2. THE PRICE, THE FOOD OR THE BEACH?
We all dream of finding an inexpensive hotel (even at Christmas) where we eat like kings, where the service is impeccable, where the decor is up to date, where the rooms are immaculate, and where there is NO seaweed. and where it NEVER rains. Unfortunately, that’s not possible!
Which of these criteria are priorities for you? That the food is varied? That the sand looks like powdered sugar? That the price is very low? Once you have your priorities straight, the search will be much easier and the journey more satisfying.
3. CHOOSE THE TYPE OF HOTEL WELL
There are so many types of hotel establishments in popular Caribbean destinations! Are you traveling with young children? With your darling? Between friends? Alone?
Choose accordingly; there are hotels for adults only, hotels with clubs for children or teenagers, places (or packages) where single travelers do not pay extra, etc.
4. MAXIMIZE YOUR CHANCES OF FINDING GOOD PRICES
Buying a trip well in advance very often allows you to take advantage of better rates, especially with “book early” promotions from tour operators (Transat, Sunwing, etc.) or booking sites (Voyages à rebate, Expedia, etc.).
Last-minute reservations can also allow you to find great deals, but you have to be very flexible: on the dates, on the destination, on the hotel… If this is not your case, you could be disappointed.
Unsurprisingly, prices are higher during “peak” periods like the holiday season or school break. Traveling outside these periods is more advantageous.
5. CHECK THE WEATHER
On the weather side, there are seasons that are more favorable than others for traveling in the Caribbean. Some destinations are a little cooler during the holidays, like Cuba for example, while almost all of the Caribbean is more at risk of bad weather during hurricane season, from June to November. Do your research before hitting the ‘book now button!
6. GO TO THE DOCTOR
Before leaving on a trip, consult your doctor or a clinic specializing in travel health. Update your basic vaccinations if they are not (tetanus, hepatitis B, etc.) and ask your health specialist for advice on other immunizations or preventive medications suggested according to your destination (travel diarrhea, cholera, etc).
7. DON’T FORGET INSURANCE
When traveling, a simple health glitch can cost you A LOT of money. It is imperative to take out travel insurance before leaving and/or to check if your credit card offers this type of protection. Also, consider whether you need extra trip cancellation or interruption insurance.
If you book with a (licensed) travel agent, you have protection from the Travel Agent Customer Compensation Fund, which will automatically cover you in the event of service not rendered or disaster. natural. If not, check what your service provider offers on this.
