Antigua and Barbuda Travel Guide | TripTard.Com
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Antigua and Barbuda is the perfect destination. With its idyllic beaches and lush rain forests, this country has something for everyone. Read on for our complete travel guide to Antigua and Barbuda, including tips on what to see and where to stay.
Antigua and Barbuda: A Brief History
Antigua and Barbuda are two small, isolated islands located in the Caribbean Sea. They have a history dating back to the 1500s when Christopher Columbus sighted the islands and named them Santa Cruz. Antigua was first settled by Europeans in 1632, and Barbuda by Englishmen in 1634. The islands were briefly occupied by the French in 1762-63, but were then returned to England. In 1814, Barbuda was ceded to Britain as part of the Treaty of Paris following the Napoleonic Wars.
The island of Antigua has a population of around 3600 people while the population of Barbuda is just over 100. The two islands are connected by a bridge which opened in 2000. The tourism industry is Antigua's largest source of income, accounting for more than 60% of GDP. Tourists come to enjoy its pristine beaches, coral reefs, lively nightlife, and well-maintained historical sites.
Antigua is home to many impressive historical sites including St John's Church, built in 1636; Christ Church, built in 1639; and Government House, built in 1789. Barbuda features some impressive historical sites as well
Getting to Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is located in the Caribbean. The island country is about 220 miles east of Saint Lucia, 340 miles south of Dominica, and 500 miles west of Venezuela. Antigua is the smaller of the two islands with an area of 32 square miles. Barbuda is about three times the size of Antigua with an area of 104 square miles.
The two islands are connected by a bridge linking St. John's on Antigua to Pointe du Ville on Barbuda. The ferry crossing takes just over 10 minutes and there is no passport or visa required for entry into either country.
The currency of Antigua and Barbuda is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are generally accepted, but cash is still widely used. ATMs can be found throughout both islands, though they may not be always working.
The climate on Antigua and Barbuda is tropical with temperatures ranging from 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) in the summer to 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius) in the winter. Most visitors arrive in the winter when it’s cooler and more comfortable to travel around the island. The best time to visit
What to Expect in Antigua and Barbuda
If you're looking for an exotic getaway, Antigua and Barbuda is well worth considering. With warm weather year-round, plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy, and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, this destination has something for everyone. Here's a look at what to expect while in Antigua and Barbuda:
The first thing you'll notice when arriving in Antigua and Barbuda is the abundance of natural scenery. From the rugged coastline to the rainforest-covered hills, there's plenty to explore. The country is also home to several notable tourist attractions, including Azure Window (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Christ Church (the oldest Anglican cathedral in the Caribbean), and Antigua's Botanical Gardens.
If you're looking for a day trip from Antigua or Barbuda, consider exploring nearby Saint John's. Highlights include the city center with its historic district, harborfront area with its lovely gardens, and Philipsburg (where you can find a casino). Alternatively, if you're feeling more adventurous, take a drive out to Long Island where you'll find stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Whatever you do in Ant
Activities in Antigua and Barbuda
There's plenty to do in Antigua and Barbuda, whether you're looking for leisurely beach days or adrenaline-pumping activities like hiking, biking and diving. The following are some of the top attractions in the country:
-The Royal National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its lush rainforest, crystal clear waters and abundant bird life. It's also home to several active volcanoes, including Mount Saint Catherine, which can be seen from the park's visitor center.
-The beaches: With miles of white sand beaches, Antigua and Barbuda is an ideal place to relax and soak up the sun. Some of our favorites include Sandy Point Beach, Salt Pond Bay and Billy Bishop Airport Beach.
-The shopping: Whether you're in need of fresh fruit and vegetables or luxury items like jewelry and handbags, Antigua has something for everyone. The island is also home to a wide variety of specialty shops, from art galleries to clothing stores.
-The nightlife: With bars and clubs scattered throughout all of Antigua's major towns, there's always something fun happening. Check out spots like The
Accommodation in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda have a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here is a list of some of the most popular places to stay in Antigua and Barbuda.
-The Royal Antigua Resort and Spa: This luxury resort offers beautiful views over the Caribbean Sea, a wide range of luxurious accommodations, an excellent spa, and many amenities including a full-service casino and two restaurants. It is located just outside the main town of Antigua.
-The Baha Mar Resort: This sprawling resort offers everything from luxury villas to poolside cabanas to comfortable family rooms. There are also several restaurants and bars on site, as well as a spa and a casino. The Baha Mar is located on a private island near Bathsheba Bay in Antigua.
-The Sandy Lane Hotel: This small hotel is perfect for budget-minded travelers looking for something unique in Antigua. It is located in the heart of the colonial district close to the central market and other tourist attractions.
-The Westin St John's: This luxury hotel is located on an exclusive bay estate overlooking Sandy Point in St John's, one of
Food in Antigua and Barbuda
If you're looking for some delicious food in Antigua and Barbuda, there's no need to look further than the local restaurants. In Antigua, you can find traditional dishes like curried goat and beef, while in Barbuda, you'll find jerk chicken and fish curry. In both cases, the food is hearty and delicious. If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, try some of the island's Pirate-themed restaurants. These places serve up everything from mussels to lobster with a pirate twist. Either way, you're sure to enjoy your meal in Antigua and Barbuda!
Costs in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda are famous for their lush green hills, clear blue waters and white sand beaches. However, visitors should not expect to stay below the poverty line as tourism is Antigua and Barbuda's main source of income and most tourists are from the U.S., Canada, the UK and Europe.
Food: Inexpensive local food can be had at local markets or restaurants for under $10 per person. You can also find reasonably priced international food at most restaurants.
Transportation: The main form of transportation in Antigua and Barbuda is by foot or by bike. Bicycles can be rented from most hotels for around $5 per day. Taxis are also available but tend to be expensive.
Accommodation: Accommodation in Antigua and Barbuda is fairly affordable with a room costing around $50 per night in a standard hotel. Most resorts offer discounts for guests who book well in advance, especially during peak season.
The cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda is lower than most other Caribbean islands, making it a great place to retire or take a break from the daily grind.
Conclusion
Antigua and Barbuda is a beautiful country that offers plenty of activities for visitors. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, explore the rainforest, or enjoy some nightlife, Antigua and Barbuda has something for everyone. I would recommend checking out TripTard.com for more information on what is available in Antigua and Barbuda as well as recommended itineraries.