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Here are three things you should avoid purchasing / opting for when visiting the dreamy Caribbean.
Bucket list checked: you’re going on vacation to the Caribbean and you couldn’t be more excited. From the rich culture and tempting cuisine to the turquoise waters, sandy beaches and vibrantly hued souvenirs, the Caribbean has a lot to offer. But before you’re packing your fedoras and your sunblock, make sure to stay on top of the travelling game with a few fast tips aiming to help you save your bucks. Here are three things you should avoid purchasing / opting for when visiting the dreamy Caribbean.
1. Pearly souvenirs
They’re bright, they’re vibrant and they’re everywhere, inviting your to take them back home – we’re talking about souvenirs galore, found at every single corner on the islands. The most popular of all: radiant, lustrous pearls. One of the more common misconceptions about the Caribbean is the fact that it is home to some of the world’s most precious real pearls – and the plethora of pearl jewelry, from pearl earrings to pearl necklaces would have you convinced. But despite the fact that an overwhelming number of tourists opt for pearls as their souvenirs, the truth is that this part of the world isn’t even known for its pearls. And here’s a quick tip: if you’re an avid pearl lover, French Polynesia needs to be your next travelling (and shopping) destination.
But if you’re still not convinced that those pretty baroque pearls are not a must-buy bargain, then make sure to always haggle the price with the salesmen. Whether they sell dangly pearl earrings, sunglasses or scarves, there’s one thing Caribbean salesmen have in common and that’s the fact that they’re always open to give you a chunky discount.
2. Overpriced transportation
You’re on vacation, so comfort is one of your main priorities – and that’s the first reason why you often opt for comfy transportation methods. But here’s the thing: while the idea of grabbing a cab instead of walking or taking the bus might seem like a great solution, fact is that the prices for taxi rides are nothing short of inconsistent. Each year, more and more tourists overspend on cab rides while vacationing on the islands, unaware of what the actual costs should be.
Next in line: private pickups. While they might rank high in comfort, private pickups can get really expensive – especially the ones that you grab from the airport. What to opt for instead: free shuttle busses from the airport and for trips downtown, $1 bus rides!
3. Resort food
If you’re vacationing at a resort, yet not opting for an all-inclusive stay, food is probably where you’ll be spending most of your money. But there’s more to this than the financial aspect: while overspending big time, you’ll also miss out on all the colorful and flavorful street cuisine the Caribbean has to offer. Venturing off the property is the first step when aiming to truly experience the Caribbean culture and traditional food – plus, you’ll be filling your belly at much cheaper rates while on a gourmet adventure.
What to opt for? The possibilities are endless and equally enticing – from the world famous pan chicken, which is an integral part of Jamaican cuisine to the hearty goat stew, we’re willing to bet you’ll be coming across some of the best meals of your life. And since you’re on an island, make sure to never pass on a good seafood experience – because in the Caribbean, seafood does not have to come with a high price tag. In fact, you can enjoy a wide range of seafood culinary offerings at unexpectedly low prices, such as the tourist-favorite Trinidadian bake and shark.
And there you have it: the three top tourist traps designed to leave you with empty pockets on your bucket list vacation – and the perfect ways to avoid them and save your dollars. Safe travels and enjoy the stunning Caribbean to the fullest!
