My guest blogger gives the lowdown on a holiday in Antigua. Whether you’re looking for a sundrenched family-friendly holiday. A chic honeymoon resort of a destination that offers a wealth of outdoors activities, the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua has enough to satisfy all holiday desires. But, if you are thinking of going there, you need to do your homework.

Yes, I know you should always thoroughly research any country you visit on holiday, but I feel it’s particularly important to do so when coming to Antigua. Even though the island’s weather and landscape are heavenly virtually all year round, it may be the case that insufficient planning means you aren’t able to make the most of your time here. Don’t worry, however, as help is at hand! I’ve put together some useful information that should ensure you have a holiday you will remember forever.

Getting to the island

Let’s start with the basics. How do you get to Antigua? Numerous airlines run routes from the UK to the island and it takes around eight hours to fly there from London. All British nationals will require a passport that is valid for at least six months, as well as a return/onward ticket, to enter the country.

If you’re not a UK citizen and/or you’re uncertain about whether you meet the entry requirements, including whether you need to apply for a visa, it’s best to get in touch with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for guidance before you book a flight.

Selecting your hotel

The island is blessed with a great array of accommodation, so you really won’t struggle to find a base for your break that has good-quality amenities. Obviously, you should arrange a place to stay before you leave the UK, and I advise you to check out what the numerous four and five-star resorts have to offer.

With such properties containing a range of world-class amenities, from gourmet restaurants to decadent spa and saunas, to watersports centres, accommodation on Antigua offers luxury and top-class facilities.

If you’re coming to Antigua to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary or honeymoon, it’s a good idea to check out what packages the resort offers. These deals often mean you will reside in a luxurious private suite, and you can find out more about the services you could take advantage of by clicking here.

Outdoor activities on Antigua

The superb weather and fabulous coast makes Antigua a destination for a range of watersports, from beginners through to experts. Sports to try include windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling and diving. Tennis is also a major activity for the island. Depending on the resort you choose to book, you can take lessons for no extra cost.

Currency

Antigua uses the eastern Caribbean dollar, although US dollars will also be accepted in the majority of establishments. However, if you attempt to bring in more than 10,000 units of any currency, you ought to declare this to customs officials.

Electricity

Two-pin sockets are used throughout Antigua and, while 110 volts is the most common wattage, in some rooms you will come across 220 volts. As such, you will need to use travel plugs to ensure that electrical devices can be operated safely. Many hotels will provide adapters, but you should still pack a couple in your suitcase just in case.

Hopefully you will have found my above advice about Antigua useful, but if you have any other tips about taking a holiday on the island, please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!