The Caribbean holidays

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

For the Caribbean, pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Bring multiple swimsuits, high-factor sun cream, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for beach days. Include insect repellent, comfortable sandals, and a light rain jacket for occasional showers. Pack smart-casual attire for dining out and modest clothing for visiting local towns or churches.

The Caribbean offers varied beaches. There’s Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica – a powder-fine stretch of pearly white shoreline, where the water’s shallow and snorkelling spots are in good supply. And you’ve got Bavaro Beach in the Dominican Republic – known for its bustling cocktail bars and watersports. Carlisle Bay near Bridgetown, Barbados is a good one, too. It’s home to six underwater shipwrecks, and swimmers often spot turtles here.

Caribbean shopping offers a mix of local markets and duty-free luxury goods. You'll discover vibrant craft markets in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, while islands like St. Thomas and Aruba are known for duty-free shopping. Many resorts also have boutiques where you can find souvenirs and essentials.

Caribbean nightlife varies from laidback beach bars to lively clubs. Many resorts offer evening entertainment with live music and shows. If you're looking to explore, you'll find lively scenes in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, with options ranging from salsa clubs to beachfront parties. And St Lawrence Gap in Barbados is packed with open-air bars and rum shacks.

Tipping practices vary across the Caribbean, but it's generally appreciated in tourist areas. In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is common if a service charge isn't included. For other services like taxis or tours, rounding up or giving a small tip is a nice gesture.

When visiting the Caribbean, casual and beachwear are acceptable at hotels and beaches, but cover shoulders and knees when entering churches or local towns. A friendly greeting is appreciated, and locals value politeness and respect. Tipping is customary in most Caribbean islands.

Traditional Caribbean cuisine is a delightful mix of flavours and influences. You'll find authentic dishes at local restaurants near your resort. Many TUI resorts also offer Caribbean nights featuring featuring local specialties. We recommend trying jerk chicken in Jamaica and flying fish and cou-cou – a type of savoury porridge – in Barbados.

When visiting the Caribbean, the plug type varies by island, with many using Type A two-pin flat blade or Type B three-pin plugs, whilst some islands use Type G three rectangular pin UK-style plugs. We recommend bringing a multi-plug adapter to ensure compatibility across different islands. Check your specific destination before travelling as requirements differ throughout the region.