TRAVEL INFORMATION
V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua is served by major airlines such as British Airways , Continental Airlines , Air Canada , Delta , US Airways , American Eagle , and Virgin Atlantic as well as regional airlines such as LIAT and Caribbean Airlines . The smaller regional airlines, Winair and Carib Aviation , have flights from Antigua to Barbuda and Montserrat.
Caribbean Helicopters operates from Antigua to Montserrat.
V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua is a major regional airline hub. Antigua and Barbuda are connected by air and sea, with daily flights and ferry service. Daily flights from Antigua land at Gerald’s Airport in Montserrat. Taxis are readily available on all three islands, while cars can also be hired on Antigua and Montserrat.
Traveling by car is the most practical and flexible way of exploring the Caribbean isles. Car rentals are widely available, and major international rental companies have franchises on most islands. Driving here can be challenging. Hazards include poorly paved and pot-holed roads, stray animals on the road, and local drivers who have no concern for the safety of other road users. It is advisable not to drive at night. Cars drive on the left side of the road.
The Caribbean is a top year-round destination for cruise ships. More than 20 cruise lines offer a vast range of ships and itineraries. The ships sail at night and berth at their next port of call before dawn, permitting visitors to explore ashore by day. Cruise companies sell a wide range of group-oriented shore excursions, but it is often cheaper and more fun to make your own arrangements ashore. Special theme cruises are a popular option. More details are available from Cruise Line International Association .
The port of St. John’s welcomes large cruise ships on a regular schedule. Antigua has three protected harbors with marinas and immigration checkpoints for yachts wanting to tour the coastline and visit Barbuda.
Surprisingly few ferries serve the region. Ferries link Puerto Rico to both the Dominican Republic and US Virgin Islands, which are connected by ferry to the British Virgin Islands. Trinidad and Tobago are also connected by ferry. Sailboat charters are a popular way of exploring the islands. Yachts can be chartered with or without crews on virtually every island, although it is wise to book your sailing vacation in advance from a reputable company such as the Caribbean Yacht Rental or Ed Hamilton .
Barbuda and Antigua are also linked by a Barbuda Express Ltd . daily ferry.
Air fares can vary greatly from season to season, between airlines and ticket wholesalers, and according to time of year. The further in advance you buy your ticket, the cheaper it usually is. Air-hotel packages are available for every island. These inclusive vacations tend to be cheaper than independent travel. Most major airlines offer inclusive packages, as do many companies in Europe and North America.
If you are interested in a beach vacation, there are special tours that may appeal to visitors. Most islands offer a variety of watersports and there are several package deals. Popular themed vacations include birding, hiking, cycling, scuba diving, and sportfishing.
DIRECTORY
AIR CANADA
AMERICAN EAGLE
- www.aa.com
BARBUDA EXPRESS LTD.
- Tel: 268 560 7989.
- www.antiguaferries.com
BRITISH AIRWAYS
- www.ba.com
CARIB AVIATION
- Tel: 268 481 2401.
- www.carib-aviation.com
CARIBBEAN AIRLINES
- Tel: 268 480 2900.
CARIBBEAN HELICOPTERS
- Tel: 268 460 5900.
- www.caribbeanhelicopters.com
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
DELTA
LIAT
US AIRWAYS
- www.usairways.com
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
WINAIR
CRUISE LINE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
- 910 SE 17th Street., Suite 400 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.
- Tel: 754 224 2200.
- www.cruising.org
THE CRUISE LINE LTD.
- Softech House, London Road, Albourne, West Sussex, UK.
- Tel: 0800 008 6677.
- www.cruiseline.co.uk
CARIBBEAN YACHT RENTAL
- Tel: 888 622 1195.
- www.caribbeanyachtsrental.com
ED HAMILTON
- Tel: 800 621 7855.