Swaying in a hammock between two tall palms. Frolicking in warm, clear ocean water. Savoring a pampering morning at a seaside spa or an afternoon on a golf course with gorgeous views at every turn.
The Caribbean has long held the allure of idyllic destinations designed for rest and relaxation. Yet a recent string of extreme weather—most notably Hurricane Irma—has left devastation in its wake, casting a serious shadow on these notoriously sunny locations.
So, what can you do to help?
The first thing to do is donate to legitimate recovery efforts like the Red Cross, Global Giving, or Hurricane Relief Fund. More than clothes and water, those most hard-hit areas need money to rebuild infrastructures, rebuild communities, and rebuild lives.
The second thing to do is travel to the Caribbean. Tourism is vital to this region, so if you’re considering a trip this winter or anytime next year, now is a fantastic time to book your escape to any of the following destinations:
- In the Caribbean, Aruba, Barbados, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Bonaire, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman, Grenadines, Jamaica, and St. Lucia are all open for business; Antiqua, St. Kitts/Nevis, and Turks & Caicos escaped heavy damage and are ready to welcome guests after completing clean-up efforts.
- In Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun/Riviera Maya, and several Pacific Coast resort destinations like Huatulco, Ixtapa, and Puerto Vallarta are all open for business.
- And don’t forget Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama are also tropical options that survived the recent hurricane season without damage.
When planning your Caribbean vacation, there are a few special considerations to make—for instance, if you plan on traveling during the 2018 hurricane season (July – October) you might want to focus on destinations that are typically outside of hurricane paths, like Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenadines, and St. Lucia; and before booking your hotel, check on its current status—here’s a great resource for individual hotel updates.
Feeling worried or finding it hard to choose which destination is right for you? I’m here for you. As a Travel Specialist, I’ve spent the last 20 years helping people just like you plan and enjoy dream escapes. I’m up-to-date on your best options throughout the islands and Mexico, and I’ll match you with the destination and resort that best reflect your needs and budget; and I’ll calm any concerns along the way.
Contact me today (call 603-418-8698 or send an email to me at info@travelbydarcy.wpcomstaging.com and let me know how I can help! 
