Flight from ATLANTA to ANTIGUA
Month traveled: June 2020
Flight Cost: $742 (we got our tickets for $259 each round trip because the airline allowed us to exchange our international canceled flight free of charge)
Hotels/ Airbnb: Range from $75- $300. I recommend an AirBnB if you are staying longer than four days.
How to get around:
If you plan to explore the island I would definitely recommend a rental car, but beware of the insurance mark up. They may offer it to you for a small price and then after they add in all the taxes and fees your insurance will cost you more than the rental car itself. We were able to get a pretty good deal on our Jeep from Big’s Car rental. They also have a taxi service if you don’t feel safe driving yourself.
COVID-19 Procedures: Everyone flying into Antigua must have a negative Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours of arrival or they will test you upon arrival. You also have to go through basic COVID screening (Temperature check and basic Q &A).
Currency: Eastern Caribbean (aka EC). On the island, the exchange rate is .27 EC to 1 US dollar
The Island:
Antigua is rural and beautiful. Every beach is pristine and well cared for. What I noticed is that the locals care greatly for their island and treat it with the utmost respect. Although many of the locals are not rich in money they are certainly proud of their rich culture.
As we toured the island it was clear that there has not been a huge amount of growth since the end of the sugar plantation era. There is an abundant amount of wild animals that roam free and the animals that are personal property are simply tied up to a post.
Donkeys, which were once the lifeline of the sugar industry, and played a major part of the sugarcane workforce now have a home in the donkey sanctuary on the island. While some continued to be used on farms and to lug produce to and from the market, they were largely left to fend for themselves after the doors closed on the last sugar factory in the 1970s.
Today, the donkeys are one of the last vestiges of the roaring industry which helped build the British Empire.
The island of Antigua is only 11 miles long and 14 miles wide, 108 square miles total. With that being said the island has to import most of its goods in order to support the hundred thousand residents.
Top Three Things to do:
268 Buggies (tell them Budget Trips sent you for a discount)
Cost: see website for current Tour prices.
268 Buggies is a half-day of fun in the sun filthy dirty adventure. They have other tours if you don’t want to get too dirty.
2) Sting Ray City
It’s in the middle of the ocean, the ray will swim right up to you. There are several tours that can take you there. There are local vendors that will take you there for half the cost of the hotel concierge if you don’t mind wondering around the beach of major hotels looking for local guides. If hustling up tours is not your thing I would reach out to www.adventureAntigua.com
3) Horseback riding on the beach
The cost varies but I advise going closer to Sandals and negotiate with a local horse owner. We paid $50 per person for 2 hours, but we booked it on the spot with a local. If you walk on the beach you will find someone that will have his own business offering horseback rides.
Places to Eat:
Street Vendors:
The best food was provided by the local vendors off the side of the road. You can get a great meal for around $10-$12 EC (about $4 per plate)
Food market on the weekend:
There was a young man on the grill on the market that had the meat seasoned to perfection. You can get grilled pork chops or chicken for $10-$12 EC
Tramontina:
If you are looking for a cute sit-down restaurant that has good food and very reasonably priced I recommend Tramontina. Its located in St. Mary’s off Old Parish rd. (I think)
Sheer Rocks:
If you are looking for something high-end with a great ambiance then I would recommend Sheer Rocks.
Sweet T’s:
Is a cool spot for burgers and alcoholic milkshakes