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Clothing
Choosing the right clothes to bring on your tropical holiday to Anguilla means packing appropriate clothing for the weather and for the culture. Since the island maintains a tropical climate almost all year around, you will probably want to bring light comfortable clothing along with plenty of beach wear for long days of sunbathing and swimming in the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean.
During the warm and sunny days, travelers may want to wear light materials such as comfortable cottons. It is never actually cold in Anguilla, but the island breezes can get slightly cooler in the evenings. You may want to bring light sweater or jacket in case you get chilly. The island sometimes experiences short, unexpected showers, especially in the winter months. Storms generally come in short bursts, and sparkling sunshine soon follows. Pack umbrellas and rain gear that aren't too cumbersome, so you can quickly put them away after the rain.
Anguilla's beaches are one of the main reasons that tourists visit the island, so bringing adequate beach wear is definitely a must. Swimsuits and trunks are appropriate at the beach and around hotel swimming pools, but bikini tops and going shirtless is generally frowned upon in towns, shops, restaurants, and other common areas. The island has an overall casual atmosphere, so shorts for both men and women are acceptable for almost every event. If you're going to dine at a fancy restaurant, travelers should wear dressy casual attire, such as a nice slacks or a sun dress.
Currency & Credit Cards
Anguilla's local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, which is fixed to the U.S. dollar at $2.68(EC) to $1(USD). The U.S. dollar is accepted pretty much everywhere on the island.
While visiting Anguilla, you can get your change back in either U.S. dollars or Eastern Caribbean dollars, or even both. Airports and hotels have currency exchanges, but go to a bank in order to get the best rates.
Driving
Driving is a great way to see the wonderful sites of Anguilla at your own pace. Tourists who choose to drive on the island can get up and go whenever they choose. While driving on Anguilla, tourists should keep a few things in mind to make their trip safe.
While driving a vehicle in Anguilla, remember that driving is done on the left-hand side of the road, as in England. Before you set out to drive, you must have a valid driver's license from your home country and a local driving permit. You can get an Anguilla driving license at the rental car agency.
Along with the basic requirements for driving on the island, travelers should remember a few simple tips to stay safe on the road. On most roadways, the speed limit is 30 mph, except in school zones and in villages where you will have to slow down to at least 20 mph. While you're keeping an eye out for pedestrians, you may also want to be alert for kids crossing the road - and not just the human ones. Anguilla is full of free-roaming goats, who often wander into the middle of the road. Children are also known for doing the same thing. There are no sidewalks on the island, so pedestrians have to walk on the edge the road. Be especially careful at night time, as it may hard to see someone - or something - walking along the road.
Driving can be an excellent way to experience Anguilla, but don't forget to put safety while you're out exploring this magnificent Caribbean island.
Electricity
Many travelers visiting the little island of Anguilla will find that plugging in their electrical appliances is less of a hassle than on many other Caribbean islands. Almost all of Anguilla uses North American-style 110-volt power current, which is very convenient for travelers from the United States and Canada.
Health
Travelers should keep in mind a few medical tips to stay healthy while vacationing on the alluring island of Anguilla.
One of the main safety concerns while vacationing on Anguilla is overexposure to the elements. Spending time on the island's beautiful beaches can make for a wonderful time, but can also cause serious health problems if you're not careful. Here are a few tips to make having fun in the sun safe:
Always remember to wear adequate sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Also consider wearing hats sunglasses and protective coverings to beat back the sun.
To avoid overheating, dehydration, and sun stroke, remember to drink plenty of liquids, especially water.
Probably one of the most unexpected dangers on the island lies in the form of a tree. The poisonous manchineel tree is sometimes found on Anguilla's beaches, and tourist should avoid touching this hazardous plant. Mosquitoes and other bugs can be a pesky nuisance and a danger to your health. Avoid nasty bug bites by using bug spray and wearing long clothing when spending time outdoors.
Travelers aren't required to receive specific vaccinations prior to visiting the island, but they should be up to date on their routine immunizations, as well Hepatitis A and B. If you're currently taking medications, be sure to bring an adequate supply in their clearly labeled original containers. Also, carry a letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and listing all of your medications.
Travelers should check with their insurance providers to find out if they'll be covered overseas. Anguilla has only one major hospital, so any major medical issues will probably require evacuation, which may or may not be covered under your policy. Medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so its always a good idea to find out what your insurance company covers. Consider purchasing travel insurance to supplement your coverage. Also, don't forget to bring a copy of your insurance ID card, claims forms, and other relevant insurance documents.
If you need emergency medical attention, you can go to Anguilla's Princess Alexandra College, which is located in Sandy Ground. Anguilla also has clinics in major settlements, and ambulance and emergency room service around the clock. For emergencies, dial "911" from anywhere on the island.
Passports
All visitors arriving on the island of Anguilla must show a valid passport, that is valid for at least six more months. The United States government has recently issued a statement that requires all U.S. citizens to have a valid passport to travel to Caribbean Islands, including Anguilla. U.S. citizens will be required to present their passport upon return to the States. All travelers must also show proof of a return or onward ticket in order to gain access to Anguilla.
Visas
Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada do not need a visa to enter Anguilla, as long as they plan to stay in the country for no longer than six months.
Time Zone
Like much of the Caribbean, this overseas territory of the United Kingdom is on Atlantic Standard Time. This time zone places Anguilla four hours behind GMT, and four or five hours behind London and the rest of the United Kingdom. Travelers visiting Anguilla from most of mainland Europe will experience a time change of five to six hours, depending on the time of the year.
Beaches
Even in the Caribbean, where beaches rule, Anguilla's beaches are known for being “la crème de la crème”. Soft, brilliant-white sands stretch out against clear blue waters. While there are other things to do on the island, spending time in the sand and surf is the number 1 reason to come here.
In spite of Anguilla's small size, it boasts more than 30 spectacular beaches. All beaches are open to the public, though some of them can only be accessed by walking through hotels. The most popular beaches can get crowded, but you'll find the majority to be havens of tranquility. Bars and restaurants skirt some of them, so beach-goers can stroll right from lounge chair to dining chair.
The west side is where you'll find the island's best beaches, lined by the most expensive resorts. Still, you really can't go wrong anywhere on Anguilla. Whether you're looking for swimming, windsurfing, a quiet retreat, or a wild shore to explore, you can find a suitable beach on any part of the island.
With peaceful waves, many beaches are good for swimming. However, strong currents and dangerous undertows make a few areas too treacherous for a dip in the water. This is especially true near Anguilla's northernmost tip, though rough spots are scattered here and there around the island. But they're still excellent places for picnicking, hiking, or watching the boats go by.
For a fun diversion, some beaches offer water sports. Large hotels often provide equipment to their guests, so if you're staying at one you may be able to get all you need and head right out to the water. Parasailing, paddle-boating, water-skiing and much more await you. Coral reefs teeming with marine life make for magnificent snorkeling and scuba diving. Several old shipwrecks also can be investigated by certified divers. If you're not quite that adventurous, you can still see underwater wonders on a glass bottom boat tour.
Anguilla's visitors will also discover some interesting natural phenomena on its beaches. Coral sculptures, washed ashore by the waves, almost look as if they were artfully placed by hand. More secluded beaches give several turtle species perfect spots for their annual trip ashore to nest. Looking for your own romance, Snuggle up on Shoal Bay East and watch the sunset turn the sand pink.
Anguilla's beaches offer so many possibilities, finding a superb spot is easy. In fact, the hardest part will be choosing which one to visit first. To learn more about each of the beaches individually, use the links below. You'll be taken to detailed pages about each of these fine Anguillan beaches.
Food
Anguilla has over 70 restaurants serving various types of Caribbean and international cuisine. The island is well known for a number of restaurants, and internationally recognized wine cellars and chefs provide travelers with some of the region's finest culinary experiences.
Although Anguilla is noted for a number of international restaurants that have received prestigious accolades, these are not the only dining options available to vacationers. Small bakeries and cafes can be found alongside fast food and Chinese restaurants. Diners can enjoy some of the island's nicer establishments as they overlook a beach sunset. Fine French and Italian cuisines are combined with Caribbean flavors with delightful results in some of the finest restaurants on the island, and diners can select from wine cellars that have tens of thousands of bottles.
Although the island boasts a number of fine restaurants, budget travelers also have options for quick and inexpensive meals. The island's barbecues, fast food restaurants, and unpretentious restaurants and bars serve meals ranging from $5(USD) to $15(USD). Meals at moderately priced restaurants will cost between $15(USD) and $30(USD), while the island's most prestigious restaurants have entrees that run from $30(USD) to $50(USD). Three course meals can easily cost $40(USD) to $60(USD) and up, depending on the quality of the restaurant. Some restaurants also have food and wine tasting menus. Numerous courses and fine wine will significantly increase the overall cost of a meal.
Dining options are diverse in Anguilla, and travelers should choose restaurants and cuisines that appeal to them. Travelers who are wine connoisseurs should certainly take advantage of the restaurants that boast extensive wine lists. Other travelers who wish to grab a quick bite can indulge in barbecue and fast food. Vacationers may also wish to relax at an unpretentious beach bar while sipping on a rum cocktail and watching a sunset, a favorite Caribbean pastime.
The options are plentiful, and the choices are yours. Choose a restaurant and cuisine that excites and entices you. Like Anguilla itself, your dining experiences are likely to leave you satisfied long after you leave this small island. |
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