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November 10, 2017
By Joey Tyson
After hurricanes Irma and Maria hit the Caribbean earlier this year, many feared the worst for a region that depends so heavily on tourism.
And, as the Caribbean gets back on its feet and tries to tempt tourists back, prices of holidays to the area have generally dropped, some significantly so. In fact, TravelSupermarket’s price data shows that Caribbean holidays are up to 31% cheaper this winter than last.
There are cheaper deals available this December than last to popular islands Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba and Saint Lucia. According to our research, the biggest discounts are available in the Dominican Republic where 14-night holidays are up to 31% cheaper (£758 vs £1,092); Barbados, where prices are 29% cheaper (£1,280 vs £1,809); and St Lucia where prices are 25% cheaper (£1,484 vs £1,969).
And, St Lucia is a rising star on TravelSupermarket with demand to this Caribbean beauty up 24% this year, according to our data.
How much damage was caused by the hurricanes?
Given the size and power of the two hurricanes, it’s remarkable that so much of the area remained untouched: three-quarters of the Caribbean escaped the storms completely.
Some islands, such as Barbuda and Puerto Rico, weren’t so lucky, however, and the damage caused will likely take years to repair. The people here have been affected tremendously by the storm and aid efforts are ongoing.
Other affected islands, such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Barbados, are shaking off the after-effects of the storms the only way they know how: it’s business as usual.
While it’s important to research your destination before you book, and to keep up-to-date with the latest travel advice, according to a spokesperson from Caribbean Tourism Organisation, many of the countries impacted by the hurricanes are well on their way to a full recovery.
“The Caribbean is an exciting and varied region; and is welcoming holidaymakers across many of its islands post this year’s hurricanes with open arms.
“The region has a fantastic range of accommodation to meet all price ranges and tastes. The fact that many destinations are cheaper this winter than last is great news for Brits looking to enjoy some winter sun and help support the wider economy, for which tourism is so important,” the organisation’s spokesperson adds.
Should I be worried about hurricanes in the region?
Hurricanes are a fact of life in the Caribbean. Hurricane season officially runs from June until November, but it can vary wildly from year to year and island to island.
If you are planning to travel during this period, the FCO recommends that holidaymakers should “monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Center.”
Hurricanes are unlikely from December onwards. If you are worried about hurricanes affecting your holiday, it may be worth booking a package holiday so you have protection should things go wrong.
What deals are available this December?
Cuba from £670pp
The deal: 10 days departing London on December 2
Why go? Cuba is all at once beguiling, heady and beautiful. Famed for its rum, its cigars and politics, the Caribbean’s largest island is a complex place, difficult to understand but impossible to forget. A combination of pristine beaches, fascinating modern history and lively culture make Cuba a standout star in the region.
An island that lives for music, rumba rhythms pulsate through its streets, from the chaotic bustle of Havana to tiny rural towns like Vinales, at any given time of day. Popular resorts include Cayo Coco and Varadero, but to see Cuba properly, leaving the beach is a must.
Barbados from £691pp
The deal: 10 days departing London on December 3
Why go? When most people think of the Caribbean, chances are they’re thinking of Barbados. Its world-famous beaches set the bar for perfection, while its impossibly clear waters complete an enchanting scene of exotic bliss.
Barbados is as much about the people as it is the stunning setting, and you’ll find Bajans vibrant and welcoming. A mecca for water sports, Barbados is ideal for divers, surfers and sailors, or anyone one who likes to balance flopping on the beach with a few activities.
Dominican Republic from £841pp
The deal: 10 days departing London on December 3
Why go? The Dominican Republic is one of the most diverse islands in the Caribbean. There aren’t too many places you can find soaring mountains, dense rainforest, white-sand beaches, coastal lagoons, cloud forests and mangroves concentrated into such a small area – it’s an explorer’s paradise!
You’ll find beaches in abundance in the Dominican Republic which you’ll appreciate whether you’re an intrepid adventurer or an easy-going beach bum. It’s also relatively cheap compared to other islands in the Caribbean and has a great range of coastal resorts, many of which are centred round Punta Cana and Las Terrenas.
St Lucia from £1,008pp
The deal: 10 days departing London on December 3
Why go? The twin volcanoes of Petit Piton and Gros Piton, covered in dense rainforest, rising out of the twinkling depths of the Caribbean Sea, tell you all you need to know about St Lucia: this island is all about drama. It looks every inch the quintessential tropical island, with secluded, sugar-sand coves, picture-perfect, palm-fringed beaches and lush inland jungles.
As such, it’s just as good for hiking as it is for relaxing. There are trails all over the island and you can hike to the summit of its famous volcanoes. The island’s resorts are largely split between Rodney Bay in the north and Soufriere in the south.
Jamaica from £1,135pp
The deal: 10 days departing London on December 2
Why go? Even for a region as diverse and colourful as the Caribbean, Jamaica is an island that stands out from the crowd. A place of sandy beaches and coral reefs, dramatic craggy cliffs and lush mountain peaks, and an immensely rich culture, it’s a place that draws you in and leaves you wanting more.
The home of reggae and dancehall, music is a vital part of what makes Jamaica so vibrant and unique, while its beaches are up there with the absolute best in the Caribbean. Negril and Montego Bay are among the most popular resort towns on the island.
Please note: Research prices were based on more than 400,000 price points taken from 2016/17 and 2017/18 data. All deal prices were sourced on November 9, 2017, and are subject to change and availability.
