The Perfect Antiguan Itinerary | Antigua and Barbuda

Having A Jolly Time in St Johns

I held my pee, and the nerves rushed through my veins as I anxiously boarded my flight from Gatwick to Antigua, far away from home. A good few hours later, I had crystal clear waters and soft white sand right under my feet!

Antigua hadn’t always been a dream destination for me, I guess I may have overlooked the destination assuming it was way over my budget, but then optimism kicked in, and I was on a roll…

Completely foreign to the country, this had me filled with both excitement and anxiety. I travelled with my son who was 9 at the time, so he was a good travel buddy, and a budding photographer!

We arrived at our Hotel in the late afternoon. Having missed lunch, we showered, and changed our clothes, in a rush to make it for dinner. Dinner was an all inclusive buffet of Caribbean food.

I couldn’t ask for anything more…

I always enjoy staying at family friendly hotels, and just feel that little bit more safe. I was over the moon when my little one made friends with another child, finally, he had someone else to play with!

I created my itinerary a few months before, which allowed me to plan out our days, ensuring that they would go as smooth as possible – something which I completely enjoy doing.

Exported foods can cost up-to three times the amount, so if it’s food and snacks your after, it’s best to pack them from home, or make it your mission to buy local.

Overall, I did find Antigua fairly expensive, but I guess that’s the norm when your paying for things which have to be exported.

Our hotel shop was very expensive for snacks so we opted for a bus ride to town, to get some snacks we had never tried before. To my surprise, they were really tasty and were something I actually preferred.

The television at Starfish Jolly Beach had multiple sky and cable channels, so we were spoilt for choice at night.

One of my most memorable nights is when we had dinner on the beach and watched live bands play the steel pans. We then stayed out and listened to the waves of the ocean. It was a holiday I would never forget. If there’s one piece of advice I would give to you, it would be:

“Do what you love, you only have one live to live. Take risks, have no regrets, make friends and enjoy your life. Happiness is for everyone.”

Check out most of the places we visited:

Jolly Beach

St Johns ( The Capital)

Take the local bus down to the town. Ask your hotel the prices so that you don’t get overcharged. There are so many markets, high street shops, and wonderful boutiques for your arts, crafts and souvenirs!

Nelsons Dockyard

This is the perfect place for a day trip out. There may be a small fee, so please check before you arrive.

The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda (N.B: There is a $5 charge per person to enter)

St John’s Cathedral

A Lovely to visit and take photos.

Some vacations don’t always go as planned…

Shirley Heights was something I was really looking forward to attending but unfortunately I was unable to go due to the taxi expensive costs. The taxi drivers quoted £80 to take us to Shirley Heights and back, and although It would have been ideal to travel with more people, it was just not an option for us.

I guess it gives me a reason to go back!

If you’re visiting Antigua, I would advise you to book your Shirley Heights Trip BEFORE you arrive, you don’t want to miss out like we did… and unfortunately, this was one of the experiences that we had looked forward to the most. Nevertheless, we still had a wonderful time.

Would You Ever Go Back To Antigua?

I cannot wait to return to Antigua. This vacation was one of my favourites. It was the furthest I’d been with just me and my son at the time. But, the best thing about Antigua are the people. There so friendly, warm, welcoming and kind spirited.

If I was to consider Antigua as a place to move to, they would have me sold on that alone, let alone there 365 gorgeous beaches! Your visit to Antigua will be second to none, and if you’ve ever dreamt of, or had doubts about visiting, I’d urge you to tick it off your bucket list NOW!

Where else in the Caribbean have you visited? Leave your comments below. Have you ever heard of the Isle of Spice? Why not book a well deserved trip? Go on, you’ll thank me later!

With Love,

Siobhan Patrina