Hurricanes Irma and Maria passed through the Caribbean, badly damaging islands sadly killing several people and leaving still more homeless with limited access to food and clean drinking water. The travel industry has been working to assist those affected, helping to deliver urgently needed supplies and evacuating residents to safer locals.
While the news from St. Maarten/St Martin, Dominica, Peurto Rico, The US & British Virgin Islands indicates a period of recovery and rebuilding, there are many destinations that sustained very little damage and are ready to receive visitors.
The “ABC” islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, Mexico (both the Gulf and Pacific sides), Jamaica, Grenada, Martinique, St Lucia, Belize, Barbados, Costa Rica and the Caymans are all unaffected by the recent hurricanes and are open for business.
Anguilla
The airport has reopened. The cleanup of debris on the island is underway, some hotels sustained very little damage and are ready to receive guests while others are facing a longer recovery period. Hotel reopening dates will be advised as they become available and most should be open in time for the winter season.
Antigua
The airport, roads and hotels are fully operational and most of the damaged vegetation has been cleared up, leaving very little sign that the hurricane passed through.
Bahamas
The airports and cruise ports are open and operating as normal.
Cuba
Both Varadero and Holguin are fully operational and flights have resumed. The Cayo Coco airport and the Cayo Santa Maria airport remain closed at this time. It is anticipated that flights will resume around October 31, 2017.
Dominican Republic
All airports and hotels are open and operating as normal.
Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos sustained some damage from Hurricane Maria. While the airport is open to commercial flights, several hotels remain closed at this time. Your Vision Travel Advisor will be able to verify if the hotel you are interested in operating or when they will be taking new reservations.
St Kitts
St Kitts airport and hotels are open and operating as normal.
Cruises
Cruise lines are altering their itineraries as needed, typically about four weeks prior to sailing. Right now the ports of St Maarten, St Thomas, Dominica and San Juan remain closed. Key West is now open and has started receive cruise ships.
Tourism is the economic backbone of Caribbean and your visit goes a long way to help the regions’ continued recovery. Speak to your Vision Travel advisor today to book your Caribbean vacation, after all, winter is coming.