The hotel industry in the Caribbean has been booming, with new hotels coming on the scene every week. Not only are new hotels being built in tourist hot spots like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, but developers are also building in smaller islands like Dominican and St. Martin. 

Here are 15 Caribbean hotels that are either newly opened or will be opened in 2020.

Eclipse at Half Moon – Jamaica

The opening of Eclipse at Half Moon is the most exciting hotel opening in recent years and will be located in Montego Bay. There will be 57 rooms and located on the coast. 

The hotel will be opened on March 1st, 2020. 

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla – Mexico 

Mexico has been seeing an abundance of new hotels popping up but Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla will bring something different to the table. The hotel will have a co-working space, rooftop pool and will be in close proximity to prime shopping in Cancun. 

The Morgan – St. Maarten

This luxury hotel will have 124 rooms and suites, a rooftop deck, an infinity pool and access to Maho and Simpson Bay beaches. 

The Morgan will start taking reservations in February. 

Planet Hollywood Cancun – Mexico 

Another opening in Cancun, Planet Hollywood will be making its debut this spring. There will be 648 rooms and the decor is inspired by movies. 

Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda – Dominican Republic

This location is the first-ever Exclusive Collection hotel by Club Med to open in the Caribbean. 

Located in the serene area of Miches, the hotel has 335 rooms and opened last month. 

Radisson Aruba – Aruba

Radisson left Aruba four years ago but is now making a comeback this year. The hotel will have 208 suites, ranging in size from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. 

Noni Beach, a St Thomas Resort – St. Thomas

This hotel will be opening in late 2020 but is the most anticipated opening on the island in years. Noni Beach will be a boutique hotel will 94 rooms. 

Paradisus Playa Mujeres – Mexico 

Opening this summer in Cancun is this mega hotel with 498 rooms, 10 dining areas, a fitness center, and a spa. 

Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana – Dominican Republic 

This Punta Cana resort will have 500 suites and a water park located in the Macao area of the city. The hotel will have an emphasis on being family-friendly and all-inclusive. 

Margaritaville Beach Resort, Nassau – The Bahamas

The Margaritaville Beach Resort is set to be a major addition to Nassau and will be opening this year. 

Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski – Dominica

Dominica’s brand new luxury hotel opened at the end of 2019, drawing more interest to this under-the-radar island. The hotel has 151 rooms and is located near Cabrits National Park. 

Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf – St. Barth

Opening in the first quarter of 2020 is the highly anticipated luxurious Hotel Barriere. The hotel will have 23 rooms in the heart of St Barth. 

Hammock Cove – Antigua

The recently opened Hammock Cove is a boutique all-inclusive, with all the rooms having their own private plunge pools. 

Secrets – St. Martin

Opening in the first quarter of 2020 is this all-inclusive hotel with 258 rooms and located on Anse Marcel. It is the first brand-new resort to open in Saint Martin and is anticipated to increase tourism to the island. 

Alaia Belize – Belize

Alaia will be opening towards the latter part of 2020 and will have a spa, art gallery, rooftop pool, and dive shop. 

Hey Chi-town fam, it’s time to pack your bags for a little fun in the sun. United Airlines is currently advertising nonstop flights from Chicago to DR for as low as $261 roundtrip.

There are only a limited number of dates within the month of January for this deal. To find your seat, you can head to Skyscanner. When using this site, you can filter your search by an entire month. So filter by the month of January 2020. You will see the lowest price dates populate in green. Click the dates that are most convenient for you, and follow the link to purchase.

You can also find additional low price flights on Google Flights. However, these are not nonstop flights.

Punta Cana sits at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic and boasts warm weather all year round.

Related: 5 Budgeting Tips You’ll Need For The Perfect Vacation. 

Most travelers choose to spend the majority of their time at their all-inclusive resort. If you decide to travel off of the beaten path, be sure to get a taste of the history and culture, which is highlighted by cigars, local coffee, and local rums.

Some popular attractions include Anamuya Ziplines, which features 12 zipline runs, Boca De Yuma, a daytime escape to a beautiful fishing village that resembles an Italian seaside town, and Bavaro Adventure Park, which features a little something for every adventurer at heart.

Catch this deal soon because it won’t be around very long.

With a new decade approaching, vacations in the Caribbean aren’t slowing down. In fact, accommodations in the Caribbean are improving their properties and becoming more luxurious. 

Next year will be the year of luxury Caribbean resorts. We’ve rounded up a list of the 10 hottest luxury Caribbean resorts for 2020. Although each has different elements of luxury, they share a common goal of catering to their guests. 

Cabarets Resort and Spa Kempinski Dominica

This resort is brand-spanking-new and the first real resort on the island. Housing 151-rooms, this property boasts plunge-pool suites which either overlook the ocean or lush green mountain. 

Eden Roc Cap Cana – Dominican Republic

This property has 62 suites, amazing restaurant options, and exceptional service. You can choose from pool suites or rooms with a beachfront view. You may also spot celebrities, as it’s a popular spot amongst socialites and the “who’s who”. 

Rosewood Little Dix Bay – Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

This property was known as a premier resort for those staying in the Virgin Islands. Unfortunately, the property was damaged from a hurricane but the resort is re-opening in January 2020. When opened, there will be 80 brand-new guest rooms, suites, and villas — perfect for a luxury Caribbean vacation. 

Eden Rock – St Barths

Conveniently located on St Jean beach is Eden Rock, offering beautiful suites and plenty of culinary options. 

Park Hyatt – St Kitts

Park Hyatt is the flagship resort of St Kitts and is the first Caribbean resort in the Park Hyatt brand. 

Silversands – Grenada

This new luxury resort has 52 rooms and is set on the popular Grand Anse Beach. The other amazing part of this property is its 330-foot-long pool. 

Shore Club – Turks and Caicos

This property is still fairly new to Turks and Caicos but has certainly set the standard for great resorts in the area. The guest rooms are luxurious and the service is unmatched. 

Eclipse at Half Moon – Jamaica

Half Moon is a popular Jamaican resort but will be adding a new resort in March 2020. Eclipse at Half Moon will have 57 rooms, an infinity pool, two restaurants, and a beautiful white-sand beach. It is sure to be an iconic luxury property. 

Baoase Luxury Resort – Curacao

Located on a private beach, this property will remind you of vacationing in Bali. Not only are the rooms breathtaking, but the food offered is also absolutely delicious. 

Curtain Bluff – Antigua

A celebrity favorite, this area is the perfect place for a luxury Caribbean getaway. 

Spending your time at an all-inclusive resort while vacationing is a stress-free approach to travel. It’s great when you’re traveling with family or a group of friends because it gives you the change to relax, eat and drink without constantly pulling out your wallet or having to find things to do. 

Although staying at all-inclusive resorts is convenient, there are things you should avoid doing during your stay to stay healthy and safe while on vacation.

Here are 15 things you should avoid doing while at an all-inclusive resort.

Don’t Venture Out Of The Resort Alone

Prior to booking your stay, it’s vital to know what’s going in the area outside of the resort. For example, USnews.com ranks Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic as one of the safest vacation spots in the Caribbean but travelers, especially women, have to be vigilant when venturing outside of the resort. 

It’s best to travel outside of resorts with a group of people or a local that knows the area. 

Avoid Eating The Soup

The beauty of all-inclusive resorts is that there are buffets where you can choose whatever foods you want. However, it’s suggested to not eat the soup.

“While soup is usually not problematic, some kitchens will reuse leftover meats and vegetables; yesterday’s beef medallions or chicken breast could become the soup du for,” states Food Network. 

You’re also not aware of how long the leftovers put in the soup have been sitting out, so it’s best to just avoid soup altogether. 

Don’t Do The Same Activities Everyday

Sure lounging by the pool is relaxing and wonderful but there are so many great activities offered by resorts. 

Try something new like a yoga class on the beach or a water sport. Whatever activity you choose, make sure it’s fun and something new. After all, we only live once. 

Don’t Drink The Complimentary ‘Welcome’ Juice Offered At The Lobby

Upon checking in, it’s normal for resorts to offer complimentary welcome drinks. These drinks are usually filled with lots of sugar and artificial ingredients. If you want to avoid feeling sick or bloated on vacation, don’t drink the complimentary juice. 

Avoid The Crowds

If you’re looking for a bit of serenity and peace while on vacation, it’s best to avoid the crowds at the resort. Peak season starts in November and ends in April which means loads of crowds. 

If you want to avoid crowded resorts, travel during the off-season months. 

Don’t Eat At The Buffet The Entire Time 

In addition to the buffets, there are sit-down restaurants at the resort that serve up delicious meals. Sometimes leaving the resort and trying other restaurants is a nice change of pace. 

Don’t Eat Food That Seems It Was Sitting Out For Hours

A good rule of thumb when at all-inclusive resorts is to eat food that is cooked thoroughly. This means avoiding meat that is pink in the middle or cold foods like sushi and shrimp. These foods need proper refrigeration and usually at resorts, they end up sitting out all day. 

Avoid Any Hidden Fees

All-inclusive resorts aren’t usually what they seem to be. Some things may come at an additional charge such as airport transfers or certain dishes. Be mindful of any hidden fees so you won’t be hit with surprise charges. 

Avoid Shopping At The Gift Shops

When packing, be sure to include absolutely everything you may need while on vacation. If you forget an item like sunscreen or toothpaste, you may be having to pay unnecessarily high prices for them at the resort shop. Items in those shops are usually outrageously overpriced. 

Don’t Lose Your Resort Wristband

When checking into the resort, you’ll be given a wristband. You should always keep the wristband on to avoid losing it. Having your wristband allows you to enter restaurants, bars and other activities on the resort’s premises. 

If you lose your wristband, you can expect to pay hefty fines. According to Wolters World, some resorts charge between $75-$100 per day for lost wristbands. 

Avoid Only Staying At The Resort The Entire Time

Just because you shouldn’t leave the resort alone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t leave at all. Leaving the resort allows you to really see the country you’re visiting and what it truly has to offer. 

Avoid Drinking Sugary Drinks

Staying at an all-inclusive resort means having 24/7 access to unlimited food and drinks. While drinking cocktails is a nice way to unwind, it’s suggested not to drink it every day. 

Not only do these drinks have loads of sugar, but according to Everybody Craves, these sugar-filled drinks can lead to dehydration. 

Don’t Eat Exotic Foods

When traveling, it’s natural to want to try exotic foods like iguana, grasshoppers, or scorpions. However, to avoid getting sick in a foreign country, it’s best to leave these foods alone altogether. 

Don’t Stay Out In The Sun All Day

Laying out by the pool or beach is definitely a must while on vacation but exposing yourself to the sun all day can be harmful to your health. 

Copake Camping Resort states, “too much sun can be dangerous in the case of sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. Overheating, along with dehydration, is a serious risk, especially for children and older adults.”

Don’t Drink The Tap Water

Sure drinking tap water in your city may be fine but if you’re heading to Cancun, it’s best to stick to bottled water. 

According to Trip Savvy, “generally, the water is purified at the source, but the distribution system may allow the water to be contaminated en route to the tap.”

Our favorite discount carrier, offering cheap tickets with a side of additional fees, is back at it again with new routes. Frontier Airlines announced the addition of 18 new nonstop routes on Wednesday. 

The new flights will include the airline’s first route to El Salvador and Guatemala. There will also be an increase in flights out of Miami, which is also a major hub for American Airlines. 

Frontier is adding additional destinations in the Dominican Republic, including Santiago and Santo Domingo. 

It is common for Frontier to experiment with the routes they offer, launching most routes seasonally. However, if routes don’t do particularly well, they get pulled from the lineup — such as the service to Costa Rica which is no longer active. 

Although tickets are cheap, Frontier charges additional fees for carry-on bags, checked bags and beverages on the flight. 

Here’s a look at the new flights Frontier will be offering:

Miami International Airport (Departures and Arrivals):

Austin, Texas – Starting April 23rd, flights will be available three times a week. One-way fares start at $49.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport – Also starting on April 23rd, there will be daily flights. One-way fares start at $39. 

El Salvador International Airport – Flights will be available from June 18th three times a week. One-way fares start at $59. 

Guatemala City La Aurora International Airport – Starting May 10th, daily flights will be offered. One-way fares start at $59. 

Long Island (New York) MacArthur Airport – With another starting date of May 10th, flights will be offered daily. One-way fares start at $49. 

Ontario International Airport, California – Starting on April 23rd, will be daily flights. One-way fares start at $69. 

Santo Domingo Airport, Costa Rica – Daily flights will start on April 23rd. One-way fares start at $89. 

Trenton-Mercer Airport, New Jersey – Starting April 23rd, flights will be offered three times a week. One-way fares start at $49. 

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (Departures and Arrivals):

El Salvador International Airport – Starting June 18th with daily flights. One-way fares start at $79. 

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Starting April 23rd with daily flights. One-way fares start at $69. 

Newark, New Jersey (Departures and Arrivals):

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Starting March 10th with daily flights. One-way fares start at $89. 

Santiago, Dominican Republic – Starting May 28th with daily flights. One-way fares start at $89. 

Ontario International Airport, Ontario, California (Departures and Arrivals):

El Salvador – Starting June 18th, flights will be offered three times a week. One-way flights start at $89. 

Las Vegas – Starting April 23rd with daily flights. One-way fares start at $29. 

Guatemala – Starting May 10th with daily flights. One-way fares start at $89. 

San Juan, Puerto Rico (Departures and Arrivals):

Boston – Starting April 23rd with daily flights. One-way fares start at $59. 

Chicago O’Hare International Airport – Starting on April 23rd with daily flights. One-way fares start at $79. 

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Starting April 23rd with daily flights. One-way fares start at $69. 

The colder it gets, the more a Caribbean vacation sounds like a great idea. After booking a flight, the next thing to do is find accommodations. Caribbean islands have lots of beautiful hotels to choose from but you deserve to stay at the cream of the crop!

Forbes Travel Guide has recently curated a list of the best hotels in the Caribbean and these properties are absolute perfection. 

Here are 30 Caribbean hotels you must visit on your next vacation:

Belmond Cap Juluca – Anguilla

This beautiful property has a green-tiled Moroccan pool and a color palette of white, gray and blue. The best part is it’s located near the gorgeous turquoise waters of Maundays Bay in Anguilla. 

Belmond La Samanna – St. Martin

This Mediterranean-inspired hotel will be reopening at the end of this month and will be sporting a new fresh look with a turquoise and white color palette. The hotel’s location is along the white sands of Baie Longue, making it the perfect vacation accommodation. 

Condado Vanderbilt Hotel – Puerto Rico

Located in San Juan, this hotel recently turned 100. Although the property has been around for a century, it is modern and comes with a heated infinity pool and a Four-Star spa with a gray marble hammam. 

Casa de campo Resort & Villas – Dominican Republic

This hotel is praised for its top-of-the-line golf course but it also offers a shooting range and fine dining. 

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Puerto Rico

This Five-Star hotel is located in Puerto Rico and comes with a Five-Star spa for pure bliss. My favorite perk of this hotel is being able to have a floating breakfast delivered while in the pool.

Eden Roc Cap Cana – Dominican Republic

Head to the Dominican Republic for a stay at this Four-Star property which comes with a private beach club, newly-renovated spa and golf course. 

Elbow Beach – Bermuda

This is the perfect hotel for a baecation. You can enjoy a Couple’s Retreat Massage with your partner and end the night with a private beach dinner. 

Eden Rock – St. Barths

This is the first hotel on St. Barths and a favorite amongst celebrities. The property has been going through a two-year renovation because of the damage from Hurricane Irma but will be reopened on November 20th. 

Fairmont Royal Pavilion – Barbados

Located on the Platinum Coast of Barbados, this hotel is only a short walk from the white sand beach. The rooms are decorated with artwork from local artists and the open-air dining rooms are perfect for watching the sunset. 

Grace Bay Club – Turks and Caicos

Located along Grace Bay Beach, this property has three pools and the longest bar in the Caribbean. Refresh your tastebuds with an Infiniti Martini (a mix of Hypnotiq, Malibu Rum, and pineapple juice). 

Half Moon – Jamaica

Head to Montego Bay for a stay at this beautiful hotel which is turning 65 years old this year! You’ll be able to partake int he weekly manager’s cocktail party, head to the equestrian center or listen to live reggae music at Cedar Bay. 

Jade Mountain Resort – St. Lucia

This resort is super dope because the fourth wall in the suites are removed, bringing you closer to the Caribbean Sea. The property also has a Chocolate Laboratory where you can taste chocolate made on the estate. 

Jumby Bay Island – Antigua

Located just two miles off the coast of Antigua is the beautiful private island of Jumby Bay. The property contains 300-acres with villas, pools, tennis courts, a farm, a spa, and beaches.

JW Marriott Santo Domingo – Dominican Republic

This Caribbean hotel is located near Blue Mall where you can shop till’ you drop then head to the infinity pool for relaxation. Head to the Vertigo 101 Lounge & Bar, perfect for an epic view of the street from 101 feet above. 

Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa – Grand Cayman

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the dining experience at Avecita where you can enjoy a curated chef’s table. You’ll also have the choice of pampering at the spa or simply relaxing on the beach. 

Le Sereno – St. Barths 

Minimalists will absolutely love this location because of its white-washed rooms and open-air Mediterranean restaurant. You can spend time relaxing in the spa which has the only beachfront treatment room on the island. 

Ladera Resort – St. Lucia 

The highlight of this property is being able to stay in a room with a swing hanging over the pool — talk about a vibe! Also, the decor is filled with furniture made by local artisans. 

Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour – St. Kitts

Located on Banana Bay, you’ll be able to rent watersports equipment for free. Or perhaps dine in an open-air restaurant while sipping on rum. 

Rosewood Bermuda – Bermuda

This beautiful boutique hotel has 88-rooms and was recently renovated last year. The decor is inspired by local artists and is located on Bermuda’s longest private beach.

Round Hill Hotel and Villas – Jamaica

experience complete relaxation at the spa on this property which is located inside of an 18th-century plantain house. This Montego Bay hotel has been popular amongst celebrities and travelers for the past 70 years. 

Sandy Lane Hotel – Barbados

This Five-Star hotel has been one of the most loved properties in the area for over 50 years! This hotel includes a 47,000-square-foot spa, tennis, swimming with turtles and even a Rolls-Royce house car.

Seven Stars Resort & Spa – Turks and Caicos

Staying at this hotel means complimentary kayaking or paddleboarding at Grace Bay. You’ll also be able to relax on the only heated saltwater pool on the island.

Silversands – Grenada

Travel to this serene destination on “the spice island” where you’ll be amongst the scenic jungles on the island. You’ll be able to chill in the longest infinity pool in the Caribbean, coming in at 330-feet. 

The Cove At Atlantis – Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian tragically hit the Bahamas in September but most of Nassau was not damaged. Tourism has been on a decline because of it but businesses are working to get the island back to where it once was with tourism. This property has amazing restaurants, wonderfully designed rooms, and an adults-only pool. 

The Ritz-Carlton – Aruba

Enjoy an onsite casino, amazing restaurants, and beach activities at this beautiful property in Aruba. 

The Ritz-Carlton – Grand Cayman

This property always has activities such as the Cayman Rejuvenate wellness event in November and Cayman Cookout food fest in January. You can also relax on Seven Mile Beach all year ‘round.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort – Puerto Rico

Located in the foothills of El Yunque National Forest is this beautiful hotel. You can spend time at the spa, on a bird-watching tour or just simply relaxing on the beach. 

The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort – Bahamas

Enjoy the world-class spa, serene beach and golf course on this stunning property. 

The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa – Cayman Islands

This property was recently renovated in 2017 and has over 300 rooms in close proximity to the ocean. The property also offers a boat to take you out to Stingray City. 

Wymara Resort and Villas – Turks and Caicos

Enjoy the white sands at Grace Bay Beach or the infinity pool while enjoying your beautiful surroundings. The property offers an alfresco boot camp class as well as a spa and outdoor showers. 

Carnival in the Caribbean is like no other party experience in the world. People from all over the world gather to celebrate, whine, and drink from dusk till’ dawn and throughout the day. During Carnival season, you’ll experience the true essence of West Indian culture through music, dance, and contagious vibrant energy. 

The first Carnival in the Caribbean was in Trinidad and Tobago, with steel bands, whining in the road, exquisite costumes and other fun activities. Carnival originated from Catholic traditions in Europe but West Indians have made it into their own form of an annual celebration. 

After Trinidad started its carnival, other West Indian countries joined in and has attracted visitors from all around the world because of it. 

Here are 15 Caribbean nations you should visit for Carnival:

Trinidad

Trinidad is infamous for having one of the largest parties in the Caribbean. Carnival started because slaves in Trinidad wanted to participate in the European masquerade balls and ended up creating their own. 

Carnival in Trinidad happens on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and people from all over the world flock to the streets with their best costumes, ready to whine all day to the sound of soca and steel pans. The celebrations take place in the capital city of Port of Spain but other cities throughout the island celebrate as well. 

Martinique

French and African cultures merge during Martinique’s Carnival which lasts for five days. Celebrations happen annually at either the end of February or beginning of March. 

People dress up in costumes to sing, dance, and celebrate with a Carnival King or Vaval (a mannequin that is carried through the parade and made from paper or wood). There is also a Carnival Queen who is chosen by the people and has to sit next to the Vaval until the last day of Carnival when it is burned in a bonfire. 

Puerto Rico

Carnival Ponceño is the name for carnival in Puerto Rico and happens in the city of Ponce during the week leading up to Lent. Celebrations occur all week and every day there are parties sand parades reflective of the Spanish influence on the island. 

The first activity is the Parade of the Carnival King and the final ceremony is the “Burial of the Sardine”, also known as Entierro de la Sardina. Most of the ceremonies and costumes are seen during carnival in Puerto Rico are an homage to the Catholic roots of the nation. 

The Bahamas

Nassau, Bahamas has a weeklong carnival during the first week of May. Reggae and soca artists perform while people party and enjoy the parade. 

Hotels and Airbnbs get booked quickly during carnival in the Bahamas so it’s advised to book well in advance. 

Jamaica

Bacchanal is one of the most anticipated carnivals in the Caribbean. Celebrations take place from March until the end of April in Ocho Rios and Kingston, Jamaica. 

Carnival goers drench themselves in oil, paint, and glitter while wearing their costumes, dancing down the road to dancehall, reggae and soca music. 

St. Maarten

April is the month where St. Maarten celebrate Carnival season with the theme “Come, Experience Life!”

Celebrations continue for 17 days with parades, dancing, reggae, and soca performances and people having the time of their lives wearing costumes and enjoying great vibes, food, and drinks. 

Grenada

The island of spice has its own “Spice Mas” Carnival, occurring annually every August. There are events such as the ShortKnee masquerade, showcasing French and African culture with “Vieux corp” carnival gowns. Spice Mas occurs on the streets of St. George’s and you’ll see masqueraders parading through the street. 

Dominican Republic

Music played during carnival in the Dominican Republic differs from soca and reggae on other islands. Instead, you’ll dance to the sounds of merengue and bachata. Carnival goers will be wearing African clothing and traditional Taino costumes. There are also people who wear masks with long horns and pointed teeth to resemble the Diablos (devils). During the month of February, parades happen every Sunday. 

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Carnival in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is known as Vincy Mas and is usually celebrated days before Lent but has recently become a summer celebration. You can expect beautiful costumes, calypso music and dancing in the streets. The last two days of Carnival 

St. Lucia

Carnival in St. Lucia was initially celebrated at the beginning of the year, during Lent but is now celebrated in the Summer, during June. This month-long celebration is filled with pageants, steel band competitions, parties and even a Junior Carnival for kids. The last two days of Carnival consist of a Road March competition which is essentially a costume parade with lots of reggae, soca, and calypso music. 

Aruba

Starting on New Year’s Day until the first week in March is when Aruba celebrates its Carnival. There is an annual carnival queen competition as well as parades and pageants. The Lighting Parade happens at night in February and illuminates the streets of Aruba.

The largest carnival parade on the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) is the Grand Parade and it starts in San Nicolas making its way into the capital city of Oranjestad. To mark the end of Carnival celebrations, a life-sized model called King Momo is burned. 

Curaçao

From January until March, you can enjoy the carnival in Curaçao. There are King and Queen competitions for both teenagers and adults, a children’s parade and street parades. The two major events, Gran March (“The Grand Parade”) and the March di Despedida (“the Farewell March”) both happen at the end of the carnival season. 

Dominica

In February, Dominica celebrates Mas Domnik, also known as Real Mas. This carnival is a fusion of African culture, French masquerade traditions, and Caribbean culture. Events happen during the Monday and Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. Leading up to the main shows are concerts, Calypso shows, and pageants. 

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe celebrates Carnival starting in January until Ash Wednesday. The Opening Parade and the Grande Parade happen in the capital city, Basse-Terre. You can expect a Carnival King and Queen competition as well as singing and dance contests. The symbolic model for Carnival, King Vaval, is burnt to signal the end of Carnival season on Ash Wednesday. 

Barbados

We all know Rihanna is the queen of Crop Over but what you may not know is this celebration started in the 1700s to celebrate the end of sugar cane harvest. The sugar cane industry has since been in decline but Crop Over is still in full swing. Festivities begin in May or June and last until the first Monday in August with The Grand Kadooment parade being the biggest event. Crop Over festivities includes Bridgetown’s craft and food market, Crop Over King and Queen competitions, and Kiddies Kadooment. 

Mechanical issues and bad weather ­–– these are just some of the reasons why pilots decide to make an emergency landing. Rarely is an emergency landing made due to an unruly passenger but that’s what happened on a JetBlue flight traveling from the Dominican Republic to New York City this past week.

The flight was forced to land at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after a female passenger started shouting that the plane was going to “crash.”

A cellphone video taken from inside the plane, which was diverted during a flight from the Dominican Republic to New York City Tuesday night, showed a woman being escorted off by a Federal Air Marshal as she screamed about the plane crashing into the water even though the plane was already on the ground at the airport, as reported by WSVN in Miami.

“You don’t believe me! It’s gonna crash! You guys, believe me, it’s gonna crash! Look at your monitors! We’re in the water!” she screamed.

Flight crews take outbursts from passengers seriously and making an emergency landing in order to eject the disruptive passenger is standard procedure.

The woman on the JetBlue flight was allegedly triggered by something on the plane’s TV monitors.  She continued to scream about the plane being in the water even after it had landed in Florida, WSVN reported.

After landing in Fort Lauderdale, federal air marshals escorted her off the flight, the New York Post reported. She was later taken to a mental health evaluation. It is unclear what the results of the evaluation are.

This is not the first time JetBlue has responded to an unruly passenger.

A woman identified as Sabrina Rey Thomas was filmed yelling and attempting to jump over the JetBlue service counter at  Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

 Screaming “Get me out of this f—d up place, you rapists!” Thomas said.

The California native was finally taken to Broward General Hospital under the state’s Baker Act, which allows involuntary institutionalization and examination of a person after the sheriff’s deputy wrote in his report that Thomas appeared to be delusional and mentally unstable.

After reviewing the toxicology results of three American tourists who died earlier this year while vacationing in the Dominican Republic, the FBI has confirmed that they died of natural causes.

Related: Black Couple From Maryland Found Dead In Dominican Republic

Maryland couple, Edward Nathaniel Holmes and Cynthia Ann Day, made headlines when they were found dead in their hotel room at the Grand Bahia Principe La Romana Resort in San Pedro de Macoris on May 30. Shortly after the news of their death broke, it was revealed that 41-year-old Miranda Schaupp-Werner of Pennsylvania, had been found dead at the Luxury Bahia Principe Bouganville hotel just a few days prior. Their deaths were just the first of 11 tourist deaths that were reported in that short period. The unexplained deaths caused a worldwide panic, with foreign water and alcohol being blamed as possible causes.

Initially, it was reported that  Holmes, 63, and Day, 49, died of respiratory failure and pulmonary edema, a buildup of fluid in the lungs. The recent results are consistent with those findings.

However, Steven Bullock, a spokesperson for Holmes’ and Day’s families, says that the families have not received any updates regarding their loved ones’ deaths.

“The Day and Holmes families have not been provided with any information from the FBI or the Dominican Republic Authorities regarding the deaths,” Bullock said in a statement. “The only information that has been received by the families is what is being reported in the media. Our investigation is continuing, and we will not have any further comment until we receive the results of our investigation. Thank you.”

Related: Beyond the Headlines: Why The Dominican Republic Still Deserves Your Visit

Coincidentally, Miranda Schaup-Werner also died of respiratory failure and pulmonary edema, the same as Holmes and Day.

According to a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, of the 2.7 million U.S. citizens visit the Dominican Republic each year, the majority travel without incident and there was not an “uptick” in fatal incidents this year.

In 2012, Jenny Checo founded the sustainable tourism company “Atlas Travelers” offering offers innovative experiences through cultural exchange.

Checo founded the travel company after graduating college with a degree in Tourism Business Administration with the hopes of traveling the world and reaching all 7 continents.

Nearly seven years later, Checo is only two continents from completing her goal but in the meantime, she has another goal she’s been working hard on: allowing travelers to witness the good between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Checo said she was among the first travel agencies with an experience of this kind.

“When I started motivating other Dominicans to travel to Haiti, people called me crazy,” Checo said.

In an interview with Travel Noire, Checo describes how perceptions of Haiti are changing and how she’s using Atlas to encourage travelers to see all the beauty that Haiti has to offer through the “Other Side of Haiti Tour.”

TN: Can you tell our readers what inspired you all to create an experience that bridges Haiti and the DR together?

Checo: When I founded my travel company, I didn’t have the economic resources, or a visa, that allowed me to travel freely around the world.  The closest foreign country to me was my neighbor Haiti, so I decided to organize a trip and invited others to tag along.

That trip transformed me immensely, changing the way I looked at things and motivated me to support others to break barriers just as I had and do away with their own prejudices by experiencing cultural exchanges based on sustainable tourism.

I was surprised that there wasn’t anyone doing this before, mainly focused on the Dominican population. For that reason, since my first encounter, I took on the mission of improving Dominican-Haitian relations, and since then I haven’t stopped taking groups of 15-25 people to Cap Haitiën. I have currently led over 50 groups to Cap Haitien.

TN: What activities will people experience with this trip?

Checo: The trip is curated to connect the travelers to the history of the struggle for black liberation and gain insights into the rich Haitian culture, all the while enjoying the finest sights, sounds and flavors around.

Travelers will experience a walking city tour of historic downtown Cap Haitien’s picturesque historic quarter; a visit the Citadelle Laferriere, a UNESCO patrimony and the largest fortress in the Americas that was constructed after the revolution in the early 19th century to defend the new black republic from invasion; a delicious culinary experience with great traditional Haitian and modern Afro-Caribbean mixed with French fusions, and some of the best cocktails around with locally produced Rhum.

TN: Why do you feel this cultural experience is needed?

Checo: We are countries known for a strong history of conflict. We must also learn about the history of solidarity that our people have worked together for centuries.  Very few know about the great accomplishments we attained through a collaboration including abolishing slavery, preventing re-enslavement and even imperialism.

I see it this way: we are married with no chance of separation. We need to find ways to thrive as two sovereign, independent countries. We also need to get to know each other, build love, share in different scenarios, and I firmly believe that SUSTAINABLE TOURISM is the answer. 

TN: Is there anything else you want our readers to know?

Checo: Our upcoming route that is launching in 2020 called “One Island, Two Countries,” it is a route that covers all historical and cultural sites on the island, involving gastronomy and enjoying our natural resources in the most sustainable way possible. I’ve been working on this route for a couple of years, and now we finally have a date! It’s set to launch on January 2020. It’s for all of those interested in experience the Dominican Republic and Haiti to have 10 days to the Afro-Caribbean culture all over the entire island.

You can read more about Atlas Travelers sustainable trips to Haiti on its website or by following the company’s experiences on Instagram.

The Dominican Republic made news headlines this summer after a series of tourist deaths while on the island.

In efforts to increase safety measures, the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism is making changes to food and drink inspections.

Francisco Javier Garcia, Minister of Tourism, announced this week in a press release that programs are currently being implemented to strengthen travelers’ confidence.

According to USA Today, hotels will be required to “provide inspectors with detailed food handling protocols as well as comprehensive information on all food and beverage suppliers.”

Inspections are being tightened on food and beverages in tourist destinations after some of the tourists’ deaths reportedly happened after tourists consumed alcohol from hotel minibars.

The medical offices of hotels will also be closely monitored — with the department checking the qualifications of doctors, nurses and other staff members at hotels.

An emergency center is being built in Bávaro, a part of Punta Cana which is a tourist destination.

The emergency center will have multilingual specialists who will be able to liaison between tourists, families and government officials, according to USA Today.

In addition, 911 information will now be required to be clearly posted in every guest room, with hotel staff reviewing the information with guests at check-in.

Garcia says that “the Dominican Republic is a safe country” and the number of tourist deaths is actually lower than in the past year.

So far, there have been 10 U.S. tourist deaths in the Dominican Republic this year.

Written by: Beyazmin Jimenez

Ever since the news cycle began to cover the strange occurrences happening in the Dominican Republic, I have been uneasy. Sure, I am a Dominican-American woman with a strong love for my island-nation, but still, it felt unfair. The sensationalized headlines and sudden assumptions that the Dominican Republic was “dangerous” and should be avoided “at all costs,” as a few outlets reported, felt like a stretch at most and an outright lie at best. Yes, precautions should be taken; as with any travel, especially one abroad. But, given the unpredictable political and social climate of the United States, the criticism feels hypocritical.

RELATED: Tourist Deaths Taking A Toll On Dominican Republic Bookings

The United States is now leading the world in gun deaths. We can now all count a school, an arena, movie theater, supermarket, casino, and a nightclub as places of possible domestic terrorism. Since December 2018, there have been 576 murder-suicides by gun in the United States, according to the Gun Violence Archive. In the vast majority of public incident cases, the terrorists have been White males. However, I do not see Americans fleeing by the thousands; (unless you count those who were lucky enough to leave to Canada quickly following Trump’s election).

The Dominican Republic has become a top tourist destination for Americans and Europeans, rivaling the likes of Cancun and Los Cabos, the top vacation spots in Mexico.

Resort cities like Puerto Plata and Punta Cana have become commonplace for destination weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and the annual family vacation. The island-nation has gained much momentum from the tourist economy and overseen major infrastructure projects to better attract the drove of visitors from abroad it receives each year. Last year alone, the Dominican Republic saw a surge of 6.2%, totaling over 6 million visitors for 2018. The tourism dollars has led to the creation of higher quality jobs in the hospitality industry, which now accounts for almost 1/3 of the island nation’s GDP.

As with any capitalistic structure, when business is down, jobs are down. Dominicans living and working in the Dominican Republic will feel the downturn the hardest. They stand to lose the most if an economic decline occurs. With the perpetrating narrative, many Dominican laborers are at risk of losing their livelihood.

During my recent visit last month to Santo Domingo and Samana in the Dominican Republic, this seemed to be the question on everyone’s mind: What will the tourism slowdown mean for me? For my family? For my way of life? I had candid conversations with the workers at the resort where we stayed, and many were anxious about possible layoffs.

I urge my fellow travelers to dig deeper and go past the headlines. The Dominican Republic remains a hospitable, friendly, and yes- secure place to travel. The beaches, the food, the kind, and warm people are the key reasons to continue coming back to the island time and time again.

In an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen dismissed the possibility of poisoning in the sudden deaths of 11 American tourists in the Dominican Republic, claiming “different water” was to blame.

When questioned about the role illegal alcohol might have played in these fatalities, Allen said, “I think it’s frankly part of today’s media cycle. The reality is that when people travel abroad people get sick simply many times by just drinking water that’s different here than what we are used to in the United States. There have been seven deaths over the last year and a half and certainly, they will be investigated. We have to wait for the Dominican to come back with specifics on all of those unfortunate passings.”

At least 11 American travelers have died while visiting the Dominican Republic over the last year, and eight of those deaths occurred in the last three months. Many of the victims reportedly drank alcohol from hotel bars or restaurants prior to their deaths, prompting police to investigate whether counterfeit alcohol is the cause. The Dominican government insists that the deaths are not connected, but increased scrutiny has pushed some airlines to offer waivers for passengers who want to cancel flights to the island.

More than a dozen tourists have come forward since the deaths were reported, claiming they became dangerously ill after consuming liquor from the minibars in their hotel rooms. Forensic scientist Lawrence Kobilinsky told The Cut that the victims’ shared symptoms “consistent with poisoning,” and that methanol, a common ingredient in bootleg alcohol, may have been used. Vox noted that, “consuming even a small amount of pure methanol can lead to pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs, and respiratory distress.”

Following numerous suspicious travel stories, Delta Air Lines is now granting waivers to passengers flying to the Dominican Republic allowing them to change or cancel tickets.

Flights covered by the waiver are for those going to and from Punta Cana where several American tourists have died, according to CNN.

Related Post: Denver Man Dies In The Dominican Republic After Falling Sick During Vacation

Delta will grant the waiver from now until Aug. 15 and if passengers are planning to rebook, they must begin travel before Nov. 20.  If passengers cancel their flights altogether, Delta will issue a credit they can use on Delta for one from the original booking date.

The move from Delta is in response to the recent deaths of at least nine American tourists on the Caribbean island.

The airline told CNN that they are also working with passengers traveling to Santo Domingo and Santiago de los Caballeros on a case-by-case basis.

Joining Delta is American Airlines, JetBlue and Sun Country airlines who said they will work with passengers who want to change or cancel their flights to the Dominican Republic as well.

Recent data from ForwardKeys has revealed that flight cancellations to the island have increased while new bookings to the Dominican Republic have decreased significantly.

Related Post: Tourist Deaths Taking A Toll On Dominican Republic Bookings

Between June 1 and June 19, cancellations increased by more than 50 percent compared the same time frame in 2018.

New bookings for July and August to the Dominican Republic from the United States have fallen by more than 70 percent compared to the same period in 2018.

David Tarsh, a spokesperson for ForwardKeys, told CNN the decline is similar to what happens sometimes after violence strikes a country. “You can get a long continued problem or things can recover quite quickly, depending on whether people see the threat as being contained or ongoing. The problem you have here is the uncertainty because the deaths are a mystery.”

A Denver native is the latest American to die after falling ill while vacationing in the Dominican Republic.

The family of Khalid Adkins is working to get his body back to Colorado, the country’s U.S. consulate told 9 News.

Adkins was vacationing with his daughter Mia on the Caribbean Island in what she said was supposed to be a “Father’s Day, father-daughter trip.”

During the trip, Adkins began to complain about a painful bump on his leg before Mia’s flight home. She told the news outlet that her father planned a longer trip than her because she had to return back to work.

Before her flight home, they stopped by their hotel’s medical clinic but decided against treatment unless the pain became worse. 

By the time Mia returned home, her father’s condition worsened the following day and he booked an earlier flight home.

Unfortunately, Adkins was forced to disembark the plane after reportedly vomiting in the plane’s lavatory and dripping sweat.

His sister-in-law, Marla Strick, told 9 News that she got a message from Khalid on Facebook that read, “I was on the plane and shivering and I went to the bathroom to throw up and they kicked me off the flight.”

Adkins was transferred to a Santo Domingo hospital where he later died.

Related Post: Latest Deaths In Dominican Republic Raise Safety Concerns For Tourists

The family learned that he was having breathing issues and that his kidneys were failing.

Strick added that even though Adkins had undergone a kidney transplant several years earlier, he was in perfect health when he left Colorado.

Khalid leaves behind his daughter Mia and a son Khalid Jr.

Family members are unsure whether his death is connected to several other deaths of American tourists in the Dominican Republic, or if it’s a coincidence.

Authorities are conducting an autopsy and have launched an investigation to determine the official cause of death. The family said they did not receive any diagnosis, as reported in 9 News.

Related Post: Tourist Deaths Taking A Toll On Dominican Republic Bookings

Questions still remain regarding the safety of the Dominican Republic after the deaths of at least nine other Americans, many who have died after falling ill.

Tourism Minister Francisco Javier García recently stated that the string of deaths of American tourists is not a mysterious wave of fatalities, but rather a medically and statistically normal phenomenon that’s been lumped together by the U.S. media, according to a report from the Associated Press.