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Travel, living and working in the Caribbean and the Antilles - Theme

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Backpack, travel, intern, live, study, volunteer or work in the Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda - Aruba - Bahamas, The - Barbados - Bonaire - Cuba - Curaçao - Dominica - Dominican Republic - Grenada - Haiti - Jamaica - Puerto Rico - Saba - Saint Kitts and Nevis - Saint Lucia - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - Sint Eustatius - Sint Maarten - Trinidad and Tobago

The Caribbean

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Backpacking through the Caribbean

  • Only on the somewhat larger islands such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica or Puerto Rico you can backpack or make a tour around. Other than that, you can go island hopping through the Caribbean mainly by air.
  • Characteristics: special atmosphere, super-relaxed, not really budget-friendly (except for the bigger and Dutch islands) but nice living.
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Traveling through the Caribbean

  • You can really only travel through the Caribbean by (cruise) ship or sailboat. If you choose a particular island, you will soon taste the local island atmosphere and your daily worries will seem very far away.
  • Nature and island spotting: beaches of Anguilla, Antigua or the Turks & Caicos Islands, nature on St Lucia or Dominica, the underwater world of Bonaire or the Cayman Islands, the volcanic environment on St Eustatius or St Kitts and Nevis.
  • Animal spotting: dolphins, iguanas, hammerhead sharks, rays, manatees, sea turtles, whales.
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Internship on a Caribbean island

  • Internship sectors: health care, education and tourism, among others.
  • Internship cities and islands: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Dominican Republic.
  • Learning skills: communication, empathy, flexibility.
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Studying on a Caribbean island

  • Studies: in principle, forms of higher education can be found on all islands, the number of subject areas may be limited.
  • Study cities and islands: Kingston (Jamaica), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), St. Croix (Virgin Islands), Willemstad.Learning Spanish: Cuba, Dominican Republic.

Volunteering on a Caribbean Island

  • Volunteer projects: particularly in the areas of conservation, medical care and social development.Animal projects: especially protection of coral, fish species and pets.
  • Characteristics: volunteering possible from 1 or 2 weeks to several months.
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Working on a Caribbean island

  • Jobs: paid temporary work can be found mainly in tourism and hospitality.
  • Work culture: varies by island and sector but in some sectors it is hard work, the time difference with Europe can affect working hours as well as the temperature.
  • Work skills: commitment, empathy, patience, flexibility.
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Working as a digital nomad on a Caribbean island

  • Favorite cities and islands: Antigua & Barbuda (visas), Barbados (visas), Bermuda (connection, vibe), Dominica (visas, nature), Jamaica (livelihood), Netherlands Antilles (language, visas).
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Living on a Caribbean island

  • Language: Six official languages are spoken on the Caribbean islands: Creole (Haitian), English, French, Dutch, Papiamento and Spanish.
  • Favorite islands: Aruba, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Grenada, Dominican Republic, Cayman Islands, St Lucia , Turks & Caicos, St. Croix, St.Kitts and Nevis.
  • Living climate: healthy life, warm weather all year, good air quality, relatively high political freedom.
  • Characteristics: limited crime (except on some islands or locations), tax favorable, however, many islands are not very suitable for limited budgets, transportation between islands is often by air, good internet. 
  • Health care: varies by island but in general, serious accidents and illness will require flying to the US or your home country. Insurance: seek advice on insurance policies that provide sufficient coverage for proper care and also repatriate in case of emergency.
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Recipes from The Caribbean or with a Carib twist by WorldSupporters - Bundle

Recipes from The Caribbean or with a Carib twist by WorldSupporters - Bundle

Antillean food: Cheese Balls

Antillean food: Cheese Balls

Cheese Balls

"Cheese balls" is a popular appetizer item served at social gatherings on the Dutch Caribbean Islands. It is made using Jong Dutch cheese (better known as Gouda Cheese in the USA). They are easy to make and are very delicious.

Instructions

  1. Shred the cheese using a shredder or food processor
  2. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the baking powder until it foams up
  3. Add the chredded cheese to the mix and keep mixing the content
  4. Add the pepper and keep mixing the content
  5. Now slowly add the flour until the content have the consistancy to be able to make balls.
  6. With some flour on your hands, make balls out of the content in the bowl .
  7. Do not make them too large. 1.5 to 2 inch in diameter would be perfect
  8. Heat up frying oil and let them fry. Move them around in the pan so it can cook even all around
  9. When the balls gets a gold brown color, you can take them out and put them on paper towel so the oil can drain out
  10. Let them cool of and they are ready to serve by hand or using tooth pick

Ready In: 30 min.

Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1 lb of dutch or gouda cheese. Matured (belegen) is prefered.
  • 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
  • 1/2 cup of all purpose flour
  • Oil for frying
Recipes from around the world - Bundle

Recipes from around the world - Bundle

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SPOTLIGHT

Travel, living and working on Curaçao: main content and contributions - Bundle

Travel, living and working on Curaçao: main content and contributions - Bundle

Curaçao - Mini travel guide

Curaçao - Mini travel guide

curacao

Curaçao is part of the Dutch Antilles in the Caribbean area which also consists of islands like Aruba and Bonaire. It is a small island of just 10 miles across, compromising 160,000 inhabitants. Because of Curacao's colonial history it is culturally and demographically very diverse, boasting some typical Dutch cultural elements as well. The island has one of the world's most beautiful beaches with pearly white sand and crystal clear water. For the active visitor the island is a water sport paradise. If you plan on visiting Curaçao, have a look at this mini travel guide with tips and information about visiting Curaçao.

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Highlights of Curaçao

  • Snorkeling and diving: Curaçao's maritime world possesses a great biodiversity, with stunning coral reefs to explore. It is one of the most popular locations for diving in the Caribbean. You can also dive and swim with wild dolphins and other sea creatures.
  • Kite surfing. The prevailing winds make Curaçao a popular kite surf destination. The season starts around March or April.
  • Sailing. Curaçao is home to several international sailing competitions and is a very good sailing destination.
  • Night life: from the African Tumba to the South American Merengue, Curaçao’s rich heritage plays a big role in its energetic music scene and nightlife. There are beach parties on a regular basis, but there are also enough bars and clubs where you can dance and party.
  • Carnival: The annual carnival is the highlight of the year for many Curaçaoans. Streets are filled with vibrant colours and exotic music. The colourful event lasts for almost a month, and it is definitely a must-see!
  • International Jazz festival: One of the biggest music festivals of Curaçao which takes place in September.
  • Willemstad: From the floating market in the old town of Punda to the colourful houses along the Handelskade and amazing Antillian food at Marshe Bieu (the old food market). The capital of Curaçao has a rich history, lots of museums, shops, restaurants and beautiful architecture.
  • Mambo-beach: This is probably one of the most popular beaches. As such it's pretty busy but also very well facilitated with cocktail bars, live music and an open air cinema.
  • Klein Curaçao: 25 kilometres southeast of Curaçao, lies its small sister Klein Curaçao. It is a very peaceful island where you can enjoy beautiful white beaches and stunning coral reefs.
  • Christoffelpark: For the adventurous types there are a lot of active opportunities at this park which includes a mountain you can explore by car, quad, mountain bike, horse or by foot.
  • Kura Hulanda: Impressive museum dedicated to Curaçao’s history as one of the biggest slave trade posts in the Caribbean.
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Health and safety in Curaçao

Generally speaking, Curaçao is considered as a safe country, but there are a few areas to be aware of:

  • Mosquitoes love Curacao's climate too. So don't forget to pack your insect repellent!
  • You will only need a vaccination when you have visited a yellow fever area.
  • Tap water in Curaçao is safe to drink, it falls within the World Health Organisation quality standards. The water supply consists of distilled seawater.
  • From June to November hurricanes can occur in the Caribbean area. Yet they rarely reach Curaçao.
  • Despite the village like feel, Curaçao has areas where vigilance is required. Don't show off your expensive jewellery and don't walk around with too much cash in your wallet. Keep valuable possessions in your bag or even better in a safe at the hotel. Avoid alleys, unpatrolled beaches after dark and other quiet or dark streets because these can be unsafe.
  • The traffic is mostly safe in Curaçao. Yet Curaçaoans often don't take traffic rules too seriously
  • All drugs, hard and soft, are illegal. Possessing or using drugs, any drugs including marihuana or prescription drugs for which you can’t provide the prescription, is punished severely. Bring a Medical Passport or an official prescription when using medication, especially any sedatives and strong painkillers containing codeine.
  • In case of emergency you can call the tourist emergency number: 917.
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Transport in Curaçao

  • Public transport in Curaçao is fairly limited. Buses don't adhere to a strict timetable but are nonetheless a cheap option. The two major bus stations are at Punda and Otrabanda. Apart from the standard big buses, there also smaller vans that offer public transport. They don’t have a timetable.
  • Due to the limited public transport options, it is definitely recommended to rent a car or scooter to explore the island. The roads are mostly paved and well maintained.
  • There can be age restrictions to rent a car. Check with your chosen rental company beforehand.
  • Taxis are generally cheap and reliable in Curaçao. However, taxis fares are unmetered; drivers may have fare-sheets available. Agree on a price beforehand. Official taxis are easily recognized by having a license plate that is marked with the letters "TX".
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Accommodation, food and drinks in Curaçao

  • Accommodation in Curaçao mainly consists of luxurious hotels and resorts. These are generally expensive. There are some cheaper options like bed & breakfasts, simple apartments and Airbnb. Hostels are very rare in Curaçao. Camping is also an option. There are several camp sites where you can pitch a tent or rent a caravan.
  • Curaçao has a very diverse cuisine. From typical Dutch to Japanese, Argentinean, Italian, Brazilian and more. Local specialties are: grilled iguana or ostrich, karni stoba (beef stew) and kabritu (goat stew), Sopi di banana (a soup made of bananas) and Pastechi (a savoury pie).
  • Happy Hour: a lot restaurants and beach clubs offer drinks at half price during happy hour. You can drink different alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails like Piña colada, fruit punch and Awa di Lamunchi (a typical Curaçaoan drink made with lime syrup). Also popular are Amstel Bright (a beer which tastes a bit like Corona) and of course Blue Curaçao, sometimes simply referred to as Curaçao. This liqueur is made with the dried peels of the Laraha, the bitter orange native to Curaçao meaning Golden Orange of Curaçao.

Have you been to Curaçao and do you have other tips for sights, activities or foods to taste? Leave it in a comment below!

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How to stay safe in Curaçao?

How to stay safe in Curaçao?

Curaçao coast

Some general guidelines to stay safe while visiting Curaçao

General safety

  • Generally speaking, Curaçao is considered to be safe, but robberies and petty crime happen on occasion.
  • Watch out for pickpockets. More thieves are active on busy places like the busstation and souvenir market. Also once the cruiseships have arrived. Don't show off your expensive jewellery and don't walk around with too much cash in your wallet. Keep valuable possessions in your bag or even better in a safe at the hotel.
  • Incidents of robbery are not uncommon so avoid alleys and other quiet or dark streets because these can be unsafe.
  • Serious crimes occur mostly in the organised criminal world, involving drugs or weapons trade. As an outsider you will usually not get caught up in this. Drug related crimes are punished severely.
  • In case of emergency you can call the tourist emergency number: 917.

Criminality

  • Most serious crimes are part of the organised criminal world involving drugs or weapons trade. As a visitor it is unlikely you will be dealing with these kind of crimes.
  • Keep an eye on your luggage at all times – especially at the airport and busy tourist spots – don't accept packages from anyone and ensure nothing can be placed in your luggage.
  • Don't leave valuables in your car, there is a risk it will be taken. 

Forces of nature

  • From June to November hurricanes can occur in the Caribbean area. Yet they rarely reach Curaçao.

Traffic

  • The traffic is mostly safe in Curaçao. Yet Curaçaoans often don't take traffic rules too seriously. For example, sometimes drivers will overtake on the right side instead of on the left. Frequently the rule of giving way to traffic from the right is also put into practice differently.
  • Watch out for scooters and cars without lights at night.
  • Be aware that drunk driving is not uncommon in Curaçao.
  • Curaçaoans drive on the right side of the road.

Legislation

  • All drugs, hard and soft, are illegal. Possessing or using drugs, any drugs including marihuana or prescription drugs for which you can’t provide the prescription, is punished severely. Bring a Medical Passport or an official prescription when using medication, especially any sedatives and strong painkillers containing codeine.

Dangerous areas

  • Check what areas are deemed unsafe before arriving in Curaçao, so you don't accidentally end up somewhere dangerous.
  • Do keep in mind the unsafe areas change, so always check the up to date safety information.
  • Areas that are traditionally considered unsafe (especially at night) are: Koredor, Punda, Otrabanda, the Mambo Beach parking lot, the neighbourhoods of Scharloo, Fleur de Marie, Seru Fortuna, Marchena, Seru di Kandela, Souax, Koraalspecht, Seru Loraweg, Dein, Kanga, and most beach areas.
  • Out of precaution: Avoid remote and unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches after dark.
Travel, living and working in Curacao - Theme
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Travel, living and working in Curacao - Theme
Crossroad: region

EXPLAINED

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

  • Regular travel or health insurances often only cover trips for a maximum number of days (for example 60, 90 or 180 days). This limits your flexibility!
  • Your health insurance from back home may not offer any coverage abroad or only in specific hospitals.
  • During a long trip you might undertake special activities like paid work or volunteering. Regular travel insurances usually don’t cover these kind of activities. The same goes for adventurous sports like skydiving, scuba diving and bungee jumping.

Volunteer or intern abroad insurances

  • Working as a volunteer or intern offers a great learning experience. Meet new people and make a difference! You will develop your knowledge and skills, as well as that of others. You will gain international skills, contribute to a better world and gain useful experience for on your resume.
  • However, just like at home there is always a chance that something goes wrong during your time abroad. Such as sickness, accidents, stolen luggage and of course things that can go wrong back home that you may ned to return for. 
  • If you have the right travel insurance it will help you financially and offer help when you need it.  On this page you can read about how you can make sure you’re properly insured before, during and after your work as a volunteer.

Why insure specifically as a volunteer or intern abroad?

  • Volunteer projects, foundations , NGOs & local companies typically don’t have suitable insurance. Even if they do, it might only be valid during your time at work and not during your daytrips.
  • Regular travel insurances often don’t cover volunteering abroad or your work as an intern
  • Volunteerwork & internships often involves doing work for which you are not trained or have little experience doing. This might result in a higher chance for accidents.

Why insure medical expenses abroad with an emigration or expat insurance?

  • Being well insured while living or working abroad is important. Sometimes the new country of residence has a good national health care system, but this is certainly not always the case. As an alternative to the national health insurance, an international (expat) insurance is a frequently used replacement, with a number of advantages: international coverage, reimbursements and conditions, often according to high standards, worldwide coverage and flexibility. A number of good and affordable options are listed below.

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Comments, Compliments & Kudos

Jamaica... JulitaBonita contributed on 17-10-2018 15:57

Leuke blog! Mocht je in de buurt zijn: Jamaica is ook echt een aanrader! Ben er zelf vorig jaar naartoe geweest... :)

Leuk je verhalen te lezen! Lisalotte van d... contributed on 17-10-2018 16:32

Ha Jord, super leuk al je verhalen over het backpacken door de Caribbean! Mooie foto's erbij ook. Heb al bijna een ticket geboekt :-) Heb je ook nog tips over hoe het is om rond te reizen op de eilanden (scooter huren/liften etc)? Mocht je nog smakelijke receptjes uit die regio tegenkomen tijdens je reis, of specifieke plekken (van hostels tot onondekte dorpjes/stranden) tegenkomen, deel ze ook gerust!

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