Travelling to Antigua | Antigua and Barbuda, Bolans

Having A Jolly Time in St Johns

It's been two months since my trip to Antigua.. Nerves rushed through my veins as I boarded the flight, so far away from home. With crystal clear waters and soft white sands, paradise was right under my feet!

Completely foreign to the country and having never been before, 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, Starfish Jolly Beach in the late afternoon. Having missed lunch, we showered, and changed our clothes to make it for dinner. Dinner was an all inclusive buffet of Caribbean food. I couldn't ask for anything more...

My Itinerary was created months before, allowing me to plans out our days, so that they would go as smooth as possible- something which I completely enjoy.

Family friendly hotels are the best! I was so glad my little one made friends with another child and had someone to play with!

I did find some places in Antigua quite expensive. Particularly some of the local food shops. Exported foods can cost up-to three times the amount, so if it's food and snacks your after-it's best to pack loads from home or buy snacks that are made and distributed in the country.

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 cable channels, so we were spoilt for choice at night. We had dinner on the beach and watched live bands play the steel pans, while we listened to the waves of the ocean. It was a holiday I would never forget.

“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.”

Places I 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.

Nelsons Dockyard

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

English Harbour

The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda

(N.B: There is a $5 charge per person to enter)

St John's Cathedral

(Lovely to visit and take photos.)

Shirley Heights was something I was really looking forward to attending but unfortunately I was unable to go due to the taxi expensive costs. We were quoted £80 to take us to Shirley Heights and back, and although It would have been ideal to travel with more people, it was 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.

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, if you've ever dreamt of, or had doubts about visiting, I'd urge you to tick Antigua off your bucket list NOW!

Where else in the Caribbean have you visited? Leave your comments below. Ever heard of the Isle of Spice? You'll thank me later!