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ANTIGUA & BARBUDA – SUNSHINE & BEACHES…known for its 365 pristine beaches, vibrant sailing culture, and historic sites. The capital, St. John’s, is located on Antigua, while the smaller, flatter sister island, Barbuda, lies just 30 miles north.

Positioned just to the right of St. Kitts & Nevis and above Montserrat, Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island nation, is an independent Commonwealth country comprising its 2 namesake islands and several smaller ones. Positioned where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet, it’s known for reef-lined beaches, rainforests and resorts. Its English Harbour is a yachting hub and the site of historic Nelson’s Dockyard.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul.” ~THE END OF THE OCEAN

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Antigua and Barbuda is famous for having 365 distinct beaches—literally one for every day of the year. The vast majority of these spots rest on the calm, protected Caribbean side of the twin-island nation, providing powdery white sands, turquoise waters, and unique coral reef ecosystems.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

TRAVEL THERE

The main entry point is V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua, with direct flights available from Miami, New York, Toronto, and London.

The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the official currency, pegged to the US Dollar at roughly 1 USD to 2.70 XCD. US Dollars are also widely accepted across both islands.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO LEARN MORE

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

THE BEACHES!

Enjoy the ultimate “Tropical Beach Bliss” by booking the Best Antigua Beaches Tour, which takes you to Valley Church Beach and Darkwood Beach. Priced around $95 per adult, the 4-hour excursion features complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, and transfers from St. John’s Shore Excursions Group.

We packed our own SNORKEL GEAR and WATERPROOF VALUABLES POUCH/WALLET and UNDERWATER WATERPROOF CAMERA, towel, book, and sunscreen so we were well prepared! Beach days are golden! Love a beach day! God’s creation is on full display at the ocean!

“In attempting to have it all, never forget that if we don’t have love, joy, peace, tranquility and an ability to be truly present in our lives that we don’t have it all anyway. We really don’t have anything.”

~Carolyn Anderson

Soaking up the rays is just one of our favorite relaxing activities when we travel to the ocean along with lazing in the sunshine! When you sit on your sunglasses and loose a lens, just giggle through it and enjoy the R&R!

The beaches, sunshine, and ocean provide the backdrop for many other adventures! Do you have a personal BUCKET LIST for travel dreams? You too can DAYDREAM YOUR NEXT TRAVEL ADVENTURE! We did on our last visit to the Caribbean! We enjoyed exploration!

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

HISTORY

Antigua and Barbuda’s history began with indigenous Ciboney and Arawak settlers before 1493, when Columbus visited, naming Antigua. Colonized by Britain in 1632, the islands became a lucrative, slave-based sugar economy under British rule. After slavery ended in 1834, the nation achieved independence in 1981, pivoting toward tourism. ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Early History and Colonization

Indigenous Inhabitants:

The Siboney (Stone People) first settled Antigua around 2400 BC, then the Arawaks and later the Caribs.
European Contact:

Christopher Columbus named Antigua in 1493, though the Spanish did not settle it. English colonists from St. Kitts arrived in 1632.
Sugar Plantation Era:

Sir Christopher Codrington established the first major sugar estate in 1674.

British Colonial Rule

“Gateway to the Caribbean”: Antigua became a key naval base for Britain, including Nelson’s Dockyard.

20th Century to Independence

Political Development:

Labour uprisings in 1939-1940 strengthened unions, led by Vere Bird, setting the stage for self-rule.
Self-Government:

The islands became an Associated State of the UK in 1967, managing internal affairs.
Independence:

Antigua and Barbuda gained full independence on November 1, 1981, with Vere Bird as the first Prime Minister.

Post-Independence Challenges

Economy:

The economy shifted from sugar to tourism, a shift marked by the closure of the sugar industry in 1972.
Natural Disasters:

In 2017, Hurricane Irma destroyed almost all infrastructure on Barbuda, creating ongoing sociopolitical tensions over land rights.

If you remember to pack the TOP 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO PACK, you will be ready to dive into the ocean for this adventure right along with us!

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Famous people that live here

Several high-profile celebrities own lavish vacation homes in Antigua, most notably media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who owns a sprawling estate on the exclusive, private 300-acre island of Jumby Bay.

Other famous faces with homes or deep ties to Antigua include:

- Eric Clapton: The legendary rock guitarist owns a home in the southern part of the island and established the Crossroads Centre drug and alcohol treatment facility here.
- Giorgio Armani: The renowned Italian fashion designer owns a private seaside retreat near Galley Bay.
- Ken Follett: The bestselling British author of The Pillars of the Earth owns a home on Jumby Bay.
- Richard Branson: The Virgin Atlantic founder owns properties in the wider Caribbean and famously holds close ties to the region

WHAT ACTIVITIES CAN I EXPLORE ON

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA?

English Harbour & Nelson’s Dockyard: The 18th-century restored British naval base is a major yachting hub.
Shirley Heights: Known for its panoramic views of English Harbour, historic ruins, and legendary Sunday afternoon parties with steel band music and barbecues.
365 Beaches: Famous spots include Half Moon Bay for snorkeling and Dickenson Bay for watersports.
Frigate Bird Sanctuary: Located on Barbuda, it is home to one of the largest frigate bird colonies in the Caribbean.

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ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

WHAT IS THE CLIMATE?

The wet season has more rain and humidity, with September and October receiving the most rainfall. Although it rains, the island still gets some sunshine. Visitors appreciate the cheaper prices as well as the lower crowds. If you are willing to embrace a bit of rain, you can still enjoy Antigua’s beaches, although conditions will not be optimal for sunbathing. Additionally, the wet season lasts simultaneously with hurricane season (June-November), so if you are traveling during these months, make sure to keep an eye on weather updates.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

SPEND TIME WITH THE ONE YOU LOVE!

What a great place to slow life down for a minute and rest and relax with someone special! This is a great island retreat for reconnecting. There were so many fun activities and leisure moments to enjoy! We highly recommend ANTIGUA & BARBUDA as a favorite relax destination.

God’s magnificent creation is on full display here in ANTIGUA & BARBUDA! We were just in awe of it’s raw beauty and humid tropical breezes. The culture was so very warm and inviting! WHAT a beautiful island to explore and enjoy! Take time out of your normal routine and go explore! My husband I really enjoy taking adventures together and exploring new interesting places. God’s wonderful creations abound and the joy shining within the people we meet reflects through their eyes when we can engage a conversation. It is our joy to find local color to share their culture and history with us when we are visiting new places! So many interesting people to meet on these journeys!

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Inspirationally Yours,

Barbara

BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/

About Me

A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a CFO for a light manufacturing company in Northwest Lower Peninsula Michigan. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is an “empty-nester” who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer and talented writer.

WEBSITE: www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com

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