If you are planning for an amazing Nevis Vacation, just how are you getting there? Most travel by plane, but you can get there by boat as well.

Here is a bit of investigative information for you, the Nevis Traveler, like myself.

In the Caribbean, American Eagle has two flights per day from San Juan. Other airline service is also available from Antigua and St. Maarten. Fly into St. Kitts and take a ferry ride over to Nevis Island.

Cheaper flights are most often available in the low season, June 1 to November 30, mainly becuase this is thought to be hurricane season. The shoulder season is often cheaper too, which goes from about April 15 to June 1. Airfare is pretty much most pricey during the peak season, lasting from December to early April, and during holidays. This is when people really love to TRAVEL TO NEVIS.

So, what kind of numbers are we looking at here? Well, low season can range between $500 to $600 round-trip, and between $700 and $1,000 in peak season.

FYI - Here are some great travel tips that could help you on your Nevis Vacation!

1. Don’t forget your passport! All passengers must show a valid passport and a return ticket upon arrival to Nevis West Indies. U.S. and Canadian citizens need proof of citizenship: a passport, birth certificate or voters’ registration card. U.S. residents need their green card.

2. Tip your servers as you would if you were at home. Ten, 15, to 20 percent is the norm, based on the service of course. Some restaurants and hotels will automatically add a 10 percent gratuity, so make sure you aware of that whe nthe bill is dropped. Ask if you don’t know. Porters and bellhops receive 50 cents per bag while Nevis taxi drivers should be tipped 10 to 15 percent of the fare.

3. You can check on the kids and call home from St. Kitts and Nevis. Most hotels offer USA direct calling service, or they can connect you with an operator from your country.

4. There are taxes added on to things in Nevis, just as anywhere else. There is a $17 airport departure tax, a room tax of seven percent and service charge of ten percent.

5. You can still get in room entertainment, if you feel the need for some tube while on vacation. Most hotels have 22 cable channels, including CNN, ESPN, the Disney Channel, premium movie channels and local stations. That is usually a great to know for those who are addicted.

6. The drinking water is safe, as fresh spring water comes from numerous volcanic springs. You don’t need to worry about sticking to bottled water, like when going on vacation to Mexico.

7. Pack accordingly to season and weather. Linen is my beach favorite. Cover up in town, like at home, but feel free to sport you beach attire on the Nevis Shores. Comfortable, conservative clothing is the norm in Nevis.

8. You will need to adjust your watches nd clocks. The time zone is Atlantic Standard Time, which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time.

9. You can convert your money upon arrival if you wish. The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar(EC), which is fixed to the US dollar. Recent exchange rate was $1(US) = $2.70(EC). Be glad to know that US currency, travelers checks and major credit cards are welcome everywhere on Nevis Island.

10. There are many banks in Nevis to utilize if needed. These include Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays Bank PLC, Royal Bank of Canada, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Ltd., Bank of Nevis Ltd., Nevis Co-Operative Banking Co. Ltd., and St. Kitts & Nevis National Bank.

11. There are medical facilities if an emergency was to occure. St. Kitts and Nevis has doctors on call at hotels and a 24-hour Casualty Department if needed. Pharmaceutical services are widely available as well, but don’t forget your prescriptions.

12. You can shop til you drop everdya except Sundays. On Thursdays, most shops close for the afternoon as well.

Check out Geographia.com for a bit more on these topics! Very helpful stuff!

Hope I could Help!

Nevis Lover ~ Becca Briley

One of the Greatest Nevis Tour companies goes by the name of Sunrise Tours. In business for almost 20 years now, they are very accredited and have won many awards for their services in Nevis West Indies. They offer some superb NEVIS ISLAND HIKING!

Take much delight on any one of their ten available tours:

Rainforest - This is a moderately challenging hike through the lush cloud forest, an ideal spot for panoramic views. You will witness flora and fauna such as bamboo, tropical fruits and vervet monkeys.

Nevis Peak - Take a strenuous hike up the slopes of Nevis Peak. Along the way you’ll be introduced to plant and animal species natural to these elevations and conditions and the panoramic views of Nevis and St.Kitts. For those who endure to the end, a certificate of achievement awaits them at the bottom.

Learn all about the Nevis Peak HERE. It is actually a Stratovolcano at 985 m / 3,232 feet.

Devil’s Copper - Available in one hike are the area’s known as Devil’s Copper, New River Spring and Three Waterfalls. An interesting and moderately challenging hike into the area that historically supplied water to the New River area of the island.

Hamilton Estate - Take a leisurely hike within Hamilton Estate, an eighteenth century sugar plantation that ceased operation in 1951, while we wander the old estate grounds imaging what it was like to live back then. Stroll along the part of the Upper Round Trail that traverses this grand estate and learn about the indigenous plants with healing powers native to the area.

Nature Trail - Take a moderate hike with Lynnell along the scenic Golden Rock nature trail which highlights the flora of Nevis with special focus on its medicinal and local uses. Spectacular views of Montserrat’s active volcano, Nevis Peak and surrounding islands. View our shy green monkeys and multicolored tropical birds. That’s not all, see the old ruins as you walk along the grounds of this eighteenth century sugar plantation which has been converted into a hotel.

Monkey Tour - Take a moderate hike into the rainforest in search of the Vervet monkey, locally called green monkeys. These mischievous vegetarians have been with us since the seventeenth century. They have become a nuisance to the farmer but at the same time an attraction to the tourist. Learn about their eating habits and inherent nature.

Village Hike - “The Breadbasket of Nevis”. We’ll stroll back into Nevis village life as it was in the 1940’s. See traditional homes and stores, and discover how villager’s grow and cook their food.

The Valley - Adventure into the lost city of the valley where the plantocracy held their balls and fetes at an old estate home now in ruins hidden in the rainforest. In and among the ruins you can envision the candlelit night, horse drawn carriages and almost hear the waltzes playing as you wander the old building’s footprints.

Amerindian Site - Hike along a section of the South-East coast of Nevis gaining an insight into what Amerindian life must have been like. Here too is the second most extensive coral reef system around Nevis and the secluded Brandy Point and Black Bay beaches.

Bird Watching - Take a liesure hike in the Nevis forest and enjoy watching the woodland birds.

See why they are regarded so highly HERE by a few of their customers.

Also, take a sneak peak at some of the sites you will experience along your hike. They offer beautiful adventures. Find more photos HERE!

Hope I could help!

Nevis Lover ~ Becca Briley

Summertime in Nevis is one of my favorite things in the world! Why? Well, simply put, you can experience gorgeous weather all year round. Right now it is about 75 degree F, a perfect temperature for more than most!

It is widely known that the most popular time to visit is during the winter, when people from the north, like the U.S. and U.K., are escaping cold weather. The rest of the year sees fewer visitors. That is WHY it is a more cost effective time to go. Many Nevis Hotels and Nevis Resorts offer some hot deals to attract tourists. I know it works for me!

The low season could also be due to the idea that most people that do not frequent Nevis Island, think that hurricane season makes it off limits. This is not true; however, this is your choice. Me on the other hand… I would love to be stuck on good ole’ Nevis for more than week at a time. Plus, I love rain and storms excite me!

Take note that many Nevis Restaurants and Hotels may close in August and September, but some remain open year-round, including major resorts, like the Four Seasons, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club and the Golden-Rock Inn. The late-summer low season is the cheapest time to travel, but deals can also be found during the shoulder seasons.

So, when is Nevis most popular to visit? The High season is from November to May. The low season last from August to September, while the Shoulder season runs from June to July and October.

Personally, I check out the Nevis Weather Information everyday. It’s kind of an addiction. When I cannot be there, I like to know what the conditions are like, plain and simple, much like checking my email.

The National Weather Service Telecommunication Operations Center offers up-to-the-minute weather conditions, so you can be in the know. They also provide a 24 hour summary, so you can plan ahead, like I love to do.

Both Nevis and St. Kitts experience a tropical climate, with annual temperatures averaging around 80 degrees. How could it be more perfect!? Northeast trade winds keep the weather cool and humidity low, a delight for all. Rain can fall anytime whenever, but November through May see the fewest showers. Hurricanes can occur August through October, but touchdowns are rare!

Visitors with a set schedule should book as far in advance as possible. This is definitely necessary for high-season travel. For those with flexible plans, last-minute deals are ALWAYS available.

Nevis Tourism Authority is a great source to check out for deals and upcoming events. Hope I could help!

Nevis Lover ~ Becca Briley

Getting there is more than half the battle! Are you or someone you know planning a fabulous Caribbean vacation to Nevis West Indies? Well, if so, head some helpful advice.

For anyone who is planning a trip overseas, especially to beautiful Nevis Island, being detailed and organized is a huge stress reliever. Take the advice from someone who has learned. Plus, it’s part of the fun and excitement, right?

Make arrangements and get confirmations: Make sure all of your travel plans are noted, confirmed, and you have a printed itinerary. This is to ease your mind and get organized. The more you verify, plan and arrange your trip, the better the chances are that your plans will be almost perfect, which is ideal for a vacation. For those of you who would rather have someone else book your vacation for you, choose a travel agent from Tripology. They can be your go-to-person to match you with St. Kitts and Nevis Travel Agents who can plan and book your entire vacation. If you are needing some assistance on finding out where to rest your head in Nevis, check out the many beautiful Nevis Hotels, Nevis Resorts and Nevis Villas where you and your Nevis company can enjoy your stay.

Plan ahead: Have a set plan on places to go and Nevis attractions to see. Your adventures can be planned carefully and even paid for ahead of time. This will reduce the chance of you being disappointed if they are booked. Make sure you have a budget and stick to it. If you plan to rent a vehicle while in Nevis, book it ahead of time with 1st Choice Car Rentals. Maybe you prefer to take a taxi around. This too is a fine way to travel. You will do much walking to, so you can enjoy the beaches and bars along the shores. Take along your medical insurance just in case as well as any other emergency information. Don’t forget your prescription meds.

Remember to Enjoy Yourself in Nevis: By being organized and detailed oriented ahead of traveling, the less time you are going to spend trying to figure things out. You will be able to focus on beautiful Nevis Island and your island companion(s).

Now that all the planning is complete and arrangements are made, you will have a great idea of what to expect. After all, a Nevis vacation is about fully enjoying yourself.

Don’t for get your camera. Hope this helps in your traveling endeavors!

Nevis Lover ~ Becca Briley