If sun, surf and sipping rum drinks are on your travel agenda, book a flight to the Caribbean and let the aura of the islands enchant you. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear – the islands are known for their clear blue waters and eccentric marine life, making it the perfect spot to go snorkelling and diving. Whether your Caribbean flight lands you in the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Aruba, Bermuda, Jamaica or one of the other Caribbean destinations, there’s something for everyone in the islands. With hundreds of islands to explore, the Caribbean is a haven for any type of traveller.
Extending from the eastern coast of the US past Mexico and down into South America, flights to the Caribbean Islands are frequent. The hard part is deciding what activity to pursue when you’re there. Book a cheap flight to the Caribbean for a weekend escape to thaw out from the winter cold, or plan a week-long diving trip. Can’t decide on just one island? Good news – Caribbean flights are available from all the islands or hop a ferry to a nearby resort. Whatever your reason for booking flights to the Caribbean, you’re sure to enjoy this island paradise.
Search and compare: cheap flights to Caribbean
Caribbean temperatures usually range between a very comfortable 24 and 30 degrees year round. It might be a bit cool in the early mornings and late evenings, but it warms up quickly. It can be humid, but the cooling trade winds make the climate very comfortable. The rainy season is in the autumn, and the amount of rain varies across the islands. Winters are dry, but you may encounter the occasional shower. The mountains see more rain. Hurricane season lasts from early June to late November.
Peak Season
Winter – from mid-December to mid-April – is the peak season for flights to the Caribbean, with the highest travel times around Christmas. Hotel rates and flights to the Caribbean are at their highest and reservations must be made in advance.
Off Season
The low season generally runs from mid-April through mid-December and when most travellers can find cheap flights to the Caribbean. If you can tolerate the hot and humid summer, there are some remarkable deals to be had on Caribbean flights and hotel rooms. However, many restaurants are closed for the season, and some hotels offer fewer facilities and catch up on any construction or remodelling work during the off season.
Search and compare: cheap flights to Caribbean
For getting around an island you can take a taxi or rent a car, and there’s usually a bus system. The buses usually cover all main and several minor destinations as the locals take the buses, too. Depending on which island you are visiting, the buses may run on a when-the-bus-is-full schedule rather than a timetable. Many of the islands also have rental mopeds, motorcycles, and bicycles that you can use for sightseeing and getting around.
If you’ll be travelling from one island to another in the same group, there are often options for travelling by boat or island ferry. There are also small island airlines for cheap flights around the Caribbean as well as the larger commercial carriers for flights between islands. Many of the larger airlines offer Caribbean air passes, some for a set number of stopovers, and others for unlimited Caribbean travel within the airline’s range.
There are currently no direct flights to the Caribbean from Malaysia. In terms of Caribbean airfare, flights to the Caribbean from Malaysia usually involve at least two stops and take at least one day of travelling. Those flying to the Caribbean will usually depart from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Plus, there are a number of options where you can compare flights to the Caribbean. For example, fly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kingston, Jamaica, in around 30h 20min, or Freeport in The Bahamas in around 35h 10min. The quickest flights from Alor Setar to Bridgetown, Barbados, take around 35h 55min. The fastest routes from Penang to St. John's, Antigua, fly via Singapore and London, and take around 29h. The time zones of most Caribbean nations are around 12h behind Malaysia, so we recommend you try to find cheap flights to the Caribbean in the evening to arrive at your destination the next afternoon.
While you won’t be able to find ferries between all destinations, there are usually domestic boats serving island groups, for example between the Turks and Caicos islands. You can also take ferries from Puerto Rico to the US Virgin Islands. Once you have found cheap flights to the Caribbean, do some research to check if there are any boat connections between islands if you are planning a multi-island holiday. Another option is to travel by air. Many airlines offer affordable, short flights between islands. In terms of getting around each island, you can use public buses, hire a car or take a private taxi.
All passengers flying to the Caribbean must have a passport valid for the duration of their trip. Malaysian citizens do not require a visa to visit most nations in the region. Before you book flights to the Caribbean, research where to get the best deal on currency exchange. It may be cheaper to convert your currency into US dollars before exchanging for local currency when you arrive. It’s a good idea to keep some dollars with you in case there is no ATM nearby, as many tourist spots will accept payments in both local currency and US dollars. Some areas in the Caribbean, such as Cuba, have limited internet coverage. Once you have considered various Caribbean airfare deals, try to book your accommodation in advance and download a map app that you can use offline.
The Caribbean welcomes travellers with sunny weather, white sand beaches and warm hospitality. We suggest you book flights to the Caribbean between December and April when the climate is warm and dry. Make the most of your time on the islands by trying some water sports such as water-skiing, wakeboarding and scuba diving. There are also many cultural highlights to discover. Try traditional salsa dancing in Havana, listen to reggae in Kingston and explore historical fortresses in the Old Town of San Juan.