Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dress
The citizens of the West Indies are modest, conservative people
who generally frown upon displays of skin. Although nudity or
topless bathing is permitted on some beaches, it is typically not
practiced by locals. Most islanders follow a more conservative
style of dress than seen in US beach communities.
Bathing suits are appropriate only for swimming; when off the
beach grab a cover-up. Bare chests are also frowned upon out-
side the beach. However, leisure wear - T-shirts, shorts,
sundresses and sandals - will be readily accepted in any Carib-
bean community.
T
TIP: Throughout the West Indies, it is customary to
greet folks before blurting out a question or request. A
polite “good morning” or “good afternoon” will help you
fit in and get your interaction off to a good start.
Patois
English is the primary language of most Caribbean islands, but
you'll quickly find that you may not understand everything, es-
pecially if locals are talking to one another. English is spoken
with a distinct Caribbean lilt, a delightful sing-song rhythm.
Each island has its own patois as well, local words which are of-
ten a mixture of African languages dating back to the island's
slave days. Jamaica's patois is perhaps the most distinctive and
also most difficult to understand.
Taxis
Modes of transportation vary from island to island, but for the
most part taxis are the best means of travel. Even the smallest
islands like tiny Salt Cay in the Turks & Caicos have taxi ser-
vice, and you'll find that they're generally operated by profes-
sionals who are happy to talk about their island. We've had
some of our most interesting conversations about island life
with taxi drivers, who are well informed about history and tour-
ist attractions. Often drivers will present their business card at
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