Antigua is the larger of the two main islands that make up Antigua and Barbuda. It is a beautiful getaway and many touristS enjoy the really energetic island culture but also the peace and tranquility that the surrounding seas bring.
Granted independence from the UK in 1981, Antigua has since built itself up as a tourist hotspot and rivals St Barts, Barbados and Jamaica in the Caribbean.
English is spoken everywhere on the island, along with local dialects.
VC Bird International is situated on the outskirts of St John's and to the north of the island. It has regular flights from UK and America, along with smaller planes from elsewhere in the region. It is a fully functioning airport with Wi-fi capabilities and is currently under construction.
LIAT, which merged with Caribbean Star recently, has a hub in Antigua, operating flights to various destinations in the Eastern Caribbean.
The following international airlines serve the airport:
Caribbean Airlines (Kingston, Barbados, Trinidad)
To the US: American Airlines/American Eagle (San Juan, Puerto Rico), Continental Airlines (Newark, NJ), Delta Airlines (Atlanta, GA), US Airways (Charlotte, NC)
To Canada: Air Canada (Toronto, ON)
To Europe: British Airways (London Gatwick), BMI (Manchester), Condor (Frankfurt, Germany), Virgin Atlantic (London Gatwick), various charter airlines.
You can also connect to Paris (Air France) and Amsterdam (KLM) via St Maarten
Many tourist come to Antigua and Barbuda via cruise ships such as Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises. Excursionist enjoy themselves in St. John's the port where the dock. There is a duty free shopping Center right by the dock and also a lot to eat and see. From Italian cuisine, to Antiguan.
Cars may be hired from numerous places around the island. Contact your hotel for more information. However, there is a 30 mph speed limit on the island, so driving can be a tad tedious.
Taxis are fairly cheap in Antigua, and as the road surfaces can be a bit patchy in places, they will take you along the best routes.
Being an island, sea food is understandably very popular here. There is also a nice variety of tropical fruits that grow on the island. The national dish is called Fungi (pronounced Foun-gee) and Saltfish. Besides the local dishes almost every major type of cuisine can be found on the island. e.g. Italian, Mexican, American, British, Jamaican etc. Just ask locals for directions.
A host of local drinks exist in the Antigua. From Pineapple, Guava, Mauby, Seamoss, Passion Fruit and Hibiscus to imported drinks Coco Cola, Pepsi, etc. exist. All varities of water exist even local brands. Many beers can be found in Antigua from Local (Wadadli, English Harbour rum), to regional (Carib Beer) to international, (Smirnoff and Heineken) can be purchased at any local bar. Rum is by far the most popular spirit, best served as a "Rum Punch".
Antigua is a relatively safe place but like all places in the world standard rules exist. Do not travel alone at night. Stay in well lit places. Do not carry around more money than is absolutely necessary. Do not accept anything from strangers, not even car rides. It may be best to avoid street urchins who beg for money or politely refuse them and in the unlikely event of anything contact the police force.
From Wikitravel
