HOLIDAY INFORMATION
Essential travel tips and advice if you’re booking vacations or arranging villa rental in Grenada.
When to go:
It’s a question of weighing up both the weather and the cost. Weather-wise, the high-season winter months – January to April – are best, as it’s driest and least humid then. The worst months are September and October, the peak of the hurricane season – Hurricane Ivan devastated Grenada in September 2004. Though you’d be very unlucky to coincide with a hurricane, late summer/early autumn is the wettest time of year, and the period when you’re most likely to be hit by storms.
However, price-wise, accommodation rates are about a third higher mid-December to April than at other times of year. Also note you’ll pay a premium on transatlantic air fares to travel during any school holiday period.
Factoring in the weather and cost, arguably the best times to travel are May and June. Compared with the preceding months, the weather is often nearly as good then, while hotel and villa rates are much more affordable.
In terms of busyness, bear in mind that the island is very quiet in the autumn, particularly in September, when some hotels close. The liveliest time, in terms of local life, is early August, when the island parties like mad during the carnival.
How to get there:
British Airways (ba.com) and Virgin Atlantic (virgin-atlantic.com) fly to the island, from Gatwick, UK. Flights in both directions are via St Lucia, which adds to the journey time (around 10 1/2 hours in total).
Flight time: around 9 1/2 to 10 1/2 hours from/back to London.
Foreign Office Advice (UK): gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/grenada
Tourist information: www.grenadagrenadines.com
Emergency numbers: police and fire – 911
In most hotels, electrical sockets take three-pin, square UK-standard plugs, though some hotels have American or European two-pin sockets. Check in advance what’s on offer at your accommodation, or take an adaptor.
Currency:
The official currency on Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean dollar – written EC$ – which is pegged to the US dollar at US$1 to EC$2.70 (check online for current conversion rate). You can pay for many items with US dollars as well as EC dollars, though you’ll be given change in EC dollars. Some things, such as hotel rates, and sometimes food and drink in hotels, are quoted in US dollars. Cash points issue EC dollars.
Mosquitoes and Bugs:
These are not a major problem in Grenada. The island is of course in the tropics, so it is advisable to bring anti mosquito cream, particularly in the summer. No dangerous or poisonous animals live on the island.
Vaccinations:
None are required unless you are coming from an infected area.
Medical Services:
Excellent doctors, clinics, pharmacy and hospitals can be found on the island.
Airport and Flights
Pointe Salines Airport is an international airport approx. 15 – 20 minutes from the villa. Grenada is served by two airlines (Virgin, BA) flying direct from the UK to Grenada.
Car Hire and Driving License:
There are any numbers of Car Hire operators, but we have always found Ray to be particularly reliable and helpful. They are also our choice for airport pick-ups. Telephone: 00 1 (473) 406-1334 (b-parkeyscarrental.com, parkeyscarrental@hotmail.com). You will need a Grenadian driving license, which you can obtain from the local police station at Grand Anse for little money. It stays valid for 3 months.
Electricity:
The villa is wired for both 220 volt (3 pin square sockets as in the UK) and 110 volt (2 pin as in the US).
Shopping:
There are local and American supermarkets available. Prices are similar as to UK in the bigger supermarkets, very cheap but far less selection in local supermarkets. Fruit and vegetable can be bought in little shops along the roads.
Bars and Restaurants:
The majority of bars and restaurants are located in little bays and at beaches, serving local and international dishes (price like Uk pub). There are several fine dining restaurants available mainly based within hotels.
Safety:
Grenada has strict laws and a strong police force. Grenada is one of the safer Caribbean islands. However, you should still take care when out and about, particularly on isolated beaches and after dark, when it’s not a good idea to visit beaches. Topless sunbathing is a complete no no. We suggest the usual precautions and to lock the house at all times.
welcome to grenada 