Travel Tips For The Bay Islands
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When travelling to the Bay Islands weather can sometimes cause delays to flight schedules. Also, TACA has been known to 'misplace' bagage for a day or two on route to Roatan. Always bring a carry on bag with overnight items to avoid being caught unprepared. Anything you 'Can Not' live without should be in your carry on bag...! Remember you read this!!! When travelling, especially overland, carry plenty of bottled water, dehydration is a frequent cause of illness in the tropics and is easily prevented. Bugs: Expect to find a few bugs, especially sand flies, when traveling in the Bay Islands. Do not forget to bring or buy bug spray once on the Islands. Most of the time they are not to bad, especially when there is a strong breeze (which is most of the time). On the beach expect to find sand flies, bug repellant usually keeps them at bay. You may also want to bring an anti-itch cream incase you get a few bites. Simply accept the fact that there may be sand flies on the beach. Saftey: Although The Bay Islands are probably safer than most large American and European cities, when traveling to the region and the Bay Islands, remember you are in a poor country, don't wear expensive jewelry or carry large sums of money unnecessarily. Most crimes do not extend past pick pocketing, which is common to all tourist destinations. Always use common sense when traveling, especially when traveling alone. Language: Almost everyone speaks english out on the Islands... 
"Fosters: West End Village"
Although service/amenities are pretty good don't expect Honduras, and the Bay Islands, to be as modern or as customer service oriented, as other Caribbean destinations. Don't forget this is still Honduras (third world on the mainland) and although this is a truely amazing place, sometimes tourisits expect more than they receive. I like to use the phrase 'It is a true travelers island not a tourist destination'. Think of your visit to the Islands as an adventure and you will enjoy it that much more. Expect to see cows crossing roads, chickens running around and a laid back Caribbean atmosphere. I will say it here again, if you are a sun worshiper, beach loving, resort going, first class traveler you will want to consider another destination: Aruba comes to mind... Taxi price lists from Roatan international airport are fixed, make sure you check the displayed rates before entering the taxi, only use taxies who do display the tariffs. Be sure you know the price before you get in the taxit. Most businesses and taxies will readily accept US dollars, as well as the Lempira the local currency. Check the exchange rate before paying in US dollars. Tipping is not as common or expected as in the USA, Tip according to the level of service and helpfulness you receive from your hosts or server. Reward good service with praise as well as money. Honduran time is infinitely more varied than international time be patient and prepared for the unexpected...Welcome to Central America!
I highly recommend you take these items with you on the plane:
- Passport
- Prescription Medications
- Toiletries
- Camera/Film
- Personal Items
- Traveller's Checks
- Change of Clothing
- I also pack my prescription dive mask Other items to bring on your trip: - Sun screen
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- Insect repellent and cream (hydrocortisone)
- Beach towel
- Binoculars
- Batteries IDENTIFY ALL YOUR LUGGAGE!
When checking luggage to Roatan verify that your luggage has been tagged RTB. Make sure your identifcation is attached to your bags. Do not lose the claim tickets.
Personally I love the Bay Islands. Roatan is one of my favorite places to visit. Should you decide to visit just take everything in stride.
For example, one evening all the lights went out. Not just at the hotel but the entire island or at least a large portion of it, including West End Village. So, we simply strolled down the main drag to the Salt and Pepper restaurant located at the Coconut Tree Hotel and the owner of the restaurant started lighting candels and taking in the refugees. Paul, the chef and owner, lite up the gas and boiled up some water. He threw in some lobsters and began cooking steaks on the grill. Next thing you know there are about 20 or so people eating Surf & Turf by moon and candel light. We sat there for 3 or 4 (or was it 5) hours drinking beer and sharing stories with other travelers. Paul, a British expate, regaled us with his extraordinarily funny and entertaining stories of love and war. It was the best evening of the entire trip.
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Cabana Roatana: Roatan
Nestled on West Bay Beach, Cabana Roatana is a vacationer's paradise. Your stay in this impressive tropical setting will be made as enjoyable as possible by the friendly owner-operators Liz and Bill ... |
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