Happy New Year!!!!

So here it is, the HiiDef Guide to international carnivals

Do your research!

If you want to have a great time, you need to know what you’re doing. Know what you’re getting yourself into so that you can decide if said carnival is actually for you.

1. Watch vlogs. One thing about my best friend and I? We’re gonna watch a vlog or five. I want to know where people stayed, where they went to eat, which events they attended and more. Vlogs are great because you get to actually see what’s going on, and people give their opinions on things in realtime.
2. Social media is your friend. Most of the carnivals in the Caribbean either have their own social media pages or the travel and tourism board will. These pages will provide a detailed guide of the events taking place over the carnival period (usually from a month or so before the actual parade days). They also usually have websites that will detail trusted accommodations, taxis and tour providers.
3. Befriend a local. The perks of living in the diaspora is that it’s easy to make friends with people from other islands, and there will always be someone that’s going home for the carnival period. If you can, chat to them. They’ll be able to give you the best insider knowledge on which bands to jump with, which fetes are actually good, where to get the best local cuisine etc. Depending on how close you are with this person, they may even be able to offer you a place to stay

Your accommodation is important!

I will never be the person who says where I stay isn’t important because I’m just there to sleep. Absolutely not!

1. Pick what’s best for you. Hotel vs rental home, which do you prefer? Both have their perks so it really is down to personal preference (and sometimes budget).
2. Read the reviews!!!!! I cannot stress this enough, especially if you’re booking a rental home. Tripadvisor is my best friend when booking accommodation for any holiday. If I see too many, valid, complaints I know that place isn’t the one for me. But be mindful because sometimes the complaints are just miserable folk from a certain demographic complaining about nonsense.
3. BFFR. This is mainly for booking accoms in the Caribbean. I don’t know if there’s a region-wide discount on curtains and bedrunners that all the hotels have access to, but don’t let the colours and patterns be enough to put you off. Unless it’s one of the major international chains, you aren’t getting an all white bedroom.

Don’t go broke for mas

Carnival holidays can really make a dent in your pocket, so it’s important to cut your cloth according to your size. There’s no point blowing all your money on the trip if you’re gonna have to come back and eat air and vibes for months afterwards.

1. Do your research. Look at the prices of things from the previous year to help get a rough idea. Costume prices especially, although they may increase every year, you’ll at least have something to work with
2. Budget. Be realistic with what you can afford. Set a budget for fete tickets, excursions, food, travel, and stick to them as best as you can. If you can’t afford it, don’t do it! The beach is a free, fun activity so if all else fails, at least you have that.
3. Carry cash. Whilst most shops etc will accept card, the vendors and stall on the roadside will not. Having cash also helps you to keep an eye on what you’re spending, so you’ll know when to slow down.
4. Lower your chest. Travelling the the Caribbean is expensive by itself, and then you add mas and the expenditure can triple. When looking at costumes, realise that it’s not by force to be a Frontline Franny with all of the feathers in the world. Being a Bodywear Only Babe is just as fun

Other tips and tricks

• Make sure you actually like the music. This may sound silly but I’m being so serious. When we went to Grenada it was 95% Jab and 5% whatever else they felt like playing from the other islands. It’s not like NHC where they play a mixture (mm) of music from various islands. Once you’re on home turf, you are going to hear the same genre/songs at every fete you go to, on the radio in shops, on the road and probably in your dreams.
• Take your vitamins. We are not as young as we used to be. Doing back-to-back fetes is not easy, stamina is important. Don’t overexert yourself and end up missing things.
• Explore the island! As great as carnival is, that is not all the island you’re on has to offer. Do an island tour, go see the sights, try the local food. This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, don’t waste it.
• Find a great taxi driver and cherish them. Building a great relationship with your driver is important. Even if they’re not available on a certain day, they know plenty other drivers that will be able to help you out.
• Learn patience. If you live in a major city, island life can be a big culture shock. Especially if you’re a Londoner. The speed and urgency you’re used to doesn’t exist on the same scale, and that’s okay! Sometimes (heavy on the some), it’s nice to slow down a little and breeze through life.
• Have fun! Holidays in general can bring moments of stress – delayed flights, annoying customs agents, damaged suitcases, it can be a lot. Carnival holidays have their own unique added stresses – disorganised costume collection, missing/damaged pieces, terrible fetes and more. It’s important that you don’t allow these inconveniences to write off your whole trip.

I’ve probably missed out on some things, but those are the major ones. If you do want to know more, feel free to drop me a message and I’ll happily help you out!