Anguilla Travel Tips
Keep in Mind...
- There are free roaming animals Anguilla is sometimes referred to as "Goat d'Azur" for the many goats that walk the streets. Be extra careful if you're driving around.
- There's Bankie Banx Anguillan reggae artist Bankie Banx is a local celebrity down here, and his funky-mellow bar, Dune Preserve, is one of the island's most famous landmarks. Be sure to stop by on a Sunday afternoon, when Banx likes to serenade his customers.
- There's plenty of good food From haute cuisine to food carts, it might seem like there's more eateries than accommodations. Stop by a barbecue buffet for lunch, and splurge on grilled lobster for dinner.
Compared to some Caribbean islands masquerading as tourist traps, you'll find something a little more authentic on Anguilla. There's an embargo on cruise ships, casinos and high-rise hotels, but a surplus of clear, coral-filled waters, unmarked and unpaved roads, and low-key beachfront villas. Pampering is also at a premium, from the grandiose resorts to the sophisticated al fresco dining. With little to do but relax, the days here are long. But once the sun does go down, you'll be treated to one of the best live music scenes in the Western Hemisphere. Everyone from Quincy Jones to Bankie Banx and Jimmy Buffett has stopped by Anguilla's ashen shores to perform.
How To Save Money in Anguilla
- Embrace connection flights There are no direct flights from the United States to Anguilla, but you could take advantage of this inconvenience and convert it to savings. You could fly to St. Martin-St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and even Antigua or St. Kitts, and then take a regional carrier or ferry.
- Rent a villa You'll pay more than you would in a hotel, but you'll be able to cook your own meals and avoid incidental hotel fees and tipping.
- Buy a good map Taking a taxi everywhere can get expensive. You can rent a car for far less money, just study ahead of time on the best routes to take with a paper map.
Anguilla Culture & Customs
Anguillans as some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean, and the island itself is one of the more relaxed island locales you could visit. But Anguillans are also conservative and polite. Wearing beachwear anywhere besides the beach is frowned upon. The local newspaper even reminds you to "Please shop with your clothes on." Casual attire is generally accepted everywhere, but call ahead to the fancier dining establishments to determine whether there's a dress code.
Anguilla Dining
Considering its small size, Anguilla has a good number of restaurants scattered throughout the island, though most are pricey. Budget-minded travelers should visit The Valley's smaller roadside establishments, which serve authentic Caribbean fare, or try shopping at a local grocery store.
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British Virgin Islands
- Matches Anguilla in opulence
- More than 60 isles and cays
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St. Barts
- Gorgeous, blindingly white sand
- As exclusive and expensive as islands come
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St. Lucia
- A great place for a wedding -- or honeymoon
- Another burgeoning music scene
