The Carefree Traveller
Antiguan Music

There are several different musical forms
on the islands, and all are featured
during featured during Carnival.

Calypso, the oldest, has its roots in
slavery; a common explanation of its
origins is that it began as a way for
slaves, who were forbidden to speak in
the fields, to communicate with each
other. It is a polyglot, improvisational
form that depends largely upon the skill
of a soloist, (the calypsonian) who
weaves the sounds of many cultures
into a lyrical whole. Calypso competitions
have long been a highlight of Carnival.

Steel drum music was created when
the bamboo percussion instruments
traditionally used to back up calypso
were replaced by hammered steel pans
cut from oil drums. Whereas there is no
dispute that the steel pan was
developed in Trinidad, the indigenous
development of the steel band in
Antigua and Barbuda was an outgrowth
of the iron bands which were prominent
at Christmas time.  Steel drum music has
been an important part of Carnival since
that time, and Antigua is home to many
of the Caribbean's finest steel bands.

Soca is a musical form that grafts the
slower beat of American soul music to
the upbeat tempos of calypso. Soca
began in the 1970s, and by the middle
of the 1980s it had become an integral
feature of Carnival.

Reggae is another musical form popular
in Antigua.  Although it originated in
Jamaica, reggae has been incorporated
into the Antiguan music scene for many
years.
Getting Around Antigua

Speedy and inexpensive buses and minibuses run between St John's
and English Harbour on the south coast and along the west coast
between St John's and Old Road.

Since Antigua is so small, and there are few steep inclines, it is ideal
cycling territory.

If you plan on renting a car for a couple of days, you'll have to buy a
local driving licence for US$20 (valid for three months and sold by all
of the car rental companies).
Antigua and Barbuda (Spanish for "Ancient" and "Bearded") is
an island nation located on the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea with
the Atlantic Ocean. It consists of two major islands – Antigua  and Barbuda – as
well as a number of smaller islets. All are close neighbours within the middle of
the Leeward Islands and roughly 17 degrees north of the equator.

Antigua has a population of 82,000, comprised chiefly of a mixture of people of
West African, British and Portuguese descent. The islands of Antigua and
Barbuda are part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago. To the south of Antigua
and Barbuda lie the islands of Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, Saint Lucia,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad and
Tobago. Montserrat lies to the southwest; Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint
Eustatius are to the west, and Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin and Anguilla are
to the northwest.

The islands have a warm, tropical climate, with nearly constant temperatures
throughout the year. Redonda, another nearby island, which was annexed in
the 1860s, is also the territory of Antigua and Barbuda although it has been
unoccupied since 1930.

The islands are mostly low-lying.  The highest point is Boggy Peak, at 402
metres (1,319 ft). The small country's main town is the capital, Saint John's, on
Antigua; Barbuda's largest town is Codrington. Antigua & Barbuda combined
have 365 beaches - one for every day of the year!
The Antiguan Racer is the rarest snake in
the world with approximately only two
hundred remaining in the wild.
It is found on Bird Island, an island
off the coast of Antigua.
Travel Tips

Tipping/Gratuities:
Same as in the US; 10-15% depending on the service. Some restaurants &
hotels will automatically add a 10% gratuity. If in doubt, just ask. Give porters
and bellhops 50 cents per bag, taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.

Most hotels and restaurants automatically add a service charge of 10 percent
and government tax of 7 percent. It's always worth asking if it's included in
the quoted price or will be added on later.

Telephones:
Calling the U.S. is easy from Antigua and Barbuda. Most hotels offer USA
Direct calling service, or can connect you with a U.S. operator for calling home.

Taxes:
Antigua & Barbuda has a US$20.00 airport departure tax, a room tax of 8.5%
and service charge of 10% (in lieu of tipping).

Electricity:
Part of the island is 110 volts, the remainder is 220 volts. Most hotels have
both voltages available.

Appropriate Attire:
Informal, but conservative. Beach attire is appropriate for the beach but not
town, shops or restaurants. Some hotels and restaurants stipulate jacket and
tie for men and dresses for women in the evening.

Customs and Import:
The importation and wearing of camouflage clothing is prohibited in Antigua
and Barbuda. Visitors should leave such items at home to avoid confiscation.

Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the
same as Eastern Daylight Time. GMT -4.

Currency/Money:
Official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is fixed to the US dollar.
Recent exchange rate was US$1.00 = EC$2.65. US currency, travelers checks
and major credit cards are welcome everywhere.

Banking hours are generally Monday to Thursday 8am-2pm and Friday
8am-4pm. Most of the banks are in St John's.


Medical Facilities:
There are several general practitioners and specialists on the island, a
hospital and a private clinic. No vaccinations are required unless the visitor is
arriving from an endemic area. Recompression chambers are available by air
ambulance at nearby Saba and in St. Thomas. Pharmaceutical services are
widely available.

Passports & Immigration:
U.S. , Canadian and U.K. nationals require proof of citizenship--a valid
passport, original or certified birth certificate. U.S. residents and others should
contact the nearest tourist office for entry requirements.
Click here for Visa Information.

Traveling with Pets
Please read the following PDF file for the latest requirements
regarding Pet Importation.
tours, family vacations and travel with pets. Plan your trip, book online and enjoy a carefree vacation with The
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