Here’s what you should know before planning a trip to the Caribbean this winter

Much of the Caribbean is open for
business.
Shutterstock

• Despite the damage done by Hurricanes Irma
  and Maria,
  many of the islands in the Caribbean are open for tourism this
  winter.
• AAA recommends that tourists remain aware of conditions
  that might affect their travel and use an agent to ensure a
  painless vacation experience.
• Luxury travel agent Jaclyn Sienna India is sending her
  clients to high-end resorts in St. Vincent The
  Grenadines, Turks Caicos, and a private island in the
  West Indies.

The Caribbean islands are a signature vacation spot for travelers
looking to escape the cold, winter months around the holidays.
But in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, many have been left
wondering whether it would be safe to travel to the region this
year.

In early September, Irma formed in the Atlantic Ocean before
moving northwest across parts of the Caribbean, Florida, and
further west through parts of Georgia. Maria moved in a similar
direction but did not reach as far north as Irma did. As a result
of the hurricanes, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, the Virgin Islands,
St. Croix, and Barbuda, among other Caribbean destinations,
received
significant damage and have been recovering since.

But, according to the travel organization AAA, many of the
Caribbean islands — including the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and
Barbados — will be open for tourism this winter.

AAA recommends tourists stay informed of global events that could
affect travel and use an agent to make their vacation experience
as seamless as possible.

AAA has a full list of Caribbean destinations it recommends
visiting this winter. On the list are places that suffered
minimal to no damage from the hurricanes — Antigua, Aruba,
Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, Curaçao, Dominican
Republic, Jamaica, Martinique, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts
Nevis, St. Vincent The Grenadines, The Cayman Islands,
Trinidad and Tobago, Turks Caicos, and St. Vincent
The Grenadines.

Saint Lucia is a great
vacation option this winter.
Shutterstock/Jackie Smithson

Where to stay

Jaclyn Sienna India, who owns the luxury travel agency Sienna Charles, takes the
hassle out of vacation planning for her high-end clients, making
sure their vacations are successful logistically and emotionally.

Her recommendations change each
year in response to the threat of natural disaster, disease, or
violence, as well as the quality of accommodations for tourists.
To ensure the quality of her clients’ experience, she visits each
potential location before booking it to get a first-hand look at
how its operates.

“I’m particularly
interested in seeing how all private island resorts have made
enhancements for the upcoming season that will be particularly
compelling,” she said to Business Insider in an
email.

She has often sent clients to St.
Barts in the past, but this year, she says she’s sending
her clients to resorts that excel at the fundamentals — prime
locations and high-quality residences with scenic views — and
that offer amenities that make them stand out from their
competition. Though some of her clients have opted to avoid
the Caribbean and pursue skiing trips in Europe this year, India
has been impressed by some of the offerings made by high-end
Caribbean destinations. 

Many of her clients fly in private jets, so the recently extended
runway at
Mandarin Canouan Island, situated in the middle of St Vincent
The Grenadines, was an appealing choice this year.

But her clients have diverse needs, so she makes sure she keeps a
variety of scenarios in mind when considering her client’s
options. Como
Parrot Cay, located in the Turks Caicos, gets high
marks from India for its healthy dining options and top-notch spa
and wellness programs.

Como
Parrot Cay gets high marks for its spa and wellness
services.

Facebook.com/ParrotCay

Oetker
Jumby Bay, located on a private island in the West
Indies, was her go-to choice for families because of its villas
that come with access to private pools and beaches.

What to do before traveling

Before making reservations or hiring a travel agent, AAA
recommends that travelers take steps to guard against the risks
any trip presents.

Given the prevalence of hurricanes this year, and the potential
for further storms before hurricane season ends on November 30,
AAA advises travelers to invest in travel insurance, which could
protect against hurricane-related cancellations. AAA also
suggests enrolling in the US Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(STEP), which will make it easier for US consulates or
embassies to notify travelers in case of of emergencies.

While the height of hurricane season is likely behind us, it’s
never a bad idea to prepare for the worst.