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[allover]

Hey everyone, I'm planning on traveling around the world for a year or maybe two, starting next summer...

So here is my plan:
Starting somewhere..
Ending up somewhere

No I'm not quite sure yet which countries I will travel to, that's why I have some questions..
I would like to take a around the world ticket and travel to maybe 3 to 4 countries (continents)..

Is it possible to backpack in the Caribbean?
Are there small ferries or something like that from island to island?
Boats for tourists that I would be able to take?
Is it possible to find a job in some hotel for some days?
Maybe just cleaning dishes?

Is it save to travel the islands alone, sleep in a tent most of the time (is it even allowed)?

Looking forward to some answers...

[kilgiraffe]

Hi!

There are no designated island-to-island ferries, there is however the odd cruise ship that will go between so that may be your best bet. The only other ships to my memory that do that would be between the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands. Also there is on occasion a ship between Barbados and St. Vincent but it's very expensive and not intended for transit between the two countries. There MIGHT be something in the St. Maarten area as well but don't quote me on that. You may also have fun crewing on private boats if you so desire.

Can't speak for other islands but in Barbados hotel jobs are irritating to come by - there's a lot of red tape involved, but basically they can't give a job to a tourist as it would be taking one away from a local.

Backpacking, the only islands that would be really worthwhile would be the bigger ones - Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and possibly the Dominican Republic. The smaller ones are more geared for tourists unfortunately

Sleeping outside.. I don't THINK you should have many problems, just be smart!

Basically - the Caribbean isn't really known to be an easy backpacking location. Maybe thats part of the fun of it though, finding a way to do it!

[jeremystravels]

Getting the logistics of airfare from one island to another is quite a headache too. Most airfare goes from a major hub - like Florida, rather island to island. To be honest I have found taking a cruise much cheaper than island hopping - although you get less than half a day in each place. Then you would know where you'd wanna go back to once its over.

[allover]

You may also have fun crewing on private boats if you so desire.

Backpacking, the only islands that would be really worthwhile would be the bigger ones - Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and possibly the Dominican Republic. The smaller ones are more geared for tourists unfortunately

Sleeping outside.. I don't THINK you should have many problems, just be smart!

Basically - the Caribbean isn't really known to be an easy backpacking location. Maybe thats part of the fun of it though, finding a way to do it!

That's a good idea, haven't thought about that yet..
Thanks!

How about getting other jobs?

Well I would like to be alone from time to time on some island so I'm okay with being on smaller islands, maybe some of them don't have that much tourists?!

Be smart? Meaning, be careful cause it is not allowed?

Yeah that's why I was thinking about having the Caribbean on my list...

Getting the logistics of airfare from one island to another is quite a headache too. Most airfare goes from a major hub - like Florida, rather island to island. To be honest I have found taking a cruise much cheaper than island hopping - although you get less than half a day in each place. Then you would know where you'd wanna go back to once its over.

I know I already checked the airfare, but that's too expensive, especially if you try to go backpacking and just make money in some places...

Cruise? Humm I bet that is too expensive as well, and it's really not what I was looking for to do in the Caribbean..

I just wanted to take some time off and enjoy life..