New York & Caribbean Multi & Twin Centre Holidays

High Season in the Caribbean is from December to April, meaning you’ll have idyllic sunshine and superb holiday conditions. The shoulder seasons, which include late spring and early autumn, offer a good balance between favourable (but not fully perfect) weather and fewer tourists. The summer months are considered the low season in the Caribbean, and be mindful of hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1st to November 30th.

As for New York, there is no off-season! In the spring, the city's parks and gardens come to life with blooming flowers and greenery. Autumn brings the smell of pumpkin spice, spooky decorations and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you're a fan of winter activities and holiday celebrations, New York during this season is a magical experience. You can ice skate at the Rockefeller Center, and enjoy all the fantastic decorations across the city. New York can get quite hot and humid during the summer, but it's also a great time for outdoor concerts and events.

This can vary depending on the specific location, as the Caribbean encompasses multiple time zones. If you are in a location that shares the same time zone with New York (Eastern Standard Time), then there is no time difference. Some islands are in the Atlantic Time Zone, so there may be an hour time difference during Daylight Savings Time in New York.

Wherever and whenever you choose to travel, the time jump won’t be too much of an issue.

Depending on your specific Caribbean destination, you may have several airport options including Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) Puerto Rico, Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) in Barbados, Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Jamaica, Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic, Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Aruba and Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in the Bahamas. Those are the largest international airports in the area - plus you could always island-hop on local airlines.

For New York, the main airports to fly into are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

The Caribbean is a group of islands, each replete with natural beauty and a rich history and culture. Popular destinations to include on your Caribbean multi-centre holidays include Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Barbados, among many other tropical havens. Some of the most famous beaches of the region include Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos, and Eagle Beach in Aruba.

The Caribbean also has a fascinating musical heritage, featuring genres like reggae, calypso, soca, and steelpan music. The region is famous for its infectious rhythms and sensual dance forms like salsa and merengue. It’s also home to a variety of natural wonders, including lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and unique geological formations. You can explore places like El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico or the Blue Hole in Belize.

The most popular way to see the famous Statue of Liberty in all her glory is by taking a ferry to Liberty Island, where the statue is located. You can wander around the grounds, visit the Statue of Liberty Museum, and enjoy excellent views of the statue itself. While there, you can purchase tickets to access the pedestal or even the crown.

If you’d like to feel like one of the locals, you can take the Staten Island Ferry, which is free and offers great views of the Statue of Liberty as it passes by. Who knows, you might bump into Pete Davidson, or Scarlett Johansson’s husband, Colin Jost, who actually co-own a ferry together!

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also get a birds eye view of Lady Liberty via a helicopter tour of New York City, which often includes views of the landmark from the air. 

While on your multi-centre holiday there are a few countries that you should consider visiting.

The Bahamas is an archipelago of islands where you can snorkel to your heart’s content and enjoy the vividly-coloured marine life. Nassau, the capital, and Paradise Island are also wonderful and welcoming. Known for its reggae music, rainforests, and beautiful beaches, Jamaica offers a mix of natural beauty and culture. Don't miss the iconic Dunn's River Falls and the Bob Marley Museum.

The next stop is San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, which boasts a rich history with its well-preserved architecture in Old San Juan. Havana, Cuba's capital, is synonymous with its colourful architecture, vintage cars, and spirited street life. Explore the historic city centre, visit Hemingway's home, and enjoy the local music and dance scene. For a more relaxing beach holiday, Aruba is the place to be. Eagle Beach in particular will leave you breathless.

With a unique blend of British and Caribbean influences, Barbados has it all. Beautiful beaches, histori sites, and local culture you’ll want to immerse yourself into immediately. The capital, Bridgetown, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so it’s crucial to make time to visit.

We also have Saint Lucia, a lush, mountainous island with dramatic landscapes, including its twin volcanic spires. It's the ideal destination for nature lovers and adventurous outdoorsy types. Then there’s Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos to name but a few. Whichever spot you choose will bring you sites and experiences you could only ever dream of.

We hope you’re hungry, as there’s plenty on the menu in this favourable foodie city. New York-style pizza is renowned for its thin, foldable crust, oozing melted cheese and generous toppings. Grab a slice at places like Joe's Pizza or Di Fara Pizza. The city is also famous for its fresh, authentic bagels, and two of the best places to pick one up are Ess-a-Bagel or Russ & Daughters. You can't visit New York without trying a classic hot dog from a street vendor, like Gray's Papaya or experiencing a classic pastrami on rye at Katz's Delicatessen.
 
There’s so much diversity and authenticity in the cuisines available. During your New York multi-centre holiday, explore neighbourhoods like Chinatown for spectacular Chinese food, Little Italy for Italian cuisine, and Jackson Heights in Queens for Indian and South Asian dishes. 

Those with a sweet tooth absolutely must sample the classic New York cheesecake at Junior's or Eileen's Special Cheesecake bakeries.

Given its location in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, seafood plays a prominent role in the cuisine. You can pick the freshest fish, lobster, shrimp and crab to enjoy with a variety of local spices. Rice and peas are a popular side which combines rice with kidney beans, coconut milk, and a blend of spices, packing it with flavour and a unique texture. You should also try plantains while you’re here - they’re so versatile and can be fried, mashed, or even served as chips!

The Caribbean is also abundant in tropical fruits like mangoes, papayas, pineapples and guavas. They’ll often appear in savoury dishes as well as beverages, and desserts.

The Caribbean has a tropical climate, so pack lightweight and breathable clothing. Linen and cotton are your friends and opt for loose-legged shorts, breezy t-shirts and plenty of swimsuits. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat, lots of SPF and sunglasses for protection, too. Bring cover-ups or sarongs for when you're not in the water as they’ll take you from beach-to-bar in style. Insect repellent will be useful, especially in the evenings.

New York’s weather can change in a New York minute, so pack clothing you can layer. You might leave your hotel in the morning to a cloudless sky but then as you exit the MoMA in the afternoon, you’ll be met with an absolute downpour. Carry all your essentials at all times as you don’t want to have to return to your room in the middle of a guided tour!