{
  "id": 568969,
  "title": "I've been to 20 Caribbean islands. Here are 7 mistakes first-time visitors should avoid making.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/ive-been-to-20-caribbean-islands-here-are-7-mistakes-first-time",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-11T13:11:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/caribbean-mistakes-to-avoid-from-frequent-traveler-2026-8"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After visiting 20 Caribbean islands, Mariette Williams has observed some common mistakes from first-time visitors. One mistake is avoiding island hopping and traveling outside their resorts. While tourists should leave room in their itineraries for surprises and sample the local food, it's essential to know which islands to visit and how to get there. The Caribbean offers a variety of islands with unique features, such as St. Lucia's black-sand beaches, Turks and Caicos' flat terrains, and Antigua's rolling hills. Another mistake is not island hopping; although it may sound costly, several locations have affordable ferry options. Sticking to all-inclusive resorts is also a mistake, particularly for solo travelers, couples, and families with older kids. Boutique hotels offer more personalized experiences and allow for exploring the local area. Not leaving the resort is another error, as many islands offer exciting activities beyond the property. Lastly, not eating local food is a missed opportunity, as the Caribbean cuisine varies greatly from island to island, reflecting each one's history and culture.",
  "summary": "I've been to 20 islands in the Caribbean. During my trips, I've seen guests make mistakes like not trying the local food or island hopping.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}