The Caribbean is made up of some 35 different countries and thousands of islands; each has its own special character, history, culture, people and style.

Island-hopping is a great way to experience two or more different holidays in one, whether you choose two contrasting experiences (such as a laid-back first week with little more than a book and rum punch followed by an active second week with plenty to see and do) or two similar islands or hotels but in two different settings.

Some couples like to visit two or more different islands as a compromise to ensure each person gets exactly what they want – the same principle will ring a bell with many families too!

What are the most popular two-centre choices?

With the total flexibility that we can offer to tailor-make virtually any request – anything goes. We will help you plan the right itinerary to make best use of your precious holiday time. Most two-centre holidays start on an island with direct air access such as Barbados, Antigua or Saint Lucia and then move on to a different destination or resort after a few days, a week or more. This makes for the smoothest itinerary.

What choices are there for inter-island flights?

The ever-growing network of inter-island flights is now such that virtually any combination is possible. Generally speaking, Barbados is the best departure point for St Vincent & The Grenadines while Antigua has excellent air services to such islands as St Kitts & Nevis, St Barths, the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla.

We work with virtually all of the inter-island airlines, both scheduled services and shared and private charters - this means we can offer you virtually any inter-island combination. Once we know what you are looking for, we will select the best option timed and budgeted to meet your needs.

Island-hopping ideas

Do please speak to one of our Travel Counsellors on 020 7751 0660 or email escapes@caribtours.co.uk to discuss your perfect combination; here are a just a few island-hopping ideas – it's by no means exhaustive!

• Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia & Fort Young, Dominica or Young Island, St Vincent
• Carlisle Bay, Antigua & Isle de France, St Barths or Guanahani, St Barths
• Cobblers Cove or The Sandpiper, Barbados & The Calabash, Grenada
• Curtain Bluff, Antigua & Malliouhana, Anguilla
• Kariwak Village, Tobago & Ti Kaye Village, Saint Lucia
• Little Arches, Barbados & Palm Island, The Grenadines
• One&Only Ocean Club, Bahamas & Kamalame Cay, Bahamas
• Ottleys, Rawlins or Montpelier Plantation Inns, St Kitts & Nevis & Nisbet Plantation, Nevis
• Round Hill or Jamaica Inn & Strawberry Hill, Jamaica
• The House or Coral Reef Club, Barbados & Cotton House, Mustique

What are the flight times between the islands?

Here are some sample flight times (these vary according to aircraft type and routing - some will touch down in several islands en route; we can confirm details when you book):

• Antigua to Nevis 25 mins
• Antigua to Anguilla 35 mins
• Antigua to British Virgin Islands 1 hour
• Barbados to St Vincent (Young Island) 40 mins
• Barbados to Mustique 45 mins
• Saint Lucia to Dominica (Melville) 40 mins
• Nassau to Andros 15 mins