10 things I wish I knew before going to Saint Kitts And Nevis

Caribbean Sea. The distant horizon gradually meeting the heavens and the beating hearts lying on the soft sand watching the world pass by. Saint Kitts and Nevis are a veritable Eden on earth, unmindful of the cacophonic construct that surrounds it. Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this dual island nation is what mortals would aptly describe as the perfect afterlife.

Where is Saint Kitts and Nevis?

To the intrepid traveller, the most pertinent questions would be "do I need Saint Kitts and Nevis visa?" and "where is Saint Kitts and Nevis?" Saint Kitts and Nevis is an island country in the West Indies. It is located in the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles. It is also regarded as the smallest sovereign state in Western Hemisphere by both area and population. Now that we know where is Saint Kitts and Nevis let us delve deeper into the land of ocean, beach and sunshine.

Travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis

The next important question that arises in the mind of the world traveller is how to travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis? Your travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis would require a bit of research and planning.  The Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport on St. Kitts is the primary hub for air travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis. It is linked to numerous locations in Europe and North America by Air Canada, American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta and British Airways. For those keen on inter-island travel, you avail the services of Seaborne Airline and Winair. These airlines connect most of the islands across the island chain. The other International airport is Nevis Vance W. Amory International Airport which is located 11 km away from Charlestown on Nevis.  There is a deep sea port at Basseterre, Port Zante, which berths huge ocean cruise liners. One can travel by cruise liners to Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several cruise line companies stop here. There are ferry services between St. Kitts and St. Maarten. However, the ferry service is generally unreliable and infrequent. It is always a great choice to travel by the intra-island air service, which is more frequent and reliable. 

Saint Kitts and Nevis Passport

Saint Kitts and Nevis passport is one of the most respected passports in the world. It is ranked 32nd on the list of the most powerful passports in the world. Armed with a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport, one can travel visa-free to all the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom and Singapore. Saint Kitts and Nevis passport program is open to all nationalities and is valid for 10 years. Upon expiry, it can be easily renewed at any Saint Kitts and Nevis consulate. 

Saint Kitts and Nevis population

Saint Kitts and Nevis population are one of the smallest in the Western Hemisphere. The dual island nation is also one of the smallest by area. The 2018 census of Saint Kitts and Nevis population stated that the island had 52,441 individuals as citizens. That amounts to an incredible 0.00068% of the total world population.  Saint Kitts and Nevis people are of mainly African heritage. There is a small percentage from the Mulatto community who is a mixed breed comprising of African and White heritage. The primary language of Saint Kitts and Nevis people is English, and the religion that is followed mainly are Anglican and Methodist. There is a smaller number of Roman Catholics too.  One of the interesting facts about Saint Kitts and Nevis population is that two-thirds of them are aged between 15 and 59. 3% of the population is of Indian and Pakistani descent. Now that we know the basics of Saint Kitts and Nevis let us look at 10 things I wish I knew before going to Saint Kitts and Nevis.

1. The size

They say size does matter. However, great things come in small packages. Saint Kitts and Nevis fit the bill perfectly. They are the 8th smallest nation by area in the world. This helps in a way. If you wish to explore the entire island, it really can be done in a day. It is the smallest country by size and population in the Western Hemisphere.

2. Swim across

The narrow stretch between Saint Kitts and Nevis allows professional swimmers to make a dash from one island to another. However, this is not limited to athletes.  Even non-athletes can register for the cross channel swim. There are companies that supply swimming gear and snorkelling equipment as well as wet suits which will help swimmers complete the journey. The channel is not conducive for crossing over throughout the year though. 

3. Economy

The early settlers of the land farmed sugarcane which was exported all over the world. This carried for many years and became the main commodity of trade for Saint Kitts and Nevis. However, over a period of time, the demand for sugarcane waned and soon farming on the crop stopped. The current cornerstone of the economy is tourism. Blessed with long beaches and a temperate climate, Saint Kitts and Nevis is a tourist magnet. It is one of the most sought after travel and vacation destination. International airlines and cruise liners regularly pit stop at the island to bring in tourists.

4. The confluence of the hot and the cold

The island is sandwiched between the cold Atlantic Ocean in the east and the warm Caribbean Sea in the west. It stands smack in the middle of the water bodies. The mixture of hot and cold air provides locals and tourists pleasurable weather that remains throughout the year.

5. Timothy Hill Overlook

The Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet and this wonderful confluence can be overseen from the Timothy Hill Overlook. The elevation also provides a wonderful view of the grand beaches of Saint Kitts, which are famous the world over. Your travel to Kitts and Nevis is incomplete without a hike to the Timothy Hill Overlook.

6. The Island

If you are looking for a favourite spot on the island, then you are in for a disappointment. There is not one single favourite spot but the entire island of Saint Kitts and Nevis. This dual island nation is as beautiful as a button. Its picture-postcard landscape has enthralled tourists for years. Despite the onslaught of modernity, the country has been able to preserve nature and not let it crack under the weight of advancement. Tourists amenities too have improved over a period in time.

7. Gorgeous Stays

St. Kitts has some of the most gorgeous stays in the whole of the country. They are aesthetically designed country hotels as well as modern structures with plenty of services to avail of. Some of the most famous ones are The Ocean Terrace Inn, St. Kitts Beach Club, Ottley’s Plantation Inn et al.

8. Live to eat

Saint Kitts and Nevis also have some of the most sumptuous cuisines in the entire West Indies. Places, where you can gorge, are the Reggae Beach Bar, Sunset Cafe, El Fredo's and the Salt Plage. There are numerous others too with unique dishes to steal your heart. However, do not miss the Fishermen’s Wharf which is located right at the beach at Basseterre. The convergence of Ocean and food has never felt better.

9. The language

One of the universal adhesives that bind us all is language. Every country has its language and it is an essential part of its culture. The official language of Saint Kitts and Nevis is English. Though there are a few local languages, their reach is limited. Hence, if the only language you can speak in English, you will be just fine. The majority of Saint Kitts and Nevis people are fluent in the Queen’s language. 

10. Street celebrations

The island nation is a fountainhead of celebrations. Some festivals occur around the year. A typical street celebration will involve parades, street dances, salsa, calypso et al. Marchers in bright clothing will entertain the by lookers. There will be an explosion of colour and chaos. Tourists who love the local street scene will find this as one of the best experiences of their lives. The Ministry of Tourism has highlighted these events as one of the major cultural exports of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Become a part of the celebration and fulfil your heart’s desire. Saint Kitts and Nevis is an aberration. It is small and yet has a mean punch. Its beaches and natural surroundings are perfectly pretty. The usually warm climate allows visitors to bask in the sun, lie on the sand and swim in the water. There are a plethora of available water activities. Snorkelling, scuba diving are some of them. For the diehard gastronome, the cuisine is to die for. Saint Kitts and Nevis population is an added attraction given their propensity to celebrations and fun. Saint Kitts and Nevis is not a geographical blip on the planet. It is an emotion.