If you’re a beach person, then you know all about Antigua’s 365 beaches – one for every day of the year. While this number remains unverified, tourists still flock to the twin-island nation in the Caribbean for them.
Of course, there’s more to Antigua than just its beaches. Like many countries in the region, it has more to offer to visitors and ex-pats which also makes it a prime choice for tourism and second citizenship.
In this article, you’ll learn six more reasons why people would choose to rent a private jet to Antigua besides the beach.
Memorable Adventures
Antigua has an abundance of gorgeous destinations worth checking out. After all, the island has more than beaches to offer people looking for an unforgettable adventure.
1. Hiking tour around the island
Source: uncommoncaribbean.com
Though Antigua isn’t famous as a hiking destination, it has more than enough good trails to be considered for this type of activity.
A hike is an excellent method of touring a new place, especially one as gorgeous as Antigua.
Start with a stroll with a local hiking tour guide from the English Harbor to Shirley Heights. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of the views as you go along the trail – a landscape of coasts and valleys with contrasting colors of barren land and colorful flowers from the cacti scattered along your path.
You may also choose a hiking trail from Antigua’s National Parks:
- Nelson’s Dockyard National Park
- Devil’s Bridge National Park
- Green Castle Hill National Park
- Fort Barrington National Park
2. Zipping through the rainforest
Most people would walk through a rainforest, but you can shake things up during your visit to Antigua by zipping above it.
Located just after the John Hughes Village, the Antigua Rainforest Canopy zipline and rope adventures offer 12 thrilling zip line setups with varying lengths, heights, and speeds.
Contrary to what you may think, flying above the trees is more exciting than scary. After all, there are guides available who are always ready to make you feel safe and comfortable at all times.
An unforgettable trip over the lush jungle attached to a zip line high above the trees would definitely be an Antiguan adventure you will remember for a long time.
Colorful Culture
Like many Caribbean nations, Antigua and Barbuda has a highly diverse culture that’s a result of its colorful history. From the language to the food, read on to learn what Antiguan culture can offer you:
3. Exploring without the challenge of a language barrier
Source: laidbacktrip.com
Ever tried traveling to a foreign country and trying to have a good time only to face the challenge of not being able to communicate with the locals? You don’t have to worry about that in Antigua.
There’s no language barrier in the Caribbean country because everybody speaks English here. So unless English isn’t your language, you should not have any trouble communicating here.
The country’s official language has been English for a long time because of its British colonization in the 1600s. Of course, the locals may speak Antiguan Creole among themselves, and a small population can also speak Spanish.
This makes starting up a conversation with locals very easy. In fact, it’s one of the most incredible things you can do in Antigua as it is also home to some of the nicest people in the world.
So, feel free to go out and have an adventure, knowing you’ll be able to talk to everyone when the need arises.
4. Dancing along at the Antigua Carnival
For visitors, the last week of July to the first week of August is the best time to visit Antigua. Why? Because it’s the usual schedule of the famous Antigua Carnival.
Taking place in Carnival City and the streets of St. John’s, the Carnival attracts thousands of revelers every year in an event filled with music, dance, and colorful costumes.
Joining this ten-day event is one of the best ways to get a good look at the nation’s rich culture and understand the joy people feel during this time of the year.
5. Trying out mouthwatering Antiguan food
Wish there was something as colorful as the carnival that is available in Antigua all year round. Try looking down on your plates on your trip to Antigua and witness the vibrant (literally and figuratively) local cuisines the country has to offer.
- Fungee – their national dish – is a delectable meal of cornmeal and okra, often served like dumplings.
- Pepperpot is a local stew made from pumpkin, squash, spinach, eggplant, and salted meat.
- Goat water is also a favorite among the locals, though its moniker doesn’t really describe its consistency as it is made from a flour-thickened gravy (not watery at all).
Besides the above dishes, you can also taste some of the most flavorful seafood in the region, which are always fresh, thanks to Antigua’s geographic location. These include:
- Snapper
- Grouper
- Wahoo
- Rock lobster
- Mackerel
- Lobster
- Conch
Affordable Citizenship by Investment
If you love all these things about Antigua, then you must already be considering living there for good. If you can’t leave your home behind permanently, you can try what other people did – applying for citizenship by investment and enjoying the benefits it comes with.
6. Living in Antigua
Source: madmimi.com
Antigua citizenship comes with several perks, including:
- Expanded coverage for the family (up to six members)
- Visa-free travel to almost 150 countries
- World-class education
- Safe environment
Plus, the citizenship by investment program comes with more options than other countries in the Caribbean. Besides the standard development fund donation and real estate investment, you can also put your money toward a business venture or contribute to the University of West Indies Fund (UWIF).
Here is a quick summary of the minimum required investment for each investment option:
- National Development Fund contribution: This one-time non-refundable donation must be at least $100,000 per application for individuals and families.
- Real Estate Investment: Applicants must invest in a government-recommended property worth a minimum of $400,000 for single applicants and $200,000 for every participating party in a joint investment.
- Business Investment: Business ventures must be approved. Also, an investment should be at least $1.5 million for single applicants and $400,000 and up each for groups (must have a total of $5 million).
- UWIF contribution: This is a relatively new investment option that entails at least $150,000 investment to the UWIF for families with a maximum of six members.
Investment and citizenship processing have also sped up in recent years. Now, you have the choice to expedite processing from three to six months to as fast as 45 days.
Look Forward to the Best
Although most well-known for its beaches, Antigua and Barbuda has a lot more on offer for guests and potential residents. You can look forward to the best lifestyle when you visit Antigua, possibly choose to stay a bit longer and apply for citizenship.
