Here is a brief guide to electric systems used around the Caribbean. If you’re not familiar with the different plug types, you can see illustrations here.

• Anguilla, 110V, 60Hz, North American NEMA1-15, North American NEMA 5-15
• Antigua, 230V, 60 Hz, North American NEMA1-15, North American NEMA 5-15
• Aruba, 127V, 60 Hz, North American NEMA1-15, North American NEMA 5-15, European CEE7/7 Schuko
• Bahamas, 120V, 60 Hz, North American NEMA1-15, North American NEMA 5-15
• Barbados, 115V, 50 Hz, North American NEMA1-15, North American NEMA 5-15
• Belize, 110/220V, 60 Hz, North American NEMA 5-15, British BS-1363
• Bermuda, 120V, 60 Hz, North American NEMA1-15, North American NEMA 5-15
• Cayman Islands, 120V, 60 Hz, North American NEMA1-15, North American NEMA 5-15
• Dominica, 230V, 50 Hz, British BS-1363
• Dominican Republic, 110V, 60 Hz, North American NEMA1-15
• Grenada, 230V, 50 Hz, British BS-1363
• Haiti, 110V, 60 Hz, North American NEMA1-15, North American NEMA 5-15
• Jamaica, 110V, 50 Hz, North American NEMA1-15, North American NEMA 5-15
• Netherlands Antilles, 127/220V, 50 Hz, North American NEMA1-15, North American NEMA 5-15, European CEE7/7 Schuko
• Puerto Rico, 120V, 60 Hz, North American NEMA1-15, North American NEMA 5-15
• St. Kitts and Nevis, 230V, 60 Hz, British BS-1363
• St. Lucia, 240V, 50 Hz, British BS-1363
• St. Vincent, 230V, 50 Hz, North American NEMA1-15, British BS-1363
• Trinidad & Tobago, 115V, 60 Hz, North American NEMA1-15, North American NEMA 5-15
• Virgin Islands (British and U.S.), 115V, 60 Hz, North American NEMA1-15, North American NEMA 5-15

A number of languages are spoken in the Caribbean, most of a European origin. You can get by just about anywhere with English, but it’s fun to explore the islands and hear the local languages.

• Anguilla: English
• Antigua: English
• Aruba: Dutch, Papiamento, English, Spanish, Castilian
• Bahamas: English
• Barbados: English
• Bermuda: English, Portuguese
• British Virgin Islands: English
• Cancun: Spanish, English.
• Cayman Brac: English
• Curacao: Dutch, Papiamento, English, Spanish; Castilian
• Dominica: English, French Patois
• Dominican Republic: Spanish, Castilian
• Grand Cayman: English
• Grenada: English, French Patois
• Grenadines: English
• Guadeloupe: French, Creole Patois
• Haiti: French, Creole
• Jamaica: English, Patois
• Martinique: French, Creole Patois
• Puerto Rico: Spanish, Castilian, English
• St. Croix: English, Spanish, Castilian, French
• St. Kitts and Nevis: English
• St. Lucia: English
• St. Maarten: Dutch, English
• St. Thomas: English, Spanish, Castilian, French
• Tortola: English
• Trinidad & Tobago: Languages: English, Hindi, French, Spanish
• Turks & Caicos: English
• U.S. Virgin Islands: English, Spanish, Creole

A new Google maps island tour is posted for the Cayman Islands.

Nadine Wright, of the Jamaica Observer, offers travel tips for island residents planning their own summer Caribbean vacation. Wright suggests Curacao for shopping, Barbados for its affordable hotel gems, the Cayman Islands for watersports, St. Maarten for nude sunbathing, Dominican Republic for the Meringue Festival and Jamaica for its large variety of fun spots.

Here is what Wright has to say about Barbados lodging:

Barbados is a great get-away spot for relaxation and fun. The island, with an area of 430 square kilometres, is also one of the cheaper destinations within the eastern Caribbean.

Barbados is great for families and couples, with a lot of waterspouts activities and beaches to choose from.
The Savannah, Silver Rock, Blue Horizon, and Time Out At The Gap are well known hotels.

And, the MV Harbour Master offers night-time party cruises. You are treated to a live band, spectacular floor show and a fantastic dinner buffet.