I’m looking for advice from people who have had longer sits in the Caribbean. What to bring, what to know, where to go, travel insurance etc.
This will be our first “long” sit since we joined over 2 years ago. We won’t have a car but we could rent one or use taxis as needed. We are 1 mile on foot from a small store. Any advice is welcome and appreciated.
We depart in 2 weeks! Super excited! #travelsmarter
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So in hurricane season! Have a torch, batteries, a radio that works without batteries, power bank, etc.
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I think you are very brave to do this during hurricane season. I won’t even go to Florida right now.
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One thing we wished we knew early on in Costa Rica, was that there were a lot of produce sellers that had regular “drivebys”. We would hear a loud speaker but not know to run out and see what they had. So, asking owners/ neighbors if this happens. Or if neighbors have eggs/ go fishing/ sell oroduce.
Dealing with heat and bugs is big. Taking spray, medications, a “mosquito racket” to kill them, ointments. Avoiding sand flies.
Being prepared for outages not just during storms. Being prepared for boredom.
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I loved my time in the Caribbean. The biggest thing I learned was that culturally it’s important to be aware that nice manners are a must. For example I would never hurry up to someone and say: “Which way is Second Street?” I would start with a “Hi, good Morning, how’re you doing?” (and reply to their kind response) before asking my question.
Don’t know how long your “long” sit is for but watch out for leather bag/suitcase (or even clothing) molding if stowed in a dark closet or similar. Things need to be checked/aired out. Wash clothes after use - leave them for too long and mold will start to grow where there’s sweat.
Hope you have a lovely time.
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Thank you so much! We will be there for 6 weeks. Great advice on the manners! I will need to adjust that island vibe quickly. I forget how laid back life can be in the islands.
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Thanks so much. I’m sure there will be boredom but we will work it through and maybe even learn new ways of dealing with it.
Brave, maybe. It’s an opportunity we would never be able to afford though. Taking our chances
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What a wonderful trip, well done @Molly42
I have lived in the Caribbean for several years at various points throughout my life but not St. Lucia so cannot offer advise on particular places to go but island vibe, yes 
As mentioned, it is the start of hurricane season and your hosts should have a well prepared emergency plan and everything you need. Have a real good conversation and familiarize yourself with how the equipment works if you are not already familiar (generator, weather radio and such). They should also provide contacts and other resources. Chances are that you will be fine.
Now for the better bits.
Island life is very laid back and people are very easy going, and yes polite, willing to help and chat. They may be curious about your life but you will enjoy it more if you show interest in their daily life and may have some good opportunities to sample some great food not just at a restaurant but from some good neighbor lady . They will also know where all the local fresh markets are.
Travel light. Think beach, pool and hot,
Have a couple of outfits for evening if you will be going out but light loose casual clothing is best. Wash and wear. Clothes dry quickly in the heat so minimize the number of items and leave room in your case for what you may wish to bring back 
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Your host will also know about beaches and water activities such as fishing, boat rides and such.
I wouldn’t bring books, local libraries will have great local treasures.
Six weeks is a good time to adapt and fall in love with the joys of island life.
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Indeed, island living is very laid back, but some people also find it quite restrictive as there’s a limit to how you can go.
Walking 1 km (and back) to do limited grocery shopping can be challenging. You’d definitely need some sort of wheels, like a moke, which is great fun!
As others have said “it’s hurricane season” so have a plan. The house holders may have a cellar or safe place so ask.
It’s very hot and humid, do they have AC? Take lots of cotton clothes and try and leave man made fabrics at home.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. There is a lot of opportunistic thieves, especially in the towns and tourist areas. Bum bags are good.
In St Lucia (and the rest of the Caribbean) the contrast of economics is mind blowing, from luxury estates with multiple houses, pools, manicured lawns to beach shacks with a family of 10 living in one room. Some are desperate just to live so begging is an everyday sight. Give a little to a lot if you can afford it.
St Lucia was not my most favourite island because of the tourist influence which usually brings in a lot of entitled people which then has a knock on effect on how the locals treat travellers. They are friendly but very wary. There can be a them and us vibe. Have a stroll down the street if the many jewellers (cruise ship territory) then walk a couple of streets to the local market and decide which one you prefer. .
Oh I forgot, use the islands boogie buses, the highlight of any island visit. It’s a game - how many people can get packed in, how loud can they play the music till the police pull them over, how many people can get high from the fumes alone - I loved them, cheap and fun.
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A dog sitter should be able to manage that.
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Most people should be able to manage that. However, daily walks on a dusty inland road with no breeze, in the heat, humidity, or rain, may not be everyone’s idea of fun.
p.s. I used to live in Barbados and inland living and coastal living are two entirely different ways of living
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Molly42, not sure where you’re from but here in the UK we can join the library and download books onto a tablet (I use an iPad) so you don’t have to buy or lug heavy books around. And if you’ve a Netflix/disney etc account, download a couple of movies to watch if the power goes out. I’m envious…a HO not a sitter but it sounds wonderful. Just enjoy! Incidentally, I’ve holidayed in The Keys in August, yes, wet but hot and we had a ball!
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For cheap/free books i use Bookbub as well as the library downloads
We just returned from the island and I want to thank everyone for their input on this.
We ended up renting a car, which I can’t imagine not having after this trip. Walking along the roads in Saint Lucia would have been a death wish. No thanks.
Things I wish I had: Mosquitoes netting for the bed. (I bought a pop up one and had a friend bring it half way through) long legged and sleeved loose clothing. Red pepper flakes. Weird right?
We loved our time
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Glad you enjoyed your sit! We love the Caribbean and rarely see sits posted for the islands. Well done to find this sit!
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