General Information

It is suggested that you select at least 3 properties in order of preference. Initially we shall check with the owner whether or not the property/properties/yacht is/are available for the specified time and let you know accordingly. During this time, we can also check flight availability with 1st Western Air Travel, please let us know this requirement with your initial enquiry. Time flexibility is greatly advantageous to enable us to ascertain flight and property availability, therefore please let us know your earliest possible departure date and latest return date, along with the minimum and maximum length of stay required. (Alternatively you may wish to make your own travel arrangements). We will reserve the first available property/yacht of your choice for 5 days from confirmation of telephone booking pending receipt of your completed booking form, a deposit of one third of the total price of the holiday, the booking fee and the cancellation insurance premium (if applicable). The balance payment is due 10 weeks before the start of your holiday (this date will be specified on your deposit receipt). Please see our Booking Conditions paragraph 3, for full details.

Once we have received your signed booking form and deposit/full payment, we will forward your confirmation by post. A travel schedule, island fact sheet and any inter-island air tickets (if applicable) will be despatched to you on receipt of the final balance, which is due 10 weeks before the commencement of the holiday.

Payment Details

The following methods of payment are acceptable:

1. A cheque drawn on a UK bank made payable to Toad Hall Caribbean.
2. Euro currency cheque (but please check with us beforehand)
3. A cheque in your own currency (but please check with us beforehand).
4. Bank transfer to our account, details given upon application.

Please note that any bank charges incurred will be debited to your account.

Payment may also be made by quoting any of the following credit or debit cards:


Due to bank credit card charges we regret that a 1.75% surcharge will be added to your bill should you wish to pay your balance or total payment by credit card. No surcharge is made for deposit payments or debit cards.

Currency & Credit Cards

You are advised to take cash in U.S.dollars (it is also advisable to take some single dollar notes for airport baggage handling tips) and U.S.dollars travellers cheques which are acceptable on all the islands, even though many have their own currency. (Change is usually given in local currency). Credit cards are also widely accepted and most of the islands have banks.

Jeep/Car Hire

You are strongly advised to hire a vehicle, at least for some of the time. On all the Caribbean Islands detailed, driving is on the left-hand side of the road, as per the U.K. and you will require an international driving licence or a valid driving licence of your own country in order to obtain a local licence. This may normally be obtained for a small fee (approximately £7) through the vehicle hire companies at the time of hiring or at the arrival airport or police stations on production of your own licence. Hirers are normally required to be 25 years of age or over. Toad Hall Caribbean can arrange car/jeep hire for you at competitive rates prior to arrival. On some islands, for the young at heart, scooters can be hired.

Telephones

Unfortunately none of the U.K. mobile telephones will currently operate in the Caribbean. However, for those who need to keep in touch at all times, it may be possible to hire a cellular telephone which will work throughout the Caribbean, the U.S.A. and also Australia! This may change, so please check with us and we should be able to advise you accordingly. Telephone charges (Cable and Wireless and Boatphone) are exceptionally high from the Caribbean to UK for both landline and mobile phones. There are many telephone boxes throughout the islands, which accept either phone cards (which may be purchased from numerous outlets), or cash (25 cents).

Time Difference

The Caribbean is 4 hours G.M.T. ahead. i.e. U.K. midday is 8 a.m. Caribbean time. (Add 1 hour for summer time i.e. 5 hours).

Sailing

For those of you who wish to include skippered yacht charter (strongly recommended) as part of your holiday, you are also required to enclose a deposit of one third of the total cost with your initial payment. As with the property rental, details of pick up etc. will be forwarded to you on receipt of the final balance. You will also be required to complete a separate charter agreement with the skipper/owner.

Useful Hints

Whilst a self-catering holiday in the Caribbean can be an exciting experience, a degree of self-reliance is necessary and you should be aware that some foods and provisions found in your local supermarket may not be readily available on the Islands, with the possible exception of Barbados and Tortola.

You are advised not to take too much clothing. Pullovers are unnecessary and casual dress is very much the order of the day. The climate is pleasantly warm, sometimes very hot, and for the majority of the year there is an agreeable cool breeze. Do please ensure that you graduate your sunbathing periods to avoid burning and therefore spoiling your holiday. Suntan creams can be purchased on all the islands, though it is recommended that you travel with some in case the shops are closed on arrival. Do not travel with any food, particularly fruit and meat, the customs authorities can be strict.

Should you be uncertain about any aspect of a Caribbean holiday, please do not hesitate to ask us. However, once you have arrived on your chosen island, the main criteria is to relax and go with the flow!