The Basics
Country: St. Lucia
Where is it?: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Why do people go here?: If you can get past the packaged tours and sunset drinking that goes with it, St. Lucia has a lot to offer between its beautiful sandy beaches and volcanic interior.
What are the main entry points?: You can come from nearby islands via catamaran, or fly into the island. Note that international flights NOT from the Caribbean go to the Vigie airport, which is located further away from the capital, Castries.
Currency used: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Country Code: 1-758
Religion: Roman Catholic 90%, Anglican 3%, other Protestant 7%
Population: 200,000
Ethnic Breakdown: Black 90%, mixed 6%, East Indian 3%, white 1%
Government: Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy
Languages: English (official), French patois
Travel Information
Major Cities: Castries
Attractions: Volcanoes, Sun, Sand
Accommodation: St. Lucia Hostels, St. Lucia Hotels
Tourism Office locations and links: St. Lucia- Tourist Board Pointe Seraphine, Box 221 Castries, St. Lucia +1-809-452-4094, 5968, 2596, 454-6644;; FAX ; +1-809-45-31121;www.stluciatravel.com.lc, www.interknowledge.com/st-lucia/
Health Issues: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Snowbirds take heart! Late winter and early spring are the best (and driest) times to visit.
Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day, 22 February (1979)
Getting Around: Be like a local and take the cheap minivan buses everywhere you go.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Saint Lucia is the Hewanorra International Aiport.
Need more information?: Check out the Saint Lucia travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
