When the last sugarcane plant on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts closed down a few years ago, the tourism industry took over, with vacation rentals on St. Kitts appealing to a wide spectrum of travelers.
Manners on St. Kitts
Knowing in advance what to expect helps tourists have the best possible time on island. When it comes to both St. Kitts and Nevis, tourists should be aware of some basic island etiquette. Many natives, for example, are perfectly willing to pose for photographs, but they prefer tourists to ask permission beforehand.
Dress across the island is informal, even verging on casual at times, but is also rather conservative compared to standards that may prevail in some beach areas of the United States. Tourists can wear swimsuits including bikinis on the beach, where short shorts are also considered appropriate. This kind of beachwear, as well as bare chests and feet should not be worn in town. Cover up beach gear and wear longer shorts while perusing the shops that line the old colonial streets.
The Lay of the Land
Tourists on St. Kitts can expect to find beaches covered with a fine white sand that almost resembles granulated sugar. Plants at the shoreline range from scrubby to grassy, but as elevation rises, the flora quickly becomes more tropical. The high point of the island is Mt. Liamuiga, a dormant volcano almost 4,000 feet high. While this mountain can be climbed, tourist should consider a guided hike as it is possible to get lost in the lush rainforest covering the slopes.