u/dogs-in-space

Hi all - I’m a solo female traveler that leaves the US every Thanksgiving to get my head clear before hassling with the holidays. Yet to regret this!

Looking at firming up a plan to go to Dominica and Guadeloupe - despite the language barrier it’s been easy to picture a plan on Guadeloupe than Dominica for some reason.

For Dominica I was thinking I’d split the time between Intercontinental and Fort Young. I really want to do whale watching (but want a company that is respectful of the whales). I snorkel but not dive - maybe that makes it harder? Also wanted to do some birdwatching and go on any hikes that were interesting.

For those have gone, did you rely on the hotel to recommend a reputable guide or did you find ones on your own you’d recommend? And drivers - same thing? I’m definitely not going to drive on Dominica so will need to find someone reputable to help me get around.

My research seems to keep showing tours catered to cruise ship passengers and that is absolutely not what I want. I’m willing to pay more for a smaller group with a focus on nature and learning new things.

Recommendations? Thoughts? I’ll take whatever you have. Thank you so much!

Apologies in advance for a strange topic…

Biting midges. Having experienced them in Scotland before I have very little desire to experience them again. I believe July is high season? Wondering if any Scots (or otherwise midge-experienced Redditors) can weigh in on the likelihood of their presence on the route?

Hi all -

I do a yearly trip end of Nov-mid Dec out of the US to clear my head before the holidays. As I’ve traveled a fair amount I’m getting more creative on where to go.

I have American friends that went to Guadeloupe and Martinique and loved it, but one is fluent in French. I just survived 2 weeks on my own in France so it is painful but I can do it. I’m looking at going to Dominica as well but not concerned as I know English is spoken there.

I know it is one thing to get by in restaurants or asking directions but another thing if you want to join a hiking, snorkeling, or nature tour and it is all in French.

Is it highly annoying to the residents for me to come with only basic skills? And any idea of bilingual tour companies for day trips?

If your answers are yes and no I’d love to get other island recommendations. I am not an all inclusive cruise ship docking type of traveler, and have been to the DR, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.

Thanks!

J'ai un vol à 6 h 30 au départ de LYS et je loge près de la gare Part-Dieu. Je dois arriver à l'aéroport vers 4 h 30.

Je crains qu'une réservation Uber à l'avance ne manque de fiabilité, et je ne pense pas être suffisamment réveillé pour conduire moi-même avec Leo&Go. Uber sera-t-il plus fiable que je ne le pense ? Ou auriez-vous d'autres suggestions ? Merci !