Haiti Up Close

9 Instagram Accounts That’ll Make You Want to Visit Haiti

January 3, 2019 by admin

Sunset over the Caribbean sea seen from the coast of Môle-Saint-Nicolas, Haiti — Sunset, Mole-St-Nicolas
Photo: Tyler Welsh

9 Instagram Accounts That’ll Make You Want to Visit Haiti

Haiti is as Instagrammable as it gets!

The cities and settlements are painted in primaries and pastels, saturated with tropical sunshine, and surrounded by white sand beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. Locals are down to earth and deeply attuned to the rhythms of island life.

Haiti is simply astounding, and here are nine Instagram accounts that will make you want to start planning a visit.

1. @takemeth3re

Travel and lifestyle blogger Ann-Sophie Hamilton’s account is a photographic travel guide for Haiti. A travel planner by day, Hamilton’s 3000+ followers get to see her favourite spots around Port-au-Prince and the rest of the island. Hamilton’s photos are less of a scrapbook and more of a window into her life – and a great way to travelling vicariously! If you’re looking for the first things to do once you land in Haiti, this is a great place to start!

2. Ayiti Twopikal

After just a short while in Haiti, it’s not uncommon to want to pitch in and participate, but it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed. If you want to try, support or just take a look at sustainable, small-scale gardening in Haiti, Ayiti Twopikal, run by Ida, is a great place to start. Ida shares information about which common produce is easiest to grow at home, and how you can start nurturing your green thumb, however little it may be!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ayiti Twopikal (@ayititwopikal)

3. @rivanyri

Want to get acquainted with Haitian culture before setting foot on the island? Riva Nyri Précil is a self-styled “ambassadress” of Haitian folklore, alternative culture and Vodou. Follow Riva for an up-close glimpse of rituals, festivals, folklore, humour and more than a touch of counter-cultural glamour.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Metrès Riva Nyri Précil 🇭🇹 (@riva.nyri)

4. @tchakayiti

An amazing account where you can learn more about Haitian cuisine and eat with your eyes is Annick Mégie’s page, Tchakayiti! Stunning Haitian food photography is accompanied by insightful captions, where there is almost always something to learn about the dishes featured. Annick delves into different preparations of the same ingredient, cracking open the beautiful world of Haitian cooking.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Annick Mégie | Food Blogger 🇭🇹 (@tchakayiti)

5. @theislandlife

Photographer Christina S keeps her camera by her side, and serves up her best snaps on her Instagram. What we get is a kaleidoscope of colorful beach and jungle scenes, detailed portraits of tropical birds, urban art, and the odd restaurant recommendation. Her skills are second to none but her perspective is refreshingly real, candidly capturing Haitian life at its most authentic.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Christina S (@theislandlife)

6. @theexplorerjourney

Photographer Alain D. Lescouflair is one of Haiti’s undiscovered wonders. His understated – and underrated – feed is full of moody, sparse glimpses of life in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Lescouflair employs dramatic colour and composition choices to share fleeting moments and microcosms of Haitian culture – yellow autumn leaves in a bright blue gutter, bizarre street art, rustic old doors, people waiting for the bus. Don’t miss this one.

And check out Alain’s stunning photo journal from the streets of Pétion-Ville.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alain D. Lescouflair (@theexplorerjourney)

7. @tazspady

An illustrator based in Port-au-Prince, Taz is best known for his art that blurs the lines between different mediums. Over photographs of popular places in Haiti, from the picturesque scenes of Cap-Haïtien to the incomparable waters of the Haitian coasts, he draws his own larger-than-life characters, breathing a new, quirky, fresh life into them.

8. @sospwablan

Haiti is known for its bright creole culture, and this is especially evident in its cuisine. Ramsay’s account is dedicated to Haitian food, from breakfast plates to delicious dinners and decadent desserts. Her photos and accompanying descriptions of home-cooked meals are a great place to find inspiration for flavors you want to try once you get to the island!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cynthia Ramsay Thomas (Sòs Pwa Blan) (@sospwablan)

9. @growninhaiti

Grown in Haiti is as down-to-earth as it gets, literally. With a feed full of heirloom seedlings, fruit picked fresh off the tree, and happy people having wholesome fun in a permaculture garden, Grown in Haiti is a labour of love and a delight to scroll through.

The organisation, in the mountains of Jacmel, promotes reforestation and nature preservation. Curated by Sydney Etienne, the account is a refreshing take on grassroots agriculture in Haiti, and a great example of how working in and with communities can improve the lives of everyone around.

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published January 2019.

Get to Know Haiti a Little Better

Fiercely independent – Haiti has attitude

December 8, 2018 by Editor

Black and white portrait photograph of an old Haitian woman

Fiercely independent: Haiti has attitude

Haiti dances to its own rhythm. What’s behind the nation’s unique personality and place in history?

18th century Haiti, or Hispaniola as it was named then. It’s a colony of France, and it’s the most prosperous and fruitful colony in the entire Caribbean, supplying France and Europe with coffee, sugar and many other goods – harvested and produced with slave labor.

For slaves, days have no end; they begin and end each day’s labor in the torture of knowing they are and forever will be slaves. Across the island, things are getting tense. Revolution is brewing.

From centuries of slavery has come a kind of fire – slow-burning, but extremely intense – and it lives in the stomach of every single slave on the island; man, woman and child. Risking life and limb, oppressed Haitians hold hushed meetings, organise illicit nighttime reunions, and some escape to the mountains.

People gather around for a Vodou ceremony inside a Haitian Vodou temple in Petavie — Vodou ceremony at Ti Papa’s vodou temple in Petavie
Photo: Franck Fontain

Vodou visions of freedom

On the night of August 14, 1791, at Bois Caïman, one event pulls on the last thread holding colonial rule together. A Vodou ceremony gives birth to a concrete plan that will irrevocably change life on the island. In a spirit of revolution, of community, and of kinship, the slaves who reunited that night catalyzed an insurrection that spanned several days. The Northern Plain was set ablaze, and freed slaves retaliated against their former slave owners.

This was the seed of the Haitian revolution that culminated in 1804, with slave rebels taking their freedom once and for all.

Haiti is the only place in the Caribbean where an enslaved class successfully fought off and ousted their oppressors. This victory would not have been possible without the determination, community, and the will to try and fail and try again. And the spirit that enabled Haitians to fight for their birthright of freedom is still alive today.

If everything you know about Haiti so far has come from news reports, you’re missing so much of the picture. While the 2010 earthquake was truly disastrous, and Haiti’s young democracy still has its troubles, the average Haitian’s reality is very different.

Four young fishermen in Baradères, Haiti — Fishermen in Baradères
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

“Here, the early bird gets the coffee”

Take a stroll anywhere in Port-au-Prince, or even in Jacmel, or Cap-Haïtien. Haitians rise with the sun – because they know that every day is a new chance to do better than they did the day before. Here, the early bird gets the worm, the coffee, and the morning laughs around the merchant serving up bananas and boiled eggs.

You’ll see Haitians eating breakfast on their front porch, in front of their office, or on the tap tap – there is no rest for the driven.

Under the harsh morning sun, bare-chested young men pull giant makeshift wooden wheelbarrows loaded with bags of charcoal. The muscles in their arms and chest strain as they push tirelessly – there’s only one way to stop, and that’s to get to where they’re going.

Midday. It’s time for lunch for most – or for the second shift, job, or side-hustle. The fire that lit up the revolution of 1804 is still alive, pushing people to survive and thrive. There are better days ahead, but we have to live to see them.

“A testament to the power of overcoming the unknown”

For Haitians, this isn’t just a daily mantra, it’s a year-round mindset that feeds into the ebbs and flows of island life. Perhaps the best illustration of this is the annual carnival season.

For many Haitians, the turn of the year is associated with financial difficulties and cloudy horizons. “We know what we have, but not what’s out there.” Carnival, which spans the months of February and March, is a testament to the power of overcoming the unknown.

Passion comes through everything Haitians do. It’s in the young men selling water in the streets. It’s in the late night laughter of people sitting at a bar by the side of the street. It’s in the mornings, noons, and nights of hustlers, of move-makers, of mothers leading households on their own, of families in the provinces, and of spirits young and old.

Haiti speaks purpose; do you?

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published December 2018

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

Soup Joumou – the taste of freedom

December 2, 2018 by Editor

A bowl of soup joumou on a serving tray — Soup Joumou
Photo: Anton Lau

Soup Joumou – the taste of freedom

This once-forbidden stew now symbolises independence.

What is soup joumou?

Soup Joumou is a delicious and aromatic dish with a dense history, dating back to when it was a favourite of French slave-owners in eighteenth-century Haiti.

Joumou is the Kreyòl word derived from giraumon in French, which means “pumpkin,” in English. If you’re an avid fall cook, you might see joumou varietal pumpkins at some specialty supermarkets in the United States. They’re easy to spot at Haiti’s sprawling farmers’ markets.

To make soup joumou, two to three joumou are diced into sizeable chunks, and cooked in hot water until they are tender. While this happens, some meat is usually prepared to go with it: beef or pork, depending on what is available in the area. Once the joumou is tender, it is chucked into a blender with some of its cooking water and blended to a soft, silky consistency.

It all goes back into the pot over a low heat setting, and is joined by carrot chunks, potato cubes, cabbage quarters, pasta, and the prepared meat.

This simmers for a while, until the pasta is tender. Some people add dumplings at this point as well. After adding zesty, spicy seasoning, it’s ladled into a large serving bowl, which will sit at the center of a dining table with fresh bread from the local bakery, awaiting Sunday fast-breakers.

You’ll also find it as a centrepiece of New Year’s Day celebrations.

Why is soup joumou so special?

In 19th century Haiti, living conditions for slaves were unspeakably awful. As elsewhere in the world, they were treated brutally, kept enslaved by a combination of gruesome physical treatment and psychological abuse. Slavemasters denied these people as much as possible, even seemingly trivial things, especially if those things were associated with the lifestyle of Haiti’s white, slave-owning bourgeoise.

One tradition that was well established within the bourgeoisie was that of having soup joumou. Some households could afford to make it several times a week, others only on Sundays, but a bowl of soup joumou was never to be seen in the hands of a slave. This food was not intended for them, as it was too rich, too wholesome, too good.

In the first years of the 19th century, slaves and free black Haitians led a successful revolution, taking control of the country and instating their own language, their own institutions, and their own customs. As a potent symbol of the abundance that had been denied them for hundreds of years, the newly free population appropriated the food most symbolic of freedom: soup joumou.

Independence was officially declared on January 1st, 1804. To celebrate that first New Year’s Day, the people of Haiti prepared, cooked, and shared soup joumou. A delicacy previously forbidden, it was now made available to everyone. More than two hundred years later, the tradition is still going strong.

If you’re in Haiti on a Sunday, and especially if you’re here on New Year’s Day, make sure you try a bowl of soup joumou. You might find it at a hotel or served hot by a street vendor, but the best soup joumou is home-made – so make some friends.

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published December 2018

Our recommendations

Flights & getting here

November 28, 2018 by Editor

Women in dresses crossing the airstrip to board a plane at Aerogare Guy Malary, Port-au-Prince, Haiti — Aerogare Guy Malary, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Photo: Photo: Ricardo Lartigue

Flights & getting here

How to travel to Haiti for less

From reservation to relaxation, here’s our guide to getting to Haiti.

Airports

Haiti has two major airports. Toussaint Louverture International Airport is located in Port-au-Prince, the capital city located roughly in the middle of the country. This is probably your first stop in Haiti.

Cap-Haïtien International Airport, near coastal city Cap-Haïtien, is the gateway to the north of the island. The Cap-Haïtien airport mostly services flights between Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien.

An airplane wing cuts through the clouds at sunset — Flight
Photo: Tom Barrett via Unsplash

Airlines

Airlines such as American Airlines, Air Europa, Air France, British Airways, Delta Airlines and JetBlue Airways offer flights at reasonable prices from different countries all over the world.

From America
Delta, JetBlue, and American Airlines are the main airlines with flights from the United States to Haiti – but keep in mind that these flights may include stops along the way, depending on how you make your travel arrangements.

From the Dominican Republic
Hot tip: a bargain flight into the Dominican Republic might be your cheapest way to get to Haiti. The island of Hispaniola is split down the middle, with the Dominican Republic on the eastern side and Haiti on the west. From the Dominican Republic, it is possible to take a short flight in an airplane, or to hop onto one of the many tourist bus companies based in Port-au-Prince, such as Terra Bus.

From Europe
If you are flying from Europe, Air France has regular flights to Haiti.

Non-stop flights
You can fly nonstop from Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale and JFK. From other cities, it will depend on the airline and the specific flight. If you are flying to Haiti from New York with Delta Airlines, your flight will inevitably have at least one stop along the way – either in Atlanta, Georgia, or in Miami, Florida, as Delta has stopped direct flights between New York and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Flying from Canada is more or less the same, although it’s always good to confirm with your airline of choice.

From Europe, some routes will be called “direct” – technically correct because you don’t change planes or even leave your seat – but do need to make a stopover on the way.

Three people sitting in front of a computer to choose flights — Friends choosing flights
Photo: John Schnobrich via Unsplash

Find the best-value flights

Airfares to the Caribbean are generally quite stable. Prices peak around December and January, but sudden hikes outside of that are unlikely.

A return flight from Florida starts at about USD$250. A roundtrip from New York will set you back about $400. A round trip from London is about USD$850 (£660 or €750). All these prices are looking at February travel booked a few months in advance – they will be lower or higher depending on when you want to fly and how far in advance you are planning your trip.

Want to visit Haiti on a budget? Book in advance and choose the shoulder months of November, February and March.

Look for the best value flight packages that meet your needs, and then keep your eyes peeled for sales from the airline that offers the route/package you want to take.

Woman relaxes in a pool at Le Plaza Hotel, Haiti — Relaxing in the pool at Le Plaza Hotel, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Photo: Amanacer / Emily Bauman

When is the best time to travel?

Cost-wise, flight prices peak in December and January when demand is highest. This is also when flights are most regular, and depart from a higher number of airports across the world – some airports fly to the Caribbean weekly during the peak periods but not at all during the rest of the year.

For more advice on when to fly, see our article on when to travel to Haiti.

Avoid excess baggage fees

Be mindful of baggage fees. Some airlines allow one checked bag for free, and charge you for any extra bags, whereas some airlines will charge you for any and all checked bags. If you need to add checked luggage to your ticket, it’s much cheaper to do it at the time of booking or over the phone a few days before your flight.

Border crossings and VISA regulations

If you’re American, you’ll be glad to know American citizens can stay in Haiti Visa-free, for three-month periods at a time. The same is true for Canadians, and virtually all European and Asian passport holders (Visas are only required for citizens of Syria, Libya, Iran, Vietnam, Yemen, and Chechnya).

Citizens of the Dominican Republic, Panama, or Columbia will need to travel on a current US, Canadian or Schengen Visa to enter Haiti.

When you arrive in Port-au-Prince, you’ll need to pay a tourist fee of USD$10. It’s not much – but to make the process easier, do remember to get some USD notes before you get on the plane. You’ll be asked for the fee before you clear customs or reach a currency exchange bureau.

Getting to your hotel

If you are staying at a hotel or with a host in Haiti, make sure that your transportation arrangements are made ahead of time, for a smooth transition from the airport to your final destination.

Your hotel or host should be able to help you book transit, and you can even request a driver to be waiting for you at the airport.

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published November 2018

Top things to see in Haiti

When is the best time to visit Haiti?

November 28, 2018 by Editor

Aerial view of buildings on the water at Ouanga Bay, Carries, Haiti — Sea view, Ouanga Bay, Carries, Haiti
Photo: Ricardo Lartigue

When is the best time to visit Haiti?

In the heart of the Caribbean, close to the equator, Haiti is warm all year round.

Surprisingly, there’s quite a difference between its two seasons – wet and dry. There are several pros and cons to both, and cost is just the beginning.

November to March – Dry Season

Haiti’s dry season officially runs from November to March, with as few as three rainy days each month. Like the rest of the Caribbean, you can expect it to be humid, but thanks to trade winds from the North the humidity is tempered in coastal areas.

In dry season expect warm, blue-skies days and lovely afternoon breezes, especially along the coast and in the mountains.

The advantages of visit Haiti in dry season are many. Visitors from the northern hemisphere get to ditch snow or just boring-old-cold for sun and sand. With lower humidity and little rain, the dry season also provides the best conditions for surfing, snorkeling, diving and trekking. This is when the seas are at their calmest (and most photogenic).

It’s certainly the best time to hike to the La Selle range, and the spectacular natural features of Bassin Bleu, Bassin Zim and Dondon grottoes – unless you’re craving the added adventure of tackling slippery slopes on your way back down.

The downside of visiting Haiti during the dry season is that everyone else wants to, making it a little bit tricky, and sometimes expensive to secure a flight to get here. Particularly during December and January, tourism peaks and Haitians living abroad tend to come back to Haiti for end-of-year celebrations with their friends and family.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t book your Haitian getaway during December-March: it just means you’ll need to book further ahead to find flights and the perfect place to stay for a good deal.

If you’re struggling to find a flight in your price range for the time you want to travel, try breaking up your trip and booking the legs separately: for example, if you’re coming from the US, find a flight to Florida and then fly from Miami into Port-au-Prince.

Aerial view of Citadelle Laferrière, Milot, Haiti — Citadelle Laferrière, Milot
Photo: Kolektif 2 Dimansyon

Dry season key dates and events

November: the month of Gede – If you want to immerse yourself in Haitian culture, November is a great time to visit, being the month when Haitians celebrate Gede – a family of lwa in Haitian Vodou. Events throughout the country abound, so if you can move around, it’s a great time to be in Haiti – and if not, Port-au-Prince is just as lively with it’s own activities! It’s also a great month for cultural events, as most of them tend to be scheduled around that time.

Mid November: Le Festival du Rhum shines the spotlight on Haiti’s most famous export with tastings, workshops and cooking demonstrations. The rum festival is a great time to sample varieties from around the country in one place, surrounded by a festive atmosphere.

December 31 – January 1: New Years Eve / Independence Day celebrations.

January: the PAPJazz festival.

Late February – March: Carnival season. Jacmel’s world-famous carnival is staged the week before the carnival in Port-au-Prince, so it’s possible to see one if you can’t see the other, or even make a marathon of it.

Aerial photo of rice fields by the coast in Corail, Haiti — Rice fields in Corail
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

April to October – wet season

In the summer months from June to August, the weather is warm and the beaches are beautiful. With fewer tourists, you’ll find destinations quieter and locals will have more time for you. It’s an amazing time to visit and get to know the island.

For travellers who want to explore the island’s landscapes, culture, history and art at their own pace, and don’t mind getting caught in the rain on the way to their pina coladas, the less predictable sultry summer months will repay you with the cheapest flights and accommodation.

People hiking across a hill in Grandou, Haiti — Hiking in Grandou
Photo: Tyler Welsh

Wet season key dates and events

May: generally the wettest month of the year, monsoon season is a great time for indoor exploration. If you’re interested in creative writing or storytelling, don’t miss the annual Krik-Krak storytellers festival.

June: Sunshine and blue skies – Without a doubt, the sunniest period of the year in Haiti is between the months of June and August. This is the perfect time to go around the country for some sightseeing – especially if you’re a fan of nature’s wonders!

July: Summer celebrations – Want to see how Haiti parties? The months of July, December, and January are your best bets. This is when promoters plan the biggest events of the year, all over the country – and there is something for everyone. If you love a good beach or festival-like party, Haiti is the place to be!

August-October: Hurricane season. Lighter rains compared to April-June, but the weather is less predictable. Like unpredictable weather in any city (or light snowfall in London!) hurricanes can knock out sections of Haiti’s transport and infrastructure. If you’re looking for festive color and celebration, best to book your trip for another time of year.

If you’re an experienced adventure traveller and don’t mind having to change plans at the last minute, the hurricane season is when you’ll get the cheapest flights and accommodation in Haiti.

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published December 2018

Our recommendations

What to Pack for Your Trip to Haiti?

November 21, 2018 by Editor

Flatlay of suitcase packing for vacation — Packing suitcase for the Caribbean
Photo: STIL via Unsplash

What to Pack for Your Trip to Haiti?

Woohoo! You’ve booked your flights and your Hotel! You’re itching to get to out there and soak up some Caribbean sun.

To help you make the most of Haiti’s sultry climate, we’ve compiled a basic packing list. It’s one-size-fits-all, with a bit of the festive and a bit of the active, so feel free to adjust based on your own itinerary.

1. Light, breathable clothes

You’ve booked a getaway in a tropical destination – the heat in Haiti, particularly in the summer, is constant. Fortunately, we know a lot these days about which fabrics are the most reliable under these conditions – cotton, silk and natural fibres will keep you cool and dry. Ultralight wool made by technical travel clothing experts will wick away scent as well as moisture, meaning you can pack less and pack lighter.

Make sure that your wardrobe is mostly made of breathable fabric items that allow you to move freely. You don’t want to feel overheated, sweaty or slowed down while you’re strolling the streets of Cap-Haïtien or climbing to the cliff-top ruins.

2. Comfortable shoes

Speaking of strolling and climbing, chances are that you’ll be walking around the island quite a lot – even if you rent a car. Most travellers who visit Haiti are looking for a short break that involves more active travel and adventure than your average Caribbean vacation.

Keep your feet happy and ready for more with shoes suited for what you plan to do. You might want to consider: a pair of flexible, breathable hiking boots (or sturdy sneakers that can take a good stomping); sandals that deliver on style and support for the arch; comfortable heels for the nights you’ll want to go party ’til sunrise – because you will; and some classic, well-worn flip-flops for wearing around your Airbnb and at the beach.

3. Something fancy

If the high heels in the previous section were any indication, the nightlife in Haiti is rich and non-stop – people go out all week long, although the weekends are always the peak of the party. Pack something fancy for going out to restaurants and clubs. And if you’ll be in Haiti for a festival, or during Carnaval, pack something extra special to feel at home in the dazzling crowd.

Haitians like to dress up, so party like a local by packing your Friday-night best. Top tip: Haitians tend to dress up even more for dining out than they do for partying.

Flatlay of beachwear, diary and passport ready for vacation — Vacation packing for the Caribbean
Photo: STIL via Unsplash

4. Beach basics

How many bikinis? How many towels? How many sarongs? This really depends on your wardrobe at home – one of each is enough, but if you have an extra set (or two) of swimwear, bring them too. You’ll be going from beach to restaurant to pool to party to spa, and being able to carry a dry set or two is a nice little luxury.

If your hotel has its own pool and is close to a beach, chances are that they’ll provide you with enough towels to use in your room and by the water. If you’re planning to go free-swimming at one of Haiti’s natural wonders, do pack your own towel to take with you on the hike.

The more advanced will adjust this category as they see fit – water shoes? Snorkel? Fins? Otherwise, a pair of towels, some bikinis, and a coverup are all you need!

5. Take your meds

Before hopping on that plane – actually, before even packing your suitcase, it’s good to think about what medications you might need while on your trip. Make sure you pack enough of your prescription medications to last your entire trip, and throw in any over-the-counter medications you think you might need. Although you’ll find these at drug stores scattered throughout the major cities, it’s always easier to pack half a sheet now than to go looking once you’ve already got a pounding headache.

When you’re getting your shots from your doctor, ask them what else they recommend taking with you, and add it to your survival kit!

6. Tropical self-defense

Mosquito repellent, sunblock, and aloe-vera-rich after-sun gel! Haiti is hiding a wealth of white-sand beaches and jurassic forest trails waiting for you to find them – make sure you can make the most of it by carrying insect repellent and sunblock in your day bag.

Itching and sunburn can really take the fun out of your adventure-packed itinerary or de-stressing time, so be prepared and save yourself some grief. Just remember to pack all this in a separate, transparent bag to make your slog through customs hassle-free.

Electronics and travel essentials laid out ready to pack
Photo: Hector Martinez via Unsplash

7. Appliances aplenty

If you’re bringing your phone, laptop, cameras, and other gear on your trip, make sure that you have all of your cords, back-ups, and extra batteries packed. If you have them, spare cables and chargers never hurt – as getting these items in Haiti can prove quite costly.

Pro tip: when packing spare batteries, tape them together so that none of the positive ends can touch any of the negative ends. This will stop your batteries from accidentally losing charge in transit.

8. Papers, please

You’ll want to make sure you have the following items in a Ziploc bag, ready to go: boarding pass (if it’s not digital), passport, wallet, ID, money – in USD, because you do pay a USD $10 tourist fee upon entering the country, and because you’ll need to change it into Haitian Gourdes to get around in the country. It’s also a good idea to write down a few important contact numbers for use while in Haiti, and the street address of your first night’s accommodation.

9. Pack for the occasion

Is there anything that your visit requires you to bring? Extra camera lenses? A cocktail dress? If you can anticipate what you plan to do on the island, this is where those “you never know” items go, for a “you had to be there” experience!

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published November 2018

Ã—Select Language

Haiti Up Close

9 Instagram Accounts That’ll Make You Want to Visit Haiti

Haiti is as Instagrammable as it gets!

Discover Sacred Vodou Symbols!

1. @takemeth3re

2. Ayiti Twopikal

3. @rivanyri

4. @tchakayiti

5. @theislandlife

6. @theexplorerjourney

7. @tazspady

From Our Land to Your Home

8. @sospwablan

9. @growninhaiti

A Visual Guide to Vodou Symbols

Get to Know Haiti a Little Better

Paradise for your inbox

Fiercely independent: Haiti has attitude

Haiti dances to its own rhythm. What’s behind the nation’s unique personality and place in history?

Vodou visions of freedom

“Here, the early bird gets the coffee”

a touch of haitian wisdom

“A testament to the power of overcoming the unknown”

Your pocket guide to Cap-Haïtien

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

Paradise for your inbox

Soup Joumou – the taste of freedom

This once-forbidden stew now symbolises independence.

What is soup joumou?

a touch of haitian wisdom

Why is soup joumou so special?

Haitian Cultural Traditions You Didn’t Know About

Our recommendations

Paradise for your inbox

Flights & getting here

How to travel to Haiti for less

Airports

Airlines

start your day the Haitian way

Find the best-value flights

When is the best time to travel?

Avoid excess baggage fees

a touch of haitian wisdom

Border crossings and VISA regulations

Getting to your hotel

Citadelle Henri

Top things to see in Haiti

Paradise for your inbox

When is the best time to visit Haiti?

In the heart of the Caribbean, close to the equator, Haiti is warm all year round.

November to March – Dry Season

start your day the Haitian way

Dry season key dates and events

April to October – wet season

Wet season key dates and events

Your pocket guide to Cap-Haïtien

Our recommendations

Paradise for your inbox

What to Pack for Your Trip to Haiti?

1. Light, breathable clothes

2. Comfortable shoes

From Our Land to Your Home

3. Something fancy

4. Beach basics

5. Take your meds

From Our Land to Your Home

6. Tropical self-defense

7. Appliances aplenty

From Our Land to Your Home

8. Papers, please

9. Pack for the occasion

Your pocket guide to Cap-Haïtien

Our recommendations

Paradise for your inbox

Plan Your Trip

Destinations

Information

Company

Plan Your Trip

Select Language

A Visual Guide to
Vodou Symbols

a touch of
haitian wisdom

a touch of
haitian wisdom

start your day
the Haitian way

a touch of
haitian wisdom

start your day
the Haitian way