Saint Lucia Carnival 2025: Travel Tips for International Visitors

So, you booked that costume, made it out the group chat, and you’re ready to touch road in Saint Lucia? Let’s make sure your Carnival trip doesn’t start with stress. Whether you’re flying in from the US, UK, or another island, here’s everything you need to know to pull up properly for Saint Lucia Carnival 2025 — without looking lost, or worse, with no Wi-Fi at baggage claim. 😅

Predator Costume - Xuvo Carnival Saint Lucia

✈️ Getting There: Flights, eSIMs & Saint Lucia Travel Tips

Saint Lucia’s main airport is Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) if you're flying international. For regional flights, George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) gets you closer to Castries.

• Book early. Flights for June and July Carnival dates don’t play.

• Visa-free for US, UK, and Canadian citizens — but always double-check.

• Get your eSIM before landing. Apps like Airalo or Holafly let you skip those roaming horror stories. Activate before you hit baggage claim.

• Saint Lucia doesn’t have Uber. But they do have a local version called Ride Caribbean — download it or get a trusted taxi contact before arrival.
  

🧳 Where to Stay (Especially If You’re Car-Free)

You want to be near the action, and that means Rodney Bay. It’s the sweet spot — close to fetes, beaches, glam spots, and food. You can walk to everything.

• Luxury: Sandals Grande, Harbor Club

• Mid-range: Bay Gardens Hotel, Coco Palm

• Airbnb: Look around Rodney Bay or Gros Islet if you’re rolling with a crew.

🧾 Airport Tips (Aka Start Smart)

• Currency exchange: The EC dollar is roughly 2.7 to 1 USD. But round it to 2:1 for mental math. Use the airport cambio for fast cash.

• How much EC to get? Around $300 EC ($110 USD) should cover taxis, street food, and emergency snacks.

• Duty Free Liquor: Buy your pregame bottles here. Grab a bottle of Chairman’s Reserve – smooth, local, but it will knock you for six if you’re not careful. 😵
  

💼 What to Pack (Don’t Play Yourself)

• Costume & accessories — triple check your band checklist.

• Waterproof makeup, setting spray — in case you’re doing it yourself.

• Comfortable footwear — it’s not a fashion show when your feet screaming.

• Disposable sneakers — essential if you're doing J’ouvert.

• Portable fan & sunscreen — heat is part of the culture.

• Outfits for fetes, boat rides, and pics — trust, you’ll want options.

• Late-night eats: KFC takes card, but the best street food? Cash only. Be ready.
  

💄 Glam Tips from a Fellow Masquerader

If you're the kind who needs convenience, lives for the socials, and just wants to roll up and get things done, check out Glam Hub. They’ve got a solid rep, and my makeup held up through every fete, sweat, and soca moment.

But if you're more low-key? That’s cool too. Carnival is freedom. You don’t need a full beat to enjoy the road. Braids before you land? Smart move. Doing your own glam? Go off.

Even if you’re not doing the full glam, you can still roll through Glam Hub to get dressed. They’ve got dressing assistants who know how to untangle the madness that is your costume. And if you’re moving as a crew? Even better — they’ve got like 20 MUA’s on deck, so your whole squad can get glammed at once without the staggered chaos.

No need for a shuttle either — the bands literally pass right outside Sandals Halcyon where Glam Hub is posted. Free parking for Glam Hub clients? Say less. Pregame with a little rum, leave your bag safely, and hit the road. Come back and collect it when you’re done. Easy.

🌴 Excursion Day = Essential

Don’t fly in just to fete. Saint Lucia is stunning.

• The Pitons — hike or admire, it’s a must-see

• Sulphur Springs mud bath — good for the skin, vibes for the gram

• Toraille Waterfall — quick stop, gorgeous pics

• Pigeon Island — hike, history, and scenic views

• Catamaran cruise — soca on the sea
  

The Pitons in Saint Lucia

Enjoy Yourself

Carnival is a vibe, but planning it shouldn’t stress you out. Pack smart, book early, and make space for both the madness and the memories.

The above are tips and insights from our resident Carnival Chaser — a masquerader who’s been there, done that, and packed the extra pair of lashes.

👉🏽 Subscribe to our blog for more Carnival planning tips.📲 Follow @carnivalglamhub on socials for inspo, behind-the-scenes, and glam ideas.

#SaintLuciaCarnival #CarnivalGlamHub #CarnivalTravelTips #CarnivalMakeup #GlamHub #CarnivalInSaintLucia #SaintLuciaCarnivalMakeup #CarnivalGlamServices #TravelTipsSaintLucia #SaintLuciaCarnival2025

For XUVO Masqueraders - Glam Hub Saint Lucia