Haiti Travel Information, Tips & Travel Pictures
Haiti holidays then and now ~ Is time for travel in Haiti?
Haiti holidays were 'all the rage', back when Haiti had the nickname 'Pearl of the Antilles'. Travel in Haiti had visitors coming from North America, Europe and beyond, to enjoy the amber sand beaches, and tour northern Haiti attractions like Sans Souci and the Citadelle. These days, Haiti holidays are often for those who make a cruise ship stop at Labadie (Labadee), west of Cap-Haitien and Cormier Plage. Other come here as a non profit volunteers or international aid workers. Perhaps it's time for travel in Haiti once again, to support the Haitian economy, and provide jobs.
Though I didn't have time to visit the Citadelle or Sans Souci, others travellers can, and do. My trip to Haiti started in the Dominican Republic, roughly a seven-hour drive, including stops, from Sosua via the Haiti highway route through the Dajabon DR border crossing then on to Cap-Haitien. On the return trip, I stopped at Fort Liberte. In this Haiti travel section, I've also included my pictures of Haiti art, that I bought in Cap-Haitien, and at Cormier Plage and Puerto Plata. See my story about this trip at Haiti Travel Story.
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Haiti Travel Information and Links
The Republic of Haiti takes up one third of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Haiti's seven mountain ranges are squeezed into a land mass about the size of the U.S. state of Maryland or the Canadian province of Nova Scotia
Travellers to Haiti can take full advantage of technology: Flashlights that use LED bulbs, and don't need batteries, solar powered lights, solar powered batteries and radios (See Travel Safety Tips). Consider a personal water purification system to save on bottled water, or if you will be on the road.
What to wear in Haiti Generally, Haiti has tropical weather year round, though it can be chilly in rainy weather. Female visitors generally dress modestly; longer loose-fitting skirts or loose-fitting slacks, no skimpy tops, no heavy makeup, no flashy jewellery. Everyone: Cotton or breathable fabrics recommended (polyester, nylon etc can set up a terrific rash; jeans draw attention and are hot). Closed shoes are advisable to keep feet clean and protected. Try to blend in, not stick out. See also Travel Packing for more suggestions.
Maps of Haiti Find a Dominican Republic Haiti map.
Languages French and Creole are the official languages, though there are some English-speaking and French-speaking staff at the larger hotels. For Creole, get a copy of the Haitian Creole Dictionary Phrasebook (new) and Creole Made Easy
, plus a work book and pronunciation guide.
Books about Haiti For my travel guide, I used an older edition of the Lonely Planet Dominican Republic and Haiti guide book. There are a number of good books about Haiti to read before you travel, but some can be hard to get through. For insight on Haiti history and conditions, I recommend Paul Farmer's The Uses of Haiti. An easier read is Mountains Beyond Mountains
by Tracy Kidder, about the work that Paul Farmer does in Haiti and elsewhere. On a different note, with a bit about voodoo and a lot of interesting neurotoxin information to perhaps explain zombies is The Serpent and The Rainbow
, by Canadian author Wade Davis.
Do I need a Travel Visa for Haiti? Go to Haiti Embassy -- Citizens of only four countries require a visa; other nationals receive a tourist visa upon arrival. Double check with the Haiti embassy or consulate in your home country.
Currency - What money do they use in Haiti? Haitian Gourde (HTG) :: about 1 HTG = 3 US cents OR $1USD = 35 HTG (Rates may fluctuate; Haitians also use the term Haitian dollar :: about 7 Haitian dollars = $1 USD.
Haiti Tourism Try Haiti Tourism (site in French, but with English links. Support Haiti tourism -- let them know we think it's time for travel in Haiti once again!
Travel Health - do I need shots for Haiti? Always check with your local travel health clinic well before travel and be sure the usual vaccinations are current. Diseases like polio and tuberculosis do surface in Haiti, as well as the usual culprits like dengue fever and malaria. See travel tips vaccinations here.
Hotels - Where to stay in Haiti See hotels in Haiti (Roi Christophe, Cormier Plage resort, Mont Joli, Cap-Haitien; Norman's Place, Labadee, and Port-au-Prince and beyond.
Can I Phone to Haiti? See calling card page for information on calling TO Haiti for both cell phones and land lines. NOTE: Only for calls TO Haiti. Calls FROM Haiti are not available.
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More Haiti Travel Pictures and Travel Information
Fort Liberte Historic fort on Haiti's north coast
Haiti Highway From Dajabon Dominican Republic to Cap-Haitien Haiti
Labadie (Labadee) Haiti Village on Haiti north shore near cruise ship stop
- Cap-Haitien Haiti's second largest city
Haiti art Artworks and crafts in oil paintings, metal sculpture,leather and wood
- Haiti travel story Road trip from Puerto Plata DR to Cap-Haitien

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