About Haiti
Easily rivaling any Caribbean island for beauty, Haiti has miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches without the crowds of other islands.
Known for its music, art, and links with voodoo, Haiti remains a unique place to visit. To find your vacation rental in Haiti, visit FlipKey where you will find your perfect property.
About Haiti
Sharing the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic to the east, Haiti occupies the western three-eighths of the island.
First discovered by Christopher Columbus on his maiden voyage in 1492, the entire island was ruled by Spain until competing claims by France forced Spain to relinquish Haiti in 1697.
Back then, the country's main export was sugar and there were plenty of plantations around the island. Slaves were brought from Africa, but eventually revolted in 1789 (the same time as the outbreak of the French Revolution).
For years it was a tumultuous island, and the French never regained power over it. However, in 1804 General Dessalines proclaimed Haiti to be the world’s first black republic, while making himself Emperor in the style of Napoleon.
Since then the country has grown and become a haven for travelers, and a delightful destination for all who visit there.
What to do in Haiti
Haiti is a country of warm, open-hearted people who want you to feel welcome when visiting what was, in the 1950s, called the “Pearl of the Caribbean”.
Base yourself in the capital Port-au-Prince which, despite being crowded and noisy, is the best place to be introduced to the country.
Visit the Musée du Panthéon National and learn about the Haiti’s history before shopping for souvenirs at the Iron Market.
To escape the city, drive a few hours to the seaside village of Jacmel where you can stroll the colonial streets and just laze on the beach with an ice-cold Prestige beer.
Travel a short distance inland to see the Bassin Bleu where waterfalls cascade into turquoise-blue pools.
From Port-au-Prince, take a 25-minute flight to Cap-Haitien to visit Haiti’s most popular attractions—the fortress Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans Souci Palace, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Top travel tips for Haiti
With an average temperature of around 80 degrees, the only time to avoid travel to Haiti is the rainy seasons from April through June, and September through November.
Speaking French is an advantage, but learning a few basic phrases in Haitian Creole will put a smile on the locals’ faces.
Bring small denominations of American dollars and don’t bother with the Haitian currency which has no value outside the country.
While safety is a concern, it shouldn't put you off - it's a great destination, and if you have your wits about you, you'll be fine.
In many ways, Haiti is perfect for people looking for a beach vacation off the beaten track. The people are friendly, the beaches are amazing, and the food? It’s delicious. For accommodation in Haiti, visit FlipKey where you’ll find a wide array of rentals to suit all budgets.