Pre-exam stress is real, but what about the unease and trepidation you feel after you’re done with exams? Sometimes it can be unnerving to deal with post exam anxiety or nervousness. You may have locked up all your books until the next semester but you may still be feeling jittery. Here are some of the most incredible things to do on the picturesque islands of St. Kitts and Nevis that will help you unwind, replenish and recharge your batteries for the next semester!
1. Hit the Sugar Mas
You’ve just had your head buried deep in your notes for weeks, so what could be a better way to shake off the exam stress than to hit the St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival, better known as the ‘Sugar Mas’. Experience the best of Kittitian culture with a series of fetes — lively celebrations — ranging from Blu’s powder-filled revelry to Flag & Wet’s unique blend of live music and waterworks, in the coming weeks. Don’t forget to partake in the carnival’s concluding outdoor celebration happening on January 2nd, when amid singing and dancing, event officials announce the winners of the Best Carnival Troupe and Road March Song competitions. One of the biggest perks of studying at a Caribbean medical school is that you get to be a part of the biggest and most beloved celebrations on the island, and enjoy music, dance, costumes, folklore, food and fun with your friends. What could be a better post-exam retreat?
2. Hike to the Summit of Mount Liamuiga
Mount Liamuiga is a dormant volcano standing 1166 meters (3792 feet) high overlooking the island. St. Kitts owes its stunning rolling hills and sulfur bedrock to its volcanic origins. It takes a half-day hike through the lush, dense forests of St. Kitts, traversing over jungle roots and rocks, to reach a beautiful foliage-filled mile-wide crater. If you want to be close to nature, this trail will leave you mesmerized by local flora, tangled vines, rare tropical flowers, and plenty of wildlife, including colorful hummingbirds, lizards, mongooses and monkeys indigenous to the island. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the island (and nearby Nevis, Saba and St. Barhta on a clear day). However, the hike takes you on a rigorous trek so be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and keep yourself hydrated. After months of preparing for your medical exams, gather your friends and embark on an adventure of a lifetime that will tantalize your senses. After all, physical exercise has been shown to boost serotonin levels, improve sleep quality and increase your oxygen levels; and ultimately help you destress!
3. Zipline St. Kitts
Why not try using your time off to engage in something fun that you’ve been putting off? Have you tried ziplining over a jungle canopy? Get a bird’s eye view of the rainforest as you whizz above the tree canopy. This adrenaline-fueled experience will allow you to reconnect with nature and you may catch a glimpse of green vervet monkeys in the trees if you are lucky! While there are a total of 5 lines, each varying in length, if you and your friends are feeling a tad adventurous, race each other on the longest adrenalin loaded 1,350 ft line! Without a doubt, it is one of the most fun things to do in St Kitts!
4. Relax at Cockleshell Bay or Frigate Bay
You should celebrate the fact that you worked hard for your exams regardless of what your results will be. So, crawl out of your study cave, get dressed, relax and unwind on the island’s most beautiful and popular local hangout spots. Head up to the stunning Cockleshell Bay, soak up the sun, swim in the clear, turquoise waters, and delve in an excellent barbecue of the day’s catch, accompanied by bottles of Carib beer. Not only does the beach offer stunning views across the water to the island of Nevis, you get to enjoy a pleasant boat-watching experience at the Narrows! If you want to be somewhere where the party is, Frigate Bay is the ultimate place to enjoy the Kittian nightlife, with its numerous beach bars, resorts, and watersports. Call all your friends on the strip for fresh seafood and favorite Caribbean cuisine, island cocktails, and vibrant nightlife, and say goodbye to jittery nerves!
5. Step aboard a Catamaran
Explore the best of the Caribbean Ocean aboard a catamaran. Stop to fish or snorkel clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life and massive coral reefs. Enjoy a whole day of snorkeling, sunbathing, scrumptious food and full open bar all day long. Enjoy all the delights of being on the water all day long and take this opportunity to truly appreciate the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.
