Cover Up, Buttercup

You may have heard that come May 1, American Airlines will no longer provide blankets in the coach cabin on flights less than two hours long, and will begin charging passengers $8 for a blanket+ pillow combo on flights longer than two hours. The new policy applies not only to travel in the US and Canada but to Mexico and the Caribbean as well. So what's a comfort-craving, penny-pinching coach-class flier to do?

Here are three travel blankets you might consider making part of your travel kit. Sure, they cost more than AA's $8 version, but if you're one of those people who really feels the frigid in-cabin temps, we think the convenience of having your own in-flight cover-up is worth it.

The Lug Life Nap Sac Blanket + Pillow (pictured above) set is made of supersoft fleece. Fold the blanket, put it in the zip-up pouch/pillow case and use it as a pillow, or for firmer support, use the included inflatable pillow insert. The cozy comforter comes in 10 colors and features a handy-dandy pocket for your glasses or iPod. $22-$30 (depending on the color) from Amazon.

For full-on, full-body coverage, how 'bout the Cabin Cuddler (left)? Wrap yourself up burrito-like in the folds of this oversize microfleece, which looks kinda like a giant Snuggie with "wings" that cover each arm and a pocket for your feet. It also comes with an inflatable pillow and a bag that attaches to your carry-on. $28 from here.

Westin hotels are famous for their comfy Heavenly Bed, and now you can duplicate the experience on the go (or at least come close to it) with their Heavenly Travel Blanket. Fold the plush, washable full-size blanket into its hidden pocket and use it as a pillow, or just snuggle up and make the other people in your row jealous. $60 from Westin At Home.

Cover Up, Buttercup

Caribbean Proposal

If you're looking for the perfect place to pop the question this Valentine's Day, St. Lucia's new Cap Maison is a pretty safe bet. Open for just over a year, the luxury resort has received a 100 percent "yes" rating to date for proposals among its ocean villas and along the sands of Smuggler's Cove Beach – pretty solid odds for any prospective groom. Among many successful engagement stories at the property, one recent proposal took place aboard the resort's luxury yacht, while another proposal occurred at Rock Maison – a private cocktail deck perched high in the hills – with a zip line delivering the ring to the couple's table. And now, you can even work with the resort's new Proposal Concierge to come up with a customized proposal plan that's all your own. Rates start at $435 per night through March 31 – just log on to capmaison.com to book your stay. And let us be the first to say congrats!

Caribbean Proposal

Private Island Privileges

Since you're already shelling out around $50,000 per night for your vacay on ultra-luxe Necker Island in the BVI, you might as well pony up another $25,000 to check out Branson's newest toy: the Necker Nymph, a three-man, fully submersible aero-submarine. The winged...um, thing...functions as both an aircraft and sub, cruising along the surface of the ocean until you – and the certified Necker Nymph pilot at the helm – decide to take a dive. The vessel is capable of staying underwater for up to two hours as you explore the reefs and wrecks of the surrounding isles and cays, and the price tag buys you a full week to use it. Hey, it's cheaper than going to space.

Private Island Privileges

Show Your Love, Win a Trip

Calling all lovebirds: If you have a great romantic story involving the Caribbean – from proposals on the sea to weddings on the shore – Bermuda's luxury Reefs Hotel & Club just might reward you for sharing it. Just submit your story to the Show Your Love contest now through Valentine's Day, February 14, and you and your sweetie may win one of two six-day/five-night stays at the resort. Judges will select a group of finalists and then post those stories online for a public vote between February 18 to 28, 2010.

To enter, visit thereefs.com/showyourlove – then sign up for our free e-newsletter to have more contest announcements delivered right to your inbox.

Show Your Love, Win a Trip

Setting Sail

February marks the beginning of regatta season in the Caribbean — pictured is a shot from the St. Croix Regatta, running from February 19 to 21 — and as a total sailing neophyte, I’m eagerly reading every tidbit I come across regarding these sailing spectacles. In 28 short days I’ll be testing the waters, so to speak, when I head to St. Maarten to participate in the 30th annual Heineken Regatta from March 4-7. Growing up in landlocked Kansas, I had little exposure to the big blue sea, neither did I get into sailing in Wisconsin, where I went to school, and I've yet to be on a boat here in Florida. Which seems ridiculous. I suppose it took the lure of getting to sail in an actual race, all the Heineken I can handle (believe me, they'll be sorry) and a trip to beautiful St. Maarten to convince me to climb aboard. I'm not sure if I'll make captain in my days on board or I'll be swabbing decks, but either way, I can't wait. If you want to join in the fun, the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino is offering a "Regatta Retreat" special where you'll get a free night for stays from March 3 to 8, as long as you book four nights. Rates start at $290 per room, per night. Surf over to www.sonesta.com/stmaarten and use booking code HR10. See you there!

Setting Sail

Last-Minute Romantic Getaway

If you've been craving a romantic escape but can't get away for Valentine's Day weekend, today's featured vacation package is definitely for you...

The Deal: Book a pre-Valentine's Day package at St. Lucia's all-inclusive Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa through February 12 and save up to 55 percent on your stay.

Why We Love It: With this last-minute deal, you'll enjoy nightly rates starting at just $128 per person – including all meals, snacks and drinks – and you can travel anytime through next Friday to take advantage of the savings. You and your sweetheart will also get a resort credit of $50 per night (up to $350) redeemable at the spa, resort store or toward island excursions.


How to Book It: Call 877-352-8898 or surf over to Ccbayresort.com to reserve your stay.

Last-Minute Romantic Getaway

Editors Inflight

It's the first day of February, the Caribbean's high season is in full swing, and CT+L 's editors are getting ready to jet off to the region's balmy shores. At this point were not sure exactly where our assignments will take us – although our intrepid photographer Zach Stovall is already happily snapping his way around St. Croix – but we sure do know where we'd like to go in 2010.

Editor at Large Dave Herndon picks St John. "I'm dying to find out what all the love is about," he says of the idyllic US Virgin that attracts a back-to-nature bohemian crowd. (One of our favorite writers even considered packing up and moving to the USVI. Check out her story here.)

Online Editor Reagan Johnson just got back from Barbuda (above right), but she's already got her eye on The Grenadines. "I love sailing and I've always wanted to island-hop around the chain, checking out Bequia, Carraicou, Young Island and some of the smaller islets and cays," says our webby wonder woman. "Moonsplash on Anguilla is a close second, though!"

Managing Editor Becky Strauss has Bonaire on the brain. "I've been certified for 13 years now, and I'm desperate to check out one of the world's premiere diving destinations," she says. (If going deep also tops your to-do list, check out Provo, too.)

Executive Editor Matt Phenix is prepping for 4x4 safari through Belize later this month (read all about it in our upcoming May issue) and will put his driving skills to work again later in the year as he tours Barbados (left) by Mini moke for an upcoming feature.

As for me: Like Reagan, I'm hoping to set sail on my maiden voyage to The Grenadines, and I'm curious about the French Caribbean, particularly Martinique and Guadeloupe. It'd be a great opportunity to see somewhere new and to brush up on my Francais. Of course, I'm always up for a trip back to my beloved Jamaica, and I'm excited about the ever-increasing lineup of luxury hotels along Mexico's Riviera Maya (We'll be featuring one of the best in our annual all-inclusive feature, coming up in April).

Now over to you: Which destinations are on your Caribbean wish-list this year?

Editors Inflight

Barbuda's Private Island Retreat

It's hard to deny the appeal of a private island vacation, but the pricy lodging and off-the-beaten-path transportation demands can be prohibitive for many island hoppers. This weekend, though, I hopped over to Antigua's sister island Barbuda for a 4-day escape at the serene Lighthouse Bay Resort, and I think I just may have stumbled upon a property that strikes a careful balance between private island exclusivity and affordable luxury. To be sure, the 9-room resort is not cheap (junior suites start at $1,000 per night double occupancy in low season) - but for what's included, it could be a justifiable splurge for many vacationers: The petite luxury resort occupies an uninterrupted 17-mile stretch of just about the most spectacular Caribbean beach I've ever seen, and the property is only accessible by boat or helicopter (round trip heli-transfers are complimentary for guests staying three nights or more). It doesn't get much more private than that. Also included in the rate are all meals, drinks and snacks and a smattering of beach and water sports options at your feet. Tomorrow, I'm off to check out the nearby Frigate Bird Sanctuary and then saddle up for some romantic horseback riding on the beach so I'll be sure to update more about my trip then. But for now, to read more about Lighthouse Bay and the island of Barbuda, just turn to Matt Phenix's Excursion piece from the latest issue.

Barbuda's Private Island Retreat

JetBlue Operations Announcement

You may have heard JetBlue's announcement late yesterday that it will be moving over to a new reservation system later this week – but here's what it all means for travelers: Starting at 12:00 p.m. EST on Friday, January 29 and continuing into Saturday afternoon, January 30, the airline's entire web and phone system will be down – meaning travelers will be unable to log onto jetblue.com or reach anyone at the toll-free number to book, change or cancel an itinerary during that time. Online check-in service will also be unavailable. Instead, if you're traveling this weekend you should plan to take care of any transactions directly at the airport ticket counter – and passengers should definitely plan on longer lines and wait times all weekend. If you'll be island-hopping yourself during this time, keep us updated on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

 

JetBlue Operations Announcement

50% Off at the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba

The Deal: Book a vacation at the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba by March 29 and travel through March 31 to take advantage of 50 percent off nightly rates, with rooms starting at just $163 double occupancy.

Why We Love It: There are no blackout dates within the promotional window, so whether you're planning a romantic escape for Valentine's Day or just a long weekend for President's Day, you can cash in on huge winter savings. Plus, as always kids 17 and under stay free when sharing your room.

How to Book It: Surf over to caribbeanhi.com/aruba or call 800-HOLIDAY and book your trip before March 29, 2010. Be sure to use promotion code 150.

50% Off at the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba