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Monday, November 30, 2009

Today Only: Save up to 65% at Holiday Inn Caribbean Resorts

The Deal: With the Holiday Inn Caribbean's limited-time Cyber Monday deal, you can save 55 percent on rooms at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Montego Bay or 65 percent on rooms at the Holiday Inn Aruba for qualifying 2010 vacations. In Jamaica, you'll also get a free room upgrade to the superior category and a free bottle of wine at check-in.

Why We Love It: With nightly all-inclusive rates starting at $98 per person (kids 12 and under stay and eat free) it's an affordable way to take family vacay in 2010 at two of the Caribbean's most popular destinations. You can travel between January 4 and March 25 at the Sunspree Resort Montego Bay, and between January 4 and December 23 at the Aruba property.

How to Book It: For Aruba, call 011-297-586-3600 or surf over to caribbeanhi.com/aruba and use promotion code 165 (a minimum stay of three nights is required). For Montego Bay, call 888-288-6006 or go to caribbeanhi.com/jamaica and use promotion code 155 (no minimum stay). To take advantage of either deal, you have to book today.



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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Captured on Film

Our photographer Zach and editor at large Bob just returned from a two-week sailing jaunt around the British Virgin Islands ("for work") and they were kind enough to capture some of the trip highlights on video. I took a look at some of the clips this morning, and never mind that most of it is unusable here on the PG site (let's just say the guys had a few rum punches along the way)...there are still quite a few hidden gems among the footage, so stay tuned. I'll be adding new videos to the blog and our new YouTube channel soon!

In the mean time, you can watch full webisodes from our hit Travel Channel show Affordable Caribbean at caribbeantravelmag.com/affordablecaribbean.



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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

All-Inclusive Savings in Antigua



The Deal: Stay at Antigua's Galley Bay Resort & Spa by December 20 and you'll enjoy nightly all-inclusive rates starting at $499 double occupancy including all meals, beverages, taxes and service charges.

Why We Love It: The 94-room boutique resort was recently selected as one of the Top 25 Caribbean Resorts by Condé Nast Traveler, and with standard high season rates starting at $965 double occupancy, this deal represents savings of nearly 50 percent. What's not to love about affordable luxury?

How to Book It: Log on to galleybayresort.com  and book a stay by December 20, 2009.



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Monday, November 23, 2009

Send Us a Postcard


From our wallpaper gallery to our social media travel albums, CT+L is stocked with gorgeous Caribbean photos – but we're sure we aren't alone. Want to share your travel snapshots with the world? Post them to our Facebook page to get feedback from fellow island-hoppers, or email us your favorite island shot featuring our magazine and you may be chosen as our monthly postcard, like Hans and Lauren were in October, or baby Sara was this month.



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Friday, November 20, 2009

New Year, New Ways to Save in the Grenadines

The Deal: For every night you stay at the private Young Island Resort between January 1 and March 31, you'll get an additional free night. The buy-one-get-one offer is valid on any room category as long as you reserve the breakfast plus dinner plan.

Why We Love It: What's not to love about indulging in a private island escape for half the price? With nightly winter rates starting at $532 per person for a superior cottage, the deal offers savings of up to $1,064 for every two nights you stay. Included in the rate, you'll also get airport and ferry transfers and use of the resort's non-motorized water sports amenities – plus all of your taxes and gratuities are covered.

How to Book It: Call 800-223-1108 or log on to youngisland.com to reserve your stay for anytime between January 1 and March 31, 2010.


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Thursday, November 19, 2009

Fifth Night Free in Antigua

The Deal: Book a four-night all-inclusive stay at Antigua's Curtain Bluff this Fall and get your fifth night free, including three gourmet meals per day, afternoon tea all drinks and snacks, and activities like deep sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and more.


Why We Love It: Featured as one of our All Time Top 10 Classic Resorts last year, Curtain Bluff gives guests a dose of authentic, unadulterated Caribbean charm without sacrificing luxury amenities. The Fifth Night Free package is back by popular demand for a limited time and it offers a savings of at least $745.


How to Book It: Log on to curtainbluff.com and book a four-night-minimum stay between November 29 to December 19, 2009. Some blackout dates may apply – check the web site for details.



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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Barbados for the Sports Fan

Football fans will be feelin' irie next week when three Barbados-born performers take the stage for the 2009 United Way Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show. Just tune in to the Packers vs. Lions game on Thursday, November 26 at 12:30 PM ET on FOX (I know our cheesehead managing editor Becky will be watching) and you can score a special performance by Bajan singers Shontelle, Hal Linton and Vita Chambers. After the game, surf over to nfl.com/thanksgiving to download a copy of the performance – and you can feel pretty good about it since all proceeds benefit United Way.



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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Update: Delta Discount to St. Kitts


Last week, I posted a quick blog about Delta's limited time discounts between St. Kitts and Atlanta – and it turns out the deal's been so popular, the airline has just extended the booking window through November 23. You'll still have till February 28 to travel with one-way fares starting at $309...just book on delta.com, then share your stories and photos with other island-hoppers on our Facebook page.



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Friday, November 13, 2009

Beaches Turks and Caicos

I just returned from a quick trip to Turks and Caicos, where I had the chance to check out the new Italian Village wing at the all-inclusive Beaches Resort. Going into it, I knew the Grace Bay location would be tough to beat – but I had no idea how much I would end up liking the resort itself. Here, four surprising reasons to check out the property...

1. Diving – The resort's full-service PADI dive center has a staff of 23 instructors, a fleet of five Newton dive boats and a wide range of diving and certification options for beginners to experienced divers. Best of all? It's completely free for guests who are already certified ($150 per two-tank dive for non-guests). Haven't tried diving before? You can sign-up for the Discover Scuba resort course, including a hands-on pool class and one-tank dive, for $70 per person – then decide if you want to upgrade to the full scuba certification for $250, or open water certification for $400 (either way, they'll refund your original $70). You'll have famed TCI dive sites like Aquarium, Cathedral and Pinnacles at your disposal, plus a range of great sites along the Northwest Point and the Caicos Banks.

2. Butler Service – I'll admit it, I didn't expect much when I was told I'd have a personal butler during my stay. I thought this would only come in handy for the occasional poolside cocktail order, but oh! – was I wrong. These were not mere butlers but mind readers. By day two, mine already knew exactly how I take my coffee, how I like my eggs, what time I might feel like a snack (any time?), and that I have a hard time deciding on dessert (he just brought me one of each – thoughtful!). At check in, my butler even gave me a special bat phone to reach him at any hour, and with the touch of a button I really could – whether it was just for another daiquiri, or to make a reservation at the Red Lane Spa or one of the specialty restaurants on the property. Butler service is included with top suite categories so just ask your reservation agent about the option when you book.

3. Dining – Speaking of restaurants, surprise number three: The food was really good. I'm not knocking all-inclusive resort chains, but they aren't usually top-of-mind when I think about great Caribbean dining. But I've got to say, from breakfast on the terrace to the lunch buffet at Mario's to any one of the other 15 options (including Japanese, Italian, French and seafood specialty venues) – every single meal I had was great. Same for the cocktails, though who am I kidding? It's tough to go wrong with a rum punch anywhere in the Caribbean.

4. Kid Stuff – I don't have kids myself, but man...next time I'll borrow a couple for the trip. Besides the fact that I personally hung out at the pool with the characters from Sesame Street twice during my stay, I also had access to the huge Pirate's Island water park, a giant Games Garage filled with every Xbox game known to man, five pools and a gaggle of other kid-distractions everywhere I looked. But with tons of supervised Kids Club programs for all age groups, there's also an escape for mom and dad, too.

Our editor in chief and his two tots put the resort's kiddie attractions to the test this summer, so stay tuned to the April issue for even more on that.



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Thursday, November 12, 2009

Take 5 in Bermuda This Winter

The Deal: Book a five-night stay at The Reefs between December 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010 and in addition to daily breakfast, afternoon tea, gourmet dinner and a three-day bus/ferry pass to explore Bermuda, you'll also get your fifth night free. Packages start at $1,869 double occupancy.

Why We Love It: The recently renovated property is considered among the best on the island (most recently voted #1 in the Atlantic by Condé Nast Traveler) – and the free night and added-value options make it easy for families to have a taste of affordable luxury this winter. If you're traveling with active or retired members of the Armed Forces, you can cash in on a 15 percent veteran discount through March 15, 2010 as well.

How to Book It: Call 888-466-0288 or log on to thereefs.com to book your stay between December 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010 (excluding travel between December 20, 2009 and January 3, 2010).



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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Delta Discount to St. Kitts

Delta just announced a second weekly non-stop between its Atlanta hub and St. Kitts – and if you book by November 16, you'll also enjoy discounted rates of $309 each way. You'll have till February 28, 2010 to take the trip...just book online at delta.com or call 800-221-1212 to reserve your next vacation (expect to pay a $20 surcharge for booking with a reservation agent over the phone, though – the fee is waived online).



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Monday, November 9, 2009

Cayman Jazz Fest 2009

This year's Cayman Jazz Fest kicks off on December 3 and it's poised to be the biggest yet as Grammy Award winning artist Alicia Keys headlines the entire weekend. Through December 5, jazz, soul and R&B artists including Keith Sweat, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, and soul singer Oleta Adams will descend on Grand Cayman's Camana Bay for the sixth annual event celebrating the area's musical roots.

Want to go? Just cruise over to caymanislands.ky/jazzfest to check out vacation packages starting at $649 per person.



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Friday, November 6, 2009

Reading On The Road


On a recent flight I sat next to a woman who was deeply engrossed in a reading a book on her Kindle. We started chatting and she couldn’t stop raving about how perfect the e-reader is for travel.

“I can carry as many books as I like with me on a machine that weighs next to nothing; there’s no glare on the screen, even when I’m reading in full sun; and if I get sand or sea spray on it, no big deal - I just wipe it off,” she said.

Which got me thinking that maybe this bookworm should add a Kindle to her Christmas list. Then I heard about Barnes & Noble’s “Kindle Killer” the Nook, which releases on November 30.


Priced the same as the Kindle at $259, this e-reader looks and performs a lot like it ­– except for two major features. One: in place of the keyboard it has a second screen, a color touch screen that can function either as a virtual keyboard (kinda like the iPhone) or which you can use to scroll through all the books in the B&N Nook library. Two: Nook readers can lend friends e-books by sending them to other Nooks, iPhones, BlackBerrys and computers – something you can’t yet do with the Kindle.

But I gotta admit, what really has me jonesing for a Nook is the range of stylish accessories and covers. Come on, people; how cute is this?!

So tell me dear reader: Do you have an e-reader on your gift list? If you already own one, do you love it? Should I go with the tried-and-true Kindle or get into the Nook?


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High Season Mexico at Low Season Rates

The Deal: Book a January vacation at the adults-only Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort this month and you'll get low season rates starting at $286 per night double occupancy – a savings of 30 percentincluding all meals and drinks.

Why We Love It: You and your sweetheart can enjoy the Riviera Maya for a lot less this winter and take advantage of all of the resort's amenities – like complimentary scuba lessons – for free. And it's tough to beat nightly all-inclusive rates around $140 per person in high season.

How to Book It: Log on to www.cataloniacaribbean.com and book by November 30.





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Thursday, November 5, 2009

Surf Into Luxury in Aruba

Last week I blogged about the Aruba Marriott's beach tennis package, but for those of us who can't serve to save our lives (I can't be the only one) the resort just announced another promotion for action junkies. Just book the Surf Into Luxury package through December 23, 2010 and you'll get free windsurfing or kiteboarding lessons – plus you'll enjoy 30 percent off at the top floor, hotel-within-a-hotel Tradewinds Club during your stay. Rates start at $328 per night double occupancy and include some meals...just surf over to arubamarriott.com to book.



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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Get $300 Back in the Bahamas

The Deal: Book a three-night-minimum stay at Paradise Island's posh One&Only Ocean Club resort this winter and get a $300 food and beverage credit, redeemable toward all on-site restaurants and room service.

Why We Love It: Who doesn't like free food? That $300 can go a long way toward covering your dining costs throughout your stay, so go ahead – leave your wallet back in the room.

How to Book It: Book your three-night-minimum stay by calling 888-528-7157 or logging on to www.oneandonlyresorts.com, then travel by December 26.



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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Eating My Way Across Trinidad

Hello fellow food lovers. I just got back from Trinidad, and let's just say it's a good thing my pants were loose when I got there. Trinidad is renowned for its food traditions - with 40% of the population descended from India, I knew I'd be in heaven - but traditional Indian foods have definitely undergone a delicious island spin. We'll start with breakfast - crazy, I know. Trinidad is known for "doubles," a common street food sold out of vendor's trucks all over the island. We beelined for our guides' favorite and weren't disappointed. Its closest approximation is a sandwich; each piece of "bread" is a lightly fried round, spiced and colored with turmeric, and between them is a filling of curried chick peas called channa - as spicy as you can stand it. (Doubles photo at top courtesy of Jon Whittle)

Let's move on to lunch: The other biggie on Trinidad is bake and shark, and the most famous place to get it is at Richard's on Maracas Beach. Naturally, we made a beeline. It's a deep-fried shark filet, most commonly blacktip shark, sandwiched between a "bake," a lot like Navajo fry bread, and slathered with as many Trini condiments as you can handle. Don't skip the cilantro sauce or the tamarind sauce, whatever you do; hot sauce I'll leave up to your tolerance for pain. Paired with a cold Carib beer, there's no better lunch to be had.
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Monday, November 2, 2009

Affordable BVI

In case you missed the latest episode of Affordable Caribbean showcasing one of my personal favorites, the British Virgin Islands, just surf over to the series web site to watch full webisodes like this one for free...





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