tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79247865701502683872024-03-05T22:25:10.966-05:00Caribbean Travel Editors' BlogThe Caribbean Travel + Life Blog is your direct link to what's happening around the Caribbean. We've got our finger on the pulse of the region – from major vacation destinations to more under-the-radar islands – and we'll keep you up to speed on all of the travel news, deals, vacation packages and contests you need to plan your next Caribbean trip.Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10149939073631280894noreply@blogger.comBlogger296125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-58544915873959668912010-03-11T10:58:00.013-05:002010-03-11T11:37:48.376-05:00The Last Headphones You'll Ever BuyIf you're a traveling audiophile who likes the idea of those bulky Bose noise-canceling headphones but just can't bring yourself to spend 300 bucks on something that looks so ... well ... nerdy, here's a word of advice: don't.The folks over at Ultimate Ears sent me a pair of their UE 700 noise-isolating headphones, which I test drove on a flight to Jamaica last weekend, and I have to say: if Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17400305777641773244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-63901520732678667832010-03-08T14:45:00.020-05:002010-03-08T17:03:20.142-05:00Breakfast with the Mennonites ... in BelizeThe Caribbean is full of surprises. During our recent road trip through the Central American country of Belize, staff photographer Zach Stovall and I enjoyed a rare treat, thanks to Mark Howells, the Aussie owner of the Lamanai Outpost Lodge: We ate breakfast with a nearby Mennonite family. Belize has some 10,000 Mennonites — about 3 percent of the total population — who live in small communitiesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-5241478204591415432010-03-05T08:00:00.004-05:002010-03-05T08:00:11.013-05:00Experience Curaçao Now at Kura HulandaThe Deal: Book a five-night stay at the chic Hotel Kura Hulanda or the quiet Lodge Kura Hulanda by March 15 and you'll enjoy a free night – plus get up to $400 in air credits, $200 in food and beverage credits and other island-wide perks with Curaçao Now.
Why We Love It: Back by popular demand, the Curaçao Now promotion gives you the chance to experience two of the island's ritziest resorts for Reaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-30475011824734674012010-03-05T05:57:00.011-05:002010-03-05T10:45:04.991-05:00Latitude AdjustmentIt's not every day that you get to straddle the Tropic of Cancer line. But a couple of weekends ago, on Island Routes' Bahamian Bus Tour on Great Exuma in the Bahamas, I did.
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17400305777641773244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-85277185752162336762010-03-04T15:02:00.000-05:002010-03-04T15:02:51.368-05:00Affordable Luxury in the DR at Casa ColonialThe Deal: Book a last-minute four-night-minimum stay at the luxury Casa Colonial Beach & Spa resort by March 7 and you'll save 25 percent on nightly rates and enjoy your fourth night free through April 30.
Why We Love It: The all-suite boutique resort in Puerto Plata, DR is one of the most exclusive properties along the island's north coast, and rates during the promotional period start at Reaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-53398355404373617362010-03-03T17:38:00.002-05:002010-03-03T17:40:49.719-05:00Another Great Excuse for a CocktailSt. George's Caye Resort has concocted a new promotion that just might send you on a three-night getaway for two – all on the house. To celebrate the opening of the resort's new on-site watering hole, the 12-cabana exclusive resort is giving you a chance to christen the venue in its Name Our Bar contest. If your idea is selected, you and a guest will be on your way to the private island in BelizeReaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-60565569272533553782010-03-02T14:35:00.000-05:002010-03-02T14:35:39.002-05:00Winter Fun, Hold the SnowIf you haven't gotten enough Olympic action in the last few weeks, or if you're searching for year-round thrills in a decidedly warmer climate, check out Rainforest Adventures at Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios. You can make like the Jamaican bobsled team as you whip through a 3,280 foot track; and you'll be in good company - Olympic champion Usain Bolt has called the spot his favorite to chill out Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867441679384860698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-14905616124476435122010-03-01T08:00:00.000-05:002010-03-01T17:55:26.199-05:00Reader ResponseWant to see your island-hopping travel story appear in Caribbean Travel + Life? Here's your chance! Just answer our latest reader question in the comments section below, and your response just may appear in an upcoming issue as well as right here on the web site:
Tell us all about your best Caribbean family vacation...
If you want to share your photos too, don't forget to head to our Facebook Reaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-15799035133859292322010-02-25T13:42:00.000-05:002010-02-25T13:42:37.110-05:00Retail RefundGood news for travelers who plan to drop some dinero in Cancun: under the destination's new Tax Back program, shoppers will be refunded the 10-percent value-added tax paid on cash purchases between 1,200 and 3,000 pesos (roughly $90 and $225) and on credit card purchases of any amount over 1,200 pesos.
Just ask for a receipt in participating stores (look for the orange sticker in the window), Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17400305777641773244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-14817585077527572332010-02-24T18:23:00.000-05:002010-02-24T18:23:47.203-05:00New Delta Direct Flights to Grand CaymanTraveling to the Cayman Islands just got easier for you northerners with the addition of Delta's new weekly direct service. Starting June 12, the airline will begin operating a round trip flight every Saturday between New York's JFK and Grand Cayman, so you can kick off your island vacation without any of the usual layovers. Just log on to delta.com to book your trip, then surf over to our Reaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-21733451595541896962010-02-23T15:25:00.002-05:002010-02-24T18:25:12.267-05:00Free Nights at Ritz-Carlton Caribbean and Mexico ResortsThe Deal: Book the exclusive Club Level for your next 4- or 5-night Ritz-Carlton Caribbean or Mexico vacation and you'll enjoy a complimentary night on your stay – a savings of at least $379.
Why We Love It: Already known for top notch service and amenities, the Ritz Carlton brand has gone a step further with the addition of its new Club Level – an intimate "hotel within a hotel" experience Reaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-20559801719816775822010-02-22T08:00:00.004-05:002010-02-22T08:00:11.297-05:00Have a Drink On UsIt's definitely tempting to rip out the Happy Hours features in each issue so you'll always have those yummy Caribbean cocktail recipes on hand. I know, I've done it. But before you dismantle your next issue, surf over to our Scribd page where you can download (or share) interactive PDF versions of great content like this in every issue – all without harming your innocent CT+L collection.
Reaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-73154073146911221062010-02-19T15:19:00.005-05:002010-02-19T17:48:29.147-05:00Tweet if You Like Free Stuff!Valentine's Day is over but you've still got a chance to redeem yourself for those pink carnations you gave her — American Express is sponsoring a free trip to tres exclusive Jumby Bay in Antigua. The "tweetheart" (get it?) promotion includes round trip airfare and four nights of all inclusive accommodation for two at the private island resort – and considering the going rate for room and board Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867441679384860698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-54658692597057871872010-02-18T09:44:00.007-05:002010-02-18T10:26:36.345-05:00Small PackagesWhen you travel as much as the CT+L editors do, you quickly pick up tips and tricks to get you out the door and on the plane with as little hassle as possible. One I've learned: always keeping a bag of toiletries and travel essentials packed and ready to go. But because I'm a carry-on-only kinda gal, they've got to be in those teeny-tiny, TSA-approved containers – which means that I've invested Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17400305777641773244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-18850491711208811282010-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:002010-02-16T18:28:32.194-05:00Barbuda By DayFrom our Excursion feature in the December issue to our glowing trip reports here on the blog this month, you've been reading a lot about lovely Barbuda lately – and naturally you're ready to go check it out for yourself now. But in case you're a little short on the $1,000-per-night starting rate at the island's luxe Lighthouse Bay Resort, we thought we should mention that you can also enjoy the Reaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-68148153239518166672010-02-16T17:34:00.002-05:002010-02-16T17:36:19.862-05:00Free Companion Fares to the BahamasThe Deal: Book a round trip coach ticket plus a four-night minimum stay at one of more than 40 participating hotels in the Bahamas through American Express Vacations, and your companion will fly for free.
Why We Love It: This free-airfare deal was so popular over the winter that AE Vacations just extended the offer through March 3, 2010, so there's still time to take advantage of the Reaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-38372306831564297762010-02-11T14:32:00.000-05:002010-02-11T14:32:07.071-05:00Love is in the AirIt's that romantic time of year when the happily coupled make dinner reservations at très chic bistros and the rest of us curl up on the couch in pajamas, with a plate of brownies, to watch The Bachelor. Actually, I've never seen the show, but I hear the star is oh so dreamy. If you've been watching, you already know, and if you haven't, it might be time to start, because the Batch and the three Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867441679384860698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-3292258150657502882010-02-10T12:59:00.001-05:002010-02-10T12:59:20.583-05:00Affordable Luxury in the DRThe Deal: Book five nights in a deluxe junior suite at the Four Diamond Sivory Punta Cana and get one night free through April 4 – or travel between April 5 and December 25 and get two nights free. Either way, if you make your reservation at least 30 days prior to your arrival you'll also enjoy a $100 spa voucher for your stay.
Why We Love It: As the Dominican Republic's only property to Reaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-8588196005940345342010-02-09T15:34:00.000-05:002010-02-09T15:34:23.501-05:00Cover Up, ButtercupYou 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 Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17400305777641773244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-9303144833440625082010-02-08T17:27:00.002-05:002010-02-08T17:31:49.577-05:00Caribbean ProposalIf 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 Reaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-71947203752310400242010-02-05T15:43:00.002-05:002010-02-05T15:46:21.523-05:00Private Island PrivilegesSince 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 Reaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-73592036580670506722010-02-04T14:19:00.000-05:002010-02-04T14:19:34.916-05:00Show Your Love, Win a TripCalling 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. Reaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-78667216732739232062010-02-03T14:26:00.000-05:002010-02-03T14:26:55.405-05:00Setting SailFebruary 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 Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07867441679384860698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-32121125159170313002010-02-02T14:37:00.000-05:002010-02-02T14:37:13.904-05:00Last-Minute Romantic GetawayIf 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 startingReaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836715603369218240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924786570150268387.post-39518962826700033192010-02-01T12:23:00.004-05:002010-02-01T12:35:10.584-05:00Editors InflightIt'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 Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17400305777641773244noreply@blogger.com2