New Delta Direct Flights to Grand Cayman

Traveling 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 destination pages and our Cayman blogs to start planning your summer vacation!

New Delta Direct Flights to Grand Cayman

Free Companion Fares to the Bahamas

The 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 complimentary companion flight, plus enjoy low rates at a variety of properties on Nassau, Grand Bahama and throughout the Out Islands. You'll have until December 22, 2010 to take the trip.

How to Book It: You can only book this offer by calling the toll-free number –  866-789-5485 – but surf over to the official offer page to learn more before you call. Some blackout dates may apply.

Free Companion Fares to the Bahamas

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

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

Free Companion Fares to Barbados

Here's a little airline news to kick off the weekend: American Airlines already offers non-stop service to Barbados from its hubs in New York, Miami and San Juan – but between now and February 12, 2010, just book your minimum four-night stay through the carrier's travel planning site AAVacations.com and your companion will fly free. Even better, you'll have till May 31, 2010 to take the trip. Check out the AA Vacations site to get more info on the promotion – then hit up our destination pages to read recent Barbados articles and start planning your trip!

Free Companion Fares to Barbados

Last-Minute Grand Cayman Deal for Snowbirds

Ahhh, winter. The weekend forecast here is calling for freezing rain and snow – and our offices are in Florida. And judging from the posts on our Facebook wall, most of our readers around the country are having trouble staying any warmer lately. In blustery times like these, I think we could all use an affordable tropical vacation package, no?

The Deal: Book a stay at the Ritz- Carlton Grand Cayman this weekend – between January 8 to 12 – and you can enjoy the resort's lowest rates of $399, plus you can fly round trip between Miami and Grand Cayman on American Airlines for just $281 including tax.

Why We Love It: On the coldest weekend of the year so far, who wouldn't love an affordable last-minute getaway to sunny Seven Mile Beach? The rate for the five-star Ritz is the lowest available all high season, and the eSaver fares on AA are some of the lowest all year for that route.

How to Book It: This one is for you last-minute snowbirds, since you do need to book and travel by January 12, 2010. Just log on to aa.com to book the flight, then reserve your luxury room at ritzcarlton.com. And hey, feel free to rub it in to the rest of us who'll be freezing our buns off back home by sharing your trip report and photos on our Facebook page once you get back.

Last-Minute Grand Cayman Deal for Snowbirds

Increased Service to the USVI

Start packing those bags for a winter escape: Delta just announced that it's increasing its twice-weekly service between New York (JFK) and St. Thomas to seven days per week starting this Saturday, January 9 – so it's easier than ever to plan a trip this high season. If laid back St. Croix is more your speed, you can also fly daily between Atlanta (ATL) and the island beginning this weekend, too. Just log on to delta.com to check out the latest specials and to book your USVI getaway.

Increased Service to the USVI

New Direct Flights on Cayman Airways

Cayman Airways just announced new seasonal service between Chicago (O'Hare) and Grand Cayman that will make winter travel a breeze. Through March 13, you can fly direct between the two cities twice per week – on Wednesdays and Sundays – and once you're on the island, you can also take advantage of a range of specials like discounted excursions and dive trips. Log on to caymanairways.com for more info and to book your trip.

New Direct Flights on Cayman Airways

Barbados Sale on Delta

If you're dreaming of a trip to Barbados this winter, getting there just got a little cheaper with Delta's latest sale. For vacations booked by December 28, 2009, you can take advantage of one-way flights from the carrier's Atlanta hub, between January 16 and February 28, 2010, starting at just $229. To book your flights, log on to delta.com – then surf over to our destination pages and our recent feature "Barbados: Pursuit of Happiness" to learn more about the island before you go.

Barbados Sale on Delta

Belize Deals for Spring

If you've been considering a Belize vacation, now may be the perfect time to book a trip. American Airlines just announced limited-time low fares for travel between Belize and a handful of U.S. gateway cities – like Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Dallas – when traveling by March 27, 2010. One-way fares start at just $149 when booked by December 22, 2009.

And to sweeten the deal, some of Belize's top eco-resorts have created Spring packages starting as low as $240 per night double occupancy. That rate will buy you a one-bedroom beachfront cabana at Tranquility Bay Resort; or for $300 per night, you can stay in a an oceanfront cabana at the Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort right next to the country's Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's first jaguar preserve. If you're ready to splurge, you can even stay at the luxe St. George's Caye – a private island resort off the Belize Barrier Reef – for just $246 per person each night, all-inclusive.

Surf over to AA.com to book your airfare, then hit up the resort web site of your choice to book a room – and for you adrenaline junkies, don't forget to check out our Water Sports Lover's Guide to Ambergris Caye before you go.

Belize Deals for Spring

Better Travel Options from Beantown

JetBlue is already a major player in the Caribbean travel game, but the airline just announced a new plan to increase flights between its Logan International (BOS) hub and the Caribbean by 25 percent – a move that will make it the single largest carrier out of Boston.

Beginning May 3, 2010, travelers can take advantage of new weekly routes to Aruba; Cancun, Mexico; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Montego Bay, Jamaica – and the airline will also continue its regular daily service to Bermuda and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The decision comes right on the heels of US Airways' announcement to discontinue six of its eight current Caribbean routes next year, so the increased JetBlue schedule will help to pick up the slack in Caribbean flights – great news for the destinations in question and the island-hoppers wishing to visit them.

Check in with the JetBlue site for more information on the new routes and to book your trip.

Better Travel Options from Beantown

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.

Update: Delta Discount to St. Kitts

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).

Delta Discount to St. Kitts

St. Lucia Deals on JetBlue

To celebrate JetBlue's inaugural service between New York (JFK) and St. Lucia (UVF), the carrier is offering a limited-time special starting at just $129 each way. You only have till this Friday, October 20 to book it – but you can travel through February 8, 2010. Just log on to jetblue.com to reserve your seats, then surf over to our Editor's Picks page for exclusive savings at some of the island's top resorts like Ladera, Anse Chastanet and more.

St. Lucia Deals on JetBlue

USVI Sale on American Airlines

The Virgin Islands are on sale with new low fares from American Airlines...just book your trip to St. Thomas or St. Croix by November 3 from any of the carrier's nine featured hubs and you'll have until December 17 to take the trip, with one way fares starting at just $91. The U.S. gateways include Miami, New York, Boston, Chicago and more. Just visit www.aa.com for details and to book your USVI getaway!

USVI Sale on American Airlines

New JetBlue Routes in the Caribbean

In airline news this week, JetBlue has announced new Caribbean routes taking effect throughout October, with special limited-time fares for vacationers who act quickly.

On Monday, the airline celebrated its inaugural flight from New York (JFK) to Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI) – the carrier's first voyage to that island. And through December 16, travelers can cash in on special $99 one-way fares on daily service between the cities.

Meanwhile, the airline is preparing to launch a new route between New York (JFK) and St. Lucia's Hewannora Airport (UVF) on October 26, with round-trip service continuing three times per week between the two stops. Fares through the end of October are running around $170 each way, and more deals are expected to follow.

And another route between New York (JFK) and Kingston, Jamaica is scheduled to begin on October 30, with fare specials still to be announced.

But the new routes aren't the only ones getting the low-fare treatment: JetBlue is boasting unbelievably low Fall airfares between Fort Lauderdale and Nassau, Bahamas starting at $29 each way, and fares between Orlando and Montego Bay, Jamaica starting at $69 each way.

Whatever island you choose, just log on to the JetBlue site to book your trip, then surf over to our Travel Specials page to find the perfect hotel deal.

New JetBlue Routes in the Caribbean

Montego Bay on JetBlue

JetBlue just announced two new routes for 2010, with planned routes from Boston and Orlando to Montego Bay, Jamaica beginning in the new year. One way fares from Boston will start at $149, and from Orlando will start as low as $69. Stay tuned on the JetBlue site and here on the Caribbean Travel + Life blog for more updates on booking those and other Caribbean flights – and in the mean time you can search for great vacation packages on our Travel Specials and Editor's Picks pages.

Montego Bay on JetBlue

AirTran Goes Caribbean

Even airlines dream of spending time in the Caribbean, and this week low-cost carrier AirTran announced that it's making a move toward adding new island service to its long list of destinations. The carrier just submitted applications with the U.S. Department of Transportation and, if approved, will begin service from three major U.S. hubs - Orlando, Atlanta and Baltimore/Washington - to Nassau, Bahamas; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Aruba later this year. The addition of new routes between these major destinations can only mean good things for the affordability of Caribbean air travel, so stay tuned for the fare sales that are sure to follow...we'll keep you updated here on the blog.

AirTran Goes Caribbean

JetBlue "Bikini Sale" for the Caribbean

More big news from our favorite low-fare carrier JetBlue, which just announced a "Bikini Sale" this month. From what I can tell, they aren't selling those itsy bitsy teenie weenie bathing suits we love to hate, but the idea of the promotion is to keep you lounging on those gorgeous Caribbean beaches for a lot longer this year. Just book your trip by August 26 and you can take advantage of fares starting at just $29 each way when traveling from September 8 to November 18...

Between Fort Lauderdale and Nassau - $29
Between Orlando and Nassau - $49
Between Orlando and Cancun - $59

The promotion also includes U. S. hubs in New York and Boston, and Caribbean stops include Aruba, St. Maarten, Barbados and more. Actual bikinis are optional.

JetBlue "Bikini Sale" for the Caribbean

All You Can Jet - Unlimited Caribbean Travel

In other JetBlue news, the airline just announced an unbelievable promotion for Fall...through August 21, travelers can purchase an All-You-Can-Jet Pass for $599 and enjoy unlimited travel between September 8 and October 8. You can use the pass as often as you like during that time, and it's valid anywhere JetBlue flies - a total of 57 hubs including Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia and St. Maarten.





When traveling internationally the $599 price tag is exclusive of taxes and government fees, which vary by destination, but many Caribbean round-trip flights run close to that promotional price anyway, so the pass could offer huge savings to frequent Caribbean travelers and island hoppers.

Just log on to the JetBlue web site for more information and to purchase your pass.

All You Can Jet - Unlimited Caribbean Travel