The Last Headphones You'll Ever Buy

If 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 you're the type of person who's prepared to spend big bucks on big, rich sound, these are for you.

I liked that once I inserted the tiny earbuds, absolutely nothing came between me and my tunes, and I could get lost in music, despite the seemingly endless in-cabin announcements. With five included foam and silicone buds to choose from I got a comfy fit, and the airplane jack (also included) enriched the listening experience on the inflight programming –now if only they'd show something other than Olympics re-runs. Best of all, the earphones are so diminutive that I can even fit my Shuffle into the 'phones' nifty plastic case.

At around $200 a pair the headphones are certainly no bargain; but if you demand great sound, want noise-canceling features without the dork factor, and are prepared to pay a premium for it, check these babies out.

The Last Headphones You'll Ever Buy

Small Packages

When 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 more time than I care to admit painstakingly decanting my various lotions and potions into three-ounce plastic bottles. But now I don't have to.

On minimus.biz travelers can find an array of pint-sized personal care and household products, everything from nail polish remover to Febreze, sunscreen to contact lens solution to ... ahem ... individually wrapped condoms. You'll find all the brand names you recognize from the pharmacy aisle at prices that start from less than 20 cents to around five bucks.

For a less pedestrian - but pricier – collection of portables, check out 3floz.com. If you're a prestige skincare and makeup fan, bookmark this site for travel-friendly favorites from companies such as Dr Hauschka, DDF and Weleda. The site also offers an impressive selection of organic products, and there's a men's section with all the aftershave, shaving balms, creams and facial washes the well-groomed gentleman traveler could desire.

Of course, once you've loaded up on diminutive deodorant and other petite essentials, you're going to need a chic, transparent bag to stow them in, right? (Please don't tell me you were considering a boring zip-lock Glad bag. Perish the thought!) But that's a post for another day ...

Small Packages

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

Hiking Nevis

Recently, I blogged about Nisbet Plantation's unique video amenities that allow guests to record their vacations for free; But now the boutique resort has added another cool amenity that I think is pretty great for the active set. Guests of the 36-room luxury resort can take advantage of complimentary Garmin eTrex GPS units for hiking around nearby Nevis Peak, making it easy to track your distance, coordinates and altitude during your trek...you know, just in case you're curious just how far you've made it on the 3,232-foot peak. And if hiking isn't your thing, you can always just hop on one of the resort's free Vespa scooters instead. Not a bad alternative.

To book a room, just surf over to nisbetplantation.com – and stay tuned here on the blog for upcoming Nevis deals. 

Hiking Nevis

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

CT+L on Scribd

Did you know you can access fully interactive PDF versions of featured Caribbean Travel + Life articles right on our Scribd page? It's free and easy to navigate – like this Grenada feature from the November 2009 issue. Don't see the article you're looking for? You can also search our archives here on the CT+L site, or download full digital issues on our Zinio page. Stay tuned for even more great destination spotlights to come!

Grenada: Island in the Sun

CT+L on Scribd

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

Holiday Savings in the Turks and Caicos

If you're planning a winter escape to the Caribbean, you've probably already seen our home page feature on this year's Top 25 Holiday Deals – but last-minute offers just keep coming in, like this vacation package from the Tuscany on Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos...

The Deal: Book seven nights from December 18 to December 25 in a three-bedroom suite (sleeps six) and your family will enjoy three nights free – a savings of over $4,000.

Why We Love It: Hey, it's the holidays...what's not to love about keeping a little extra cash in your pocket? Nightly rates for this suite category start at $1,425, but divided by six that's not bad for high season – especially given the resort's amenities and sublime Grace Bay location. Bonus: the well-appointed suites are around 2,000 square feet in size, and all three bedrooms feature en suite bathrooms, so it's easy to share the space with the whole family...yes, even the in laws.

How to Book It: Call 866-359-6466 or log on to thetuscanyresort.com. There are no booking dates but the travel window is December 18 to 25, 2009.

Holiday Savings in the Turks and Caicos

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.

Send Us a Postcard

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

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?

Reading On The Road

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.

Eating My Way Across Trinidad

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...

Affordable BVI

More Caribbean Countries Eye the U.S. Dollar as Legal Tender

Pop Quiz: How many Netherlands Antilles guilder can you get for one U.S. dollar? Currency conversion: the traveler's bane since Alexander the Great traipsed across the known world. Well, if you're headed to a growing number of Caribbean destinations, you may soon be able to leave your calculator at home. Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Martin are the latest countries to consider abandoning their own currencies in favor of the U.S. dollar. Writing for World Coin News, Richard Giedroyc examines the growing "dollarization" of the Caribbean (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba have already decided to adopt the dollar, beginning Jan. 1, 2011). His conclusion: The outlook may be increasingly grim for coin collectors, but it's getting brighter for American travelers. At the moment, there are 15 or so currencies changing hands in the Caribbean, everything from the East Caribbean and Jamaican dollars to the Honduran lempira and the Haitian gourde (although countless hotels, restaurant and shops in the region will happily take your greenbacks in lieu of local money). It may not be too long before George Washington is the last man standing in the Caribbean.

Answer: $1 = 1.79 Netherlands Antilles guilder

More Caribbean Countries Eye the U.S. Dollar as Legal Tender

Rolling Out the Welcome Wagon

Check into any hotel and it’s the norm to find complimentary toiletries, bottled water, or maybe a fruit plate or bottle of bubbly waiting for you.

One of the more unexpected guest amenities I’ve ever received was a bottle of premium tequila, given to me during a stay the super-luxe Grand Velas Resort on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. And when our ed in chief Dave Herndon landed at Anguilla’s plush Cuisinart Resort, a bowl of hydroponically grown cherry tomatoes awaited in his suite.

So tell us, dear travelers, what’s the most unusual – or most appreciated – guest amenity you’ve ever received at a Caribbean hotel?

Rolling Out the Welcome Wagon

News and Deals in the Cayman Islands

I recently blogged about the Peppered Pickled Pirate Party that's coming up in November on the island of Nevis – but for even more swashbuckling action this Fall, don't miss the Cayman Islands' 32nd Annunal Pirates Week from November 12-22. Held across Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, the event includes a staged "pirate invasion" of George Town Harbor, plus street parties, food festivals, a pirate costume competition, and even 5K and 10K runs throughout the week. Most events offer free admission, but to find more information and the full event calendar, just surf over to www.piratesweekfestival.com.


And for all of you pirates out there just trying to save a buck, you're in luck with the new island-wide Free Fallin' promotion. Through December 15, you can cash in on upgrades and savings around the Cayman Islands – like fourth-night-free offers at a variety of hotels; special discounts on Cayman Airways; and a $200 American Express gift check when booking your stay on your American Express card. Fore more information and a full list of participating partners, check out the official site at www.caymanislands.ky/freefallin.

News and Deals in the Cayman Islands

Caribbean Escapes to Crave

I just posted the November 2009 feature "Your Heart's Desire" to our Scribd page, and man...what a way to spend a Monday afternoon: gazing at Tulum's picture perfect beaches, drooling over spa treatments at chic resorts on Anguilla and the BVI, and daydreaming of retreats à deux in the Turks & Caicos. It's amazing I can even stay focused long enough to post this blog.

To see what I mean, check out the full feature on Scribd – then let me know: when it comes to Caribbean vacations, what's your heart's desire?

 

Your Heart's Desire: 16 Caribbean Escapes to Crave

Caribbean Escapes to Crave

Travel Log: Can We Talk?

Following is the editor's letter from the November 2009 issue, available on newsstands since October 6. To read the full issue, view the digital version here.

Our dialogue with readers has gotten a bit livelier lately. There's a lot of interest in our Affordable Caribbean show on the Travel Channel, winningly hosted by senior editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon. And online editor Reagan Johnson has been throwing quite a party on our own website and on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. My sense is that we're all getting to know each other in new, more immediate ways, and the good nature of the conversation reinforces my conviction that we're like-minded souls. We just plain love exploring the Caribbean; we relish sharing impressions and travel advice; and we're always stoked about planning our next trip.

The results of a recent survey of readers corroborate the impression that this is an active, engaged community: 80 percent of respondents are planning a trip to the Caribbean in the next year. So far, so good. But as I dug down deeper into the destination data, I came across one statistic that made me feel like maybe we're not on exactly the same page: Zero percent of respondents said they're planning to visit the island of Grenada in the next year. Zip.

I don't get it. Grenada is way up there on my personal wish list, but it's dead last on the polling group's – below Haiti and Cuba. Deputy editor Matt Phenix and I are scratching our heads about that one. Matt just returned from a week on the Spice Isle and can't wait to go back. "Grenada's my kind of underdog," he says. "Maybe we'll give it a boost."

I'd be very surprised – and frankly a bit disappointed – if that's not the case after people read his feature article, "Island in the Sun" (debuting on this site next week). Aided and abetted by ace photographer Macduff Everton, Matt reveals a rare West Indian jewel, a repository of Old Caribbean beauty and warmth that ought to strike a nerve with all who appreciate the region's essential character. I haven't been there yet, but I know in my bones that Grenada is my kind of place, and I hope that after reading this story, more of our readers will feel the same way.

Travel Log: Can We Talk?

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

Coming to a Screensaver Near You

Our intrepid staff photographer Zach just returned from an 8-day jaunt between Puerto Rico's sister islands of Vieques and Culebra, and as usual he's gone out of his way to rub it in by flaunting his gorgeous photos around the office all week. He swears it's all work and no play out there on his shoots, but let's be honest...there isn't a cubicle or conference table to be seen for miles in this photo of Vieques' pristine Playa La Chiva. I'm not buying it, Zach.

But on the bright side, we have a ton of great new desktop wallpapers and photo galleries coming your way now – all thanks to the blood, sweat and tears of one man and his trusty camera. Stay tuned to the home page as we post all of these photos and more over the next few days. And don't forget to share your own Caribbean travel photos in our Facebook Fan Gallery.

Coming to a Screensaver Near You