Caribbean Travel Tips
Who Doesn’t Like To Save Money? Check out these money saving tips from the editors at CARIBBEAN TRAVEL & LIFE magazine.
1. LOVE TO DINE: Sure you love to dine with the gourmands at the Caribbean’s top restaurants, but you can save a bundle by renting a hotel room with a kitchenette and eating in. Or, consider local takeout- joints.
2. PACKAGE DEALS: Be sure to ask your resort or cruise line about package deals that combine airfare, accommodations, sports and spa treatments in one deal. You’ll save good money on taxes and fees.
3. TRAVELING DURING THE LOW SEASON: You can save from 20 to 60 percent on accommodations by traveling during the low season. Before making reservations, check your resort’s website for specific discounted dates, or call the reservations’ desk and ask.
4. SET SAIL ON A CRUISE: Want to hit more than one Caribbean destination on your next vacation without shelling out the cash to get to each spot? Set sail on a cruise for five, seven or even nine nights, and make your way through the islands. All onboard meals and activities are included in the rate.
5. ROMANTIC DINNER FOR TWO: Forgo the ocean-view balcony suite and take in the serene setting of a garden - or pool-view room. You can use the money you saved toward a romantic dinner for two actually on the beach.
6. WEDDING PACKAGES: Once you realize that the average American wedding costs $20,000 you’ll instead want to opt for inviting your closest family members and friends for an intimate Caribbean beach wedding. Hotels often have wedding packages, plus you can turn the rest of the trip into your honeymoon.
7. RENTING A VILLA: If you’re traveling with a large family or with friends, consider renting a villa instead of taking multiple rooms at a resort. Though villa prices look expensive at first blush, when you divide by the number of rooms you’d have to book, and consider intangibles like having your own kitchen, pool, and private grounds, it can be a great deal.
8. ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS: All-inclusive resorts are excellent values for those who know they’ll take advantage of everything the resort has to offer. Big drinkers, big eaters and those who enjoy all the included beach toys and water sports can save a bunch over a similar quality of a la carte hotel. For those who prefer to see the surrounding area, sample the local food and don’t use the toys, non-inclusive resorts can be the better choice.
9. A FOREIGN VACATION: A foreign vacation is a great opportunity to expand your horizons and learn about other cultures. One of the most enjoyable ways is to skip the familiar chain restaurants and eat at local places and even roadside stands. Ask the cooks to make recommendations. Some must-trys are:
- Jerk barbecue and beef patties in Jamaica.
- Cracked conch in the Bahamas
- Empanadas in Puerto Rico
- Shark ‘n’ Bake in Trinidad
For food safety at roadside stands, only eat cooked foods that are still hot, and fruits and vegetables that you peel
10. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION: Local transport can unexpectedly eat up a lot of your budget. Rental car prices can be high in Jamaica, for example, because credit card issuers like American Express do not cover the collision insurance as it does for domestic rentals. In Bermuda, there are no rental cars, and taxis are very expensive. A great alternative, though, are the excellent local buses, which will take you all around the island for only a few dollars.
For more hot Caribbean ideas, sign up to receive a free CT&L monthly e-newsletter at www.caribbeantravelmag.com
About Caribbean Travel & Life:
Caribbean Travel & Life magazine is the most trusted authority on the world’s favorite sun-and-fun playground serving as resource, regular inspiration and constant connection for active travelers by presenting a comprehensive and current package of information and ideas on visiting the Caribbean. CT&L seeks out fun, positive experiences in all the destinations, and leading readers to romantic, indulgent and adventurous escapes via stunning photographs and stories that convey the warm- breeze, soft-sand, barefoot feel of the region.
SOURCE: Caribbean Travel & Life magazine.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Packing up the dog for the trip to Grandma’s? Here are some ideas for stress-free travel with your pet from 4everPets®, makers of natural nutrition products for dogs and cats:
Crate expectations: Whether traveling by air or car, a familiar crate will relax your dog. Never put a leash in the crate, as your pet could get tangled in it.
Hello gorgeous: Brushing your dog and clipping its nails before you leave will make traveling more comfortable.
Make a list: Bring water, your dog’s favorite food, bedding, toy and dishes, pet first-aid kit and old sheets to cover car seats and furniture.
Check it twice: Identify your dog with a current tag or microchip. Carry current health and rabies certificates and a recent photo.
Stair hazard: Did you know that a dog’s claws and fur can get caught in escalators? Pick up or crate your dog, or take the elevator.
No tranquilizers: The ASPCA advises not to use sedatives, because they interfere with balance and can hamper breathing. Instead, use Missing You herbal formula to relax your dog without dizziness or drowsiness.
Chow time: Traveling by car? Feed a light meal three or four hours before you leave. Never feed a dog in a moving car. Dogs should fly on an empty stomach.
Open wide: Do a health check every day you’re away from home, says the American Veterinary Medical Association. Look for runny nose and eyes, scratching or biting, lumps, limping or loss of appetite. Check any concerns with a local veterinarian.
About 4everPets
Based in Kelowna, B.C., Canada, 4everPets serves pets and their owners with all-natural nutrition products for dogs and cats. All 4everPets products are made in North America with human-grade ingredients. Gateway Nutrition Products of Everson, Wash., distributes 4everPets in the United States. Web site: http://www.4everpets.com/
Source: 4everPets
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Car sharing clubs, which have been around for years in European cities, are becoming popular in North America with Zipcar, one of the fastest-growing newcomers to the market.
Zipcar is a car sharing service that has thousands of cars, available by the hour or by the day. You can choose from over 20 different car models to fit your needs. You don’t pay for gas, insurance, or the Zipcar’s reserved parking space. Zipcar members have reported savings of over $5,000 per year by using Zipcars.
Right now, Zipcar is operating in and around Boston, New York City, Washington DC, Toronto, Chicago, Vancouver, and San Francisco. It’s also in London. Other cities will soon join the list as the result of a recent merger between Zipcar and Flexcar.
Whether you need to attend a meeting, visit friends in the ‘burbs, or take someone out to lunch, Zipcar is an efficient way to handle your transportation needs. It’s also handy when you visit a distant city — your membership is valid wherever Zipcar goes.
Check it out at http://www.zipcar.com
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Do you want your next adventure more than just a visit to a new place? Do you want to make a difference?
Check out these eye-opening South Africa tours at The Cultural Explorer , specialists in cultural and philanthropic travel.
Animals and Art — VENDA INDIGENOUS ART TOUR
For adventurous travelers who love art and animals, too! Travelers stay in one-of-a-kind hotels, visit mystical regions few tourists see, and view animals in luxurious, eco-friendly safari camps. This is a unique opportunity to get to know various South African artists and visit with them in their studios. This trip includes optional cultural excursions to local villages and philanthropic projects. This exclusive itinerary really gets off the beaten path on this trip and venture into mystical parts of South Africa where most tourists don't go. If you like art and culture and also want to spend timeout on safari with the animals - this trip is for you!
• May 17-31, 2008
Mothers&Daughters - South Africa Adventure
For women only. This tour is designed to introduce Cultural Explorer travelers to the women and children of South Africa as they tour this spectacular country. It is a rare opportunity for families to learn and explore together. Both educational and fun. The May trip is scheduled around the 2008 Mother's Day holiday on May 11. For ages 15 and above–because travelers will witness and discuss the impact of AIDS on families and communities.
• May 3-17, 2008
* June 7-21, 2008
Making a Difference — South Africa
A special two week hands-on tour that gives travelers the opportunity to get involved and make a difference, while they explore and learn about South Africa. Here is what travelers can expect: Visit rural schools and develop plans to help with computer work stations or the library. Tutor students in English. Visit local orphanages and learn how to help AIDS orphans. Come up with a plan to get electricity to Zulu villages. Take a group of township kids on a field trip to the ocean or Robben Island. Observe animal rescue. Experience life in the townships; see what it is like to live without electricity or running water. Visit projects active in helping women develop much-needed work skills. Give developing entrepreneurs business or marketing advice and suggestions. Plus travelers will hike the Drakenberg mountains, walk Indian Ocean beaches, tour Robben island, shop Cape Town, and visit with the African Jackass penguins.
• February 9-23, 2008
• March 1-15, 2008
• September 6-20, 2008
• October 18-November 1, 2008
The Cultural Explorer (http://theculturalexplorer.com/)is a member of the African Travel Association (ATA) and is based in San Francisco. The company offers both group and individual trips and specializes in cultural and philanthropic travel experiences.
The Cultural Explorer
211 27th Avenue, Suite 301
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415-387-1335
Fax: 415-386-8334
International Cell: 415-994-0019
E-mail: Pat@TheCulturalExplorer.com
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
TRAVEL NOW, FOR THE FUTURE: Lindblad Expeditions Gives Guests a Gift For the Future - A Fund for Wild Places Offers Conscientious Travel to Galápagos Islands, Baja California and Central America
Lindblad Expeditions (LEX), the expedition travel pioneer, has announced an unprecedented drive to raise funds and awareness around conservation efforts in the Galápagos Islands, Baja California and Central America. This campaign – TRAVEL NOW, FOR THE FUTURE – highlights Lindblad Expeditions’ organizational commitment to preserving the planet’s wild and wonderful places through responsible tourism and long-term stewardship.
Launching today , Lindblad Expeditions is extending its commitment to long term support of conservation in the Galápagos Islands, Baja California and Central America by donating $250 per guest to local conservation initiatives. To qualify for the donation program, guests must book their travel between November 20, 2007 and January 31, 2008 and travel must be completed before June 30, 2008. All donations resulting from this offer will be made in the name of the guest who books travel. And, in certain destinations, local NGOs will match that contribution – increasing the impact of the funds donated in the name of Lindblad guests.
The TRAVEL NOW, FOR THE FUTURE campaign is an extension of Lindblad Expeditions’ ongoing efforts to inform and educate travelers about global conservation efforts. Through establishing local relationships and collaborating with respected conservation partners, Lindblad Expeditions has built a robust travel philanthropy program which supports environmental education, conservation and community projects. Lindblad Expeditions’ conservation efforts have resulted in tangible results – in the past 10 years alone, the company, with its guests, has raised more than $5 million for global
environmental issues. Local organizations with whom the company has in-depth working relationships include the Galápagos National Park , the Charles Darwin Research Station, the Mexican Fund for the
Conservation of Nature and MarViva. For information on Lindblad’s grant-making history with these organizations, visit www.expeditions.com/conservation.
Lindblad Expeditions’ spirit of philanthropy reflects the core values of Sven-Olof Lindblad, the company’s founder and president. Earlier this year, Lindblad accepted the 2007 Tourism for Tomorrow Global Tourism Business Award, presented annually by the World Travel & Tourism Council, on his company’s behalf. The coveted award recognizes Lindblad Expeditions for “outstanding leadership as a global model for environmental stewardship.”
Said Lindblad, “I’ve spent a lifetime in search of places that provide exciting, inspiring and meaningful travel and I know first-hand how important it is to safeguard their future. I can’t think of a better gift to our guests than the gift of joining us in the long term preservation of these wild and wonderful places that need support, more now than ever.”
TRAVEL NOW, FOR THE FUTURE is just one arm of Lindblad Expeditions’ new initiatives to raise awareness and money for conservation and sustainable tourism projects around the world. Earlier this year, Lindblad Expeditions launched a new joint Fund for Exploration and Conservation in conjunction with its partner, the National Geographic Society.
For 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has explored the world’s wildest places, discovering, with curious travelers, the wonder and joy of inspiring, meaningful travel aboard our expedition ships. The company believes conservation and environmental efforts, such as this campaign will enable travelers to continue to explore these beautiful places of wonder for many more years. Additional information about TRAVEL NOW, FOR THE FUTURE can be found on Lindblad’s website (www.expeditions.com/future).
About Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions is an expedition travel company providing voyages in the Galaápagos, Antarctica, Baja California, Alaska, the Arctic, and beyond. Sven Lindblad has received international recognition, including the 2007 Global Tourism Business Award, 2007 Seafood Champion Award, U.N. Programme Global 500 Award, and recognition from HRH, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg for his dedication to the conservation and environmental stewardship of the Galaápagos archipelago. The company has also been named #1 Small-Ship Cruise Line (Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Value Awards 2006); “The Best Ships in the World” and “The Best Itineraries” (Condé Nast Traveler: Truth in Travel Awards 2006).
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SOURCE: Lindblad Expeditions
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Too often travelers have their journey ruined because they've lost their money, credit cards and important documents to thugs and thieves. Before heading off for your next adventure, be sure to check out the info-packed article 'An Expert's Safety Tips for Female Travellers' at JourneyWoman.com, the premier travel resource for women on the Internet. It contains lots of easy, effective advice like (1) why you need to pack a vitamin pill bottle on every trip you take and (2) details about a great new security purse that you will love. Curious? See: http://journeywoman.com/travel101/default.html
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".