Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine

If you're reading this, you likely get a large portion of your news online and probably use the Internet to research most of your vacations too. Its so easy, isn't it? And now, the Internet is more portable than ever with iPads, SmartPhones, and shrinking laptops. But there is still beauty in paper. An electronic device simply can't replace the feel of paper. So what are my agents getting for Christmas this year? *spoiler alert* A subscription to Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine! 

Get your copy today!

Enjoy,

An Island Partners with its Favorite Star!

The Barbados Tourism Authority signed a three-year agreement with pop singer Rihanna, a Barbados native, to exclusively promote her hometown island of Barbados as a tourist destination. The partnership launches officially on Aug. 5 with a full-length concert on her current “Loud” tour.

{photo from here}

Under terms of the agreement, Rihanna will promote Barbados through advertising campaigns, promotional appearances and via her social media presence. Rihanna will also promote travel to Barbados from Brazil during her appearance on tour in September. “In the hearts of every Barbadian, Rihanna is known as the girl down the road, but to the world she has become a musical sensation and social phenomenon,” said Richard L. Sealy, Barbados’ minister of tourism. “She is a great source of national pride to Barbados and we are thrilled to enter into this formal partnership to promote Barbados as a leading tourist destination.” 

Caribbean Journey mentioned in the Wall Street Journal!

What a lovely late holiday present - a little mention in the Wall Street Journal!

A few weeks ago I gave an interview about the current status of the Caribbean Airfare Market - not my favorite subject, as reflected in the article. Even though many discount airlines, such as Jet Blue, are increasing their airlift to the Caribbean, it hasn't had enough of an overall effect to help bring down prices or create more seat availability. If you are reading this post, I likely don't need to tell you this because if you've tried planning a Caribbean trip in the past 12-18 months you know that there are fewer nonstop options, ticket prices are more expensive, and all of the extra fees are nothing but a headache. 

Read the full article here and contact me if you'd like help maneuvering the wild airfare market and planning your Caribbean Vacation.


{image from Cerulean Villa, Anguilla}

Enjoy,

Jakes OFF ROAD Triathlon - Jamaica

Caribbean Journey - World Travel Awards Nominee

I am so excited to announce that my travel company, Caribbean Journey, has been nominated for a 2010 World Travel Award. Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the "Travel industry's equivalent to the Oscar's", the World Travel Awards are the most comprehensive and most prestigious awards program in the global travel industry.  

As a World Travel Award Nominee, Caribbean Journey will be put forward into the final round of voting. The results will then be announced in September. Voting is extended to over 183,000 travel industry professionals and the general public. If you've used my travel planning services or simply appreciate learning about the Caribbean from this blog, please take a minute and vote for us! Check back in September to see if we won. Thank you!

Caribbean Travel by the Numbers

In years past, the requests my clients had centered around finding THE place to go, the most popular resorts on the most visited islands, the in & trendy "must visits". Fast forward to 2010, and the hectic lives most of us lead, and the requests for "off the beaten Caribbean" are on the rise. So here's a list, courtesy of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, showing just how many visitors sought sun on each Caribbean island in 2009, from the popular to the quiet. The visitors are totals, coming from the US, Europe, and beyond.

The list is as I excepted, only Cuba & Martinique's numbers were a surprise to me. It must be all of the cheap flights from Europe and Canada that boost these island's visitors. Cuba is not on my radar as I am banned from selling the island. Martinque remains one of the few islands I haven't yet visited nor do I get many requests for it. After seeing this list, I'm ready to visit and see what 443,202 other people enjoy about it! 

1. Dominican Republic - 3,992,303

2. Cuba - 2,429,809

3. Jamaica - 1,831,097

4. Cancun - 1,434,416

5. Bahamas - 1,116,195

6. Puerto Rico - 1,082,423

7. Aruba - 812,623

8. US Virgin Islands - 666,051

9. Barbados - 518,564

10. Martinique - 443,202

11. St. Maarten - 440,185

12. Curacao - 333,866

13. St. Lucia - 278,491

14. Cayman Islands - 271,958

15. Trinidad & Tobago - 251,975

16. Bermuda -  235,860

17. Antigua & Barbuda - 211,107

18. British Virgin Islands - 205,914

19. Belize - 192,155

20. Guyana - 141,053

21. Grenada - 113,370

22. Dominica - 64,402 

23. St. Vincent & the Grenadines -60,442

24. Bonaire - 49,316

25. Anguilla - 30,716

26. Saba - 8,707

27. Montserrat - 4,897

28. St. Eustatius - 4,025

{in my own words} Two Hot New Caribbean Spa Hotels!

Travel Agent Magazine ran my takes on this season's hottest new Caribbean Spa Hotels. My top picks are the new Viceroy in Anguilla and the new W Retreat in Vieques, Puerto Rico. You may read what I have to say right here... in the little purple box. Sound like your type of vacation style?

Jamaica's "Sweet 16" at the World Travel Awards

On November 8, 2009, London played host to the 16th Annual World Travel Awards. 16 was the lucky number for Jamaica as they took home 16 awards including Leading Caribbean Tourist Board and Leading Destination. Air Jamaica won as the Caribbean's top airline. Read more for a complete list of winners.

The BEST Caribbean Fall Travel Deals!

The Best Caribbean Fall Travel Deals for 2009!

Below is a short compilation of some of the best deals I’ve seen for FALL travel to the Caribbean!

Bahamas – Insane Discounts!
Seriously , I thought this was a typo. The Wyndham Nassau Resort & a few other Bahamian hotels are offering up to 50% off rates, $300 instant resort credit off room, $50 food/beverage credit on arrival! The Wyndham’s package starts at $115/per person for 3 nights. The Sheraton Nassau is $219/per person. Book and travel by 12/23.

Sandals Resorts – Up to 65% Off!
Sandals Resorts are almost always on sale – but not at 65% off! Take advantage of this amazing discount now. Sandals Resorts are tops on my list of all-inclusive. They offer luxury included, worry free vacations. Book now!

US Virgin Islands – Free Nights!
Many hotels on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John are participating in a 4th Night Free Promo & Offering a $100 Resort Credit. Book by 12/1 and travel by 12/15. You DON’T even need a Passport to visit the US Virgin Islands!

Mexico – Fly Free!
Receive up to 2 free airline tickets when you stay 5 nights or longer at participating hotels. Two of my favorite hotels are participating in this deal – Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa AND Excellence Playa Mujeres! Email me for rates! Book by 11/4 for travel through 4/10/10.

St. Martin – 50% Off!
St. Martin offers two vacations in one, with the split island nations Dutch and French Culture. Enjoy the delicious French cafes and then hop over to St. Maarten for lively entertainment and casinos. The Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort is 50% off starting at $499/per person! Book and travel by 12/19.

Check out my Caribbean Travel Blog for FALL deals showcasing other islands such as Grenada and Villas in St. John.

Do you TWITTER? If not, you should for access to great deals! I’ve been on for only a few months and already seen some fabulous deals on airfare + hotels direct from suppliers. One of my favorite campaigns is the “Trick or Tweet” fun offered by Marriott Resorts. Follow along and earn free drinks, meals, massages, and even room nights!

If you want a customized quote on a FALL vacation – contact me – Laura @ CaribbeanJourney.com or 866-236-1924.

Thanks for your support! I look forward to hearing from you!

{Meet Allison}

Allison Patton is the newest member of The Journey Group team.She has been a travel consultant for 5 years. Her previous jobs in both finance marketing at Barclays and as a model, required her to travel. She was smitten with the art and changed careers. Allison expertly takes care of our Caribbean clients through CaribbeanJourney.com but also maintains her own agency, Skyline Destinations. Ready to get away? Contact Allison today to start planning!

Updates from Jamaica

I spent last evening at a dinner hosted by The Jamaican Tourist Board - you know, the folks responsible for the groovy commercials and catchy tagline "Once You Go, You know.". Yes, it was lively, colorful, and delicious... a little taste of the island in Atlanta. Just when I thought there was nothing more I could possibly learn about this island I have visited oh so many times... there is. Below are the updates and facts I found most interesting:

• Jamaica welcomes over 3 Million tourists EVERY year!
• 75% of all visitors to Jamaica are booked through Travel Agents.
• Due to improved roads, it only takes 1 HOUR to get from the airport in Montego Bay to Negril.
• Due to the same road improvements, it only takes 1 HOUR & 20 mins to get to Ocho Rios from the airport.
• However, due to current improvements in Montego Bay town, avoid arriving at rush hour or you will add 45 minutes to your trip simply trying to get out of town. This improvement will be completed in December '09.
• JetBlue is adding nonstop service to Montego Bay from Orlando in January.
• AirTran is adding nonstop service to Montego Bay from Atlanta in February.

The only fact I learned that I am NOT happy to hear is the increase in departure tax. As of today, October 1 2009, the departure tax for the island of Jamaica is now $20/per person. This is a jump from $11. You can read more about this here.

TripCrave.com - Discounts on Caribbean Vacations!

I am so excited to tell you about a new website - TripCrave.com. TripCrave has GREAT discounts on Caribbean Vacations to all your favorite islands and hotels! I am a partner in this new site. My job to make sure the modern technology of online (24/7) booking access is partnered with the same old-school customer service values my travel agency has been known for. TripCrave was 3 years in the making and finally launched last week. Please keep this new little site in mind when planning your travel!

Have You Visited Fodor's Lately?

The Internet is overflowing with review sites... sites hosting forums for travellers to post their own personal account of their vacations. TripAdvisor, IgoUgo, and VirtualTourist, to name a few. While these sites serve a purpose as we all strive to become authors in our own right and need to feel validated when we have a negative or surprising experience, there is something wonderful about a well written, thoroughly researched travel review. Enter Fodors.com.

Many of the authors at Fodors are well-traveled and their point of references for noting details about a certain destination are many and varied. I have never understood why travellers would prefer to only read the reviews of "real" travellers and ignore the professional review. There simply is no comparison to a review of a Caribbean hotel by someone who has visited over 100 others. They know what to look for, what questions to ask of the staff, and what details you and I might just overlook in our research. So next time you are researching an island getaway, add Fodors to your list!

Caribbean Islands Represent at the Olympics

I am watching the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Games and can't help but get excited as I see the Olympians parade across the screen representing so many places yet to be explored. As a child, I loved the Olympics. I loved being able to get a brief glimpse into the cultures and people who lived in the lands I wanted to explore. I was a child who preferred reading National Geographic and then tearing through my treasure chest of dress up clothes to see if I could recreate the outfits worn by the exotic people I read about... rather than playing with Barbies. Tonight I am reminded how great it is that even some of the smallest countries in the world, many located in my beloved Caribbean, have produced athletes for these games. Their smiles say it all... what an opportunity! I look forward to watching the events and giving my "virtual" support. Honestly, the Olympics are the ultimate reality TV show! Enjoy!

Gambling gets the Green Light in Jamaica!

Earlier this week, Jamaica finally approved gambling. While hailed as a smart decision by many, because a large majority of the earnings will be earmarked for improvements in health, education, and security, the decision did not easily pass through Parliament. Many of Jamaica's church leaders (Fact - Jamaica has more churches per capita that any other country in the world!) opposed the proposition for fear of locals being "drawn astray" by the evils of gambling. Others fought the decision for fear locals would drain their own funds in the casinos. Regardless of the validity of these arguments, Jamaica will be opening casinos in the coming years! I am not sure how I personally feel about this decision. I have always enjoyed Jamaica because it is a quiet getaway, an authentic Caribbean experience for me and I feel with Nassau booming in the Casino market, that the region only needs one Las Vegas. It will be very interesting to see how this new venture unfolds! Certainly more news to follow...

Have Baby Will Travel!

I just returned from my first Caribbean trip with my 5 month old son. Before telling you my story, I must first let you know that my 8 year old had logged over 20,000 miles by month 6, so traveling with an infant is not new to me. However, my 8 year old was an infant in 1999 and 2000 - when getting through security was a breeze and if I happened to be traveling alone a relative could accompany me from the curb all the way to the gate. Things have changed and airports, in general, are more stressful. (But hopefully safer.)

We hired a car for the transfer from our house to the airport as trying to navigate parking lot shuttles with an infant is not recommended. We arrived 2 hours before the flight and made it through the long security line with minimal hassle. They let the little man remain in his Baby Bjorn through the entire process which was nice. We paid $150/per person to upgrade to first class at the gate. Tip - sometimes paying to upgrade at the airport is less than booking first class in advance. The flight was uneventful, the little man slept and my daughter kept the flight attendants busy in conversation.

We arrived in Jamaica to find only 3 of our 4 bags had made the trip with us. I had mixed emotions when I realized it was the baby's bag. I was thrilled it wasn't mine as my suitcase had considerably more expensive goods and his belongings would be cheaper to replace. Yet, I was panicked because I wouldn't be able to replace his crucial supplies until we were home. (Crucial supplies for babies in the Caribbean = infant sunscreen and bug spray, mosquito nets fitted for the pack 'n play and stroller, baby size sun hats, and swim diapers...) After almost 2 hours tracking down the bag it was deemed lost and we reluctantly left the airport for the villa. We quickly sourced some diapers and formula and I thought I could make it a week with the 5 baby outfits we had in our carry on.

Luckily, I didn't have to wait a week. Air Jamaica located the bag, it didn't make our flight because it was stuck on the belt at the ticket counter. 48 hours later and we had the bag. Crisis averted!

The Caribbean is a great family destination, even for families with infants. The "island time" mentality makes most people you come in contact with extremely patient and understanding of baby's needs.

We were unable to upgrade to First Class on the return flight and thankful to see our bulkhead seats had not been switched. Tip - with babies, try to fly bulkhead, you will be so thankful for the extra space! Overall, it was a great trip even with the littlest one in tow!

High Season in the Caribbean

Wow - almost February already? The past few months have flown by for me and my family as we welcomed a new addition on November 17th - a beautiful baby boy. Combine the baby "busy-ness" with the rush of last-minute high season clients and I have not been able to update my blog... but I am back! I thought I would open 2008 with a posting about what High Season really means in the Caribbean. High Season officially begins on December 15 and traditionally goes until April 15, with a few villas & hotels stretching high season all the way until May 1.

High Season covers all the holidays of Christmas, New Years, President's Day, Valentines, and Easter. The week between Christmas & New Years is THE most popular week for Caribbean travel. During this week, airfare sells out almost immediately and you will be hard pressed to find a seat less for than $1000/per person if you wait to book. Hotels do not sell out as quickly as their lengthy nightly minimums of 7, 10 or 14 nights weed out any quick trips. Most hotels require only 7 nights during this time, but some of the more exclusive hotels require 10 or 14. Surprisingly, they don't have a problem filling all their rooms by early fall.

Moving on... the next most popular week is President's Week. Having never lived in the Northeast, I learned quickly that many NE schools are closed this week and therefore it is the perfect time for a winter warm-up trip to the sunny Caribbean shores. The 3rd most popular week is Spring Break. Luckily for all of us in the industry, these dates vary around the country - but most breaks fall into either the second or third weeks of March or the first week of April. (This year I was surprised to learn that some schools are closed April 19 to 26. These folks will luck out by being able to enjoy their break at Low Season rates!)

What is the Caribbean like during high season? Fun, fun, fun!!! All of the restaurants and bars are open - as opposed to many being closed for a few months every fall. Live music is easy to come by as most establishments pack their entertainment schedule with events every night. The beaches are lively and sometimes you have to step outside your comfort zone to make sure you secure beach loungers or palapas for your crew! And the number one reason High Season in the Caribbean is so amazing? It is WARM and you will likely be leaving much colder temps behind...

Health & Wellness Travel in the Caribbean

Along with the surge in demand for eco-friendly travel options, the small Health & Wellness sector is experiencing rapid growth in the Caribbean as well. This comes as a change in trend as the Caribbean has always been known as a place to indulge at any one of the hundreds of all-inclusive resorts and regional cruise lines. The spa industry long made its mark in the region but with the pampering services reigning in popularity. The Caribbean’s hotel leaders were invited to attend the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) 9th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development, otherwise called the Sustainable Tourism Conference, featuring a “Health & Wellness” Theme for 2007.