Jamaica Tourist Board & the "Pon di Road" Series

Enticing enough for you? If it makes you want to start packing now, drop us a line and we'll get started researching the best hotel + airfare rates for your Jamaican adventure!

Jamaica is within reach because most major US & European Gateways have daily flights on most major airlines.

The Dominican Republic launches a new website!

This beautiful website is a long time coming! As a modern travel consultant, we depend on online resources to help us showcase a destination to a client and the most trusted source is always the websites of the Tourist Boards of the Caribbean. So have look, spend a while day dreaming... and then come back to us to book your dream vacation to the Dominican Republic! 

{GO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC} 

There are some really cool tools on this website. Your can learn all about Carnival, an interactive map, a 'click by photo' process to plan your own adventure. Enjoy! 


Did you know the Dominican Republic has 9 international airports? You can book international flights on any major airline. American Airlines seems to have the most airlift.

Have you visited Nicaragua?

I have - but it was 1997 and the Nicaragua of today is a very different place... one I am itching to get back to soon! 

The Nicaraguan Tourist Board has recently launched a new English language website. It is a very well designed site that gives visitors a peak at all the Nicaragua of today has to offer. Head on over to explore the beautiful photography and fun facts about this colorful nation that stretches from the Pacific to the Caribbean Sea. You can follow them on Twitter & Facebook too! 

Cheers,

Frommer's Travel Guides List Curacao as Top Destination for 2012

FROMMER'S SELECTS CURAÇAO AS TOP 10 DESTINATION  FOR 2012

WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO - October 31, 2011 - Curaçao was chosen by Frommer's editors, authors,  and experts from around the world as a 'Top Destination 2012,' one of 10 destinations selected, and the  only Caribbean island to make the list. Frommer's writes that Curaçao has the feel of "Holland in the Tropics," noting that the island is "one of  the region's most cosmopolitan cultures and a standout capital in Willemstad, a child's paint box of giddy  Caribbean colors and gabled colonial architecture." "Through our recognition by top travel news sites such as Frommer's, Curaçao is coming to be known as one  of the most desirable destinations to visit in the world, setting us apart from our Caribbean neighbors," says  Curaçao Tourist Board Marketing Manager North America André Rojer. "Curaçao offers the best of the  Caribbean with white-sand, secluded beaches, pristine dive sites, but with unique cultural offerings,  architecture, attractions and natural beauty to satisfy any traveler's palate." Frommer's, the market leader in travel guides, went to experts in the field who live in the destinations  or who travel there on the regular, with the philosophy that the best people to share about a city or a  region are those who can't stay away from them for too long. Commenting on Frommer's Top Destinations 2012, David A. Lytle, editorial director of Frommers.com  said, "Each year our authors and editors put their heads together to find those places that inspire our readers  to see the world anew." Curaçao's celebration of one year as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands,  and plethora of activities and cultural offerings, make it an emerging destination that is appearing on  the most culturally adventurous traveler's radar. The unique island paradise of Curaçao has an ideal locale, situated between Aruba and Bonaire, just 35 miles  north of Venezuela. Unlike many Caribbean islands, Curaçao enjoys a prime location on the fringe of the  hurricane belt, making for a spectacular vacation any time of year. With its Caribbean locale and European atmosphere, Curaçao is an authentically different destination for the traveler in search of exploration and new discoveries. From Caribbean Journey: We couldn't agree more! Curacao is a go-to Destination for our agents  when suggesting boutique hotels. The island is home to many, each with unique flare. We also love Curacao for its rich history and strong dedication to arts & culture.  Let us know if you want to start planning your Curacao Vacation! Hotel rates are decent  and flights have increased in recent years as many airlines have realized the importance of selling  this amazing destination.

Cayman Islands Hurricane Guarantee

The Cayman Islands would like to present you with details of their Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee.  This unique Hurricane Guarantee covers any cancellations made prior to arrival and compensation if vacation time is cut short because of inclement weather. As soon as a hurricane is anticipated, guests may cancel their vacation at many of Cayman’s hotels and condos, with at most only a one night penalty for cancellations made up to 48 hours prior to check-in. For more details and a list of participating partner please visit: www.caymanislands.ky/hurricaneguarantee.

The following Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale provides some rough guidance on what to expect for each category and phase:

·         Category 1             74-95 mph, storm surge of 4-5ft.

·         Category 2             96-110 mph, 6-8 ft.

·         Category 3             111-130 mph,  9-12 ft.

·         Category 4             131-155 mph,  13-18 ft.

·         Category 5             greater than 155 mph, 18+ft.

·         Alert Phase:            Hurricane winds of over 73 miles per hour are likely to hit the Cayman Islands within 48 hours.

·         Watch Phase:          Hurricane winds of over 73 miles per hour are likely to hit the Cayman Islands with 36 hours.

·         Warning Phase:       Hurricane winds of over 73 miles per hour are likely to hit within 24 hours.

·         All Clear:                Hurricane has left the area but caution should prevail.

Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. With this new Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee, you can feel confident booking your vacation to the Cayman Islands during Hurricane Season! 

Great Idea!

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.” 

Puerto Rico Does it Better

The island of Puerto Rico has launched a new marketing campaign "Puerto Rico Does it Better".  I'm a huge fan of Puerto Rico, as evident in my many postings about the island. I've been lucky enough to visit Puerto Rico 12 times - each time I discovered something new and fell more in love with this island's mix of Caribbean & Spanish culture. 

{photo from planetware}

I think the new tagline about Puerto Rico that best describes my sentiments is: "A seamless Fusion of Old & New". I love the vibe of being in a modern city in the Caribbean - there just aren't that many of them so that makes  San Juan unique. Yet, when I want something old, a short taxi ride away will deliver my to Old San Juan - one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean and full of 400+ year old charm. 

If you're stuck on which island to visit this winter, check out the newly improved Puerto Rico Tourist Boards website and see why Puerto Rico does it better! 

Another reason we love Puerto Rico is because it is so easy to reach and airfare is usually inexpensive, comparatively speaking. Cheap flights to Puerto Rico are available from every major US gateway. We'll help guide you towards the best sources for cheap tickets and price hotel packages all over the island. Drop us a line! 

Enjoy,

Dive into the Turks & Caicos

Enjoy this colorful article all about diving in the Turks & Caicos...


Not far ahead of the dive boat I can see the occasional head pop up, breaking the surface for a sniff of warm, tropical air. Sea turtles. The sighting is enough to send the snorkelers on board scrambling to prepare their gear. People spit into their masks, quickly rubbing it onto the glass to prevent fogging once in the water. Our boat captain unpacks the waterproof spotting charts and deals them around. The dog-earred pages are filled with coloured pictures of sponges, corals, tropical fish, intimidating looking sharks and, of course, sea turtles.


“These waters are part of the marine sanctuary,” explains Brent Forbes, a guide with eco-outfitter Big Blue Unlimited. “This zone is protected against anchoring and fishing, conching and lobstering. When you get in you’ll see the turtles, but watch for spotted eagle rays, stingrays, parrotfish and nurse sharks.”


Turks and Caicos, a chain of 41 small islands, straddles the seam between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Incredible water in shades of blue that defy description — turquoise, navy, marine, aqua, teal — and the marine life below the surface draws visitors to these island pedestals of coral limestone.


According to Forbes, the gin-clear water and bountiful coral reefs have long been magnets for experienced divers. “It varies by season — in the busy season we see more divers than snorkelers, but people still come to snorkel all year round.”



Read the rest of the article here... from the Toronto Star via the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board. {photo from here}

Happy Birthday Dominica!

November 3, 2010 marks the 32nd year the island of Dominica has been an Independent Nation. 

Become a fan of Dominica on Facebook.

An inside view of Dominica from Peace Corps Volunteer Anna McCanse.

Explore the beautiful website of the Tourist Board of Dominica.

Happy Birthday!

A few fun facts about BARBADOS!

Last night I went to dinner with the Barbados Tourist Board. As with any Caribbean sponsored event, the night was lively & colorful but it was the following facts that I found most interesting...

Did you know 7 of South Carolina's first 21 governors were from Barbados?

Or that Barbados' own Mount Gay Rum is the oldest in the world? Maybe that's why it is called "the rum that invented rum".

What about this... Barbados was the only country George Washington visited outside the US and the house he lived in has been restored and is waiting for you to explore.

Not only is Barbados the first Caribbean island to be Zagat rated, but there are more restaurants per square mile than any other Caribbean island. 

Who knew that Barbados is home to Bathsheba, one of the top surfing destinations in the world.

And rounding out the coolness factor report, she's from Barbados too...

Stay tuned for more tidbits on this little gem of an island...

Enjoy,

Jamaica's Tourism Minister & Sandals Resorts offers Vacations to Chilean Miners

Jamaica’s Tourism and Foreign Ministries have partnered with Sandals Resorts International to offer the recently rescued Chilean miners, their rescue workers and their spouses a relaxing Jamaican vacation. Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett made the announcement at a press conference in Montego Bay on Oct. 14, 2010...

“As we celebrate the near completion of our Montego Bay Convention Centre,” Bartlett said, “we must pause to give thanks to God for the miraculous rescue of the Chilean miners from their 69-day ordeal trapped underground. I have the highest praises for the Chilean government, their international partners and the rescue workers involved in bringing the miners to safety. The rescue of the 33 trapped miners is an amazing survival story and a miracle which will long be remembered.”

Bartlett said his ministry along with related agencies would be working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sandals Resorts to ensure the miners, rescue workers and their spouses are able to enjoy a stress-free Jamaican vacation after spending more than two months anxiously awaiting what has happily resulted in a positive outcome.

Enjoy,

Caribbean Tourist Board Round-Up.

In recent years, the tourist boards of the Caribbean have amped up their websites with new high design features where one can virtually travel at the click of a mouse. All the same important & helpful facts are still found, but the experience of researching what your destination has to offer, is all the more pleasurable.

British Virgin Islands Tourist Board -

(Be sure and check our partner for low cost flights from Europe!)

St. Lucia Tourist Board

St. Kitts Tourist Board

Trinidad & Tobago Tourist Board

Saba Tourist Board

Nevis Tourist Board

Puerto Rico Tourist Board

Dominica Tourist Board

Aruba Tourist Board

Curacao Tourist Board

Barbados Tourist Board

Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Board

St. Vincent & the Grenadines Tourist Board

St. Maarten Tourist Board

Anguilla Tourist Board

St. Martin Tourist Board

Grenada Tourist Board

US Virgin Islands Tourist Board

Cayman Islands Tourist Board

Dominican Republic Tourist Board

Bonaire Tourist Board

Turks & Caicos Tourist Board

Jamaica Tourist Board

Why should you visit a Tourist Board's website?

• Specials & Deals - see if the island is offering any island-wide promotion that you can ask your travel agent (hopefully, ME) about. Or search for coupons for local activities such as Stingray City in Grand Cayman. You can then combine one of these deals with cheap flights to the Caribbean.
• Photos - get a bigger picture of the island you will be visiting. tourist Board photos show more of the island that most hotel websites.
• Facts - do you need an electrical converter when visiting Antigua? Should you change currency in St. Lucia? What is the average rainfall in Puerto Rico? What are the legal marriage requirements for a Caribbean Destination Wedding?
• Festivals & Events - see if your travel dates coincide with Carnival or a Caribbean Music Fest, or perhaps a traditional holiday event unique to the island.

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.

In case you missed it...

I gave you fair warning so really there is no excuse... but in case you missed Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine's debut on the Travel Channel with a new show "Affordable Caribbean", you're in luck! You can watch them right here! So far, they have featured Barbados, Antigua, and the Bahamas. I just learned that the British Islands, including Tortola & Virgin Gorda, will be on in early October...

Here is a sneak peak... Enjoy!

Just Back - Rose Hall Resort & Country Club

My personal relationship with this property, goes way back. On one of my first trips to Jamaica, I toured this property with my host, the Jamaican Tourist Board. I was very impressed with the Sales & Marketing Director who gave the tour... in a twist of fate, 5 years later I married her brother! Speaking of weddings, I have booked several Rose Hall Resort Destination Weddings and all brides have been thrilled! Anyway, this hotel was formerly the Wyndham Rose Hall and became an independent property a few years ago. After changing ownership, the hotel has undergone a $35 million renovation and is all sparkly and new! $12 million of those funds were allotted to the new water park which is a smash hit with kids of all ages! I am booking this property on a weekly basis and ALL of my clients are coming home smiling. Here are some pics from Duncan Magee, a client who returned in May... Enjoy! (Thanks Duncan!)

The trend in Caribbean resorts is to create leisure pools with Miami-style cabanas catering to adults:

One of the many natural waterscapes:

Toddler-friendly, zero-entry into the water park pool:

Water slides and the lazy river:

Poolside cabanas at night... oh la la!

Bonaire Tourist Board Launches New Site

Bonaire is quickly becoming the most popular dive destination in the Caribbean. Long famous for a no-frills approach to tourism, a concept that appealed to die-hard divers, Bonaire is fancying up some of its best digs and still remaining true to its dive roots. In promoting these new features, the island has launched an amazing new website! This website is the first of its kind, divided into different sections such as diving, snorkeling, nature, vacation planning, etc. and each section is manned by a different virtual tour guide. You can read about the tour guide and see their personal recommendations for your visit. The photography on the site certainly wets your whistle for more and leaves me yearning for the real thing! This site has more info on Bonaire than any others I have come accross.

Caribbean Journey participates in island study. When the tourist board of St. Kitts called last week I was happy to answer a few questions letting them know who I considered the target market of the island. Most of my clients that book St. Kitts are in the 40-60 age range and pick St. Kitts for its relaxation, peacefulness, and history. Most have been to the Caribbean before and want something “different”. The island does not appeal to the eco-adventure crowd or young singles looking for the nightlife. When the results of the study were released this week, I was pleased to see that I hit the target market dead on: “Results showed the majority of St. Kitts visitors fall into the affluent and desirable baby boomer category, ages 42 to 60, who possess more wealth than the U.S. national average and who have taken at least one prior trip to the Caribbean.” The tourist board will use this study to try and market to other demographics not currently frequenting the island.