Kids Stay FREE this summer at Palace Resorts in Mexico!

{Playacar Palace}

Book 3 nights or more at any Palace Resorts in  México the kids ages 12 and under sharing a room with an adult stay and eat FREE. {New Booking only.}

{Cancun Palace}

Kids stay free promotion automatically included in package cost. No special code required.


Booking Dates: Through August 27th, 2012
Traveling Dates: June 1st, 2012 – August 31st, 2012

Cancun is a the perfect destination for family travel. The airport is one of the busiest in the region and welcomes nonstop international flights from most gateways in the US & Europe. This helps keeps the cost low and the selection of flight times wide and varied, offering something to accommodate every families needs. Airline tickets are often lowest than any other beach destination in the region.

Cheers,

My Visit to the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Welcome to the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

We stayed here for 4 nights at the beginning of our recent trip to Jamaica. We booked an Oceanfront Suite. This was the dreamy view... right outside our patios. {the oceanfront suites have TWO patios.}

The Suite had a mini-bar, which we quickly turned into a bottle prep station...

A PLUSH king bed in the bedroom. {I don't have photos of the sitting area where our 4 kids slept - the older two on the pull-out sofa and the twins sharing a crib.}

The bathroom was a highlight - the white marble and turquoise walls had a very clean feel which helped offset the somewhat dated color theme of the soft furnishings in the other areas... 

The hotel has three main restaurants - all with outdoor seating which is a plus when you are traveling with kids. For some reason, when a baby cries in an open air environment, it is not as disturbing as crying in a closed atmosphere. Agree? 

The beach is small - but even at full occupancy, there seemed to be enough room for all.

The water is BLUE.... give it any other adjective and it doesn't change the color...

But the truth is... the beach is pretty rocky and challenging to get in and out of. This was the biggest complaint we had.

The drinks were cold and creative and ALWAYS served with a smile. {The service has to be the BEST part of the Ritz Carlton... it is amazing. The entire staff makes an effort to learn your name from the second you arrive and it can be said that most staff you encounter will anticipate your every need.}

No cool & creative cocktails for this little lady! But she was still a pampered princess. The room service staff was happy to collect our bottles and wash them 3 times a day, giving them a proper sterilization. The restaurants were wonderful at making "baby food" for our little girls too, mashing carrots, sweet potatoes... whatever we asked for and our girls devoured every bite.

The pool is on the small side - but there was always plenty of room in the shade... even for SWEET ANGEL BABIES to take naps in the sea breeze...

Maybe I've saved the best for last... the grounds of the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall are absolutely amazing!!! These gardeners deserve huge applause because they keep the resort perfectly manicured and post card perfect. 

Overall, we had a wonderful time and would return to the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall for a future stay. It was the perfect size hotel for our first trip out of the country with the twins.

{Want to see a sample of how much prep went into this trip? Jump over here.}

The hotel is stroller friendly and very easy to navigate. If you visit with kids, book an oceanfront suite for so many reasons! The ocean path that runs the length of the resort in front of the ocean is right outside the door of the oceanfront suites - EASY! While the older kids would have appreciated a larger pool and slightly more kids entertainment, I hear there are plans to improve this aspect of the property in the very near future. The rocky beach? I'm not sure what can be done about that - but as long as you arrive prepared, it shouldn't put a damper on your stay.

I'd be happy to help you plan your own vacation to the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall - feel free to contact me at any time - laura @caribbeanjourney.com.

Enjoy,

Looking for an easy slice of Paradise?

Look no further than Grand Pineapple Antigua. Rates are currently up to 65% off, depending on what week of the year you book. 

I visited this property in 2010 and was immediately smitten. It isn't the normal luxury property that I am attracted to, but the Grand Pineapple Antigua IS an easy slice of paradise and that was very appealing. 

Check out my visit to Grand Pineapple Antigua. 

Ready to book your own visit? Drop us a line and we will get started.

If you aren't ready to commit to the hotel stay just yet, you may secure your airline tickets now and keep an eye on hotel rates to book a week that falls into the 65% promo! All major airlines, including Delta Airlines, fly to Antigua.

Cheers,

Caribbean Travel Discounts for Firefighters

Calling all Firefighters! 

Beaches Resorts, the Caribbean's leading family friendly all-inclusive resort collection, is offering 10% off for all FIREFIGHTERS all year long.

The discount is on top of any other current promotion offered by Beaches Resorts. Beaches Resort properties are located in Jamaica and the Turks & Caicos.

This is a great way to reconnect with your family and enjoy some serious relaxation. 

We are happy to provide you with a free quote. Please contact us today!

What to pack for a Caribbean Vacations with a BABY!

This was my packing station for our Jamaica vacation. It was the first trip for our twin baby girls who are 9.5 months old. I started organizing and packing about 6 weeks prior to our trip. Below are some of the tips and ideas that worked best for us!

The List:

An Umbrella Stroller - There are so many fancy strollers on the market today that you might cringe at the thought of your baby in a $14 umbrella stroller - but I swear by these. The are small, portable, and lightweight and will fit in every taxi cab the world over. 

A Stroller Bag - This isn't really necessary if you take my advice and go with the cheap umbrella stroller, but if you insist on bringing your designer model, you will want to protect it from the dangers that lie in the belly of the airline. I like the Right Start for such bags. 

A Cooler - This is a great idea! Another find from the Right Start. $29 will buy you a stroller cooler that has adjustable straps to work with any model of stroller. It is the perfect size to stash a few bottles, snacks for baby, and even some after-sun care cream. This will save you a few trips from the resort pool back to your room every day.


Baby Food - So far on our vacation, the resort staff at the Ritz Carlton Montego Bay has been great at preparing food for our little ones. We've requested mangoes, papayas, bananas, and sweet potatoes and asked that they be mashed. I'm sure any other hotel or villa would be just as accommodating. We found that having our own baby food along was key on our travel days. The best part about the baby food available on the market today is that it can come in pouch varieties instead of glass jars. We used the pouches on the airplane and simply squirted the baby food into their mouths. Easy!

Sound Machine - My twins have fallen asleep every night to the sound of the ocean on a sound machine. A sound machine is a good idea even if you don't use one at home. You never know what outside noises will be audible in your hotel room and it is certain that your babies will need to take a day time nap and a sound machine close to their crib will help drown out any other noises in the room.


Baby Wipes - You can buy these in the Caribbean but you might not find the same quality you are accustomed to. I bought 5 of the small packs with the plastic closure. Slightly more expensive than buying one large bag, but less of a chance of the entire pack drying out if left open and the smaller packs can be divided and one thrown in the cooler, diaper bag, my beach bag, dad's backpack, etc.


Diapers - These are also available for purchase in the Caribbean but I suggest bringing enough for the first few days so you have time to source them when on the island.


Swim Diapers - These are much harder to find in the Caribbean so bring enough for your entire stay.


Diaper Cream - Bring a large tube because you will find you are using more. The Caribbean is hot and humid, making it the perfect environment for diaper rashes to thrive. Add in the fact that your little one will likely be spending a few hours a day in a swim diaper and you could end up with a serious rash. Plan on using the cream often and in larger quantities than you would at home.


Baby Powder - This is one of my favorites. Not only is powder good to keep heat rashes at bay and to help baby not feel super sticky, it works miracles at gently removing sand from babies skin. Your little ones skin is far to fragile for an exfoliation treatment that comes naturally when we rub sand off wet skin. Instead, dust the sandy area with baby powder and it will dry up and fall right off without any friction. 

Disposables - Not just diapers and swim diapers, but go for any other item that can be purchased in a disposable variety such as changing pads, bibs, place mats, etc. Airports are very dirty and you don't want to end up packing any of the germs you come in contact with back into your diaper bag.


Sunscreen - We brought two kinds with us - the cream plus the face stick - and used them liberally. Despite our best efforts, our little Sophie has been teething and thus the constant flow of drool from her mouth took the sunscreen off her chin area and she did end up with a pretty bad sunburn so be sure to pack some after care lotion too.

Tips for Twins:

• Instead of bringing the bulky double stroller, try two inexpensive umbrella strollers. You can purchase a connector from HERE to make them a double stroller if only one adult is available to push, or break them apart into two to squeeze into smaller spaces, such as narrow bathroom stalls.

Happy Travels,

Military Travel Discounts to the Caribbean

Attention all servicemen and women! 

How about a discount on a luxury Caribbean family vacation? 

Beaches Resorts, the Caribbean's leading family friendly all-inclusive resort collection, is offering 10% off for all military personal all year long, with the months of September & October being 15% off. 

The discount is on top of any other current promotion offered by Beaches Resorts. Beaches Resort properties are located in Jamaica and the Turks & Caicos.

This is a great way to reconnect with your family and enjoy some serious relaxation. 

We are happy to provide you with a free quote. Please contact us today!

Paradisus Punta Cana Vacation Specials

Paradisus Punta Cana & Paradisus Palma Real in the Dominican Republic are offering $1000 in Resort Credits for new bookings made now until August 25, 2012.

Stay 4 Nights and use credit on:

Spa Services $100

Casino Match-play Coupons $100

Premium Wine List $50

Room Upgrade $200

GABi Restaurant $100

Stay 7 Nights and use credit on:

Spa Services $150

Casino Match-play Coupons $150

Premium Wine List $100

Room Upgrade $400

GABi Restaurant $200

Ready, set, get packing! Contact our Caribbean Travel Specialists to get started on your Punta Cana Vacation plans today.

Travel is valid May 1 to December 22, 2012. As with all promos, restrictions apply.

Combine this resort credit with cheap flights by booking your air as far out as possible. The Punta Cana airport is served by international flights on all major airlines.

{some links in this post sponsored by edreams.com}

Vacation Specials for Atlantis Resort

Now is a great time to book the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The resort is offering up 60% off their normal rates and $600 in FREE Atlantis Experiences such as the dolphin interaction, golf, spa credits, sushi & sake sampling at NOBU, and more. And for a limited time, kids stay and eat FREE! 

If you need more convincing that Atlantis is the perfect property for your next family vacation, check out this 60 second video:

Contact our Caribbean Specialists to get started planning your Atlantis Vacation. We will find you the best possible rate at Atlantis along with competitive flight pricing on your flight to the Bahamas. 


{As with every promotion, restrictions apply! Please inquire}


Cheers,

Beaches Resort Vacation Discounts!

Beaches Resorts have two super fantastic promos right now! 

{Beaches Turks & Caicos by Day}

The first one will give you $315 IN FREE AIR CREDIT when staying 6 nights or more at Beaches Negril located on Jamaica's famous 7 Mile Beach.

The second one is an early booking bonus for travel this fall and will give you $325 CREDIT TOWARD YOUR HOTEL STAY. This offer is valid at any Beaches Resort.

Beaches Resorts have long been known as the best family friendly all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. They do an excellent job of catering to kids as well as adults. Beaches Turks & Caicos is my personal favorite - especially the Italian Section... all-inclusive family friendly vacations don't get any better than a week in a Turin Water's Edge Walkout Two Bedroom Family Suite. 

{Beaches Turks & Caicos at Night}

Our Caribbean Travel Specialists will be able to help you decide which Beaches Resort and which room category is best for your family. Call or email us today! 


{As with all promotions restrictions apply, please inquire.}

Teachers Eat, Drink, & Sleep for FREE in St. Thomas!

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in the US Virgin Islands is recognizing the hard work of teachers nationwide with a special Spring Break offer of a free all-inclusive vacation.

From March 1 through April 30, teachers can stay, eat and drink for free on a five-night getaway when traveling with another adult on the All Inclusive plan. Bolongo Bay’s award-winning All Inclusive plan features premium cocktails and all dining a la carte at two popular beachfront restaurants with menu items including filet mignon and lobster. The two adults just pay the single rate for All Inclusive, a savings of $525.

And that’s not all. Bolongo Bay is also including:

·          Two complimentary catamaran sails, the half-day Swim with Turtles snorkel trip and the Sunset Cocktail Harbor Cruise, on board Bolongo’s 53’ catamaran Heavenly Days (a $240 value), and

·          A $50 gift certificate to the Bolongo Bay boutique to stock up on supplies or souvenirs.

This teacher’s Spring Break package is $2,775 for two people, which includes a five-night All Inclusive stay in an Oceanview room, all of the extras, and all taxes and service charges. To receive the discount, teachers have to show valid ID upon check in. The offer is subject to availability and available on new bookings only.

At Bolongo Bay, it’s the teachers who get to have all the fun with complimentary non-motorized water sports equipment such as Hobie Cats, paddle boards, windsurfers, kayaks, snorkel gear, paddle boats and more. The fun continues into the night with live nightly entertainment at Iggies Beach Bar, just voted the Best Beach Bar in the Caribbean by the readers of Caribbean Travel + Life.

It’s easy for teachers to celebrate Spring Break at Bolongo Bay. No passports are needed for US citizens to travel to the US Virgin Islands and there are many direct flights available to St. Thomas. All major airlines service the international airport in St. Thomas, including American Airlines. To book your hotel package, please contact our Caribbean Travel Specialists.

Traveling with Kids

These are my babies... 

We are planning our first trip out of the country with all four kids in April. I'm so excited for our first adventure as a family of six but I'm not looking forward to the daunting task of packing for four kids, including two nine month old babies! 

I'm taking notes every step of the planning process so I can share what I learn with you about traveling with kids to the Caribbean! 

Fly Free to Sandals & Beaches Resorts this Fall!

Stay 6 nights or longer at any BEACHES RESORT and your companion flies FREE! Beaches Resorts include: Beaches Turks & Caicos, Beaches Negril, Beaches Sandy Bay, and Beaches Boscobel in Jamaica. 

Stay 6 nights or longer at Sandals Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios Jamaica and your companion flies FREE!

Reservations must be made by October 20, 2011 for travel now until December 16, 2011. Ready to book? Give us a call - 866-236-1924 or drop us a line - info@caribbeanjourney.com

Valid on new bookings only. As with all promos, other restrictions apply.

Riu Palace Las Americas launches FALL SALE!

{look at that water... seriously so blue!!!}

The Riu Palace Las Americas in Cancun, Mexico is on sale this fall! With reduced rates, spa credits, and discounts on golf at neighboring courses, now is a great time to visit! 

Book by October 28 for travel until December 23, 2011. 

{As with all promos, restrictions apply, please inquire.}

Cancun is serviced by all major airlines, including United Airlines & American Airlines. Drop us a line if you are ready to start planning. 

Cheerio,

Kid's Stay & Eat Free in GRENADA!

Grenada's Blue Horizons Garden Resort is offering families a Kid’s Stay & Eat Free plan offering free stays for children under age 16 plus free stays and meals for children 12 and under (maximum two kids per room). Off-season rates for a deluxe one-bedroom suite start at $165 per room, based on double occupancy.

For families seeking an adjoining suite, Blue Horizons is also offering a 50 percent discount off a second room for kids 16 years and under. The 32-room property also provides free babysitting for two hours per stay. The free stays and meals for children are valid for travel through Dec. 15, 2011.

{As with all promos, restrictions apply.}


While Grenada might not have as many options for flights as other islands, there are still deals to be found on most major airlines, most importantly American Airlines.

Our Caribbean Travel Agents are standing by... waiting to help you plan your vacation to Grenada! Call us - 866-236-1924 to get started today!