Caribbean
Posted August 27, 2010 by Kate Hamman
You may not be sure how to spell this Caribbean island's name, but it's plain to see that St. Maarten is more than just a spelling-bee stumper. Its dual identities of Dutch (St. Maarten) and French (St. Martin) sides combine to create an ideal vacation getaway. Come spend the day in a tropical garden surrounded by butterflies before you head to an emporium that stocks the island's favorite liqueur.
Play
The Butterfly Farm: Come stand among hundreds of fluttering butterflies as you take an hourlong tour offering insight into their life cycle. You'll witness the metamorphosis from caterpillar to exotic butterfly, and have the opportunity to hold the frail insects. The morning between 9:00 and 9:30 is the best time to witness newborn butterflies taking flight.
Shop
Guavaberry Emporium: Don't leave St. Maarten without stopping at the Guavaberry Emporium, where you'll find the island's legendary folk liqueur, guavaberry rum. Sip a guavaberry colada while you browse the different liqueurs, BBQ sauces, hot sauces, chutneys, and a slew of souvenirs. Other exotic libations
To search for flights and compare prices to St. Maarten, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Sandra Calderbank)
Posted July 30, 2010 by Kate Hamman
As part of the Bahamas, Nassau is a great tropical escape for anyone
seeking fun in the sun. Plus, you can learn about the island's pirate
history at a museum, kick back with a frozen drink at a relaxing bar,
and dine at a restaurant overlooking the water—all without having your
booty plundered.
Play
Pirates of Nassau:
Once serving as a home to the infamous swashbuckler Blackbeard, Nassau
has a history riddled with many a yo-ho-ho and a lot of buried treasure.
Come discover what life was like as a pirate at this interactive
museum. Here, you can stow away aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge,
encounter the infamous Blackbeard as he claims your ship, and discover
why the Golden Age of Piracy (1690 through 1720) ended. You'll also have
the opportunity to view artifacts recovered from this short, but
memorable time in history. Admission costs $12.
Drink
Travellers' Rest:
In the last thirty years, celebrities such as Sean Connery and Mick
Jagger as well as weary travelers like you have kicked back and enjoyed
the island pace at this restaurant and bar. The fresh banana daiquiris
will melt away the life you've left behind as you sit on the outdoor
terrace overlooking the water and palm trees. Close to the airport, the
Travellers' Rest makes a great stop on your way to or from your
vacation.
Eat
Compass Point dining:
This brightly colored restaurant may be part of Compass Point Resort,
but you don't have to be a guest to enjoy the international and island
cuisine or the sweeping ocean views. Since dinner can be a bit pricey,
lunch is the ideal time to enjoy a bite to eat. You can order several
seafood options such as Bahamian Cracked Conch, or traditional items
like hamburgers and turkey clubs.
To search for flights and compare prices to Nassau, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Compass Point Resort)
Posted July 20, 2010 by Kate Hamman
Since Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, there's never a wrong
time to visit. And now, you can experience it all without going broke in
the process. Come explore one of the island's prime spots for
snorkeling and diving while on a sailing excursion. Then listen to the
ocean and live music as you sip on a frozen cocktail, before returning
to your more-than-affordable digs at a local B&B.
Play
Red
Sail Sports: Set sail on a custom-built catamaran for a day of
snorkeling and sun. Red Sail offers many different options and packages
for enjoying the open waters, but the Antilla Snorkel Sail for $49 per
person is one of the best deals. On this trip, you'll enjoy hors
d'oeuvres and beverages before exploring two separate snorkeling sites,
one of which is the wreck of the sunken German freighter, the Antilla.
Trips last about three hours, and depart Tuesdays, Thursdays,
and Saturdays.
Drink
MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant:
Sometimes you need more than an umbrella in your drink to feel like
you're on vacation. So how about sand beneath your toes and a giant palapa
overhead as well? MooMba Beach Bar makes it happen with a
selection of tropical drinks served at comfy tables right on the beach.
Drinks start at $7 for frozen and non-frozen concoctions, and there's a
daily happy hour from 6 to 7 p.m. every day.
Stay
Buffam's Tropical Haven: Set in a residential
neighborhood near Eagle Beach, Buffam's Tropical Haven lives up to its
name by providing a serene and affordable getaway. Your hosts go the
extra mile to make you feel welcome, and they're always ready with
island tips and advice. Each unit comes equipped with a full kitchen,
making it easy to save a few extra dollars by eating in. Studio
apartments start at $60 per night, and include breakfast.
To search for flights and compare prices to Oranjestad, which is home
to Aruba's main airport, please use our price-comparison
tool.
(Photo: Tammy Peluso/iStockphoto)
Posted June 25, 2010 by Kate Hamman
Barbados may be a slice of paradise in the Caribbean, but there's
much more to this island than endless beaches and crashing waves (not
that those are bad things). Come taste rum that's been sweetening drinks
for centuries or get a sweeping view of the flavors of Barbadian
cuisine in just one meal. After you've had your fill of food and drink,
you can watch the sunset from the porch of your secluded guesthouse.
Play
Mount Gay Estate: Pirates plundered for it, piña
coladas require it, and you can learn all about it at the oldest
distillery, now museum, in Barbados. For more than 300 years, Mount Gay
has produced rum worth yo-ho-hoing about. Nowadays, the rum is produced
elsewhere on the island, but you can still tour the museum, watch a
video about rum-making, and view artifacts from the original estate. At
the end of the tour, you can belly up to the rum bar to sample two
different rums.
Eat
Brown
Sugar Restaurant: For a variety of Barbadian cuisine, all you need
is the Brown Sugar all-you-can-eat planter's buffet luncheon. The
four-course menu includes regional specialties such as Bajan fishcakes,
flying fish, cou-cou, and the famous pepperpot. Enjoy
homemade desserts as you dine in a tropical outdoor patio, surrounded
by ferns and chirping tree frogs. The buffet costs $52 BBD (about $26,
check XE.com
for current exchange rates), and runs from 12:00 to 2:30 from Mondays
through Fridays, with a special lunch on Sundays.
Stay
Sea-U Guest House: Find your own private
metaphorical island about nine miles away from Bridgetown at Sea-U
Guest House. Located on a hilltop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and
surrounded by coconut palms, the traditional Bajan-style guesthouse
encourages you to swing from a hammock as you watch the afternoon drift
into sunset. At Sea-U!, you'll wake to freshly baked coconut or banana
bread and unspoiled beaches waiting for you to come and play on them.
Rooms start at $109 per night, and include breakfast.
To search for flights and compare prices to Bridgetown, which is home
to Barbados' major airport, please use our price-comparison
tool.
(Photo: iStockphoto/ Dmitry Ersler)
Posted June 7, 2010 by Jaclyn Liechti
Like many Caribbean islands, St. Thomas has plenty of beautiful scenery, relaxing beaches, and exciting water sports. But not every island can lay claim to the historical attractions and world class shopping. You can choose your own adventure here, whether you prefer to sunbathe by the sea or tour Blackbeard's Castle. In fact, why not do both?
Shop
Yacht Haven Grande: If you're looking to rub elbows with the rich and famous without spending a dime, Yacht Haven Grande is the place to be. The haven is a marina for megayachts in the Caribbean, but you don't have to own a ship to mix and mingle. It was also voted "Best Shopping" for the last two years, and it's easy to see why: High-end designers such as Coach, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton have all set up shop here. You don't have to spend anything to window-shop, but if you decide to splurge a little, don't worry: U.S. citizens can purchase up to $1,600 worth of goods duty free.
You can use our tool to compare airfares to St. Thomas from multiple travel providers.
(Photo: iStockPhoto/Paola Fontana)
Posted April 23, 2010 by Jaclyn Liechti
Holguin, Cuba, is said to be the spot where Christopher
Columbus first landed in 1492, calling it the most beautiful place he’d ever
seen. The province is known for its natural beauty, and has several beaches and
national parks. The city of Holguin is known today as “the city of parks,” and is filled with tree-lined squares.
Play
Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park: The Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park holds more
than 2,400 acres of hiking and windsurfing fun. Naranjo Cay, in the center,
offers an aquarium where you can watch a sea lion show or see tropical fish and
sea turtles. The main attraction, though, is the chance to swim with the
dolphins. The lively animals literally jump at the chance to let friendly
visitors kiss and pet them, giving guests an experience they won’t soon forget.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Steven Miric)
Posted April 5, 2010 by Jaclyn Liechti
White-sand beaches and azure waters have long drawn the rich
and famous to Cuba’s Varadero Beach. Located on the Hicacos Peninsula, visitors
to this area arrive expecting sunshine, and with an average temperature of
about 77 degrees, they aren’t disappointed.
Shop
Casa del Habano: Cuba is well known for its top-of-the-line
cigars, but visitors should beware of purchasing counterfeits from street
sellers. The Casa del Habano (located on 1st Avenue and 63rd
Street) is one of the most highly regarded cigar stores in the city. Browse
through the government-certified boxes of cigars held in the humidor, then
relax in the tea room, where both smokers and non-smokers can enjoy tea,
coffee, and desserts. Besides cigars, the store also sells pipes, cigar
holders, humidors, and postcards.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Graca Victoria)
Posted April 2, 2010 by Jaclyn Liechti
With some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean,
Punta Cana is a popular sun-and-sand destination. All-inclusive resorts and
lounging poolside are the name of the game, but there's still plenty of
local flavor beyond the hotel gates. Springtime, after the snowbirds have
vacated the island but before hurricane season begins in June, can be the
perfect time to save money.
Eat
Captain Cook’s: Punta Cana is the perfect place to satisfy
your cravings for seafood, and there’s no better place to do it than Captain
Cook’s. Situated right on the beach, this simple eatery serves up favorites such as
fresh lobster, shrimp, and paella just a stone’s throw from the water’s edge.
And if you’re really in the mood for something exciting, try a drink of mamajuana, an island specialty rumored to have healing and aphrodisiac qualities. Meal prices average between $20 and
$45 per person.
You can use our tool to compare airfares to Punta Cana from multiple travel providers.
(Photo: Courtesy of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism)
Posted June 22, 2009 by Jamie Moore
Don't want to encounter a Gustav, Hanna, or Ike on your Caribbean getaway? Then head to Aruba, a tropical paradise that sits safely below the hurricane belt. Among this happy little island's white beaches, dramatic rock formations, and wind-sculpted divi-divi trees, you can easily find fun and affordable experiences. Start with an adventurous island tour, find flea market deals, or sip down a Pink Iguana colada with a classic Caribbean meal.
Play
De Palm Tours: For off-road island sightseeing, your best bet is De Palm's bumpy half-day tour in a 4X4 Range Rover. Guides artfully blend historic commentary with unique experiences. Along the way you get to go snorkeling, explore an old fort and lighthouse, swim in a natural pool, feed ostriches, relax on beaches, and see the island's distinctive caves. Tours run $52 per person and admission for kids under 12 is 50 percent less.
Eat
Iguana Joe's: Admittedly, this festive Caribbean restaurant is a bit of a tourist trap. But if you can get past the fact that it's located in a mall and sells t-shirts with its iguana logo, then you're in for a casual and fun lunch stop. Grab a seat on the outside deck, an excellent place to people watch above a busy downtown street. Try the island-caught mahi-mahi, coconut-rum-battered shrimp, or the traditional Aruban Keshi Jena (cheese filled with chicken, vegetables and spices)for less than $20 each. Sandwiches cost under $10, and a half-liter of the potent Pink Iguana colada goes for $7.50.
Shop
Tourists Go Flea Market: What would a Caribbean vacation be without a little haggling? Sure, there are plenty of swanky shops with the latest fashions, but you'll have much more fun at the flea market on L.G. Smith Boulevard. This huge market across from Container Harbour promises bargains on locally made crafts, artwork, clothing, and, of course, souvenirs. The smoky aroma of traditional island barbecue fills the air. Don't leave without a quick bite.
To search for flights and compare prices to Aruba, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: iStockPhoto/zinchik)
Posted June 8, 2009 by Katie Blais
Starting July 13, Air Jamaica will add a red-eye flight from New York City to Grenada. Just think about it: you head home from your busy day, hit the airport, take a snooze, and wake up on a gorgeous Caribbean island … not too shabby if you ask me!
Flights leave Kennedy airport at 12:15 a.m. and arrive in Grenada the following morning at 6:30 a.m. I think it’s a novel idea for a last-minute vacation, and I can imagine it would unfold something like this. You hit the bar after happy hour; enjoy some half-price appetizers and pitchers of margaritas when someone brings up how they didn’t think they would be working in a cube day in and day out. You chime in saying, "let’s go somewhere, let’s go somewhere tropical and warm and open up a smoothie shop and just live without the man infringing on our basic human rights to enjoy life." You cab it back to your apartment, throw some mismatched (sort of) clean clothes in a bag, grab your passport, trek out to JFK, and hop on a last-minute flight to the islands to start your new life.
You wake up the next morning at the airport with a slight headache realizing it might be a little harder to open a smoothie shop in a place you have never been before. But you enjoy beaches, the laid-back vibe of the island (you might even get your hair braided and buy a crocheted beret a la Bob Marley) and return to NYC at 11:30 a few days later before heading to your stuffy office job relaxed and ready for the man to beat you down a little more.
Flights
Hotels
Archives 
