Archive for: February 2010

If you’re looking out right now on to a snowy landscape, or if you can hear the rain falling on your window, wouldn’t it be nice if you could start planning a sunny Caribbean escape? The Caribbean is dotted with lovely islands, so it’s no wonder it’s become almost synonymous with sun-drenched, white sand beaches and non-ending fun. We’ve got together a few ideas for your sunny Caribbean escape:

1. Take a Caribbean cruise. The cruise industry is actively selling short Caribbean cruise vacations. You can take advantage of the recession-hit industry and save hundreds of dollars on cruises to and around any number of the Caribbean Islands, from the Antilles to Turks and Caicos. Compare packages for the best deal and look for cruise packages that include airfare and all cruise expenses including meals.
2. Take a spa vacation. During the winter season, many Caribbean spas offer specials, which include a stay, airfare, and spa treatments. If you’re in need of some serious pampering and want to go somewhere warm and sunny, a spa vacation is the perfect answer. Check out the The Royal Plantation Spa & Golf Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the Malliouhana Hotel in Anguilla or the Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
3. Rent a villa on your favorite island. If you’re looking for a private vacation where you can come and go, cook meals if you choose and essentially enjoy complete privacy, then consider renting a villa. You can rent a villa on the islands of St. Croix, St. John, St. Martin, St. Thomas or Turks & Caicos. Or check out vacation rentals by owner at VRBO.com. Prices range based on season, size of home, location of home and number of renters.
4. Take an active vacation. The Caribbean is ripe for active people who seek adventure. Snorkeling, deep-sea diving, rock climbing, windsurfing, kayaking, surfing, mountain biking, and even sailing are all available to those who crave an active vacation. You can plan a trip in advance with a travel agent or choose an island and a resort that offers to arrange trips and activities for you. Some islands are better for certain activities. For example, the Dominican Republic is considered a mountain-biking paradise and Barbados is well known to fans of surfing.
5. Enjoy an eco vacation. Eco tourism has taken off and the Caribbean offers a wealth of opportunity. For example, Dominica has embraced ecotourism as a way to preserve their island, and eco lodges are easy to find.

If you’ve never been to the Caribbean, it can be difficult to decide where to go. Base your decision on your budget, what you enjoy doing while on vacation, and travel options from your home base. The Caribbean offers something for everyone. Have fun and enjoy!

How to Travel Practically Anywhere
Where to buy: www.amazon.com

How to Travel Practically Anywhere’s author, Susan Stellins, has written an essential travel guide full of hands-on advice on every aspect of traveling. Susan Stellins is an author and regular contributor to the New York Times.

The book starts with an extensive chapter on planning and researching your trips. This includes topics on local perspectives and traditions; online forums from fellow travellers; different guidebooks available (and which one would suit your budget and style); when to travel to avoid hurricanes, etc. You can also read up on different travel options and their pros and cons: from single traveling, group traveling to specialized cooking tours and outdoor activities.

The second part of the guide includes important information on booking a holiday. This includes how to evaluate travel packages; information on last-minute deals, travel insurance, plane tickets and where to get the best deals. It talks about pre-trip organization, from researching your lodging to public transportation. Vital information on what to do if: you need a doctor in a foreign country; the airline loses your luggage; you lose your passport; there is a problem with the rental cars and more are also covered in great detail.

Whether you are planning a trip for pleasure or for business, by plane, train or cruise ship, “How to Travel Practically Anywhere” provides you with all the necessary information needed so you can enjoy a successful holiday.

The last thing you want to experience when you’re traveling abroad and not in your home country where everything is familiar, is illness. Particularly when simple precautions could have prevented it. Here are ten tips for staying healthy when travelling abroad.

1. Get vaccinated for any required, recommended and routine vaccinations well in advance of your trip. This simple measure will protect you from 99% of any major illnesses you’re likely to encounter when you’re traveling abroad.
2. Before you go, check the CDC, Center for Disease Control, website to inform yourself of any health issues in the country you’re traveling to. For example, is H1N1 causing rampant health issues? It pays to know in advance what you should be prepared for.
3. Are there insect-born illnesses where you’re going? Many vaccinations cover insect-born illnesses like malaria. However, there are other illnesses you can contract via insect bites. Make sure you’re prepared by buying proper repellants and preventative measures before your trip.
4. Is your immune system compromised? If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have HIV or other immune deficiency disorders, you can be more susceptible to illness when traveling. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel. You can take precautions to stay healthy before your trip.
5. Don’t drink the water. Actually this isn’t the rule in all countries. Many countries have perfectly safe drinking water; however, many don’t. If you’re traveling to a country with unsafe drinking water, make sure to drink only bottled water or carbonated beverages; avoid ice, eat only well-cooked foods and brush your teeth with bottled water.
6. Be careful where you swim. Some countries, like Africa, have parasites in the water which can enter your skin; you don’t have to ingest them.
7. Don’t travel when you’re feeling ill. If you’re not feeling well right before your trip, consider cancelling or postponing the trip. Travelers insurance can mitigate any financial loss. It’s better to be sick in your own country, in your own home and bed, than halfway around the world.
8. Travel with a first aid kit. However, this isn’t your standard band-aids and antiseptic first aid kit, but rather the medicine cabinet kind. Pack cold medicine, pain relievers and any prescriptions you take regularly.
9. If you don’t have medical insurance that covers you for overseas travel, consider getting a supplemental insurance policy that will cover you while you’re away.
10. Make sure you have copies of your emergency contacts and important medical information. If you’re allergic to antibiotics or other medicines, make sure this is noted. If you have food allergies or other sensitivities, make sure this is noted as well.

Travelling abroad is a fantastic way to broaden your horizons, explore other countries and just relax and enjoy yourself. Take these precautions to make sure you’ll be happy and healthy on your travels.