Sunday, January 31, 2010

DEAL ALERT

Save up to 50% on Caribbean Hotels! Get outta the cold and into the Caribbean!

Source: Travelocity

Friday, January 29, 2010

MEXICO DEAL ALERT

Fly FREE to Cancun, Riviera Maya or Punta Cana! That's a savings of at least $800 per couple on your winter vacation!

Source: Apple Vacations

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

DEAL ALERT

Caribbean vacation deals for under $500 per person! The deals include 4 nights + airfare.

Source: Expedia.com

AIRFARE DEAL ALERT

Airlines are matching one another on low airfare deals to the Caribbean! See sample Caribbean fares from Spirit Airlines below. The lowest fares are for the low-cost carrier's $9 Fare Club members and start at $18 round-trip, while non-member rates are available from $58 round-trip. The sale features travel on select dates this February and March, with bookings available through 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 27.:

Ft. Lauderdale to Freeport, Bahamas - $18 - Spirit Airlines

Ft. Lauderdale to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico - $32 - Spirit Airlines

Orlando to Nassau, Bahamas - $72 - Spirit Airlines

New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico - $172 - Spirit Airlines

Other Caribbean airfare deals:

Chicago to Cancun, Mexico - $158 - US Airways

DEAL ALERT

CheapCaribbean.com is offering unbelievable Caribbean vacation packages for the next 99 hours to destinations like Puerto Rico (From $399), Dominican Republic (All Inclusive From $449) and Riviera Maya, Mexico (All Inclusive From $599). All these Caribbean vacation deals include air and are ONLY good for the next 99 hours so act now to take advantage of these great offers.

Click here to take advantage of these deals

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Caribbean Tours & Excursions

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When you have been at the resort for a few days, it's a good time to change your surroundings. We suggest taking a fun-filled excursion outside the resort. Most destinations have tours that are certain to entertain. However, it's not just about entertainment. Excursions are a good way to get to meet the locals, experience the culture, hear the history and witness the natural beauty of the destination.

Typically there are destination management companies that offer a collection of tours, operated by locals. Your vacation provider can prearrange your tours through their ground services operator or you can contact them after you arrive at the destination. However, booking your own excursions and tours may not only save you money but it will provide you with the option of choosing unique and diverse itineraries and allow you the opportunity to go explore on your own. You can do this by speaking with representatives from local tour companies that have a presence at most major resorts. You can browse their brochure and arrange tours in person.

Tours can consist of boat cruises, scuba/snorkeling adventures, hiking, nature walks, ATV/buggy tours, sightseeing/cultural tours or a variety of other unique activities.

Chukka Caribbean Adventures (www.chukkacaribbean.com) is one of our favorites and operates in Turks & Caicos, Belize and Jamaica. They operate their own equipment, employ their own guides and have their own facilities. Try the unique canopy tour, where you glide through the forest canopy on zip lines. If that's not your idea of fun, try the horseback ride where you can take a dip in the Caribbean with your horse. Visit the birthplace of the King of Reggae, Bob Marley on the Zion Bus Line. You may even want to try a dogsled tour. A dogsled tour...in Jamaica? Yes, you heard that right, a dogsled tour in Jamaica. This unique opportunity allows you to jump into a custom land sled pulled by dogs and directed by a musher.

Perhaps you are looking for more seaworthy adventures? There are many companies that offer PADI scuba certifications and snorkeling tours. Many resorts offer PADI scuba classes right in the pool and/or on the beach. You can also try a day, party or romantic dinner cruise on one of the many catamarans or yachts around the Caribbean. Aruba Adventures (www.arubaadventures.com) is a good choice as they offer a party cruise on the very popular "Tattoo", a 3-decked party cruiser complete with dance floor, water-slide and rope swing. They also have sailing and snorkeling tours on the 80-ft wooden ship dubbed "Mi Dushi" that provides an adventure just for you.

For those who want to be one with nature, there is plenty to do. You can swim with dolphins (www.dolphindiscovery.com), watch whales (www.turksandcaicoswhalewatching.com) or swim with stingrays at Sting Ray City in Grand Cayman (www.stingraycitytrips.com). For the more adventurous, you can hike the Waitukubuli National Trail to a volcanic hot spring in Dominica (www.khattstours.com).

For those that may be more trusting, you can find locals who will take you off the beaten tourist path for half the price. We don't recommend this to new tourists and of course, you must use your best judgment and discretion when considering this option. Remember that these are not tour companies that carry insurance in case something happens. If you are considering this option, ask the concierge at the hotel about some locals that they trust. Many of these locals will hang around outside the resort, waiting to offer their service.

Whatever your choice of adventure, the Caribbean provides a plethora of activities which allow you to get out and explore your destination. So get out there and go!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Relax in an All-Inclusive Wonderland‏

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When most people hear Caribbean, their minds are filled with daydreams of relaxing on a secluded beach as the sound of the crystalline blue water washes away the worries of everyday life.  An all-inclusive vacation is a great way to make this dream a reality and get a great bargain at the same time.  When you select an all-inclusive resort, everything you need is included in one price to guarantee you a worry-free vacation.  Most all-inclusive plans include hotel, all meals, snacks, beverages (alcoholic and non), activities, tips and gratuities.

All-inclusive resorts cater to their guests so a traveler does not need to leave the resort unless they choose to. However, if you would like to explore the destination, a hotel concierge will do everything possible to ensure your stay is a memorable one.  This includes arranging a romantic sunset cruise, nature tours or a cultural tour of the countryside.  Many all-inclusive resorts have spas and will offer one free treatment with your stay.  Should you need to be pampered further, some even offer a private butler service.  This may sound like unnecessary extravagance, but take our advice and give it a try.  You will not be disappointed.

Whether you’re in the mood for steak and lobster, sushi, or even an authentic Italian meal, most resorts have an abundant selection of restaurants to choose from.  These all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico boast some of the most talented culinary professionals in the world and their guests are the ones who benefit.  So be adventurous and try a different restaurant each day of your stay.  After dinner, take a seat at one of the evening shows to see Caribbean dancers and musicians that will surely keep you entertained.


If the beach is not what you're looking for, resorts offer multiple pools (many with swim-up bars) to make sure you always have a spot in the sun and plenty of space to swim and splash.  If you've had a strenuous day of activity, relax in the jacuzzi that many resorts offer.

Another great thing about the all-inclusive vacation is that your glass is always full with your beverage of choice.  So when that warm Caribbean sun calls forth your thirst for a tasty tropical drink, all you need to do is take a sip.  Many places have beach bars and offer drink service right to your palapa or beach chair so you don't need to leave the sand.  If you don't feel like hanging out at the beach all day, you can paddle right over to the swim-up bar at one of the pools to enjoy a frosty refreshment.  The bartenders at these resorts that are amongst the friendliest people you'll meet.  They love to have a good time and treat their guests as lifelong friends.

For those who live an active lifestyle or need a break from lounging on the beach, all-inclusive resorts offer many activities to keep you entertained.  If a morning workout is part of your daily routine, resorts offer a fitness room or gym for hitting the free weights or jogging on the treadmill.  Many resorts offer instructors who lead you in water aerobics to burn off those tropical drink calories.  If you're looking for something more in-tune with the relaxation theme, give their yoga program a try. Many resorts also offer tennis, golf, shuffleboard and just about anything you can think of. Even better, the non-motorized water sports (snorkeling, kayaking etc.) are included!  Many all-inclusive resorts have their own watersports centers on the beach that have jet ski rental and can arrange scuba, snorkeling and fishing adventures for an additional fee.  So no matter what your interests, all-inclusive resorts have many options to choose from.  Most of which are included or available for a small fee.


Many all-inclusive resorts also cater to families.  Kids clubs, water slides, playgrounds and kiddie pools offer children the opportunity to stay entertained and to make new friends.  Some resorts even offer a nanny service to watch the kids while mom and dad take time to relax or explore.

The best part of an all-inclusive vacation is that there are no worries and you are free to just relax and go at your own pace with everything available to you all in one place.  So when trying to decide on your next vacation, give the all-inclusive option serious consideration, especially when traveling on a budget.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Travel Insurance - Always a Good Idea

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The recent events in Haiti bring up a legitimate concern for today's traveler. What do I do if something happens while I'm on vacation? It could and does happen occasionally, especially with the annual threat of hurricanes in the Caribbean. With travel insurance coverage, travelers have numerous coverage options available including medical expenses, trip interruption and emergency travel services to meet your needs.

Travel insurance companies can help you with medical assistance, re-booking flights, re-booking hotels, re-booking car rental, and roadside assistance. Did the airline lose your luggage or did you lose your passport? Your travel insurance can help. Some even offer concierge service as part of their program. You can get restaurant recommendations, event tickets and even tee times. Travel Guard (www.travelguard.com) is a good option when considering travel insurance with its coverage options and 24-hour service.

Travel insurance can be a little pricey, but chances are that the cost is minimal compared to the total price you paid for trip. Therefore, we think purchasing travel insurance is always a good idea, especially when traveling outside the country.

*Please note: Travel insurance does not necessarily provide all the services or coverage in this post. Please research and contact companies for a complete list of services and coverage before purchasing travel insurance.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Welcome to Caribbean Sun Travel

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Imagine this: Sitting on a beautiful beach, the warm sun caressing your face, cold umbrella drink in hand, a refreshing breeze blowing across your body as the gentle waves lap the sandy shore. Sound like something you've been dreaming about? This is the Caribbean and our mission is to get you to stop dreaming and start going!

We aim to sort out the Caribbean travel industry to give you the best travel deals, advice, tips, news and interesting tidbits. We have many years of experience in the industry, as travelers and as travel providers, specializing in travel to the Caribbean. This experience allows us special insight into the best Caribbean travel deals - where to find them, unbiased reviews and the best value.

Our first-hand experience regarding what a Caribbean traveler can expect on a trip is invaluable. We've explored the islands, immersed ourselves in the local culture and are experts in navigating confusing airports and unpredictable transportation services. Having stayed at so many hotels, all-inclusive resorts and private villas, they've become as familiar to us as our own homes. We've been to the popular cruise ports across the Caribbean and taken countless excursions including scuba, snorkeling, boat, ATV, bus and helicopter tours.

From the white sand beaches of Riviera Maya to the tropical shores of Barbados, we have the Caribbean covered. Check back often for expert advice on the best Caribbean travel deals.

Stop dreaming and start going, welcome to Caribbean Sun Travel.