Read these 27 Caribbean Vacation Rentals Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Vacation Rentals tips and hundreds of other topics.
Caribbean cities are filled with glorious architecture flavored by their British, Dutch, Spanish, American, French, or Danish heritage. Capitals such as Santo Domingo are built just right for walking/talking tours. And, there are even a variety of duty-free shops to enhance the Caribbean family vacation.
After a grand time at the islands it is souvenir time—remember, however, that there are custom regulations and of course limits so you can't be greedy. Each returning person (over 19 years of age) may take back: 2 liters of alcohol, 200 cigarettes (or 250 grams of tobacco), 60ml of perfume, and up to $145 worth of other goods!
Whether it's an exceptional private villa, a triple star hotel, or that special Caribbean vacation rental, kick back and enjoy sunny days, balmy nights, and warm Caribbean waters. Glorious views of white sandy beaches and tropical fruit bearing trees will greet your eyes and refresh your tired soul! There are beaches to appeal to just about anyone. Just a few types include family beaches, nude beaches, and religious beaches.
If quality is what you crave, look for a Caribbean beach that was awarded a Caribbean Blue Flag beach—based on compliance with 24 criteria covering the following aspects:
• Water Quality
• Environmental Education and Information
• Environmental Management
• Safety and Services
Want a wonderful Caribbean family vacation at a deluxe hotel or top quality condo and still get terrific value out your money? Try an all-inclusive resort, where accommodations, meals, jammed-packed children activities, and more are rolled into one price. There is much to enjoy, see and do!
*Ask you hotel or resort about activities for the children. Some have supervised activities like ping pong, swimming, snorkeling, watching movies and many other island type activities to entertain them. And, pick up a disposable camera so they can make there own memories!
Some resorts offer getaways at an affordable cost in some of the most beautiful Caribbean spots. These “clubs” provide the Caribbean vacation rental as well as water sports, dining, beverages, entertainment, and recreational activities.
Resorts usually require that a traveler be16 years or older. Depending on which island you are clubbing, weather ranges from splendid to dismal as the low seasons are prone to rainstorms. In other words, pay attention if you're planning on sunbathing. Look at the island's forecast first—rain does not equal tan!
Caribbean vacation rentals can be found by Internet surfing and locating agencies that assist in the rental of villas, hotels, or other accommodations that best fit your plans. In addition, they find the top discount airfare, car rentals, and other all-inclusive package deals. Want to bid on a travel auction? Take note of the following tips:
• Check out several Internet auction sites
• Read the package description thoroughly
• Keep close watch on closing date and time
• Sign on frequently to watch the bidding
• About 10 minutes before closing, stay with it and disable auto bid
• Don't be lulled into a sense of security (someone else is probably waiting for the last minute too)
Now – win that bid and pack your bags!
The Caribbean vacation villa rental in Belize is as close to heaven as you can get in the West Indies with stunning scenery, a tropical climate, and never ending activities including:
• Snorkeling in crystal water
• Bird watching
• Studying the local monkeys
• Touring (Ambergris Caye to Lamanai with Mayan ruins)
Snorkeling is an exciting way to view the marine life! No special skills needed and no exertion is used to stay a float (your body is naturally buoyant, even lying face down in the water while breathing through a snorke)l. Non-swimmers using a flotation device can snorkel. So – who's game?!
Like airline seats, do not leave your cabin choice to chance. Consult a deck plan at the cruise ship website for exact stateroom locations and request a specific room. Avoid cabins across from the laundry and housekeeping stations. Avoid cabins next to elevators in in corridors near the dining room with high traffic. Avoid outside cabins on promenade decks where walkers and runners pound past your window early mornings. Avoid cabins below or directly above discos and nightclubs. Choose a cabin mid-ship and mid-level for the smoothest ride.
Each season cruise lines move ships from one region to new seasonal routes. For instance, when a ship "repositions" from the Mediterranean to the caribbean or from Alaska to the Caribbean (via the Panama Canal) savings of 60% or more are common.
Bargain cruise lines offer few amenities and perks and have many hidden costs. Factor in freebies such as free airfare, pre or post night stays, complimentary wine/open bars, shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities and free excursions that are standard on some luxury cruises and they may acutally cost less.
Cruise fares vary as much as $500 or more between high season and low or shoulder season. Delaying sailing by just one week may result in significant savings.
Due to competitive early booking discounts, last minute deals are not as prevalent as in the past. It also may be difficult to get reasonable last minute airfare. However, flexible travlers living within driving distance of cruise ports should register online with cruise lines and cruise specialists for last minute email offers.
Cruise specialists say best fares are usually four to six months in advance. Booking early also offers the best choice of cabins, dining and cruise excursions.
Visit websites of major cruise lines for itinerary and fare options. Check cruise line "specials" for promotions and special discounts. take a virtual tour of ships. Look at the demographics of passengers in cruise ship adverrtisements.
New ships have more affordable private verandahs/balcony cabins and mini-suites. New ships have the latest technology such as Internet cafes, state-of-the-art fitness centers, interactive game rooms and luxurious full-service spas. Soundproofing is better on new ships and room decor is fresh and updated. Older ships offer a slower paced, more traditional and formal lifestyle.
Ships carrying less than 1000 guests are considered "small." Small ships offer more personalized serviced, are quieter, easier to get around and can get into ports where mega ships can't. large ships carry 1,000-3,000 passengers or more. The larger the ship the more activities, dining options, blitzy public spaces, high tech options and large scale production shows.
Over 80% of travelers express the desire to take a cruise. The "right" cruise is a memory of a lifetime. The "wrong" cruise is a disappointing disaster. The difference lies in choosing a cruise that matches personal interests, style and demographics. A sophisticated senior will be miserable on a cruise with swinging singles or a cruise crawling with kids from toddlers to teens. Each cruise line targets a different market. A memborable cruise means choosing a cruise line that caters to your personal interests and needs. Average rule: the longer the cruise the older the cruisers.
Few travelers resist the lure of
No matter where you shop, seek out unique mementos that have meaning long after your trip. Here are some specialties found in the
There are many advantages to renting private beach houses and villas. First, there's the space. A hotel room becomes more confining each day when the entire family shares one room and bath or even a small suite. Vacation villas offer multiple bedrooms and baths, spacious living and dining areas and private outdoor amenities such as tropical gardens and plunge pools. Then, there's the benefit of being able to dine in privacy and avoid paying exorbitant resort dining charges. It's simple and economical to hire a local chef or whip up fresh seafood dinners on your own fully-equipped kitchen. No reservations required. No long wait times.
There are thousands of private beachfront vacation rentals on the Internet. Renting the right place for a honeymoon or family retreat requires research and due diligence. Follow these tips from a vacation rental specialist to ensure rental success:
Here's a little known
Other resorts offering day passes include:
Day passes are often not advertised, but there's nothing to lose by contacting all-inclusive resorts at your destination and requesting a day pass. Reservations are usually required and passes are limited during peak holidays periods.
When was the last time you knew in advance that you or traveling companions would get sick or that a storm would close the airport and stop all travel? Travel is expensive and it pays to spend a few dollars more to protect your travel investment. Research insurance you already have. Many seniors are unaware that Medicare does not provide coverage outside the
Festivals and celebrations are a passion and priority in the
The islands of the
Although proposed passport requirements changed frequently in recent years, according to the Department of State,
Since the Caribbean lies inside the Atlantic hurricane track and the best off-season
Anytime is a good time to vacation in the
During the off or shoulder seasons, greatly reduced accommodations and air travel offer savings as much as 50% less than in high season. For instance, Air
Imagine pristine beaches fringed by elegant swaying palms. The air is perfumed by tropical blooms. Sparkling turquoise waters are warm and clear as you float above colorful reefs and surrounded by dozens of exotic tropical fish. At sunset, Mother Nature paints a masterpiece across the sea as you sip a tall, cool rum drink and feast of the bounty of the sea. It must be paradise.
The Caribbean Islands extends 1,700 miles from Cuba in the west to Barbados in the East and from the coast of South America north to Bermuda. There are 30 major islands and hundreds of lesser-known and private islands. Each year over two million American visitors escape Jack Frost or the doldrums of daily life for a vacation in this vacation paradise.
The key to a perfect Caribbean getaway is choosing the right place to stay and play. Give some thought to your travel personality and priorities. Is nightlife important? Need family-friendly activities for all ages to fill the days with fun? Want top-rated golf on scenic links? Looking for action and adventure or seclusion to relax and rejuvenate? Caribbean accommodations run the gamut with full-scale, all-inclusive resorts like Sandals and Beaches, upscale condominiums, luxurious beachfront vacation villas big enough for family and friends and secluded beach houses perfect for romance.
One of the charms of the Caribbean is its diversity. No two islands are exactly alike. Search Internet sites of major travel publications such as Fodor's, Frommer's, Travel & Leisure and Lonely Planet for island information. The U.S. Department of State also offers sound advice on Caribbean travel health and safety. No doubt, smart Internet searches of Caribbean vacations rentals will lead you to the destination of your dreams.
We've established the fact that no man is an island but that doesn't mean that we can't enjoy the luxury that those little gems offer!
• Peter Island, British Virgin Islands
• Paradise Island, Bahamas
• Oranjestad, Aruba
Any of those sound alluring? Of course they do and, c'mon, aren't we all entitled to a little fun in the sun? Pack a bag, it's all about tropical waters, marine life and sun laced sea hideaways. Grab a beach vacation rental and enjoy one of these breathtaking islands!
If you're looking to explore this beautiful destination keep in mind that June 1st to November 30th is the Caribbean's official hurricane season. During this period, bad weather can disrupt travel plans. However, if you're the gambling type, taking the risk and booking your trip for this season can get you off-season, reduced rates.
Guru Spotlight |
Lynne Christen |