The economy may be cloudy, but this is the best time in years to travel to the Caribbean.
In such times of economic uncertainty as these, it may seem like a stretch to jet off on a tropical beach vacation. But here's some surprising good news: For a host of reasons, right now is the perfect time to travel to the Caribbean. You can go for less, stay for less and do what you want when you get there for less - hoteliers and airlines are pushing the panic button and taking unheard-of measures to fill rooms and empty seats. Here are some good reasons to start planning your next trip right now...
1. It's a Buyer's Market Hotel rates are way down all over the Caribbean. "What many people may not realize is that their travel dollars buy so much more than they did just a year ago," says Tim MacDonald, general manager of Expedia. "Even if you can only get away for a few days, there are amazing vacation values and opportunities this year."Even hoteliers who're typically hesitant to lower rates (for fear of setting a precedent they don't want to perpetuate) are doing so this year. "The current drop-off in travel to the Caribbean has coincided with brand-new resorts opening their doors, or fancy resorts re-opening after multi-million dollar renovations," says Gabe Saglie, senior editor at Travelzoo, an Internet media company that publishes travel deals from more than 900 companies. "Luxury properties are getting aggressive and reducing rates by 50 percent, or adding incentives to entice travelers." One of the best ways to score these deals is to sign up for news feeds from companies like Orbitz and Travelocity and for Travelzoo's weekly Top 20. You can save even more by booking a package deal, notes Saglie, especially when it comes to airfare. "If the flight is more expensive, the accommodations will compensate and be cheaper to balance it out. Not to mention that having accommodation, transportation, food, drinks, entertainment and more all in one package makes it so you barely have to spend any money once you get there."2. Perks, Perks and more PerksHotels that aren't lowering nightly rates outright are piling on the perks. Says John Israel, regional director for the Caribbean at Orbitz, "We're seeing resort and spa credits, food and beverage credits, free nights, nightly discounts on vacation packages that amount to a 'fly-free' credit and up to 65 to 70 percent off per night." 3. It's a Flyer's MarketAirlines have drastically lowered fares on popular routes. "The airline industry has been offering many last-minute fare sales lower than we've ever seen," says Travelzoo's Saglie. "In addition, they are offering major reductions in fares for a select number of seats to alleviate unsold inventory." Check sites like travelzoo.com and kayak.com for the lowest-priced flights. At press time, JetBlue fares started at $119 to St. Martin from New York; Air Jamaica was flying to Montego Bay from Ft. Lauderdale for $79. Sign up for e-mail alerts from American, JetBlue and Air Jamaica, which together cover much of the region, as well as alerts from websites, such as airfarewatchdog.com, which monitor fares from your gateway city.4. Room to BreatheTake your pick of beach chairs or barstools; the combination of low season and less travelers means you'll have paradise practically to yourself - you can enjoy the romantic, secluded getaway with your sweetie that you've been dreaming of for years. Plus you'll get lots of personal attention - everyone from the cab driver to your bartender will be especially happy to see you, and the warm service will make the trip even more enjoyable. 5. Family Values The Caribbean offers great diversity of culture, personalities and scenery in easily digestible bites for younger travelers, and now is a great time to broaden their horizons. "Many resorts looking to lure families are letting kids stay or eat for free," says Saglie. Other resorts are offering inexpensive room upgrades, he says, so the family can spread out in a suite instead of a double room. 6. Do It for the TeamIf rock-bottom hotel rates and airfares aren't compelling enough reasons to hit the beach, allow us to suggest that you do it for the cause. If you love the Caribbean (and we know you do), show your hosts a little of that love right now by throwing some much-needed cash their way. You rely on the Caribbean for relaxation and rejuvenation, and its countries rely on us to help their largely tourism-driven economies stay afloat. We can't think of a more enjoyable way to do the right thing. 7. It's Good For You What better cure for the wounds of stress and uncertainty than the soothing balm of the Caribbean? According to Expedia's annual "Vacation Deprivation" survey, one-third of Americans won't even use all of their vacation days, even though 54 percent of them believe it would be good for their health."The stress associated with the current economy makes the need for time away from work even more important than ever," says Expedia's MacDonald. Don't be a statistic - think of a Caribbean vacation as blood pressure medicine, only much easier to swallow.Online Editor's Note: Ready to go now? Check out our Editor's Picks for our favorite deal of the week, then surf over to our Travel Specials page for more vacation packages around the Caribbean.
