High Season in the Caribbean

Wow - almost February already? The past few months have flown by for me and my family as we welcomed a new addition on November 17th - a beautiful baby boy. Combine the baby "busy-ness" with the rush of last-minute high season clients and I have not been able to update my blog... but I am back! I thought I would open 2008 with a posting about what High Season really means in the Caribbean. High Season officially begins on December 15 and traditionally goes until April 15, with a few villas & hotels stretching high season all the way until May 1.

High Season covers all the holidays of Christmas, New Years, President's Day, Valentines, and Easter. The week between Christmas & New Years is THE most popular week for Caribbean travel. During this week, airfare sells out almost immediately and you will be hard pressed to find a seat less for than $1000/per person if you wait to book. Hotels do not sell out as quickly as their lengthy nightly minimums of 7, 10 or 14 nights weed out any quick trips. Most hotels require only 7 nights during this time, but some of the more exclusive hotels require 10 or 14. Surprisingly, they don't have a problem filling all their rooms by early fall.

Moving on... the next most popular week is President's Week. Having never lived in the Northeast, I learned quickly that many NE schools are closed this week and therefore it is the perfect time for a winter warm-up trip to the sunny Caribbean shores. The 3rd most popular week is Spring Break. Luckily for all of us in the industry, these dates vary around the country - but most breaks fall into either the second or third weeks of March or the first week of April. (This year I was surprised to learn that some schools are closed April 19 to 26. These folks will luck out by being able to enjoy their break at Low Season rates!)

What is the Caribbean like during high season? Fun, fun, fun!!! All of the restaurants and bars are open - as opposed to many being closed for a few months every fall. Live music is easy to come by as most establishments pack their entertainment schedule with events every night. The beaches are lively and sometimes you have to step outside your comfort zone to make sure you secure beach loungers or palapas for your crew! And the number one reason High Season in the Caribbean is so amazing? It is WARM and you will likely be leaving much colder temps behind...

Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival 2008

The Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival is one of the most sought after tickets in the Caribbean!The 3 day event takes place in Montego Bay, Jamaica every January when the weather is perfect, skies are clear, and the rum & beer ice cold. This year's line-up includes: Diana Ross, Anita Baker, Hugh Masakela, Billy Ocean, Beres Hammond, Majorie Whylie, and more! Mark your calendar for January 24 - 26, 2008 and contact our travel agency, Caribbean Journey for great package deals at nearby hotels and luxury villas!

50% Off at the Eco-Friendly Verandah Resort!

The brand new Verandah Resort in Antigua is offering a great introductory special at 50% off their normal rates. This eco-friendly paradise opened its doors on October 19th. Enjoy all-inclusive rates of around $243/night for travel now until December 20, 2007. Why do I like this hotel? "The Verandah has identified key environmental aspects related to the operation of its resort in Antigua. These include: the rational use of energy and water; solid waste and wastewater disposal; reduction of greenhouse gases; proper disposal of hazardous materials; noise reduction; and the use of biodegradable cleaning materials. The Verandah has a comprehensive Environmental Management System in place..."

Riu Jamaica Hotels Offers HOLIDAY Discounts!

This never happens! In almost 11 years of selling the Caribbean, I can not recall a hotel offering discounts on their holiday rates. The most popular weekend for holiday travel is the week between Christmas & New Years. All three Riu Hotels in Jamaica: Riu Tropical Negril, Club Hotel Riu Negril, & Riu Ocho Rios are offering discounts for travel between 12/22/07 and 01/01/08 if you make your reservation before 11/17/07. Contact us for a custom quote!

JetBlue Adds More Caribbean Flights!

Since starting service to the Caribbean, JetBlue often has the best deals around for the markets it serves. Starting this winter, JetBlue will add the Dutch/French combo island of St. Maarten/St. Martin and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic to its schedule. Both of these new destinations will be served with flights from JFK in New York.

Air Jamaica Starts Online Check-in!

While other airlines have been allowing WCI (Web Check-in) for many years, it is a brand new feature for Air Jamaica. So far they are allowing this service for flights between Miami or Fort Lauderdale and Kingston or Montego Bay, Jamaica. This new service allows passengers to check-in online between four and eighteen hours in advance of their flight. You may also select your seat and print a confirmation. The benefit? Checking in online in advance will allow you to save time by not arriving so early at the airport. If you need to check baggage, you may arrive within 90 minutes of your flight and without bags, only 60 minutes. This is less than the required 2 hours if you need to check-in at the ticket counter. Keep checking bag for additional gateways!

Riu Palace Aruba Offers Nov & Dec Discount!

The Riu Palace Aruba is offering discounted rates for all stays in November & December! Plus, children are 50% off when sharing with 2 paying adults. Valid categories: Junior Suite Partial Oceanview, Junior Suite Oceanview, Suite Oceanview and Junior Suite Jacuzzi® Oceanview. New bookings only. You must book by 10/04/07 for travel between 11/1/07 and 12/21/07. In Aruba, the Riu Palace is beautifully designed and located right on Palm Beach, offering a most spectacular view of the Caribbean. The wide expense of soft, golden sand, virtually at its front door, invites you to enjoy the warm breeze wafting in from the ocean or enjoy swimming in one of the two fresh-water pools. We invite you to enjoy the beauty of Aruba and the comfort of the Riu Palace, the perfect combination for your next vacations.