Car rentals in the tropics

Renting a car is easy. Of course, there will be rental booths at the airport, but there will likely be a rental car agency on site of many of the resorts and hotels. Or, they are just a phone call away and will come to you. There will be international rental agencies (Hertz, Avis, etc.) as well as locals ... one is not preferred over the other.

To rent a car, you need a temporary license. There is no test ... it is just a matter of paying the license fee. The agency will usually handle the licensing arrangements for you.

The rules of the road may require some adjustment (driving on the left side of the road for instance). Most of the roads are paved and are in fair condition. But, they are narrow and often have no shoulders. Sometimes there are stoplights but often roundabouts at intersections (yield to traffic from the right).

It costs more to rent a car in the tropics than in the US with daily rates ranging from around $50 to $90. For a week's rental, you will often receive one free day. Agencies usually offer a selection of compact cars as well as four-wheel drive or open-topped jeeps. The cars are generally in good condition with various options. Be sure to ask for air conditioning!

Car speedometers and road signs are in kilometers. The speed limit in urban areas is generally 40 km per hour. There are no right turns on red.

Sightseeing Tips

Sightseeing and exploring your destination will be highlights of your holiday. What is the best way to take in the sights?

There are essentially three ways to explore.

You can rent a car and be your own tour guide. The freedom and flexibility is the greatest advantage. You can hit a popular spot during off hours and avoid the crowds. The disadvantage will be driving in a foreign country with poor roads and poor maps ... depending on your location you may be driving on the wrong side of the road. If you are an experienced traveler and prefer to make your own adventure, this may be your best choice.

The opposite extreme is to participate in one of the dozens of tours available through your tour desk at your resort. You will be part of a group ... perhaps in an open truck for a jungle tour or a catamaran cruise along the coast. There are a variety of land and sea tours available. Land tours get you right up close and personal with the sights while sea tours offer the added attraction of being on the sea. Charter fishing, snorkeling, and whale and dolphin excursions are also possible. Plan on sitting down with the concierge or activities desk at your resort on your first day and sort through the tours and excursions available to you.

The middle alternative is to arrange for your own personal tour guide for a day. The local cab drivers usually fill this role. This will allow you the flexibility to go precisely where you want when you want and with the security of having a local deal with the roads. You will also avoid the crowds as your group will just be your travel companion(s).

All-Inclusive or European Plan?

All-inclusive or European Plan (room only)? This is always the first question faced by travelers (well, maybe destination choice is the first decision). It is a matter of personal preference and vacation style ... the ease and simplicity (and budgeting) of all inclusive or the freedom to dine when and where one pleases ... which to choose?

The all-inclusive concept is very popular. For one price, the guest pays for room, meals, drinks, and many activities. While this certainly helps with pre-holiday budgeting, there are misconceptions as well.

One misconception is that all-inclusive means less expensive. Not necessarily. Truly budget conscious travelers could spend a lot less dough by doing some of their own cooking and by making savvy restaurant decisions. Other things to think about when selecting an all-inclusive resort: Will it be the same buffet every day? How many restaurants to choose from? Any restrictions on menu selections or choice of restaurant? An advantage of the room-only, "European Plan" (EP) resorts is the freedom to choose an offsite restaurant.

Many consider the complimentary resort activities (entertainment, watersports, etc.) to be an important component of the all-inclusive concept, and they are. But these activities are often complimentary at many EP beachfront resorts as well. At all inclusive resorts tours, sunset cruises, scuba diving, etc usually require an extra payment. Be sure to find out exactly what is included in the base price and what is not!

For many, the simplicity of the all-inclusive resort will remain the best choice. It is still the best way to stay within your budget. Many holidays have been spoiled by unanticipated costs along the way. You need to decide which system best suits your vacation needs.

Now a word about particular destinations and how that may impact the all-inclusive vs EP consideration. Most destinations and even many resorts will allow you to choose which option you prefer. But, some destinations are strongly tilted in one direction or the other. For instance, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are nearly 100% all-inclusive destinations. Turks and Caicos is nearly 100% European Plan. Barbados with a tourism infrastructure dating to the 1950's has incredible private restaurants and thus the 4-5 star resorts tend to be EP, but there are two local resort groups that offer very attractive all inclusive plans in their mostly three star properties (Almond Resorts and the Elegant Hotels Group).

We welcome any feedback. What is your preference and why?

Carnival Cruise Lines continue to grow

Already the largest cruise line in the world, Carnival has just announced the purchase of two new ships. The Carnival Dream and the Carnival Magic have been commissioned to be built by an Italian shipbuilder. These two ships will be the largest in the Carnival fleet, and will be ready for service in a couple of years.

Carnival already had two other ships under construction with the same shipbuilder. Carnival Freedom will make its debut in March, 2007 while Carnival Splendor is due for completion in the summer of 2008.

In other cruising news, the preliminary indication is that the 2007 winter cruising season (known as the "Wave") has fallen short of projections. Thus, cruise lines are offering special pricing in order to move occupancy levels higher.

Mexico news and notes

Los Cabos popularity grows!

Tourists visited Los Cabos at a record pace last year according to the Los Cabos Tourist Board. A total of 1.3 million visitors arrived at Los Cabos airport aboard a record 20,898 flights. For the whole year, the average occupancy rate at Los Cabos hotels was 70% even though a number of new hotels increased the number of available rooms. The average cost of a Los Cabos hotel room was $201 per night.

The Barcelo Premium La Jolla de Mismaloya Hotel in Puerto Vallarta is in the midst of a multimillion dollar phased upgrade. The most recent phase was a beach restoration project that added 50 feet of beachfront. This is a five star, all inclusive suite resort. All suites have private terraces overlooking Mismaloya Bay. The resort offers sixteen "presidential suites" which feature two bedrooms, a living room with adjacent dining area, two baths and the terrace is larger.

Mazatlan becomes the eighth Mexican destination serviced by Frontier Airlines. Thrice weekly service from Dallas Fort Worth begins June 7th aboard a spacious and comfortable Airbus A319.

Mexico attracting affluent travelers

Mexico tourism revenues were at record breaking levels last year even though numbers of travelers were down slightly owing to the effects of Hurricane Wilma. Rebuilt and refurbished resorts went upscale and attracted a more affluent clientele. According to the Mexico Tourism Board, the nation attracted 21.3 million international visitors last year which was 2.6% less than 2005. But total revenue reached a record $12.2 billion which was 3.2% more than 2005. Visitors spent an average of $710 per person in 2006.

Barbados Concorde Museum

The Concorde flies no more. The fleet originally consisted of fourteen supersonic jets placed in commercial aviation. The decision of the US government that prevented the Concorde from regular service to most US destinations because of the extreme noise of the jets probably doomed the concept from the beginning.

The high speed jets flew at twice the speed of sound or nearly three times faster than normal jets ... that was the attraction. But, the extreme noise generated was irritating. I sat at a Barbados west coast resort having a serene breakfast one day when a screeching Concorde on its final approach to BGI spoiled the moment.

Barbados has always been a premier destination for the rich and famous of the UK. Thus, the high speed transatlantic Concorde flights from London to Barbados were attractive to those who could afford the ticket. Now that the fleet is grounded, one of the Concorde jets has its permanent resting place in a $3.5 million museum at the Grantley Adams Airport in Barbados (BGI) which opened on April 16th.

Barbados was selected over 70 other international applicants. The museum includes a virtual flight school, a departure lounge, an observation deck, an inflight experience, a multimedia presentation and the aircraft itself. The museum will likely become a popular day trip for Barbados tourists.

No Passport? No Problem!

One of our wholesalers is offering to pay for your new passports! The offer is good for all persons in your party (Up to $47 per adult; $32 per child; $17 per renewal).

There is more! The offer will also include a $50 per person credit toward future travel!

Here are the requirements:

1) Travel must be completed between June - August, 2007.

2) Offer is valid for all NEW air/hotel bookings with this wholesaler for travel anywhere in the Caribbean (except USVI and Puerto Rico which do not require passports) or Mexico.

3) Passport must be issued after March 2, 2007.

To take advantage of this great offer, call toll free 1-877-667-9791 or fill out this contact form. Be sure to mention the FREE PASSPORT OFFER.

If you can't wait and want to travel before this summer, the wholesaler will pay up to $60 per person for the cost an expedited passport. Travel must be completed within 60 days of the date of the booking, and the passport must be issued after the date of the booking.

Tours and Excursions

We have noticed distinctively different vacation "styles" between Brits and Americans. The Brits may come to the Caribbean for two weeks and will seldom leave their resort. On the other hand, Americans tend to have shorter vacations into which they cram plenty of off resort tours and excursions.

If you plan to "veg" out on the beach, this article is not for you. But, if you want general information about things to do away from your resort, then read on.

Virtually all Caribbean destinations will have plenty of activities to choose from. These can be arranged before your trip but are just as easily arranged after arrival. Waiting until you arrive will allow you great flexibility. Your resort will have a "tour desk" manned by representatives of the local tour operators.

We will divide off resort activities into the following categories:

Sightseeing:

The tours will take you to see the natural scenery of your destination whether that is the rainforest in the mountains of St Lucia, or the windy and secluded east coast "Scotland district" of Barbados, or riding the old sugar plantation train around St Kitts. Be sure and watch for the green monkeys of Barbados and St Kitts.

Each island will feature historical sightseeing opportunities. The history of the Caribbean is tied to the colonial period of Europe going back over 400 years. Visit old forts, old sugar mills, and old plantations.

The local market is always worth visiting to check out the lush array of fruits and vegetables or local crafts (and T-shirts!).

Water excursions:

Each island will offer a variety of boating alternatives for a day at sea. These may be aboard a large catamaran, or pirate ship replica, or even your own chartered speedboat for private visits to remote snorkeling coves. Sometimes known as "booze cruises", rum punch is usually freely available on the day sails. Our clients often report that they day they chose to do a day sail was one of the highlights of their trip.

Horseback riding:

There are stables on most islands, and riding a horse on the beach may be just the adventure for you.

Dolphins and whales:

Whale watching excursions are available on some islands as well as "swim with the dolphins" possibilities. These are more limited.

Scuba and snorkeling:

This is easily arranged at your resort. Sometimes this is included in the price.

Jet skis:

These are always owned by locals who move up and down the coast from one resort to another seeking to rent their "wave runner" for an hour or so.

Local specialties:

Certain destinations have local attractions such as the river rafting of Jamaica. Be sure and check at your tour desk to see what your destination may offer.

We welcome guest articles. If you would like to offer an article for consideration, please send it to obie@dottravelnetwork.com.

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A Caribbean Travel blog which offers information about each Caribbean island destination, each hotel and resort, an all inclusive holiday, a destination wedding or honeymoon, a family vacation, group travel, where to find a secluded beach, and other helpful information you need to plan your tropical getaway.

Marlin fishing in Jamaica

It was our first trip to the Caribbean: Two couples staying together in the Ocho Rios area, wanting to do it all—Dunn’s River Falls, river rafting, eating jerk pork purchased from a street vendor, and much more.

We walked the docks that were home to the fleet of charter fishing boats, checking fishing stories from the captains and returning fishermen. One story clinched it—a bedraggled fisherman talked about fighting a marlin for hours, only to have the captain cut his fishing line on purpose stating that for safety reasons it was time to return to port. Apparently the bilge pump was not working, and the captain was afraid of taking on water as evening approached. Or, maybe he had a hot date that evening.

So we negotiated a price for the following day for a more seaworthy vessel, and we headed far out to sea. In fact, we were so far out that we could no longer see the land. After the initial excitement wore off and the Dramamine kicked in, my three companions all dosed off. The quiet was broken by an agitated discussion between the captain and the first mate. As the boat turned, I gathered that they had actually seen a blue marlin on the surface and were swinging around to bring the bait to the fish. Soon the rod started jumping. The hook-setting procedure involved coordination between fisherman and captain. As the fisherman worked to set the hook, the captain revved the engines to supply greater hook-setting power. But, alas the line went slack, and the captain slowed the engines. More discussion with the first mate. Again, the rod started to bounce, and this time the hook was set and the fight was on.

My wife is normally prone to motion sickness. Despite that, she grabbed the video camera and climbed up to the swaying flying bridge to capture the action. Slowly, ever so slowly, we were working the fish closer to the boat. But, I could tell by the angle of the line that she was staying very deep. Suddenly that changed, and the fish was racing to the surface. I cranked up the slack as fast as I could. Majestically she flew out of the water, whipping her head back and forth. Back in the water, only to jump again. And again. And again. (Subsequent review of the video tape suggested that in less than 60 seconds, the fish broke water nearly 30 times! Accompanied, of course, by appropriate shrieks of excitement from the boat party). At the same time, she was stripping line and moving farther and farther from the boat.

She stayed hooked, and the process of reeling her in began anew. Finally, she was alongside the boat, gaffed and hauled in. The magnificent blue iridescence faded quickly. I am all for catch-and-release, but we had not discussed such issues with the crew, who expected extra remuneration by selling the fish to a local fish vendor upon returning. Soon we began the long journey back to port, and the first mate proudly hoisted the marlin flag signifying a successful catch. A small crowd had gathered at the dock, and I realized I had experienced beginner’s luck; most fishing expeditions did not have such a successful ending.

By marlin standards, she was not a big fish, as these magnificent beasts can easily attain 300-400 lbs or more. If memory serves, there is a facsimile fish mount hanging at the St Lucia airport portraying a marlin caught locally that exceeds 800 lbs!

The two airports of St Lucia

Many travelers and even travel professionals are confused by the two airport system in St Lucia. This post will help to sort out the historical and practical reasons for two airports and discuss the issues travelers face when planning a trip to St Lucia.

Hewanorra (from the Amerindian word for “place of the iguana”) is the international airport. Constructed in the late 1930’s by the US military (the US Navy had signal corps personnel here during WWII), it is located in the far southeastern corner of the island adjacent to the local town of Vieux Fort. This is the only area of this ruggedly mountainous island that has a large enough flat area to contain a long runway. Due to the prevailing easterly winds, the runway points to the east. Nearly all approaches to the runway are from the west over the sea. As the plane makes its final approach to landing, passengers on the left side of the aircraft are treated to spectacular views of the Pitons, and those on the right enjoy a hazy view of the mountains of St Vincent about 20 miles away.

This runway is long enough to accommodate the largest jets, so all international jet traffic must be routed into Hewanorra. If you are on an international flight from the UK or a North American gateway, this will be your destination airport. By Caribbean standards, this is a medium-sized airport. There are 8—10 duty-free shops and a couple of snack bars, plenty of available cabs, and tour operator and hotel reps to greet new arrivals.

Airport Transfers from Hewanorra—What to Expect

Since nearly all hotels and resorts on the island are located on the west side of the island (especially the northwest corner), all arrivals into Hewanorra face a lengthy cab ride to their hotel (Coconut Bay Resort is the one major hotel located near this airport, plus a few smaller hotels). Though the distance is only 20+ miles, the narrow, winding roads and traffic make it a slow commute. Travel to the Soufriere (Pitons) area will be around 45 minutes; travel to the many resorts north of Castries will be around 90 minutes. Still, this is an interesting journey—your first island tour! The route will take you along the Atlantic coast, up to Dennery, and across the interior where you will see your first excellent mountain vistas. Then you’ll follow a valley heading toward the Caribbean coast, entering the very interesting Caribbean city and sea port of Castries, which is home to most of the local populace (banana boats may be loading and cruise ships may be docked here). Exiting the city, you will pass the other airport as you enter the main roadway to the north en route to the many hotels and resorts of this neighborhood.

The second airport, the George F Charles Airport, is sometimes referred to as “Vigie” from the name of the locale. Named in honor of a prominent statesman of the 1950’s, this is a smaller airport with a smaller runway, so commercial jets are not allowed. This regional airport is serviced primarily by the regional airlines Liat and Caribbean Star (featuring the Dash 8 airliner which seats around 30 passengers), and American Eagle flights from San Juan (some US travelers reach St. Lucia via this route). Connections go to Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad, Martinique and Antigua. These are aboard a slightly larger turboprop aircraft seating around 60 passengers. Other international passengers may arrive here on a regional airline connecting to an international flight from nearby Barbados.

Services here are limited to a small snack bar and one very small duty-free shop. There are car rental booths, an organized cab system, and many tour operators or hotel reps to greet new arrivals. Pictures on the walls depict the runway as it was in the 1950’s—only a small shanty but no real terminal.

Once You’ve Landed
Arrivals at either airport will be expected to complete an immigration form and to speak first to an immigration officer and then a customs officer once luggage is claimed. Upon departure from either airport, each passenger will be assessed a departure tax of approximately $20 US.

In summary, the northern airport is much handier to most resorts and certainly much handier to the city of Castries. But, if arriving by jet from the UK or North America, this airport is simply not an option. American Airlines is the only carrier with scheduled flights to both airports. The airport of your arrival is not subject to your choice but is predetermined according to the airline you are flying.

Hot Tips
Some additional tips for airport transfers and cabs in St Lucia.
• If you have not prepaid for transfers, the cab fare is set by law and not metered.
• It is always appropriate to ask the fare before departure to avoid subsequent misunderstandings.
• Tipping is appropriate.
• Cab fare will vary according to precise destination and number of passengers; in general, the cost of a cab from Hewanorra to a northern resort will run around $75 US plus tip, and around $20 from George F Charles.

The two coasts of Barbados

The capitol of Bridgetown sits in the SW corner of Barbados and serves as the dividing point between the West coast and the South coast. With the notable exception of The Crane and a few small hotels in Bathsheba, every hotel and resort on the island will be located on or near one of these two coasts. What is the difference? Are there advantages to one or the other for a visitor to the island?

The prevailing easterly trade winds affect the most distinctive natural differences between the two. Because the wind invariably blows from East to West, the eastern coast has heavy surf—the primary reason there are no hotels on the East. There are some very nice beaches but they are not suitable for swimming or watersports activities.

This Easterly wind also bends around the south coast, creating a bit of wind and surf there as well for those beaches. It is not surprising that this is where the best windsurfing is located (and there are some world-class locals). These beaches are generally suitable for swimming; only during bad weather will the red “no swimming” flag be posted.

The West coast is on the leeward side of the island (the wind is blowing offshore not onshore). These bays and beaches are much calmer with very light surf. Snorkeling and nearly all day trips aboard private boats is perfect here along the calm West Coast.

The resorts, shops, restaurants, and other business establishments of each coast also exhibit a decidedly different “personality.”

The resorts along the South Coast will range from 2 to 4 stars. Prices for accommodations on the South coast tend to be relatively modest and reasonable.

The central locale of the South coast is St Lawrence Gap. Without a doubt, this is THE local hotspot, featuring a cobblestone walkway with gas lighting, and lined with one interesting restaurant or bistro after another. Barbados is known for its many wonderful (let me say it again—wonderful) restaurants, and several are located here in the “Gap.”

Between the Gap and Bridgetown, the area is busy with a variety of establishments including banks, gas stations, KFC, Chefette (the local fast food outlet featuring rotis to go), etc. strung along the South coast highway. Old and run-down buildings sit side-by-side with brand new buildings—evidence that many old structures are being replaced with new.

The West coast is sometimes referred to as the “Gold coast” or the “Platinum coast,” and is less intensive in its development. Some of the coast is the preserve of the rich and famous, whose stunning villas will occupy some of the beach area.

The center of the West coast is Holetown, the original English settlement which dates to the early 17th century. This has a delightful shopping area, including a series of “chattel house” shops. Outstanding restaurants are dotted here and there along the coast.

The West coast features mostly 4 and 5 star resorts. The accommodation costs for staying on the West coast will generally be higher than on the South coast of this lovely island, Barbados.

March packages to Antigua

Winter Escapes at Grand Pineapple!
Amidst 25 acres of tropical gardens, this resort enjoys a prime vantage point on the coast of Long Bay Beach. Secluded yet lively, there's plenty of variety to be found, from lazing on the long sandy beach, to snorkeling and sailing, to dancing to the sounds of live calypso bands. $1,299 per person for five nights all inclusive!!

Winter Escapes at Galley Bay!
Caribbean sunsets provide a vivid backdrop at this plush All-Inclusive resort on the west coast of Antigua. The group of thatched-roof huts resembles a Polynesian seafront village, and the elaborate lagoon-style pool is decorated with rocks and waterfalls. Activities include sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling. $2,295 per person for five nights all inclusive!

Winter Escapes at Dian Bay Resort & Spa!
This intimate escape has excellent views of one of the Caribbean's most scenic bays. Be pampered in tropical surroundings alongside the 3-tiered swimming pool and the white sand of the tranquil cove. Dine alfresco on the terrace, shaded by white umbrellas and palm trees. $1,169 per person for five nights all inclusive!

A Caribbean Travel blog which offers information about each Caribbean island destination, each hotel and resort on each island, the options for an all inclusive holiday, information about a destination wedding or honeymoon, a family vacation, and much more.

New blog for Caribbean Travelers

Welcome to our new blog. We are a Caribbean Travel Agency with agents who have lived and worked in the Caribbean for years. Check back often for the latest news and offers from your favorite Caribbean destination.