My Barbados Blog

Hurricane season officially runs from June to November.

In past most of the storms occurred in August, September and October. This season was predicted to have lots of storms, but currently the radar is clear of any tropical storm system.

We've received numerous inquiries from travelers about the 2007 hurricane season, and the question most asked is "where do I go to avoid hurricanes".

Every year hundreds of our clients enjoy their Caribbean vacation during hurricane season, so I do not advise avoiding the Caribbean during this timeframe. Unlike the winter season, the summer months offer great hotel values, along with many airfare sales.

There are islands normally outside the hurricane zone. The ABC islands are rarely hit by tropical storms or hurricanes and they are Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago are also good choices during hurricane season as they have rarely been hit by hurricanes.  

Unlike tornados, there are advance warnings of hurricanes, and travelers who do not heed warnings prior to leaving find themselves on an island during a storm.  

For those travelers that are especially jittery planning their Caribbean vacation during hurricane season, we suggest booking a "last minute trip."

These trips can be booked within 7-14 days, and as mentioned above advance warnings usually occur during this timeframe. Last minute doesn't mean planning at the final hour. Most travelers who take advantage of these vacation packages choose their dates in advance. Within two weeks of travel they visit our last minute booking engine and choose their vacation.

The downside is you have to choose the packages that are offered, but the upside is you can save up to 60% and more, along with avoiding islands in the path of approaching storms. 

Of course Mother Nature always wins out, and sometimes for those who have planned in advance, vacation plans have to be altered because of an approaching storm system.

We always advise travelers to purchase trip insurance, and in the case your vacation plans have to be changed because of a hurricane or tropical storm, you will not lose the money invested. In some cases we have been able to change plans without penalty and direct travelers to another destination.

So do not automatically assume your Caribbean vacation will be ruined during hurricane season.

As long as the forecast is clear, head on out to the Caribbean islands and have a great vacation.

Linda

Consumers are continuing to use the Internet to make their travel arrangements, but usage has declined over the past few years according to the Conference Board Consumer Research Center.

Among the consumers whose online travel arrangements increased this year, ease of use and instant availability are the most important element, followed by past experience and internet promotions. 

Lodging is the most researched activity while airline tickets are the most booked online.

Among those using the Internet to make travel arrangements, the ability to book airfares online garnered the highest level of satisfaction, with 48% of customers claiming they are "extremely" satisfied.

The ability to make car rental arrangements online also received high marks with nearly 42% of customers saying they are extremely satisfied.

More women than men (21% versus nearly 19%) used travel websites solely to research their travel arrangements. But more men than women (34% versus 33%) researched and also booked their travel arrangements via a travel website.

In terms of satisfaction with travel websites, only 30% of consumers expressed a high level of satisfaction with these sites, although an additional 55% say they are somewhat satisfied.

The problem with most online booking sites is there are few "real people" to assist with questions either prior to booking, or after booking travel.

Also travelers who are not familiar with their potential travel destination, or hotel properties are at a disadvantage when booking online. Online booking works best for experienced travelers who know exactly what they want to go, and what they are purchasing online.

Travel 2 the Caribbean's goal is to meet the needs of travelers who wish to book securely online, and those who are looking for knowledgeable travel agents to book their vacation.

Online bookers can access our secure online booking site for Barbados travel specials as well as other worldwide travel destinations.

We will continue to provide both travel reservation alternatives, and are available to answer questions for those who wish to book their own vacation.

Our motto is "Know Before You Go"

Linda

Also visit our Caribbean Travel Journal Blog for more Caribbean travel specials, events, and travel news.

We will be closed July 4th - July 5th for the holiday.

I'll be heading to Chicago for next two days to enjoy the fireworks and the "Taste of Chicago". 

We will resume regular business hours and blogging on July 6, 2007. 

All of our staff will take turns monitoring e-mail and voice mail for traveling clients, and those clients who are about to embark on their vacations.   

All requests for Best of Barbados "early" bookings will also be answered on a first come, first serve basis.

Check out Best of Barbados packages in our previous posts.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July,

Linda

No matter what you hear or read, here's the truth about the current state of processing US passports . . . Linda

The State Department is being forced to take steps to improve passport services, however in reality officials do not think they will get back to the regular processing of of 6 weeks until the end of this year.

Although the telephone equipment has been upgraded at the National Passport Information Center, the center has been receiving an average of up to 800,000 calls per day.

During the last two weeks that average call per day will have to be adjusted because the system literally shut down with 2.5 million calls - and 80% of the callers obviously did not get through with this overload on the system.

To improve the service, the National Passport Information Center has expanded telephone service from 6 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Even with the expanded hours, travelers are reporting a long wait time.

Travelers attempting to contact the passport center by e-mail have fared no better in recent weeks. The center says they are answering on a first come, first serve basis with a 24 hour turn around with up to 9,000 responses daily.

In truth e-mails have a turn around of up to four days. Currently officials are working on a system that will automate e-mail replies. What that means is that you will get an automated reply stating that your e-mail has been received, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Through this process we will keep our travel clients, blog readers and website visitors informed about passport processing, and any new changes to the passport laws via our agency website, and also posts to our blogs. 

http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com/CaribbeanPassportRequirements.html

Elegant Hotels Group is offering special Elegant Tropical Escapes rates for each of its five properties. Guests booking stays by March 31 will receive rates from $263 per night, based on a five-night minimum stay.

Rates at Colony Club start as low as $263 per night per room double occupancy. The resort also offers families a $250 in-resort food and beverage credit toward stays of seven nights or more and a $500 credit toward stays of 14 nights or more between July 1 and Aug. 31. Reservations must be made by April 30.

At Tamarind Cove, (shown above) summer rates start at $268 per night per room double occupancy, FAP (Full American Plan, or three meals daily), May 1 through Sept. 30. A Summer Family Getaway is also being offered that allows children to stay, eat and play free (maximum of two children, ages 12 and under, sharing room with parent). This Mediterranean-styled beachfront property features courtyards, marble fountains, three swimming pools and Jacuzzi.

Rates at the all-inclusive Crystal Cove Hotel start at $309 per night per room double occupancy. Situated on Barbados' West Coast, Crystal Cove appeals to families and couples.

The House, a boutique-style beachfront hotel, features a secluded adults-only setting with stylish accommodations and intimate "Ambassador"-style concierge service, including champagne breakfast daily. Tropical Escape rates at The House start at $438 per night per room double occupancy.

Rates at Turtle Beach Resort all-inclusive start as low as $305 per night, per room double occupancy. Guests at the Turtle Beach resort enjoy all activities, meals and beverages among stunning beachfront settings, lagoon-style pools and fine dining.

Best of Barbados Spring 2007 - 7 Night Minimum

Other Major U.S. Departure Cities and Dates Available

Travel Dates: 05/1/07 - 07/15/07-

Book By: 04/21/07

Best of Barbados via Delta Vacations Promotion Includes:

$200 air credit per person (up to 2 guest per room)
First Night FREE
Breakfast daily FREE
Savings Booklet for on island discounts

Participating Hotels & Resorts:
The Hilton Barbados
Bougainvilla Beach Resort
Southern Palms Beach Hotel (shown above)
The Fairmont Royal Pavilion
Almond Beach Club & Spa
Almond Beach Villager
 
 
Rate may be restricted to specifc flights, class of service, days of travel, lenght of stay, hotel and room category.  Specific booking, advance purchase requirement, minimum stay and other restrictions may apply. 

Excludes government taxes, fees and surcharges of up to $95(USD) per person; departure tax of approximately $12.50(USD) per person or any gratuities.  Offer may not be combined with any other offers. Not available for groups or SkyMiles bookings. Subject to limited availability and change without notice.  Operator reserves the right to discontinue this promotion at any time. Tours operated by Certified Vacations Group, Inc.

Amaryllis Spring/Summer Sale!

AMARYLLIS BEACH RESORT SALE
Save Up To 25% per room -

Book by  03/19/2007 - Valid for Travel 5/1/2007 - 8/31/2007

Bright fabrics, rattan, and bamboo help set the Caribbean mood in the 150 guest accommodations.

The studios, deluxe studios, and 1- and 2-bedroom suites have twin beds, a patio or balcony, air-conditioning, a kitchenette, satellite TV, a private bath with tub or shower, self-serve laundry, and a garden or ocean view. 

PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Round-trip midweek air to Barbados (except for land only package) 

Transportation to and from hotel 

Accommodations for number of nights selected (5)

All meals & beverages 

Land and non-motorized water sports 

Hotel taxes and service charges 

Save 25% - PLUS $100 resort credit per room 
 
5 Night Vacations - Other Departure Cities Available

New York - Kennedy - $1279
Newark International - $1279
Boston - $1279
Philadelphia - $1169
Miami - $1235
Hartford / Springfield - $1299
Atlanta - $1195
Chicago O'hare - $1285
Houston Hobby - $1289
Baltimore / Washington Intl - $1315
Los Angeles - $1369 
LAND ONLY - $829

Contact agents at Travel 2 the Caribbean for reservations

Find a comprehensive list of Caribbean (including Barbados) & Central America vacations provided by hundreds of leading suppliers.

Click on a destination name at the site listed below to view free brochures.

Free Brochures

Well I've made four new postings tonight, and tomorrow we're heading out for a family vacation at a lake Michigan beach resort.

I have five sister in laws who are the best people in the world, and I can't wait to see them.

It's not Barbados, but you have to agree this is an excellent beach.

And family, good food, and lots of laughs will make a perfect four day getaway - and we are praying for lots of sunshine! 

I'll be back next Tuesday. So until then, read our new postings, look around our blog - we have lots of Barbados pages and previous postings.

And you can always visit our travel agency site, Travel 2 the Caribbean for more about our favorite island, Barbados.

See ya next week - I'm outta here!