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Knowing when to go can make or break a Caribbean escape



 
 
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  #1  
Old January 13th, 2006, 08:40 AM posted to rec.travel.misc
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Default Knowing when to go can make or break a Caribbean escape

Knowing when to go can make or break a Caribbean escape

Deciding when to visit the Caribbean may seem complicated, especially
when considering weather, crowds, special events, closures, and price
fluctuations. To make things more complex, each of these factors can
vary dramatically by island. However, with a little planning and
research, anytime can be a good time to experience paradise in the
Caribbean.

Although the weather stays consistently warm throughout the year, with
temperatures in the 70s and 80s, the Caribbean has two major travel
seasons. The high season, from mid-December to mid-April, usually
brings the most ideal weather, but also the most crowds and the
highest prices. The low season, from mid-April through mid-December,
sees fewer visitors and often has the lowest prices, but hurricanes
pose a threat. Also, prices are typically elevated during high-demand
dates such as Christmas, Easter, Carnival, and the summer honeymoon
season.

As a general rule, if you want to save money and avoid crowds, go
during off-peak times. If you want to experience the most action and
the best weather, go during peak times. However, as with any rule,
there are exceptions. Here are a few things to note, along with a few
strategies, to help maximize value whenever you want to go.

Off-peak season

Aside from hurricane threats, the summer off season can be an ideal
time to go, especially when it comes to saving money. For example,
many hotels and airlines offer reduced rates during the summer months.
These savings can be quite dramatic, usually between 20 and 40
percent. Some hotels and vacation packagers will offer value-added
promotions that include free nights, food, activities, and other
incentives.

The late spring and early fall can also be affordable and less crowded
times to visit. The weather, although unpredictable, may be fairly
mild during these months, and the prices are well worth the visit.
Some hotels even offer lower rates than any other time of the year.

Here are a few examples of the savings one can expect when traveling
during the off season:
Hotel Peak rate Off-peak rate Savings
Coyaba Beach Resort (Jamaica) $350 (December 16 through April 15)
$225 (April 16 through December 15) 36%
El Convento Hotel and Resort (Puerto Rico) $355 (December 1
through April 30) $225 (May 1 through November 30) 37%
Playa Linda Beach Resort (Aruba) $278 (December 19 through
April 30) $155 (May 1 through June 25)/$185 (June 26 through
December 17) 44%
The Hotel at Grace Bay Club (Turks and Caicos) $725 (January 4
through March 31) $425 (June 1 through October 31) 41%
Ladera (St. Lucia) $450 (January 3 through April 16 ) $280
(June 11 through September 30) 38%
Crystal Waters Villas (Jamaica) $150 (December 15 through
April 15) $110 (April 16 through December 14) 27%
Atlantis (The Bahamas) $395 (January 2 through February 15 weekend)
$275 (September 5 through October 9 weekend) 30%

Prices are based on the lowest published rate for the designated time
period. Rates vary by date and availability. Weekend rates tend to be
higher than weekday rates.

It's important to note that off-season travel can have some drawbacks.
For instance, some hotels close for maintenance and renovations in the
summer. Also, airlines may raise fares to certain islands such as St.
Lucia because of the drop in visitation and reduced flight schedules.
However, according to Berthia Parle, president of the Caribbean Hotels
Association, many charters are beginning to extend the frequency of
their routes in response to an increase in demand.

Peak season

Because many people visit the Caribbean during the winter to escape
the cold conditions in the north, prices and crowds escalate during
the peak season. However, higher visitor volume can be a benefit. For
instance, due to high demand during the winter, some airlines add more
flights to popular destinations such as the Dominican Republic.
Because there's a larger supply of available seats, they don't need to
raise fares, and they might even reduce prices to stay competitive
with other airlines. If you want to go to the Caribbean when it's peak
without paying a premium, look for islands that have a high volume of
flights such as the Bahamas and Puerto Rico, along with the Dominican
Republic.

Carnival

Carnival can be an extremely busy and expensive time, especially for
islands that celebrate in February like Trinidad and Tobago,
Martinique, Curacao, and St. Barthelemy. To ensure availability and
decent prices, book at least a year in advance, as many visitors book
for the year ahead during the current festival. However, lesser-known
celebrations on some islands occur during off-peak months when prices
are less likely to skyrocket. Carnival events, such as those on St.
Lucia, Saba, and St. Eustatius in July, and Grenada in August, can
offer an affordable alternative to the more popular festivals;
however, it's still a good idea to make advance reservations.

Hurricane season

Although hurricane season officially runs from June through November,
there are many ways to increase your chances of avoiding storms so you
can still take advantage of the thinner crowds and lower prices
available during the off-season. First of all, be aware that
hurricanes tend to be the most active during the months of August,
September, and October, so traveling either before or after these
months can be a safer bet.

Continued...

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  #2  
Old January 13th, 2006, 06:49 PM posted to rec.travel.misc
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Default Knowing when to go can make or break a Caribbean escape

Very useful info. Thanks.


-------------------------
http://travel.fyicenter.com
Travel - Resource Center

  #3  
Old January 14th, 2006, 04:02 AM posted to rec.travel.misc
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Default Knowing when to go can make or break a Caribbean escape


snow wrote:
Very useful info. Thanks.


-------------------------
http://travel.fyicenter.com
Travel - Resource Center


Here's some more useful information. Lots of videos.

http://www.lipcon.com/news_tv.shtml?...cruise_crim e

  #4  
Old January 16th, 2006, 03:05 AM posted to rec.travel.misc
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Default Knowing when to go can make or break a Caribbean escape

Also check when the rainy season is and what it is like - if it's the
kind where you have one or two 15 minute showers or a steady all-day
rain. Off season on an island that has a lovely off-shore breeze is
not a hardship at all - you'll hardly notice the temperature and it
drives the bugs away.

Carol
Editor - Lowfares.com
http://www.lowfares.com

 




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