As a child growing up in Hawaii I never quite understood why so many tourists would come to play on the islands’ beaches in middle of summer. Obviously, during the months of July and August it wasn’t the balmy temperatures that drove them there. Eventually, I figured out that most families plan their trips to the Aloha State to coincide with their children’s summer break from school, and while they might prefer to visit during the winter months doing so in July made more sense.
And when you are traveling with a gaggle of children why wouldn’t you look for the best travel deal? If you want to save a few (hundred) bucks now is the time to jet off to tropical locales. Many sunny travel destinations are trying to entice travelers to venture south with spectacular summer savings. Take a look at these deals to the Caribbean that are almost too good to pass up:
BARBADOS
If you can wait another six weeks or so before heading out on your holiday then you might consider this “Best of Barbados” promotion. The package requires a seven-night minimum stay at participating hotels but includes breakfast daily; one free day on car rentals of more than two days; a $25 gift card to the famous Oistins Fish Fry; and other island discounts. The 138-room Bougainvillea Beach Resort is offering one of the better deals. For just $830 per person you will receive roundtrip airfare from Miami, a deluxe one-bedroom suite plus the aforementioned bonuses. The offer is valid Sept. 1-Dec. 20, 2008, and must be booked by August 1st.
ST. CROIX
The U.S. Virgin Islands’ sizzling summer specials being offered by Travelocity include a four-night package at Buccaneer resort with airfare from Miami starting at $998. (The same trip from Chicago is $1,067; from New York, it’s $1,018.) The property boasts three beaches; a golf course; two pools and stunning Caribbean vistas. The package must be booked by July 31, 2008 for travel through August 15, 2008. It includes a free fifth night; $50 gift card; entry coupons for two guests valued at $200 for island activities and attractions; and a $50 resort credit per room.
ST. MAARTEN/ST.MARTIN
This half French, half Dutch island, east of Puerto Rico is home to some of the finest white sand beaches in the world. Right now JetBlue is offering a weeklong St. Maarten getaway package at the beachfront Cap Cariabes in French St. Martin starting at just $579 (the deal takes into account the hotel’s fifth- and seventh-night-free promotion). You will stay at the luxurious Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach and Resort on the Dutch side if you sign up for the JetBlue deal aimed at getting travelers to venture to that part of the island from now through mid-October.
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