Sizzling Savings During the Dog Days of Summer

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 … Continue reading

Cruising the Caribbean for Less

Christmas has come early for those of you looking to save on a Caribbean cruise. You’ve heard of people who pride themselves on finishing their Christmas shopping in July. Well, here’s a way you can save serious green on a trip that takes place on the blue sea. Simply book now for voyages that depart on various dates from November through February 2009 and you can take advantage of early-bird rates that reflect savings of as much as 50% off. It’s the perfect Christmas present for you or a loved one. Take a look: Regent Seven Seas Cruises Regent Seven … Continue reading

More International Hotels that Treat Your Kids Like Royalty

Most parents agree that if their children are happy they are happy. These days more and more hotels around the world are latching on to that philosophy and upping their game when it comes to creating kid-friendly atmospheres. Dozens of upscale properties are now targeting tots in an effort to win over their affluent parents. Here are several more international hotels making headlines for their superior kid-friendly amenities: CHINA Just in time for the 2008 Summer Olympics the Commune by the Great Wall hotel has just completed its new children’s facility. The brightly colored kid-friendly structure hosts programs specially designed … Continue reading

Saving Cash on a Short Cruise

Who says you have to take to the high seas for seven days or more to enjoy a cruise of a lifetime? If you are dreaming of taking a tropical voyage but don’t want to deal with the nightmare of going bankrupt to do so you might consider the following deals. These trips may be short but they offer sweet savings. BAHAMAS CruisesOnly is currently offering early-bird savings on a four-night voyage to the Bahamas aboard Carnival Cruise Lines. If you book now for a September departure you will save 74% off the rack rate. The regular price for this … Continue reading

Cheap (But Stylish) Caribbean Cruises

My friend, her husband and twin teenage daughters spent their spring break cruising the Caribbean. They had a wonderful time; however, when she told me how much they paid for the trip my jaw hit the floor. Still, she insists it was worth every penny and since her girls are involved in a litany of summer activities it wasn’t feasible for her family to wait until the off-peak summer months to sail around the Caribbean. My pal’s vacation cost her a bundle, but if you are interested in taking a sun-soaked sail to the tropics for a fraction of what … Continue reading

Cruising Chicago and the Caribbean

If you are looking to take to the seas on a Caribbean cruise booking early will allow you to save a ton of money in the long run. Right now Orbitz is offering a great deal on an eight-night Caribbean odyssey from Ft. Lauderdale to St. Thomas for $3,298. (That’s a discount of 40 percent.) The price might sound steep but the ultra-luxe Seabourn Legend is an all-suite ship and your journey will include stops in Grand Turk Island; St. John on U.S. Virgin Islands; Gustavia on St. Barths; Marigot on Saint Martin; Virgin Gorda; and Charlotte Amalie on St. … Continue reading

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

The 45 acre Barefoot Bay is surrounded by six Caribbean islands: Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, Jamaica, and Trinidad North and South. Buildings are painted in pastel colors like you’d find in the Caribbean and the islands have nothing but white sand on their beaches, well, you will find a comfortable hammock to relax on as well. Some beaches have playgrounds for the kids and the little island in the center of Barefoot Bay, Parrot Cay, has plenty to keep young water lovers amused. There are 2,112 guest rooms at the Caribbean Beach Resort and each measures a spacious 340 square feet. … Continue reading

Caribbean for the Single Parent

Come summertime, families all across the country plan for a fun-filled vacation. For the single parent, a vacation is often hard due to stress on the budget or balancing time with the children. In this blog, I wanted to talk about some special Caribbean trips that have been designed and developed specifically for the single parent. Obviously, one of the main benefits is having other single adults, both men and women, with who to enjoy time. Keep in mind that many single parent vacations to the Caribbean are set-up so children can come along. However, these trips also offer top … Continue reading

Fun Things for Kids on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Although there are many wonderful vacations designed specifically for families with children, I would highly recommend you check out Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean. You can get involved with rock climbing, ice skating, swimming, and much, much more. The great thing that I loved about this particular cruise was that in addition to there being so much for mom and dad, the kids were never left out. This particular Royal Caribbean cruise was made for families, meeting different interests, energy levels, and ages. I was also amazed at the incredible service. I had been on several cruises in the past and … Continue reading

Caribbean Chicken Stew

For this recipe, you will need 6 skinned chicken legs, salt, ground oregano, ground pepper, ground coriander, one 14 ounce can of tomatoes, garlic cloves, one onion, one cup of long grain brown rice (uncooked), one green bell pepper, cubed cooked ham, frozen green peas, green olives, jalapeno peppers, and fresh parsley or cilantro. To prep for this recipe, you will need to chop your onion. Chop enough cilantro or parsley to make 2 tablespoons and enough jalapeno to make 1 tablespoon. Slice six green olives in half. Dice the green bell pepper. Disjoint each chicken leg by cracking and … Continue reading