Caribbean Vacation: Beware of Groping

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Sunny Dey

Would you opt for a full body scan on route to your next caribbean vacation, or would you be choosing a pat-down instead?

Of course you would choose what you are most comfortable with as you past through the security maze at the airport. Whichever you decide on may not leave you in a good mood before you board your plane to your sunny Caribbean destination. You may even decide on refusing either method like some passengers have done recently. This can cause you to miss your flight or cancel your vacation altogether. Which also means airline penalties for changing flights or in case you don’t take care of rescheduling fast, you may lose your money.

You must have heard about John Tyner, the California man who told the TSA employee, “Don’t touch my junk!.” This was after the poor airport worker tried to assess the nature of this angry passenger’s anatomy. According to Homeland Security rules, passengers can refuse a full body scan but will have to get the traditional pat-down before catching their flight. The young and brave American walked away and got a refund on his ticket. He was lucky, but smart, recording the conversation during the security check, which had anxious Homeland security officials defending their position.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano cautioned that pat-downs are usual at airports. What she didn’t say is they are not comparable to groping. Groping is handling (fondling) the body parts. This is what legal experts call sexual assault in the real world. However, our government has sanctioned the public groping of airline passengers by security workers. To add injury to injustice, passengers who walk away are subject to heavy fines.

Security officials say that full body scans are safe, but they do not say they are intrusive and degrading. Take the case of the passenger, a bladder cancer survivor. Of course, he would not want to endure radiation from the full body scan. Opting for the pat-down, he found himself awash with his urine as the rough screeners managed to tear the medical bag that trapped the pee.

It is a small wonder that Americans are choosing to stay home and not fly. Airlines are losing millions of dollars and lost opportunity. hotel operators in the islands are also feeling the pinch. It’s a pity, as the warm sun and tranquil waters of the Caribbean will calm any worry or trouble.

Don’t worry, he happy!

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Caribbean Vacation: All Inclusive Belize Resort

Posted on October 31, 2010 by Sunny Dey

When you’re traveling on a budget, you often worry about the moment when you would have to take out your wallet, and that’s usually every couple of hours or so. How then do you expect to enjoy if you have to worry about such things? Aren’t vacations supposed to be about pampering yourself and keeping your days as worry-free as possible?

You’re right, of course. And, of course, you should be pampered when you’re on vacation and one way for you to do that is to stay at an all inclusive resort in Belize. Bordered on the north by Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, and on the west and south by Guatemala, the island of Belize is a relatively small country with a total population of approximately 239,000. It features a unique blend of tropical rain forests and barrier reefs that reflect the casual lifestyle of the many locals. Spending your vacation in an all inclusive resort in Belize is certainly worth it, if not for the place then for the tons of amenities and facilities included in just one package.

Below are some great all inclusive resort in Belize. When it comes to choosing the right all inclusive resort in Belize, it is important that you consider your options well. Find out what you want first and then get down to sorting through the many all inclusive resort in Belize out there. For starters, you can use the list below.

Kanantik Reef and Jungle Resort

If you’re up for a bit of eco-tourism, then the all inclusive resort in Belize that is Kanantik Reef and Jungle Resort might just be what you need. Built in Southern Belize across 1,300 feet of private beech, this all inclusive resort in Belize offers you Caribbean culture in a resort that encompasses over 300 acres of untouched land. A total of 25 separate, individually air conditioned cabanas composes this all inclusive resort in Belize, each one indulgently spacious and luxurious. Amenities at this all inclusive resort in Belize include an Italian fire wood pizza oven, an authentic gelato machine, a bar with an espresso machine, dive shop featuring a Newton 42’ dive boat, a Newton 32’ deep sea fishing boat, and several more.

Jaguar Reef Lodge

Interested in a vacation spot where you discover a world of possibilities from one location? Surrounded as it is by millions of acres of reef and rainforest, the all inclusive resort in Belize that is the Jaguar Reef Lodge provides you with unlimited opportunities for snorkeling, diving, fishing, biking, kayaking, and hiking. Attractions include the barrier reef nearby, exotic tropical rivers, Mayan ruins, and jungle hikes only minutes away.

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How to Cruise on a Romantic Caribbean Vacation

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Sunny Dey

You’re thinking about booking a romantic caribbean vacation for your honeymoon. Leaning toward a cruise, you have doubts about the cost, and if you can afford it. You want something memorable and intimate. But don’t want to go into debt to pay for it.

Honeymoon cruise packages, and cruise weddings are becoming the choice of couples worldwide and most major cruise lines offer honeymoon cruise packages. These travel providers spare no expense on their honeymoon cruise packages.

A premium honeymoon cruise package can include Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne breakfast for two delivered to the stateroom, predinner canapés for two, formal nights, 8 x 10 portrait photograph, fresh flower arrangement, after-dinner chocolate-dipped strawberries, and two Egyptian cotton bathrobes.

Other honeymoon cruise packages include a spa treatment for two, a card signed by the captain, massages, and a honeymooner’s party at sea, or tea service. Of course, sleeping in as late as you want, gourmet dinners prepared every night, relaxing and basking in the sun are all included in the price of the cruise.

These honeymoon cruise packages will not break your budget and they are as affordable as they are romantic. The price range for the honeymoon cruise package add-on is $70-$300.

By celebrating your honeymoon on a cruise ship you are celebrating it with thousands of people. You will receive congratulations, good wishes, new friends, and hundreds of smiles from other passengers on the cruise ship. You might even receive envious looks.

Plus, is there anything more romantic than looking out at the sea in the evening with a night sky full of more stars than you’ve ever seen, and dancing with your new husband or wife on your private balcony. A honeymoon cruise package provides a romantic and memorable start to a great life together.

Honeymoon cruise packages add such a romantic touch to cruises that everyone is jumping on board (not just newlyweds.) That’s right, the dating types, engaged and old married couples looking for romance are all adding the honeymoon cruise package to their vacation.

And there’s no better time for a romantic Caribbean vacation than now. Surprise your loved one, book a cruise and let sparks fly.

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Caribbean Vacation: Staying at a Vegan Hotel

Posted on July 31, 2010 by Sunny Dey

Creative people find many ideas while vacationing. For example, if you are on a caribbean vacation, you might experience the sounds of the steel drums that locals in Trinidad use to make music. The problem is, while you can enjoy the fine tunes played by passionate musicians, you have to leave that feeling there and return to your home. At home you may never see an orchestra include a steel pan unless you live in an area where Caribbean emigrants live.

You can say the same for traveling in a country where vegan products are plentiful. Veganism is not a major trend at the moment but it is rising in popularity as many people realize the benefits of a vegan diet. As a vegan, I find it difficult to find food to eat unless I carry some with me. Most of the shops, cafes, restaurants, and roadside setups, don’t carry a regular vegan fare. So I have to do without some meals or snacks while traveling in the Caribbean.

Forget about hotels when talking about vegan accommodation on the islands. The vegan lifestyle is expensive because not too many people indulge in it. But it would make the vegans feel warm and confident if their bed linen, toiletries, and washing detergents only include animal-free ingredients. Vegans live a compassionate way and take seriously the cruelty that animals have to go through before their owners kill them to make a few bucks. Strict vegans even avoid wearing clothes, or using consumer products that contain animal skin and bones.

But much of that is changing as more and more people adopt the vegan lifestyle. Some travelers are die-hard meat eaters and swear they wouldn’t give up on their meat. But, at the same time, many younger people are reacting negatively to the cruelty to animals and are demanding a meatless diet. Others are switching to a vegan or vegetarian diet because their health matters. That is, some have become so sick they have no choice but to try an alternative diet to see if they get a cure for their life threatening disease. Others just simply take prevention before their doctors declare them disabled.

Last week, while lying on the beach in St. Lucia I felt like eating something light. I made my way to the guesthouse and inquired if there was anything I could eat. Fortunately, they had some tasty and juicy mangoes. While eating the mangoes I had a conversation with the owner of the guesthouse. The gist of the conversation centered around whether she had an interest in opening a vegan hotel. She looked at me with a big surprise and said, “You know, I was thinking about that for a long time.”

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Caribbean Vacation: Eating Vegetarian on Your Caribbean Vacation

Posted on June 30, 2010 by Sunny Dey

Many vegetarians and vegans ask me about places they can get vegetarian or vegan food while traveling on a caribbean vacation. It is a good question and I know I sometimes struggle with finding the right food for my diet while visiting friends and family in the Caribbean.

I have been a vegetarian for several years and decided to go vegan last year. This was not a big change for me because I already ate most of the food vegans eat. I had to cut out the margarine because it does contain whey, and I am not sure what else. Honey is a good sweetener for cereals, bakes, and other dishes, but agave is a delicious alternative. Soy milk provides all the calcium and other good vitamins and minerals you will find in cow’s milk. Vegans don’t drink milk so I am not missing anything there.

When I stay at my family on the islands, they do cook vegetarian for me. Most of them are not vegetarian and boast they cannot give up their meat. They say so despite claiming to be followers of Jesus Christ. They often cite the Bible and its account about the savior feeding fish to a gathering. It is interesting that Christians don’t eat meat on the Friday before Easter. Instead they eat fish, which they don’t consider as meat.

I am not here trying to isolate any particular group because I ate meat for many years but never did enjoy it. It took my parents about nine years before they got me to eat a dead animal’s flesh. But I had no choice as I grew older and never did give up on it until I was an adult.

But in the Caribbean you will find most of the restaurants, hotels, and other tourist places cook and serve meat. Vegetables play a huge role in the meal, but most West Indians would not eat their daily ration without having some meat on the plate. So while traveling you will either have to find places where you can get some delicious vegetarian food, or stay at a rental unit where you can cook your own food.

Many people are eating raw food, so you could give it a try if you don’t have a stove at your hotel or guestroom. Visiting the local food markets is an exciting event most tourists enjoy, so you should get some good entertainment while mingling with the locals. Plus you get raw vegetables at a lower price than you would pay at your vacation accommodation. You can also find many sellers along the major highways selling freshly picked vegetables.

Despite what I said above, it does not mean you cannot find resorts which cater to vegetarians. You just need to do some research before you fly, or ask your travel agent to book you at a resort that caters to vegetarians.

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Caribbean Vacation Travel: Recreation is a Daily Routine

Posted on May 31, 2010 by Sunny Dey

Considering a caribbean vacation on the Cayman Islands and wondering what you can do to make your time enjoyable? Well, recreation is a routine on these sun-filled holiday islands. You have a choice of almost any pleasure pursuit under the sun. You can start with the traditional beach scene or you can go horseback riding. You can swim at your hotel or even stay indoors to catch some fun. You could also rent a car and go see interesting local places. Watch the video below to get some ideas. If you don’t find any ideas here, let us know. Let us know if you do find ideas.

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Caribbean Vacation: The Devil Requires Travel Documents

Posted on April 27, 2010 by Sunny Dey

There was a time when U.S. citizens could zip in and out of a caribbean vacation and not have to worry about major travel documents. Since 911, or so the government wants us to believe, the country is no longer safe. This means that the good guys have to put up with unnecessary red tape if we want to travel.

There is nothing wrong with protecting the country but the changes made since 911 have made travel to popular destinations tougher than ever. You can get out the U.S. without a passport and travel to most of these picturesque islands, but you will have a fight on your hands when you return to your country.

Without a U.S. passport you will have to go through the hassle of proving you are a legitimate resident or citizen. That’s interesting because most people we meet outside the States tell us we are Yankees or some other term foreigners use to pigeon hole Americans. Most times it’s the way we speak that gives us away. Sometimes it is our behavior. Some Americans see themselves above the natives of “banana republics” or for that matter, anywhere in the world. We are numero uno!

Too bad the immigration officers at the airport where your flight arrives cannot tell the difference. If you don’t have a passport, you are an alien of some foreign country. That is their only way to identify you, having to vet hundred of people entering the country on their shift.

You can always make the case for spending too much time in the sun, which affects your memory. Or you can plead ignorance, but that will not help you. because your travel agent probably sent you several warnings about needing a passport to get back into the country.

As a last resort you can empty your wallet and expose all your debit cards, credit cards, and other consumer cards. This will prove beyond a shadow of doubt you are a typical American. You may have to use one or more of those cards to buy your way out of immigration, or pay for your hotel and meals until you can convince the officials you are real.

The most troubling issue with passports is having to renew them. They don’t come free and the fees are yet another form of taxation. Further, imagine booking a special deal on a vacation and are all set to go when your travel agency sends you a last minute advisory about your passport.

According to the government, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to the United States. Imagine realizing just days before you travel that your passport would expire during the time you are sunbathing in the Caribbean. This is no big deal because it’s only a few days. But you need to be certain that’s how the immigration officer will see it when you return.

Traveling to the Caribbean is a great holiday idea, but this passport issue is a bummer!

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Are Your Caribbean Vacation Travel Plans Safe?

Posted on March 31, 2010 by Sunny Dey

So you planned your caribbean vacation many months ago. You paid for your nonrefundable airline ticket and you expect to make a splash or two in the sea this summer. Today you heard over the radio the tour operator you booked with is going out of business. Is this something you should worry about, or do you want to change your plans?

Yes, it is disheartening to hear travel news like this. Once in a while travel businesses do go under, leaving you and your loved ones to fend your yourself. If you are unlucky you would likely be on your vacation, and soaking up the sun on a sandy beach in the islands. Well, you are not so unlucky after all. You can always call your employer and say you have a brief delay in your departure. Better yet, tell them you have an indefinite wait because of circumstances out of your control.

Of course, most people won’t say anything close to that unless they have a new job lined up, or they have decided to change their life and look for something better. But here’s a golden opportunity to spend some more time surfing, cavorting, or hiking in the scenic Caribbean. You can always deal with more mundane matters when the tour operator decides to send a plane to fly you home.

You can expect more tour operators to go broke in the next while because life is not a beach for anyone in the travel business today. Since 911 the travel industry is on a life support system, with no innovative ideas forthcoming. Also, the cost of fuel has skyrocketed over the past few years making travel expensive for everyone.

Airlines don’t offer food on all flights, except if you fork out some greenbacks. Most airlines are no-frills travel hubs, cutting out any and everything they consider is a convenience for the passenger. They also have treated economy passengers with contempt, while encouraging you to pay a lot more to sit in the same seat.

You even have to book and pay for your ticket long before you travel. They zap your credit card and declare your ticket is nonrefundable. Your only hope is to buy insurance, or lose your money if you can’t fly.

Airlines now charge ridiculous charges to change your travel plans. Many people plan their travel well, but circumstances do force us to change our plans sometimes. The airlines are saying that’s fine with them, but you have to pay extra for that privilege. Again, buying insurance or enrolling in one of their loyalty plans would help you avoid these extra charges.

And if those new charges are not enough, airlines now charge travelers for checking in baggage. This is not extra luggage, it is the normal suitcases you would take with you on a flight. That is why so many people are stuffing everything they can manage into their carryon bag.

Given all the extra charges, many people are not traveling unless they have to. As fewer people travel, there is stiffer competition, forcing out the players who can’t manage their costs.

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Caribbean Vacation: Tapping Out Stress

Posted on February 28, 2010 by Sunny Dey

Many of us work for someone else and look forward to spending a caribbean vacation relaxing under an umbrella on a deserted beach. We think this is good therapy for stress and we do this ritual year after year.

But sometimes we have to reevaluate what we do to see if we can do things better. Of course, this is not easy because over our lifetime we form many habits. This means unless someone pushes us “over the cliff” we would remain on the ledge of survival. After all, why change something that works, when we don’t know if we will jump into a more challenging adventure.

While I do favor a holiday to get away from ordinary life, I am quick to say that it is crazy doing the same thing every time. We need to mix things up and get a new perspective on life, our life and the lives around us.

Hearing the sound of a jet engine landing in Montego Bay is akin to watching an adventure movie on your ipod. Hustling into your air-conditioned room at a luxury hotel brings on an adrenaline rush like the jetlike flow of a waterfall. Boarding a bus to tour the attractions of Port of Spain makes life feels like the Garden of Eden without the apple, of course.

All these activities are stress busters and will send you home with renewed energy to face your difficult moments. Then you have to wait another year to do the same thing all again, once you have built up enough vacation time for the year.

Tapping is an alternative to a 2-week vacation. In this case you don’t have to spend any money, but you get to feel like you are on an island excursion every day. I mentioned this because I have been listening to some audio broadcasts where therapists use tapping to help many people feel good about themselves.

If you don’t know what tapping is, then you must check out this site. If you know what tapping is, you can begin listening to these audio files before the series end. Site organizers set up two audio files each day for 24 hours. It is worth it, and I am sure you will thank me for sending you to the site.

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Caribbean Vacation: Stress Relief on a Sunny Island

Posted on January 28, 2010 by Sunny Dey

What events would drive you to booking a caribbean vacation on a sunny island. Well, for me I didn’t have to stray too far away from home to find at least 6 reasons for wanting to pack and go hide in some cave on the Bahamas. Perhaps, you are different and prefer to plan your holiday a long time in advance and escape with great fanfare on one of those cold winter days.

During the past two months I have had so many administrative boo-boos that I wonder if anyone works for an honest living anymore. Companies fight so hard to get your business, then when they capture your time and money they look the other way and just don’t understand why some people dismiss sales representatives or advertising messages that come into their lives.

We felt bone-chilling temperatures here in North America in December and the same continued for most of January. The last few days of December were downright frigid and it was the time I decided to move house after many months of stalling. But it doesn’t matter when you move. What counts, is the services that you depend on, and many people who don’t move a lot take this for granted.

People in the Caribbean don’t move house as many times as we do in North America. Take the case of someone who lives near the Grand Anse beach resort. If you haven’t visited him for ten or more years, you are almost certain to find him at the same location if you decide to drop in to see him when you are holidaying in Grenada. Even a bed and breakfast hotel will still be around long after the cows come home.

But in North America we move because of work, family, school, or just plain luck. Well, my luck ran out after I moved and still have a hard time getting the post office to redirect my mail. I call almost everyday but I just hear what the policy is and what they can’t do for me. It gets even worse when I offer a solution. “No, we can’t do that….” It is so frustrating getting any service completed these days.

My new landlords didn’t do much better. I had to spend precious time trying to get one of the two cards we received to gain access to the building and garage. They fixed the problem after the holidays but we still couldn’t get into to the garage. When we finally received a proper card for the garage, we found another car in our parking spot.

There’s more but I will save that for another time. With February fast approaching, I can see myself basking in the Caribbean sun or catching a quick shade under a palm tree.

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