ESCAPING CHRISTMAS FOR SUN AND SAND
Winter wonderland? Who needs it? Debbie Olsen checks out the alternatives
Ever wanted to replace your eggnog with a pina colada? The “most wonderful time of the year” can also be the most stressful time of the year. While some folks have their sights set on the North Pole, others make a tradition of escaping the cold weather and flying south to relax on a sandy beach — Christmas with the Kranks style.
Our family tradition lies somewhere in-between these two extremes. We like to spend the holidays at home enjoying our eggnog and playing in the snow. After it’s over, we try to book a trip some place warm to de-stress. If we manage to ring in the New Year on a sandy beach, things have turned out perfectly.
This year, choosing a beach destination was particularly challenging, due in part to the harsh hurricane season in 2017. Hurricanes Irma and Maria wreaked havoc in the Caribbean, but not all destinations were equally affected. Some islands were untouched, others suffered cosmetic damage and others that were more severely affected have worked hard to repair the damage and get the word out that they are still open for business. If you’re looking for a beach escape in 2018, here are some tips to help you choose wisely.
HURRICANE CONSIDERATIONS
Destinations that are struggling the most to recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria include Anguilla, Barbuda, Dominica, the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin islands, Puerto Rico, St. Barts and St. Martin/St. Maarten. Many of the destinations that were moderately damaged have made repairs and are ready to receive visitors. These include Antigua, the Bahamas (except Ragged and Aklins Islands), Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Turks and Caicos. Caribbean destinations count on tourism dollars to boost their economy and are eager to see visitors return. That said, if you’re considering a visit to one of the islands most severely damaged, do a little research to see what you’re getting yourself into before you book a non-refundable trip.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Zika virus is still a concern in many tropical destinations — especially for pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy. All travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites. It’s always a good idea to consult a travel health clinic and check the Canadian Consular Affairs website (travel.gc.ca) before booking a trip to any destination.
TO GO ALL- INCLUSIVE OR NOT — THAT IS THE QUESTION
All-inclusive package holidays generally include airfare, accommodations, transfers to and from the resort, meals, all domestic brand drinks, access to recreational facilities, and organized activities. Most of the expense of this type of vacation is paid for upfront and the only additional expenses may be tips, local tours or souvenirs. While these kinds of vacations can be convenient, you may miss out on experienc- ing the local culture when you eat all your meals at a resort. It can be fun to dine out at area restaurants, discover attractions and interact with locals off the resort. In some cases, it can be cheaper to pay as you go or to rent a condo where you can cook some of your own meals. It’s a good idea to price out both options. In the end, it will probably come down to the options available in the destination and what type of vacation you prefer.
BOOKING AHEAD OR BOOKING AT THE LAST MINUTE
In some cases, booking at the last minute can save you money, but sometimes it can cost you money or result in your missing a trip entirely. The biggest consideration is which airlines service the destination you’re looking at. If you are travelling to a locale that is serviced by chartered airlines such as Air Transat or Sunwing, you have a better chance of getting a last-minute deal — especially if you are not going at a peak time. Charter airlines tend to mark down their flights at the last minute. If you are travelling to a destination serviced only by scheduled airlines such as WestJet, Air Canada, United or Delta, you should book well in advance, because fares tend to increase with scheduled airlines at the last minute.
NARROWING DOWN THE CHOICES
If you’ve ever booked a beach vacation, you’ve probably noticed that the pictures of all the resorts look nice. Star ratings aren’t much help either. There is no consistency. A four-star resort in one destination might be a two-star resort in another. Have a good look at the resort’s website and then check out the reviews on websites like tripadvisor.ca or monarc. ca. Recommendations from friends or experienced travel agents can also help you make good choices.
STUFF TO BRING
Refillable insulated cups are invaluable in beach destinations. If you’re not going all-inclusive, a collapsible insulated cooler is a great item to pack.