"What are the cheapest days of the week to travel to the Caribbean in November?" asks reader Robin.

Cobblers Cove Resort's location on the western shore of Barbados puts you in prime sunset-viewing position.

by Katherine Hottinger on Travel Deals

The Caribbean promotions for this fall are flying. But for every 20 or so Caribbean "deals" flooding Wendy's email In-Box, only about one passes our test to earn Deal of the Day status. Today's Barbados offer qualifies.

Barbados is so closely associated with the British Empire it's earned the nickname Little England. Anglophiles who flock to this Eastern Caribbean island love its colonial history, country houses, and upscale living, such as you'll find at Cobblers Cove, which is offering stays now until the weekend before Christmas at 50% off. And the island is about to become easier and cheaper to get to. On October 1 JetBlue begins daily nonstop service to Barbados from JFK, and US Airways will be flying there four times a week from Philadelphia.

You'll find more details about the Cobblers Cove deal after the jump.

You can snorkel off St. Croix's Sandy Point Beach--and fly to and stay on the island--for less this fall.

by Katherine Hottinger on Travel Deals

Even if an island resort is giving away free nights, the airfare to the island can put a vacation there out of reach . . . except when there are air-plus-hotel packages that can offer real savings on getting to your destination as well as staying there. An example: the "St. Croix Fantastic Flight" promotion, which offers a $150-per-person airfare credit and a fourth night free at any of 12 participating hotels on this U.S. Virgin Island.

Details--and a couple of recommendations--after the jump:

Dreaming of a shocking blue Christmas? The pool at Tamarind Cove in Barbados, one of Condé Nast Traveler readers' favorite islands.

by Julia Bainbridge on Travel Deals

Even though it's still only summer, we've seen a number of deals for the Christmas holiday advertised lately. And even though holiday season in Barbados doesn't come cheap, these two deals, courtesy of the Elegant Hotels group, look pretty good to us:

* Book 7 nights at all-inclusive Turtle Beach and get 40% off. The normal rate for a garden-view room, which sleeps two, is $6,860 for one week, but you'll pay $4,116. That price includes not only all taxes and fees but also three meals a day, non-motorized water sports, water skiing, and alcohol (except for fine wines and Champagne) for two people.

* Book 7 nights at Tamarind Cove and get 2 free. You end up paying $541 per night (including all taxes and fees) instead of $757--or 29% off a room just steps away from the beach.

Book by: August 31, 2009. We had some difficulty when trying to book on the hotels' sites; try calling them from the United States at 888-996-9948.

For travel from: December 19, 2009-January 7, 2010

CNT approved: Condé Nast Traveler's Features Editor and Caribbean expert Alison Humes was in Barbados earlier this year, and she says that a stay at these properties would make for a very nice holiday indeed.

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman has offered a deal at a lower price, thanks to a tweet from reader Caymaniac.

by Katherine Hottinger on Hotels

Remember I recently told you about this summer's "Peace of Mind" package from Ritz-Carlton, where you get three nights for the price of two, five nights for the price of three, or seven nights for the price of four? Included in the package price are breakfast for two, overnight parking, Internet access, and local phone calls. 

It sounded great ... until Wendy received a message on Twitter from reader Caymaniac, who wrote, "Ritz Carlton Cayman offers the package and says you are only paying for 4 nights (staying 7) but then charges you over double!" Clearly we had to investigate.

I had vetted prices at the Ritz-Carlton properties mentioned in my post--those in Half Moon Bay, California; Bachelor Gulch, Colorado, and Battery Park, New York City--but not at the 67 other Ritz-Carltons offering the promotion. So I sussed out rates at the Grand Cayman resort, and Caymaniac was right: The regular summer room rate starts at $389 (including all taxes and fees), but the "Peace of Mind" package rate started at $821! 

Why was the property charging so much for a "Peace of Mind" package that was supposed to save travelers money?  According to Ritz-Carlton spokeswoman Verona Carter, the $821-per-night rate included participation in the resort's acclaimed Ambassadors of the Environment program, a children's ecological education curriculum inaugurated by Jean-Michel Cousteau. (And some 30 people had already booked it!)

Since the price seemed unfair to travelers who didn't want to take part in the program, Verona talked to the resort, which decided to offer a second package at a lower price: It's now offering the "Peace of Mind" package both with and without the eco-education option. Which means a seven-night package now starts at $2,323 (including all taxes and fees) -- 39% less than what you'd pay if you booked the lowest nightly rate for seven nights, then added the extras.

The moral of the story? We're listening to you. If you try to book a deal covered here on The Perrin Post and you find a discrepancy between what we wrote and the rate you're being quoted, we want to know, so don't hesitate to tell us--via blog comment, email, or Twitter.

Nisbet Plantation Beach Club is the only Nevis plantation inn on the beach. I could jump in that pool right now.

by Katherine Hottinger on Travel Deals

Here's another budget-friendly low-season deal in the Caribbean: Stay for seven nights but pay for only five at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, on the island of Nevis.

The resort's Superior Rooms--each in one half of several of the cottages that dot the beachfront property's 30 acres--usually go for $438 per night (including taxes and service charges) from June through October. A week's stay would typically cost $3,066, but the current promotion puts the tab at $2,190--or 29% off. Included in that price are breakfast, tea, and lunch or dinner daily, as well as transportation to and from the airport on neighboring St. Kitts. You'll get picked up and whisked onto a private water taxi--no waiting around for the public ferry (which Wendy herself has ended up on twice and laments is not particularly comfortable or punctual).

Condé Nast Traveler approved: Nisbet Plantation ranks on Condé Nast Traveler's 2009 Gold List, where it was rated Best for Service in the Caribbean. Not bad for $313 per night.

Book by: Rates are based on availability.

For travel from: Now through August 16, 2009.

How to book: Call 800-742-6008 or the hotel's direct number (869-469-9325) and ask for the "Superior Savings on Superior Rooms" special.

The Reef Resort is located on the east end of the Caribbean island of Grand Cayman--which is less developed and quieter than the west end.

by Julia Bainbridge on Travel Deals

Looking for a quiet, affordable, family-friendly Caribbean getaway? The all-beachfront-suite Reef Resort, on the east end of Grand Cayman, has a deal running for 79 hours, starting at 5 p.m. EDT today.

The resort's studio suites usually cost $253 per night (including taxes). With this deal, though, you can get one of these 450-square-foot rooms with a kitchenette and private patio or balcony for only $87 per night (including taxes). That's a savings of $166 per night.

Caveat: No Condé Nast Traveler staffer has stayed at the Reef Resort, so our coverage of this deal should not be viewed as an endorsement of the property. Normally we would not write up a resort we haven't road-tested, but Wendy felt that it was okay in this instance because of the large number of readers of The Perrin Post who are parents seeking not a Conde Nast Traveler Gold List or Hot List property but rather a budget-friendly, kid-friendly condo-style getaway.

Bonus: The property has blanketed its beach with Wi-Fi coverage. You can access the Web in your room, on the beach, or in the resort's Rusty Pelican bar and grill.

Book by: This deal must be booked within 79 hours; it started at 5 p.m. EDT today and ends at midnight EDT Saturday, May 16. To book, call or visit the Reef's promotion Web site.

For travel through: December 16, 2009. Blackout dates are September 5 to 18.

Dinner's on the house: One candlelit evening meal at the Point Grace resort's restaurant, above, is included in the "Couples Escape" package.

by Katherine Hottinger on Travel Deals

Golf-playing, spa-going couples, take note: The Point Grace resort, on the Turks and Caicos island of Providenciales, has a five-night package full of golf and spa freebies that it is offering exclusively to readers of Condé Nast Traveler and The Perrin Post.

The "Do Your Thing Couples Escape" package costs $2,427 (including all taxes and service charges) for five nights. That's only 5 percent off the regular low-season price of $2,550, but here's what you get thrown in for free:

*a three-hour visit to the on-site Thalassso Spa for four treatments for one guest (value: $423).

*18 holes at the Provo Golf Club, a course that's highly rated by Golf Digest (value: $168).

*daily happy hour (value: $40/day)

*one night's dinner (value: $200)

*shuttle service between the spa and golf club.

Once you add up all the extras, you save about 30 percent off the regular low-season rate.

At about $243 per person per night, is Point Grace worth it? The resort has made several appearances on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List. In her feature about the islands in the magazine a few years ago, the author Jenny Finney Boylan called Point Grace "a quiet, rambling enclave with antiques and four-poster beds," and noted that "the resort's lovely Grace's Cottage is among the islands' best kitchens." When you're not in the spa or on the links, you can explore T&C's famed dive spots, including the 600-foot West Caicos Wall, about a half hour from Provo. T&C is also easy to get to, with several airlines offering nonstop flights to Grand Turk island from the United States.

For travel from: May 18 to September 1.

Book through: The hotel's reservation e-mail address, reservations@pointgrace.com, or by phone at 866-924-7223. Be sure to mention the "Do Your Thing Couples Escape"--and Condé Nast Traveler.

Amansala in Tulum is not only green, but it also boasts a boot camp program for those who need to detox.

by Julia Bainbridge on Travel Deals

This week, we've shared affordable beach escapes for families, couples, and sybarites. But what about a getaway that satisfies your inner hippie? Whether perched on stilts in the jungle or covered in thatched roofs, all of the properties below are eco-friendly. Yoga, natural breezes, solar power: these spots are for all you environmentalists out there.

Selva Bananito Lodge and Preserve, Bananito, Costa Rica. Doubles, $260-$280. Read Condé Nast Traveler's description here.

Mocking Bird Hill, Port Antonio, Jamaica. Doubles, $255-$370. Read CNT's description here.

Balenbouche Estate, Vieux Fort, St. Lucia. Doubles, $120-$190. Read CNT's description here.

Amansala, Tulum, Mexico. Doubles, $175-$225. Read CNT's description here.

The Victoria House in Belize.

by Julia Bainbridge on Travel Deals

Yesterday, Wendy highlighted low cost family vacations from Condé Nast Traveler's March feature on affordable beach getaways. Below are six more choices, one as low as $99 a night, but this time, we've got couples in mind. Whether you're an adventurous duo who plan to keep your flippers on all day or lazy lovebirds who tend to roll into brunch at noon, there's something here for you:

Victoria House, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Doubles, $180-$310. Read our description here.

Barefoot Cay, Roatán, Honduras. Bungalows, $225. Read our description here.

Ti Kaye Village Resort, Anse Cochon, St. Lucia. Doubles, $280-$355. Read our description here.

Jake's Resort, Treasure Beach, Jamaica. Doubles, $115-$325. Read our description here.

Casa de Leyendas, Mazatlán, Mexico. Doubles, $99-$125. Read our description here.

At Home in the Tropics, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Doubles, $200-$230. Read our description here. 

The Hillside Guava Tree
cottage at Fond Doux.

by Wendy Perrin

Still haven't made your April/May getaway plans? Neither have I. But it's not too late to turn to one of the 28 affordable, easy-to-reach, warm-weather escapes listed in the More Sun for the Money feature in Conde Nast Traveler's March issue.  Some of these resorts start at just $70 a night.  Most can be reached from major gateways and don't require a rental car once you're there. And a few are for travelers who want nothing more than a hammock strung between two palm trees.

Today I'll highlight our article's most budget-friendly recommendations that also happen to be family-friendly (pictured is a cottage at Fond Doux Plantation on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia). The rest of this week, Julia will bring you the more romantic, adventuresome, and cultural options.

For now, here are the kid-friendly school-break options that I wish I could have found the time to book a couple of weeks ago:

Conde Nast Traveler contributor and Daily Beast consulting editor Lee Aitken recently ran into trouble booking Caribbean airline tickets for an assignment for the magazine. I thought you all should hear her story:

"Here's a scam to watch out for when you book local flights within the Caribbean. Big sites like Expedia don't deal with puddle jumpers like Dutch Antilles Express, so I used CheapOair to book short hops between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. They were even offering $10 off each ticket. (Always looking out for the magazine's money!) CheapOair took my money, confirmed my reservation, then emailed me that they couldn't book the flights I'd chosen for a "technical reason" unspecified. They proposed different flights at times that didn't suit our plans. So I got on the phone to Bangalore and said, "If you can't book the flight, I want you to refund my money." The poor operator there said they would be holding on to a $48 booking fee for each ticket. I raised hell about that, demanded a supervisor, and after a long time on hold was finally told they would refund ALL the money to my credit card (although we'll see if they do). Then I rebooked the flights directly with Dutch Antilles Express and discovered that its round-trip fare for Aruba to Bonaire is $75 lower than CheapOair's! How dare they call themselves CheapO? (Answer: Because people like me fall for it.)"

The view of Atlantis from atop one of the Aquaventure slides, March 2008.

by Wendy Perrin

Attention, moms of energetic young boys and water slide fanatics of all ages: Here's another travel deal I might just nab myself if I weren't headed to Europe on business:

Through December 18 Atlantis, on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, is charging $299 per adult for three nights' accommodations, which includes four days' use of the over-the-top water park (complete with phenomenal water playground for toddlers) and entrance to the 50,000-creature marine

habitat (which had my kids mesmerized when we were there last March; pictured at left is my four-year-old, who now wants to grow up to be a scuba diver). Included with each room are two shallow-water dolphin experiences at the resort's renowned and eco-friendly Dolphin Cay.

Even when you add in all the mandatory taxes and fees, plus the $198 air fare from New York or $178 fare from Boston on JetBlue, this deal still works out to be a good value IF you can travel on the requisite days of the week (spelled out in the fine print). The deal is for travel through December 21.

Three key tips, based on my family's visit to Atlantis last March:

Beaches Turks & Caicos is where I'd take my preschoolers . . . if only I could afford it!

Question from reader Nandamom:

"Our nanny just announced she is taking off the last week in August, so my husband and I are scrambling to plan a last-minute weeklong getaway for ourselves and our two girls, ages two and four. We'd like to try an all-inclusive family-friendly beach resort in the Caribbean. We're in the New York area and can spend up to $5,000 for airfare and accommodations, with some child care and activities included."

August is rainy season in the Caribbean. That doesn't mean it rains every day, but it does mean you need a resort that will keep your kids entertained and off your hands should the weather turn inclement. I think your smartest option is the Beaches chain of all-inclusive family resorts. The property I've heard the best feedback about from other parents is Beaches Turks & Caicos, but a seven-night package (including airfare from New York) for the four of you for the last week in August would cost about $6,000.  Beaches Boscobel -- which gets an excellent review at the dependable family travel site WeJustGotBack.com -- is more affordable. The seven-night package at the Boscobel property, which is in Jamaica, comes in at just under $5,000.

Colorful shops along Heritage Quay, Antigua.
Photo: Philip Coblentz, Getty Images

by Brook Wilkinson

Question from reader Indy5:

"I'd like to travel to Antigua in November. The best flights I've found are on two different airlines -- I'd be flying one way on Continental and one way on USAir. In this day and age, is it possible to travel on two one-way tickets or will I have immigration issues?"

This won't be a problem at all. Just make sure you have a copy of both ticket receipts with you, and your passport -- or your birth certificate and proof of a passport application.