Escape winter with these Caribbean deals

By Robert Firpo-Cappiello
January 10, 2017
Antigua_the-verandah-resort
Courtesy The Verandah Resort

This is the time of year we always get a little tired of the winter grind, and the snowstorms across the country this past week sure don’t help. A nice Caribbean escape could sure come in handy right about now. Here, three of our favorite "ultimate islands" that won’t break the bank.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA is inviting Americans to discover this elegant, beautiful pair of islands with (no kidding) 365 beaches -- yes, you could literally stay all year and never visit the same beach twice. The Verandah Resort & Spa is a high-end luxury property but the good news is... Expedia is offering a great all-inclusive deal: $462 for a room that sleeps four -- that’s just a little more than $100 per person per day for lodging, meals, beverages, and non-motorized water sports included.

CURACAO may be the most colorful island in the world, with its mix of gorgeous beaches and bright Dutch-colonial buildings. Snorkelers love its coral and underwater caves (not as scary as they sound). JetBlue has vacation packages that include airfare and four nights’ lodging from $459.

PUERTO RICO is a world away from home, but it’s part of the U.S. (no passport required!) and a short flight from the East Coast. Stroll the old-world streets of Old San Juan, kayak in tropical waters, taste local fare like arepas and spicy Asian-fusion dishes. We love Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa for its secluded beach, acres of tropical gardens, and diving opportunities, from $145 per night.

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Inspiration

Small-town must-see: Pottstown, PA's new carousel

It’s no secret that Budget Travel loves small-town America. Our annual Coolest Small Towns contest has celebrated 110 exceptional communities around the U.S. over the past 11 years, and we’re always on the lookout for “small-town must-sees.” Our latest must-see is the newly opened carousel in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, a historic town on the Schuykill River about 40 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Offering $2 rides, the carousel is a beautiful example (literally and figuratively) of what a community can accomplish when it works toward a common goal. Pottstown’s carousel is a large-scale lesson in “reuse, recycle”: The building that houses it was once home to Pottstown Metal Weld and has been renovated to play host to the spectacular Derek Scott Saylor Memorial Carousel, which itself is a rebuilt retro gem dating back to 1905. The carousel’s animals were hand-carved at cost by Ed Roth, a Disney carousel carver, and were painted by volunteers over the course of several years. Pottstown defrayed the cost of the carousel by seeking out sponsorships ($4,000 per animal) and holding a variety of fundraising events. And for those who might see a community carousel as an exclusively “feel-good” venture, those involved in the project note that the carousel, initially valued at about $25,000 prior to renovation, is now worth more than $1 million. The new carousel is part of Pottstown’s Tourism & Recreation District (or TREC), which includes a wide array of cool attractions such as the Colebrookdale Railroad’s Secret Valley Line, the Schuykill River Trail, and the Schuykill River Heritage Area’s “River of Revolutions” exhibit. (Pottstown's proximity to Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, makes the town an absolute feast for history buffs and students learning about our country's founding.) I’d like to thank my friend Evan Brandt, from the Pottstown Mercury newspaper (pottsmerc.com), for bringing the awesome carousel to our attention. Got a small-town must-see to recommend? Email us at info@budgettravel.com!

Inspiration

These are the destinations and travel trends everybody was searching on Google this year

Google has revealed the top search terms of 2016 (Google.com/2016), and Budget Travelers will find lots of inspiration among the top destinations and travel trends. Of course, we've been searching right along with you all year long and have served up some great inspiration and start-today tips to go along with these rankings to stoke your wanderlust in 2017. TOP SEARCHED TRAVEL DESTINATIONS OF 2016: 1. New York City. Budget Travel editors live and work in the Big Apple, where the Statue of Liberty welcomes visitors from every corner of the globe, and we are psyched to share "16 Secret Bargains in New York City." 2. Washington D.C. Who doesn't love a town where nearly every major attraction is free? To learn more, read "20 Fabulously Free Things to Do in D.C." 3. London. Each year at Christmastime, my thoughts turn to the Big Smoke and its greatest literary chronicler, inspiring "A Stroll Through Dickens's London." 4. Hong Kong. Among the countless reasons why this beautiful Chinese city should be on your travel list, we have learned how to score "Hong Kong's Most Stylish Steal: A Custom Tuxedo." 5. Thailand. We were feeling Thailand's affordable awesomeness this year too, which inspired us to produce one of our "day in the life" videos and an accompanying feature, "Make It Happen: Bangkok." TOP SEARCHED TRAVEL TRENDS OF 2016: "Airbnb" came in at no. 1 among travel-related search trends in 2016, underscoring the appeal of the company's home-sharing model. Among Google's top 10 searched travel trends are several that Budget Travel regularly covers in depth: "Weekend getaways" are more popular than ever, as travelers look beyond the idea of one big annual vacation and resolve to go exploring as often as possible. Our popular "Three-Day Weekend" series most recently celebrated Norway, Quebec City, and the Bahamas. "U.S. national parks" was near the top of our personal list this year thanks to the centennial of the Naitonal Park Service. We were thrilled to share "Which National Park Is Best For You?" "Independent travel" is, of course, a growing trend. We shared inspiration in "35 Easy Solo Trips to Try."  "Bucket list travel" certainly resonates with Budget Travelers, making our recent look at South Korea, "A Bucket-List Asia Trip You Can Afford," one of our most popular stories ever. "Roadtripping" is one of the cornerstones of what we do at Budget Travel. Ready to go big? My last road trip was an epic "Park-to-Park Adventure: Glacier to Yellowstone."

Inspiration

Locals Know Best: Sacramento, California

There once was a time when Sacramento was, to put it kindly, in a rut. Locals cast their gazes longingly towards San Francisco and Oakland, epicenters of creativity and culture. Then Sacramento State graduates Maritza and Roshaun Davis had an idea: give Sacramento’s creative class an outlet for showcasing their talents and watch them—and the city—thrive. Enter: Unseen Heros, the lifestyles event production company they founded. “In 2008, Sacramento was still trying to find its identity,” says Maritza. “It’s like when you were a teenager and you were awkwardly trying to grow, Sacramento was like a teenager—with braces and awkward with its body.”  Today Sacramento has grown into its own, with no small thanks to Unseen Heroes, which oversees year-round events like  the Saturday midtown farmers market and Gather Oak Park. Both, as they put it, are “events that make people proud of what’s here.” The couple (in life and business) also own shops specializing in California-made goods and curate a rotating pop-up market where they house their offices. Since founding Unseen Heroes in 2008, they’ve made a career out of knowing every nook and cranny of Sacramento. We recently reached them to get their inside tips on where to eat, drink, stay, and hang in the city. *Spoiler alert*: “obnoxiously delicious” ice cream, a poke bar, and unbelievable happy hour deals all factor in.   TABLE FOR TWO: Oak Park is Sacrament's oldest neighborhood, but there are plenty of spots that are under the radar, like the retro-minded Arthur Henry’s, which bills itself as a Supper Club and Ruby Room. Without windows or signs, the only indication that it’s there is its red door. “If you’re in the mafia, this is where you wanna make your deals. There are a lot of dark, fun, strange elements to it,” says Maritza. “I don’t want to give too much away, but if you order dinner there, it’s going to come raw, so be prepared to cook.” They offer a beer and steak special for a remarkable $16 and a bourbon list that’s sure to impress. For every steak in Sacramento there’s a slab of grilled soy meat. Andy Nguyen has an ample variety of wholesome vegetarian and vegan meals—countless permutations of noodles, rice, tofu and vegetables. Meals are generous in size and clock in under $10. If your preferences lean south of the border, La Benbita has what Maritza deems the best margaritas, made with fresh juices. The cantina is known for its festive patio and unbeatable happy hour special: two tacos and a margarita for $13. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll have a great story to bring home after a visit to Gunther’s. The time-worn ice cream shop is an institution among locals, as evidenced by the fact that despite it being tucked away in a relatively residential area, people flock there in droves. “When you see the line out the door and down the block, you know you’re there,” said Maritza, describing the handmade ice cream and shakes as “obnoxiously delicious.” DINE OUT: Unseen Heroes curates and manages Gather, a culinary event that takes place on the second hursdays of each month from May through October. There are lots of food onsite--tacos, pizza, veggie fare from Mother (also a restaurant), and much touted donuts from Sweet Dozen Donuts (Get a lemon poppy seed donut then try everything else, advises Maritza). There are long communal tables where everyone kicks back and chows down. The rest of the year they curate Midtown Farmers’ Market, a culinary extravaganza in Midtown. Over 90 vendors hawk their wares, from beef jerky and sausages to balsamic vinegar, honey and wine. It's a go-to for a taste of the vibrant local culinary scene.   THE AFTERNOON AGENDA: Not far off the freeway sits JayJay, a gallery founded in 2000 that spotlights a roster of international artists whose work spans all media. “They have a lot of fun pieces and the owners are really hands-on and engaged,” says Maritza. “they’ve been around the area for 40-plus years and they’ve helped curate different large projects. They get their hands on cool artists and they have their finger on the pulse of young up and coming artists.” After you’ve looked at art, taste some. Head down the street to Tupelo. The couple asserts it makes the city’s finest mocha, made with Mexican chocolate. Cap off the afternoon down the street with dinner at Selland’s Market-Cafe, which is known for its elevated comfort food—salads, sandwiches, pizzas—prepared with local seasonal ingredients. At select times, two dinners and a bottle of wine clocks in at $25. Another Martiza-and-Rashaun-approved outing that’s a feast for the eyes and palate is centered in the Curtis Park, quaint with great brownstown galleries. Sol Collective is more of a community center than a gallery, but nevertheless, it’s a destination for unique shows of all media and installations by a lineup of international artists as well as pop-up shops. Additionally, Maritza and Roshaun rave about the classes offered throughout the month that anyone can drop in on: beat-making, art, and, most regularly, yoga. Fortify yourself afterwards with noodles galore at Shoki Ramen, where about $15 will get you a bowl of excellent ramen, a drink and curry on rice. As an added bonus (or, some might say, courtesy), you can order wines here by the half-glass. Wrap up the day at Gunther’s. The old fashioned ice cream shop (See above for Maritza's rave review) is a mere five blocks away.  Some people go to nature to experience a sense of place, others go shopping. Display, owned and run by Maritza and Roshaun, showcases Sacramento’s creative class with its ever-changing inventory of products made by local designers and brands, from gift items, household goods, and lots of fun stuff for kids. More recently, they opened the neighboring Damas, featuring goods and clothing for women, by women. Men have plenty of spots to shop, too, like Get a Clue, a longtime midtown retailer. They specialize in sneakers, denim, shirts, and the like, mostly by local designers. Hungry? Preservation and Co. has plenty of boutique edibles, like a house bloody mary mix, plus tons of sauces, jams and such. STAY: Modern, funky and rich in local lore, Maritza and Roshaun recommend Citizen’s Hotel, not least because  its restaurant and bar, The Grange, has a fantastic happy hour. Steps away are two super-hip spots to eat: Empress Tavern and the very lively Mother Sacramento, a vegetarian haven. Despite its brand name, the Westin Sacramento Hotel, which sits on the Sacramento River, has a lot of character. It’s a short drive away from the hubbub of downtown, and in addition to its affordability, they note that it’s nicely landscaped, so much so that locals hang out there just for the scenery. 

Inspiration

Locals Know Best: Savannah

Mention Savannah to most people and they’re quick to free associate: sweet tea, riverboats, peaches, and all the other clichés. But anyone who’s known and loved the city his or her whole life is quick to scoff at those formulaic stereotypes. Ruel Joyner is one of those people who can’t resist slipping into ambassador mode when he starts talking about Savannah. You’d have a hard time finding someone whose story is more deeply woven into the city’s tapestry than Ruel’s. He’s the third-generation owner of 24e Design Co., a store that’s been operating continuously on lively Broughton Street since 1986. Moreover, his grandmother lives in one of the oldest homes in the historic district. “If you grew up here, you can leave but you’ll be back. It really is a captivating city,” he said. “It’s magnetic. It’s center of something special. When people come visit, it’s not unusual to hear that they later move here.” We checked in with him for his advice on the most exciting things to see, do, eat, drink and stay in Georgia’s oldest city.   GET THERE: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is a bustling hub, but coming and going, Ruel says, is “the easiest thing in the world. You can swing your keys and be on valet service and get to your hotel in 15 minutes.” He describes the city as “Mayberry on steroids,” as it’s a small town and everyone knows everyone like they did in high school, but as far as American cities go, it’s an international one, not least because it’s a port city.  STAY: Ruel recommends against looking for bargains on the outskirts of the city. Savannah is a relatively undiscovered city, he says, which means it’s still wildly affordable. (“Everything is cheap, except for our taxes,” he says only half-jokingly.) Try to land a room in the Historic District. He recommends the Bohemian on the Savannah River, where you can while away hours at Rocks on the River, the hotel’s rooftop bar, and sip sweet tea and watch container ships come in. But there are plenty of other choices, they might not be as full-service, but they have no less charm. Thunderbird Inn, an exercise in retro-fabulous mid-century modern style, from the vintage décor to the complimentary RC Cola in the rooms, tops his list.   EAT: Savannah is in the throes of an urban renaissance and the culinary scene is Exhibit A. If you’re looking to splurge (and remember—Georgia splurge is different from Manhattan splurge), head to Pacci, a modern Italian ristorante at the Brice Hotel. It has a polished and modern look but a southern laidback vibe and Ruel actually helped design. The duck with blueberry sauce is not to be missed. For a little less polish, Bernie’s, is Ruel’s favorite hole-in-the-wall, not least because it looks like it could have been Blackbeard’s den. It’s a go-to for fresh oysters—steamed and raw—and shrimp that is, quite simply, “to die for.” Savannah’s international character is captured in the dining options. CO (Thai for “feast”), will get you acquainted with Asian box pressed sushi, an unusual sushi style. (Spoiler alert: it involves tartar that’s been minced and mixed with sticky rice and pressed into a square.) The burgers at Collins Quarter are “slap-your-mama good,” he avows. If you can start your day with breakfast at B. Mathews, you’ll be treated to the “best breakfast sandwich in the world,” says Ruel. And plan to spend at least one night hanging out at Bayou Café, known for its live blues and stiff drinks. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch Eric Culberson, one of the best guitarist on the east coast, hands-down, Ruel says. “It’s as Savannah as it gets,” he says.   WANDER: Savannah is nothing if not a city designed for wandering. To hear Ruel explain it, it’s laid out like a series of squares, each of which has its own mark of distinction. “They’re all like living rooms throughout the city. As you’re walking Bull Street, the spine of our city that connects City Hall to Forsythe Park, it’s like going from living room to living room. There’s music buskers, students sitting and sketching architecture, it’s a real living, breathing city of so many layers and textures. It wouldn’t be out of the ordinary to walk down Bull Street and hear five languages. It’s an international port city—people from all over the world come here and discover a European city. SEE: Savannah College of Art and Design is one of the top art schools in the world, so little surprise that the city is fertile ground for people into the arts. SCAD Musuem of Art is the school’s affiliated museum, but the creativity is not confined to a museum here. “The whole Historic District is like a campus of the school,” says Ruel. “Whatever time of year you come to town, check and see what’s going on. There will be something tied in with the museum and its people, whether that's shops or parties. It's a big laboratory of things to do and that’s really what keeps it fresh and going." SHOP AND SAVOR: Broughton Street is Savannah’s High Street and a wander through the shops could easily be an entire afternoon’s activity. Paris Market and Brocante (French for “flea market”) http://theparismarket.com/  is known not only for its highly curated collection of home décor inspired by the markets of Europe, but also for its café where you can pause for macaroons and the popular iced coffee while you pour over the collection of design books.  Down the street is 24e Design Co., Ruel’s store. The 11,000-square-foot space is a veritable gallery of everything from bench-made décor to one-of-a-kind historic flags and vintage gas signs to furniture made of old airplane parts. And those are just some things you might find one week. The inventory is constantly changing. Ruel has a few favorite stops for bites throughout the day. He’s a fan of Beatnix, a café specializing in creative cold-press juices, as well as Warrior One, which offers patia bowls, ultra-healthy oat/dragon fruit/honey/berries mix that’s nothing short of “life-changing.” And while you’re in the mindframe of good health, feel free to drop in for one of the classes in the attached yoga studio; they’re offered every other hour. After that, pop into the café/pub hybrid Coffee Fox  to refortify with a beer or cappuccino. Ruel calls out the city's art museums, like the Telfair Museum in the Historic District, and the affiliated Jepson Center, which features modern art of all stripes, both very much worth the visit. The list goes on: the Ships of the Sea Museum, featuring an unparalleled collection of model ships and maritime objects in a circa 1819 home, and the Great Savannah Races, celebrating the history of auto racing in the city, which once housed a giant race track.  ESCAPE: Savannah is worth visiting for the architecture alone, but few talk about its proximity to natural marvels like the beautiful barrier islands. Ruel recommends checking in with Wilderness Southeast or Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to learn about the many different ecological trips on offer. While you’re traveling outside the city, you’d be remiss to overlook Tybee Island (ten miles away),especially in the winter when you can relish its quiet beauty. And bring an appetite. The Crab Shack, set amid Civil War oaks, is known for its larger-than-life steamed seafood platter.