Caribbean beach on Isla Margarita Venezuela

I had 35k American Airline frequent flyer miles burning a hole in my pocket (really, they were going to expire December 31) so I started looking around for a way to use them.  I knew I wanted to go somewhere out of the country, but that few of miles won’t get you too far; they’re mainly good for upgrading to business class.  Being a frugal travel (ha! I mean being someone that doesn’t have any money to spare) I researched on aa.com how far 35k miles would take me and it looks they go about as far as Venezuela.

I’ve never really had much interest in Venezuala, but I have known a few good people from there so I decided that Venezuela would be my vacation destination in May of 2009.  Now I’m only going to be gone for a week so it’s not typical Jerri style escape where I go for a month at a time.  These days I have to pay rent so I can’t really jet off like I used to in the good ole days. I’m a little worried about how safe it is in Venezuala and I speak enough Spanish to get me into trouble – remind me to tell you about the gypsy cab I took in Buenos Aires.

No itinerary yet. Wait. I’ll probably never have an itinerary. I don’t roll like that! I have a round trip ticket, credit cards, a passport and that’s enough to get me by.  Am I back in the saddle again?

In other news, our travel business has a new look, Via Via Travel, is revamped and we are getting ready to begin the Caribbean off-season.

I’ve already booked an eco-honeymoon in St. John, USVI, in September for a happy couple. The couple requested a weeklong honeymoon for under $1500. We found the perfect place for them at Maho Bay at $80 a night. They are going to have a fabulous time!

I just read a New York Times article that easyCruise now has a cruising itinerary for those looking for an affordable way to travel the Caribbean islands! I thought this was new, but I just called my friend Kristina to tell her about it and she already knew from reading it in Budget Travel. How did I miss this?

Here’s what the website has to say

easyCruise returns to the Caribbean with a new itinerary taking in the island paradises of St Maarten, St Barts, Anguilla, St Kitts, Nevis and Antigua. From 8th December, complete with a stylish new look, easyCruiseOne will take to the seas from as little as £98 per person per week.

Arriving at some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive islands, our new itinerary allows you to immerse yourself in a diverse mixture of cultures, stroll along numerous white sandy beaches, dive in and explore the depths of the clear blue coastal waters or simply visit the islands chic boutiques or enjoy an espresso in one of the continental-style cafés.

Unlike any other cruise, on easyCruise you have freedom to explore each destination at your leisure. Sailing early each morning, easyCruise arrives in a new port by late morning so you can enjoy the day and nightlife in some of the Caribbean’s best destinations.
easyCruiseOne has a stylish new look!

To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of traveling as a tourist. You know, where people jump off at port, buy overpriced yet worthless souvenirs, see a “local” on the street and think they’re experiencing the culture, eat hamburgers at a restaurant that was designed just for tourists, take a few pictures and then leave again. But, from what I have heard and read, at least easyCruise passengers do seem to have a little bit more freedom and independence to experience the islands. And the best part about it is that it’s cheap. I would do it. I am seriously considering it! I think that would be an awesome Spring Break! I’m sure that the cruises are mostly full, but they do have some last cruises in April, I guess before they head to the Med.

I’m sure the people in St. Barts with with their million dollar homes overlooking million dollar views of the ocean love looking down at the easyCruise ships! I wonder what kind of impact this will have on the islands-especially the exclusive ones like St. Barts.

-Ear Plugs: Even if you do not normally use them, a seat near the engine or a crying baby will make you glad you had them.

-Eye Mask: This can block out a bright movie screen and let you have a good night’s rest. Also can come in handy in your hotel.

-Flannel Pillow Case: Makes that airline pillow a little more like home. Also can be used at your hotel in lieu of that starchy white pillowcase.

-Toothbrush/Toothpaste: If you have a flight with meal service or when you will be going to sleep, this can instantly give you a wave of freshness, especially if there is a cute boy sitting next to you.

-Slippers/Socks: Depending on what type of shoes you wore on the plane, bring slippers and/or socks to keep your feet warm. Slippers will also make that walk to the bathroom that much more sanitary.

-Entertainment: Be sure to bring magazines, books, music players (CD or MP3 players), paper and a pen, and other items to entertain yourself. Never rely on the in-flight movie!

-If you wear contacts, bring your glasses, contact solution, and your contact case with you on the plane. As unglamorous as it might seem, your eye will thank you for sparing them of the dryness and pressure.

-Zippered Carry On Bag: Nothing is worse than when you are flying and your carry on spills under your seat or in the overhead compartment with all your belongings inside.

-Water! Especially when flying, anything else you drink will either dehydrate you or make you sick.

-Layer your clothes. If you are wearing a tank top, t-shirt and have a sweatshirt you add/subtract as needed. Sweatshirts are sometimes even better than pillows!

-Lotion: Traveling dehydrates your skin and you’ll smell better after that 14 hour flight!

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands (BVI-Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, Anegada)
Cayman Islands
Cuba
Curacao
Dominica (not the same as the Dominican Republic)
Dominican Republic (on the island of Hispanola)
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Haiti (on the island of Hispanola)
Honduras
Jamaica
Martinique
Puerto Rico
Saint Kitts
Nevis
Saba (pronounced Say-buh)
St. Bart
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Maarten/St. Martin
Trinidad
Tobago
Turks and Caicos
U.S. Virgin Islands (St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix)

I found Casa Zen after reading aBudget Travel Magazine article about secret hotels in Costa Rica and thought that this place sounds just like me!

My criteria for finding a place to stay in Costa Rica were:

• Surfing is a priority
• Yoga is a priority
• Casual, fun atmosphere important; party scene OK, but not like Ft. Lauderdale Spring Break
• Hammocks are preferred
• Safety is the utmost importance
• The hotel doesn’t have to be on the beach but I must be able to walk there in about 2 minutes!
• Cheap! (and here’s where I ran into my problem-it’s hard to find a place with all the above requirements that is affordable. When I say affordable I mean hostel prices!)

I’ll be covering my pre-departure in my podcast and then when I get back look forward to more information about Costa Rica and the backpacking scene!