Companions fly free to the Bahamas through June 30, 2011

by McLean Robbins on

Back by popular demand, the Islands Of The Bahamas are again offering a free companion air credit. The specifics allow for fairly easy travel – the credit of up to $300 applies to any traveler booking before December 1, 2010, for stays of four or more nights. Travel must be completed by June 30, 2011, and some blackout dates, including November 23 through 29, December 23 through January 2 and March 3 through April 30, 2011, apply.

Although obviously a ploy to drive tourism to the islands, it’s an effective one – the islands are a quick flight from most major East Coast destinations and the extra cash is certainly added incentive to book a warm-weather trip this winter or spring.

[Image courtesy of Bahamas.com]

Photo of the Day (9.22.10)

by Julie Gerstein on


Swimming in foreign waters means you sometimes run into unexpected friends — like this starfish that Flickr user nimso334 found in the San Blas Islands off the coast of Panama. The super-sized starfish was found after diving 25 feet down into the crystal clear water and after this photo was snapped, he was returned to the sea floor.

Have any travel photos that make amazing memories? Upload them to our Flickr pool and we just might select one for our Photo of the Day feature

Human remains found inside shark in the Bahamas

by Kraig Becker on

Last weekend, three fishermen in the Bahamas got more than they bargained for when they reeled in a 12-foot long tiger shark along the Exuma archipelago. At first glance, it seemed like just another catch, but later, when they cut it open, they made the grim discovery of two human arms and two legs, plus a torso in the shark’s stomach. The fisherman say that they believed the remains were that of a man, although there were no distinguishing features to be seen.

At this time, the identify of the victim is still unknown, and DNA tests are being conducted. Bahamian police say they’re also working to determine if the man was alive or dead when he was eaten, as tiger sharks seldom attack humans while they are alive. They also confirmed that two people have been reported missing in the region lately, although they haven’t ruled out the possibility of a local sailor having their boat capsize while attempting to make the arduous journey to Florida.

Shark experts say that while the tiger shark isn’t overly aggressive, they have been known to attack humans on rare occasions, and when they do, those attacks are seldom fatal. As you can imagine, officials in the Bahamas are also quick to downplay the attack and are reminding visitors to the islands that their warm, tropical waters are completely safe.

Just in case though, you may want to stick to the pool for awhile.

[Photo credit: Albert Kok]

Daily Pampering: $10 million villas available for rent in Turks & Caicos

by Melanie Nayer on

Don’t have $10 million to buy your own villa in Turks & Caicos? Don’t worry, now you can rent the lavish Parrot Cay digs for a fraction of the price.

Escape to a private paradise and rent one of Parrot Cay’s two new three-bedroom villas. Just three minutes from the main resort by buggy, each villa has its own stretch of white sand beach and lush landscape, creating the perfect secluded retreat, equipped with personal butler service. Designed by Cheong Yew Kwan, the villas are spacious and airy with soaring 20 foot ceilings and a great room for lounging and dining. All have three bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with a study, kitchen, and separate pantry.

Live in the lap of luxury for a week, or buy the place so you have your own private hideaway any time of year.

Rates: Rental rates start at $5,808 in autumn (November 1-December 20). Villas can be purchased for $10 million.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Barbados within reach: American Airlines adds nonstop flights from DFW

by McLean Robbins on

Texas residents will have even easier access to the sun, sand and fun this summer with the addition of new non-stop flights to Barbados courtesy of American Airlines. This new nonstop, three times per week service from the airline’s Dallas- Fort Worth (DFW) hub begins Dec. 16. Currently the airline provides daily nonstop service from New York-JFK and Miami International Airports.

The flights will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

“These new flights will provide our customers from the Central and Western regions of the U.S. easier and more convenient access to Barbados,” said said David M. Rice, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Tourism Authority.

Currently available for purchase, the flight will be operated with Boeing 757 aircraft with 22 seats in Business Class and 166 in the Coach cabin. December coach fares begin at $314.

Photo courtesy of Barbados.org