Women's Vacation Blog

Hotels with WiFi - Done! Next? Hotels with Yoga!

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:45:58 GMT

Hotels have been adding more and more amenities to attract travelers; spas, fitness centers and wifi are now expected at better, and even moderate, hotels. Now you can add yoga to the list - often part of the spa services, hotels across the spectrum are including yoga to their menu of services. Higher end chains have added recorded yoga classes to their on-demand TV menu; even bed & breakfasts are scheduling yoga weekends and retreats. We'll add some of these events to our Calendar - check often for updates!

Spa Week, Spring 2010

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:20:16 GMT

It's that time of year again! Spa Week events occur twice a year, in Spring and Fall. The Spring 2010 event is April 12 - 18th, and it's happening all

Sex and the City Tour, NYC

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:40:36 GMT

Sex and the City Fans can enjoy a sex-filled day to celebrate the release of SATC2, the sequel to Sex and the City: The Movie. On Friday, May 28, On

Travel "Through the Looking Glass"

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:30:46 GMT

With today's opening of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, USA Today has an article about places you can go that make you feel like you fell through a rabbit hole! I've been to The House on the Rock in Wisconsin, and it really is strange and wonderful experience. Carhenge, pond skimming, and some of the other suggestions just sound like fun! Include one of these weird and wonderful experiences in one of your vacations!

They're Here! Body Scanners in US Airports

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:30:46 GMT

Also from USA Today, the TSA is introducing body scanners at 11 US airports, with more to come. Hold your applause.......

Use space-saving bags

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:26:26 GMT

One of the ways I save space in my suitcase is with bags that flatten your clothes so they take up less space. The bags I use are sold at Target and

River Time Guide Service Inc.

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:37:25 GMT

I am Terry Hughes, owner and operator of River Time Guide Service Inc. I would like to invite you to join me on the Main Salmon River here in Idaho. It

Dealing with Illness and Jetlag when Traveling

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:05:38 GMT

How do you deal with jetlag on a long trip, or "intestinal discomfort" in a new place? You can always check with your doctor for a remedy, of course; but many people have their own ways of handling illnesses on a trip. SmarterTravel asked its readers for suggestions - and they got a doctor's input on the reliability of those suggestions (the best of both worlds!). I use candied ginger for nausea, and the doctor approved it in this article; other things - not so much. So read on for ideas and advice from other travelers, and add your own if you wish!

Great Adventure Tours for 2010

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:46:07 GMT

Adventure travel can kick up your vacation a notch - and if you're a bit timid about the whole thing, book a group tour. There's safety in numbers! The Syndey Morning Herald outlines 13 adventure-style tours, from India to Wyoming, with just about every kind of activity imaginable. Explore a smuggler's town in Uruguay or enjoy opera in St. Petersburg, Russia - check out these tours!

Arts in April Weekends in Western North Carolina

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:20:16 GMT

The Arts in April. Three creative workshop weekend getaways in the Blue Ridge foothills of western North Carolina. April 9/10 Days of Clay. April 16/17

Ireland is Hot These Days!

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:05:47 GMT

Ireland seems to be a very hot destination these days (I have a friend going there this fall, and another that went there not long ago). I don't know if it's the popularity of Irish dance, Celtic music, Guiness beer, or what (it certainly isn't the food!) - but all things Irish are certainly popular. (Of course, it could just be the upcoming St. Patrick's Day). Rick Steves has some tips on enjoying the scenic "Ring of Kerry", and the London Telegraph has some lovely photos of cozy Irish cottage/hotels. Enjoy!

There's More to Florida than Mickey and South Beach

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:49:16 GMT

I've only been to Florida a couple of times; I'm not a big Disney fan, so I was not all that impressed with Orlando (although Splendid China and the Tiffany exhibit in Winter Park were great!). I liked Miami and our brief trip to the Everglades a lot; I'd like to spend more time in that area of Florida. Conde Nast has a nice article about what Florida has to offer; it's given me a little inspiration for my next trip!

Need Some Inspiration for Your Next Trip?

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:12:51 GMT

If you're looking for some ideas for your next vacation, travel writer Susan Spano of the LA Times has a few for you - 50, to be exact. This article has links to her top 50 travel experiences (with photos), from Thailand and Turkey to the Grand Canyon and Alaska. There's sure to be something here that you want to see for yourself!

On The Waterfront

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:51:17 GMT

What is it with our fascination with water? Historically, cities were built on rivers or along the coast for ease of shipping; now many of those old shipping warehouses form the hub of thriving new dining and shopping areas. Travel+Leisure has a slideshow of the top 15 waterfront cities around the world; San Francisco, Chicago, and Baltimore are included.....

Top 10 Fitness Vacations

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:31:00 GMT

Thinking of giving up on your New Year's resolutions? Get back on track with a fitness vacation! You can have some fun and work off a little weight with a fitness vacation - it doesn't have to be at a spa, either! From bicycling in France to surfing in Hawaii, there are lots of fun, active vacations that can help you meet your goals. Watch the slideshow for some great ideas...

Spa Vacations for Women

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:20:02 GMT

Spa vacations for women are among the most popular women's vacations, whether it's a girlfriend getaway or a mother daughter vacation. Relax and enjoy!

Tips for Spring Travel

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:24:57 GMT

Yes, it's only February and the country is covered in snow - it feels like spring will never come! But isn't that all the more reason to escape (if, of course, you can get a flight out of your local airport!). Flights will get back on track, and you'll be able to escape soon. So, what should you look for - an avoid - in a spring escape? The Independent Traveler has some ideas (avoiding "spring break" is one of them!) - and they say hotels are still pretty cheap!

You Can Take a Caribbean Beach Vacation Without a Passport!

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:00:13 GMT

Yes, you can take a Caribbean beach vacation without a passport! Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are U.S. territories and do not require a passport - but they have great beaches!

Take a Hawaii Beach Vacation

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:55:25 GMT

There's nothing like a Hawaii beach vacation for relaxation and fun. Each of the islands - and their beaches - have their own personalities. Whether you want surf or sand, you'll find it in Hawaii

The Best and Worst Airport Food

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:50:43 GMT

Granted, no one goes to the airport for dinner; airport food is grab-and-go, something to tide you over until you reach your destination. Still, there are good (really!) and bad (of course!) food choices at the airport. And even if you forgo your diet on vacation, eating a heavy meal before boarding a long flight can make for an uncomfortable few hours (or, sometimes, days after you land). Take a look at the recommendations in this article - even if McDonald's is the only option in your terminal, there are better choices than the double quarter pounder value meal!

Reminder: Poland Culinary Vacations is offering 15 off!

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:09:14 GMT

Poland Culinary Vacations, which offers one of the most unusual culinary vacations that I've found, is offering their tours to Poland for 15 off until the end of February. Whether or not you're of Polish descent or love Polish food, this is a unique cultural experience: you'll stay in castles and palaces and tour the countryside of Poland - getting a glimpse into "everyday" life that you'll never see on a bus tour. The cooking demonstrations are a bonus! And if you want to read up on Poland before the trip, use this button to get 10 off your purchase at Barnes and Nobel!

Having a Midlife Crisis? Take a Trip!

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:47:09 GMT

Psychologists are now realizing what the rest of us have known for some time: The phenomonen known as a mid-life crisis is real. Feelings that life has passed you by and you're not who you planned to be are common, and can lead to depression - or really silly behavior! Instead of a sports car, tattoo (or younger lover), many people are looking at adventure travel - stretching their boundaries and trying something new, even something scary. I have some suggestions at Learning Vacations, but take a look at this slideshow for some more daring ideas...

Things to do in Honolulu for free (or cheap!)

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:45:27 GMT

Hawaii is not cheap; it's not just the airfare and hotel that'll cost you - everything in Hawaii is more expensive than on the mainland. But it is paradise (I'm heading to Kauai and Maui myself for 2 weeks this spring). If you're headed to Oahu, check out these free (or cheap) things to do in Honolulu - from ukelele lessons to hula on the beach, these are activities you won't find in the Midwest - at any price!

Finding Unique "UNsouvenirs" on Your Travels

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:59:52 GMT

I love finding unusual souvenirs when I travel; I like the kitchy, "touristy" kind, too, but it's always cool to find something that the person on the plane next to you probably doesn't have. One of my favorites is Christmas ornaments - I like the ones emblazoned with the name of the location, but I also love those that remind me of my trip without screaming the name (the red glass hot peppers from Arizona and the white starfish from Hilton Head are among my favorites). I also have a few empty cans of Coke from around the world, and a plastic container of chewing gum from Korea that I now use for safety pins. The writer of this article has some great ideas for supermarket or office supply store finds, among other things. I'm still hoping to find that "Lucky Cat" office sign I saw in Seoul...

Tips to get the best seat on the plane

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:01:13 GMT

Flying has become more and more of a hassle. From long lines at security to fees on top of fees, it's just a pain in the neck. And airlines have cut back on the number of flights available, making every flight more crowded than in the past. After all of the hassles of the airport, don't you want a relatively comfortable flight? The Independent Traveler has some tips for getting the best seat for you, whether you like the bulkhead or the exit row, or some other location. Start with seatguru.com to figure out which seat you want, then follow these tips for actually obtaining that seat.....

TripAdvisor's Dirtiest Hotel Rooms

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:54:28 GMT

Ordinarily, I hate articles like this. So often, they "warn" us about things that really aren't dangerous, just gross. And if the situation isn't dangerous, they aren't really "saving" us from anything, they're just grossing us out and making our lives a little more miserable. What's the point of that??? Anyway, this article, about the dirtiest hotels rooms around the world, really falls into the "gross out" category. But the reviews (by TripAdvisor readers and visitors to these hotels) are so disgusting, and so consistently awful, that I think it's a good one to bookmark and refer to when you're planning your next vacation. In most cases, they may not be truly toxic or dangerous - but they are definitely hotels to avoid.

Is There Really a "Rule 240? And other travel myths

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:56:26 GMT

There are a lot of myths regarding the travel industry, and "Rule 240" is one of the most common. Rule 240 is supposed to get you some kind of compensation if your flight is canceled or delayed. Does it really exist? Read on and find out!

Attend an Art Workshop to Unleash your Creativity!

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:52:23 GMT

Many of us harbor dreams of being the next Georgia O'Keefe or Joyce Carol Oates. Why not live your dream at an art workshop or writer's retreat?

Viking River Cruises are Still On Sale!!!

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:09:05 GMT

Viking River Cruises, the most popular river cruise line in the U.S., has been offering its cruises at 2-for-1 pricing for almost 2 years now. With the travel industry hurting during the recession, this tactic has kept Viking's ships full (and its passengers very happy!). Well, they're still doing it. Not only are all 2010 cruises on sale (many dates are already sold out), but they are offering 2-for-1 pricing on cruises for 2011 as well!! And, they have discounts on air, and complementary wine with dinner! All meals and daily tours are always included in the price; river cruise prices are higher than ocean cruise prices, but they are more all-inclusive, too. And these prices are a really great deal. Viking has cruises in Europe, Russia, Egypt, and China (although the China cruises for 2011 are not available yet). This sale is scheduled to end March 1st; knowing Viking, it's very possible it will be extended - but many cabins will be gone by then. If you've ever even considered taking a river cruise to explore Europe, now is the time!!

The World's Coolest Pools

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:39:28 GMT

From a "mini ocean" in Chile to surf pools on cruise ships, pools have moved from a side attraction to the main event at many hotels. Infinity pools - which give the impression of being connected to the ocean beyond - are becoming popular, as are swim-up bars (in New York, too - not just at Caribbean resorts!). This slideshow from Travel+Leisure offers pools that allow you to get up close and personal with fish and alligators, or deep enough to scuba-dive....

Postcard from Paris

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:17:33 GMT

I am sitting in a local's cafe in the Marais, an old now very chic quartier on the right bank in Paris. I have been doing my writing homework for the

New Tours from Poland Culinary Vacations

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:08:18 GMT

I've mentioned Poland Culinary Vacations before, mostly because I think it's such an unusual destination for a cooking trip. There are so many to Italy and France - this is just a different experience! They have their new schedule posted, and if you book by January 31st, you'll get 15 off! Stop by their site, if only to watch the video and listen to the polka music!

For a Truly Exotic Escape, How About Morocco?

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:08:18 GMT

If you love exotic locales - and have already done Egypt and Istanbul - how about Morocco? Morocco has been upgrading hotels and services for the tourist trade over the years, as more and more American and Western tourists discover this corner of the world. Palaces and spice markets are main attractions, but there's a lot more to Marrakesh than that. CountryWalkers used to have a great women-only tour of Morocco; they still have a Moroccan tour but I don't think it's "women only" anymore. If you'd like to visit but you're not comfortable traveling on your own, go to www.countrywalkers.com for more information.

Take a Safari to See Endangered Animals Before They Disappear

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:51:30 GMT

The term "safari" often brings up images of "big game hunters" and the like. But safari "hunters" these days are photographers and other tourists, tracking the animals to get a glimpse of their lives and their habitat - and the "trophy" is a great photo of an animal in action! There are safaris that focus on endangered species, from tigers and pandas to rhinoceros and wild dogs. Travel+Leisure put together a slide show to illustrate some of the best....

If you happen to be in Jamaica this Saturday..

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:11:14 GMT

check out the "Cooking with Rum" class at Nicole's Table. Nicole's Table offers classes in Caribbean cooking on a regular basis; if you're vacationing in Jamaica, what better way to really enjoy the local flavors than to learn how to make them yourself? The "Cooking with Rum" class would be the one I'd like to take - I'm not much of a drinker, but the flavor of rum can add so much to food. So if you're in Jamaica on Saturday, Jan. 16th, check it out!!

Great Winter Lodges (and you don't have to ski!)

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:31:14 GMT

Most people like to escape winter by heading to a beach or warm-weather resort. Then, of course, there are avid skiers, who love snowy winters and cozy ski lodges. Travel+Leisure has another category - great, cozy lodges that are not necessarily in mountainous ski areas. From British Columbia to Lake Placid NY, these comfy (and high-end) lodges offer winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing - as well as spa treatments later (or "instead"!). Many are smaller, rustic log structures, often with fieldstone or riverstone fireplaces. Others are huge luxury resorts. Paws Up, in Montana, is a glamping resort - presumably, the tents are well-heated! If you love the idea of a cozy ski lodge but don't ski, there are plenty of options.....

Travel Essentials - From Your Trash!

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:11:44 GMT

Really, it's not as disgusting as it sounds! Those resourceful folks at the Independent Traveler have come up with inexpensive alternatives to some of the pricier travel products available today. Instead of throwing out the bags your linens come in - re-use them as packing cubes! (I've been using them in similar ways for years - my miserliness has been vindicated!) They also have innovative ways to use an empty yogurt container and old towels. Whether or not you're the frugal type, these are "green" methods of packing your bag, too - so, brownie points for protecting the environment!

New Travel Gadgets

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:11:44 GMT

OK, these are not so "green"... Travel+Leisure has come out with their list of the top 25 new travel gadgets - all high-tech, of course! Most are phones with multiple travel-related apps; there are quite a few netbooks (I don't leave home without mine!), and some Kindle-type readers. All serve a purpose, though - and despite the silicone and heavy metals, they can be "green" in that they help eliminate tons of paper you might otherwise be carrying. I've thought about an electronic reader to avoid carrying several books on a trip, but I just love the look and feel of a real book - I can't quite get past that one. But if you're in the market for a phone, netbook, or other device, check out their list. The travel applications of these devices might help you make a decision about which one is right for you.

In Case You Missed Them - NYTimes Top Travel Stories of 2009

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:47:33 GMT

Well, it's that time of the year - when we re-hash everything that happened last year! I had a better-than-expected year for travel; I really wasn't expecting to do much at all, due to the economy, but I ended up going to Montreal and London! I hope you all got out and about, too - and that you'll be able to do some fantastic things in 2010! Anyway, the NYTimes has posted a list of the top 10 travel stories from their website for 2009. I didn't see most of them, and some are quite interesting. I love the idea of train travel, and I'm glad to see an article about it in the top 10. So peruse the list and do a bit of catch-up reading...

New Airline Regulations You Should Know About

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:47:33 GMT

So, remember all the advice you got about cramming everything you own into carry-on bags to avoid checked bag fees? Well, forget about it. Due to the most recent terrorist attempt to blow up a US plane, security - on international flights, anyway - is much tighter, and carry-ons are considered much more suspiciously than they were before. I never really liked lugging everything onto the plane anyway; I just wish the airlines would figure out how much it costs to transport the average person + bags, and charge a single price for it. But for people who do take a lot with them onboard, this is a BIG change. And, of course, there are the full body scanners that are being added at many airports. I'm a fat, middle-aged woman, and believe me, NO ONE wants to see what the body scanner will reveal when I walk through. But I do think it's a much more effective way of screening passengers than a pat-down or the wand (and really, do want a stranger to pat you everywhere??!?!?). Working backstage in the theater (another of my many past lives), I've seen enough naked bodies to be numb to it all - really, there's nothing interesting there. I imagine the people doing the body scan screening will feel the same; I have no qualms about going through a scanner at the airport. The person doing the scanning will probably not even see me, they'll see an anonymous shape and look for whatever that shape is carrying. There's really nothing to be "embarrassed" about. So anyway, that's my 2 cents on body scanners - here's the article about other regulations you need to know about....

Vacation like a Star!

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:25:35 GMT

Do you envision yourself as a Hollywood star? Or, at least, would you like to live like one? If you have the means, you can vacation at the same resorts where the stars retreat to escape the paparazzi. (The definitive phrase being "if you have the means" - these places are way out of my price range!). Mexico and the Caribbean are popular, of course, along with Aspen and Whistler for skiing. The appeal of these resorts is that they are truly away from it all; or at least, they manage to keep everyone else away from their guests. So if you really want some quiet time and privacy - and can afford to pay for it! - these are the resorts for you. For the rest of us, it's something to aspire to!

The Beauty of St. Lucia

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:25:35 GMT

A friend of mine honeymooned in St. Lucia a few years ago; I havent' been there, but I fell in love with the place based on her photos and her description of the lovely resort where she and her husband stayed. This article from Travel+Leisure describes the island's current push for development and tourism. That's not nearly as bad as it sounds - for example, their focus for new resorts is on smaller, boutique-style hotels instead of the mega-properties found in Mexico or on other Caribbean islands. They're hoping to put many of these hotels in, or very near, the seaside towns that the locals call home. Instead of the isolating experience of the typical all-inclusive resort (many people never leave the property or explore the country they're visiting!), setting the hotels within local communities allow tourists to see more of the "real" St. Lucia, while bringing up the local economy on all levels. It sounds like a pretty good plan to me. Yet another reason to explore St. Lucia this winter!

Winter Bargains

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 03:44:43 GMT

Here are a few more bargains for those of you planning a winter vacation. From Key West to Budapest, there are still cheap flights and discounts on hotels, especially in the winter months. You have to check out the thermal baths in Budapest - gorgeous!

Great Inexpensive - but not "cheap" - Hotels

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:21:27 GMT

If you want to get away and stay in a great little hotel somewhere - without breaking the bank - check out this article. Budget Travel found 31 small, independent hotels around the world - and none are more than $150 a night! They range from quaint and charming to bright and contemporary, but all are unique and inexpensive - not cookie-cutter budget hotels. Most are in the U.S., so if you just want a quick getaway without airfare, there might be one within driving distance of you. Of course, I have to put in my plug for Milwaukee - our Iron Horse Hotel made the list! If you're a Harley fan, it's located near the new Harley-Davidson museum. Even if you're not a biker (and I'm not - they scare the living daylights out of me!), the history of the company and the aesthetic beauty of the bikes is worth a visit to the museum. There are a couple of suggestions from readers in the comments section, too.

Explore Chicago's Ethnic Neighborhoods

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 07:11:08 GMT

I used to live in Chicago and still try to get there often. One of the things I love about the city is it's ethnic diversity. I'm a small-town girl who never experienced foreign foods, much less cultures and languages, until I moved to Chicago. This article has some great (although brief) info on several ethnic neighborhoods. I especially love visiting the sari shops along Devon!

Got Some Time Between Flights? Get Your Teeth Cleaned!

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:39:04 GMT

Airports have been finding new and innovative ways to keep people occupied while waiting for their flights; massages, manicures, and internet stations are relatively commonplace these days. But having your teeth cleaned? You can do that at the airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil. How about walking through a butterfly garden (Singapore), playing to win a car (Dubai), watching a "4D" movie (with bubbles or water spray - Hong Kong), or visiting an aquarium (Vancouver)? There are more interesting diversions in the slideshow that accompanies this article. I'd kind of like to try the cinnamon-scented oxygen in Tokyo....

More River Cruise Bargains!

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:11:33 GMT

AMA Waterways (formerly known as Amadeus Waterways) is offering FREE air on some of their Spring, 2010 European river cruises. AMA Waterways is probably the most elegant of the river cruise lines in Europe. They don't have many good sales or discounts, but free air isn't a bad deal! Of course, this applies to only a few dates and 3 airports, but it's still well worth looking into. They also offer free companion air on some of their August cruises. While not as good as the Viking offers I posted yesterday, if you want to try one of the premier river cruise lines, this is one of the best deals you'll get. To get the best possible price on any river cruise, go to CruiseCompete. They have information on all of the major small ship lines (from CruiseWest to Uniworld). You choose your cruise, place your request, and you'll get quotes emailed to you from several travel agents. You can grab the best price or negotiate some "perks" (like a bottle of wine in your cabin!). The service is free, and you'll get someone else to do the leg work!

Viking River Cruises are Still on Sale!

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:32:41 GMT

With the slowdown in the travel industry, Viking River Cruises has had their cruises on sale, usually 2-for-1, for the past couple of years(!). They are currently running their best offer ever, and have extended the sale to Dec. 31st. 2010 river cruises are now available with 2-for-1 pricing, 2-for-1 airfare (or at least, great discounts on air), AND free wine! If you've never taken a river cruise through Europe, China, or Egypt, now is the time! River cruising really cannot be compared to the large, ocean-going ships. Those are like an all-inclusive resort, where the resort/ship itself is the reason for the vacation. A river cruise is more like an escorted tour though historical, and sometimes exotic, lands. But it's so much more relaxing and comfortable than a bus tour that changes hotels every night. You travel in your own boutique-style hotel room, sit in the lounge and watch the world go by, enjoy daily escorted tours, and never have to re-pack! I'm sure many of the cruises are booked solid, but there are bound to be a few great cruises left. Check them out!

15 Life-Changing Trips from Travel+Leisure

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:32:41 GMT

Volunteer vacations (or "voluntourism"), learning vacations, and eco-tours are among the hottest trends in the travel industry right now. Maybe it's the economy, but people with the means to travel often want to take the opportunity to give something back to the communities they visit, and bring something home in the form of newfound knowledge and understaning of another culture. You can check out some Learning Vacations by clicking on the button on the left, above ("Learn Something New"), and you can check out this slideshow from Travel+Leisure magazine. From building homes in Hawaii to exploring the culture of Vietnam, there are vibrant, stimulating experiences out there for everyone!

Time to Start Thinking Caribbean!

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:05:34 GMT

Winter has hit hard in a lot of places this year; maybe it's time to start thinking about a nice, warm island somewhere in the Caribbean! This article lists the top "green" hotels and retreats in the Caribbean. Aside from the recycled materials, solar power, and organic gardens, these places are small, quaint properties with no more than 20 or 25 guests. Some have tiny cottages on old sugar plantations, others are boutique hotels. Several are under $100 per night! They all sound absolutely charming - forgo the all-inclusive mega-resort this time, and really get away from it all!