Take advantage of a post-hurricaine vacation special? (1 Viewer)

[Dentist]

I've got some time off in late October, the wife and I were looking for something fun to do,  and after doing a little research it's looking like there's some pretty sick post-hurricaine travel specials to Turks and Caicos.. a favorite that I've been to before.

Having done the research.. it looks like in the main travel areas that the hotels are active and up and going.

I fully assume the residential areas of the island might be in a bit of disrepair.. and there might be some construction noise.. but it also might be really dead which is nice and relaxing

Would you take a deal and go somewhere like this, or do you think the 25-30% discount just isn't worth it?

 

[Hilts]

 

[Dentist]

so you'd pass?

 

[Angry Beavers]

Why not?  I was thinking of doing the same thing. It can only help the local economy there as well!

 

[El Floppo]

You should absolutely do it. These countries are in desperate need of their primary resource- tourism. Just be aware that everything will be a mess... hopefully not the beach in front of your spot... and a lot will still be closed and out of commission.

I'd be down there in a heartbeat if I had the time and funds

 

[sbonomo]

I've got some time off in late October, the wife and I were looking for something fun to do,  and after doing a little research it's looking like there's some pretty sick post-hurricaine travel specials to Turks and Caicos.. a favorite that I've been to before.

Having done the research.. it looks like in the main travel areas that the hotels are active and up and going.

I fully assume the residential areas of the island might be in a bit of disrepair.. and there might be some construction noise.. but it also might be really dead which is nice and relaxing

Would you take a deal and go somewhere like this, or do you think the 25-30% discount just isn't worth it?

I actually thought this was going to be an extremely cheap move but as another poster put it, the tourism $$ need to come back or these countries are going to be ruined.  Let me know how the research goes, i was planning on Costa Rica in December but this may be a good idea as well. 

 

[mr. furley]

mother of god Jet Blue has r/t tix from Chicago to Providenciales for $321

 

[TheFanatic]

It's a win win. If I had the time, I'd jump on it but we moved to a one income household in May and the side hustle is rapidly taking over the main hustle in terms of required time. The good news is, it is also doing the same with the earned income so I'll be there soon to help out those economies!

 

[El Floppo]

mother of god Jet Blue has r/t tix from Chicago to Providenciales for $321

checking for St Marten now...

Anguilla ferry terminal got destroyed, so not sure how we'd get there from St Marten... but there has to be a way. We're on a couple local blogs there- and the desperation for the tourist dollar is massive as they head into prime season in early Dec. some hotels have already said they're not open until next summer, which leaves all of these locals who work there in dire straights as they try to not just exist, but reconstruct their homes and lives that got blown away in Irma.

 

[TheFanatic]

checking for St Marten now...

Anguilla ferry terminal got destroyed, so not sure how we'd get there from St Marten... but there has to be a way. We're on a couple local blogs there- and the desperation for the tourist dollar is massive as they head into prime season in early Dec. some hotels have already said they're not open until next summer, which leaves all of these locals who work there in dire straights as they try to not just exist, but reconstruct their homes and lives that got blown away in Irma.

For this reason alone. The fact that you get a discount to go relax in paradise is just a bonus. 

 

[El Floppo]

mother of god Jet Blue has r/t tix from Chicago to Providenciales for $321

checking for St Marten now...

Anguilla ferry terminal got destroyed, so not sure how we'd get there from St Marten... but there has to be a way. We're on a couple local blogs there- and the desperation for the tourist dollar is massive as they head into prime season in early Dec. some hotels have already said they're not open until next summer, which leaves all of these locals who work there in dire straights as they try to not just exist, but reconstruct their homes and lives that got blown away in Irma.

3,400 for the four of us... on the dates when we can go.  

 

[Dentist]

Why not?  I was thinking of doing the same thing. It can only help the local economy there as well!

It would help their economy.   Though my intentions are not altruistic in any way.   Honestly if I didn't think the island was going to be up to snuff in terms of the hotel and pool being nice, the ocean being it's traditional calm and warm, and the food good, I wouldn't go regardless of the discount.

There were concerns of safety that crossed me mind..  would people out of their homes be more likely to harass tourists?  

I wondered if there would be just crazy amounts of mosquitos which are known to proliferate post hurricaines

 

[skycriesmary]

I'm looking for vacation options too, for the last couple weeks of December. Sky high in most places for all the vacation travelers, this could be a good option, although not sure the gf will be down. Morocco also looks interesting, but not digging the 22 hour flight.

 

[Dentist]

checking for St Marten now...

Anguilla ferry terminal got destroyed, so not sure how we'd get there from St Marten... but there has to be a way. We're on a couple local blogs there- and the desperation for the tourist dollar is massive as they head into prime season in early Dec. some hotels have already said they're not open until next summer, which leaves all of these locals who work there in dire straights as they try to not just exist, but reconstruct their homes and lives that got blown away in Irma.

i don't think i'd goto st. marten.. that place really got crushed..  same with Anguilla, Dominica, and sadly of course Puerto Rico.

Turks got hit.. but the main island of Provo didn't get blasted as much as the surrounding islands like Grand Turk where the cruise ships go.. or some of the smaller ones

 

[EYLive]

I'm glad you started this topic.
My family has a Caribbean cruise scheduled for mid December and we were concerned whether we should/could go due to the damage to Puerto Rico. Now, I think if the infrastructure is functional and the local businesses want us there, then we won't hesitate the proceed with the trip.

 

[Dentist]

I'm looking for vacation options too, for the last couple weeks of December. Sky high in most places for all the vacation travelers, this could be a good option, although not sure the gf will be down. Morocco also looks interesting, but not digging the 22 hour flight.

i think by Christmas time everything is going to be fine.

I think the hot deals are between now and probably thanksgiving

 

[El Floppo]

It would help their economy.   Though my intentions are not altruistic in any way.   Honestly if I didn't think the island was going to be up to snuff in terms of the hotel and pool being nice, the ocean being it's traditional calm and warm, and the food good, I wouldn't go regardless of the discount.

There were concerns of safety that crossed me mind..  would people out of their homes be more likely to harass tourists?  

I wondered if there would be just crazy amounts of mosquitos which are known to proliferate post hurricaines

it's a month+ post storms... unless something else hits there, I wouldn't worry about mosquitoes. but it's not likely it's going to be all normal ... IMO you shoudln't be expecting that. but worth reaching out to the hotel in question and finding out how they're doing- beachfront, pool, etc- and how some of your favorite restaurants are doing.

I think we've been through this before, but I found the food there uniformly bad in my two trips (c. 2001&2), so restaurant choices wouldn't be driving my own decisions. for me- if the hotel was up and running, clean with showers available at my choosing (not having to ration or only take them at required times) with the beach in front rid of post-storm detritus, I'd be perfectly content even if there's clear destruction elsewhere on the beach or island.

 

[Dentist]

I'm glad you started this topic.
My family has a Caribbean cruise scheduled for mid December and we were concerned whether we should/could go due to the damage to Puerto Rico. Now, I think if the infrastructure is functional and the local businesses want us there, then we won't hesitate the proceed with the trip.

where does your cruise go?

I bet Puerto Rico is eff'd for months.. well into '18

 

[El Floppo]

i don't think i'd goto st. marten.. that place really got crushed..  same with Anguilla, Dominica, and sadly of course Puerto Rico.

Turks got hit.. but the main island of Provo didn't get blasted as much as the surrounding islands like Grand Turk where the cruise ships go.. or some of the smaller ones

been to Anguilla 12-15 times... got married there. it's our home away from home when we travel- have a genuine love and appreciation for the place and people. if I could somehow make it there, regardless of staying at one of our usual spots, I'd do it in a heartbeat. the blog & FB reports are heart-breaking.. and will only get worse for these people.

eta: we don't stay in SM- only fly in and get to Anguilla directly via boat/ferry. but anguilla's ferry terminal is out of commision, so not sure how we'd get over.

 

[Dentist]

it's a month+ post storms... unless something else hits there, I wouldn't worry about mosquitoes. but it's not likely it's going to be all normal ... IMO you shoudln't be expecting that. but worth reaching out to the hotel in question and finding out how they're doing- beachfront, pool, etc- and how some of your favorite restaurants are doing.

I think we've been through this before, but I found the food there uniformly bad in my two trips (c. 2001&2), so restaurant choices wouldn't be driving my own decisions. for me- if the hotel was up and running, clean with showers available at my choosing (not having to ration or only take them at required times) with the beach in front rid of post-storm detritus, I'd be perfectly content even if there's clear destruction elsewhere on the beach or island.

I didn't even think of water rationing..  thanks for the heads up.

I think the food in Turks is a weak point compared to other islands..  though allegedly it has improved as tourism has increased and more good chefs have gone there. 

But the hotel has shown pictures of the beach and it looks fantastic.  The tourism department in T&C has done a wonderful job of hiring professional photographers and drone photographers to show that it still looks nice to keep people from cancelling trips

 

[Hilts]

so you'd pass?

I'd probably go somewhere else for cheaper, but if you really like that place I'd definitely go. 

This is just the most dentist thing you could do and I found it amusing. 

 

[Dentist]

I'd probably go somewhere else for cheaper, but if you really like that place I'd definitely go. 

This is just the most dentist thing you could do and I found it amusing. 

I aim to please.    Also I really dislike everything about Mexico

 

[El Floppo]

i think by Christmas time everything is going to be fine.

I think the hot deals are between now and probably thanksgiving

apparently not thanksgiving, based on my own search. 

 

[El Floppo]

I didn't even think of water rationing..  thanks for the heads up.

I think the food in Turks is a weak point compared to other islands..  though allegedly it has improved as tourism has increased and more good chefs have gone there. 

But the hotel has shown pictures of the beach and it looks fantastic.  The tourism department in T&C has done a wonderful job of hiring professional photographers and drone photographers to show that it still looks nice to keep people from cancelling trips

that's good news about the beaches and PR effort. sounds like their airport didn't take the hit other islands did, which is really screwing the recovery process elsewhere.

british royal navy have been taking care of anguilla, but it's a slog getting power up, water going, etc. 

 

[Hilts]

I aim to please.    Also I really dislike everything about Mexico

I've never been and don't have any interest. I was thinking Philippines or southeast Asia area. They have regularly cheap flights and your money lasts forever. 

 

[Dentist]

I've never been and don't have any interest. I was thinking Philippines or southeast Asia area. They have regularly cheap flights and your money lasts forever. 

Those are nice places.

I already dislike flying so the quick 2 flight trip to Provo is appealing..   those other places you mention?   I'm sure they rock but eff that.

Just like Maldives and Bora bora look hella awesome on instagram.. but that flight...  YIKES

 

[DA RAIDERS]

not sure about T &C but st john is a ####### wasteland.  not a leaf on a tree.  no power.  no water.  no internet.  curfew from 6pm to 12 pm.  they may not have power until february.  it is really bad down there.

 

[belljr]

I'm glad you started this topic.
My family has a Caribbean cruise scheduled for mid December and we were concerned whether we should/could go due to the damage to Puerto Rico. Now, I think if the infrastructure is functional and the local businesses want us there, then we won't hesitate the proceed with the trip.

No way you're sailing out of San Juan .... just my opinion.

This subject is too close for me to not feel the thread is distasteful, honestly, but I know that' not the intent....

 

[EYLive]

where does your cruise go?

I bet Puerto Rico is eff'd for months.. well into '18

Start in San Juan - St. Thomas - Basseterre - St. John - St. Lucia - Bridgetown.

Is there a site that tracks the recovery (utilities, roads, ports, water etc) of the islands?

 

[El Floppo]

No way you're sailing out of San Juan .... just my opinion.

This subject is too close for me to not feel the thread is distasteful, honestly, but I know that' not the intent....

I know what you're saying, gb.

the day Irma hit anguilla, I was looking everywhere for updates- only thing I found (our usual FB and blogs were silent for a couple days) was a thread on trip-advisor with somebody saying that they had booked a trip in Nov and what it might mean for them. I was ####### furious- the day the hurricane hit, when nobody had heard a word about fatalities (there was at least one) or anything at all about the shape of the island (devastated) this person was worried about their vacation in November. now... I get the concern, and I get wanting to ask the question (well... not really on THAT ####### day and not a week later)- but they didn't qualify anything or even add a "I hope the island and it's people are ok, but...".

at this point, with everything I'm hearing from down there- I think it's ok and not distateful (too much) to be looking into this. 

 

[El Floppo]

Start in San Juan - St. Thomas - Basseterre - St. John - St. Lucia - Bridgetown.

Is there a site that tracks the recovery (utilities, roads, ports, water etc) of the islands?

those first spots are ####ed. but on a cruise... you won't have to worry about where you're staying and can move on every day. everything plantwise has been wiped out- but you should still be able to off-load onto those islands by then and hopefully see some things and spend some dollars.

st lucia and barbados (that bridgetown?) were untouched.

 

[need2know]

This is a great idea

 

[EYLive]

those first spots are ####ed. but on a cruise... you won't have to worry about where you're staying and can move on every day. everything plantwise has been wiped out- but you should still be able to off-load onto those islands by then and hopefully see some things and spend some dollars.

st lucia and barbados (that bridgetown?) were untouched.

I've been to PR and St. Thomas so it's no big deal if we don't make those stops. Although the beaches should be OK, right? All I really wanna do is snorkel. It's the other 4  I really want to visit. 
It's hard to not feel like a selfish jerk when people's homes and livelihood are endangered...

 

[Dentist]

No way you're sailing out of San Juan .... just my opinion.

This subject is too close for me to not feel the thread is distasteful, honestly, but I know that' not the intent....

oh man, i didn't mean to be distasteful.. that totally wasn't my angle.

Sorry it sounded like that..   more just looking to travel and wondering outloud if the discounted price of the vacation justified the suboptimal conditions.

I'll tell you this, if I do go i'll be taking an extra suitcase of supplies to donate and would definitely tip generously.

 

[El Floppo]

I've been to PR and St. Thomas so it's no big deal if we don't make those stops. Although the beaches should be OK, right? All I really wanna do is snorkel. It's the other 4  I really want to visit. 
It's hard to not feel like a selfish jerk when people's homes and livelihood are endangered...

I'd assume tourist beaches will be cleaned up by then... whether the roads are in place to get to them from the cruise port is another question.

I dunno about what happened to the waterlife and reefs... good question.

I hear you about the last bit. hard to imagine going and enjoying yourself when you know the people down there are in trouble... but again, from everything I'm seeing regarding Anguilla specifically (which I'm rightly or wrongly using to associate wiht the rest of the islands)- they really want you/us to visit and spend our money. 

 

[AAABatteries]

oh man, i didn't mean to be distasteful.. that totally wasn't my angle.

Sorry it sounded like that..   more just looking to travel and wondering outloud if the discounted price of the vacation justified the suboptimal conditions.

I'll tell you this, if I do go i'll be taking an extra suitcase of supplies to donate and would definitely tip generously.

They are running a 2-for-1 Cleveland San Juan Steamer special down there from what I've heard.  Congrats!

 

[belljr]

No way you're sailing out of San Juan .... just my opinion.

This subject is too close for me to not feel the thread is distasteful, honestly, but I know that' not the intent....

oh man, i didn't mean to be distasteful.. that totally wasn't my angle.

Sorry it sounded like that..   more just looking to travel and wondering outloud if the discounted price of the vacation justified the suboptimal conditions.

I'll tell you this, if I do go i'll be taking an extra suitcase of supplies to donate and would definitely tip generously.

Trust me - logically I totally understand and am fine.

Emotionally - it's still a tad soon, for me.   

So I know the intent and it is definitely more me than you guys....

Still rough sledding with no power and no way off too soon ....  

 

[mr. furley]

3,400 for the four of us... on the dates when we can go.  

switch places with me! you can go for 1300 and i can crash at your place  

 

[El Floppo]

fwiw... just had this pop up- group deal in DR

 

[fantasycurse42]

https://vacations.jetblue.com/apps/shopping/?search=true#/search-results/hotels/17334d50k1jgidzlhxv/1

$30k for the week between Christmas and New Years, not really seeing the savings

 

[TheFanatic]

fwiw... just had this pop up- group deal in DR

 

[fantasycurse42]

I just searched a week in January too, not seeing any savings... Almost looks like the price is up in Turks and Caicos.

 

[jamny]

We're monitoring the Four Seasons in Anguilla. They are planning to reopen in the first quarter 2018, right about the time for our May vacation.

Hoping to get a good deal.

 

[El Floppo]

We're monitoring the Four Seasons in Anguilla. They are planning to reopen in the first quarter 2018, right about the time for our May vacation.

Hoping to get a good deal.

fwiw, IMO you can do better than that place- even though it's swanky nice... depending on what you're looking for. feel like it turns its back on the island a bit, and I'm not a big fan of either stretch of beach it's attached to.

 

[jamny]

fwiw, IMO you can do better than that place- even though it's swanky nice... depending on what you're looking for. feel like it turns its back on the island a bit, and I'm not a big fan of either stretch of beach it's attached to.

Interesting. What do you mean by the bolded?

 

[IC FBGCav]

I am sure there will be plenty of dumps lying around with no water, so win win.

 

[El Floppo]

Interesting. What do you mean by the bolded?

When it was built as the Viceroy, they brought an outsider construction team in (Indian, Bangladeshi). When they opened, outside management and work teams. It sits up on a promontory rather than on the beach and feels like it has next to nothing to do with the island. Reminds me of those AIs in the Riviera Maya that you drive by but never see. Could be totally wrong, but do they even have pool?

That said, the design is really nice and it's super luxurious... but iirc, so it's the price tag.

 

[jamny]

When it was built as the Viceroy, they brought an outsider construction team in (Indian, Bangladeshi). When they opened, outside management and work teams. It sits up on a promontory rather than on the beach and feels like it has next to nothing to do with the island. Reminds me of those AIs in the Riviera Maya that you drive by but never see. Could be totally wrong, but do they even have pool?

That said, the design is really nice and it's super luxurious... but iirc, so it's the price tag.

Ah, got it ...thx.

Yeah they have a couple of pools and plunge pools in some suites. We're usually a little leery of FS when they take over a property. They don't usually put the attention to details in their renovations compared to a new construction. Oahu for example. Still very nice but questionable for the price tag. A good deal could convince us. Also looking at their new property in Miami at the Surf Club. We usually stay at the one in Brickell when we go but they have no beach, although they have a great pool.

 

[fantasycurse42]

FWIW, I've been searching for the last 5 days and don't see any of these "post hurricane specials" I'm hearing about. 

Honestly, prices almost look like they have gone up

If they want me to pay the same or even more, when I know their infrastructure is damaged and some things might not meet my standards, they are sadly overestimating demand, IMO.

 

[culdeus]

FWIW, I've been searching for the last 5 days and don't see any of these "post hurricane specials" I'm hearing about. 

Honestly, prices almost look like they have gone up

If they want me to pay the same or even more, when I know their infrastructure is damaged and some things might not meet my standards, they are sadly overestimating demand, IMO.

They could be in the "Make it worth our while to serve you" mindset. They may have limited staffing and limited resources to get food and other items so need to stay in a occupancy constrained mindset, and raising prices can help.