Month: June 2020

Traveling is a delight, and yet during the current pandemic, environmental experts point out how travel bans have benefited so many destinations. For example, lots of video clips have surfaced and shown such sights as jellyfish and dolphins in the canals of Venice. The waters there have cleared because there is no traffic, and it makes many wonder about the impact on the environment when travel bans are lifted.

Can you protect the environment when you begin to travel again? The experts say you most definitely can, but it will take some effort.

Mindful Travel

While it is certain that there will be a veritable flood of cheap travel deals, even low-cost and luxurious options, you need to be mindful of the impact that a flood of tourism is likely to have on the environment. As one expert said, with “travel more accessible than ever before, mass tourism is creating problems for the world’s most popular travel destinations like Iceland and Thailand. So much so that some attractions in these countries have had to close down because of the negative impact tourists have had on the environment.”

That is just two of countless areas that are likely to feel the impact once bans have lifted. So, don’t book a handful of cheap flights or low-cost holidays. Instead, take some time now to mindfully plan a trip that uses fewer flights and requires very little ground transportation.

Just those two steps would have an immense effect if all travelers decided to do so. If you doubt that, consider the statistics. The aviation industry produces around “2% of human-induced carbon dioxide emissions and accounting for 859 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.”

You can simply travel less or always take direct flights whenever available. You can also donate funds that offset your carbon footprint. You might also donate to projects that look to lessen carbon emissions or bring renewable energy to the communities or regions you visit.

Let’s start with that first option – finding a way to fly and yet also reduce your carbon footprint.

Sustainable Airlines?

Rather than always looking for a low-cost fare, just opt to go the eco-friendliest route and fly direct. Do some research to see if you have any sustainable airlines around. These are airlines that are investing in the newest technologies such as biofuel use or electric planes (in the future). Look to see if any use methods that increase their efficiency. This may mean by carrying more passengers on any flight, eliminating weight, and using tailwinds or relying heavily on air traffic controls.

Then look for the carbon offsets. What are they? As another travel expert explained, one of the ways “air travelers can reduce the impact they have on the environment is through carbon offsetting their flights. Carbon offsets are voluntary schemes where people can pay to ‘offset’ or make up for the emissions that their flights produce.”

These sound great, but many wish they were a bit more straightforward. Some are for-profit, which makes them less appealing. Some worry because there are no standard certifications for such companies. The way it works is simple: the airplane you use to travel produces a lot of carbon dioxide. It and its fellow planes put out tons of it during every flight.

A carbon offset is simply a project that aims to reduce carbon dioxide levels by the same amount. So, your flight pours out two tons of carbon dioxide, and you invest in a carbon offset project that has the goal of removing two tons of carbon dioxide from the environment. This is done in a few ways:

  1. Forestry projects that plant scores of trees to pull the carbon dioxide from the air.
  2. Energy projects that “reduce the amount of fossil fuels used by investing in energy-efficient products or renewable technology. Often these projects have social and sustainability benefits for developing countries too.

Which should you choose? The smartest and easiest way to make the choice is simply to work with an airline that offers it. You will pay an added fee on top of your costs for the flight. Around 30% of all airlines offer a carbon offset scheme of some kind or another, and you will want to determine if your airline’s option is as valid and measurable as you would like.

Some of the top programs come from Qantas, Air Canada, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Austrian Airlines, and United Airlines. How can you tell if your airline is using a good carbon offset? Look at how the offsets are calculated (if it is mileage alone, it may not be as valid as you’d like). What are the projects funded with the monies charged? What percentage goes to the project? Is it a Gold Standard or Carbon Standard verified plan?

Gold Standard is also a good way to find a carbon offset if your airline is not currently extending offers. This is a Swiss nonprofit “founded by a group of environmental groups and NGOs including the WWF. Their projects are based in developing countries and combine reducing CO2 with sustainable development.”

Beyond Offsets

There is a noted environmental impact that comes from travel, and it goes beyond carbon dioxide emissions. There are more than 1.5 billion international tourist trips per year. Many emphasize famous cities, but many also head into the natural settings outside of urban centers.

Does this mean you should limit your travel? No, but it is best to travel mindfully. No last-minute, super deals that pour tons of carbon dioxide into the air for the round trip flight. No wasteful driving or mindless touring through natural spaces. And always look to support any local agencies that ask for voluntary entry fees. This last point is crucial. Whenever you visit a location, be sure you do more than support the accommodation provider, restaurants, and shops. Be sure you try to offset the environmental cost of your visit by making donations to organizations that support local initiatives to preserve the landscape. You want to visit beautiful spots, so be sure you do what you can to guarantee others will want to pay a visit themselves in the future.

Many of us enjoy an annual “staycation,” that sees us remaining at home and visiting lots of local restaurants and sites we might not normally enjoy. The urban resident might head to a handful of museums, a new neighborhood to find the different shops or attractions, or an array of new restaurants. The rural resident may head to natural sites, land preserves, beaches, and so on. This year, with the novel coronavirus outbreak creating a global pandemic, most vacations are likely to be staycations.

However, a recent article from Bloomberg pointed out that a lot of high-end travelers are making plans for the year’s end and (as the article noted) “yachts and private villas are in; skiing is out.”

What that subtitle says is that staycations, upgraded staycations, are now the trending way to get out and explore the world a bit, without the risks.

The Allure of Private Villa Rentals

For many decades the allure of a private villa has been undeniable. You have a private, estate-like setting from which to familiarize yourself with a popular region. The Caribbean, Tuscany, Provence, the Alps, tropical spots like Fiji or Hawaii, and many other beautiful destinations are also home to amazing luxury rentals.

Booking a private villa in a coveted locale means you get immense privacy and the ultimate form of social distancing. You enjoy a full gourmet kitchen, lots of indoor and alfresco living spaces, services as you deem necessary (or none at all), and direct access to the setting. Whether it is a beachfront villa in the Caribbean or a mountaintop retreat typically reserved for skiing holidays, the private villas are the ultimate in a home away from home and upgraded staycation.

Easily Avoid Crowds

While that same article from Bloomberg had this to say of the coming months: it is “still unclear when shuttered resorts, airports, and borders will reopen. But [jetsetters] are betting that by November or December, travel will be somewhat normal…” it also notes that savvy travelers understand that opting for a luxury accommodation, such as the private villa is a way to ensure optimal safety once they arrive at their destination.

Not only is it the most appealing way to remain isolated, but you easily avoid crowds. As a simple example, let’s say you book a villa in Turks and Caicos or on Barbados. You can find many with a private waterfront along the gorgeous sands. You may find that there are docks for boats, large gardens and grounds, lots of terraces around the pool, and an interior designed for luxury and style.

Inside a private villa, you will find everything from home cinemas and fitness centers to gourmet kitchens and immense bedroom suites that are retreats of their own.

If you have to be vigilant about exposure to groups and crowds, it is tough to beat the appeal of a large and private home of this kind – one that allows you to explore the area, but from a safe social distance.

The Hot Spots

Where are these savvy travelers booking their staycation upgrades? The range of locations is not at all surprising when you consider the time of year that travelers are preparing to visit. They include:

  • The Caribbean – While the smaller and more private islands like the Grenadines are gaining attention, many of the larger waterfront villas in St Barts, Turks & Caicos, St Martin, and Barbados are also drawing bookings.
  • Los Cabos – This Mexican luxury destination has been gaining in popularity for many years and it is anticipated to be a choice location for lots of end of the year, luxury staycations thanks to its great array of private villas.

Note that any of the locations above are going to emphasize the rural setting over a potentially crowded urban one. Additionally, resorts and cruise bookings are likely to continue to decline until the coronavirus is more under control. As the Bloomberg article also said, whether travelers are “staying in the U.S. or venturing overseas, one thing is clear: Travelers are not booking urban breaks…[opting for] spread out, wide-open spaces, privacy, and avoiding anywhere with density unless it’s brief.”

This is one reason behind a surge of interest in visiting remote spots like Iceland can be seen, but also areas like “Cabo, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the mountains—places that are removed but not too remote for American guests. The Maldives has rarely been more in demand,” say the experts.

Some resorts are allowing “buyouts,” in which a single guest or family group books an entire destination. This is the ultimate in luxurious staycations and is not to be overlooked. For example, Necker Island may not be a resort but is the private retreat belonging to Richard Branson and which may become entirely bookable before the year’s end.

While this approach is bound to bring plenty of social distance and privacy, it is also a way for extended families to spend time together during the holidays. Many families have been forced to remain apart during this period and a private villa (once social distancing guidelines are eased) is a way to all get together for a joyous gathering.

Redo 2020

Because the travel experts expect things to ease up only towards the end of 2020, it is a good idea to think of a private villa (and the many destinations where they are found) as a way to do a quick 2020 do-over. The missed graduations, birthdays, annual celebrations, and other major events get a second chance when you can enjoy them in a private retreat. A luxury villa in a gorgeous setting may be just the upgrade that everyone’s first holiday deserves once the pandemic and its travel restrictions and social distancing rules come to an end. Start to explore your options now, however, because experts say they are booking quite quickly!

For many years now, there has been a growing number of people that work remotely, known as “digital nomads.” Essentially, they are travel-savvy folks who want to see the world without worrying about income. They do so by finding key destinations that allow them to access high-speed internet, and from these locations, they will do everything from writing and editorial work to IT consulting and much more.

They use the rapid-fire expansion of technology to support their goal of living for a long time in one appealing destination after another.

Now, you can enjoy many of the same benefits when you choose to work remotely from your preferred paradise. After all, with the global pandemic forcing millions to begin working at home, it will soon be commonplace for many of them to remain in that scenario. Companies are likely to transition a lot of their 9-5 employees to remote workers as a cost-cutting and morale-boosting initiative.

Whether you fall into that category, or you simply wish to shift how you enjoy your work at home or freelance situation, you have some remarkable options.

They Work in Paradise, Too

As a simple illustration of this point, consider traveling to a coveted and tropical paradise like Barbados. It has some of the finest beaches in the entire Caribbean region, and it is populated with a large number of charming and even opulent private villas. While these villas are endowed with all of the amenities one might ever desire for the ultimate getaway (private beach, gourmet kitchen, large grounds and gardens, gated entry, home cinema, private gym, and so on), they are also ideal for remote work.

This is because many luxury rentals will feature a separate home office that includes everything from a printer and fax to phone systems ideal for conference calls. While the use of Zoom and other virtual conferencing has skyrocketed, most remote workers benefit from a classic office setup, too. With private villas, you can have the best of all worlds and enjoy the traditional desk and office machine layout, but also savor the joys of reliable, lightning-fast internet connectivity.

Here’s the best thing about working remotely in paradise – you don’t have to sit inside in the office to do it. Instead, you might head to a veranda for a few hours of work during a warm and sunny afternoon. You might lounge by (or even floating in) the pool as you type away or engage in a call. No matter what you envision when considering remote work in paradise, it is possible in a villa.

What is Needed?

When you work remotely, it would be great if all you required was a good laptop and cellphone. However, there is more to it. The experts say that “working remotely is no longer the future of work. It’s a present situation many of us are facing right now.”

They recommend that anyone who plans to work remotely (whether in paradise or their private home) has tools that include:

  • Cloud-based collaboration tool (think Slack, Workplace by Facebook, or Trello)
  • Video conferencing tools like Zoom and join.me (try to use redundant options in case of connectivity issues)
  • Methods for remote collaboration on articles, presentations, spreadsheets, and so on. This can include Google or Dropbox among scores of other options (and be sure you have online versions of Microsoft Office programs)
  • Calendar for ensuring you remain on track (many go with Google’s synced calendar)
  • Cybersecurity such as a VPN option
  • Task management software to track your time (remember, if you are in a tropical destination you may become distracted!)
  • Laptop, cellphone, USB powered hard drive, battery backup, redundant power, and charging cords
  • High-speed Internet (wireless is preferred)

With these basics in place (as well as a home office in your private villa), you should be able to easily work remotely from anywhere. Most luxury villas easily accommodate such requirements and may have office space designed to facilitate your remote work.

The Daily Grind

What can you do if you have a family that needs to be kept busy or you want your daily needs (housekeeping, meal preparation, and so on) addressed? That too is part of any stay in a luxury villa. You can choose to work remotely with a private chef or cook who makes and serves your meals. You may have a car and driver who shows you the sights and takes you to the best shops or destinations. You can have housekeeping crews tackle the laundry and general cleaning, and all while you work away at whatever professional tasks are required.

The Current Pandemic

The global pandemic that has forced so many of us to alter our daily lives to such a great (and perhaps permanent) degree has also created a lot of opportunities to think outside of the proverbial box. Though travel bans remain in place for many corners of the world, they will eventually lift. This means that millions will be heading out into the world to make up for the lost time. Travel is likely to be an area that sees a surge of interest.

However, many will remain concerned about the risks of infection, even though they desire some time in a beautiful destination. The private villa is the way to ensure that you can travel in the utmost safety and health. This is because any private will has more than just great conditions for working remotely. It will offer:

  • The ultimate in cleanliness as teams of expert housekeepers scour the villas between rentals and help keep conditions well maintained during a visit
  • The option to remain socially distant by offering a private retreat with pool, beachfront, and a long list of amenities that make for a resort-like experience
  • Premium office facilities and services that guarantee you don’t run into any technical glitches and can manage even complex work from anywhere
  • Services that can include drivers, chefs, and housekeeping teams that uphold your need for space while also supplying safe solutions

So, can you start to work remotely from a tropical paradise or other blissful destination? Absolutely, and if you are hoping to become a digital nomad yourself, you will want to explore the options now since so many of us are officially remote workers for the coming months or years.

How to Ease Your Concerns by Booking a Private Villa

Although it has started to feel as if the current pandemic will never end, the simple truth is that all viruses have a lifecycle and will eventually fade away. We will come to understand how the virus operates and figure out the best ways to suppress it and allow the public to enjoy good health at all times. This takes a bit of time, though, and while you wait for travel bans to be lifted, it is a good idea to consider your best options.

One of the options seems to be rising to the forefront even now: private villas.

The Benefits of Private Villas

A private villa is not just a bungalow in a resort, though this is one way in which you find them. They are often opulent, private homes with truly coveted locations in some of the world’s finest destinations. The white and flawless sands of a beach on Barbados or in the Maldives, for example, may be home to a luxury villa. A gorgeous jungle in Costa Rica or a vineyard in Tuscany may also be home to a villa.

So, the setting of most luxury rentals is part of the appeal and one of the key benefits. This is particularly true for anyone eager to travel post-COVID 19 but who might also be worried about their health and safety. After all, a villa will guarantee cleanliness and allow the ultimate in social distancing, while keeping a traveler close to the resources needed for a great getaway.

Just consider these major benefits of booking a private villa:

  • Private access to isolated beaches and landscapes – You don’t have to expose yourself to the crowds likely to gather at the beaches once the social distancing guidelines end. With private villas, you often have your own, private beachfront, as well as a pool, gardens and grounds, and more. Regardless of the major natural attractions of a destination, most private villas have their own, private option.
  • Ultimate cleanliness – Imagine having your home cleaned from top to bottom by a team of thoroughly trained experts. Imagine they are more familiar with the different corners and spaces than you. Now, imagine that they are aware of the challenges of coronavirus and just how to ensure the ultimate in sanitizing. This is the sort of cleaning done in private villas, and it ensures that everyone who visits enjoys far more than tidy spaces and clean surfaces.
  • Work and play are possible – Another of the easily overlooked benefits of private villas is that they ensure you can social distance in total ease and comfort, and you can also opt to work remotely from such a coveted setting. This is because the best private villas feature high-speed Internet and may even have home offices with basic gear (fax, copier, printer, etc.) in place to support remote work, but in a heavenly setting.
  • Private amenities – A private villa features amenities that are open to you and your group alone. That means the alfresco living spaces, the swimming pool, the fitness center, the gourmet kitchen, the gardens…they are yours alone and you are in full control of your surroundings.
  • Services, but only as needed or desired – While you may be hoping to uphold as much social distancing as possible (even when travel bans and social distancing guidelines end), you might also want to enjoy a few luxurious services during your first holiday post-quarantine. The best luxury villas will offer services from only the most carefully screened and well-trained experts available. This can include such savvy choices as having a private chef prepare your meals. This allows you to skip the risks of restaurant dining and still enjoy the best dishes native to the area or using the region’s best ingredients. The same goes for options in spa-like services. You may want a massage, pedicure, or other health and beauty treatment, but the idea of heading to a regular spa may not appeal. Why not book the services in the villa? Many have BOTH the spa room and facilities on the premises as well as teams of experts who can provide safe treatments in them.
  • Safety and security – A private home in a luxurious neighborhood is also likely to have some of the highest security options imaginable. From gated communities with private security teams to house managers who ensure the utmost in safety, a private villa is difficult to match in terms of its occupants’ comfort and security. There is also the other side of safety and security and that is that the private villa is likely to be one of the cleanest, most private, and comfortable ways to uphold social distancing (even if it is eased).

Travel in the Post-COVID 19 Era

This is one of the most challenging times we have faced around the globe. Even though most of us are told to simply stay home, use gloves and masks accordingly, and practice social distancing, it is a very trying period. Most of us are eager to begin living life “normally” again, but that will prove a bit difficult.

Many of us will worry about the virus even after the proverbial “all clear” is issued. We may struggle to be around crowds and to do a lot of the things we once thought of as safe and secure (like a holiday in a resort area or populated destination). A major benefit of the private villa is that it brings to you all of the amenities, comforts, and luxuries of full-blown travel, but houses it more safely and securely. You can head to the beach – your private beach. You can enjoy a drive around to scenic spots and then savor a gourmet meal, only it can be prepared safely by your chef. You can take swim after swim in the pool – your private pool, and spend hours in the many upscale lounges around the home.

Don’t let worries during the post-coronavirus period prevent you from traveling. If you are looking for a way to re-enter the world of travel, the private villa is difficult to match.

No one can travel easily these days, and that is particularly true if you are looking for some leisure travel. Even the most frequent travelers are not making any sorts of plans except for the year’s end. They are looking at places where there are few crowds, lots of sunlight, and plenty of private villas from which to choose. In other words, they are looking at the tropics, and particularly the Caribbean region.

For many decades the Caribbean has been a spot for retreating from the winter weather or enjoying the tropical conditions. Now, with the global pandemic, it may also be one of the safest spots to visit once the social distancing and quarantine restrictions are lifted.

Why? There are three reasons that experts suggest the Caribbean as the ideal year’s end or winter sanctuary:

  1. The COVID 19 virus (the coronavirus) dies quickly when exposed to UV or ultraviolet light.
  2. Respiratory virus transmissibility is decreased in hot and humid conditions. For instance, many are unaware that the influenza virus is durable enough to exist outside of a host for almost an entire day. However, this is only if it is in a cold, dry climate. In a hot and humid setting, it can exist, at best, for an hour!
  3. Sun exposure causes your body to produce vitamin D, and there are profound health benefits to be enjoyed from this synthesizing process – especially if you are worried about COVID 19.

Let’s look at that first point – the issue of UV light.

Coronavirus and UV Rays

A recent article from NBC news noted that researchers have been working non-stop to figure out how the coronavirus that leads to COVID 19 operates. Their findings are fascinating and include the simple fact that disinfectants are effective, but that UV “rays from the sun may have a powerful effect on the virus.”

The lead scientist on the team in the Homeland Defense research group said that “sunlight seems to be very detrimental to the virus…And so within minutes, the majority of the virus is inactivated on surfaces and in the air in direct sunlight.” This may provide scientists and health agencies with the means of erasing it from some of the most readily contaminated, public surfaces, including shopping carts, children’s playground equipment, and outdoor furniture.

Another finding is that “higher temperatures and humidity may also help kill the virus and reduce its transmission.”

The research team replicated conditions from a variety of settings around the globe and found that the virus had very low survivability in tropical conditions. They also learned that “common disinfectants found in the home such as isopropyl alcohol and bleach can in some cases destroy the virus within seconds.”

So, experts have already proven the point that COVID 19 is not well-suited to the Caribbean region with its seemingly endless sunlight and its typically warm and humid conditions. This makes it less likely to spread as aggressively or remain active in the entire region, even if there are still active zones in other areas of the globe.

Then there is the scientific evidence that vitamin D “levels appear to play a role in COVID-19 mortality rates.” A Science Daily report from Northwestern University says that “Researchers analyzed patient data from 10 countries. The team found a correlation between low vitamin D levels and hyperactive immune systems. Vitamin D strengthens innate immunity and prevents overactive immune responses. The finding could explain several mysteries, including why children are unlikely to die from COVID-19.”

What they have discovered is that an event in the human body known as a cytokine storm takes place in COVID 19 patients. If they are also vitamin D deficient, they can suffer “acute respiratory distress syndrome and death…[and] this s what seems to kill a majority of COVID-19 patients, not the destruction of the lungs by the virus itself. It is the complications from the misdirected fire from the immune system,” as that report indicates.

Vitamin D, however, boosts our immune systems and prevents them from going into an overactive state that would trigger that cytokine storm. Simply testing vitamin D levels and ensuring healthy and adequate amounts are present can reduce risks.

As noted, though, no one should consume excess quantities of vitamin D supplements as this can bring negative side effects. The best method is to enjoy at least an hour of sunlight daily, and consume a diet high in vitamins and minerals (including vitamin D).

The Caribbean Calls

These findings are encouraging and show we are not all that far from finding ways to reign in a bit of control over COVID 19. Until then, travel bans remain in place, and global health organizations continue to research and track the virus.

Right now, you can start to bring yourself a bit of mental relief by looking to the winter season and a visit to the Caribbean region. You will be glad to know that you do not have to leap back into traditional travel, however, and all of the crowds that winter seasons at the beach bring.

Instead, you can book a private villa in the Caribbean. As an example, islands like Barbados, St Barts, and the Turks and Caicos all have gorgeous luxury rentals. They will provide you with the added benefits of private beachfronts that allow you to maintain your comfort zone and some social distancing. They typically have pools and hot tubs, teams of expert housekeepers who know how to sanitize every surface and space, amenities like private gyms and home cinemas, and you can even book a chef to prepare your meals if you want to skip the restaurants.

Imagine yourself soaking up the sun (and generating all of that useful vitamin D), sitting in a hot and humid spot that is not friendly to a virus but more than friendly to you, and savoring amazing scenery. This is what you can enjoy this winter, and we highly recommend the Caribbean as your upcoming seasonal sanctuary!

When thinking about any lists of the best hotels in the world, it is fair to assume they are a bit subjective. As an example, you need only ask what makes a hotel the “best hotel” to the person asked to find out if it meets your criteria, too. Is it all about luxury hotels, is it all about the most highly ranked hotels in any list of top hotels in the world? Maybe it is about the food or the views?

We turned to the diverse group of experts at Travel + Leisure for their recommendations. We looked at the hotel list that was the Travel and Leisure best hotels for 2019 as well as other lists of the best luxury hotels in the world to come up with our own recommendations.

Criteria Counts

We did not focus on just one element when looking for the best hotels in the world. For example, we didn’t just point to one hotel or accommodation in Turks & Caicos or Barbados because it was on a glorious beach. We didn’t recommend a spot on St Barts because it was home to a world-class restaurant and views. Instead we considered:

  • Amazing locations
  • Great views
  • Premium amenities
  • Top rated food
  • Excellent service
  • Beautiful design

Each of the properties appearing in this list of the best hotels in the world will have those features in common, plus many are in areas where there are additional accommodations, such as luxury villas and private properties available. By being situated close to fellow luxury properties, a great hotel proves it is in the right place and attractive to the right crowd of like-minded travelers.

Asia

The experts agree that Asia has some of the best hotels in the world, with some of the very finest located in Thailand and Bali. The most commonly recommended among the Thai-based hotels are Six Senses Samui, Koh Samui; Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Chiang Rai; and the Anantara Hua Hin Resort, and Anantara Hua Hin Resort, both in the Hua Hin. Three of the four properties are waterfront gems, and the Chiang Rai is a jungle property that boasts luxury as well as rustic beauty and the joy of an elephant sanctuary on the premises.

It is important to remember that the entire Phuket area is also ranked as one of the best destinations for its beauty and its fabulous beaches, accommodations, and culture.

Oceania

In nearby Oceania, French Polynesia is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels – many sitting on the water or built on platforms extending out from the landscape. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is a classic example, with land-based as well as over the water options. The Tetiaroa area is ultra-luxurious and a separate island with a bay all its own.

Italy

Italy stands second for its many amazing locations, as well as being home to many of the best hotels in the world. Start with some of the most amazing properties of the Tuscany region (including the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Montalcino), as well as an array along the stunning Amalfi Coast (including the Borgo Egnazia in lovely Svaelletri Di Fasano, the Palazzo Avino in Ravello), and the hotels of the lake region (including the Grand Hotel Serbelloni in Lake Como). Art and history lovers will appreciate J.K. Place in Firenze.

There is also the stunning Umbrian region and the eternally lovely island that is Sardinia, and each area offers unique scenery, year-round good weather, amazing food, culture, and an endless array of activities.

Greece

The Greek Islands still rank highly as home to amazing hotels, including several in stunning Santorini (including the Katikies Hotel, the Grace Hotel, and the Canaves Oil Epitome). Mykonos is also a wildly popular destination in Europe.

Caribbean

Then move on to some of the best hotels in the world found in the Caribbean region. For example, a property that consistently ranks as the nicest hotel in the world is Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay, Jamaica. There is also Tensing Pen in Negril, and an array of luxury villas that have all of the same options as first-rate hotels, but with the added luxury of total privacy.

The island of St Lucia is also noted for some of the best hotels, and Jade Mountain consistently ranks at the top of many lists. The lesser-known island of Antigua is home to Curtain Bluff, while Anguilla is home to the famed Frangipani Beach Resort. The Shore Club of Turks & Caicos is a beachfront marvel, and the entire Platinum Coast of Barbados is noted for its amazing hotels.

Mexico

Mexico is also home to some of the top hotels, including Montage Los Cabos and the Resort at Pedregal both in Cabo San Lucas, the Viceroy Riviera Maya and the Rosewood Mayakoba both in Playa del Carmen, the Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort in San José del Cabo.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is continually rising in the lists of luxury destinations and is home to sites like the Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas in Guanacaste, Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection in Pérez Zeledón, the Lapa Rios Lodge on the Osa Peninsula and the Nayara Gardens in Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica. Though properties are found on both coastal areas of this Central American country, some of the must opulent are along the Western Pacific coast.

Hawaii

And if the Pacific appeals to you, Hawaii is always an eternally attractive spot that promises top-rated hotels on each island. Fans of Maui will find the Hotel Wailea to be one of the most appealing for its amazing scenery and opulent grounds, but it is matched by the Montage Kapalua Bay on the same island.

Don’t ignore the option for luxury villas in all of these locations. They can be found with full staff (including chefs and butlers) and offer many amenities in addition to their amazing locations. Whether it is a beachfront getaway or a stay in a world-famous region, there are luxury rentals that rank as highly as the many hotels listed here.

The question posed in the title above may seem rhetorical to many, since the weather throughout the Caribbean region makes it a good destination at almost any time. Yet, while it’s amazing scenery, warm temperatures, and many amenities make any time the best time to visit the Caribbean, there are things to consider.

For example, if you are wondering when might be the best time to travel to the Caribbean, you would have to ask yourself (and your traveling companions) such questions as:

  • What sort of weather do we prefer?
  • What is the budget?
  • What are our interests?
  • Which island(s) seems the most appealing?

Let’s start with the weather in order to help anyone recognize which season is the best time to visit the Caribbean for their preferences.

The Weather

While many parts of the world experience dramatic shifts in the weather from season to season, the entire Caribbean region is fairly static. Temperature variations range from the low 80s to the low 90s, and it is safe to say that the area is usually comfortably warm, and rarely too hot or too cold.

The best time of year to go to the Caribbean really is just about the kind of weather you prefer. As an example, if you want warm and dry weather, you will want to pay a visit during the traditional winter season in the northern hemisphere (meaning from December through May). However, if you are someone who likes things a bit hotter and perhaps a bit more humid, the best time to visit the Caribbean would be the summer season from May through September.

Does the Caribbean experience a lot of rain? The summer months have some rain, which is why the islands are all so lush and tropical, but it is usually the tropical storm season that occurs in the June through November when travelers see the highest probability for rain.

In general, the weather in the Caribbean is not divided into four seasons (spring, summer, winter, and fall). Instead it is divided into two main types – high and low. The high season is also known as the peak and is the best time of year to visit the Caribbean if you want flawless weather.

Keep in mind, though, that peak season is a more crowded time. This is when many travelers are trying to escape the wintery cold in the northern climate and may even plan seasonal holidays like Christmas or Easter in the Caribbean.

The low season is, as noted, when there is a risk for tropical storms, but it is also when the weather is a bit hotter and more humid. This keeps a lot of crowds away, and for those who want the beaches to themselves or a quieter time while visiting the region, it is going to be the best time to visit the Caribbean.

Your Budget

As you might surmise, the low season (and the shoulder seasons that occur around the beginning and end of peak season) are also when you can find better pricing on everything from luxury rentals to flights and ground transportation. If you are facing a limited budget and want the most luxurious experience, the best time to visit the Caribbean would be the off season.

If you are not too concerned with the budget, the peak season is ideal. Just remember that you may have to plan well ahead if you intend to visit some of the top or finest restaurants as the entire region is developing a reputation for excellent cuisine. This means that many travelers visit to dine at resort and five-star establishments, and often during the best weather.

A private villa is often the way to go, whether paying a visit to the opulent Platinum Coast of Barbados, the charming harbor towns of cosmopolitan St Barts, or the diverse geographic regions that define Turks & Caicos. This will let you make the most of your travel dollars and find properties with all of the same amenities as resorts, including private chefs, and waterfront settings, but with immense privacy.

Your Interests

The best time to go to the Caribbean also depends upon your interests and activities. If you are a fan of sailing, for example, you will want to consider heading to the Caribbean in the period running March through May as that is when all of the regattas occur. If Carnival is something of interest, the best time to visit the Caribbean islands during the specific times for each island’s celebrations. As an example, Turks & Caicos celebrates in December and January, while Barbados has its famous Crop Over in August.

So, consider the events and activities you have in mind, including special events, and book to align with those major celebrations.

Is October a Good Time to Go to the Caribbean?

If you are interested in several different islands, it can help to narrow things down by choosing to pay a visit in October. Why? Experts would say that the Caribbean weather in October is still very warm, and punctuated by short and sporadic rain showers or overnight storms. The good news is that there are rarely fully rainy days in the Caribbean, and the season is not so far along that days are shorter.

The Caribbean in October is also at its most affordable. Resorts will have far fewer visitors, beaches will be less crowded, and the likelihood of storms disrupting travel plans is minimal at best.

So, to give a full answer to the question of “when is the best time to go to the Caribbean,” it would have to be “almost any time.” Do the research to figure out which islands have the best opportunities for the activities of interest to you, find out when there are any special events, run your budget, and take the time to think about your preferred weather.

The Caribbean has long been a spot where travelers retreat from the lousy weather at home, and that is true whether it is January, May, September, or any other time of the year.