Going car free in the South, Plus Deals in the Caribbean
Hi Arthur and Pauline,
I'm wondering if it's possible to really see Savannah and Charleston in 3 or 4 days without a car. I haven't driven in a few years and my friend doesn't like to drive in unfamiliar territory. We'll be traveling from New York. I know that it's easy to get around Savannah without a car, but am not sure about Charleston and getting from one place to the other. Also, do you have any favorite hotels in the area? Thanks in advance for your reply. I really love your show!
Best,
Annette Claudine
Dear Annette,
Have no worries about being carless in either city. In fact, both have easily walkable, historic cores that are best explored WITHOUT a car (unless you enjoy spending your vacations searching for parking places). As for suggestions on a hotel: if you go to www.frommers.com and key in the word Charleston, you'll pull up the chapter on hotels from that guidebook, absolutely free. Our author is an expert in Charleston so you'll find a wide assortment of recommended hotels of all styles and price ranges.
Have a wonderful trip!
Cordially,
Pauline
Dear Arthur and Pauline,
Please offer a few suggestions for travel deals to the Caribbean during March for two adults for one week, and for a person on a tight budget. We are not looking for a cruise, and are not interested in Mexico. Thank you.
Joe New Jersey
Hi Joe,
Look at Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Because both countries have more air service (and thus more competition) from the US and because they tend to have lower labor costs (a long, and sometimes ugly story) prices at these two are often a good 25% lower than you'll find in other parts of the Caribbean. Often you'll get the best prices by going with an air/hotel discounter. Here are some examples for March:
Allegro Playa Dorado, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: $610
That rate includes round-trip airfare from the NY area (including fuel surcharge), six nights' lodging, all meals, all drinks (except top shelf liquors) and most activities. The seller on this package is Vacation Travel Mart (www.vacmart.com)
Sandcastle Resort, an all-suite beachfront hotel, Jamaica: $415
That rate covers four nights hotel and airfare. The seller on this one is Liberty Travel (www.libertytravel.com) which is having a big sale right now
Oasis Hamaca, La Romana, Dominican Republic: $659
In March, that rate will cover five nights' lodging, all meals, drinks and most activities plus round-trip airfare from Newark. The seller here is CheapCaribbean (www.cheapcaribbean.com).
These are just three examples and you might be able to do better. Some of these rates are based on sales that are ending soon, so I'd suggest you start researching this as soon as possible.
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