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My husband has earned a bunch of frequent flyer miles on US Air, and we would like to use some of them to take a trip to the Caribbean, preferably late winter/early spring. We've never been there, and I've never snorkeled (really want to!). I've begun researching, but I'm overwhelmed! We are trying to keep this trip inexpensive, and need to go someplace US Air travels. We like outdoor activities, and quiet, out of the way places, not big resorts. I really liked the looks of Bonaire, but unless there is a cheap commuter plane from somewhere, that's out since USAir doesn't fly there. Any suggestions? You guys seem to know the islands well! Also, I'd love a recommendation for where to stay. Thanks in advance.

jana45:

Are you looking for something THIS winter/early spring??? USAir's frequent flyer tickets book up so quickly, particularly to more exotic destinations and on weekends. I usually try to book my FFs to the Caribbean 330 days out, or whatever their maximum booking time is. I find that flying from a hub (in my case, Philadelphia) yields better results than trying to fly from my local airport and making a connection through PHL. You could also try connecting through Charlotte--sometimes their availability to the Caribbean is better, even though it means a connection for me. At this late date, I would think your best bets are Aruba (where you can catch a flight to Bonaire), St. Maarten, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. USAir now lets you check frequent flyer availability on-line, which I find useful (and I'm sure the reservations clerks appreciate not having to look at every island/date). Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress!

Actually, I just checked (from PHL), and availability is fairly good to places like Aruba, St. Thomas, Belize (although Belize, technically, is not the Caribbean). If you are willing to fly midweek and go for a length of time less than/more than one week (eight days/seven nights availability doesn't seem to be available), you will definitely find something. I checked for dates in February, which I think is the toughest month since Valentine's Weekend and the following President's weekends are blacked out.

Personally, Aruba and St Thomas are too commercial for me, but I love Belize. I haven't been to Bonaire, but I am interested in it and Curacao (and would use my FFs to Aruba and then just pay for the additional flights).

Check out St. Kitts. USAIR flys directly there from Charlotte, NC and from Philadelphia.

US Airways flies daily non-stop from Charlotte, only about 2hrs 20minute flight.....plenty of quiet out of the way places with great snorkelling