Sherman's Travel

Carnival Cruise Lines and its passengers have not been having a great couple of months. First there was the news of Carnival Triumph, when the 4,000 people aboard were stranded in the Gulf of Mexico for five days. Passengers spent nearly a week at sea with no power, limited supplies, and extremely unsanitary bathroom conditions. The most recent disaster comes aboard the Carnival Dream, which is currently docked at the Caribbean island of St. Maarten.

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Daydreaming about taking a vacation but think you can’t afford it? Stop right there. Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice travel, whether you want to go somewhere warm or take a long weekend in the mountains. Here are some of today’s best travel deals, and all for under $160, proving that you really can take that trip you’ve been dreaming about. Read more

Escape to a beachfront resort in St. Maarten this summer from only $116 per night. Stay at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach & Casino Resort through September 30 and you’ll save 35% on seasonal rates.

The Sonesta Great Bay Beach overlooks the beautiful Great Bay Harbor and features nearly one mile of private white sand beach. The resort offers three restaurants, four bars, three swimming pools (including one infinity pool), two whirlpools, and complimentary Wi-Fi. There are plenty of activity options for the whole family, from scuba diving and water sports to tennis, volleyball, and even dance lessons. An onsite casino keeps adult guests entertained, and downtown Phillipsburg, with its historical attractions, duty-free shopping, and exciting nightlife, is just a 10-minute walk away.

These rates are available on select dates from July 1 through September 30. Visit the Sonesta Great Bay Beach & Casino Resort website and choose the Big Summer Sale, then enter the promo code SUMMER. Or call 721-542-2447 and mention the same sale. A three-night minimum stay is required. Book by June 30.

See our St. Maarten destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our TravelSearch price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights.

Mark your calendars: between November 25-28, you can book a room at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino in St. Maarten starting from $150 per night – a 50% discount off the hotel’s seasonal rates. You’ll also receive up to $100 in island credit, which can be used at participating restaurants, spas, casinos, shops, and more.

This deal is valid for travel from December 18, 2011 through April 7, 2012. A minimum stay of three nights is required.

The Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino is an upscale beachfront resort on the Dutch side of the island. Aside from a mile of white, sandy beach, the resort also boasts two pools, a swim-up bar, a health spa, and a redesigned interior. The hotel overlooks the beautiful Great Bay Harbor and is only a ten-minute walk from Phillipsburg, the island’s capital that’s home to great shopping, dining, and entertainment.

THE VALUE: You’ll pay as little as $150 per night, which saves you 50% on the hotel’s seasonal rates, plus receive up to $100 in island credit.

THE CATCH: You can only book this deal between November 25-28.

THE DETAILS: Visit the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino site for more information. To book, enter the promotional code BF11 or call 1-800-SONESTA and mention this code.

WE’VE GOT MORE: See our St. Maarten Travel Guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights to the island.

Jet down to the Caribbean this winter to take advantage of serious discounts on St. Maarten hotels. Take your pick from Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Turquoise Shell Inn, Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Princess Heights, and Belair Beach Club. Those booking this “Plaay to Staay” offer will also receive a $50 credit per room, per night good towards St. Maarten restaurants, shops, spas, casinos, attractions, and even car rentals. Be sure to book by November 10 for stays from December 15 to March 31, 2012.

THE VALUE: Save up to 25 percent off peak season rates.

THE CATCH: Winter is peak season on St. Maarten, so expect peak crowds.

THE DETAILS: Book by calling 800-309-2005 and mention the “Plaay to Staay” promotion.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights to St. Maarten.

For general trip-planning information, see our St. Martin Travel Guide.

In case you need convincing to linger longer in paradise: Sonesta Resorts St. Maarten is hosting a tiered sale that rewards the lengthiest vacations with the steepest discounts. With “The Longer You Stay, the Less You Pay” package, save 35 percent on two-night stays at either Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Spa or the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino; slice 40 percent off three-night trips; or take 45 percent off four-night visits. The trip must be booked by October 30 but is valid for stays through December 17.

THE VALUE: Save as much as 45 percent off stays at the resorts. The four-night stay offers the best value, with rooms at Sonesta Great Bay starting at just $116; the 35 percent discount yields rates as low as $136 per night.

THE CATCH:  A two-night stay is required, and blackout dates may apply.

THE DETAILS: Visit www.sonesta.com/stmaarten or call 800-766-3782 to book; use code LUSLUP.

WE’VE GOT MORE: See our St. Martin Travel Guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights, hotels, packages, and more travel deals.

Sonesta’s duo of resorts on the Dutch half of St. Maarten – Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino and Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino – offer easy beach access, swimming pools, multiple bars and restaurants, casinos, and spas. With “The Longer You Stay the Less You Pay” offer, you’ll get 35 percent off two-night stays, 40 percent off three-night stays, and 45 percent off stays of four or more nights. Book by September 30 for travel through December 17.

THE VALUE: Rates start at just $116/night.

THE CATCH: You must pay in full at booking, and the deposit is non-refundable.

THE DETAILS: To book, visit www.sonesta.com/stmaarten and code LUSLUP, or call 800-766-3782.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights to St. Maarten.

For general trip-planning information, see our St. Martin Travel Guide.

Set your sights on the Caribbean with seriously discounted rates on the French/Dutch isle of St. Maarten. For stays of two or more nights through December 18, Princess Heights is offering rates of $136/night and will even throw in a free car rental. Located in the residential Oyster Pond area on a hill above Dawn Beach, the hotel’s 51 condos sport kitchenettes and balconies with ocean views. Book the low rates by August 31.

THE VALUE: This offer represents a savings of 50 percent.

THE CATCH: The rate does not include gas, tax, or insurance on the rental vehicle.

THE DETAILS: Call 800-881-1744 and mention the Summer Free Rental Car promotion. Check out the hotel at www.princessheights.com.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights to St. Maarten.

For general trip-planning information, see our St. Martin Travel Guide.

Fronting one of the loveliest beaches on St. Maarten, the ultra-comfortable, contemporary Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa offers the usual superior Westin amenities and a sleek aesthetic accented by island touches. There are aquatic activities aplenty, an extensive casino (somewhat oddly set semi-open in the middle of the coolly abstract lobby), kids’ club and meeting facilities, the Hibiscus Spa, and grade-A Aura Steakhouse. Best of all, you can enjoy it all this summer for half the price!

THE VALUE: Winter room rates here can go for $419/night so you’ll save up to 54 percent with discount prices from $189/night through September 30.

THE CATCH: There are a limited number of rooms available at this rate so book fast before they sell out.

THE DETAILS: Call 011-599-543-6700 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com/westin

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find great rates on flights to St. Maarten.

Sunny Saint Martin/Sint Maarten blends French and Dutch colonial culture with a laidback Caribbean attitude. Sonesta Resorts’ two beach hotels on the Dutch side – Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino and Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino – are slashing rates as low as $126/night for travel from May 4 to July 5 as part of the Spring into Summer Sale. The Great Bay Beach property features an on-site scuba and water sports center, while the Maho Beach Resort is home to the island’s largest casino. Both resorts boast a prime beachfront location, guest rooms with balconies, and multiple dining options. Be sure to book by June 30.

THE VALUE: The sale offers up to 50 percent savings for top ocean view rooms and suites and up to 40 percent off on lower room categories.

THE CATCH: Rate does not include 21 percent tax. Payment must be made in full at time of booking and is non-refundable.

THE DETAILS: Visit www.sonesta.com/stmaarten or call 800-766-3782; use booking code SPRING50.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find great rates on flights to St. Maarten.

For general trip-planning information, see our St. Martin Travel Guide.