Feel the calypso music escaping from the steel drum trio, as the smell of the salty air and the local cuisine transcend you into a tropical fantasy that is every bit surreal as it is reality. With a fruity drink in one hand and your acceptance of the Caribbean lifestyle, there is no surprise that just the mention of Jamaica conjures up images of lush beaches, warm waters and the bright sunshine.

As the US dollar continues to falter, more and more families, couples and friends have opted out from taking their annual vacation. The price of gas has become so astronomical that the simple act of going to the grocery store may end up costing you more then simply ordering a pizza and having it delivered. Enter the All-Inclusive Resort. The Caribbean and Mexico have a strangle hold on these ‘special’ resorts where everything is included in one price. All the food, drinks (most offer alcohol), and entertainment you can handle. For the budget traveler, there really is no better or easier way to travel.

Jamaica has almost re-invented the way that all inclusive resorts cater to their guests. One particular resort is the Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica. Along with the standard stamp of all inclusive resorts (breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks), The Gran Bahia is one of the largest resorts in the Caribbean, but its shear size isn’t overpowering. The Gran Bahia offers daily activities including snorkeling, windsurfing and kayaking just to mention a few, to nightly entertainment where you can turn back the clock and display your inner rock-star at their karaoke bar or relive your days of dancing the night away in their disco club. They also offer one of the most sought after amenities for traveling families; a supervised kids club! I only had a long weekend, so I paid, $459 for 3 nights with airfare - my friends stayed 5 days and got a $200 air credit on top of the great deal!

From the 3 Jacuzzis to the 2 swim-up bars to the bridges crossing along the way, along with the miles of beautiful beach front property, there isn’t a lack of water activities. The pool is probably the largest (& cleanest) one I’ve ever seen.

With a savings of up to 50% on these and other deluxe All-Suite All-Inclusive resorts including airfare, Jamaica vacations are back!