Peter replied: I’d much rather leave the U.S. for Christmas because you have two things to look forward to with Christmas overseas. First of all, they all celebrate it. And the best part are the Christmas markets especially in Eastern Europe, Germany and France. They all have great Christmas markets that you can go to right now. Bottom line is the fares. The fare from New York to Washington, D.C., on the US Airways shuttle, right now, round-trip, for a flight that only lasts 38 minutes, is $607. Instead, you could actually go from Chicago to Istanbul for Christmas for $580. So, it’s a no-brainer, you should go.

For European Christmas travel, we have winter travel deals and destination advice in the European archives.

Jayne from Chicago asked: Could you advise me on the current state of travel in Jamaica? I haven’t been since the early 1980s, but it has always been my favorite island. My last trip I went alone and never had a threat or worry. Over the years I have heard of some tourists who have been robbed and the atmosphere has changed. I would rather stay in a resort that does not keep you on the property, and is not all-inclusive. Has staying in Jamaica changed? Do I want to stay in a non-all-inclusive?

Peter noted: Let’s get down to the definition of the words “all-inclusive.” Most of these resorts really aren’t all-inclusive. Read the fine print and “all-inclusive” is usually followed by a dreaded asterisk letting you know what’s not included in the all-inclusive.

Forgetting that, I applaud you Jayne for wanting to get outside the resort. Most of my fellow American travelers will go to a resort and never leave the gates. They stay on the beach with a pina colada stuck up their nose and just veg for seven days. How unexciting and visionless is that? The best thing is that every resort has a concierge; every resort has tour opportunities that will take out for some great personal experiences, no matter where you’re staying. If you’re in Montego Bay they’ll get you over to Ochos Rios. If you’re in Ochos Rios they’ll get you over to Negril. They’ll get you out in the water, not just on a jet ski but on a great day long cruise.

Of course, once you get outside the resort you get to go to one of my favorite places: Scotchies. It’s a traditional jerk chicken place where they’re still using the corrugated tin and the smoke is everywhere and they’re drinking Red Stripe and when you’re not looking they’re putting hot sauce on the chicken that’s going to require you to drink even more Red Stripe. Why go all the way to Jamaica to get a cheeseburger? So, yes, you can still stay in a non-all-inclusive resort.

For more about travel to Jamaica, see the Caribbean travel archives. More>>