Go now: Virgin Islands for $268 R/T

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

American Airlines is currently running a "go now" sale to one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Here's the deal: A base round-trip rate of $268 applies on trips finished on or before Nov. 17. The inclusive price, including all taxes, fees, extras, is $344.70.

To qualify, give a one-week or more advance notice of travel. Plan to be away from two to a maximum of 45 days. The rate is not valid on Friday or Sunday travel days.

This sale rate doesn't have a ticket-by date. This indicates that the sale rate could vanish in hours and that means budget travelers should act swiftly to buy tickets. U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit the Virgin Islands.

For travelers who can book travel far in advance, Delta offers a $318 round-trip base rate to St. Thomas ($367.70 inclusive). Tickets must be purchased 28 days or more in advance. One-way travel is also permitted at $159.

Traveling with Delta has some extra advantages. For instance, trips at this rate can be used any day of the week (based on availability and flight service) on trips finished on or before July 14, 2010.

Delta posts no blackout dates on this offer, which could spell a white sandy beach Christmas for you and yours!

What's more, Delta offers a daily nonstop flight from Atlanta to St. Thomas on Sundays, Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. Starting Oct. 8, a Thursday nonstop flight is added, and Tuesday, Wednesday service begins Nov. 3. Starting in early December, Delta offers up to four daily nonstops on this route.

If your idea of 'roughing it' is getting up close and personal with nature in the great outdoors, plan a stay at Maho Bay Camp, the world's first ecoresort.

Maho Bay Camp is situated on one of the most beautiful and pristine Caribbean islands, St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Since it opened in 1976, the resort has been expanded to include a second sister resort, Estate Concordia Preserve which includes Concordia Eco-Tents and Estate Concordia Studios.

Both resorts are run on the same concept, offering visitors comfortable accommodations at an affordable price while being easy on the environment. Lodging is constructed of recycled materials and powered by wind and sun.

Accommodations in a tent cottage at Maho are priced from $80 for two people, per night. Two cafes (sandwiches, hot dogs, smoothies, ice cream, snacks, sodas, beer, water, juices, cookies and Happy Hour drinks) and one restautant (dinner entrees run $14-$22) are on site.

Visit soon. The camp was built on a 37-year land lease which expires in a few years. One would think this ecoparadise would hold the advantage to stay open (the national park system protects the beaches here), but big box hoteliers are eyeing the property. The Trust for Public Land could score one for the good guys as it is in negotiations to buy the camp's property.

The island of St. John has no commercial airport. Travelers must take one of the passenger ferries from Red Hook on St. Thomas. The travel time to Red Hook with a taxi is about 45 minutes, and the ferry ride is about 20 minutes. Also, a rental car is highly suggested when staying at Concordia.