Norwegian Air has amazing fall and winter deals to Guadeloupe!

Combine that with my friend's milestone birthday and a friend on the ground and it would be the most spontaneous decision I've made regarding my travels. By the time the weather changed, I was ready for some warmth and much-needed R&R.

Thank you to Ingrid and her family for being the best hosts ever, feeding us and showing us around their beautiful island nation. I had an amazing time.

ABOUT GUADELOUPE

Guadeloupe is a Caribbean region of France located in the Leeward Islands. Guadeloupe's two main islands are Basse-Terre to the west and Grande-Terre to the east, which are separated by a narrow strait that is crossed with bridges. The department also includes the Dependencies of Guadeloupe - Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and the Îles des Saintes.

HOW TO GET THERE

Norwegian Air has winter deals to several places, including Guadeloupe, for travel between October and March. With a departure from New York City, my friend and I were able to score a round trip direct flight for under $250.

WHERE TO STAY

The first question whenever I get to this stage of planning is: hotel or airbnb? I usually go with an Airbnb unless I feel highly uncomfortable with and uninformed about a location. Ingrid gave us a list of neighborhoods in Grand Terre to check out as we searched for Airbnb options: Le Moule, Petit Canal, Morne a L'eau, Le Gossier, Saint Anne. We found a wonderful spot in Le Moule, just a 10 minute drive from her parents' home.

WHAT TO DO

Les Chutes du Carbet: A series of waterfalls on the Carbet River. Its three cascades are set amid the tropical rainforests of the lower slopes of the volcano, La Soufriere.

Maison de la Kassaverie: A cassava factory.

La Route d'Esclave

La Porte d'Enfer: Translated as "The Door to Hell". This was easily one of the most beautiful and impressive spots in Guadeloupe. There was an amazing view of the sea and cliffs.

Allee Dumanoir: A picturesque palm-tree lined road that's the epitome of tropical living.

Beaches: It was such a short trip and I am sad we did not venture to more beaches but I'm glad we snuck in a couple. We went to Plage de la Chappelle and Plage du Souffleur. The highlight was stumbling upon a free beach concert.

Distillerie Damoiseau: A rum distillery.

Pointe des Chateaux

WHAT TO EAT

Everything, but mostly seafood, of course! Whenever I travel to the Caribbean, I try to have as much fish as I possibly can...it is fresh after all. Try the local drinks too, particularly the Ti punch (warning: it is NOT a punch) and planteur.

If you have visited Guadeloupe, let me know what your experience was like! If you haven't, I hope this inspires you to add it to your list of destinations. I hope to be back soon.

Until next time!