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!