The US Virgin Islands are a popular destination for travelers escaping the winter cold of northern North America.  Unlike many other Caribbean destinations, US citizens are not required to carry as passport to enter the US Virgin Islands.

Saint John, one of the three major islands of the USVI, is covered by lush tropical landscapes.  In fact, two-thirds of the island are within the boundaries of Virgin Island National Park.  Saint John is also home to the Maho Bay Camps.  This resort is the perfect place to experience the natural side of the USVI without sacrificing convenience of comfort.

Maho Bay is one of the Caribbean’s oldest eco-resorts.  It has been in operation for well over 30 years.  The accommodations consist of large tents that are placed on wooden platforms and connected via a series of wooden walkways. This creates something resembling the set of the movie Swiss Family Robinson.   High season rates start at $135 per night.  From January 4th to 31st, rates are discounted $5 per night (based on double occupancy).

The Estate Concordia Preserve is Maho’s sister resort.  Located on the Southeast portion of Saint John, Concordia features large, state of the art eco-tents starting at $155 per night and eco-friendly studio suites from $160.

The location of these resorts are their biggest asset.  The lush jungles of the National Park, the pristine, uncrowded beaches and some of the VI’s best dive sites are located within a few steps of both Maho and Concordia.

Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-392-9004 or by visiting the Maho Bay Camps web site.

Struggling to come up with that perfect gift idea? Perhaps an ideal gift to give someone who is a ‘bit of a car guy’ might be one of these driving experiences days; unique gift ideas & inspirational gift experiences from racing sofas, off-roading in a Hummer, or playing paintball with real tanks. Go behind the scenes at the Home of British Motor Racing, or challenge a friend to a race on a Grand Prix karting track!

Here’s 10 unusual gifts that promise an adventure full of excitement:

1. World’s Wackiest Racers – Are you ready for the wackiest day of your life? Come and be chauffeured through country lanes in the World’s fastest street-legal bed. Thunder round a race track on an 87 mph sofa. Tame the Double Decker car, as seen on BBC’s Top Gear, and pull up a seat to the World’s fastest office. This truly is the weirdest and wackiest way to travel.

2. Hummer H1 Off road experience – A unique opportunity to get “Hands On” and experience the awesome might of the iconic American Hummer in its element, off road. Using the power of its 6.5l V8 engine climb severe slopes, descend banks, side slopes in excess of 30 degrees, manoeuvre extreme changes in terrain, negotiate mud and water. A challenging course set out in a mix of open and wooded terrain.

3. Tank driving experience – If you have always dreamed of whizzing around in some mean military machinery, then it’s time to pinch yourself because this is your chance. You will be pounding around in all sorts of different vehicles during the experience which, depending on which location you choose, could include an Armoured Personnel Carrier, designed to carry troops into battle, the Ferret Scout Car used as a light reconnaissance vehicle and still in use today, a 17-ton Self-Propelled Abbot Gun, the Snowcat, which can operate on snow, marshes or on soft desert sand or even a 55-ton Cheiftain Main Battle Tank.

4. Half Day Quad Bike Adventure for One – You will be riding for several miles and will get to ride your Quad over all manner of different obstacles where the four wheel drive is an essential not just nice to have. Once you you have had your safety briefing, you will begin with an introductory session on flat ground to enable you to build confidence and practice maneuvers. You will then progress onto some more challenging areas where you will have a chance to tackle all manner of slopes and obstacles to find out just how much fun a Quad is. A fun and exhilarating half day experience that anyone of any ability can enjoy.

5. Tour of Silverstone – exclusive special offer – 2 for 1 – During an attention grabbing two hours you will see unique behind the scenes views of the Home of British Motor Racing, with plenty of memory making photo opportunities too. Stand in the footsteps of the Formula one greats on our famous podium, see exclusive roof top views from the landmark BRDC Clubhouse and get a closer look at legendary sites around the track.

6. Grand Prix karting experience – special offer 2 for 1 -Driving drones, motor maniacs, four wheeled floosies – put your pedals to the metal and get ready to take part in the karting Grand Prix. You will have a few laps of practice to get used to the karts, before the competition really hots up. Everyone will compete in four races, determining who’s the fastest driver. Then, the top drivers will race in the final to work out who the real karting daddy is!

7. Performance car driving experience – Fancy a break from your Nissan Micra? If you want to get behind the wheel of a high performance car then aside from winning the lottery, this is your best bet. You will get to drive a Ferrari, a Aston Martin and a Porsche among others. If this is a gift for someone who likes their cars, then get ready to score big brownie points when you hand it over, this one’s a winner…

8. Tankballing – paintball battles with tanks – If you’ve tried and enjoyed paintballing, then tankballing is the experience is for you. It’s paintballing, but taken to the next level. Imagine actually taking part in a tank battle? This is your chance, not with live ammunition of course, but with paint.

9. JCB racing experience – Get ready for the ultimate challenge… You are going to experience the thrills of JCB racing. After a safety briefing and individual instruction it’s straight into the JCB’s to challenge your fellow competitors in the heats and finals over a specially designed rough terrain obstacle course.

10. Speed Freaks Choice – Your choice of six experiences – If you are having trouble choosing which amazing experience to buy someone, don’t fret – let them do it themselves. This fantastic lastminute.com experience voucher is a perfect gift for those ‘difficult to buy for’ friends and relatives. The recipient can choose from a list of 6 exhilarating experiences such as quad biking, karting, power boating and much much more.

AirTran’s near-system-wide sale has returned once again with rock-bottom domestic fares starting from as little as $39 each way for those who book before December 10th.

Downtown Columbus 4-Diamond Hotel, $99 a night right now. This hotel is nearby Nationwide Arena, the Convention Center, as well as popular Columbus museums, theaters and attractions.

$99 a night deal at the Minneapolis City Center Hotel, connected to shopping, entertainment and dining through the city’s famous Skyway system. Guests will also find popular attractions, including the Metrodome, Target Center and historic Theatre District nearby.

$65 a night in Las Vegas near The Strip, that’s 50% OFF the normal price for the holidays. The M Resort will celebrate this holiday season with a special lighting ceremony of a 109-foot-tall Christmas tree, a hand-made gingerbread display in the lobby and special holiday dining menus.

Stay minutes from Disney World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld with a $29 per night deal now at an Orlando Hotel, good into March.

$318 Special to Mexico. This is an all-inclusive vacation package to Mazatlan, Mexico, that knocks $200 off the regular cost of peak season travel.

$90 a night for holidays in Boulder, with Parking. Outdoor activities are just a few minutes away at El Dorado Springs, twenty miles to Eldora Ski Resort and forty miles to the Rocky Mountain National Park.

$79 a night for a Dallas-Area Resort on the shores of Lake Texoma. This resort boasts an 18-hole golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, plus a spa, boating, fishing, hiking, tennis and more.

$81 a night resort lodgings in the Cascade Lodge at ResortQuest Whistler. A two-day lift ticket to Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is included when you book a three night stay.

Never skied before? Not to worry, Lake Tahoe is offering a “Learn to Ski and Board Weekend,” and you have nine resorts to choose from. First-time skiers and boarders get a beginner lift ticket, group lesson and gear rental for $25 per person. Be sure to check out the great deal on vacation rentals for the cheapest Lake Tahoe lodging!