Who do you think the worst tourists are? It may surprise some that the answer is not the 'Ugly Americans.' Sure, we U.S. tourists get poor marks for how we dress, but a recent survey from Expedia found that Americans also get some love for their generosity (tops in the world). American tourists also got credit for at least attempting to use the local language when traveling abroad, a finding I found to be a pleasant surprise.

However, U.S. tourists got low marks for cleanliness, being too loud, and complaining too much.

So, who are the worst tourists? The French. Expedia found that French tourists are most likely to be called rude, cheap, and reluctant to speak anything other than French when traveling. Japanese tourists were rated the best for their cleanliness, politeness, and uncomplaining attitudes.

In top-to-bottom order, Expedia ranked the best overall tourists as being from Japan, Britain, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Australia, Sweden, the U.S., and Denmark.

How about it, Caribbean travel people -- Do you agree?

The opening of the new 31-room Alexander Hotel heralds the return of Cayman Brac, which was battered last year by Hurricane Paloma, Travel Weekly reports.

The island suffered extensive damage from the storm, with tourism put on hold as resorts and other infrastructure were rebuilt and repaired. In addition to the Alexander -- which is located at Salt Water Pond -- the Brac Beach Resort is reportedly on schedule to reopen in November, and the Carib Sands Beach Resort also plans to reopen later this year, according to Travel Weekly.

More Information on Travel to the Cayman Islands

The Seaborn cruise line last week launched the Seabourn Odyssey, billed as an "ultra-luxury" addition to the line's fleet of "yachts."

The 32,000-ton vessel can accommodate 450 guests in 225 luxury suites -- most with verandas -- and features the "largest spa on any luxury yacht, four restaurants and a host of luxury amenities," according to company officials.

The spa is indeed large -- 11,400 square feet -- and features a hydropool, Kinesis wall, herbal steam rooms, and two spa villas with private balconies. The ships have 11 decks with two outdoor pools, six whirlpools, a nine-hole mini-golf course, and more.

The Seabourn Odyssey will debut in the Mediterranean but will sail Caribbean itineraries during the winter 2009/10 season.

More Information on Seabourn

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They don't call these rates "all-inclusive," but the new meal plans at the Regent Palms resort in Turks & Caicos come awfully close, considering they also include use of the fitness center, spa, tennis courts, non-motorized water sports, and high-speed Internet access.

The plans, which also include rooms and a welcome amenity, are:

• Dine and Drink in Paradise: Full American breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Parallel23 and Plunge restaurants, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Rates from $342.00 per person/per night
• Sunrise to Sunset: Full American breakfast and lunch including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Rates from $237.00 per person/per night
• Dine in Paradise: Full American breakfast, lunch and dinner at Parallel23 and Plunge including non-alcoholic beverages. Rates from $257.00 per person/per night

These rates are good on bookings made by Nov. 30 for travel through Dec. 18. For more information, see the hotel website or call 888-201-1806.

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More Information on Travel to Turks & Caicos

Travelers to Cancun, Cozumel and Los Cabos, Mexico can get half off room rates and 25-percent off dining, drinks and spa services at the AQUA Cancun resort and the region's six Fiesta American resorts.

Deals include:

• AQUA Cancun, starting from $172 per night
• Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun, starting from $170 per night
• Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort, starting from $130 per night
• Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun, starting from $83 per night
• Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta, starting from $81 per night
• Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort, starting from $55 per night

The deal is good through July 31 on stays through Dec. 23. To book, call 800-FIESTA-1 or visit http://www.fiestamericana.com/halfprice.

Compare Prices on Cancun Resorts

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As any Caribbean traveler can tell you, one of the royal hassles of traveling to the islands is having the clear U.S. Customs once you arrive back in the U.S. (especially if you're traveling through Miami, ugh).

Aruba, Bermuda, and Nassau and Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas all offer the luxury of pre-clearing U.S. Customs before you depart, which is convenient since travelers more often have time to waste before departure than in transit.

Caribbean tourism officials also say that pre-clearance would cut airline turnaround times and costs to travelers, and they are lobbying the U.S. State Department to place Customs pre-clearance facilities at other airports in the region, Aviation Week reports.

In a related twist, Dominica officials are looking to partner with St. Lucia and Antigua so that inbound visitors can clear Dominica customs before arriving on the island.

Caribbean officials also are seeking to raise the duty-free allowance above $500 so that travelers can bring back more goodies from their Caribbean trips.

More Information on Caribbean Shopping

Just as people were starting to tout Honduras as a hot, wallet-friendly travel destination, the military went and spoiled the party by pulling off a Cold War style coup, seizing the country's president in his bedclothes and flying him off to exile. So, before you book a villa at one of Honduras' undiscovered Caribbean beach towns, be sure to heed the following warning from the U.S. State Department:

June 29, 2009

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice. This Travel Alert expires on July 29, 2009.

On Sunday June 28, the Honduran military ousted President Manuel Zelaya and sent him out of the country. There are military or police checkpoints throughout Tegucigalpa, and there have been reports of sporadic demonstrations.

The Department of State recommends that American citizens residing in and visiting Honduras remain close to their homes or hotels unless their travel is of a life or death nature, or a scheduled departure from Honduras, and that U.S. citizens restrict travel within the country to necessary trips. The Government of Honduras has imposed a curfew for June 29 and June 30 from 9:00 p.m through 6:00 a.m. The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa strongly recommends American citizens to abide by such curfews and to check the Embassy’s website for the latest information on curfews. The U.S. Embassy has restricted the travel of its staff within Honduras to necessary trips. The decision to lift or continue those restrictions will be made on a day-to-day basis.

There have been regular demonstrations at the Presidential palace in central Tegucigalpa, and streets in the vicinity of many government offices are blocked by police or military. In general, the streets of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are quiet. Reports from the rest of the country indicate that calm prevails, although there have been cases of occasional roadblocks.

Honduras’ borders remain open, and the airports remain open for regularly scheduled flights. Continental Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines continue to operate flights as usual, though this is subject to change. Those traveling with Continental Airlines may wish to call (504) 220-0999 (Tegucigalpa), (504) 557-4141 (San Pedro Sula), or 1-800-231-0856 (United States). Those traveling with American Airlines may wish to call (504) 216-4800 (Honduras) or 1-800-433-7300 (United States). Those traveling with Delta Airlines may wish to call 1-800-791-9000 (United States and Central America) or (504) 550-1616 (San Pedro Sula).

The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa strongly recommends that U.S. citizens avoid large gatherings and not try to pass roadblocks if they encounter them. U.S. citizens should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV and radio when possible, and via the internet.

The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa and the Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula may close for all but emergency services as a result of the political and security situation. The decision to reopen the Embassy and the Consular Agency for non-emergency services will be made on a day-to-day basis. Check the Embassy’s website for up-to-date information.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (504) 238 5114, after hours telephone (504) 236 8497; Consular Section fax (504) 238 4357; E-mail: usahonduras@state.gov.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s website, where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The opening of the new Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston, Jamaica was a once-in-a-lifetime event for some residents: the last big hotel opening in the Jamaican capital took place four decades ago.

Kingston is the cultural heart of Jamaica but is often shunned by tourists because its reputation as crime-ridden, but city boosters see the hotel opening as a boost for Kingston's image and a potential lure for international visitors. Local tourism officials have been promoting the Kingston 360 campaign, highlighting the many activities guests can enjoy in and around the historic city.

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Whether you're buying a car or a vacation, the "friends and family" marketing gimmick is popular: Everyday Joes like you are promised the same deal that the company offers to its employees and other pals. The latest comes from the Westin St. John Resort & Villas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, offering room rates starting at $149 per night with kids ages 12 and under eating and drinking for free.

To book the “Friends & Family” rates, visit the Starwood Hotels website or call 866-500-0384. When booking, ask for the SUNDEAL rate. The offer is good through June 30, for travel through Sept. 30.

Compare Prices on St. John resorts.

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Photo: Lobby view, Westin St. John, © Starwood Resorts and Hotels

Heading to Barbados for the Crop Over festival or just a luxury island getaway? Starting on July 1 and continuing for the following 50 days, the Cobblers Cove resort in Speightstown is offering oceanfront suites at half price on stays through Dec. 19.

The discount on rack-rate prices at the posh Relais & Chateaux resort is good through Aug. 19 or until all the available rooms are sold out. Request the "50/50" deal when booking.

For more information, call 800-890-6060 or visit the resort website.

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