Spice Island getaway

Often called the Spice Island, some properties on Grenada have fall promotions. Le Phare Bleu Marina & Boutique Hotel is offering seven nights for $720 US, including airport transfers, breakfast and VAT, Oct. 7-Nov. 30. Visit lepharebleu.com. Maca Bana Villa, a lovely hilltop complex I used a few years ago, is giving a $250 US resort credit with every six-night booking until Nov. 30. Visit macabana.com.

For more deals, contact the Grenada Board of Tourism at 416-595-1339 or visit grenadagrenadines.com.

Fly, ride and sail

The Floating Dutchman, a combination boat and bus, is the latest addition to the list of excursions available to travellers with time to kill at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. The vehicle goes from the airport to Amsterdam, enters the canals, emerges and returns to Schiphol. Visit floatingdutchman.nl/en. For details on other airport-based tours, visit amsterdamcitytours.com/schiphol-tours.html.

Helping hands

GoVoluntouring.com is described as a one-stop shop for people looking for volunteer vacation experiences. Founded by an overseas volunteer from Vancouver, the site lets users search through a directory of programs and projects, and customize their responses through search filters such as destination, age range and fitness level.