My kids want an island vacation

[Wishing on a star]

Rather than an island, I would suggest the Mexican Riviera. Lots to do and see. Not only are there water activities, such as snorkeling, scuba, snuba, kayaking, jetskis, etc. you can go and see the ruins, explore the rainforest, zip line, take Mexican cooking classes, dance classes, etc.

Yep, I very highly second this suggestion!

In this area, it is not 'just the beach'.
There is everything from the Mayan ruins, snorkeling or fishing, The cool underground Cenotes, a gorgeous beach in some areas, and no shortage of nightlife!!! Either choose a resort with some nightlife, or there are always the places like Senor Frogs....

You can either relax on the beach with a frozen libation... ( there IS something to said for a less active vacation ) Or you could really wear yourselves out. Either or Both!!!

 

[JessicaR]

I don't like St Thomas for more than a cruise stop. I don't think its a pretty island at all and it was dirty and congested when we were there.

Beaches Turks and Caicos would be my first choice. Paradisus Playa Conchal in Costa Rica is another great destination with so much for everyone to do.

Iberostar has some wonderful resorts too.
Have fun planning!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, what about St. John? Beautiful, relatively uncommercial, but still close enough to ferry over to St. Thomas.

 

[java]

Ok what about instead of an island you hit Costa Rica! Waterfalls- zip lines-
here's a top 10 for fun in Costa Rica
http://www.1costaricalink.com/eng/web/activit-eng.htm

With the ages of your kids I think they would enjoy it.

But on islands- if they are into water sports- water skiiing, snorkling, scuba- we had a great vacation at the very expensive Jumby Bay but also Virgin Gorda and St. Martin.

St. Thomas to me is a tourist trap. Not fun for us. We spent a day there and couldn't wait to get the heck out of there. We flew over for the day from Virgin Gorda.

 

[bubie2.5]

Sorry about that - I was being funny (at least, I thought I was being funny). NOT prying into your - or their finances in ANY way. As in: if the kids want an island vacation, the kids should pay for the island vacation.

Don't worry about it, I found it very funny.

 

[NHdisneylover]

kaytieeldr--I thought your comment was funny too

OP--I agree with others abotu St. Thomas. It is my least favourite tropical place. I don't even get off the cruise ships there anymore. It is crowded, dirty, has higher crime than many other palces you could go, etc.

I'll casat a third vote for Mexico. My favourite would be Puerto Vallarta but there are lots of places to choose from.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

I really don't like cruises. I've been on two and have gotten sick on both of them. I'd prefer to stick to one island, if possible.

Although I love Maui (hubby and I went there on our honeymoon), I'd like to try something a bit closer to home.

I've heard good things about St. Thomas. Anyone have any experience?

Kudos on the cruise thing, my DH and I went with family on 3 cruises total and every time got sick. It was overwhelming also, stressful. Did you ever try Beaches Resorts, I hear fabulous things about them. We've been to their sister Sandals resorts (adults only) and they're the best. I hear Turks and Caicos is fabulous for kids and adults (its the island we want to do next). We stopped at St. Thomas and St. John's on our cruise and we didn't care much for those islands, same reason others have stated above. PS Atlantis is gorgeous, the resort and the beach there are breathtakingly beautiful.

 

[alexandria674]

I vote for Mexico because it has the beach but there is a lot to do also.

Maybe you can find some specials on the Caribbean and on Mexico resorts, sometimes travel channel does them but you can also find something on youtube or something.

 

[christineann]

yikes, I guess the part of St. Thomas I saw was "the good part", which was off the coast on a dive. We aren't into shopping or touristy stuff, so I didn't know.

 

[java]

yikes, I guess the part of St. Thomas I saw was "the good part", which was off the coast on a dive. We aren't into shopping or touristy stuff, so I didn't know.

St. Thomas is a Port island- meaning cruise ships come in- tons of people and the shop keepers are in the ON mode. That's what we didn't love. I'm reading this thread for ideas for us too! So thanks for posting it! Always looking for new places.

 

[jenlynn0808]

If you still want a bit of that Disney magic...I believe there is a Disney resort scheduled to open in Hawaii in either 2010 or 2011.

ETA- Found this link if you are interested (and it is off the Disney site)

http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/guest/...=HawaiianResortPressReleaseDetailsPage&bhcp=1

 

[jsmith]

Puerto Rico-its a US territory like the US virgin islands-it has everything from city to rural-great beaches, snokeling and sailing-good night life in San Juan-some truely amazing restuants-histoy, the RainForest is amazing-and the curency is the US dollar. there are all inclusives and little family owned B and B and everything in between. It really is amazing

 

[JessicaR]

Puerto Rico-its a US territory like the US virgin islands-it has everything from city to rural-great beaches, snokeling and sailing-good night life in San Juan-some truely amazing restuants-histoy, the RainForest is amazing-and the curency is the US dollar. there are all inclusives and little family owned B and B and everything in between. It really is amazing

Puerto Rico is one of my favorite Islands. There is plenty to do and see but no All Inclusives. Its a shame really. I last went there when Paradisus was an all inclusive but that has since changed to a Gran Melia.

However if money isnt an object The El Conquistador is beautiful and has a water park for the kids. Dining ends up being a fortune though.