OT: Island vacation. Where?

[klfrech]

We've done Hawaii and Mexico and are looking for somewhere else to try. Three travelers, myself, DH and DD (16). Looking for a place that offers us lots to do including hiking, sightseeing and shopping.

Consider St. Lucia (difficult to get to from Pittsburgh), Punta Cuna and St. Thomas.

 

[Justsyd2]

Have you given any thought to Bermuda? It's relatively close to you; just two hours away.

 

[klfrech]

I have considered Bermuda, but I'm afraid that there isn't enough to do.

 

[jsmith]

Puerto Rico-awesome beaches, the rain forest, sites from the spanish occupation of the US,world class resorts, shopping and dining-and easier to get to that Hawaii-and its a US territory.

 

[klfrech]

Can you recommend a place to stay?

 

[southbarringtonjen]

My favorite places to stay in Puerto Rico are Horned Dorset Primavera (but only a residence) and the Ritz Carlton.

Also consider the Four Seasons in Nevis, West Indies. Outside the caribbean Bora Bora is amazing. If you see the movie Couples Retreat that is set there. A villa over the water is breath taking.

 

[desertcruisers]

I ould pick St Lucia. A beautiful island. The visitors seem to be mostly from Europe. Of course to get there from Pittsburgh is not easy and to get to St Lucia you may need to change planes in San Juan, PR, as we did, so puerto Rico is closer and it is US so you don't need to change money.

 

[J3nn78]

Bermuda would be my choice. We had so much fun sightseeing on the scooters. We were only there for 4 days and wished we had more time.

 

[Darcy03231]

While the beaches are beautiful in St. Thomas, I found the island to be very commercialized and expensive. Other than the beaches for us, we felt like we were still in the US (we're from NH).

We like St. Vincent (stayed at the Young Island Resort), Barbados (done twice via cruise), St. Kitt, St. Lucia (again can be expensive - we rented a villa for a week with two other couples), Dominica (cruise stop - twice) and St. John (another villa rental with others).

Have you considered a cruise? There's lots to see and do and a chance to visit several places at once. We do it to check out the islands and then go back to do a land vacation at the ones we like.

A PP also recommended Puerto Rico which I would second. We stayed in Old San Juan at Da House.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I checked Expedia for the heck of it and the flights from Pittsburgh to St. Lucia are still there. They are on UsAir and connect either through Charlotte or Philidelphia.

We were in St. Lucia in March-April of last year. Its a great island. There are lots of things to do. DH usually just likes to lay on the beach when we leave the kids at home but I convinced him to sightsee a little. Make sure you zipline its great.

If you need anymore info, feel free to PM me.

 

[Hydani]

Have you checked out the Seychelles Islands? Never gets below 24, and never above 32

 

[vegasnative]

Not really an island, but what about Costa Rica?

 

[ptmmg]

how about Aruba

 

[njsweetP]

I love Aruba! One thing to consider for the caribbean is hurrican season. I don't know what time of year you're considering going, but be aware of that.
Aruba is outside the hurrican belt. Also, they get very little rain (a big concern for me - I don't want to put the money into a vacation and have it rain even though you can predict the weather, but knowing your chances of having beautiful weather is a big plus ). The temp is around 84-86 daily, with warm tropical breezes. You can rent a 4x4 and go off roading!- they have great restaurants and delicious water (don't have to worry about drinking the water here - it's some the purist water you'll find). Just some things that are important to me - might be something for you to consider - oh and you can go thru customs right on the island!

 

[travelbug]

I loved Grand Cayman.

 

[ptmmg]

I love Aruba! One thing to consider for the caribbean is hurrican season. I don't know what time of year you're considering going, but be aware of that.
Aruba is outside the hurrican belt. Also, they get very little rain (a big concern for me - I don't want to put the money into a vacation and have it rain even though you can predict the weather, but knowing your chances of having beautiful weather is a big plus ). The temp is around 84-86 daily, with warm tropical breezes. You can rent a 4x4 and go off roading!- they have great restaurants and delicious water (don't have to worry about drinking the water here - it's some the purist water you'll find). Just some things that are important to me - might be something for you to consider - oh and you can go thru customs right on the island!

so true about the water BEST water I ever had and its free!! also renting the 4X4 was one of the funnest days we had!!going again in June cant wait!!

 

[njsweetP]

so true about the water BEST water I ever had and its free!! also renting the 4X4 was one of the funnest days we had!!going again in June cant wait!!

Ohhh I'm so jealous!!! It's the best! Where are you staying? Hoping to get back soon.

 

[kathy87]

I have a great idea How about Atlantis with your sister and her family. We would have a great time. Lots to do, great company, what more can you ask for

 

[leahjade]

We were considering Puerto Rico but were concerned about the Denges fever epidemic there (and many other Caribbean Islands) that is in full force right now. I guess we'll stick with Florida since we can't afford Hawaii!

 

[leahjade]

Anyone know of anywhere in the US that is beautiful and tropical like for a beach trip (on the east coast!)?