Where to go in the Caribbean??

[novajeanjellybean]

We are planning a trip to the Caribbean this summer, probably August or September. I know its last minute, but this is something my FIL really, really wants to do. It will be a group of 3 of us (Me, BF, and FIL). What islands are good? Where have you had good experiences? Bad ones? Any help would be appreciated. TIA!!!

 

[DrCavin]

Aruba is nice, but anywhere in the Caribbean is special. Jamica would be our last choice, but others love it..

 

[shortbun]

Tell me more about your group. How old are you? How much time will you spend on the beach as opposed to looking at it. Do you want lots of shopping? Is your budget limited?
Will you be wanting a house, cottage, hotel room? Is a pool necessary? Do you want gourmet food or is food simply fuel? How about physical fitness, can you hike, snorkle and would you enjoy it? How much time can you spend and where are you in relationship to flights? Do you want a casino or are you going to lay around?

I love St. John, St. Kitts, the BVI's, St. Lucia. I like parts of Jamaica which can be done enjoyably IF you are culturally prepared. There are some kewl spots on Puerto Rico and it's an easy flight from most places.

 

[figment52]

ST John (USVI) is about 80% National Park and is stunning.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I've only ever been to Jamaica, and that was so long ago that nothing I know would be relevant. But for me I go on 2 types of vacations:

1) I'm exhausted from work or a wedding or something, and want to lie around, sleep, stumble to the beach and lie around some more, and let someone else cook and clean for a week. In this case I'd focus on the specific resort, and the food, and choose an all inclusive. This was how my Jamaica trip was and it was great.

2) I'm looking to see new things, and learn new things -- we went to Puerto Vallarta (not Carribbean, but I've never had this kind of vacation in the Carribbean) a few years ago and went horseback riding, and swimming with Dolphins, and looking at the local architecture, going to local art galleries etc . . . We also spent some time on the beach, and tried out some new things like boogie boarding etc . . . We stayed at a little inn where most of the other people were Mexican, and we had to walk a couple of blocks to the beach, which was fine, it meant more chances to see things and soak up the culture. Great trip.

Which are you looking for? Something in between?

 

[novajeanjellybean]

Tell me more about your group. How old are you? How much time will you spend on the beach as opposed to looking at it. Do you want lots of shopping? Is your budget limited?
Will you be wanting a house, cottage, hotel room? Is a pool necessary? Do you want gourmet food or is food simply fuel? How about physical fitness, can you hike, snorkle and would you enjoy it? How much time can you spend and where are you in relationship to flights? Do you want a casino or are you going to lay around?

I love St. John, St. Kitts, the BVI's, St. Lucia. I like parts of Jamaica which can be done enjoyably IF you are culturally prepared. There are some kewl spots on Puerto Rico and it's an easy flight from most places.

I am 27, my BF is 28 and my FIL is 50. None of us care too much for shopping alot, except for souveniers. Our budget is not unlimited, we'd like to keep it under $10,000. We want a hotel room and a pool would be nice but not a necessity. We all can do physical activity and enjoy it. Gourmet food isn't a must but we all love to eat. We are in Houston,TX with a major international airport. And a casino also isn't necessary. Thanks for the info.

 

[bicker]

ST John (USVI) is about 80% National Park and is stunning.

This is how we're leaning, either late January or early February. We've priced out really nice hotels there, and found a $6000 price-tag. We've also found some tent camps.

Gosh I would like to find something in between eh?

 

[novajeanjellybean]

I've only ever been to Jamaica, and that was so long ago that nothing I know would be relevant. But for me I go on 2 types of vacations:

1) I'm exhausted from work or a wedding or something, and want to lie around, sleep, stumble to the beach and lie around some more, and let someone else cook and clean for a week. In this case I'd focus on the specific resort, and the food, and choose an all inclusive. This was how my Jamaica trip was and it was great.

2) I'm looking to see new things, and learn new things -- we went to Puerto Vallarta (not Carribbean, but I've never had this kind of vacation in the Carribbean) a few years ago and went horseback riding, and swimming with Dolphins, and looking at the local architecture, going to local art galleries etc . . . We also spent some time on the beach, and tried out some new things like boogie boarding etc . . . We stayed at a little inn where most of the other people were Mexican, and we had to walk a couple of blocks to the beach, which was fine, it meant more chances to see things and soak up the culture. Great trip.

Which are you looking for? Something in between?

Im going to say something in between since it is not the same situation as the first example. My MIL died about a month ago and my FIL just really wants to get away. We are all emotionally drained as her death was totally unexpected. So I told him I'd try to find something just so we can all just get away.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I'm so sorry to hear about your MIL.

I took a similar trip with my mom, after my dad died. In our case we went walking around castles in Wales. I think the right balance for us was something that gave us time to talk, but was also pretty distracting, but was also within our comfort zone (this wasn't the time to go trekking in the Sahara). Also, something that lead us pleasantly tired at bedtime, but didn't add to our exhaustion?

What's your FIL's experience with international travel? Would something more "exotic" feel distracting or stressful to him?

 

[DawnCt1]

This is how we're leaning, either late January or early February. We've priced out really nice hotels there, and found a $6000 price-tag. We've also found some tent camps.

Gosh I would like to find something in between eh?

Actually I have friends that did that tent camping thing and they loved it. Of course my idea of camping is staying at the Sheraton, but tent camping on St John? I could probably do that.
As far as the Caribbean goes; I would rather see it from a cruise ship.

 

[gina2000]

Keep in mind that August/September is prime hurricane season. You may want to look at some of the southernmost Caribbean islands (Aruba comes to mind) because they are largely outside the hurricane belt.

 

[shortbun]

Check out Harmony at Maho Bay camp on St. John. It's a large cabin with bathroom and a walk down to two of the best snorkeling beaches I've ever seen. Also nearby is Water Lemon Key which is a hike back after the 'fret'(some guy who runs a truck with bench seats in the back and an awning) drops you off. We rent a jeep on St. John so we're mobile but its hairy driving-some find it fun but you really need to be alert. Maho has a very casual restaurant with a bar/happy hour overlooking sunset. It's a marvelous and VERY casual eco resort. Take bug spray and put it on before you leave Cruz Bay because of the no-seums. We actually put olive oil on our ankles thick so they drown trying to bite us. The National Park service has some fab walks and tours on St. John. Sign up ahead of time. You fly into St. Thomas and take a ferry to St. John. For an upscale meal, try Caneel Bay. It's out of your budget but a great place to go for a really good lunch with drinks. AND, Gina is right about hurricane season but I've gone many times and missed them. Maybe lucky.

 

[Jeanne B]

This is how we're leaning, either late January or early February. We've priced out really nice hotels there, and found a $6000 price-tag. We've also found some tent camps.

Gosh I would like to find something in between eh?

Have you considered renting a villa on St John? That's what we did for our first trip a few years ago and loved it, beautiful villa overlooking the Westin Resort and we had our own private pool...if I recall it was around $3000 for the week in late June.

I've been to a number of islands in the Caribbean and St John is by far my favorite. Non-commercialized and beautiful beach after beautiful beach.

 

[bicker]

The problem is how do you know who (which villas) to trust?

 

[LoraJ]

My favorite is Dominica, but St. John is beautiful as well.

 

[DawnCt1]

If I were looking for a resort vacation for August and September, I would head to Bermuda. Lovely, almost perfect and usually out of the line of hurricanes.

 

[novajeanjellybean]

I'm so sorry to hear about your MIL.

I took a similar trip with my mom, after my dad died. In our case we went walking around castles in Wales. I think the right balance for us was something that gave us time to talk, but was also pretty distracting, but was also within our comfort zone (this wasn't the time to go trekking in the Sahara). Also, something that lead us pleasantly tired at bedtime, but didn't add to our exhaustion?

What's your FIL's experience with international travel? Would something more "exotic" feel distracting or stressful to him?

Thank you. He was in the Navy so he's already been to many places around the world. I'm sure it wouldn't be stressful to him but it would distract him. The Caribbean is within all of our comfort zone.

 

[novajeanjellybean]

If I were looking for a resort vacation for August and September, I would head to Bermuda. Lovely, almost perfect and usually out of the line of hurricanes.

Thanks I will check it out.

 

[Robinrs]

My favorite islands are St John and Bermuda. St John for peace, Bermuda is just plain beautiful.

 

[tammymacb]

My husband and I are scuba divers who spend a lot of time in the Caribbean. My favorites are - Grand Cayman and Barbados.

I wouldn't go to Jamaica for free.