texstout

Okay -- I am seriously dreaming of taking a trip at the end of the month to somewhere warm in the Carribean. I am generally unfamiliar with the Carribean, spending my normal vacations in Europe or Asia.

Can anyone point me to an island(s) that would meet my daydreams? I love to trip plan and will do the detailed planning, but I am overwhelmed with my choices. Just a general push - would be very helpful.

My thoughts/expectations/hopes..
- Easy flight (I am in DC); no more than one connection
- 3-6 nights
- I prefer non-inclusive; I want to go somewhere that I can relax, but also get into the local scene and explore
- I imagine renting a jeep and driving around
- I'd actually prefer this trip to stay at not high, high end -- but comfortable, smaller size hotels
- Great beaches and food (important)
- I wouldn't spend all my time on a beach, so being able to walk in a forest, mountain, etc
- A possible trip that sounds nice to me(without having done much research yet) is like flying into Santo Domingo, staying a couple of nights and renting a car to go a few hours aways somewhere a little bit off the beaten track to relax.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!!

JimC

Hi,
"Forest and mountain" don't often go with "great beaches" in the Caribbean. Do you mean white sand beaches?

My suggestions: Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. John, Nevis, Grenada, St. Lucia.

Great beaches but no mts. and forest: anguilla, T&C, Caymans

SAnParis

For the variety you are seeking I would suggest PR. Old San Juan, Vieques, Rincon, the Rain Forest, etc. Do a search on PR. There are several trip reports on here.

ejcrowe

I agree with SA that Puerto Rico would be a perfect destination for you. Since you enjoy vacationing in Europe, the cosmopolitan Latin feel of San Juan in particular may appeal to you.

I'd also suggest Grenada, which offers much of what you're looking for, but on a much smaller scale than Puerto Rico. It's quite easy to rent a jeep and drive around the entire island by yourself to explore. Most of the main roads are in quite good repair, and there is lacking in signage is more than made up for by the opportunity to stop and chat with a local about how to find your way.

It's also an easy island to do somewhat on the cheap. There's a good and inexpensive public transportation and lots of out of the way places to eat. Of course, if you want to splash out a bit, there are plenty of opportunities there, too.

Check out www.grenadaexplorer.com for lots of great info. If you like staying at small, out of the way places, take a look at La Sagesse (www.lasagesse.com) which offers a small inn on a beach, about a 25 minute drive from the main action on the island. Even if you don't stay there, it's a great place to spend the day. Beautiful location, fantastic value.

If you want to stay a little closer to the action, you'll probably want to be in either the Morne Rouge area(check out the GEM for a place to stay) or Grand Anse area (check out Blue Horizons, Coyaba, and Flamboyant for places to stay).

The island is lush, mountainous, with beautiful beaches (some are white sand, others range in darkness), friendly people, strong tourist infrastructure without being Americanized, waterfalls, good hiking, good food, etc.

tpatricco

St. John meets your critera perfectly. Reasonably short direct flight from DC to St. Thomas and a quick ferry over to STJ. Fantastic beaches, plenty of hiking trails & mountainous terrain can be found there.

I'd suggest renting a villa for a laid back, relaxing experience. Rent a Jeep and drive from beach to beach and explore. Plenty of good restaurants too.

For me, it's paradise.

mahobaygirl

Yup, St. John, or Puerto Rico with a side trip to Vieques.
Great question and you gave all the areas of importance to you as well!
I hope to visit DR one of these days, but I wonder and the other posters will most likely let us know...is it safe to go out of the resort areas? We like to feel the local flavor and meet the people,and explore the countryside, but somewhere in my mind is a nagging feeling that one needs to stay close to the resorts.

Vieques will provide food with a local flavor, some great restaurants. lots of inexpensive places to stay if you want to get away from the "high end" places this time. Lots of nearly deserted beaches, snorkeling, Fish & Wildlife land to explore, but absolutely nothing touristy about the place!
Have fun, planning is almost the most fun part!