Decision Time: Carribean or Jamaica or other?
Jul 27th, 2011, 10:20 AM
#1
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Decision Time: Carribean or Jamaica or other?
My husband and I are taking a trip at the end of August.
Initially we were planning on the St. Thomas or Jamaica.
I've been reading some forums on both and I have concerns about the hot, muggy weather, bugs (in Jamaica) and the Hurricanes for St. Thomas.
We are booking with Marriott resorts as we have a lot of points!
I'm interested in what people think about the weather for both locations at the end of August as well, other locations where there isn't a concern for the muggy-ness, bugs or huricanes.
I've always been a bit apprehensive about Mexico (recent incident's with American's) but I am slowly becoming open to it.
Help! We need to decide ASAP!
thanks
Initially we were planning on the St. Thomas or Jamaica.
I've been reading some forums on both and I have concerns about the hot, muggy weather, bugs (in Jamaica) and the Hurricanes for St. Thomas.
We are booking with Marriott resorts as we have a lot of points!
I'm interested in what people think about the weather for both locations at the end of August as well, other locations where there isn't a concern for the muggy-ness, bugs or huricanes.
I've always been a bit apprehensive about Mexico (recent incident's with American's) but I am slowly becoming open to it.
Help! We need to decide ASAP!
thanks
Jul 27th, 2011, 10:55 AM
#2
The problem is your month of travel.
It's going to be hot, humid, and rainy season in ALL of the Caribbean islands as well as the coastal resorts of Mexico.
I'm not sure what "recent incident's with American's" you are referring to. The violence concerns in Mexico are in the border towns, and have to do with Mexican nationals in the drug trade... it's got nothing to do with visiting tourists.
It's going to be hot, humid, and rainy season in ALL of the Caribbean islands as well as the coastal resorts of Mexico.
I'm not sure what "recent incident's with American's" you are referring to. The violence concerns in Mexico are in the border towns, and have to do with Mexican nationals in the drug trade... it's got nothing to do with visiting tourists.
Jul 27th, 2011, 10:57 AM
#3
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There's not any significant difference in average weather conditions between Jamaica and St. Thomas - probably no more than a degree or two in temperature difference and humidity levels will be about the same. You can compare "average" statistics for both islands here: www.weatherbase.com.
Similarly, both have essentially the same probability of there being a hurricane at any given time. You can research the number of hurricanes that have affected either destination in August at www.stormcarib.com. Use the "Climatology" link and select "Hits & Misses", scroll down and click on your intended destination. You'll be directed to a chart showing the date of every hurricane that affected that island since 1851. Study the data and you'll see the odds are relatively small you'll encounter a hurricane (no matter where you go).
So, it really boils down to "Which island DO YOU want to visit?" - ether one will work.
As far as bugs are concerned the amount you will encounter is more dependent on recent weather conditions and local habitat rather than the island itself. Mosquitoes are more prevalent after periods of heavy and prolonged rains so if the week or two prior to your visit has been dry there will be fewer mosquitoes than if there has been a lot of rain. Also, you'll find more mosquitoes in areas with dense vegetation vs areas with no vegetation. Lastly, mosquitoes and no-see-ums are more active a dusk (than during the day) especially by the beach where the sand meets the vegetation. You can lessen your chances of a "close encounter" by avoiding those particular areas at those times and also by refraining from the use of perfumes, colognes, after-shaves, scented hair sprays and scented body splashes as the "sweet aromas" act as an attractant.
Similarly, both have essentially the same probability of there being a hurricane at any given time. You can research the number of hurricanes that have affected either destination in August at www.stormcarib.com. Use the "Climatology" link and select "Hits & Misses", scroll down and click on your intended destination. You'll be directed to a chart showing the date of every hurricane that affected that island since 1851. Study the data and you'll see the odds are relatively small you'll encounter a hurricane (no matter where you go).
So, it really boils down to "Which island DO YOU want to visit?" - ether one will work.
As far as bugs are concerned the amount you will encounter is more dependent on recent weather conditions and local habitat rather than the island itself. Mosquitoes are more prevalent after periods of heavy and prolonged rains so if the week or two prior to your visit has been dry there will be fewer mosquitoes than if there has been a lot of rain. Also, you'll find more mosquitoes in areas with dense vegetation vs areas with no vegetation. Lastly, mosquitoes and no-see-ums are more active a dusk (than during the day) especially by the beach where the sand meets the vegetation. You can lessen your chances of a "close encounter" by avoiding those particular areas at those times and also by refraining from the use of perfumes, colognes, after-shaves, scented hair sprays and scented body splashes as the "sweet aromas" act as an attractant.
Jul 27th, 2011, 01:40 PM
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In fall prefer Kona BI 4 hour direct flight from LAX
low himidity dry on the kohala coast great beaches water
volcanoes island vibe www.konaweb.com have stayed at
http://www.marriott.com/...waikoloa-...resort-and-spa
3 times while competing in the Ironman in the fall it was
great got lots of upgrades freebies usuing my points.
Few bugs also compared to Carib which I love in winter...
so stayhawaii.com althernative-hawaii.com for me...
low himidity dry on the kohala coast great beaches water
volcanoes island vibe www.konaweb.com have stayed at
http://www.marriott.com/...waikoloa-...resort-and-spa
3 times while competing in the Ironman in the fall it was
great got lots of upgrades freebies usuing my points.
Few bugs also compared to Carib which I love in winter...
so stayhawaii.com althernative-hawaii.com for me...
Jul 27th, 2011, 06:19 PM
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In Jamaica,the Marriott resort is located in Montego Bay. Most people will suggest Negril over MB.
We have been to Mexico several times in a August/September and it is HOT and HUMID. In 10 years, though I have never encountered bugs or mosquitos.
We went to St. Thomas in a May. It rain nearly the entire time we were there. The only Island that I can remember being eaten alive by bugs. (or whatever they were) We only saw them at dusk and at night.
For better weather, I would suggest the Marriotts in Aruba. We've been in a September and even though it was hot, it didn't feel as humid as Mexico. The tradewinds help alot and I don't remember any bugs as it didn't rain. Aruba is considered out of the hurricane belt, but with that said, the last couple of October's they have been hit pretty good with tropical storms.
We have been to Mexico several times in a August/September and it is HOT and HUMID. In 10 years, though I have never encountered bugs or mosquitos.
We went to St. Thomas in a May. It rain nearly the entire time we were there. The only Island that I can remember being eaten alive by bugs. (or whatever they were) We only saw them at dusk and at night.
For better weather, I would suggest the Marriotts in Aruba. We've been in a September and even though it was hot, it didn't feel as humid as Mexico. The tradewinds help alot and I don't remember any bugs as it didn't rain. Aruba is considered out of the hurricane belt, but with that said, the last couple of October's they have been hit pretty good with tropical storms.
Jul 28th, 2011, 08:46 AM
#6
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Okay - Now I'm adding Aruba to the mix. What I just read about Aruba is it's more desert-like because of the trade winds rather than Tropical. My husband and I are all about Tropical (have been to Hawaii a couple times and love it there).
My biggest worry about st. Thomas is the weather.
My biggest worry about Cancun is being able to do stuff outside of the resort and safety.
My biggest worry about Aruba is too many kids (although we're going right b4 Labor Day) and not Tropical enough (beach seems kinda flat).
My biggest worry about st. Thomas is the weather.
My biggest worry about Cancun is being able to do stuff outside of the resort and safety.
My biggest worry about Aruba is too many kids (although we're going right b4 Labor Day) and not Tropical enough (beach seems kinda flat).
Jul 28th, 2011, 09:35 AM
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All the Marriotts are kid friendly, so no matter which one you chose you will have to deal with kids.
Aruba is flat, so if you're looking for something more like Hawaii, than Jamaica will be the better fit. However, Eagle Beach has been rated one of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean. There are palm trees and it looks and feels tropical to us, but not like a rain forest type tropical.
In 10 years years to Mexico we have never encountered a safety issue. Just stay in the tourist areas and use your common sense. We book tours off property, but some people will rent cars and go on thier own. We have used the bus system in Cancun to go to the Isla Shopping Mall and Aqua World. They last time we were there, we left a club a 2am and walked back to our hotel, about 2 blocks away. Their were taxi drivers everywhere asking us if we wanted a ride. As a matter of fact, Fodors quoted me regarding that in their 2010 travel guide.
St. Thomas was not one of our favorite Islands and it has more controversal crime issues than Mexico. (IMHO)
If you interested, we've have been to all those destinations and several more and have our pictures posted.
http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
Aruba is flat, so if you're looking for something more like Hawaii, than Jamaica will be the better fit. However, Eagle Beach has been rated one of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean. There are palm trees and it looks and feels tropical to us, but not like a rain forest type tropical.
In 10 years years to Mexico we have never encountered a safety issue. Just stay in the tourist areas and use your common sense. We book tours off property, but some people will rent cars and go on thier own. We have used the bus system in Cancun to go to the Isla Shopping Mall and Aqua World. They last time we were there, we left a club a 2am and walked back to our hotel, about 2 blocks away. Their were taxi drivers everywhere asking us if we wanted a ride. As a matter of fact, Fodors quoted me regarding that in their 2010 travel guide.
St. Thomas was not one of our favorite Islands and it has more controversal crime issues than Mexico. (IMHO)
If you interested, we've have been to all those destinations and several more and have our pictures posted.
http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
Jul 28th, 2011, 09:56 AM
#8
<My biggest worry about Cancun is being able to do stuff outside of the resort and safety.>
Well you're worrying for nothing. The weather for your month of travel should be your only concern. Of course you can do things outside the resort. Why do you think you can't? Cancun is safe. There haven't been problems for visiting tourist to date. Again why do you think that?
Well you're worrying for nothing. The weather for your month of travel should be your only concern. Of course you can do things outside the resort. Why do you think you can't? Cancun is safe. There haven't been problems for visiting tourist to date. Again why do you think that?
Jul 28th, 2011, 12:34 PM
#9
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I just read a few times 'don't go downtown' and the police are crooked' and 'locals will try and rip you off'. But I know you just stay out of those areas and stick to places that are recommended.
Anyway, I am definitely leaning toward Cancun or Aruba now!
Anyway, I am definitely leaning toward Cancun or Aruba now!
Jul 28th, 2011, 03:17 PM
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If you're worried about any type of crime or leaving the resort, than Aruba is the better choice. It is considered one of the most safest Islands in the Caribbean. But, still use common sense and stay in the tourist areas. Even though we've been to Mexico several times because it's inexpensive and easy to get there from Texas, Aruba is one of our favorite Islands. It all depends on what type of vacation you are seeking. Both areas are quite different.
You'll probably pay 1/2 for airfare and AI hotel than what you'll pay in Aruba for the same. If that makes a difference to you. You'll get way more for your money and more lux accomendations in Mexico. Aruba has some excellant dining options. Going AI there is a waste of money.
You'll probably pay 1/2 for airfare and AI hotel than what you'll pay in Aruba for the same. If that makes a difference to you. You'll get way more for your money and more lux accomendations in Mexico. Aruba has some excellant dining options. Going AI there is a waste of money.
Jul 29th, 2011, 12:46 PM
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We got an extraordinary deal for Cancun last January, and -I can't believe I'm saying this after many years of thinking Cancun would not interest me at all- loved it. Didn't feel unsafe one bit. We stayed at LIVE AQUA, which is an all-adult AI on a very beautiful section of the beach. The hotel is gorgeous and had good food. The only downside, and this was a big one, is that for much of our stay, the beach was "red-flagged" which meant no swimming due to potential riptides etc. However, the hotel had seven pools (!) and further down the beach was fine for swimming, so we'd simply walk down when we felt like it. We also had excellent food outside the resort at a wonderful Argentinian steakhouse and a great Mexican seafood/chophouse.
I've also been to Aruba many times and can't say it's my favorite island. It seems a little silly saying this after visiting Cancun (!), but if felt very Americanized to me. More than Cancun. We've stayed at the Marriot timeshares there, and while they offer ample room, the pools and beach can be a real zoo, depending on time of year and your luck. But... Aruba may have better weather in late August than Cancun.
Anyway, decide what your priorites are ( price, flying time, beach, etc.) and go from there. Good luck and have fun!
I've also been to Aruba many times and can't say it's my favorite island. It seems a little silly saying this after visiting Cancun (!), but if felt very Americanized to me. More than Cancun. We've stayed at the Marriot timeshares there, and while they offer ample room, the pools and beach can be a real zoo, depending on time of year and your luck. But... Aruba may have better weather in late August than Cancun.
Anyway, decide what your priorites are ( price, flying time, beach, etc.) and go from there. Good luck and have fun!
Jul 29th, 2011, 01:58 PM
#14
Well if it's for sure down to either only Aruba or Cancun, why not just start pricing the trip and checking out specific hotels. See which one has better flights, and how the places you might stay compare. I've never been to Aruba but it does have the reputation generally of being "expensive" and "Americanized".
Jul 29th, 2011, 02:00 PM
#15
Weadles, Funny your point about Cancun. I learned the hard way not to make fun of places I had not been myself because of their reputation. I always said about Hawaii "I'm sure it's just like Disneyland", etc. until (yup you guessed it, I finally went). Had to eat my words big time on that one. Because Hawaii is amazing -lol!
Jul 29th, 2011, 02:41 PM
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And, I'm just the opposite. I hated Hawaii. Talk about being an Americanized (because it is) metropolitain city with a beach, and a not very nice one at that compared to the Caribbean. Would never spend my hard earned money or time there again.
I absolutely adored Aruba. I really don't understand it's reputation of being "Americanized". I guess it is more built up than some of the other smaller more desitute Islands, but no more than say St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Curacao, etc. Aruba does not remind me of any US beach destination we've been to. I guess it all a matter of preception.
I love the Caribbean side of Mexico also. It's such a great place with diverse culture and tons of things to see and do. Great beaches, good food and exceptional service. There is no other destination that can give you all that with their continued low prices. It is so sad that the media and people who don't know can give them such a bad rap.
I absolutely adored Aruba. I really don't understand it's reputation of being "Americanized". I guess it is more built up than some of the other smaller more desitute Islands, but no more than say St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Curacao, etc. Aruba does not remind me of any US beach destination we've been to. I guess it all a matter of preception.
I love the Caribbean side of Mexico also. It's such a great place with diverse culture and tons of things to see and do. Great beaches, good food and exceptional service. There is no other destination that can give you all that with their continued low prices. It is so sad that the media and people who don't know can give them such a bad rap.
Jul 31st, 2011, 08:18 PM
#17
<Talk about being an Americanized (because it is) metropolitain city with a beach>
KVR, You must be talking about Honolulu/Waikiki on Oahu, right? There's a LOT more to the Hawaiian islands than just that one city.
KVR, You must be talking about Honolulu/Waikiki on Oahu, right? There's a LOT more to the Hawaiian islands than just that one city.
Aug 1st, 2011, 04:02 AM
#18
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I really don't care for Cancun, would not consider a return trip there.
I've avoided Aruba, since I've heard again and again that it's 'Americanized'. In general, I avoid beach vacations to places where there are high rises...
We are going to Curacao/Bonaire in December. I sure hope it isn't so over developed that we don't enjoy ourselves.
I've avoided Aruba, since I've heard again and again that it's 'Americanized'. In general, I avoid beach vacations to places where there are high rises...
We are going to Curacao/Bonaire in December. I sure hope it isn't so over developed that we don't enjoy ourselves.
Aug 1st, 2011, 11:05 AM
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Suze, no I'm talking about Maui. But, we went to Oahu also and both are just metropolitain cities with a beach. A lot like Miami, FL, which I didn't like either. Hawaii is an American state and is more of an Americanized beach vacation than Aruba will ever be. If you ever take a vacation to Aruba, you'll see what I'm trying to say.
JeanH, we went to Curacao in '09. It is nothing like Aruba. No long stretches of beach and no soft white sand. The downtown shopping area was nice and clean though. Bring water shoes to walk on the beaches and rent a car so you can get to the many little coves of beaches over on the West side.
Though Palm beach in Aruba has high rise hotels, it's not all Aruba has to offer. Eagle Beach has the low rise boutique hotels. One of my fav things on vacation is shopping. Loved all the choices in Aruba. Better than St. Thomas as it's more diverse. My second fav thing is eating. There are so many restaurant and bar choice one 7 night trip you won't even get to try a handful of what there is to offer.
We did over first scuba dive at the Sea Aquarium in Curacao. It was awesome. No scuba certification required. The best thing we did there.
Have a great trip. We are off to Seattle and Alaksa in just a few short weeks. We're not fighting with all the Caribbean tropical storms and hurricanes this year and then back to Jamaica in December. So excited.
JeanH, we went to Curacao in '09. It is nothing like Aruba. No long stretches of beach and no soft white sand. The downtown shopping area was nice and clean though. Bring water shoes to walk on the beaches and rent a car so you can get to the many little coves of beaches over on the West side.
Though Palm beach in Aruba has high rise hotels, it's not all Aruba has to offer. Eagle Beach has the low rise boutique hotels. One of my fav things on vacation is shopping. Loved all the choices in Aruba. Better than St. Thomas as it's more diverse. My second fav thing is eating. There are so many restaurant and bar choice one 7 night trip you won't even get to try a handful of what there is to offer.
We did over first scuba dive at the Sea Aquarium in Curacao. It was awesome. No scuba certification required. The best thing we did there.
Have a great trip. We are off to Seattle and Alaksa in just a few short weeks. We're not fighting with all the Caribbean tropical storms and hurricanes this year and then back to Jamaica in December. So excited.
Aug 1st, 2011, 11:23 AM
#20
Well I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one. I can't *believe* anyone who has visited would say the entire ISLANDS of Oahu AND Maui are both just a "city with a beach".
Doesn't have anything to do with Aruba.
Doesn't have anything to do with Aruba.
