flygirl

Hi all

Still in the "thinking about it" stages here.. no idea where I will use this ticket credit just yet.

I have 460 bucks ticket credits on USAirways, use or lose it by late May.

I live near IAD (Dulles, VA).

If you had four days to explore any Caribbean island (first visit), where would you choose? I'm less of a "lay on the beach" person and more of a "let's go hiking/exploring/take photos" kind of person. Not averse to being on a beach, just not four days straight.

For that matter, I've not been to Key West and I bet I could get tickets for around that price, from IAD.

Nonstop is preferred but probably unlikely given IAD's schedules.

Any thoughts welcome, thanks.

virginia

first off i'd say plan to use the ticket sometime in late april or anytime allowed in may as this is considered low (read cheaper) season.
well i just spent a few mins looking at usairways. i don't think they like the caribbean very much. however there is a nonstop flt to provo in turks & caicos. unfortunately this is a very hang on the beach destination. it's gorgeous but arid so not particularly photogenic in the traditional island sense. not lush or hilly. the beach is gorgeous, blindingly white oh so soft sand with good snorkeling and excellent diving. great dining and most resorts directly beachfront.

on first read i thought of st.kitts for you but it's not easy to get to - would mean charlotte, st. martin then miniplane.

st. thomas & st. john might work for you. 1 stop thru charlotte. st. thomas has lots going on - shopping, sightseeing both natural and some historical. st. john is approx a 40 min ferry ride from the main town of charlotte amalie which is about 15 mins from the airport. (or 15 mins ferry from the east end of the island)meaning if you stayed on the east end of st. thomas you could easily do a day trip or 2 to st. john to explore, etc. ferry runs from early am to 8 or 9pm.
st. john has outstanding hiking in the national park, great snorkeling, is lush & hilly and has great views to other islands. easy to advise on hotel - there are 2 - the westin and fabulous caneel bay with 7 of it's own beaches. most ppl rent a villa. there is also some fairly upscale camping and a few b&b's.
lots of boat tours available from either island.

drsaloni

I wish you had more days, you would love Curacao but not a direct flight, but its not much of a beach place with lots to do.How about Puerto Rico, although its US, that a direct flight if I am not mistaken & although has nice beaches you can still venture out to restaurants etc, the mariott there is nice & you'd have a casino is interested.I also US virgin islands , havent been there but researched it extensively recently & now just planned to go to Provo.

flygirl

Thanks for the tips! They all sound interesting and pretty...

kfusto

Puerto Rico would be a great choice. In addition to the European feel of Old San Juan, it has lush rain forests for hiking, lovely beaches, great food, excellent nightlife. You can also rent a car and explore the island as driving is easy.

That would be my choice.

sassy_cat

Hey, flygirl I'd like to see some photos of Puerto Rico!

Short flight essential for 4 nights plus everything you could wish for.

Rainforest (photogenic flora and waterfalls plus views from a lookout tower), El morro (photogenic! plus Old San Juan), beaches, caves, biobay (better on Vieques but with only 4 nights stick to the mainland)

RangerRick

Agree Puerto Rico, St. Thomas or St. Lucia are top on my list.

OceanBreeze1

Hi, flygirl!
You mentioned Key West. Florida is beautiful in May. In fact, May is my favorite time to visit Florida...mid to the end of May. The beaches are wonderful & the water is nice & warm in May....just like the Caribbean in fact!
If you have not been to Key West that wld be a good choice for you. If you want to go to a nice "beach destination", I wld suggest flying to PBI (Palm beach International/West Palm) & staying on Singer Island where you can bike, hike, kayak, etc. Or, Fort Lauderdale.

And, if you decide that you want to go someplace other than Caribbean/Florida how about Montreal? Absolutely beautiful in May. 4 days wld be perfect!

Weadles

How about Bermuda? An easy flight from the east coast, plenty of gorgeous beaches to walk ( might be a bit cold to swim), excellent restaurants, shopping, historic sites.

flygirl

These are great ideas!

If I don't go to the above in May, I am going to have to put it on the list for "soon" anyway, they all sound wonderful.

Sassy_cat, I will have pictures of Belgium online here pretty soon, hope you like them!

sassy_cat

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for those photos.