First Time Traveler Needs Help Picking Location
Mar 14th, 2011, 04:43 PM
#1
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First Time Traveler Needs Help Picking Location
My husband and I are planning our first vacation to the Caribbean and can't decide where to go. Since we've never been, we have no idea what would make one island or area better than another. We've read about a bunch of different places, but can't make up our minds. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
We're planning on going away next March and would prefer to avoid the spring break scene. While an adult only resort is not mandatory, we don't want to be someplace that's overrun with children. A perfect beach isn't a priority, it's all about the warmth. We picked the Caribbean only to escape the New England cold. We don't scuba, but would probably try snorkeling. We were considering a cruise, but my husband is nervous that a few hours in a port wouldn't be enough time to enjoy what an area has to offer. We are also considering an all-inclusive, but I'm nervous that I'll get stir crazy and want to spend more time off the resort than on. Preferably we'd like to be able to explore on our own instead of worring about hiring guides. We really enjoy hiking, history/culture, and good meals. We don't care about casinos or nightclubs.
Thanks for your help!
We're planning on going away next March and would prefer to avoid the spring break scene. While an adult only resort is not mandatory, we don't want to be someplace that's overrun with children. A perfect beach isn't a priority, it's all about the warmth. We picked the Caribbean only to escape the New England cold. We don't scuba, but would probably try snorkeling. We were considering a cruise, but my husband is nervous that a few hours in a port wouldn't be enough time to enjoy what an area has to offer. We are also considering an all-inclusive, but I'm nervous that I'll get stir crazy and want to spend more time off the resort than on. Preferably we'd like to be able to explore on our own instead of worring about hiring guides. We really enjoy hiking, history/culture, and good meals. We don't care about casinos or nightclubs.
Thanks for your help!
Mar 16th, 2011, 09:05 AM
#3
I am not familiar with any of the islands you are considering, but one thing jumped out in your post. Just because you decide to go All-Inclusive somewhere doesn't mean you still can't spend however much time off the resort as you like. Just means your drinks & meals are paid in advance.
Puerto Rico seems like it has the mix you are looking for (there have been lots of articles lately in the various travel magazine featuring the island).
Puerto Rico seems like it has the mix you are looking for (there have been lots of articles lately in the various travel magazine featuring the island).
Mar 17th, 2011, 07:20 PM
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Thanks for your help. I'll look into Puerto Rico some more. I've heard some pretty great things about Vieques.
Suze - if you're not familiar with any of the islands I was initialy considering, is there someplace else you recommend?
I know we wouldn't have to stay at an all inclusive all day every day. The convenience of not having to worry about what or where we're going to eat sounds great. I guess I'm just worried that if I start wanting to explore too much, then the cost benefit of prepaying for food/drinks/etc will disappear.
Suze - if you're not familiar with any of the islands I was initialy considering, is there someplace else you recommend?
I know we wouldn't have to stay at an all inclusive all day every day. The convenience of not having to worry about what or where we're going to eat sounds great. I guess I'm just worried that if I start wanting to explore too much, then the cost benefit of prepaying for food/drinks/etc will disappear.
Mar 18th, 2011, 03:35 AM
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First timers do well if they like apanish cultural
and nice beaches lots of variety with Puero Rico.
Vieques is a nice island but not much going on.
www.maho.org best for beach snorkel prettiest safest for me.
www.spirit.com cheap flights down first class
for the price of coach on the others ususally.
www.betterbidding.com good deals bidding priceline on hotels
Your others are small flat nice beaches more expensive usually
not as safe or as much cultural variety.
Happy Hunting,
and nice beaches lots of variety with Puero Rico.
Vieques is a nice island but not much going on.
www.maho.org best for beach snorkel prettiest safest for me.
www.spirit.com cheap flights down first class
for the price of coach on the others ususally.
www.betterbidding.com good deals bidding priceline on hotels
Your others are small flat nice beaches more expensive usually
not as safe or as much cultural variety.
Happy Hunting,
Mar 18th, 2011, 02:04 PM
#6
Personally I really like Negril Jamaica. You fly into Montego Bay, then it's a 90 mins. drive (there are shuttles for $20 pp). There a 7-mile beach where the all-inclusives are or you can stay in smaller independent cabins or hotels up on "the Cliffs".
It's not a Caribbean island but the other place that sounds like what you are looking for is the Mayan Riviera (the coastline of Mexico on the Caribbean side stretching from Cancun south to Playa del Carmen on to Akumal/Tulum.
It's not a Caribbean island but the other place that sounds like what you are looking for is the Mayan Riviera (the coastline of Mexico on the Caribbean side stretching from Cancun south to Playa del Carmen on to Akumal/Tulum.
Mar 18th, 2011, 07:53 PM
#7
Been to most and have liked most of them for one reason or another.
So, where are you flying from? Some are very difficult to get to.
What is your budget? The Caribbean is very expensive, but you get what you pay for.
All inclusives are great for the budget, but are mostly located in places where you wouldn't want to venture out of the resort.
IMO, the easiest for a first time visitor are:
Cayman Islands----really geared towards diving and snorkeling. Flat and arid and not much else to do except dive and eat--good restaurants.
Aruba---easy, but very busy
Barbados---gorgeous beaches on the west coast
Anguilla---stunning beaches, great restaurants and resorts, but a bit hard to get to
St. Bart's---the ultimate, but extremely expensive and hard to ge to.
St. John---Caneel Bay resort might be perfect for you, and having a jeep and exploring the island is very easy. Hiking is good.
Grace Bay,Turks & Caicos----our favorite. Easy to get to, great restaurants, fantastic beach
Non of these would have spring breakers as they are too expensive. They will be at the cheaper all inclusives like Cancun, DR, etc.
As far as Antigua---been there twice and did not feel safe either time. Why did we go back? We were catching a sailboat out of there and actually got stranded when the airline went on strike. Not our favorite place either time.
As far as history and culture, maybe San Juan would have it, but it wasn't my favorite either.
Also, while I'm at it----when in March? We've tried the Northern Caribbean several times at the end of Feb., beginning of March. A couple of times we had not the best weather, somewhat cool. Our agenda now is---before March 15th, lower than the Virgins. After March 15th, anywhere.
So, where are you flying from? Some are very difficult to get to.
What is your budget? The Caribbean is very expensive, but you get what you pay for.
All inclusives are great for the budget, but are mostly located in places where you wouldn't want to venture out of the resort.
IMO, the easiest for a first time visitor are:
Cayman Islands----really geared towards diving and snorkeling. Flat and arid and not much else to do except dive and eat--good restaurants.
Aruba---easy, but very busy
Barbados---gorgeous beaches on the west coast
Anguilla---stunning beaches, great restaurants and resorts, but a bit hard to get to
St. Bart's---the ultimate, but extremely expensive and hard to ge to.
St. John---Caneel Bay resort might be perfect for you, and having a jeep and exploring the island is very easy. Hiking is good.
Grace Bay,Turks & Caicos----our favorite. Easy to get to, great restaurants, fantastic beach
Non of these would have spring breakers as they are too expensive. They will be at the cheaper all inclusives like Cancun, DR, etc.
As far as Antigua---been there twice and did not feel safe either time. Why did we go back? We were catching a sailboat out of there and actually got stranded when the airline went on strike. Not our favorite place either time.
As far as history and culture, maybe San Juan would have it, but it wasn't my favorite either.
Also, while I'm at it----when in March? We've tried the Northern Caribbean several times at the end of Feb., beginning of March. A couple of times we had not the best weather, somewhat cool. Our agenda now is---before March 15th, lower than the Virgins. After March 15th, anywhere.
Mar 18th, 2011, 07:53 PM
#8
Been to most and have liked most of them for one reason or another.
So, where are you flying from? Some are very difficult to get to.
What is your budget? The Caribbean is very expensive, but you get what you pay for.
All inclusives are great for the budget, but are mostly located in places where you wouldn't want to venture out of the resort.
IMO, the easiest for a first time visitor are:
Cayman Islands----really geared towards diving and snorkeling. Flat and arid and not much else to do except dive and eat--good restaurants.
Aruba---easy, but very busy
Barbados---gorgeous beaches on the west coast
Anguilla---stunning beaches, great restaurants and resorts, but a bit hard to get to
St. Bart's---the ultimate, but extremely expensive and hard to ge to.
St. John---Caneel Bay resort might be perfect for you, and having a jeep and exploring the island is very easy. Hiking is good.
Grace Bay,Turks & Caicos----our favorite. Easy to get to, great restaurants, fantastic beach
Non of these would have spring breakers as they are too expensive. They will be at the cheaper all inclusives like Cancun, DR, etc.
As far as Antigua---been there twice and did not feel safe either time. Why did we go back? We were catching a sailboat out of there and actually got stranded when the airline went on strike. Not our favorite place either time.
As far as history and culture, maybe San Juan would have it, but it wasn't my favorite either.
Also, while I'm at it----when in March? We've tried the Northern Caribbean several times at the end of Feb., beginning of March. A couple of times we had not the best weather, somewhat cool. Our agenda now is---before March 15th, lower than the Virgins. After March 15th, anywhere.
So, where are you flying from? Some are very difficult to get to.
What is your budget? The Caribbean is very expensive, but you get what you pay for.
All inclusives are great for the budget, but are mostly located in places where you wouldn't want to venture out of the resort.
IMO, the easiest for a first time visitor are:
Cayman Islands----really geared towards diving and snorkeling. Flat and arid and not much else to do except dive and eat--good restaurants.
Aruba---easy, but very busy
Barbados---gorgeous beaches on the west coast
Anguilla---stunning beaches, great restaurants and resorts, but a bit hard to get to
St. Bart's---the ultimate, but extremely expensive and hard to ge to.
St. John---Caneel Bay resort might be perfect for you, and having a jeep and exploring the island is very easy. Hiking is good.
Grace Bay,Turks & Caicos----our favorite. Easy to get to, great restaurants, fantastic beach
Non of these would have spring breakers as they are too expensive. They will be at the cheaper all inclusives like Cancun, DR, etc.
As far as Antigua---been there twice and did not feel safe either time. Why did we go back? We were catching a sailboat out of there and actually got stranded when the airline went on strike. Not our favorite place either time.
As far as history and culture, maybe San Juan would have it, but it wasn't my favorite either.
Also, while I'm at it----when in March? We've tried the Northern Caribbean several times at the end of Feb., beginning of March. A couple of times we had not the best weather, somewhat cool. Our agenda now is---before March 15th, lower than the Virgins. After March 15th, anywhere.
Mar 19th, 2011, 12:22 PM
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@ Suze - Mayan Riviera sounds perfect! Unfortunately, my hubby has vetoed Mexico with all the State Dept warnings. Even though a lot can happen in a year, for now he's totally against it.
@ TPAYT - Thanks for all the info. Good to know about the temp differences. We'd be traveling before March 15th, probably the first week of the month. We'd fly out of Boston and are trying to keep things around $5k. I think that might knock out some of the suggestions you made, but you've given me a lot to consider and I appreciate it.
@ TPAYT - Thanks for all the info. Good to know about the temp differences. We'd be traveling before March 15th, probably the first week of the month. We'd fly out of Boston and are trying to keep things around $5k. I think that might knock out some of the suggestions you made, but you've given me a lot to consider and I appreciate it.
Mar 19th, 2011, 12:53 PM
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We've been going to Mexico for the last 10 years. Our most recent trip was December, 2010. I can understand your concern with the overly exaggerated media hype, but the tourist areas of Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and the Riveria Maya are plenty safe for toursits. On a good note, because of that, you can find some amazing deals. If you are too uncomfortable, can competely understand, just be aware that many Caribbean Islands all have some issue with safety and it is not necessarily just Mexico that you should be concerned about. Do your research as some Islands are considered safer than others.
If you want an AI resort, the majority are located in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. We have been to 14 AI's throughout Mexico and the Caribbean and can attest that we don't just plop at the resort and never leave just because it's an AI and we already paid for food and drinks. To us, a vacation is about exploring the destination we choose to visit. We like tours and do many on vacation. Depending on how long the tour is a meal is usually included in the price. Also, part of our vacation experience is trying things outside of the resort, so we budget for food/drinks as part of the over all vacation experience. Choosing to stay at an AI resort for your entire vacation is a personal decision, not a requirement. I really don't understand why people keep insinuating that.
For a first time visit, I would suggest Grand Cayman, Aruba or Turks & Caicos. All are considered safe Islands by most, but can be very expensive. Each Island has a few AI hotels and condos if you want to go that route to save some money.
We went to Curacao in 2009 and was not one of our favorites. Very hard to get to from the US and the beaches are just not as nice as other Islands.
Since March is considered spring break/easter break, be prepared to pay premium prices for hotels. That time of year is the second most expensive to vacation after Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years holiday. If you can wait until the 2nd to 3rd week of May prices will go down significantly. Also, the weather will be better and crowds will be much lower.
We are not much cruises as I don't like sea days because they are quite boring to me and no matter how big those ships are they stuff to many people on them and the time in port is just a teaser. However, with that said, we've been on 3 and are booked for Alaksa in Sept and are considering a 11 day next year just to catch some of the Islands that are still on our 'to go' list that we would never be able to afford doing a land vacation on. I just had to decide what's more of a priority, and seeing just a glispe of those Islands vs. never going there at all, the cruise won out.
If your interested we have all of our vacation pics posted.
http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
If you want an AI resort, the majority are located in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. We have been to 14 AI's throughout Mexico and the Caribbean and can attest that we don't just plop at the resort and never leave just because it's an AI and we already paid for food and drinks. To us, a vacation is about exploring the destination we choose to visit. We like tours and do many on vacation. Depending on how long the tour is a meal is usually included in the price. Also, part of our vacation experience is trying things outside of the resort, so we budget for food/drinks as part of the over all vacation experience. Choosing to stay at an AI resort for your entire vacation is a personal decision, not a requirement. I really don't understand why people keep insinuating that.
For a first time visit, I would suggest Grand Cayman, Aruba or Turks & Caicos. All are considered safe Islands by most, but can be very expensive. Each Island has a few AI hotels and condos if you want to go that route to save some money.
We went to Curacao in 2009 and was not one of our favorites. Very hard to get to from the US and the beaches are just not as nice as other Islands.
Since March is considered spring break/easter break, be prepared to pay premium prices for hotels. That time of year is the second most expensive to vacation after Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years holiday. If you can wait until the 2nd to 3rd week of May prices will go down significantly. Also, the weather will be better and crowds will be much lower.
We are not much cruises as I don't like sea days because they are quite boring to me and no matter how big those ships are they stuff to many people on them and the time in port is just a teaser. However, with that said, we've been on 3 and are booked for Alaksa in Sept and are considering a 11 day next year just to catch some of the Islands that are still on our 'to go' list that we would never be able to afford doing a land vacation on. I just had to decide what's more of a priority, and seeing just a glispe of those Islands vs. never going there at all, the cruise won out.
If your interested we have all of our vacation pics posted.
http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
Mar 19th, 2011, 02:45 PM
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Anywhere you go in the March time frame is not going to be an issue....
St Maarten would be a good choice in my mind - easy to get around and could visit some other places as well....Ferry to Anguilla, St. Barts and/or Saba.....
St Maarten would be a good choice in my mind - easy to get around and could visit some other places as well....Ferry to Anguilla, St. Barts and/or Saba.....
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