First trip to Carribean-Senior Couple

I'd give serious consideration to Grenada. Fascinating history and a truly beautiful island.

Well, Congratulations, solaplex, to you & your Bride! 52 years! Wow! Did you get married on Valentine's Day?

Have you considered a Caribbean cruise where you would have the opportunity to experience a number of Caribbean Islands? With a cruise, you would get "sightseeing, history, good food". But, maybe not "tranquility"! I guess it depends on the size of the ship & the composition of its passengers.

Your question is overly broad as there are many islands that could fit your bill. For instance St. Kitts, Nevis, Grenada, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Saba and Dominica, all meet your criteria.

Also, you mentioned "price is a consideration" but you failed to tell us what your budget for airfare, accomodations and food might actually is - it's impossible for us to make any meaningful recommendations with a real point of reference. When it comes to money matters terms like "affordable", "not over the top", "reasonably priced", "won't break the bank", "price is a consideration"
are meaningless.

I suggest you read up a bit about each of those islands since they are all very different. Start by using the "Destinations" link at the top of this page, click through to the Caribbean. There you'll find some general information on each island. After reading the material you'll get a "feel" for what each has to offer. You can then do a google search for more information about the island(s) that most appeal to you. Once you choose your island, you can then work on finding a resort /hotel in your price range (whatever that may be) since if you have realistic expectations you should be able to find accomodations in your price range on almost any island.

I agree with JeanH's suggestion, Grenada certainly has what you are looking for. It's a pain to get to, but worth it in my opinion.

Grenada is too hard to get to. It's not worth the hastle. I would suggest St John, Barbados or Jamaica. They're all beautiful and loaded with history.

I guess when you fly from my little regional airport, almost anywhere is hard to get to. I can get from eastern Iowa to Grenada in one day. For me, that makes it a very doable trip. There are destinations in the Caribbean I can't get to in one day.

Until recently, it took me three flights to get to Key West.

Barbados is wonderful for first-timers as it has at least some of everything the Caribbean has to offer, except for a volcano. Lovely people, a wide range of hotels, restaurants, beaches, history, sightseeing. See www.barbados.org

Where are they travelling from - Grenada is direct from Toronto on a charter....5 hours albeit but direct and pretty straight forward. Grenada is a wonderful option and if you don't have small children to worry about in a plane for 5+ hours then a GREAT option...history, nature, beautiful views, nice variation in options of where to stay and Cariacou within a ferry service - I gather you should take your gravol unless you have a sea stomach.

We have chosen St. Kitts again this year because with a 5 year old and newborn it is 4 hours flight from Toronto and we love love the island - also has what you are looking for in terms of history - the Fort is a UNESCO site and it is a beautiful island with lots to do and see - driveable on your own and a great atmosphere with locals and tourists.

I do love Jamaica too so I wont say no to it - but try Negril for that less AI feeling...long beach. I did go to a place in Runaway Bay and had a wonderful time but it wasnt a get out and enjoy the island trip - it was a recuperate trip.

Happy Anniversary to be - congratulations!

Thank you all for your replies. Since we have no experience with the Carribean, my request had to be broad. Now with the help of your responses, we can review your suggestions to narrow our focus. We will be leaving from south Florida/Miami area. As far as cost is concerned, we will pay what we have to pay, what I tried to convey is that we are looking for ambience not luxury and glitz.

So wonderful I hope you find what you are looking for and have a wonderful time!!!

Since you are traveling from Miami, it opens up a whole lot of options on where to go. Most of us have to fly to Miami to connect to the flight to the islands. Congrats on your anniversary!

Caribheart, Cld you pls tell me who flies direct Toronto/St. Kitts? I have only looked @ Air Canada & saw Aruba, Antigua, T & C, Grand Cayman, St. Lucia , St. Maarten and Grenada. So, any help you cld give wld be greatly appreciated
We want to go "somewhere warm" for the last week in Feb/10 & I am having a tough time finding direct flights from TO.
Last year we went to Aruba but wld like to try some place different for 2010.
When are you going to St. Kitts?

OceanBreeze1 - we are goign the last week in January and the first week in February.

We usually use two options for figuring out our travels esp. to St.Kitts....normally we use a woman called Liz Pereira who is a travel agent with Thomas (? Lawd she is going to sneer at me if I got this wrong). The flights are with Skyservice a charter... this year we jumped on a package that we saw online and missed Liz...see the cursing she could be doing.

the easiest way to get there is a package - air and hotel included - they offer the best flights. If you want to pay your airfare separately and book independently of your hotel then I would even more suggest using Liz as she is always sending us emails about cheap airfare to St.kitts.

We are paying a package to St.Kitts with Skyservice and our beloved Timothy Beach Resort - but we need more space than is offered through the rooms online in the package so we booked a studio and upgraded independently through TBR. They are excellent and really accomodating in terms of making these type of adjustments.

Again Liz Pereira is great for booking all things esp. all things St.Kitts. She actually moved to St.Kitts so she can help you on the ground there with any arrangements too.

Ok - the big secret I hate Liz to find out about - we booked this super cheap deal for St.Kitts online with www.selloffvacations.com - turns out Liz said she could have given us the same deal but we jumped and lost Liz. Either way - there are LOTS of flights through charters to St.Kitts and the flight is about 4 hours, we have never had any problems and it may not be Air Canada in terms of quality but I actually prefere Skyservice as I have had consistently big issues with AC and they are so much more expensive.

My friend if flying home from Barbados over Christmas and she is using Westjet and getting ridiculously low prices. I don't know what flights they are offering if St.Kitts is in there...but another option for you.

You can find Liz here on Fodors, but she is even more easily accessible through www.myislands.myeyez.net I am sure she would be thrilled to help in any way!

Caribheart, thank you so much! I had not even thought of Skyservice. We too need more than a hotel room...a suite would be perfect. I will check out TBR, Selloff, Liz.
Thanks again!

My pleasure - I hope you are successful in booking beautiful St.Kitts and have a wonderful time...Best Wishes!!

I have ben reading these postings,since I have been looking for an alternative to Anguilla,for two of us around 65.Caribheart offers such great advice.!!I have been unable to find a way to make contact with Liz.She sounds like a super resource.Help?? And thanks.

I sent Liz a heads up on facebook to read this thread. I'm sure she'll get in touch soon.

You can contact me at liz.pereira@marlintravel.ca

BTW, I can get the same prices as Sell Off Vacations. Every travel agent uses the same computer system.

I specialize in St. Kitts and would be happy to help you book your flight/accommodations as well as any island excursions.

I am also the manager of The Tour Store in St. Kitts.

www.stkittstourstore.com

caribheart, what is the time change b/t Toronto & St. Kitts? 2 hours? Skyservice Flight leaves TO around 9:30AM & arrives St. Kitts around 3:30PM
I just looked @ Skyservice through Sunquest& for the week we need in Feb it is over $1000 per person. Does this sound right?

After going to the Caribbean for 20 years (most islands) here are some of my thoughts.

In Feb. stay south. We have had some cool weather from the Virgins north in Jan.& Feb. Not to say it will positively be cool in the north, we have had some good years, but I wouldn't take a chance.

Barbados (west coast) would be a good place to start looking.
Aruba would be another good place to look. Both are a bit livlier with more to do. Some of the smaller islands would be beach, beach, and beach. We enjoy both atmospheres, but for the fist time I'd choose one of those two.

Another thought is, as mentioned above, a cruise. Our favorite is "The Windsurf" www.windstarcruises.com out of Barbados. It's a gorgeous sailing ship with only 300-350 passengers. The food is great, and being on deck at night under the stars is something to remember. Also you'd get a nice look at a few islands and see what you like. They also have a beach BBQ on a private beach that is fun. We are Seniors also and this is one of our favorites. You'd fit right in as it is an older crowd with very seldom any children.

Another sailing cruise is on www.starclippers.com A bit more casual, but again geared toward an older crowd with fabulous sailing and great food.

If sailing doesn't interest you (it's pretty stable, but if you're prone seasickness, you may want to chose another venue), You might want a larger ship. Maybe www.oceaniacruises.com or similar. My only advice on cruises is to not choose a 2,000 and uppassenger ship (it takes too long to get on and off although you do have more entertainment, etc. on board).

If you want to look at some very good prices go to www.vacationstogo.com

Again, these are just a few viewpoints from 2 now seniors who need there "blue water fix" every Feb.-March. My husband never wanted to go there but I dragged him in Feb. 1990. He took one look at that water and we've been back every year since.

caribheart, it's leave To around 9:30AM & arrive St. kitts around 4:30PM...not 3:30

caribheart, I don't believe this....now it says 3:30PM!!!
Here is what I have found w/ Skyservice/Signature Vacations:
Feb 20,Flt 5G3018 Depart 9:35AM (Toronto) Arrive 3:20PM ( St. Kitts)

Feb 27, Flt 5G3019 Depart 4:20PM (St. Kitts) Arrive 8:30PM (Toronto)

$858 plus $233 Tax per person ($1091 per person)

Do you mean you can't believe the arrival time? I am pretty sure that that time reflects the time change for flying to St. Kitts....the Caribbean for 6 months of the year...they don't have daylight savings...is an hour ahead or behind....anyhow - that is what the time reflects.. The same applies for the way back they always add some time to the flight when representing it on the computer because it is estimated...I think that St.Kitts is just over 4 hours and they round up to 5 to deal with any delays or slow down in flying time. So on the way back it looks like 4 hours but is actually 5 with the time change....it looks like 6 on the way there but is actually 5 with the time change...

Try www.selloffairfares.com or www.itravel2000.com for deals... signature is still the representing sales group but selloff and itravel buy their own seats to sell at a discount (I think...) so they can have lower prices. Also drop Liz an email (you can actually do it through this site as you will see in the upper right hand corner of this thread she is one of the St.Kitts officials...) as she will keep her eyes open for you for deals as she is not limited to Signatures price.

Hang in there - the taxes are vile aren't there...the price of 858.00 is not sooo bad in fact I think that is a goodish price as I feel my husband, parents and I are paying similar - my son a bit less.

Let me know how it goes!!

4Carolina - did you see Liz's contact information...although I missed out on her this year (have you forgiven me yet Liz?) she is great and will help all through easy email!!

Hey Liz I hope you are well and I am still sorry to have missed you this time with our booking!

Just as a footnote for why I keep pushing the other places with Liz is you can do your research (half the fun really) but still ask Liz to be the one to deal with the booking for you - then you can get the great deals that are out there as Liz has access to so you can make your decision - but Liz can help with the details around times etc...so you don't feel so frustrated!! It can be a royal pain...navigating the systems in terms of times and fees etc...insurance on trip and health on and on...

Caribheart: Coming back it says Skyservice leaves St. Kitts @ 4:30PM & arrives Toronto @ 8:30PM...but shouldn't that be 7:30 w/ the time change assuming it is a 4 hour flight. St. Kitts is 1 hour ahead of us, right?
Four hour flight wld be 8:30PM St Kitts time & 7:30 TO time. Going to St. Kitts it leaves Toronto @ 9:30AM, arrives @ 3:20PM in St. kitts(2:30 TO time). So, I am thinking it must be a 5 hour flight.
Arriving in St. Kitts @ 3:20 is 2:20PM TO ( 9:30AM-2:20PM)
and returning 4:30PM St Kitts arriving 8:30PM Toronto which wld be 9:30 St. Kitts time. So, a 5 hour flight. Same as Aruba which we did last year on air Canada in February,

I believe, if memory serves me correctly, it is less than 5 hours as I know Barbados and Grenada - are definitively 5 hours....St.Kitts is closer to 4 hours...so 4 and a bit with wind and weather and delays I believe that is why they post it as 5 to acommodate these issues.

I just know that it is an easier flight than Bbdos and Gnd in terms of the little bit too long on a flight with a child. I hope I am not leading you astray but I am still pretty sure to tell you you will find this a shorter flight than Aruba...St.Kitts is not as far south as GND or Aruba either...

But still warm fabulous weather....I will be returning on February 3 so I at that time I can give you more certain information - good grief our trip still seems so far away!

I just emailed Liz,and await her reply....eagerly.We live in D.C. and would be delighted with a great package deal.Thanks TPAYT,for all your suggestions.we are not interested in a cruise.....just beautiful,quiet beaches and a pleasant on or close to beach resort.ALL suggestions welcomed!!What a great community of travellers are on this board !! So amny thanks !

Thanks, Caribheart. Actually your trip is not all that far away....only about 3 months! Which is nothing really...."August First" weekend was about 3 months ago & it seems like last week to me!

I am glad both of you are going to have a lovely vacation in the Caribbean - it is truly my idea of Eden....I hope that the recommendations given have you feeling the same way!!

Ocean - I figure you are right - 3 months is not that long and when you factor in that I am giving birth to my second child in two weeks...I bet the time will fly at that point! Ok - I really really hope....crossed fingers!!!

Caribheart, Congratulations! How exciting! I'll watch for your birth announcement in the Globe if you give me a clue!

Hehehe - thank you for reminding me - I forgot about all of those little joys after the fact...last time my Father in Law posted our son in the Toronto Star I will give you a heads up as I will definetly have my computer close to me for those wee small hours when you feel a bit cut off - try to keep me sane!!

Thanks for the well wishes we are pretty excited...great time of year for us - baby, Christmas and St.Kitts! Whatever shall we do in the month of March....hehehe

Caribheart, What is going on w/ Skyservice? They are telling me they are no longer flying to St. Kitts? Have you heard anything?

I have not heard anything...that is crazy!! As far as we know we are still going in January and returning in February....what site are you looking at? That is nerve wracking to say the least...for you and for us now too....yikes!! After I stop stressing about these darn H1N1 flu clinics I will call and find out what is happening with our flights too....! No one has called us and given us this information though.

Have you called them directly or called the site directly that you are looking at?

I too am a fan of Grenada. If you're really seeking tranquility, I would suggest checking out LaSource. It's located on a beautiful and secluded part of the beach, and a spa treatment is included each day of your stay! Plenty of activities are also available (tennis lessons, scuba, water skiing) as part of the nightly rate, along with fresh and healthy meals.

The website is www.theamazingholiday.com. Let me know if you have any questions!

READ reply from TPAYT above. It has great information and we totally agree with the idea. (of course, we lived on our sailboat in the Caribbean for over 2 years). We loved all of the islands for their own character. Stay south to stay warm. We spent a lot of time in Martinique but the Euro is so high now that it's not the best deal. St Lucia is a beautiful island and has lots of places to stay including a number of "all inclusive" spots. The "Pitons" and hotel near them are stunning. Barbados is quite "British" still.

You can't go wrong with either of the sailing vessels that TPAYT suggested. Seeing the islands from the water can't be equaled by anything on land! Good luck and enjoy!

We have visited Barbados a couple of times and each time have been blown away by the beauty of the place. We do plan to go and visit again and again. It does have everything on your wish list.
Blessings to you on your 52nd anniversary. Have a good one!

Caribheart, I Googled Skyservice & tried to check availabilty through Signature. It looks like their last flight to St. Kitts is Dec 19, 2009.
I have sent a note to Liz asking her to check on this & figure out what is going on.
Did you get the shot? Or, not?

OceanBreeze1 - I got the shot and all went well...compared with our ruined attempt yesterday! Thx for asking!!

Well that is definetly a problem if what skyservice is saying is true...let me check the site we used to book....ok this is bad karma then...I didn't book with Liz this time and I am on my own with this one...

I went to selloffvacations.com and they are demonstrating whatyou have said - that they are not offering packages past Dec.19....so I called Selloff and they have said they still have us in their system confirmed so unless they hear otherwise through Signature all is proceeding well....BUT - if I were you and had not booked yet...then hopefully Liz will respond to you soon and let you know what is going on and what your options are for booking St.Kitts....

My fingers are crossed for you and for us now too!! How tragic it would be if none of our trips to SKB worked out...it really is a lovely lovely place!!

I will keep you updated of our situation...Thanks!! I am sorry I couldnt be more help!

Caribheart, It's so weird. My gut tell me that Skyservice will not be flying to St. Kitts past Dec 19. I am making alternate plans. How about you?

Caribheart, I have a question: how do you get a passport for your new baby in time for travel @ the end of January? Do you apply the day he/she is born? Next week, right?

Well you can apply for passports right up until the time of departure...so we will see how everyone is doing then get there as fast as possible. Last year when we went to Jamaica last minute and realized my son's passport was almost expired we raced out with our travel documents in hand and got a rush on the passport...so they are quite accomodating in terms of timelines....if you can prove a trip!! HOWEVER!!!!

We no longer have a trip....as you were pointing out Signature has pulled its trips to St.Kitts and we are up a creek...which means inconvenience to us - but to St.Kitts...I CAN NOT IMAGINE!! How much of a negative impact will thsi have on the island...I am so sad for them...and of course very sad for us as you can see I have very positive feelings toward the island the accomodations we secured...

I am sorry for you too to not get the chance to see the island this upcoming January!!

What will you do?

Caribheart, did you get confirmation of that from Skyservice/Signature?
Will Signature/Sell Off Vacations refund your money?

I am unsure what we will do. One day I was all set to book Skyservice w/ Signature to St. Kitts, the next I noticed they were gone!

We will probably just go to Florida which is certainly no Caribbean holiday especially in February ( It's Feb, not January that we are going). The last week in Feb is when my son has his University break so I think I will go & book that now.

What about you? Have you considered Aruba? Go to www.tug2.net Look under Marketplace for a condo/timeshare.
Air Canada flies direct to Aruba. As mentioned earlier, that's where we went last year.

Hi OceanBreeze1 - we did get confirmation from Selloff and signature and an independent travel broker....Signature dumped St.Kitts effective January 9th but this date is negotiable depending on who you speak to.

They are obligated to refund all of our money and we are lucky because unlike I normally do I only put a deposit...so we will get it back with our pay of Insurance....we will also be stretched to use Signature again from this negative experience!!

I know how you feel about being all ready and then one day it is gone...we can't quite believe that we are not going to SKB when that was our plan for months now. Hopefully another year another tour company will offer them again and we can go as we still love the island and the hotel and hope to be there one day - in the meantime we think that the most comparable vacation in terms of great island, hotel and overall cost is likely Grenada at the Flamboyant...so we are going to all get together tonight and see if we agree.

I did look at Aruba as per your advisement and although it looks beautiful...the cost is quite a bit higher than we were paying previously. We really need the financial perks of booking a package....maybe not another year but with the new baby and the financial implications of maternity leave - we are all about the packages....so that is that.

I do adore Grenada and probably spend as much time on this site talking up that island as I do SK and the last time we were there I was pregnant with my first child so maybe this is a wonderful opportunity - but to be honest I can't help but feel really sad about SK - what on earth will this mean for them as they rely so heavily on tourism and I don't think there are any other tour companys going there currently. People will really have to be compelled and financially stable to make the trek there.

I hope you have a wonderful time in Florida - although I understand what you are saying about not being a Caribbean vacation there are many wondeful features of travelling to Florida too....but there is always Grenada if you have not booked FLA yet....Air Canada flies there directly too!!

Keep me updated if you have the time and I hope you enjoy your travels regardless of where you go!

Caribheart, AC flies direct to Grenada from Toronto? Thanks! I will check it out. Have not booked Florida yet but that is my fall back...Palm Beach.

You strike me as a pragmatist so you will figure out something.

When is your baby due...next week???

Hello Ocean!

Baby is scheduled to arrive November 9....phew!! Things are getting grouchy here!!

You are insightful - we are going to book Grenada via a tour agent this time - but it is an Air Canada package and if you search it through Selloffvacations you will find a better deal than on the Air CAnada site...As Liz pointed out the agents have access to these deals as well so the woman I have spoken to at Flightcenter will give us the booking as per Selloff but with a human being attached to aid us should things go sour again!!!

I hope you get your Caribbean trip too!!

Do you mean Air Canada Vacations? But you are doing it through Selloff? And, they fly direct to Grenada from Toronto?

Air Canada Vacations...but not their website as it is marked up on the site.

I checked out selloffvacations.com, searstravel.ca, itravel2000.com and belairtravel.ca all showed the same price for Flamboyant two weeks January - February. Direct Toronto - Grenada....these prices were a bit lower than booking a package on line through Air Canada Vacations but STILL flying with AC.... I am going into Flightcenter today to confirm with a human being the details of this booking as a travel agent I emailed yesterday confirmed all of my research on the internet...but she was smart enough to point out that the early bird special ends today...adding $200.00 per person to the total....so God willing we will be boked to Gnd today. If they can't help me at Flightcenter we will head upstairs in our mall to Sears...but I need a vacation now...hehehehe

Sounds good, Caribheart.
How did you get along today? All booked for Grenada? Of the 4 that you mentioned, which travel agent did you use?

We are booked!! We went to Flightcenter and booked in peson with an agent who was really lovely! She provide all the assistance we needed and we feel that should anything go wrong this time we will have better guidance!

How about you OceanBreeze1 - any further developments in your bookings?

Caribheart, Wow! You are fast! Good work!

I spent the evening in front of the fireplace as I flipped through CAA travel books & Fodors Caribbean 2010 book between hopping up & down to visit w/ the little ghosts & goblins @ my front door. The little ones are so cute!

Am thinking about St. Maarten (The Westin). Or, Florida. Have you been to St. Maarten? Pros? Cons?

OceanBreeze1 - the marketing manager at TBR in St.Kitts just sent me some information regarding alternative in flights...to get to St.Kitts they happen to be the last week in February (which is a fit for you correct?) They don't seem to take too long and as you don't have a newborn I thought you might be interested with the one connection....see below.

Sat, Feb 27 US Airways 1961
Depart:
6:20am
Arrive:
8:30am Toronto, Canada (YYZ)
Charlotte, NC (CLT)

1 stop
Economy
2hr 10min
Boeing 737
View seats

Change planes. Time between flights: 3hr 0min

US Airways 1693
Depart:
11:30am
Arrive:
4:31pm Charlotte, NC (CLT)
St Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis (SKB)

Economy
4hr 1min
Airbus A319
View seats
Total duration: 9hr 11min

Choose this return

If nothing else can you imagine that she took the time to find this information for us? We really can not make this choice this year as I am sure you can understand...but i ws still really impressed with her smart marketing and excellent customer service skills in workign this hard. It often seems customer service is a dying skill. Glad to see it thrives somewhere...especially in this difficult time for St.Kitts!

Sounds like a lovely way to spend Halloween... fire, and dreams of travel!! The little ones are so cute - they still have the magic of all the fun, festivities and holidays!!

I have been to St.Martin but we have not stayed on the Dutch side of St.Maarten.

We have been to St.Martin I think three times over the course of 20 years...two visits to the Grand Case Beach Club and one to L'Hoste on Orient Beach.

Pros -

The Orient beach is long and wide with white sandy beach. (it is a clothing optional beach - is this a pro or a con to you is a personal decision it was neither to us as we do not participate but do not judge others their joy)

Restaurants on the French side were wide in selection and mostly wonderful as they had the true France French flair.

Breakfast at both hotels were great continental but when done with the fresh Caribbean fruit and the French Baguettes and coffee - GREAT!

There was a location that was so special and unique I think called Anse Marcel - a small beach with one or two hotels...but I fear it is no longer a public beach and only has condo's...someone more knowledgeable would have to assist with this point.

The access to other islands from this one - Anguilla which is a totally different island for us as it is quite flat with LONG stretches of pristine white sandy beaches and high high end hotels and restaurants...we just took a Catamaran tour over there - it was short and smooth in ride and a heavenly day spent on a stunning beach. We also took a tour to Saba which is the EXACT opposite...small island with I think one sharp peak sticking out of the Caribbean sea - no real beaches...but incredible hiking and beautiful colourful little towns of old British / Caribbean flavour....little to no exploitation through tourism. You can also reach St.Barths - we did not and do not have any interest as it is an island that was (to my knowledge) never settled except by the French and is mostly a tourist (although very high end) island. But I hear the island is beautiful with stunningn beaches as well.

Cons - the Dutch side is VERY VERY built up in my memory....casino's high rise hotels and abundant restaurants including KFC, Mcdonalds etc...this is great for many people and therefore they get the tourists - it isnt our cup of coffee...

There has been much discussion of growing safety concerns of tourists on the island as there seems to be crime specifically targeting tourists. That is deeply unsettling for us now as with one or two or more children - everything changes. I am sure you understand.

I am a big fan / fanatic of the Caribbean / West Indian culture I prioritize an authentic experience 99% of the time...This last trip to St.Martin I was stunned in our location by how dominant the French culture was and the absence of the West Indian culture. Likely that isnt as much of a problem elsewhere but for us it was shocking - we could have been anywhere some days and evenings!

Phew - that was a lot. I am sorry I can not help you specifically with St.Maarten...I bet the Westin is fantastic...maybe do a quick search of those two terms on this site or Tripadvisor - I found one shocking story of two young women travelling to the Westin one evening in car...but who knows maybe the tales are overblown and really I find it very frustrating when someone beats up on an island as they rely so heavily on our tourism I think we as tourists have to be so careful about the stories we carelessly spread and the long range impact...as an example I love Jamaica and have travelled there twice regardless of the slanderous stories - however, I know many Jamaicans and have some sense of the realities... and just take care.

With that I have found some of the stories of St.Maarten / St. Martin unsettling - see what a terrible thing it can be...?

Let me know what you think!

Caribheart, thx for the info. I know what you mean about becoming "unsettled". That happened with me when I heard about the woman from ottawa & her daughter-in-law who were attacked while strolling on a beach in Barbados last winter. The older woman died. I don't feel safe in Mexico, Barbados Jamaica...& now St. Maarten. Pretty soon I will have stay home.

No no - you wont have to stay home...there is always Grenada and St.Kitts...hehehe Someone here wisely pointed out to me that you can fly direct to Grenada with Sunwing (however, some merger has happened with Signature - my favorite....no) and the cost is amazingly affordable!!

I do understand what you are saying about BBdos...my best and oldest friend lives there and there are some issues...some wonderful aspects but also some significant challenges that sometimes people end up a part of - I had not heard about that woman and her DIL from ottawa...profoundly sad.

Mexico - sadly no - my husband gets so angry at all the confusing facts surrounding the deaths that we wont be going there either...

Jamaica - sort of like Bbdos I have an inside-ish scoop and a passion for the island and the culture that have me see beyond but I do know many people who are deeply uneasy about the island for travel....

But there is always GND and SKB....I wont ever shhh will I?

way to hijack the thread caribheart and oceanbreeze.

peace.

greenie, it certainly was never my intention to "highjack" the OP's thread. The OP appeared to get the responses he was seeking, he thanked everybody & then he moved on. It was only after he had left(Oct 22) that we started chatting. Nevertheless, I do hear what you are saying & in the future, perhaps it is best to start a new thread when we embark upon travels extraneous to a thread.

Oceanbreeze1

Heavens on earth greenie...that seems a rather intense reaction. Certainly it may seem that we have moved away from a broad interaction including the OP directly however, if you notice most of our posts still have relevant information regarding travel in the Caribbean and islands that are in fact recommended.

I am sorry you are feeling so strongly about this - in future maybe we should keep these conversations to the PM feature - however, much of the information would then no longer be available to the general public who might care...

Peace indeed.

Caribheart, I didn't know we had the PM feature here. Do tell.

Ocean Breeze