upperwestside

Well, the *whole* trip won't be free, but most if not all of the airfare will be. We just got bumped on a trip on Delta, and now have $800 between the two of us to go anywhere they fly. So, with the requirements being
1) the best possible beach - clear "caribbean blue" water, white soft sand, palm trees
2) at least one casino on the island (this is my husband's requirement, not mine)
3) semi-posh, meaning an island/location that is not super-depressed economically, but at the same time not so ultra-exclusive that we'll feel out of place in our non-designer duds
4) a resort/island that is not teeming with children. We can handle some, but prefer as few as possible. We'd likely be going in the summer or next February.

Thank you so much for any advice you can give!

upperwestside

SORRY!!!
I completely forgot to post the options (we can only fly to an island where Delta flies):

Freeport
Nassau
Turks
St. Thomas
San Juan
Grand Cayman
St. Maarten
Curacao
Aruba

Thanks again!

TravelingSue

I favor the waters of St. John and Grand Cayman. The only problem is there are no casinos in Cayman. Aruba has gambling and guaranteed weather. You can't go wrong with any of the hotels on Palm Beach. On St. Thomas, you could also go to St. John's...azurre blue water. I am not sure about the gambling situation in STT/STJ we're not gamblers. Good Luck.

jacketwatch

I don't think there is gambling in the USVI. My suggestion is w/o a doubt ARUBA! Great beaches, gambling, great shopping, a very clean and tidy island with friendly people, great restaurants and its not a budget buster.

meta

I think Aruba would be a good choice for you, also. Make sure you don't go during a school vacation, if you want to avoid children.

ejcrowe

Is it possible that your Delta vouchers can be used on a partner airline? If so, then your options increase signigicantly with Air Jamaica's destinations. It's worth looking into, but I would guess that you might not be eligible for that.

I would agree that Aruba is the best option for you, and also agree that avoiding Presidents' Week in Feburary is best for avoiding vacationing families. Have fun planning your trip!

kep

HI: We love Aruba also, beautiful beaches and casinos. However we went to St Maarten in November and have booked again for May. Beautiful beaches and water, casinos and great dining. St Maarten is lusher and has a more Caribbean feel to it than Aruba. Did not encounter many children at all. There was more to do on ST Maartin/ ST Martin as well as side trips. We went to St Barth's last time and this time we are going to go to Saba and Anguilla hopefully.

Have a great vacation, Karen