HappyMom32

I have only been to Nassau, Bahamas once and found it disappointing. I don't like inclusive packages where we are confined in the resort (Dominican Republic, Cuba) . On the other hand I have been to Hawaii many times and love it very much.

This winter I would like to visit a Caribbean Island (probably Puerto Rico or Antigua) instead of going to Hawaii again. My priority is to relax on the nicest beach and also to have the flexibility to explore the island, not confined in the resort compound. I also enjoy good food and have interaction with local people. Shopping and night life are not high on my list.

However, I find that the Carribean islands are so expensive (even more than Hawaii). So I am a little concerned that I will spend more than a trip to Hawaii and might not be as satisfied.

Your insight and comments on how the two destinations compare wrt my criteria above are much appreciated.

mumpsimus

I'm afraid I can't answer your specific question, but I can share a bit of past experience: Fifteen years ago I wanted to move away from the Bay Area, and since it didn't matter where I went so long as I had an airport, a telephone, and a fax, I explored the Caribbean. I focused on Montserrat and spent a couple of weeks diligently getting answers to two pages of questions. I soon decided that I couldn't tolerate that much "getting away from it all." 'T'was a good decision, since one year later the island was virtually destroyed by the volcano. My other choice for investigation was St. Kitts, but when I arrived, the city hall was surrounded by barbed wire and there was local rioting. Both islands had previously suffered a direct hit by hurricane Andrew and had not yet recovered. I decided to stay in California where all we had to put up with were earthquakes and wild fires. I'm not suggesting that there aren't wonderful places to vacation. I am suggesting that you not consider Montserrat or St. Kitts.

xkenx

Winter in the Caribbean is the drier season and the water temperatures are as warm as the warmest summer temps in Hawaii, so you will have a better beaching experience. Take a look at Barbados, where the people are lovely and there is a wide range of hotels, restaurants, beaches, sightseeing. When we lived in CA, we preferred the much longer trip to the Caribbean over Hawaii because of the climate and other-cultural experience.

blamona

Caribbean is very diversified, each island has it's own personality. Additionally it's completely different from Hawaii, so you need to expect a different vacation.

Will you be dissapointed? Only you can decide what your expectations are, or what you want out of a vacation. I personally love Caribbean more, the beaches are nicer, and again, many different personalities of the different islands.

I usually recommend St. John for a first Caribbean venture. It's hilly and scenic, yet the water is still turquoise, the sand white. There is a quant colorful town, and there's easy day trips island hopping to check out other islands.

If you tell us more of your tastes, we can narrow it down more. For example, there are flat coral base islands with stunning beaches (like you would see in Corona commercials), there are hilly islands. There are islands with history and exploring, there are islands with Spanish, or French, or Rasta influence. There are sleepy get away from it all islands, and islands with much activities. There are shopping islands, and no island will have a little bit of everything. (although some could come close)

Overall, Caribbean can be an expensive destination, but with a little planning, and knowing your tastes better, can help.

Anguillagirl

Ok, I can nail this one for you. You need to go to Anguilla. It's got great beaches which you desire, along with great food and wonderful people. You can totally relax. I agree, it's expensive, but so is Hawaii. I've been both places and quite frankly feel like Hawaii cost more. It's a bit of work to get there but totally worth the effort. As you can tell I'm Anguillagirl and a little bias, but not really. Ha-ha!

HappyMom32

WOW, thanks for the advice. I am dreaming of those "Corona" beaches already.

I am really leaning towards giving the Carribean islands a try. Your assessment helped to give me the needed push.

Now back to my research to narrow down to the choice of the "perfect" Carribean island.

suze

I think alot of it has to do with where you are starting out. Since I'm in Seattle, I can do Hawaii (at least in Honolulu/Waikiki) really inexpensively, no more than going to Cabo or Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

But it takes a lot more time, effort, cash for me to get all the way to the Caribbean.

mumpsimus

One more thing--take insect repellant. I once settled in on a little shady spot on a gorgeous beach and was immediately beset by no-see-ums. Also eating in a beautiful outdoor restaurant in the evening, they supplied insecticide for our feet and ankles.

Welbourn3

Hard Choice. I too love Hawai'i (the Big Island). I have also been to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is very inexpensive and the local people are friendly and generous. However, getting around the island of Puerto Rico can be a challenge. There are some steep and narrow roads near El Junque and the mountainous central region. In the more populated areas, traffic can be crazy.

So, I suggest you look at St. John (USVI). It's beauty equals that of Hawai'i. It is very laid back and there is not much development because much of it is reserved in a National Park. There is lots of hiking and snorkeling to be had. We stayed at Waterlemon Villa (a rental house) and at Concordia Estates (eco-tents - although it's a stretch to call them tents. They are more like canvas-covered cabins).
Regarding expense, St. John can be expensive, especially with regards to food. Other than that, it is just about perfect.
Too see some picts of St. John, try my website. It is at sites.google.com/site/Nomanchanilla

suze

Sorry but while St John is a lovely little island, I'd hardly agree that "its beauty equals that of Hawaii"!!!

Knowing

Hawaii is exquisite, but the Caribbean has it's own appeal. There are parts of Antigua that are absolutley stunning! We have been there a couple of times, most recently in March-April of 2009. Sugar white sand and azure waters. There are many AI'S there, but there are also just regular hotels, so you have a choice in hotels.

mnag

Happymom, I've been to both from the east coast and I prefer the Caribbean.I think its a matter of personal preferance and what you are looking for in a vacation. I think the beaches are better and the color of the water is prettier in the caribbean (again general stmt but my observation after more than 10-12 trips to the islands). I agree with Blamona that St John would be a great choice. I would also recommend that you avoid some of the more busier/commercialized places in the caribbean. We prefer off the beaten track kinda places. Another suggestion may be one of the bahama out islands such as elbow cay in the abacos (easy to island hop/drive in golf carts/quaint center of town etc). Virgin gorda is more difficult to get to but high on our list as is anguilla (the beaches on anguilla are some of the prettiest in the caribbean but the interior of the island is scrubby). I would not go to antigua or PR (again a general stmt but just my 2 cents).

welch

This thread caught my eye as my husband and I have been considering the same thing.
You risk the Bahamas being cool at the beginning of December.
I enjoy the Caribbean and was born in the Bahamas (it's in the Atlantic) but coming from the West Coast, Hawaii won out for me this time.

Caribheart

I am very sad to read that someone did not recommend St.Kitts as I was also shocked to read that there was barbed wire and rioting...not that St.Kitss is perfect and without issues...but we have been to St.Kitts five times and are returning this year with my 5 year old son and newborn baby.

We have chosen this island because with a newborn I wanted to go somewhere I have always felt safe, is beautiful relaxing and where people treat people with respect and a sense of true West Indian / Caribbean community care. I am not saying it is a country without troubles...I live in Canada and we have troubles...but rioting....???? wow....that is very sad that is the only memory that traveller was left with as there is so much more to this beautiful historic, lush island with so much to offer travellers...!!!!

mumpsimus

Caribheart it was mistaken of me to recommend skipping St. Kitts based on 15 year old memories, and I apologize. At the time I was looking intently at the island with the thought of moving there, not of vacationing there, so my focus was different. And also at the time they were beset with civil problems that may have faded into the distant past. I remember one problem that distressed me was that golfers were being mugged by gangs that came by boat from St. Johns on Antigua to the far end of the golf course. They'd hit the golfers and then jump back in their boat and make their escape. I'm sure they've solved that one by now.

On the plus side, I was immediately--I mean from the day I arrived--drawn into the social fabric, invited to parties, to dinner, and to 'come over for a drink.' The people were very nice and welcoming and I'm sure that's still true. One vignette: at a party, a woman who was well into the punchbowl said, "Don't move here---you don't drink!" I saw the same group next day at the clubhouse playing dominoes, and realized that there was little to do for ex-pat residents but socialize and pass the time.

But all these observations are knocks on the idea of moving there to live. The island is beautiful and the people are very accessible and nice, and it undoubtedly is a great place to vacation. By the way, I feel exactly the same way about Hawai'i. I'm highly partial to my favorite haunt, Kona Village Resort, but I wouldn't consider for an instant moving to Hawai'i to live.
David

Caribheart

I do see your point more clearly now that you clarify and I thank you for taking the time to offer that....

I am sorry that St. Kitts shared a darker side to you...and I have to say that I have often considered where I might in the far future purchase a condo or land for retirement dreams...

I do hope that if you chose to travel to St. Kitts in the future for vacation you enjoy more of the positives and none of the original unpleasantness!

mumpsimus

Actually I'm so completely wrapped up in Kona Village Resort that I created a website with 266 pictures and a comprehensive description just to share it with other people. It was an exercise of love, created solely because I wanted to. (I have no connection with KVR except that of guest.) Take a look, if you like: www.davidskvr.net. If that doesn't work, google 'Kona Village Life in the Soft Lane' and it will be the first or second listing. I've been going there three times a year and have no desire to go anyplace else.
David

Welbourn3

I have to apologize. I thought I had more St. John pics on my website, but realized that there were only four on the Picasa slideshow and it wasn't clear they were in St, John. The ones labeled Brown Bay and Cinnamon Bay are in St. John.

Also, I've added a page with more St. John photos. I can not, at the moment (may be never), figure out how to get my new page title to show on the home page. Any way, to access the new pics, go to http://sites.google.com/site/NoManchanilla (as before), then click on "Sitemap" in the upper left column, that will take you to another page. On that page, click "Photos of St. John" down at the bottom of the list.

Hope this is helpful, Valerie

catsailor

I would choose the Caribbean hands down. Living on the West Coast I have visited Hawaii many times due to convenience; Maui being our favorite destination. While I enjoy Hawaii, the beautiful beaches, culture and plethora of things to do, I just find it too commercialized. With that said, we normaly opt for a large chain hotel on the beach in Kaanapali.

I agree St. John could be a good location, but I can't say I stayed there for an extended period of time. But the reason I believe St. John may be a good destination is that you will be able to take day trips to the BVI (British Virgin Islands). Now we are talking pristine beaches - the Corona ad kind, outstanding snorkelling/scuba diving, plenty of day trips to see unparalleled sites - internet search The Baths, Virgin Gorda or check this site out http://www.virgingordabvi.com/. You could opt to stay in the BVI's, but I don't know where to recommend a stay as I haven't had a land based for any length of time - only 3 nights but if I did I may consider the villas at Leverick Bay or Big Apple Villa, Tortola . Sounds funny that I am recommending it then, but I bareboat charter sailing vessels, either monohull or catamaran and sail the islands. Stopping where we wish including all sand islands with only 1 palm tree. Quite idyllic.

If you choose to look at the BVIs for a land based trip, you will not find any large chain hotels, or chain restaurants for that matter. The islands are simple, but magical. You could look into sharing a sailing charter with friends or find one with cabins available. They usually provide all meals, drinks, a captain and cook. You just sit back, relax and enjoy every day with a new destination. Each day brings new surprises! There seem to be some good prices for this year and travel is down.

A great website with tons of information about the Caribbean is wwww.traveltalkonline.com. Post your qauestion in one of the numerous based Caribbean forums. You will receive lots answers to your question and sound advice. Also ask there about December weather, as I always go in late Spring so I am not sure what December is like. Good luck!

PS I have visited Puerto Rico, probably wouldn't go there again, stayed in San Juan and Sandy Beach, quite a drive from San Juan. It depends what you're looking for. Also I have stayed in the outer Bahamas island Eleuthera. Quite beautiful as well, and I would like to go again, but not much to do unless you want to picnic and a new beach every day. I did find the snorkelling disappointing there.

orangetravelcat

I have been to Hawaii many times, and for me, the Caribbean wins. No contest. I like the smaller hotels, and the island ambiance. Hawaii is nice, and I certainly will go again (easier for us to get to, living in Arizona) but there is nothing like that Caribbean - or Bahamian - water.