DR and Mexico definitely are prone to stomach issues
Jamaica and Bahamas are in the middle, most times fine, but can get some
Aruba and Turks are both pretty safe for the water

Others that are safe, Anguilla, St. Barth, and the lovely Virgin Islands.

Thanks blamona! What island(s) would you recommend regarding the Virgin Islands? Considering we will have a 3 year old with us and want that beautiful turquoise clear water? And don't want to break the bank!! Easy access to restuarants and stores if the hotel has kitchen facilities (which would be a plus with a 3 year old). I haven't even considered the Virgin Islands so it's all new to me!

Drako,

I would avoid Mexico and dominican republic. I always have issue there and I am not a person that is prone to this. I love Mexico but I always say it doesn't like me! That being said Aruba has the one of if not the best water filtration systems ever. The water is great tasting tap or bottle and have been there 4 times and neither my husband or myself have experienced any problems. I also love the safety of Aruba, and the fact that I can get a starbucks/dunkin doughnuts coffee if I choose. Some people feel it is to americanized but alas the place feels wonderful to me. There are many convenient stores,huge grocery stores just what you are looking for with a 3 year old. turks and Caicos is nice a little quiet for me, but the water is beautiful. St. Thomas st. Johns is pretty in terms of greenery, where Aruba and Turkes are more of a dry island (cactus)but I think there is no safer island in terms of water food, and frienldy people then Aruba. St. Thomas might be a consideration. Depends what time of year you are planning to go? Hurrican season is upon us till Dec. (?) Aruba won't have that issue.

I agree with blamona. I would stay away from Mexico for sure. My husband and I have been to 4 different locations, staying in pretty upscale places, and we've both come home a little sick each time. We've been all over the Caribbean and only once did I have a problem and I think it was from fish rather than the water. We've decided to avoid Mexico for a bit.

Aruba and Grand Cayman both have desalination plants to supply their drinking water so both islands have very safe water. (There are probably other islands that rely on desalination plants but these are the ones I know about.)

Aruba mostly has large hotels for accommodations. Grand Cayman offers both large hotels and small condo resorts right on the beach which may be preferable to you with a toddler. There's a nice, modern grocery store right across the street from Seven Mile Beach and you will most certainly find the beautiful blue water you are looking for. Turks & Caicos also has mostly condo-style accommodations with an equally beautiful beach. T&C rely on wells and cisterns, however, for their water supply so maybe not quite as safe as water from a desalination plant.

We didn't have any trouble with the water in Jamaica last year. We haven't been to the DR yet, mostly because of the water safety issues. I'm not a fan of having to use bottled water to brush my teeth.

Cramp, if it's all about the turquoise water, the most beautiful turquoise water is in Turks and Caicos

Other bonuses:

Big airplanes to get there
Family friendly, most resorts are condos with full kitchens, yet treated like resorts with restaurants and services

Sapodilla and Taylor Bays will make your toddlers giddy! Those beaches were made for little ones with hundreds of yards of knee deep water.

Huge supermarket with every brand of things you can think of, plus organics and free range.
Excellent doctors that actually make "house calls"

Did I say the most beautiful turquoise you'll ever lay eyes on?

What is your budget? Through move ever there are some amazing specials going on

Hi-

I love DR and loved Secrets where we stayed!!! I would go back to both places in a heartbeat!! However, you cannot drink the tap water. Even to brush your teeth, you had to use bottled water. This was not us being paranoid. We were told by hotel employees to do this. Neither of us had any issues but I would not chance it with your condition.

We were in Aruba a few months ago with our 5 and 7 year old children and stayed at the Divi/Tamarijn resort. I would definitely return for a family vacation. The beach was gorgeous and uncrowded and there were pools right next to the beach. While the ocean is great, my kids love swimming in pools. Our room was ocean front and we walked right out of our room onto the beach. It was perfect with kids.

I had never stayed at an all inclusive before and I know this place is not like the mega resorts on other islands, but it was very convenient with the kids. It is a low key resort, not the kind with constant entertainment, which was perfect for us. It is not fancy but was clean, the staff were friendly and there were several restaurants to choose from. Pizza, sandwiches and other snacks were available throughout the day.

Aruba felt very safe. We went around the island and visited an animal farm, spent an afternoon in Oranjestad and even had a few meals off the resort. We drank the water and none of us experienced any health problems. There is a hospital right near the resort and from what I have been told, the medical care in Aruba is excellent. As I mentioned, I would definitely go back for a family vacation.

I don't drink the tap water anywhere. And definitely not the Dominican Republic, that seems to have more issues than even Mexico. Which as far as getting sick, you never know if it's from water, fruit washed in water, or always more likely imo something bad in a meal you ate.

We drink tap water with no problems on Turks & Caicos Islands. As Blamona said if it's the beach and beautiful water then Turks & Caicos hands down, 12 miles of sugar white sand...Take a look at The Somerset, www.thesomerset.com Great location, staff and beautiful suites !

I think since you're pregnant, you should err on the side of caution and stick to bottled water wherever you go. I'd also recommend skipping the ice in drinks. BTW, we loved Turks and Caicos, and would pick that over some of your other choices. Have fun!

(don't know you location but...) How about Hawaii? No worries at all there either for water or food safety.

Bonaire's water is also desalinated -- it's a long flight but outside of the hurricane zone and the island offers pretty nice accommodations with kitchens for only $100/night. I considered staying at this 1 br condo:

http://www.vrbo.com/101320

If you click on my screen name, that's a pic from Bonaire and you can see the water behind me. The island is surrounded by that ring of turquoise blue and then you can see the edge of darker reef -- amazing snorkeling. No beaches though unless they're manmade. A 15 min boat trip out to Little Klein is wonderful and you do have a beach there all day along with snorkeling alongside turtles and schools of fish.

Bonaire was charming, great restaurants, a huge brand new Dutch supermarket with organic options, and relatively inexpensive. If you have airline miles, it's a great place to use your award tix.....

Thanks everyone! We are on the east coast so I need a flight that is nonstop and no more than 4ish hours. I am leaning towards T&C and Aruba if we go. The one problem is we plan on going in Aug or Sept. and obviously the height of hurricane season, so trip insurance is a must. I know we may have a bit better luck with Aruba since it is supposedly out of the hurricane belt. We need the insurance anyway since I am pregnant. T&C is on my bucket list of places to go, I just get a little worried since the water isn't filtered. I know many people haven't had trouble but being pregnant your immune system is weaker. I would only drink bottled water where ever we go but that would mean that I shouldn't eat any raw fruit or vegetables since it was most likely washed with the island water. So frustrating since I love fresh fruit and would probably have sway against it if we were out. Obviously, if I have it at our unit it's different since I would wash it and peel it on my own. Maybe we should stick to domestic travel...considering gulf side of Florida too.

Thanks for all the help!

We're heading to Aruba for a couple of nights in December, before going to Bonaire. I'm not expecting turquoise blue water. Will I be pleasantly surprised to find some?

Anyway, I'd drink bottled water where ever you go, although I drink tap on Bonaire.

If you're concerned, perhaps avoid lettuce. My travel clinic doc said there's no way it can really be cleaned well enough to be considered 'safe'. (I ignore that advice, but, I'm not pregnant). Limit yourself to fruits you peel yourself, and wash the outside with Microdyne or similar before peeling. That goes for cutting into melons as well.

I'd buy the trip insurance and head for Turks and Caicos, especially since it's on your list.....

The water in Turks and Caicos is safe.
Your much closer to USA if need be. (1 hour to Miami)
Aruba can still get hurricanes

The fruit and veggies are safe n Turks
Yu can also get fruits, veggies, even organics at IGA supermarket, which is huge and a supermarket like in the states

Doctors in Turks actually make house calls! Email dr Menzies and tell him your hesitations.

I was 5 months pregnant on a trip to Turks and Caicos.

I say pick Turks and Caicos.

Thanks blamona! You bring up all good points! Also, staying in Turks would allow us to cook most of our meals so I would know exactly how it's prepared.

Obviously, you didn't have any troubles on your trip when you were pregnant? I will google Dr. Menzies and send him an email. I did get the clear to travel from my ob-gyn so I don't know why I am being so nervous...pregnant people travel all the time!! I guess since I had two miscarriages in a row, I don't want to jeapordize this one in any way. Thanks again for all your help! I will be about 5 months pregnant too If we decide to go.

Besides the threat of hurricanes, how is the August weather? Is it a humid island? I thought someone posted that it was more desert like so a hot dry climate. As long as we have pool and ocean we will be happy!!

Thanks blamona! You bring up all good points! Also, staying in Turks would allow us to cook most of our meals so I would know exactly how it's prepared.

Obviously, you didn't have any troubles on your trip when you were pregnant? I will google Dr. Menzies and send him an email. I did get the clear to travel from my ob-gyn so I don't know why I am being so nervous...pregnant people travel all the time!! I guess since I had two miscarriages in a row, I don't want to jeapordize this one in any way. Thanks again for all your help! I will be about 5 months pregnant too If we decide to go.

Besides the threat of hurricanes, how is the August weather? Is it a humid island? I thought someone posted that it was more desert like so a hot dry climate. As long as we have pool and ocean we will be happy!!

I'm going to have to be a bit of a contrarian here. I appreciate that Turks and Caicos have a lot of fans here. Grace Bay Beach is probably one of the more stunning beaches I've seen anywhere. But since you are pregnant and worried about the water I really do think you need to be a little more cautious than the average traveler. I said upthread that I've only been sick on one island out of about 13 that we've visited. Well, that one island was Provo! I'm pretty sure it was from food as no one else in my party got sick. But still, I DID get sick there and I haven't been sick anywhere else other than Mexico.

Here's what WikiTravel has to say about the water in Turks and Caicos:

"The Turks and Caicos have a few fresh water reserves at ground level. Therefore, most water comes from either wells or cisterns that have collected rainwater. Cistern water is almost always safe to drink, but unless well water is purified, it could be contaminated or have unpleasant taste. It is generally a good idea to use bottled water when possible, but tap water can be used if necessary. The beaches are very soft and warm and welcoming."

http://wikitravel.org/en/Turks_and_Caicos_Islands

Here's the link from the CDC although it doesn't give specific water information for T&C:

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/turks-and-caicos.htm

and here's other information from a web site called Can I Drink the Water?:

"Can you drink the water in Turks and Caicos? No.

Use only tap water if you have no other choice. But if there are other options, go for them. Practice of boiling and purchase of bottled water are both good ideas. The major sources of water are wells or cisterns that stored rainwater. These are only safe if purified. “Is the water safe to drink in Turks and Caicos?” Mostly, no."

http://canidrinkthewater.org/select/can-i-drink-the-water-in-turks-and-caicos

On the other hand, here's what Can I Drink the Water has to say about Aruba:

"Can you drink the water in Aruba? Yes.

Aruba is a country with the second largest desalination plant in the world. Because of this, it is perfectly safe to drink running water from the tap. It is even called “Sweet Water” due to its unique good taste. People visiting this place need not spend their money on bottled water. “Is the water safe to drink in Aruba?” Certainly, Yes."

From WikiTravel:

"The running water in Aruba is absolutely safe to drink. It is referred to as "Sweet Water" because it is very good."

http://wikitravel.org/en/Aruba

Info from TravMed:

"Food & Water Safety: Tap water is considered safe to drink. Aruba has no natural source of fresh drinking water and very little rainfall. The Water and Energy Company produces drinking water by desalinating marine water. Tap water is distilled water, filtered through coral stone beds. It is safe for consumption without further treatment. Aruba has an adequate sewerage system: sewage is put through a water purification system and then drained into one of the largest inland waterways.

Food safety: Almost all food is imported. Every year, the Public Health Laboratory tests all workers in the food preparation or sale for shigellosis, salmonellosis , and tuberculosis. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat."

http://www.travmed.com/guide/country.php?c=Aruba

Okay, this is me talking now and obviously just my opinion. But for absolute water safety I would go to an island with water from a desalination plant. You're pretty much assured of safe water from those sources.

I'm also not afraid to go back to Turks and Caicos and we will soon. Truly, the beaches there are gorgeous by any standards. But I'm not pregnant. The next time we go, however, I'll be a little more careful of the water, just in case.

Why not go to Aruba on this trip and then for a future trip with the baby head to T&C. The condo-style accommodations there are great for families.

drako, I was composing my last message when you posted. You sound like you are leaning toward T&C. I don't mean to confuse you or make your decision harder. I just wanted to make sure you have the facts. I'm sure many people have successfully traveled to T&C while pregnant without any problems. But with your history, well, personally I wouldn't chance it. T&C isn't going anywhere and will still be there for a future trip.

If you want anecdotes I've been to Aruba twice and had no problem either time.

Of course Aruba could be affected by a hurricane but I think your chances of having your vacation impacted by a hurricane is far higher in T&C than Aruba during Aug and Sept. Many people actually choose Aruba during those months because it is a safer bet than most islands.

I wouldn't just go by personal opinions on that one, you can easily check weather history and precipitation averages at wunderground.com and other weather websites.

Sharon a, I've been to 80% of the island many multiple times.
I really don't think you got sick from the water!

I've been to Provo about 40 times, never gotten sick there.

Funny thing, I got sick in Aruba!

Weather happens, nothing you can do about it.

Aruba was hit by a hurricane just a few years ago.

What's my point? Weather is a crapshoot. Weathermen don't get it correct in the States at any given time, how can they predict a tiny 19 square island correctly?

As for hurricanes,

NHC.NOAA.gov

Where everybody gets hurricane info from. When hurricanes happen usually about a weeks warning to make decisions.

Turks is generally dessert type island with least rainfall in Caribbean. It is hot and can feel humid, as any island you would pick. Most of time in august it's sunny and water is calm and flat

I'd get hurricane insurance regardless of which island you pick.

How's that for a T&C fan?

Ps all the resorts in Turks and Caicos use desalinated water.
Wells are only used for landscaping outside the resorts.
Cisterns are used at private villas, but all vacation villas also use desalinating ("city") water.

So again, at a resort you are perfectly safe.

Sorry to contradict!

Hi blamona. I don't think I got sick from the water either, as I stated. But I thought I'd mention it as I don't usually get sick.

Good to know about the desalinated water. In my research I didn't find any mention of a desalination plant on Provo.

I really am not knocking T&C. I love the beach there! I just wanted to give references so the OP could make an informed decision. I think she can't go wrong with either Aruba or T&C even though they are very different. It's funny that I like most of the islands we've been to even though all are different. Maybe I'm just easy to please.

I have never been to T&C but hope to go someday. I have heard the beaches are the best and I can't wait to see them. However, I am not sure I would even travel to the Caribbean at the peak of hurricane season anyway, I would probably choose another destination simply because I wouldn't want to be worried about it especially if travelling with a child. I know people who have had their late summer caribbean trips cut short because of hurricane threat and getting back home with their children was not fun. I would consider July and maybe early August but not September. That's just me.

However, if for some reason my heart was set on a caribbean trip during that time of year, I would go with Aruba. Do a google search on hurricane risk in the caribbean and you will clearly see the ABC islands are generally considered much less of a risk. Are they risk free, of course not. Even the threat of a hurricane can ruin travel plans but that threat is less likely to occur in Aruba.

This link might be useful if you are concerned about hurricanes. It ranks each island in terms of how frequently they have been hit by a hurricane. Obviously not a guarantee but at least you know the risk. According to this list Provo is # 27 and Aruba is # 57 out of 60. Abaco in the Bahamas is #1 and Curacao is #60 with the least number of hits.

http://stormcarib.com/climatology/freq.htm

Sharona, it's so easy to please when every island and beach is so nice! I'll do anything to be under a palm tree, so that makes me easy too!

We ate and drank everything in Aruba and never had any issues with the water. Our kids drank tap water. It is fine there. If you feel better drinking bottled water, that is fine, but you shouldn't have any issues with water or food.

Grand Cayman has good water, and so does Bermuda and Puerto Rico. We have never had any problems at any of these places with food or water.