Where to Stay?

Old Oct 16th, 2013, 06:39 AM
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Where to Stay?

At this point we are just in the very beginning stages of planning our trip.
This vacation is for two adults and one 13 year old.
We dont want to be too off the beaten path. Close enough where we can get a short ride to town to eat, sight see, shop, and then return to the beach. But we also dont want to hang out with 20 million other tourists on the beach, if that is still possible.
Would like to enjoy a "quiet beach" , which offers white sandy beach and ideal spots for beginners to snorkel, reading and just taking it in.
Also areas which offer seafood that isnt just shrimp and lobster. Like to do some adventure eating.
We are not looking for a high end resort experience. Basic hotel that is clean and friendly staff.
Lastly, an island that is navigateable for a tourist.
At this point we are open to any caribbean island. Would go in 2014.
Christian1971 is offline  
Old Oct 16th, 2013, 07:20 AM
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What is your budget and where are you flying from?
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Old Oct 16th, 2013, 07:26 AM
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When?

Be specific about budget in $$ amount, not just "reasonable" to get most helpful answers.
DebitNM is offline  
Old Oct 16th, 2013, 07:34 AM
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and when in 2014? Peak season which can cost double or trip, lasts Jan -beginning of May.

Some islands also impose a lobster season where you can't eat any, so also affects when in 2014
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Old Oct 16th, 2013, 07:52 AM
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A few question that will make it easier for us to help you narrow down your choiceS;

When will you be traveling? - It makes a big difference in room rates.

Where are you traveling from and how long are you willing to travel to reach your destination? - Are you willing to take multiple flights on small aircraft or ferry rides to reach your destination?

Most importantly - What is your budget for airfare, accommodations, food and activities? Give a specific dollar figure not nebulous terms, terms like "affordable", "won't break the bank", "not too expensive" as we have no idea what they mean without a point of reference.

Now some suggestions to help you get started:

1) You'll usually find the lowest room rates between mid to late April and early November.

2) Generally speaking, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen are among the most budget friendly destinations in the Caribbean. Islands like St. John, Anguilla, St. Barth's, Grand Cayman, Barbados and the Turks & Caicos tend to be more expensive.

3) You'll find "white sand" beaches on the flatter, arid coral/limestone based islands like the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Anguilla, Anegada, Barbuda, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. You'll find dark sand (shades of grey, brown and even black) on the mountainous volcanic based islands like St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada and Dominica. You'll find light golden sand beaches (many people will accept these as being "white enough") on the hilly islands like the US and British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, Antigua and most of the Grenadines.

4) Budget/simple accommodations tend to be in the more populated areas of their respective islands and they may or may not be "on the beach". If beach front, they will be on the more popular beaches. That said, if you travel in summer or early fall there will be fewer tourist no matter where you go.

5) You'll find the best "walk-in" snorkeling on Bonaire 9but the beaches there are not among the best in the Caribbean), the US and British Virgin Islands, the Turks & Caicos and many of the Bahamas Out islands. Islands like St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, Nevis & St. Kitts are not noted for having much snorkeling. The other islands I've mentioned have some limited snorkeling.

Regarding sea food - you should know that any shrimp you find on the menu in the Caribbean is likely to have been frozen (there are no shrimp in Caribbean Waters. The local lobster is normally plentiful but it's a warm water species and not as succulent or sweet as Maine lobster. Locally caught fish such as Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Snapper, Yellowtail can be found on most menus, subject to what is "running" in the local waters when you are there. Things like muscles, clams, scallops, snow crab, etc. are not usually found on the menu and if they are they will have been frozen and flown in from another country.
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Old Oct 16th, 2013, 12:12 PM
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Well,I like Caribbean lobster, but not if it is overcooked. Other adventure fish would be local potfish, which are served whole, fried or boiled with sauce. They go by local names such as gutu and old wife.

Have you been to the Caribbean before? If so, what did you like/not like about the place(s) you visited?
eastenderusvi is offline  
Old Oct 16th, 2013, 03:23 PM
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I can speak for Roams and I, we are extremely well traveled in the Caribbean, and could write a book on it.

To better help you, we need to know your tastes, and budget!
blamona is offline  
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