Which island for first visit? April/May
#1
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Which island for first visit? April/May
My husband and I are planning a trip to the Caribbean sometime in April or May of 2017 for our 10th anniversary. We have a budget of somewhere around 3500-4000 for the two of us, including airfare from Portland, Oregon. We are looking at a total trip length (including flights) of 7-8 days (so maybe 6-7 nights?).
Which island/area should we visit? I was originally looking at Groupon, which has a lot of deals in Cancun/Riviera Maya, the DR, and Jamaica. Almost all are all inclusive. I don't know if we need an all inclusive.
I'm having difficulting getting this to post from my phone, so I am going to try posting this and put my vacation criteria in the comments section.
Which island/area should we visit? I was originally looking at Groupon, which has a lot of deals in Cancun/Riviera Maya, the DR, and Jamaica. Almost all are all inclusive. I don't know if we need an all inclusive.
I'm having difficulting getting this to post from my phone, so I am going to try posting this and put my vacation criteria in the comments section.
#2
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Ok. So here's what we'd like.
1. A truly stunning beach. Warm, turquoise water.
2. We aren't going to sit around on the beach all day. We need some water sports, like snorkeling and/or kayaking (suitable for beginners)
3. Other activities we would enjoy (but don't need) include hiking, riding bikes, ziplines and/or other adventures, exploring ruins or looking through a cultural museum, going through an open air market, maybe taking a chartered sailboat.
4. We do NOT plan to do the following: Scuba dive, party/nightclub/casino, drinking lots and lots of alcohol, lots of shopping, Spa services, sunbathing by the pool.
We would like to avoid huge crowds, but we don't need to feel like we are all alone.
Thanks!
1. A truly stunning beach. Warm, turquoise water.
2. We aren't going to sit around on the beach all day. We need some water sports, like snorkeling and/or kayaking (suitable for beginners)
3. Other activities we would enjoy (but don't need) include hiking, riding bikes, ziplines and/or other adventures, exploring ruins or looking through a cultural museum, going through an open air market, maybe taking a chartered sailboat.
4. We do NOT plan to do the following: Scuba dive, party/nightclub/casino, drinking lots and lots of alcohol, lots of shopping, Spa services, sunbathing by the pool.
We would like to avoid huge crowds, but we don't need to feel like we are all alone.
Thanks!
#3
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I should add that we mostly want to relax, but we don't want to get bored. So I don't need ALL of those things. Just the option to do some things other than sit on the beach all day.
We found Palm Island resort in the Grenadines, which fits a lot of our criteria, but it is not in our budget.
We found Palm Island resort in the Grenadines, which fits a lot of our criteria, but it is not in our budget.
#5
From Portland Oregon I'd be looking at Mexico (i live in Seattle and go regularly to Puerto Vallarta) instead of the Caribbean. Since you have a relatively short time frame, this would optimize your vacation time with shorter flights, easier connections.
That said, for the Caribbean I do like Negril Jamaica a lot and it fits most of your requests. I fly red-eye to Atlanta, than on to Montego Bay in the morning, 90 minute shuttle out to Negril. www.negrilonestop.com
That said, for the Caribbean I do like Negril Jamaica a lot and it fits most of your requests. I fly red-eye to Atlanta, than on to Montego Bay in the morning, 90 minute shuttle out to Negril. www.negrilonestop.com
#6
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We flew out of PDX in April to Puerto Rico…went on a red-eye (with JetBlue) to JFK, then onto SJU in the morning. PR can definitely fit most of what you are looking for:
1. The beaches in San Juan weren't exactly stunning (still nice, though), but over on the eastern side of the island (and especially on the islands of Culebra and Vieques), there are some truly amazing beaches.
2. Some snorkeling options in San Juan, but the best will be found on the eastern side of the island as well.
3. Great hiking opportunities at the El Yunque Rainforest, historic Spanish forts in Old San Juan, museums, and plenty of other things to keep you busy and having fun.
Also, driving is easy and we never had any trouble finding what we were looking for using the GPS on our phones. It was our first trip to PR, and would definitely go again. We stayed seven nights, but six nights would still give you plenty of time to relax, do several activities and see plenty of sights.
1. The beaches in San Juan weren't exactly stunning (still nice, though), but over on the eastern side of the island (and especially on the islands of Culebra and Vieques), there are some truly amazing beaches.
2. Some snorkeling options in San Juan, but the best will be found on the eastern side of the island as well.
3. Great hiking opportunities at the El Yunque Rainforest, historic Spanish forts in Old San Juan, museums, and plenty of other things to keep you busy and having fun.
Also, driving is easy and we never had any trouble finding what we were looking for using the GPS on our phones. It was our first trip to PR, and would definitely go again. We stayed seven nights, but six nights would still give you plenty of time to relax, do several activities and see plenty of sights.
#7
For that amount of time I'd be looking at the easiest flight with minimal changes.
The Caribbean is not always easy to ge to.
If you have to change planes in the US, Charlotte NC is an easy airport with lots of Caribbean flights.
After 25 islands, Grace Bay, TCI is our favorite as it's easy to get to and has the most fantastic water.
What we also liked:
Anguilla
BVI (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke)
Barbados
St. Bart's
St. John, USVI
But unfortunately they are hard to get to, even from Chicago much less the west coast.
What we did not like:
Dominican Republic
Puerto Rico
Mexico
Antigua
St. Martin
Grand Caynon might fit the bill, check it out.
The Caribbean is not always easy to ge to.
If you have to change planes in the US, Charlotte NC is an easy airport with lots of Caribbean flights.
After 25 islands, Grace Bay, TCI is our favorite as it's easy to get to and has the most fantastic water.
What we also liked:
Anguilla
BVI (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke)
Barbados
St. Bart's
St. John, USVI
But unfortunately they are hard to get to, even from Chicago much less the west coast.
What we did not like:
Dominican Republic
Puerto Rico
Mexico
Antigua
St. Martin
Grand Caynon might fit the bill, check it out.
#9
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Turks and Caicos is wonderful! Beaches are beautiful and the water is beyond words.
TPAYT, I am curious as to why you didn't like PR. I have never been there and am considering a trip there in either January or March for a few days. Would like to get your take on it. Thanks!
TPAYT, I am curious as to why you didn't like PR. I have never been there and am considering a trip there in either January or March for a few days. Would like to get your take on it. Thanks!
#10
I agree about the length of trip coming from PNW (I'm in Seattle). I'd only go to the Caribbean if I have at least 10 days. 2 weeks even better.
While I'm willing to go to Hawaii for as short as 4-5 days, or Mexico for a short as 7 days.
It just takes too much time and money getting to the Caribbean (for me) for short duration trips.
While I'm willing to go to Hawaii for as short as 4-5 days, or Mexico for a short as 7 days.
It just takes too much time and money getting to the Caribbean (for me) for short duration trips.
#11
Susi3eQ122---PR for us seemed like old hotels with lots of casinos, not the best white sand beaches, and definitely not the gorgeous turquoise water of other parts of the Caribbean.
That said, I'm sure that farther out on the island you could fine some blue water and luxury. We were only there once for 2 days.
Also if you are thinking January, way too far north IMO. The end of March maybe.
That said, I'm sure that farther out on the island you could fine some blue water and luxury. We were only there once for 2 days.
Also if you are thinking January, way too far north IMO. The end of March maybe.
#12
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Have you considered the Caribbean island of Trinidad. This could be an interesting alternative.
Your criteria #1 through 3 would be met here and yes you could definitely forego #4.
The North Coast of Trinidad is beautiful..has some of the best beaches, water activities and lush green mountains, nature and lots of bird watching. Not to be missed.
Kimsha
Your criteria #1 through 3 would be met here and yes you could definitely forego #4.
The North Coast of Trinidad is beautiful..has some of the best beaches, water activities and lush green mountains, nature and lots of bird watching. Not to be missed.
Kimsha
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SusieQ122,
Regarding your possible trip to PR, if you are expecting beaches like Turks and Caicos then you will definitely be disappointed unless you visit Vieques and Culebra. PR, particularly the San Juan area, is not for everyone especially if they are seeking picture perfect post card type Caribbean beaches. It's much more developed than many other islands. However, we are planning our 4th trip to San Juan and I personally think it's a great place to visit. I particularly like it for a long weekend winter getaway when we usually travel without our kids because we can get there quickly. The beaches in the San Juan area are good enough especially when you are coming from the cold weather up north. We have visited twice in January and once in February and the weather has been warm (low to mid 80's) and sunny. I also like that there are things to do like visit the rain forest and spend time exploring Old San Juan. I get bored if there is nothing to do but sit on a beach or do water based activities which is why I couldn't spend more than a day or two on Anguilla despite finding the the beaches beautiful (but the away from the beaches, I did not find the island appealing). My favorite island is probably French St. Martin because I love the French Caribbean vibe and I actually preferred it to St. Barth's which imo has no Caribbean vibe. Everyone has their preferences and luckily there are many places to visit in the world.
Regarding your possible trip to PR, if you are expecting beaches like Turks and Caicos then you will definitely be disappointed unless you visit Vieques and Culebra. PR, particularly the San Juan area, is not for everyone especially if they are seeking picture perfect post card type Caribbean beaches. It's much more developed than many other islands. However, we are planning our 4th trip to San Juan and I personally think it's a great place to visit. I particularly like it for a long weekend winter getaway when we usually travel without our kids because we can get there quickly. The beaches in the San Juan area are good enough especially when you are coming from the cold weather up north. We have visited twice in January and once in February and the weather has been warm (low to mid 80's) and sunny. I also like that there are things to do like visit the rain forest and spend time exploring Old San Juan. I get bored if there is nothing to do but sit on a beach or do water based activities which is why I couldn't spend more than a day or two on Anguilla despite finding the the beaches beautiful (but the away from the beaches, I did not find the island appealing). My favorite island is probably French St. Martin because I love the French Caribbean vibe and I actually preferred it to St. Barth's which imo has no Caribbean vibe. Everyone has their preferences and luckily there are many places to visit in the world.
#14
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Thanks for the suggestions. Grace bay looks amazing, but it seems more expensive, and I'm not sure it would be in our budget. Do you have suggestions for good (and affordable) places to stay there?
I've looked into Akumal, and that definitely fits our requirements for budget and activities. I'm just wondering if the beach there is amazing. Some pictures online look beautiful, but others seem a little drab.
PR looks cool too, especially those bioluminescent bays!
Still haven't decided, but am doing research.
Thanks!
I've looked into Akumal, and that definitely fits our requirements for budget and activities. I'm just wondering if the beach there is amazing. Some pictures online look beautiful, but others seem a little drab.
PR looks cool too, especially those bioluminescent bays!
Still haven't decided, but am doing research.
Thanks!
#17
The beach at Akumal is very nice and you can snorkel with sea turtles right off shore.
You might also want to look into the Playacar area in the Riviera Maya. It is closer to the airport than Akumal so less travel time. There are several family resorts in Playacar. Look into the Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal. Great family resort of a wonderful beach, calm water, good service.
You might also want to look into the Playacar area in the Riviera Maya. It is closer to the airport than Akumal so less travel time. There are several family resorts in Playacar. Look into the Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal. Great family resort of a wonderful beach, calm water, good service.
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